Processing cartridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of imaging devices, and particularly to a processing cartridge. The processing cartridge includes: a first force receiving portion that can contact a first force applying member; the first force receiving portion has a plurality of position states. When in the first position state, the first force receiving portion protrudes relative to the first housing; when in the second position state, the first force receiving portion is closer to the first housing than in the first position state; the processing cartridge includes a first elastic member that can maintain the first force receiving portion in the first position state. The first force receiving portion in the processing cartridge provided by the present invention has a plurality of position states, and when in the second position state, the first force receiving portion is closer to the first housing than in the first position state, so as to avoid the problem that the processing cartridge is stuck in the electrophotographic apparatus due to the accidental protrusion of the first force receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of imaging devices, and particularly to a processing cartridge. Background Art

[0002] An electrophotographic imaging device is a device that forms an image on a recording material through electrophotographic imaging processing technology, such as an electrophotographic copier, a laser printer, an electrophotographic printer, a fax machine, a word processor, etc. An electrophotographic imaging device generally includes a monochromatic electrophotographic imaging device and a color electrophotographic imaging device.

[0003] Existing electrophotographic imaging devices include a main body and a processing cartridge detachably installed in the main body. Side walls are provided at both ends of the processing cartridge along its length direction. The inside of the processing cartridge generally includes one or more rotating components, such as a photosensitive element, a developing element, a charging element, a powder feeding element, a gear component, etc. Among them, the rotating element can be connected to a power receiving component and receive a driving force from the power receiving component. The power receiving component is usually provided on one side wall of the processing cartridge and receives a driving force from the main body of the electrophotographic imaging device.

[0004] When the processing cartridge does not perform electrophotographic imaging work, in order to protect the developing element and the photosensitive element, they are usually separated, that is, the developing element and the photosensitive element do not contact each other when electrophotographic imaging is not performed.

[0005] In the prior art (for example, in the patent with the publication number CN101963779A), as Figures 1 to 2 shown, a force receiving device is provided on the housing of the processing cartridge. Specifically, the processing cartridge includes a first housing 101 and a second housing 102, and the force receiving device includes a first force receiving part 110 and a second force receiving part 120. Among them, the first force receiving part 110 has two states: a standby position and a protruding position. When in the standby position (the position where the processing cartridge is not yet installed or is in the process of being installed), at this time, the first force receiving part 110 is arranged inside the first housing 101; while when in the protruding position (the working position of the processing cartridge after installation), at this time, the first force receiving part 110 protrudes from the first housing 101 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The second force receiving part 120 can receive a first pushing force from the electrophotographic imaging device and push the first force receiving part 110 to rotate to a position protruding outside the processing cartridge. When the electrophotographic imaging device performs a printing operation, a second pushing force is provided in the electrophotographic imaging device to act on the first force receiving part 110 and cause the first housing of the processing cartridge to rotate relative to the second housing of the processing cartridge. See Figure 2, in the prior art, after the first force receiving part 110 is pushed by the second force receiving part 120, it can rotate around the axis. When the second force receiving part 120 no longer abuts against the first force receiving part 110, the first force receiving part 110 automatically retracts. The axis L1 is perpendicular to the length direction of the processing cartridge.

[0006] Figure 6 As shown in the figure, there is an electrophotographic apparatus 900, which includes a processing cartridge tray 910, a first force applying device 920, and a second force applying device 930. The first force applying device 920 can apply a pressing force to the second force receiving part 120, and the second force applying device 930 can apply a pressing force to the first force receiving part 110. When the processing cartridge is installed in the electrophotographic apparatus, four processing cartridges of different colors are installed on the processing cartridge tray 910 in sequence. After the processing cartridge tray 910 is pushed into the electrophotographic apparatus 900 and the electrophotographic apparatus completes the work and is in the standby state, the first force applying device 920 acts on the second force receiving part 120, and then the first force receiving part 110 is pushed out by the second force receiving part 120. Thus, the first force receiving part 110 is pressed by the second force applying part 930 and the first housing 101 rotates relative to the second housing 102.

[0007] In the prior art, during the installation process of the toner cartridge on the processing cartridge tray 910 into the electrophotographic apparatus 900, since the first force receiving part 110 is disposed inside the first housing 101 when it has not been installed or during the installation process, it will not affect the normal installation operation. However, due to the connecting member cooperating with the first force receiving part 110, after being used multiple times, it may cause the first force receiving part 110 to not be accurately located inside the first housing 101, that is, it may cause the first force receiving part 110 to protrude accidentally, resulting in jamming and preventing the tray 910 from being normally pushed into the electrophotographic apparatus 900, and further preventing the normal electrophotographic activity from being carried out. At the same time, since the second force receiving part 120 and the first force receiving part 110 in the prior art are linked, if jamming occurs inside the electrophotographic apparatus 900, it will cause the problem of being unable to remove the processing cartridge. Therefore, it is necessary to design a new force receiving device to replace the original force receiving device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a processing cartridge to solve the problem that the processing cartridge may be jammed in the electrophotographic apparatus due to the accidental protrusion of the first force receiving part.

[0009] The present invention provides a processing cartridge, which is detachably installed in an electrophotographic apparatus. The electrophotographic apparatus includes a first force applying member. The processing cartridge includes:

[0010] a developing roller and a first housing supporting the developing roller;

[0011] A photosensitive drum and a second housing that supports the photosensitive drum;

[0012] A first force receiving portion that can contact the first force applying member;

[0013] The first force receiving portion has a plurality of position states. When in the first position state, the first force receiving portion protrudes relative to the first housing; when in the second position state, the first force receiving portion is closer to the first housing than in the first position state;

[0014] The processing cartridge includes a first elastic member that can maintain the first force receiving portion in the first position state.

[0015] Preferably, when the first force applying member pushes the first force receiving portion for drum separation, the first force receiving portion is in the first position state.

[0016] Preferably, the processing cartridge includes a locking member that is configured to restrict the movement of the first force receiving portion when the processing cartridge performs drum separation.

[0017] Preferably, the locking member is a second force receiving portion.

[0018] Preferably, the electrophotographic apparatus further includes a second force applying member, and the second force receiving portion can contact the second force applying member to restrict the movement of the first force receiving portion by the second force receiving portion.

[0019] Preferably, the processing cartridge further includes a second elastic member that can disengage the second force receiving portion from contact with the first force receiving portion.

[0020] A processing cartridge detachably installed in an electrophotographic apparatus, the electrophotographic apparatus including a first force applying member, the processing cartridge comprising:

[0021] A developing roller and a first housing that supports the developing roller;

[0022] A photosensitive drum and a second housing that supports the photosensitive drum;

[0023] A first force receiving portion that can contact the first force applying member;

[0024] The first force receiving portion has a plurality of position states. When in the first position state, the first force receiving portion protrudes relative to the first housing and can rotate; when in the second position state, the first force receiving portion protrudes relative to the first housing and there is no relative movement between the first force receiving portion and the first housing; when in the third position state, the first force receiving portion is closer to the first housing than in the first position state or the second position state.

[0025] The processing cartridge includes a first elastic member, and the first elastic member can maintain the first force receiving portion in the first position state.

[0026] When the first force applying member pushes the first force receiving portion for drum separation, the first force receiving portion is in the second position state.

[0027] Preferably, the processing cartridge includes a locking member, and when the first force receiving portion is in the second position state, the locking member is configured to restrict the movement of the first force receiving portion.

[0028] Preferably, the locking member is a second force receiving portion.

[0029] Preferably, the electrophotographic apparatus further includes a second force applying member, and the second force receiving portion can contact the second force applying member so that the second force receiving portion restricts the movement of the first force receiving portion.

[0030] Preferably, the processing cartridge further includes a second elastic member, and the second elastic member can disengage the second force receiving portion from contacting the first force receiving portion.

[0031] Preferably, the processing cartridge further includes a swing restricting member having a first end and a second end, and the first force receiving portion can rotate within the first end and the second end.

[0032] When in the first position state or the second position state, the first force receiving portion is between the first end and the second end; when in the third position state, the first force receiving portion can contact the first end or the second end.

[0033] Preferably, the first force receiving portion includes:

[0034] A pressing rod that can rotate within the first end and the second end and can contact the first force applying member.

[0035] An abutting portion located outside the first end and the second end and can contact the locking member.

[0036] When the first force receiving part is in the second position state, the locking member is configured to restrict the movement of the abutting part.

[0037] Preferably, the locking member is a second force receiving part, and the second force receiving part includes:

[0038] An abutting end that can abut against the abutting part;

[0039] A pushing end connected to the abutting end and capable of contacting a second force applying member;

[0040] The second force applying member can push the pushing end so that the abutting end restricts the movement of the abutting part.

[0041] Preferably, the second force receiving part further includes a contact end that can contact a second elastic member, and the second elastic member can disengage the abutting end from contacting the abutting part.

[0042] A processing cartridge detachably installed in an electrophotographic apparatus, the electrophotographic apparatus including a first force applying member, and the processing cartridge includes:

[0043] A developing roller and a first housing supporting the developing roller;

[0044] A photosensitive drum and a second housing supporting the photosensitive drum;

[0045] A first force receiving part that can contact the first force applying member;

[0046] The first force receiving part can rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the length direction of the processing cartridge to a plurality of position states. When in the first position state, the first force receiving part protrudes relative to the first housing; when in the second position state, the first force receiving part is closer to the first housing than in the first position state.

[0047] When the first force applying member pushes the first force receiving part for roller-drum separation, the first force receiving part is in the first position state.

[0048] Preferably, the processing cartridge includes a locking member that is configured to restrict the movement of the first force receiving part when the first force receiving part is in the first position state.

[0049] Preferably, the locking member is a second force receiving part.

[0050] Preferably, the electrophotographic apparatus further includes a second force applying member, and the second force receiving portion can contact the second force applying member so that the second force receiving portion restricts the movement of the first force receiving portion.

[0051] Preferably, the processing cartridge includes a first elastic member, and the first elastic member can maintain the first force receiving portion in the first position state.

[0052] Preferably, the processing cartridge further includes a second elastic member, and the second elastic member can disengage the second force receiving portion from contact with the first force receiving portion.

[0053] A processing cartridge detachably installed in an electrophotographic apparatus, the electrophotographic apparatus including a first force applying member, the processing cartridge including:

[0054] A developing roller and a first housing supporting the developing roller;

[0055] A photosensitive drum and a second housing supporting the photosensitive drum;

[0056] A first force receiving portion that can contact the first force applying member;

[0057] The first force receiving portion can rotate about a rotation axis to a plurality of position states. When in the first position state, the first force receiving portion protrudes relative to the first housing; when in the second position state, the first force receiving portion is closer to the first housing than in the first position state.

[0058] The processing cartridge includes a first elastic member, and the first elastic member can maintain the first force receiving portion in the first position state;

[0059] The processing cartridge includes a locking member, and when the first force receiving portion is in the second position state, the locking member can restrict the movement of the first force receiving portion in at least one rotation direction.

[0060] Preferably, the locking member is a second force receiving portion.

[0061] Preferably, the electrophotographic apparatus further includes a second force applying member, and the second force receiving portion can contact the second force applying member so that the second force receiving portion restricts the movement of the first force receiving portion.

[0062] Preferably, the processing cartridge further includes a second elastic member, and the second elastic member can disengage the second force receiving portion from contact with the first force receiving portion.

[0063] Advantageous effects:

[0064] The first force receiving part in the processing cartridge provided by the present invention has multiple position states. When it is in the second position state, the first force receiving part is closer to the first housing than when it is in the first position state. In this way, the problem that the processing cartridge gets stuck in the electrophotographic apparatus due to the accidental protrusion of the first force receiving part can be avoided.

[0065] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and do not limit the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0066] Figure 1 A perspective view of a prior art processing cartridge (when the first force receiving part is in a protruding position);

[0067] Figure 2 For Figure 1 Partial structural view of

[0068] Figure 3 An embodiment of a processing cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0069] Figure 4 Partial structural view of a processing cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0070] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the processing cartridge according to the embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0071] Figure 6 Partial structural view of the electrophotographic apparatus;

[0072] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the installation process of a processing cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0073] Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of the installation process of a processing cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0074] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the working process of a force receiving device provided by the present invention;

[0075] Figure 10 Another schematic diagram of the working process of a force receiving device provided by the present invention;

[0076] Figure 11 Another perspective view of a processing cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0077] Figure 12 Structural view of another force receiving device provided by the present invention;

[0078] Figure 13 Structural view of another force receiving device provided by the present invention;

[0079] Figure 14a A state view of another force receiving device provided by the present invention;

[0080] Figure 14b Another state view of another force receiving device provided by the present invention;

[0081] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the processing cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0082] Figure 16 A partial view of another processing cartridge provided by the present invention;

[0083] Figure 17 The state before the processing cartridge in Embodiment 4 is installed into the electrophotographic apparatus;

[0084] Figure 18 A perspective view of the first force receiving part in Embodiment 4;

[0085] Figure 19 The state where the second force receiving part interferes with the electrophotographic apparatus when the processing cartridge in Embodiment 4 is installed into the electrophotographic apparatus;

[0086] Figure 20 The state after the door of the electrophotographic apparatus is closed after the processing cartridge in Embodiment 4 is installed into the electrophotographic apparatus;

[0087] Figure 21 The state when the first force receiving part normally pops out when the processing cartridge is taken out of the electrophotographic apparatus with the tray;

[0088] Figure 22 The state when the first force receiving part does not normally pop out when the processing cartridge is taken out of the electrophotographic apparatus with the tray. Detailed implementation manners

[0089] Embodiment 1

[0090] Refer to Figures 3 to 4 As shown, this embodiment discloses a force receiving device.

[0091] As Figure 3As shown, the force receiving device of the processing cartridge includes a second force receiving portion A120 and a first force receiving portion A110, and further includes a first elastic element A140. The first elastic element A140 abuts against the first force receiving portion A110 and the housing of the processing cartridge (including a first housing A101 and a second housing A102) or a component relatively fixed to the processing cartridge. Under the action of the elastic component, the first force receiving portion A110 always remains in a position protruding outside the housing of the processing cartridge, and the second force receiving portion can rotate around an axis L2 in the direction of W1. The rotation axis L2 is parallel to the length direction (X direction) of the processing cartridge; the second force receiving portion A120 can slide on the housing of the processing cartridge, and the sliding direction is perpendicular to the length direction (X direction) of the processing cartridge, that is, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first force receiving portion A110. Specifically, as Figure 4 shown, the first housing A101 and the second housing A102 of the processing cartridge can move relative to each other, and the force receiving device is arranged on the first housing A101. Further, the first elastic element A140 can be a torsion spring, a tension spring or a compression spring, and is preferably in the form of a torsion spring. When it is a torsion spring, one end of the first elastic element A140 abuts against at least a part of the first force receiving portion A110, and the other end abuts against at least a part of the first housing A101 of the processing cartridge, or abuts against other components provided on the processing cartridge, such as an end cap provided at the end of the processing cartridge in the length direction (X direction). The second force receiving portion A120 is arranged on the second housing A102 and can slide relative to the first housing A101. A second elastic element A130 is arranged between the second force receiving portion A120 and the second housing A102, which can make the second force receiving portion A120 rebound. Of course, the second elastic element A130 can also be arranged on a component relatively fixed to the processing cartridge by the second force receiving portion A120, such as an end cap.

[0092] Further, as Figure 5 shown, it is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the length direction (X direction) of the processing cartridge. A developing element A160 is arranged on the first housing A101, and a photosensitive element A170 is arranged on the second housing A102. In this embodiment, the force receiving device is arranged on the first housing A101. Of course, this does not limit that the force receiving device can only be arranged on the first housing A101. Similarly, the force receiving device can also be arranged on the second housing A102.

[0093] Further, for the process of the processing cartridge from the device to performing the printing task, refer to the cooperation process between the force receiving device and the electrophotographic device in Figures 7 to 10 .

[0094] Specifically, referring to 7 to Figure 8 , it shows the installation process of the processing cartridge, and one or more processing cartridges are on the mounting rack of the electrophotographic device. As Figure 7As shown, before the processing cartridge is inserted into the electrophotographic apparatus, the first force receiving portion A110 is held at the initial position by the first elastic member A140. The initial position is such that the second force receiving portion A120 protrudes outward relative to the housing of the processing cartridge. At this time, there is no acting force between the second force receiving portion A120 and the first force receiving portion A110. As Figure 8 shown, when the processing cartridge is inserted into the electrophotographic apparatus in the direction of the arrow shown Figure 7 shown, the second force receiving portion will contact the protruding portion 9101 provided in the electrophotographic apparatus. Under the action of the protruding portion 9101, the first force receiving portion A110 rotates about the axis L2, and the portion protruding outside the housing of the processing cartridge rotates towards the inside of the processing cartridge, that is, towards the position close to the first housing A101, until it can avoid the protruding portion 9101 of the electrophotographic apparatus, so as to facilitate the installation of the processing cartridge. Of course, when the protruding portion 9101 in the electrophotographic apparatus no longer acts on the first force receiving portion A110, the first force receiving portion A110 returns to the initial position under the action of the first elastic member A140. Compared with the prior art, during the installation of the processing cartridge, such a setting method can prevent the problem that the processing cartridge is jammed in the electrophotographic apparatus due to the accidental ejection of the first force receiving portion A110.

[0095] As Figure 9 shown, after all the processing cartridges are installed in place, closing the door of the electrophotographic apparatus can start the printing task. Before the electrophotographic apparatus executes the printing task, the first force receiving portion A110 is at the initial position; when the printing task is executed, the first force applying member 9201 on the first force applying device 920 provided in the electrophotographic apparatus acts on the second force receiving portion A120, and causes the second force receiving portion A120 to slide relative to the first housing A101, and the abutting portion A1201 on the second force receiving portion A120 abuts against the first force receiving portion A110, so as to stably hold the first force receiving portion A110 at the initial position.

[0096] As Figure 10 shown, when the processing cartridge does not perform electrophotographic work, a drum separation operation is required. The second force applying device 930 further includes a second force applying member 9301. The second force applying member 9301 acts on the left side of the first force receiving portion A110 (relative to Figure 10 the attachment) in a direction perpendicular to the length direction (X direction) of the processing cartridge, so that the first housing A101 rotates relative to the second housing A102, and the developing element A160 and the photosensitive element A170 move from the position of mutual contact to the position of mutual separation. At this time, a gap N can be formed between the surfaces of the developing element A160 and the photosensitive element A170, that is, the drum separation operation is achieved.

[0097] Example Two

[0098] In Example One, after the processing cartridge is installed in the processing cartridge tray 910 of the electrophotographic apparatus, if the first force receiving portion A110 is close to the inner top surface of the machine, when the processing cartridge tray 910 is pulled out of the electrophotographic apparatus main body, since the entry direction and the pulling out direction of the processing cartridge tray 910 are opposite, therefore, the first force receiving portion A110 cannot rotate in the direction close to the inside of the processing cartridge housing in the reverse direction, which may cause the first force receiving portion A110 to easily contact or interfere with the inner surface of the electrophotographic apparatus.

[0099] This embodiment is a further improved embodiment. Refer to Figures 11 to 15 for an explanation of this embodiment. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the processing cartridge provided in this embodiment, where the X direction shown in the view is the length direction of the processing cartridge, and the Y and Z directions are the directions perpendicular to the X direction respectively. As Figure 11 shown, the processing cartridge B10 includes a first housing B101 and a second housing B102. A force receiving device is provided on the processing cartridge B10. The force receiving device includes a first force receiving portion B110 and a second force receiving portion B120, which are used to cooperate with a first force applying member 9201 and a second force applying member 9301 provided in the electrophotographic apparatus respectively.

[0100] Specifically, refer to Figure 12 , the first force receiving portion B110 and the second force receiving portion B120 are respectively provided on a bracket B140 relatively fixed to the first housing B101 or the second housing B102 of the processing cartridge, or provided on the first housing B101 or the second housing B102.

[0101] The force receiving device further includes a first elastic element S1. The first elastic element S1 is preferably a tension spring member. Of course, it can also be a torsion spring or a compression spring. Herein, the present application does not specifically limit it. The first elastic element S1 can make the first force receiving portion B110 protrude from the first housing B101 when not under the action of other external forces.

[0102] As Figure 12 shown, this position is preferably a position where a part of the first force receiving portion B110 protrudes out of the processing cartridge housing. Refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, under the action of the first elastic element S1, the first force receiving part B110 is in a position protruding out of the processing cartridge housing; at the same time, the first force receiving part B110 is arranged to be rotatable about the axis L3, and the direction of the axis L3 is parallel to the length direction (X direction) of the processing cartridge housing. When the processing cartridge tray 910 is installed along the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the processing cartridge housing (i.e., installed along the Y direction), when the part of the first force receiving part B110 protruding outside the processing cartridge housing interferes with the part inside the electrophotographic apparatus, it can rotate in the direction of W2; when the processing cartridge tray 910 is taken out along the direction opposite to the Y direction, due to the interference between the first force receiving part B110 and the part inside the electrophotographic apparatus, it can also rotate in the direction opposite to the direction of W2. During this installation and removal process, compared to Figure 12 、 Figure 13 in the position, the first force receiving part B110 is closer to the first housing B101. Compared with the first embodiment, the technical solution provided in this embodiment will not occur that during the process of pulling the processing cartridge tray 910 out of the electrophotographic apparatus main body, the first force receiving part B110 cannot rotate reversely in the direction close to the inside of the processing cartridge housing, that is, the processing cartridge in the first embodiment cannot achieve the effect of being taken out from the electrophotographic apparatus, while the present application can not only achieve the effect of entering the electrophotographic apparatus but also achieve the effect of being taken out from the electrophotographic apparatus.

[0103] In this embodiment, a locking member is included, preferably the locking member is the second force receiving part B120. Of course, the locking member can also be other locking parts or self-locking structures. The following describes the action of the second force receiving part B120 on the first force receiving part B110:

[0104] The second force receiving part B120 is arranged on the processing cartridge along the Y direction and can move along the Y direction under the action of an external force. The second force receiving part B120 is used to receive the acting force of the first force applying member 9201 inside the electrophotographic apparatus, so as to act on the first force receiving part B110 through the second force receiving part B120. In order to avoid rigid contact between the second force receiving part B120 and the first force receiving part B110, a second elastic element S2 and a U-shaped structure are arranged on the second force receiving part B120, and the second elastic element S2 is arranged inside the U-shaped structure to make the second force receiving part B120 have a certain flexibility.

[0105] See Figure 14a and Figure 14b to illustrate the interaction between the second force receiving part B120 and the first force receiving part B110. See Figure 14a, when the second force receiving part B120 is not affected by the first force applying part 9201 of the electrophotographic apparatus, the second force receiving part B120 does not contact the first force receiving part B110. At the same time, the first force receiving part B110 is in a position protruding outward from the processing cartridge housing under the action of the first elastic element S1, and at this time, the first force receiving part B110 can rotate around the axis L3 under the action of an external force. Refer to Figure 14b , when the first force applying part 9201 of the electrophotographic apparatus applies a force F1 to the second force receiving part B120, the first force receiving part B110 slides in the Y direction, and the second force receiving part B120 contacts the first force receiving part B110 and restricts the rotation of the first force receiving part B110, that is, the first force receiving part B110 cannot rotate in the direction close to the second housing B102. Preferably, the end B121 of the second force receiving part B120 is inserted into the groove part B111 of the first force receiving part B110 so that the first force receiving part B110 is stabilized in the position protruding outward from the processing cartridge housing, and no relative movement can occur between the first force receiving part B110 and the first housing B101. At this time, the second force applying part 9301 in the electrophotographic apparatus applies a second acting force F2 to the first force receiving part B110 and causes the first housing B101 of the processing cartridge to rotate relative to the second housing B102.

[0106] Refer to Figure 15 the separation action of the roller drum, that is, the developing roller B160 provided on the first housing B101 and the photosensitive drum B170 provided on the second housing B102 are separated from each other. At this time, a gap N can be formed between the surfaces of the developing roller B160 and the photosensitive drum B170. The force receiving device further includes a third elastic element S3, preferably a compression spring. The third elastic element S3 is provided between the second force receiving part B120 and the bracket B140 or the first housing B101 of the processing cartridge, and is used to reset the second force receiving part B120 after the acting force F1 applied by the first force applying part 9201 is withdrawn.

[0107] Furthermore, the groove part B111 can also be provided on the second force receiving part B120, and at the same time, a protruding part is provided on the first force receiving part B110 to cooperate with the groove part B111 so that the first force receiving part B110 is stabilized in the protruding position, thereby playing a role in locking the first force receiving part B110.

[0108] Embodiment 3

[0109] The present invention also provides another implementation manner, which can simplify the structure of the electrophotographic apparatus.

[0110] An electrophotographic apparatus in the prior art includes a tray for placing a processing cartridge. The electrophotographic apparatus has a door that is connected to the tray. After the tray is pushed into the interior of the electrophotographic apparatus and the door of the electrophotographic apparatus is closed, the door drives the tray to move, causing the tray to carry the processing cartridge placed thereon to move downward (in the opposite direction of the Z-axis direction shown in the figure) for a certain distance before the installation is completed, and the processing cartridge is in a position ready for operation.

[0111] See Figure 16 , the processing cartridge C10 provided in this embodiment is provided with a second force receiving portion C120 and a first force receiving portion C110; during the process of the tray driving the processing cartridge to sink along the Z-axis, the second force receiving portion C120 can receive the action of force from a part 9203 inside the electrophotographic apparatus, and cause the second force receiving portion C120 to move upward along the Z-axis, and through the action of the second force receiving portion C120, cause the first force receiving portion C110 to rotate in the W3 direction around the axis L4, so that the first force receiving portion C110 moves from the retracted position to a position protruding out of the processing cartridge housing. At this time, the first force receiving portion C110 can receive the action of the second force applying member 9301 provided inside the electrophotographic apparatus, and cause the first housing 101 of the processing cartridge to move relative to the second housing 102, separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. At the same time, a first elastic member is connected to the first force receiving portion C110. The first elastic element can be a tension spring or a spring. After the processing cartridge is lifted upward in the Z-axis direction, the second force receiving portion C120 is not affected by the part 9203 inside the electrophotographic apparatus, and the first elastic element can reset the first force receiving portion C110. In addition, the second force receiving portion C120 and the first force receiving portion C110 can also be set to have a linkage effect. When the first force receiving portion is reset, it drives the first force receiving portion C110 to retract, or another second elastic element is connected to the second force receiving portion C120, and the first force receiving portion C110 is reset by the elastic force.

[0112] Embodiment 4

[0113] The force receiving device involved in this embodiment is an improved version of the force receiving device in Embodiment 2 combined with Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the installation direction of the processing cartridge is Figure 17 , Figures 19 - 22 the direction from left to right in, that is, after the processing cartridge is installed in the processing cartridge tray 910 of the electrophotographic apparatus, the tray drives the processing cartridge to be installed from left to right and removed from right to left.

[0114] Compared with the force receiving device in Embodiment 2, the structure in this embodiment has the following modifications:

[0115] In Embodiment 2, as Figure 13As shown, the first force receiving part B110 rotates about the axis L3. In this embodiment, in order to further simplify the structure and reduce the cost in the production and assembly processes, the rotation axis of the first force receiving part D110 in this embodiment coincides with the rotation axis L3 of the first housing D101 relative to the second housing D102 during the separation of the roller drum. Preferably, the first force receiving part D110 can be directly sleeved on an existing separation bracket D999 in the prior art to save parts and costs.

[0116] In the second embodiment, as Figure 13 shown, the first force receiving part B110 is connected to the first elastic element S1, and the first elastic element S1 positions the first force receiving part B110 at a preset position when no external force is applied, and this position protrudes relative to the first housing D101.

[0117] As Figures 17 to 22 shown, in this embodiment, the first force receiving part D110 is still connected to the toner cartridge body through a first elastic member (not shown in the drawings), but the preset position is closer to the first housing D101. As Figure 17 shown, when no external force is applied, the first force receiving part D110 is used to abut against a part of the electrophotographic device - the preset position where the pressing rod D111 is located is closer to the first housing D101 in the direction relative to the vertical direction.

[0118] In the second embodiment, as Figure 14a 、 14b shown, after the second force receiving part B120 is subjected to an external force, it acts on the first force receiving part B110 so that the first force receiving part B110 can be forced to cause the separation of the roller drum. The second force receiving part B120 is also provided with a second elastic element S2 and a third elastic element S3.

[0119] In this embodiment, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, the second force receiving part D120 is no longer arranged to directly contact the pressing rod D111 of the first force receiving part D110. The first force receiving part D110 can be an annular structure, and the center of this annular structure is the rotation axis of the first housing D101 around the second housing D102 during the separation of the roller drum. Two protrusions are provided on the first force receiving part D110, namely the pressing rod D111 and the abutting part D112. Among them, the abutting part D112 is used to abut against the abutting end D121 of the second force receiving part D120 to achieve the purpose of restricting the first force receiving part D110 by the second force receiving part D120. The second force receiving part D120 no longer receives the external force from the electrophotographic device, but relies on the gravity of the processing cartridge itself.

[0120] It is understandable that the second force receiving part D120 is similar to the second force receiving part B120 in the second embodiment and can also be provided on the first housing D101. At the same time, the second force receiving part D120 no longer has the second elastic element S2 and the third elastic element S3, and its specific structure will become clearer as the following states are explained.

[0121] Figure 17 This is the state before the processing cartridge is installed into the electrophotographic apparatus. This view is obtained by observing from the side wall closer to the force receiving device among the side walls on both sides in the length direction of the processing cartridge, as Figure 17 shown. At this time, the first force receiving part D110 can swing freely relative to its rotation axis without being restricted by the second force receiving part D120. At this time, the first force receiving part D110 protrudes relative to the first frame D101.

[0122] Preferably, an arc-shaped swing restricting member D190 is further provided on the processing cartridge. The swing restricting member D190 includes a first end D191 and a second end D192. The first end D191 and the second end D192 can respectively contact the first force receiving part D110 to restrict the swing angle of the first force receiving part D110. Preferably, the swing restricting member D190 is provided on the first housing D101.

[0123] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the second force receiving part D120. As Figure 18 shown, the second force receiving part D120 includes a contact end D121 that abuts against the abutting part D112, a pushing end D122 located at the end opposite to the contact end D121, and a contact end D123 that contacts a second elastic member (not shown in the figure). One end of the second elastic member abuts against the contact end D123, and the other end abuts against the processing cartridge body. The second elastic member does not generate elastic force or generates an elastic force that moves the second force receiving part D120 away from the first force receiving part D110 when not under external force.

[0124] Figure 19 This is the state where the first force receiving part D110 interferes with the electrophotographic apparatus when the processing cartridge is installed into the electrophotographic apparatus. At this time, the processing cartridge is installed on the tray, and the processing cartridge is installed in the direction with the first housing D101 in the front and the second housing D102 in the rear (that is, Figure 19 moving from left to right in the figure). Since the second force receiving part D120 has not been pushed and / or has not moved to the position where it restricts the first force receiving part D110, the first force receiving part D110 can swing relatively freely, as shown in the figure swinging to a position closer to the first housing D101, so as to be smoothly installed into the electrophotographic apparatus. After the processing cartridge is installed into the electrophotographic apparatus along with the tray 910, the first elastic member pulls and pushes the first force receiving part D110 to return to Figure 17The state in

[0125] Figure 20 is the state after the processing cartridge is installed in the electrophotographic apparatus and the door cover of the electrophotographic apparatus is closed. At this time, the door cover is closed. As the door cover is closing, the tray with the processing cartridge descends horizontally in the vertical direction. At this time, the pushing end D122 of the second force receiving portion D120 gradually abuts against the inside of the electrophotographic apparatus, and under the pressure of the gravity of the processing cartridge, the second force receiving portion D120 moves in the direction of the first force receiving portion D110 and compresses the second elastic member. When the door cover of the electrophotographic apparatus is completely closed and the tray descends in place, the second force receiving portion D120 moves in place. At this time, as in Figure 20 the state in, the first force receiving portion D110 is constrained by the second force receiving portion D120, so that the first force receiving portion D110 cannot freely swing Figure 20 in the counterclockwise direction in, that is, the pressing rod D111 cannot freely move in the direction of the second housing D102. After that, when a force in the direction of the second housing D102 is applied to the pressing rod D111 of the electrophotographic apparatus, the first housing D101 can be rotated relative to the second housing D102 to complete the separation of the roller drum.

[0126] Figure 21 is the state when the second force receiving portion D120 normally pops out when the processing cartridge is taken out of the electrophotographic apparatus together with the tray, Figure 22 is the state when the second force receiving portion D120 does not normally pop out when the processing cartridge is taken out of the electrophotographic apparatus together with the tray. In both of these states, the first force receiving portion D110 is in a state of protruding relative to the first housing D101. At this time, the second pushing portion D110 interferes with the electrophotographic apparatus and swings in the clockwise direction (that is, the pressing rod D111 moves in the direction of the first housing D101) so as to be taken out smoothly. Compared with the first embodiment, the technical solution provided in this embodiment will not occur during the process of pulling the processing cartridge tray 910 out of the electrophotographic apparatus main body, and the first force receiving portion D110 cannot rotate in the reverse direction towards the direction close to the inside of the processing cartridge housing, that is, the processing cartridge in the first embodiment cannot achieve the effect of being taken out from the electrophotographic apparatus, while the present application can not only achieve entering the electrophotographic apparatus but also achieve the effect of being taken out from the electrophotographic apparatus.

[0127] For structures such as those in the second embodiment or other similar structures, when the electrophotographic apparatus is opened to take out the processing cartridge after printing is completed or the life of the processing cartridge ends, if the second force receiving portion D120 is not normally pushed by the second elastic member to return to its original position without external force (that is, it does not pop out in the direction away from the processing cartridge), it is very likely that the first force receiving portion D110 cannot swing normally during the process of taking out the processing cartridge, resulting in being stuck and unable to be taken out. However, in this embodiment, as in Figure 22As shown, even if the second force receiving portion D120 is not fully ejected, the processing cartridge can still be removed from the electrophotographic apparatus along with the tray. At the same time, when such a faulty processing cartridge is reinstalled into the electrophotographic apparatus, it is obvious that due to interference, the processing cartridge, especially the first force receiving portion D110, can no longer reach Figure 19 the position in, and thus cannot be installed into the image forming apparatus. Therefore, such a design realizes an automatic fault checking function, preventing the problem that the electrophotographic apparatus cannot be used due to the inability to load and unload the processing cartridge when a fault occurs inside the electrophotographic apparatus in other cases.

[0128] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A processing cartridge detachably installed in an electrophotographic apparatus, the electrophotographic apparatus including a second force applying member, the processing cartridge comprising: A developing roller and a first housing supporting the developing roller; A photosensitive drum and a second housing supporting the photosensitive drum; A first force receiving portion capable of contacting the second force applying member; Characterized in that the first force receiving portion has a plurality of position states. When in the first position state, the first force receiving portion protrudes relative to the first housing and is rotatable; when in the second position state, the first force receiving portion protrudes relative to the first housing and no relative movement can occur between the first force receiving portion and the first housing; when in the third position state, the first force receiving portion is closer to the first housing than in the first position state or the second position state; The processing cartridge includes a first elastic element capable of maintaining the first force receiving portion in the first position state; When the second force applying member pushes the first force receiving portion for separating the roller and the drum, the first force receiving portion is in the second position state; The processing cartridge further includes a swing restraint having a first end and a second end, and the first force receiving portion is capable of rotating within the first end and the second end; When in the first position state or the second position state, the first force receiving portion is located between the first end and the second end; when in the third position state, the first force receiving portion is capable of contacting the first end or the second end.

2. The processing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The processing cartridge includes a locking member configured to restrain the movement of the first force receiving portion when the first force receiving portion is in the second position state.

3. The processing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, The locking member is a second force receiving portion.

4. The processing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein, The electrophotographic apparatus further includes a first force applying member, and the second force receiving portion is capable of contacting the first force applying member to cause the second force receiving portion to restrain the movement of the first force receiving portion.

5. The processing cartridge according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The processing cartridge further includes a second elastic member capable of causing the second force receiving portion to disengage from contact with the first force receiving portion.

6. The processing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The first force receiving portion includes: A pressing rod capable of rotating within the first end and the second end and capable of contacting the second force applying member; An abutting portion located outside the first end and the second end and capable of contacting the locking member; When the first force receiving portion is in the second position state, the locking member is configured to restrain the movement of the abutting portion.

7. The processing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein, The locking member is a second force receiving portion, and the second force receiving portion includes: An abutting end capable of abutting against the abutting portion; A pushing end connected to the abutting end and capable of contacting the first force applying member; The first force applying member can push the pushing end to cause the abutting end to restrain the movement of the abutting portion.

8. The processing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein The second force receiving portion further includes a contact end, and the contact end can contact the second elastic member, and the second elastic member can cause the abutting end to disengage from contact with the abutting portion.

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