Developing box, processing box and electronic photographic imaging equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a developing box, a processing box, and an electronic photographic imaging device. The developing box includes a frame; a developing roller connected to the frame; a first end cover mounted on the first end wall of the frame; a transmission wheel set provided on the first end wall and connected to the developing roller; a driving force receiving head provided at the first end wall and engaged with the transmission wheel set; a first pressure mechanism including a first movable arm movably mounted on the first end cover or the first end wall, a first magnet mounted on the first end cover or the first end wall, and a first linkage mounted on the first movable arm, a portion of the first movable arm extending outside the first end cover, a magnetic force of repulsion or attraction being formed between the first linkage and the first magnet, the developing roller having an abutting position and a separating position, and the first pressure mechanism being able to force the developing roller to move from the separating position to the abutting position and maintain it at the abutting position. The processing box and the electronic photographic imaging device are provided with the developing box, and the developing box can provide stable pressure for the abutment between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic photographic imaging, in particular to a developing box, a processing box provided with the developing box, and an electronic photographic imaging device provided with the processing box. Background Art

[0002] An electronic photographic imaging device (such as a laser printer) is a device that uses the principles of electronic photography to form an image on an image forming medium (such as paper) through at least the processes of charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, and cleaning. The material device for printing consumables used on electronic photographic imaging devices is generally called a processing cartridge. The use of processing cartridges enables users to perform a certain degree of maintenance on the electronic photographic imaging device by themselves (such as replacing the processing cartridge, replenishing the developer to the processing cartridge, etc.) without relying on professional maintenance personnel, which greatly improves the ease, convenience and maintainability of the use of electronic photographic imaging devices.

[0003] Existing process cartridges primarily come in two types: integrated and split. The split process cartridge includes a developer and drum cartridge, which are mated and connected to the drum cartridge and can rotate relative to the drum cartridge within a certain range of angles. When the process cartridge is performing an imaging operation, the photosensitive drum on the drum cartridge is irradiated by laser light from the optical system of the electrophotographic imaging device, forming a corresponding electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive layer of the drum. Simultaneously, the developer cartridge rotates relative to the drum cartridge until its developer roller and the photosensitive drum maintain a certain pressure against each other, allowing the developer roller to supply developer (toner) to the photosensitive drum, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Subsequently, the image-forming medium passes between the developer roller and the photosensitive drum, transferring the developer to the image-forming medium to form an image. When the process cartridge is not in an imaging operation, the developer cartridge rotates relative to the drum cartridge until the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, allowing a cleaning member (such as a cleaning brush) to remove residual toner from the photosensitive drum to ensure image quality.

[0004] In order to keep the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in a state of contact with each other at a certain pressure during the imaging operation of the processing box, a pushing mechanism is usually provided on the developing box, such as Figure 1As shown, an existing developing box 9 includes a frame 91, a developing roller 92, a powder feeding roller, a stirring frame, a powder discharge knife 93, a transmission wheel group 94, an end cover 95, a pushing mechanism 96 and a driving force receiving head 97. The developing roller 92 and the powder discharge knife 93 are both mounted on the frame 91 and are located outside the powder bin. The developing roller 92 is located at the powder outlet of the powder bin. The blade of the powder discharge knife 93 is adjacent to the outer peripheral wall of the developing roller 92 and extends into the powder bin; the powder feeding roller and the stirring frame are both mounted in the powder bin. The powder feeding roller is located at the powder outlet and adjacent to the developing roller 92; the transmission wheel group 94 and the driving force receiving head 97 are mounted on the same end wall of the frame 91. The transmission wheel group 94 is respectively connected to the developing roller 92, the powder feeding roller, the stirring frame and the driving force receiving head 97, so that the driving force receiving head 97 can drive the developing roller 92, the powder feeding roller, the stirring frame and the driving force receiving head 97 respectively after receiving the driving force of the electronic photographic imaging device through the transmission wheel group 94. The developing roller 92, the powder feeding roller and the stirring frame are driven to rotate; the end cover 95 is covered on the transmission wheel group 94 and connected to the end wall of the frame 91, and the end cover 95 is provided with an avoidance opening 951; the pushing mechanism 96 includes a pressure block 961 and a spring 962, the pressure block 961 is rotatably mounted on the inner side of the end cover 95, and a part of the pressure block 961 extends out of the end cover 95 from the avoidance opening 951, and the spring 962 abuts between the pressure block 961 and the end cover 95, and the spring 962 forces the pressure block 961 to be pressed against the abutment block on the second frame of the drum frame, so that the developing roller 92 is in close contact with the photosensitive drum, thereby ensuring the imaging quality of the electronic photographic imaging device.

[0005] However, after the developer box 9 and the drum box are disassembled and assembled many times, the spring 962 will undergo a certain degree of plastic deformation, causing the pushing force of the pushing mechanism 96 to change, resulting in problems such as uneven pushing force, deviation between the pushing direction and the set direction, and insufficient pushing force, thereby causing the developer roller 92 to be unable to make close contact with the photosensitive drum, affecting the imaging quality of the electronic photographic imaging device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a developing box that can provide stable pressure for the contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum to ensure the imaging quality.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge provided with the above-mentioned developing cartridge.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic photographic imaging device provided with the above-mentioned processing box.

[0009] In order to achieve the main purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides a developing box, including a box body, a developing roller, a transmission wheel group and a driving force receiving head, the box body includes a frame and a first end cover, the first end cover is installed on the first end wall of the frame, the developing roller is rotatably connected to the frame, the developing roller has an abutment position and a separation position relative to the photosensitive drum of the drum box, the transmission wheel group is located between the first end wall and the first end cover, the transmission wheel group is linked to the developing roller, the driving force receiving head is arranged at the first end wall and linked to the transmission wheel group, wherein the developing box also includes a first pressure mechanism, the first pressure mechanism includes a first movable arm, a first magnet and a first linkage, the first movable arm is movably installed at the first end of the box body, a part of the first movable arm extends out of the box body, one of the first magnet and the first linkage is installed on the box body, and the other is installed on the first movable arm, a magnetic force of repulsion or attraction is formed between the first linkage and the first magnet; the first magnet can cooperate with the first linkage to force the developing roller to move to the abutment position and keep the developing roller in the abutment position.

[0010] As can be seen from the above, the first pressure-applying mechanism is used to force the developing roller to abut against the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge, so as to maintain a certain squeezing force between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum during the imaging operation, thereby making the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in uniform contact and ensuring the imaging quality; at the same time, a magnet and a linkage are used to replace the spring in the prior art, so that the elastic force of the spring is replaced by the magnetic force between the magnet and the linkage to provide the pressure, which solves the problem of insufficient squeezing force between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum during the imaging operation caused by aging of the spring after the developing cartridge has been used for a period of time when a spring is used, and can reduce the influence of vibration on the squeezing force between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum during the imaging operation.

[0011] A further solution is that the box body includes a second end cover, which is mounted on the second end wall of the frame; the developing box also includes a second pressure mechanism, which includes a second movable arm, a second magnet and a second linkage, the second movable arm is movably mounted at the second end of the box body, a part of the second movable arm extends out of the box body, one of the second magnet and the second linkage is mounted on the box body, and the other is mounted on the second movable arm, and a repulsive or attractive magnetic force is formed between the second linkage and the second magnet; the second magnet can cooperate with the second linkage to force the developing roller to move to the abutment position and keep the developing roller in the abutment position.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, the second pressure-applying mechanism can further ensure uniform contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, thereby further improving the imaging quality.

[0013] A preferred solution is that the first movable arm is rotatably connected to the first end cover or the first end wall around the first rotation axis; the second movable arm is rotatably connected to the second end cover or the second end wall around the second rotation axis; the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are both parallel to the developing roller.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, the above design can reduce the friction force encountered by the first movable arm and the second movable arm during their movement, so that the first movable arm can move better relative to the first magnet and the second movable arm can move better relative to the second magnet, thereby ensuring that sufficient extrusion pressure is maintained between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum during imaging operations.

[0015] Another preferred solution is that a first slide groove is provided on the first end cover or the first end wall, and the first movable arm is slidably connected to the first slide groove; a second slide groove is provided on the second end cover or the second end wall, and the second movable arm is slidably connected to the second slide groove; the first slide groove is parallel to the second slide groove, and the first slide groove is perpendicular to the developing roller.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, the installation method of the first movable arm and the second movable arm can be changed according to the structure of the developing box, the assembly structure between the developing box and the processing box, the connection structure between the developing box and the electronic photographic imaging device, etc., so as to expand the application range of the developing box and improve the practicality of the developing box.

[0017] A further solution is that one of the first magnet and the first linkage is installed on the first end wall or the first end cover, and the other is installed on the first movable arm; one of the second magnet and the second linkage is installed on the second end wall or the second end cover, and the other is installed on the second movable arm; the first magnet and the second magnet are both permanent magnets, the first linkage is an iron block or a bolt, the second linkage is an iron block or a bolt, or the first magnet, the second magnet, the first linkage, and the second linkage are all permanent magnets; the magnetic force formed between the first magnet and the first linkage is the same as the magnetic force formed between the second magnet and the second linkage.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, the first linkage member and the second linkage member can be changed according to the assembly structure between the developing box and the processing box, the connection structure between the developing box and the electronic photographic imaging device, etc., so as to expand the application range of the developing box and improve the practicality of the developing box.

[0019] A further solution is that when the attractive magnetic force is formed between the first magnet and the first linkage, and the attractive magnetic force is formed between the second magnet and the second linkage, the first magnet and the first linkage are located on the side of the first movable arm away from the developing roller, and the second magnet and the second linkage are located on the side of the second movable arm away from the developing roller; when the repulsive magnetic force is formed between the first magnet and the first linkage, and the repulsive magnetic force is formed between the second magnet and the second linkage, the first magnet and the first linkage are located on the side of the first movable arm close to the developing roller, and the second magnet and the second linkage are located on the side of the second movable arm close to the developing roller.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, the setting position between the first magnet and the first linkage part can be set according to the properties of the magnetic force between the first magnet and the first linkage part (such as attraction or repulsion) to ensure that the developing roller can be in close proximity to the photosensitive drum at the abutment position; similarly, the setting position between the second magnet and the second linkage part can be set according to the properties of the magnetic force between the second magnet and the second linkage part (such as attraction or repulsion) to ensure that the developing roller can be in close proximity to the photosensitive drum at the abutment position.

[0021] A further solution is that the driving force receiving head has a movable space in the axial direction parallel to the developing roller.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the above design enables the driving force receiving head to be precisely matched and connected with the driving head in the electronic photographic imaging device when the developing box is installed in the electronic photographic imaging device, so that the driving head can smoothly and reliably drive the driving force receiving head to rotate, thereby driving the developing box to work.

[0023] In order to achieve another object of the present invention, the present invention provides a processing box, including a drum box, the drum box including a drum frame and a photosensitive drum, the drum frame having a mounting position, and the photosensitive drum is rotatably mounted on the drum frame, wherein the processing box also includes the above-mentioned developing box, and the developing box is movably mounted in the mounting position; the developing roller is in a separation position, and the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; the developing roller is in a contact position, and the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, the processing box equipped with the above-mentioned developing box can ensure that during the imaging operation, sufficient squeezing force is maintained between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum always maintain close contact, thereby improving the imaging quality and extending the service life of the processing box.

[0025] In order to achieve another object of the present invention, the present invention provides an electronic photographic imaging device, including a shell, a processing box installation cavity is provided in the shell, wherein the above-mentioned processing box is installed in the processing box installation cavity.

[0026] As can be seen from the above, the electronic photographic imaging device provided with the above-mentioned process cartridge can still have stable imaging quality after the developer cartridge is disassembled and assembled multiple times.

[0027] A further solution is that the electronic photographic imaging device also includes a slider and a driving mechanism arranged in the shell, the slider has a locking position, the first movable arm has a first hook extending toward the side of the developing roller, and the first hook is engaged and connected in the locking position; the driving mechanism can drive the slider to control the first movable arm to move in the direction away from the photosensitive drum, and keep the developing roller in the separated position; the driving mechanism can also drive the slider to control the first movable arm to move in the direction close to the photosensitive drum, so as to cooperate with the first pressure mechanism to force the developing roller to move to the abutment position and keep the developing roller in the abutment position.

[0028] As can be seen from the above, the electronic photographic imaging device provided with the above-mentioned process cartridge can still have stable imaging quality after the developer cartridge is disassembled and assembled multiple times. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an existing developing box.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the developing box of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the first partial structure of the first embodiment of the developer box of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 It is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the developer box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0033] Figure 5 It is an exploded view of the second partial structure of the first embodiment of the developer box of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the developer cartridge of the present invention after some components are omitted.

[0035] Figure 7 This is one of the reference diagrams of the usage state of the third embodiment of the developer box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0036] Figure 8 It is a structural diagram of the second embodiment of the developer box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0037] Figure 9 It is a structural diagram of the second embodiment of the developer box of the present invention after omitting some components.

[0038] Figure 10 It is an exploded view of the first partial structure of the third embodiment of the developer box of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11 It is an exploded view of the second partial structure of the third embodiment of the developer box of the present invention.

[0040] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] First embodiment of the developing cartridge

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The developing box 100 includes a box body, a developing roller 12, a powder feeding roller, a powder discharging knife, a stirring frame, a transmission wheel group 13, a driving force receiving head 14 and a first pressure mechanism 17. The box body includes a frame 11, a first end cover 15 and a second end cover 16.

[0043] Combine Figure 3 The frame 11 includes a powder silo, a first end wall 111, and a second end wall 112. The powder silo is used to store toner. The first end wall 111 and the second end wall 112 are located at both ends of the powder silo along the axial direction of the developing roller 12. The developing roller 12 is rotatably connected to the frame 11 and is located outside the powder silo and at the powder outlet of the powder silo. The developing roller 12 is used to evenly transfer the toner in the powder silo to the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge for development.

[0044] The first end of the powder feed roller is rotatably connected to the first end wall 111, and the second end of the powder feed roller is rotatably connected to the second end wall 112. The powder feed roller is located within the powder hopper and at the powder outlet. The powder feed roller is adjacent to the developing roller 12 to move the toner in the powder hopper onto the developing roller 12. The first end of the stirring frame is rotatably connected to the first end wall 111, and the second end of the stirring frame is rotatably connected to the second end wall 112. The stirring frame is located within the powder hopper; the stirring frame is used to transfer the toner in the powder hopper to the powder feed roller and stir the toner in the powder hopper to prevent the toner from clumping.

[0045] The powder knife is mounted on the frame 11 and is located outside the powder hopper at the powder outlet. Its blade abuts the outer periphery of the developer roller 12 and extends into the powder hopper. The powder knife controls the thickness of the toner layer on the developer roller 12, ensuring a consistent thickness and ensuring image quality.

[0046] The transmission wheel assembly 13 is used to receive power transmitted by the driving force receiving head 14 and drive the developing roller 12, the powder feed roller, and the stirring frame to rotate; the transmission wheel assembly 13 is disposed between the first end wall 111 and the first end cover 15 of the frame 11. Preferably, a portion of the transmission wheel assembly 13 is mounted on the first end wall 111, and another portion of the transmission wheel assembly 13 is mounted on the first end cover 15. The transmission wheel assembly 13 includes a developing roller gear 131, a powder feed roller gear, and a stirring frame gear. The developing roller gear 131 is mounted on the developing roller 12, the powder feed roller gear is mounted on the powder feed roller, and the stirring frame gear is mounted on the stirring frame.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first end cover 15 preferably includes a first cover body 151 and a second cover body 152. The first cover body 151 is connected between the first end wall 111 and the second cover body 152, and a cavity is formed between the first cover body 151 and the second cover body 152. The developing roller gear 131 is preferably located in the cavity. The driving force receiving head 14 is arranged at the first end wall 111 and is linked to the transmission wheel group 13; preferably, the driving force receiving head 14 is rotatably mounted on the first cover body 151 around its own rotation axis, and the driving force receiving head 14 has a receiving portion 141 and a gear portion 142. The receiving portion 141 passes through the second cover body 152 and extends to the outside of the second cover body 152. The receiving portion 141 is used to dock with the driving portion of the driving head in the electronic photographic imaging device, so that the driving head can drive the driving force receiving head 14 to rotate. The gear portion 142 is located in the cavity, and the gear portion 142 is engaged with the transmission wheel group 13, so that the driving force receiving head 14 can simultaneously drive the developing roller 12, the powder feeding roller and the stirring frame to rotate through the transmission wheel group 13.

[0048] Preferably, the driving force receiving head 14 is configured to have a movable space in the axial direction parallel to the developing roller 12 (that is, at least a part of the driving force receiving head 14 can be moved in the axial direction of the developing roller 12, so that the driving force receiving head 14 has a telescopic movement function), so that when the developing box 100 is installed in the electronic photographic imaging device, the driving force receiving head 14 can be precisely matched and connected with the driving head in the electronic photographic imaging device, so that the driving head can smoothly and reliably drive the driving force receiving head 14 to rotate, thereby driving the developing box 100 to work.

[0049] The developing roller 12 has an abutting position and a separation position relative to the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge. When the developing roller 12 is in the abutting position, the developing roller 12 abuts against the photosensitive drum with a certain pressure. When the developing roller 12 is in the separation position, the developing roller 12 separates from the photosensitive drum. Figure 4The first pressure mechanism 17 includes a first movable arm 171, a first magnet 172 and a first linkage 173. The first movable arm 171 is movably mounted at the first end of the box body, and a portion of the first movable arm 171 extends out of the box body. One of the first magnet 172 and the first linkage 173 is mounted on the box body, and the other is mounted on the first movable arm 171, and a repulsive or attractive magnetic force is formed between the first linkage 173 and the first magnet 172; the first magnet 172 can cooperate with the first linkage 173 to force the developing roller 12 to move to the abutment position (along the direction of moving from the separation position to the abutment position) and keep the developing roller 12 in the abutment position.

[0050] Among them, the movable connection between the first movable arm 171 and the box body can be a rotating connection or a sliding connection; and when the attractive magnetic force is formed between the first magnet 172 and the first linkage 173, the first magnet 172 and the first linkage 173 of the first pressure mechanism 17 are located on the side of the first movable arm 171 away from the developing roller 12; when the repulsive magnetic force is formed between the first magnet 172 and the first linkage 173, the first magnet 172 and the first linkage 173 of the first pressure mechanism 17 are located on the side of the first movable arm 171 close to the developing roller 12.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first cover 151 has a first avoidance opening 1511, and a first connecting column 1510 is provided on the first cover 151. The first end of the first movable arm 171 is rotatably connected to the first connecting column 1510 around the first rotation axis of the first connecting column 1510. The second end of the first movable arm 171 extends from the first avoidance opening 1511 to the outside of the first end cover 15. In addition, the first movable arm 171 has a first hook portion 1711 extending toward the side of the developing roller 12; the first magnet 172 is mounted on the first end cover 15, and the first magnet 172 is a permanent magnet; the first linkage member 173 is an iron block or a bolt. The first linkage member 173 is mounted on the side of the first movable arm 171 facing the first magnet 172, so that the first magnet 172 can generate an attractive magnetic force on the first linkage member 173, forcing the first movable arm 171 to move toward the first magnet 172, thereby forcing the developing roller 12 to move from the separated position to the abutting position through the first pressure mechanism 17, and maintaining the developing roller 12 in the abutting position; wherein the first magnet 172 and the developing roller 12 are respectively located on either side of the first movable arm 171, so that the first magnet 172 and the first linkage member 173 are located on the side of the first movable arm 171 away from the developing roller 12. Preferably, a first limiting portion 1512 is provided on the first cover 151, and the first limiting portion 1512 is used to limit the movement of the first movable arm 171.

[0052] The first pressure-applying mechanism 17 is used to force the developing roller 12 to abut against the photosensitive drum of the drum box, so as to maintain a certain squeezing force between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum during the imaging operation, thereby making the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum in uniform contact, thereby ensuring the imaging quality; at the same time, the first magnet 172 and the first magnetic member are used to replace the spring in the prior art, so that the magnetic force between the first magnet 172 and the first magnetic member replaces the elastic force of the spring to provide the pressure, which solves the problem of insufficient squeezing force between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum during the imaging operation due to aging of the spring after the developing box 100 has been used for a period of time, and can reduce the influence of vibration on the squeezing force between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum during the imaging operation.

[0053] Preferably, combined Figure 5 and Figure 6 The developing cartridge 100 further includes a second pressure-applying mechanism 18. The second end cover 16 is mounted on the second end wall 112 of the frame 11. The second end cover 16 has a second avoidance opening 161. The second pressure-applying mechanism 18 includes a second movable arm 181, a second magnet 182, and a second linkage 183. The second movable arm 181 is movably mounted at the second end of the cartridge body. A portion of the second movable arm 181 extends outside the cartridge body. One of the second magnet 182 and the second linkage 183 is mounted on the cartridge body, and the other is mounted on the second movable arm 181. A magnetic force of repulsion or attraction is formed between the second linkage 183 and the second magnet 182. The second magnet 182 can cooperate with the second linkage 183 to force the developing roller 12 to move toward the abutting position (along the direction of movement from the separation position to the abutting position) and maintain the developing roller 12 in the abutting position.

[0054] The movable connection between the second movable arm 181 and the housing can be a rotating connection or a sliding connection. When the second magnet 182 and the second linkage 183 form an attractive magnetic force, the second magnet 182 and the second linkage 183 of the second pressure mechanism 18 are located on the side of the second movable arm 181 away from the developing roller 12. When the second magnet 182 and the second linkage 183 form a repulsive magnetic force, the second magnet 182 and the second linkage 183 of the second pressure mechanism 18 are located on the side of the second movable arm 181 closer to the developing roller 12. The configuration of the second pressure mechanism 18 is substantially the same as that of the first pressure mechanism 17.

[0055] As in the present embodiment, a second connecting column 160 is provided on the second end cover 16, and the first end of the second movable arm 181 is rotatably connected to the second connecting column 160 around the second rotation axis of the second connecting column 160, and the second end of the second movable arm 181 extends from the second avoidance opening 161 to the outside of the second end cover 16; in addition, the second movable arm 181 has a second hook portion 1811 extending toward the side of the developing roller 12; the second magnet 182 is mounted on the second end cover 16, and the second magnet 182 is a permanent magnet; the second linkage 183 is an iron block or a bolt, and the second linkage 183 is mounted on the side of the second movable arm 181 facing the second magnet 182, so that the second magnet 182 can generate an attractive magnetic force on the second linkage 183 to force the second movable arm 181 to move toward the second magnet 182, thereby forcing the developing roller 12 to move from the separation position to the abutment position through the second pressure mechanism 18, and keep the developing roller 12 in the abutment position. The provision of the second pressure mechanism 18 balances the forces applied to both ends of the developing roller 12, further ensuring uniform contact between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum, thereby improving imaging quality. Preferably, a second stopper 162 is provided on the second end cap 16 to limit the movement of the first movable arm 171. The second magnet 182 and the developing roller 12 are located on either side of the second movable arm 181, respectively, such that the second magnet 182 and the second linkage 183 are located on the side of the second movable arm 181 away from the developing roller 12.

[0056] The following combination Figures 1 to 7 The contact or separation process between the developing roller 12 of the developing cartridge 100 and the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge in this embodiment is briefly described:

[0057] The developer cartridge 100 provided in this embodiment is suitable for use in an electrophotographic imaging device having a slider 101 and a drive mechanism disposed within a process cartridge mounting cavity; the drive mechanism is configured to drive the slider 101 to slide back and forth in a direction X. The slider 101 is provided with a latch 1011 configured to engage with a movable arm at the upper end of the developer cartridge 100. Preferably, to improve imaging quality, two sliders 101 are provided, enabling the first hook 1711 of the first movable arm 171 and the second hook 1811 of the second movable arm 181 to engage with the latch 1011 of each slider 101, thereby enabling the drive mechanism to drive the two sliders 101 to move the first movable arm 171 and the second movable arm 181.

[0058] When the developing box 100 is installed in the mounting position of the drum box and assembled with the drum box to form a processing box, the developing box 100 can move relative to the photosensitive drum of the drum box within a small range so that the developing roller 12 can abut or separate from the photosensitive drum; when the developing roller 12 is in the separation position, the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum; when the developing roller 12 is in the abutment position, the developing roller 12 abuts against the photosensitive drum.

[0059] When the processing box is installed in the processing box installation cavity of the electronic photographic imaging device, the first hook portion 1711 of the first movable arm 171 and the second hook portion 1811 of the second movable arm 181 on the developing box 100 are respectively engaged with the corresponding locking position 1011 of a slider 101. When the electronic photographic imaging device is in a non-imaging operation, the driving mechanism drives the slider 101 to move in the opposite direction of direction X, so that the first movable arm 171 rotates toward the first magnet 172 until the first magnet 172 and the first linkage member 173 on the first movable arm 171 are attracted and fixed together; the second movable arm 181 rotates toward the second magnet 182 until the second magnet 182 and the second linkage member 183 on the second movable arm 181 are attracted and fixed together; then, the driving mechanism continues to drive the slider 101 to move in the opposite direction of direction X, so as to push the developing box 100 to rotate relative to the drum box through the first movable arm 171 and the second movable arm 181, thereby moving the developing roller 12 from the abutting position to the separating position, so that the developing roller 12 is separated from the abutment with the photosensitive drum; at this time, the cleaning member in the electronic photographic imaging device can clean the residual toner on the photosensitive drum to ensure the imaging quality of the next imaging operation.

[0060] When the electronic photographic imaging device is in the imaging operation, the driving mechanism drives the slider 101 to move along the direction X, so that the first movable arm 171 rotates away from the first magnet 172 and the second movable arm 181 is rotated toward the second magnet 182; and due to the mutual attraction magnetic force between the first magnet 172 and the first magnetic member, and the mutual attraction magnetic force between the second magnet 182 and the second magnetic member, the first pressing mechanism 17 and the second pressing mechanism 18 roughly pull the developing box 100 to rotate relative to the drum box along the direction X, so that the developing roller 12 moves from the separation position to the contact position, so that the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum are contacted with each other with a certain extrusion force; wherein, during the rotation of the first movable arm 171 away from the first magnet 172, even if the first magnet 172 and the second magnet 182 are in contact with each other, A linkage 173 is disconnected, but the first pressure mechanism 17 can still move the developing roller 12 from the separation position to the contact position and maintain it in the contact position through the attractive magnetic force between the first magnet 172 and the first linkage 173. Similarly, during the rotation of the second movable arm 181 away from the second magnet 182, even if the second magnet 182 is disconnected from the second linkage 183, the second pressure mechanism 18 can still move the developing roller 12 from the separation position to the contact position and maintain it in the contact position through the attractive magnetic force between the second magnet 182 and the second linkage 183. At this time, the graphic forming medium (such as paper) can pass through the paper feeding channel between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum, and the toner is imaged on the graphic forming medium.

[0061] In summary, it can be seen that, through the design of the developing box 100 , the developing box 100 can provide stable pressure for the contact between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum to ensure the imaging quality.

[0062] Second embodiment of the developing cartridge

[0063] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the developing box lies in: the connection method of the first movable arm to the first end cover or the first end wall of the frame, and the connection method of the second movable arm to the second end cover or the second end wall of the frame.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first movable arm 24 is slidably connected to the first end cap or the first end wall, and the second movable arm 25 is slidably connected to the second end cap 23 or the second end wall. Specifically, a first slide groove 221 is provided on the first end cap or the first end wall, and the first movable arm 24 is slidably connected to the first slide groove 221; a second slide groove 231 is provided on the second end cap 23 or the second end wall, and the second movable arm 25 is slidably connected to the second slide groove 231. The first slide groove 221 is parallel to the second slide groove 231 and is perpendicular to the developing roller.

[0065] For example, in this embodiment, a first slide groove 221 is provided on the first cover body 22 of the first end cover, and the first movable arm 24 is slidably connected to the first slide groove 221; a second slide groove 231 is provided on the second end cover 23, and the second movable arm 25 is slidably connected to the second slide groove 231.

[0066] When the process cartridge provided with the developing cartridge described in this embodiment is installed in the process cartridge installation cavity of the electrophotographic forming apparatus, the first movable arm 24 and the second movable arm 25 of the developing cartridge are respectively engaged and connected with a corresponding slider 201 .

[0067] When the electronic photographic imaging device is in a non-imaging operation, the driving mechanism drives the slider 201 to move in the opposite direction of direction X, so that the first movable arm 24 slides toward the first magnet until the first magnet and the first linkage member on the first movable arm 24 are attracted and fixed together; and the second movable arm 25 slides toward the second magnet until the second magnet and the second linkage member on the second movable arm 25 are attracted and fixed together; then, the driving mechanism continues to drive the slider 201 to move in the opposite direction of direction X, so as to push the developing box to rotate relative to the drum box through the first movable arm 24 and the second movable arm 25, and then move the developing roller from the abutment position to the separation position, so that the developing roller is separated from the abutment with the photosensitive drum; at this time, the cleaning member in the electronic photographic imaging device can clean the residual toner on the photosensitive drum to ensure the imaging quality of the next imaging operation.

[0068] When the electronic photographic imaging device is in the imaging operation, the driving mechanism drives the slider 201 to move along the direction X, so that the first movable arm 24 slides away from the first magnet and the second movable arm 25 slides toward the second magnet; and due to the mutual attraction magnetic force between the first magnet and the first magnetic member, and the mutual attraction magnetic force between the second magnet and the second magnetic member, the first pressing mechanism and the second pressing mechanism pull the developing box to rotate relative to the drum box roughly along the direction X, so that the developing roller moves from the separation position to the contact position, so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum contact each other with a certain extrusion force; wherein, during the sliding process of the first movable arm 24 away from the first magnet, even if the first magnet Although disconnected from the first linkage member, the first pressure mechanism can still move the developing roller from the separation position to the contact position and maintain it in the contact position through the attractive magnetic force between the first magnet and the first magnetic member. Similarly, during the sliding of the second movable arm 25 back toward the second magnet, even if the second magnet is disconnected from the second linkage member, the second pressure mechanism can still move the developing roller from the separation position to the contact position and maintain it in the contact position through the attractive magnetic force between the second magnet and the second magnetic member. At this time, the graphic forming medium (such as paper) can pass through the paper feeding channel between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, and the toner is imaged on the graphic forming medium.

[0069] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the first pressure mechanism may be disposed on the frame and close to the first end wall of the frame, and the second pressure mechanism may be disposed on the frame and close to the second end wall of the frame.

[0070] Third embodiment of the developing cartridge

[0071] The difference between this embodiment and the other embodiments is that:

[0072] The first and second linkage members are both permanent magnets, with the first magnet and the first linkage member generating a magnetic attraction, while the second magnet and the second linkage member generate a magnetic attraction. By replacing the first and second linkage members with permanent magnets instead of iron blocks, the effectiveness of the first and second pressure mechanisms can be enhanced.

[0073] Fourth embodiment of the developing cartridge

[0074] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the developing cartridge is that:

[0075] The first linkage member 333 and the second linkage member 343 are both permanent magnets, and a repulsive magnetic force is formed between the first magnet 332 and the first linkage member 333, and a repulsive magnetic force is formed between the second magnet 342 and the second linkage member 343; and the first magnet 332 and the first linkage member 333 are located on the side of the first movable arm 331 close to the developing roller, and the second magnet 342 and the second linkage member 343 are located on the side of the second movable arm 341 close to the developing roller.

[0076] Preferably, a corresponding abutment block 35 is provided on the drum box that cooperates with the developer box, and is linked with the first pressure mechanism 33 and the second pressure mechanism 34 to assist in forcing the developer roller to move from the separation position to the abutment position and remain at the abutment position during the imaging operation; or a corresponding abutment block 35 is provided in the processing box installation cavity to be linked with the first pressure mechanism 33 and the second pressure mechanism 34 to force the developer roller to move from the separation position to the abutment position and remain at the abutment position during the imaging operation.

[0077] Specifically, two abutment blocks 35 are provided on the drum frame to respectively link with the first movable arm 331 and the second movable arm 341; or two abutment blocks 35 are provided in the processing box installation cavity of the electronic photographic imaging device to respectively link with the first movable arm 331 and the second movable arm 341.

[0078] The following briefly describes the principle by which the first pressing mechanism 33, the second pressing mechanism 34 and the abutting block 35 work together to force the developing roller to move from the separation position to the abutting position and remain at the abutting position:

[0079] When the electronic photographic imaging device does not apply force to the developing box to force the developing roller to remain in the separated position, the first pressing mechanism 33 also forces the first movable arm 331 to abut against the abutment block 35 through the repulsive force between the first magnet 332 and the first linkage 333, so that the reaction force received by the first movable arm 331 is decomposed into a component force parallel to the line connecting the center of the developing roller and the center of the photosensitive drum, so as to press the developing roller tightly against the photosensitive drum and make the developing roller in close contact with the photosensitive drum; at the same time, the second pressing mechanism 34 also forces the second movable arm 341 to abut against the abutment block 35 through the repulsive force between the second magnet 342 and the second linkage 343, so that the reaction force received by the second movable arm 341 is decomposed into a component force parallel to the line connecting the center of the developing roller and the center of the photosensitive drum, so as to press the developing roller tightly against the photosensitive drum and make the developing roller in close contact with the photosensitive drum, thereby maintaining a certain squeezing pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0080] Preferably, the repulsive force between the first magnet 332 and the first linkage 333 is greater than the repulsive force between the second magnet 342 and the second linkage 343. Since the first end of the developing roller is affected by the engagement of the driving force receiving head and the transmission wheel group, the developing roller will be subjected to a force, one component of which is parallel to the line connecting the center of the developing roller and the center of the photosensitive drum, and points from the photosensitive drum to the developing roller. Therefore, by designing the relationship between the repulsive force between the first magnet 332 and the first linkage 333 and the repulsive force between the second magnet 342 and the second linkage 343, the pushing force on the developing roller is uniform, thereby improving the imaging quality.

[0081] Process cartridge first embodiment

[0082] The process cartridge includes a drum cartridge and a developer cartridge, wherein the developer cartridge is the developer cartridge described in any one of the first to third embodiments of the developer cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a drum frame and a photosensitive drum. The drum frame has a mounting position, the photosensitive drum is rotatably mounted on the drum frame, and the developer cartridge is mounted within the mounting position. The developer cartridge is movable relative to the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge within a small range. When the developer roller is in the separation position, the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; when the developer roller is in the contact position, the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

[0083] The processing box provided with the above-mentioned developing box can ensure that during the imaging operation, sufficient squeezing force is maintained between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum always maintain close contact, thereby improving the imaging quality and extending the service life of the processing box.

[0084] Process cartridge second embodiment

[0085] The process cartridge includes a drum cartridge and a developer cartridge, wherein the developer cartridge is the developer cartridge described in the fourth embodiment of the developer cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a drum frame and a photosensitive drum. The drum frame has a mounting position, the photosensitive drum is rotatably mounted on the drum frame, and the developer cartridge is mounted within the mounting position. The developer cartridge is rotatable relative to the drum frame about a third rotation axis, which is parallel to the developer roller. In the separation position, the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; in the contact position, the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

[0086] Preferably, in this embodiment, the drum frame has a first abutment block and a third abutment block. When the developing roller is in the abutment position, the repulsive force between the first magnet and the first linkage member forces the first movable arm to abut the first abutment block; and the repulsive force between the second magnet and the second linkage member forces the second movable arm to abut the third abutment block.

[0087] First embodiment of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus

[0088] The electronic photographic imaging device includes a shell, a process cartridge installation cavity is provided in the shell, and a process cartridge is installed in the process cartridge installation cavity; wherein the process cartridge is the process cartridge described in the first embodiment of the process cartridge.

[0089] In this embodiment, the electrophotographic imaging device further includes a first slider, a second slider, and a drive mechanism disposed within the housing. The first slider has a first latching position, into which the first movable arm is latched; the second slider has a second latching position, into which the second movable arm is latched.

[0090] The driving mechanism can drive the first slider to control the first movable arm to move toward the first magnet, and drive the second slider to control the second movable arm to move toward the second magnet, thereby forcing the developing roller to move toward the separation position and maintaining the developing roller in the separation position. The driving mechanism can also drive the slider to control the first movable arm to move away from the first magnet and the second movable arm to move away from the second magnet, thereby cooperating with the first pressing mechanism and the second pressing mechanism to force the developing roller to move toward the abutting position and maintain the developing roller in the abutting position.

[0091] It can be seen that during non-imaging operations, the cooperation between the driving mechanism and the slider can force the developing roller to separate from the photosensitive drum, so as to clean the residual toner on the photosensitive drum and improve the imaging quality; at the same time, during imaging operations, the cooperation between the driving mechanism, the slider and the first pressure mechanism can force the developing roller to abut against the photosensitive drum and maintain a certain extrusion pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, thereby ensuring the imaging quality.

[0092] Second embodiment of the electrophotographic imaging apparatus

[0093] The electronic photographic imaging device includes a shell, a process cartridge installation cavity is provided in the shell, and a process cartridge is installed in the process cartridge installation cavity; wherein the process cartridge is the process cartridge described in the second embodiment of the process cartridge.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first and fourth abutting blocks provided on the drum frame can be eliminated, and second and fourth abutting blocks can be provided in the process cartridge mounting cavity. When the developing roller is in the abutting position, the repulsive force between the first magnet and the first linkage member forces the first movable arm to abut the second abutting block; and the repulsive force between the second magnet and the second linkage member forces the second movable arm to abut the fourth abutting block.

[0095] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. Developer cartridge, including: A box body, comprising a frame and a first end cover, wherein the first end cover is mounted on a first end wall of the frame; a developing roller rotatably connected to the frame, the developing roller having an abutting position and a separating position relative to the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge; a transmission wheel group, the transmission wheel group being located between the first end wall and the first end cover, and the transmission wheel group being linked to the developing roller; A driving force receiving head, the driving force receiving head being arranged at the first end wall and being linked to the transmission wheel set; Its characteristics are: The developing cartridge further includes a first pressure-applying mechanism, the first pressure-applying mechanism including a first movable arm, a first magnet, and a first linkage member, the first movable arm being movably mounted at a first end of the cartridge body, a portion of the first movable arm extending outside the cartridge body, one of the first magnet and the first linkage member being mounted on the cartridge body, and the other being mounted on the first movable arm, wherein a magnetic force of repulsion or attraction is formed between the first linkage member and the first magnet; The first magnet can cooperate with the first linkage member to force the developing roller to move toward the abutting position and keep the developing roller at the abutting position; The first movable arm is rotatably connected to the first end cover or the first end wall around a first rotation axis, or A first sliding groove is provided on the first end cover or the first end wall, and the first movable arm is slidably connected to the first sliding groove.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The box body includes a second end cover, and the second end cover is mounted on the second end wall of the frame; The developing cartridge further includes a second pressure-applying mechanism, the second pressure-applying mechanism including a second movable arm, a second magnet, and a second linkage member, the second movable arm being movably mounted at the second end of the cartridge body, a portion of the second movable arm extending outside the cartridge body, one of the second magnet and the second linkage member being mounted on the cartridge body, and the other being mounted on the second movable arm, a magnetic force of repulsion or attraction being formed between the second linkage member and the second magnet; The second magnet may cooperate with the second linkage to force the developing roller to move toward the abutting position and maintain the developing roller at the abutting position.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: When the first movable arm is rotatably connected to the first end cover or the first end wall around the first rotation axis, the second movable arm is rotatably connected to the second end cover or the second end wall around the second rotation axis; The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are both parallel to the developing roller.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: When the first movable arm is slidably connected to the first sliding groove, a second sliding groove is provided on the second end cover or the second end wall, and the second movable arm is slidably connected to the second sliding groove; The first chute is parallel to the second chute, and the first chute is perpendicular to the developing roller.

5. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: One of the first magnet and the first linkage is mounted on the first end wall or the first end cover, and the other is mounted on the first movable arm; One of the second magnet and the second linkage is mounted on the second end wall or the second end cover, and the other is mounted on the second movable arm; The first magnet and the second magnet are both permanent magnets, the first linkage member is an iron block or a bolt, the second linkage member is an iron block or a bolt, or The first magnet, the second magnet, the first linkage member, and the second linkage member are all permanent magnets; The magnetic force formed between the first magnet and the first linkage member is the same as the magnetic force formed between the second magnet and the second linkage member.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: When the first magnet and the first linkage member generate an attractive magnetic force, and the second magnet and the second linkage member generate an attractive magnetic force, the first magnet and the first linkage member are located on a side of the first movable arm away from the developing roller, and the second magnet and the second linkage member are located on a side of the second movable arm away from the developing roller; When the repulsive magnetic force is formed between the first magnet and the first linkage, and the repulsive magnetic force is formed between the second magnet and the second linkage, the first magnet and the first linkage are located on the side of the first movable arm close to the developing roller, and the second magnet and the second linkage are located on the side of the second movable arm close to the developing roller.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The driving force receiving head has a movable space in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the developing roller.

8. A process cartridge comprising a drum cartridge, wherein the drum cartridge comprises a drum frame and a photosensitive drum, the drum frame having a mounting position, the photosensitive drum being rotatably mounted on the drum frame, characterized in that: The process cartridge further comprises a developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the developing cartridge is movably mounted in the mounting position; The developing roller is in the separation position, and the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; The developing roller is in the contact position and contacts the photosensitive drum.

9. An electrophotographic imaging device comprising a housing, wherein a process cartridge mounting cavity is provided in the housing, wherein: The process cartridge according to claim 8 is installed in the process cartridge installation cavity.

10. The electrophotographic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The electrophotographic imaging device further includes a slider and a driving mechanism disposed in the housing, the slider having a locking position, the first movable arm having a first hook portion extending toward the developing roller, the first hook portion being engaged and connected in the locking position; The driving mechanism can drive the slider to control the first movable arm to move away from the photosensitive drum and keep the developing roller at the separated position; The driving mechanism can also drive the slider to control the first movable arm to move toward the direction close to the photosensitive drum, so as to cooperate with the first pressing mechanism to force the developing roller to move toward the abutting position and maintain the developing roller at the abutting position.

Images