Developing cartridge

Abstract

The invention discloses a developing box which comprises a box body, a developing roller, a power receiving part, a storage medium, an electric contact surface and a separating assembly, the separating assembly is used for receiving separating force applied by an image forming device so as to separate the developing box from a photosensitive drum of a drum assembly, and the separating assembly comprises a separating force receiving part and a flexible part; the separating force receiving part can receive separating force applied by the image forming device, one end of the flexible part is connected with the separating force receiving part, and when the separating force receiving part receives the separating force, the direction of the separating force can be changed through the flexible part so that the developing box can move relative to the drum assembly. When the developing box does not work, the separating force receiving part can be used for receiving the separating force applied by the image forming device, and the direction of the separating force is changed through the flexible part, so that the developing box can move relative to the drum, the developing box is separated from the photosensitive drum, and the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are prevented from being damaged due to long-time contact; and the imaging quality of the image forming device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electro-imaging technology, and more particularly to a developing cartridge. Background Art

[0002] A developing cartridge is a detachable part widely used in an image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller. An image forming apparatus generally has four developing cartridges corresponding to four photosensitive drums on the image forming apparatus. Each developing cartridge contains a developer of a different color. The developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum and transfers toner to the photosensitive drum, enabling the image forming apparatus to better form images using various colors of toner and meet more printing needs of users. To prevent the developing roller and the photosensitive drum from being damaged due to long-term contact, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum when the developing cartridge does not need to operate. Therefore, a separating member is provided on the developing cartridge. The separating member is used to receive the separating force provided by the image forming apparatus, so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, ensuring the imaging quality of the image forming apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the main object of the present application is to provide a developing cartridge that can improve the imaging quality of an image forming apparatus.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present application specifically adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] The present application provides a developing cartridge that is detachably mounted on a drum unit of an image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge includes:

[0006] A cartridge body having a first end and a second end in a first direction, a third end and a fourth end in a second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end in a third direction;

[0007] A developing roller that can rotate around a first axis extending in the first direction;

[0008] A power receiving portion that can rotate around a second axis extending in the first direction and is located at the first end;

[0009] A storage medium storing information of the developing cartridge;

[0010] An electrical contact surface that can be electrically connected to the storage medium;

[0011] A separating assembly for receiving a separating force applied by the image forming apparatus to separate the developing cartridge from the photosensitive drum of the drum unit. The separating assembly includes:

[0012] A separating force receiving member that can receive the separating force applied by the image forming apparatus;

[0013] A flexible member, one end of which is connected to the separation force receiving member, and the separation force receiving member can change the direction of the separation force through the flexible member when receiving the separation force, so that the developing cartridge moves relative to the drum assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least a part of the flexible member is located at the second end.

[0015] In some embodiments, the separation force receiving member is disposed at the second end, and after receiving the separation force, it can move relative to the cartridge body and drive the flexible member to move relative to the cartridge body together.

[0016] In some embodiments, a third track is provided at the second end, the third track is arc-shaped, and the flexible member moves along the third track.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flexible member abuts against the second end to move the second end relative to the drum assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the separation assembly further includes a transfer member, the transfer member is disposed at the second end, the other end of the flexible member is connected to the transfer member, and the flexible member drives the transfer member to move so that the transfer member abuts against the drum assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least a part of the flexible member is located between the first end and the second end.

[0020] In some embodiments, the separation force receiving member abuts against the drum assembly to move the second end relative to the drum assembly;

[0021] The other end of the flexible member is connected to the first end, and the separation force receiving member moves the first end relative to the drum assembly through the flexible member.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the projection of the point where the separation force receiving member and the flexible member are connected does not coincide with the point where the flexible member is connected to the first end, and in the second direction, the point where the flexible member is connected to the first end is closer to the developing roller than the point where the separation force receiving member and the flexible member are connected.

[0023] In some embodiments, the separation force receiving member is disposed at the first end, and the separation force receiving member is a protrusion or the flexible member.

[0024] The developing cartridge of the present application includes a cartridge body, a developing roller, a power receiving part, a storage medium, an electrical contact surface, and a separation component. The developing roller can rotate around a first axis extending in a first direction, the power receiving part can rotate around a second axis extending in the first direction, the storage medium stores information of the developing cartridge, the electrical contact surface can be electrically connected to the storage medium, and the separation component is used to receive a separation force applied by an image forming apparatus so as to separate the developing cartridge from the photosensitive drum of the drum unit. Among them, the separation component includes a separation force receiving member and a flexible member. The separation force receiving member can receive the separation force applied by the image forming apparatus, and one end of the flexible member is connected to the separation force receiving member. When receiving the separation force, the separation force receiving member can change the direction of the separation force through the flexible member to move the developing cartridge relative to the drum unit. Compared with the prior art, when the developing cartridge is not working, the separation force receiving member of the present application can be used to receive the separation force applied by the image forming apparatus and change the direction of the separation force through the flexible member, so that the developing cartridge can move relative to the drum, thereby separating the developing cartridge from the photosensitive drum, and further avoiding damage to the developing roller and the photosensitive drum due to long-term contact, and improving the imaging quality of the image forming apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is an overall structural schematic diagram of the drum unit provided by the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 is an overall structural schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the first end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0031] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the second end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0033] Figure 9 is a simplified top view schematic diagram of the second end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 1 of the present application;

[0035] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 2 of the present application;

[0036] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 2 of the present application;

[0037] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 2 of the present application;

[0038] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 2 of the present application;

[0039] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present application;

[0040] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present application;

[0041] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 3 of the present application;

[0042] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 3 of the present application;

[0043] Figure 19 It is an exploded view of the second end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 4 of the present application;

[0044] Figure 20 It is a cross-sectional view of the second end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 4 of the present application;

[0045] Figure 21 It is an exploded view of the second end of the developing cartridge in Embodiment 5 of the present application;

[0046] Figure 22 It is a cross-sectional view of the second end when the drum roller is separated in Embodiment 5 of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear and understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0048] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or stated, the term "plurality" means two or more; the terms "connection", "fixation", etc. shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0049] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the orientation terms such as "upper" and "lower" described in the embodiments of the present application are described from the angles shown in the drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that one component is connected "above" or "below" another component, it can not only be directly connected "above" or "below" another component, but also be indirectly connected "above" or "below" another component through an intermediate component.

[0050] In the following description of directions, the left - right direction is the first direction, the front - back direction is the second direction, and the up - down direction is the third direction. The above is only for better describing the positions and movement relationships of the corresponding components, rather than the displacement direction. In other embodiments, different definitions can be adopted as long as it is convenient for description.

[0051] Currently, an image forming apparatus generally includes a drum assembly, a separation output member, and an identification slot. The drum assembly is used to carry a developing cartridge. The separation output member is used to apply a separation force to the developing cartridge mounted on the drum assembly. An electrical contact pin is provided in the identification slot, and the electrical contact pin is used to identify the information of the developing cartridge mounted on the drum assembly.

[0052] As Figure 1 As shown, the drum assembly 2 includes a first side wall 21, a second side wall 22, and a photosensitive drum 23. The photosensitive drum 23 is rotatably supported by the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22. The photosensitive drum 23 is used to receive the developer provided by the developing cartridge to form an electrostatic latent image. A first guiding portion 211 is provided at the first side wall 21, and a second guiding portion 221 and an abutting portion 222 are provided at the second side wall 22. Both the first guiding portion 211 and the second guiding portion 221 are arc - shaped openings for guiding the smooth installation of the developing cartridge onto the drum assembly 2. The abutting portion 222 is provided adjacent to the second guiding portion 221, and the abutting portion 222 is provided as an inclined surface. A force - applying assembly is used to apply a pushing force in the second direction to the developing cartridge mounted on the drum assembly 2, so that the photosensitive drum 23 can receive the developer more stably.

[0053] Embodiment 1

[0054] AsFigure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application discloses a developing cartridge 1, which is detachably mounted on a drum unit 2.

[0055] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the developing cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 10, a developing assembly, a transmission assembly, a separation assembly, and an identification assembly. The cartridge body 10 is used to accommodate the developer, and the cartridge body 10 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 in a first direction, a third end 13 and a fourth end 14 in a second direction, and a fifth end 15 and a sixth end 16 in a third direction ( Figure 6 shown in), and a friction portion 151 is further provided on the fifth end 15. The friction portion 151 is a plurality of ribs extending in the first direction, which facilitates the user to pick up the developing cartridge 1. The developing assembly is rotatably disposed in the cartridge body 10, the transmission assembly is located at the first end 11, and the transmission assembly is connected to the developing assembly. The transmission assembly is used to receive the driving force output by the image forming apparatus to drive the developing assembly to rotate. Of course, in other embodiments, the driving assembly may also be located at the second end 12 of the cartridge body 10.

[0056] The developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a powder feeding roller, a blade 132, and a stirring frame. The developing roller 131, the stirring frame, and the powder feeding roller are all rotatably mounted in the cartridge body 10, and their rotation axes all extend in the first direction. The powder feeding roller is used to transfer the developer to the developing roller 131, and the developing roller 131 is used to contact the photosensitive drum 23 to transfer the developer to the photosensitive drum 23. The stirring frame is used to stir the developer to prevent the developer from caking. The blade 132 extends in the first direction, and is used to contact the surface of the developing roller 131 to control the thickness of the developer layer on the developing roller 131.

[0057] As Figure 5 shown, the transmission assembly includes a driving portion 40, and the driving portion 40 includes a power receiving portion 401 and a driving gear 402. The power receiving portion 401 is used to receive the power output by the image forming apparatus, and then drives the driving gear 402 to rotate.

[0058] The transmission assembly further includes a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, a first idler gear 43, a second idler gear 44, and a stirring gear 45. The powder feeding gear 42 meshes with the driving gear 402 to receive power and rotate. The first idler gear 43 meshes with the driving gear 402 and the developing gear 41 to receive power and transfer the power to the developing gear 41. The second idler gear 44 meshes with the driving gear 402 and the stirring gear 45 at the same time, and is used to transfer the power to the stirring gear 45. The number of gears and the meshing relationship of the transmission assembly in this embodiment are not limited, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0059] In other embodiments, the developing cartridge 1 may not be provided with a stirring rack and a stirring gear 45 for transmitting power to the stirring rack. Meanwhile, the second idler gear 44 may be disposed between the developing gear 41 and the powder feeding gear 42, that is, the powder feeding gear 42 meshes with the driving gear 402, and the developing gear 41 meshes with the powder feeding gear 42 through the first idler gear 43 and the second idler gear 44 to receive driving force.

[0060] The developing cartridge 1 further includes a first bearing 115. The first bearing 115 is disposed at the first end 11. The first bearing 115 is used for supporting one end of the developing roller 131 and the powder feeding roller at the first end 11. Preferably, a plurality of support columns are further disposed on the first bearing 115, and the plurality of support columns respectively rotatably support at least part of the transmission assembly.

[0061] The developing cartridge 1 further includes a first cover 111. The first cover 111 is disposed at the first end 11. The first cover 111 covers at least part of the transmission assembly for protecting the transmission assembly. The first cover 111 includes a collar portion 1113 extending in the first direction. The collar portion 1113 is a hollow cylindrical shape. A through hole is provided on the collar portion 1113. The power receiving portion 401 is exposed through the through hole to receive power. The collar portion 1113 protects the driving portion 40. In some other embodiments, the collar portion 1113 may not be provided, and the driving portion 40 itself has a certain protection strength.

[0062] A second mounting portion 1112 and a stress column 1111 are further disposed on the first cover 111. In this embodiment, the second mounting portion 1112 is integrally formed with the first cover 111. In other embodiments, it may also be disposed in a split manner, which is not limited herein. A guide rail is disposed inside the second mounting portion 1112. The guide rail extends in the third direction, and openings are provided at both ends of the extending direction. The second mounting portion 1112 and the stress column 1111 are used for cooperating with the separation assembly. For the specific cooperation method, please refer to the following text.

[0063] The identification assembly is located at the first end 11 of the cartridge body 10. In this embodiment, the identification assembly includes a storage medium 33. An electrical contact surface 34 is provided on the storage medium 33. The storage medium 33 is used for storing information of the developing cartridge 1. The electrical contact surface 34 is used for electrically connecting with an electrical contact pin in an identification slot of the image forming apparatus. In a state where the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge 1 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus through the electrical contact surface 34, so that the information in the storage medium 33 can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, thereby enabling the developing cartridge 1 to be recognized by the image forming apparatus. Among them, the storage medium 33 and the electrical contact surface 34 may be integrally formed or may be disposed in a split manner.

[0064] To facilitate the installation of the storage medium 33, the developing cartridge 1 further includes a chip holder 32. The chip holder 32 may be fixedly disposed on the first cover 111, and the storage medium 33 is installed on the chip holder 32.

[0065] In some embodiments, the chip holder 32 can be directly fixed to the cartridge body 10 or the chip holder 32 is integrally formed with the first cover 111.

[0066] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 further includes a guiding assembly and a pushing assembly. The guiding assembly includes a first guiding portion 1121 and a second guiding portion 1241. The first guiding portion 1121 is located at the first end 11, and the second guiding portion 1241 is located at the second end 12. The first guiding portion 1121 is guided by the first guiding part 211, and the second guiding portion 1241 is guided by the second guiding part 221, which is used to guide the smooth installation of the developing cartridge 1 to the drum assembly 2. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the pushing assembly is abutted by the force-applying assembly so that the developing cartridge 1 receives the pushing force applied by the drum assembly 2, making the developing roller 131 in close contact with the photosensitive drum 23. The pushing assembly includes a first pushing portion 1122 located at the first end 11 and a second pushing portion 1242 located at the second end 12. The first pushing portion 1121 is abutted by the first force-applying member to receive the pushing force, and the second pushing portion 1242 is abutted by the second force-applying member to receive the pushing force. In this embodiment, the first pushing portion 1122 and the first guiding portion 1121 are integrally formed into an assembly 112 to simplify the structure of the developing cartridge 1. The assembly 112 can be integrally formed with the cartridge body 10 or can be provided in a split manner.

[0067] To facilitate the filling of toner, a powder filling port 121 is further provided at the second end 12. The developer is poured into the cartridge body 10 through the powder filling port 121. A sealing cover is arranged at the powder filling port 121, and the sealing cover is used to seal the powder filling port 121 to prevent the leakage of the developer.

[0068] Continuing to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the second end 12 further includes a support member 123 and a second bearing 124. The support member 123 can be fixedly installed on the cartridge 10 by means of screws or the like. The support member 123 includes a first mounting portion 1231. The first mounting portion 1231 can be integrally formed with the support member 123 or can be provided in a split manner. The first mounting portion 1231 is used to cooperate with the separation assembly. The specific cooperation method is described in detail below. The second bearing 124 can be fixedly installed on the second end 12 by means of screws or other means. A second guided portion 1241 and a second pushing portion 1242 are provided on the second bearing 124. The inside of the first mounting portion 1231 is hollow and is provided with a guide rail. The guide rail extends in the third direction and openings are provided at both ends of the extension. The developing roller 131 and the powder supply roller are rotatably supported by the second bearing 124 at one end of the second end 12. In this embodiment, the second bearing 124 is made of a conductive material. The second pushing portion 1242 contacts the conductive portion in the drum assembly 2 so that the second pushing portion 1242 receives the voltage output by the image forming apparatus through the drum assembly 2. That is, the second pushing portion 1242 can be regarded as the electrode in this embodiment, receiving the external voltage and transmitting the voltage to the developing roller 131 and the powder supply roller.

[0069] In some other embodiments, to save the production cost of the developing cartridge 1, the second bearing 124 is made of a common material. The second bearing 124 and the electrical receiving portion can be provided separately, and then the voltage is transmitted from the electrical receiving portion to the developing roller 131 and the powder supply roller through a conductive member such as an iron sheet. In this embodiment, the second guided portion 1241 can be a hollow columnar portion, which can cooperate with the developing roller shaft of the developing roller 131 close to the second end 12 to prevent the developing roller 131 from directly contacting and relatively rotating with the developing cartridge 1, causing wear of the developing roller shaft / cartridge 10.

[0070] The separation assembly is used to receive the separation force applied by the separation force output member on the image forming apparatus and transmit the separation force to the cartridge, so that the cartridge moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum, thereby separating the developing roller 131 from the photosensitive drum 23.

[0071] Refer to simultaneously Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the separation assembly includes a separation force receiving member 122 and a flexible member 17. In this embodiment, the flexible member 17 is at least partially located between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The separation force receiving member 122 is installed on the hollow guide rail of the first mounting portion 1231 along the third direction, and can move up and down in the third direction relative to the first mounting portion 1231. The separation force receiving member 122 includes a first inclined surface 1221, a first connecting column 1222, and a second inclined surface 1223. When the separation force receiving member 122 is installed on the first mounting portion 1231, the first inclined surface 1221 is located on a side away from the developing roller 131 in the second direction, and the normal distance from the fifth end 15 of the developing cartridge 1 is getting closer and closer from the back to the front. When the separation force receiving member 122 is installed on the first mounting portion 1231, the second inclined surface 1223 is located on a side close to the developing roller 131 in the third direction, and the normal distance from the developing roller 131 is getting closer and closer from the bottom to the top. The first connection column 1222 is located on one side of the separation force receiving member 122 close to the first inclined surface 1221 and is a columnar portion extending in the first direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the separation assembly further includes a transmission member 113, which is mounted on the hollow inner guide rail of the second mounting portion 1112. The transmission member 113 can move up and down in the third direction relative to the second mounting portion 1112 in the second mounting portion 1112. When the transmission member 113 is mounted in the second mounting portion 1112, the first elastic member 114 is mounted between the transmission member 113 and the second mounting portion 1112, that is, when the transmission member 113 moves downward in the third direction relative to the second mounting portion 1112, the first elastic member 114 can be compressed, and when the first elastic member 114 releases its elastic force, the transmission member 113 can move upward in the third direction relative to the second mounting portion 1112. A second connecting column (not shown in the figure) is provided on the transmission member 113, which is provided at the bottom of the transmission member 113.

[0073] One end of the flexible member 17 is connected to the separation force receiving member 122 through the first connecting column 1222, and the other end of the flexible member 17 is connected to the bottom of the transmission member 113 through the second connecting column. When the developing box 1 and the drum assembly 2 are in a natural state (i.e., a working state), the flexible member 17 is in a state of being free from force and being stretched straight. Specifically, at the first end 11, the flexible member 17 bypasses the force-bearing column 1111 and is connected to the transmission member 113, i.e., the flexible member 17 is located below the force-bearing column 1111 in the third direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the flexible member 17 is not easily deformed when subjected to force, that is, the flexible member can be a steel wire rope, a nylon rope, etc. As long as the flexible member 17 has a certain strength and will not be stretched and lengthened when subjected to force, the specific material is not limited too much here.

[0075] like Figures 8 - 10As shown, this is the specific method for separating the drum roller of the developing cartridge in this embodiment. When the image forming apparatus applies a first separating force F1 to the first inclined surface 1221 in the second direction, the first separating force F1 generates a second force F2 downward in the third direction under the action of the first inclined surface 1221. The separating force receiving member 122 moves downward along the first mounting portion 1231 under the action of the second force F2, causing the second inclined surface 1223 to abut against the abutting portion 222 on the drum assembly 2. Since the drum assembly 2 does not move, the abutting portion 222 generates a reaction force on the separating force receiving member 122, thereby causing the side of the developing cartridge 1 near the second end 12 to rotate with the portion where the developing roller 131 still contacts the photosensitive drum 23 as a fulcrum, that is, the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23 are partially separated. While the separating force receiving member 122 continues to move downward under the action of the second force F2, the separating force receiving member 122 drives the flexible member 17 to move together through the first connecting column 1222, that is, the flexible member 17 on the developing cartridge 1 moves from left to right. At this time, at the first end 11, the flexible member 17 deflected by the force receiving column 1111 generates a third force F3 downward in the third direction on the transmitting member 113, and the transmitting member 113 moves downward in the third direction under the action of the third force F3, and the first elastic member 114 is compressed. In this embodiment, an axis parallel to the first axis in the first direction and passing through the point of contact of the separating force receiving member 122 is set as the first parallel line L1, and an axis parallel to the first axis in the first direction and passing through the point where the flexible member 17 is connected to the first end 11 is set as the second parallel line L2. The first parallel line L1 and the second parallel line L2 have a first distance H1 in the second direction, that is, there is a certain angle formed between the line connecting the point of contact of the separating force receiving member 122 and the abutting portion 222 and the point of connection of the transmitting member 113 and the flexible member 17 and the first direction. At the same time, the second parallel line L2 is closer to the first axis than the first parallel line L1. Therefore, after the flexible member 17 at the first end 11 is stressed to generate the second force F2, a fourth force F4 backward in the second direction will be generated when it bypasses the force receiving column 1111. Under the action of the fourth force F4, the developing cartridge 1 rotates around the point of contact of the separating force receiving member 122 and the abutting portion 222, and the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23 are completely separated.

[0076] Furthermore, along the first direction, the projections of the point where the flexible member 17 contacts the separating force receiving member 122 and the point where the flexible member 17 is connected to the first end 11 do not coincide, and the point where the flexible member 17 contacts the first end 11 is closer to the developing roller 131 than the point where the flexible member 17 contacts the separating force receiving member 122.

[0077] When the image forming apparatus no longer applies the first separating force F1 to the developing cartridge 1, the first elastic member 114 releases the elastic force it has accumulated, causing the transfer member 113 to move upward in the third direction, thereby driving the flexible member 17 to move from left to right. The flexible member 17 moving from left to right drives the separating force receiving member 122 to move upward in the third direction at the second end 12. That is, after the drum roller separation of the developing cartridge 1 is completed, the elastic member 114 assists the separating assembly to return to the position before the drum roller separation.

[0078] Embodiment 2

[0079] Compared with Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the moving direction of the separating force receiving member is different from that in Embodiment 1 and there is no transfer member in this embodiment. The remaining structures and the separating process are exactly the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0080] As Figures 11 - 14 shown, in this embodiment, a first mounting portion 1231 is provided on the second end 12. The inside of the first mounting portion 1231 is hollow and has a track in the second direction, and both ends of the track have openings. The separating force receiving member 122 is installed in the inner guide rail of the first mounting portion 1231 and can move back and forth in the second direction relative to the developing cartridge 1. In the third direction, a buckle 161 is provided on the sixth end 16 of the developing cartridge 1. One end of the flexible member 17 is connected to the separating force receiving member 122, and the other end is connected to the first end 11 through the buckle 161. Specifically, a groove 1114 is formed on the collar portion 1113 of the first cover 111, and the flexible member 17 extends into the through hole through the groove 1114 and is connected to the collar portion 1113.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the separating force is applied to the first inclined surface 1221, no component force in the third direction is generated on the first inclined surface. Therefore, when the separating member applies the first separating force F1 to the first inclined surface 1221 in the second direction, it drives the separating force receiving member 122 to move forward in the second direction. At this time, the second inclined surface 1223 on the separating force receiving member 122 abuts against the abutting portion 222 on the drum assembly 2, causing the developing cartridge 1 to rotate around the point where the developing roller 131 contacts the photosensitive drum 23, that is, the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23 are partially separated. At the same time, the separating force receiving member 122 moving in the second direction drives the flexible member 17 to move. The flexible member 17 applies a backward force in the second direction to the first end 11 through the collar portion 1113, which is the fourth force F4. That is, under the action of the fourth force F4, the developing cartridge 1 rotates around the point where the separating force receiving member 122 contacts the abutting portion 222, causing the developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 23 to be completely separated. The specific separating process is exactly the same as that in Embodiment 1 and will not be elaborated here.

[0082] Further, the buckle 161 can also be provided at the fourth end 14 of the developing cartridge 1. That is, one end of the flexible member 17 is connected to the separation force receiving member 122 and bypasses the fourth end 14 of the developing cartridge 1, and the other end of the flexible member 17 is connected to the driving portion 40. In this way, when the flexible member 17 is driven by the separation force receiving member 122, the fourth force F4 transmitted to the driving portion 40 points to the fourth end 14, which is more convenient for separating the drum roller at the first end of the developing cartridge 1.

[0083] Embodiment III

[0084] In this embodiment, compared with Embodiment II, the separation force receiving member is provided at the first end, that is, the force receiving process is opposite to that of Embodiment II, but the separation process is basically the same as that of Embodiment II.

[0085] As Figures 15 - 18 shown, in this embodiment, the drum assembly 2 is further provided with a separation portion 212 on the first side 21. The separation portion 212 has a force receiving surface 2121 and a force transmitting surface 2122. In the third direction, the force transmitting surface 2122 is located above the force receiving surface 2121. In this embodiment, the separation force receiving member is the flexible member 17. A first fixing portion 1123 for fixing the flexible member 17 is provided on the assembly 112 at the first end 11 (similar to the second mounting portion 1112 in Embodiment I). The first fixing portion 1123 has a recess for accommodating the force transmitting surface 2122, and the bottom wall of the recess can be set as an abutting surface. The flexible member 17 is connected to the two side walls of the recess, so that the connecting portion of the first fixing portion 1123 and the flexible member forms a force receiving portion. Inside the recess, there is a distance H2 between the flexible member 17 and the bottom wall of the recess in the second direction. At the second end 12, the developing cartridge 1 is provided with a fixing bracket 125, and a second fixing portion 1251 for connecting with the flexible member 17 is provided on the fixing bracket 125.

[0086] Specifically, when the force receiving surface 2121 of the separating portion 212 receives the second separating force F5 applied by the image forming apparatus, the separating portion 212 rotates clockwise, causing the force transmitting surface 2122 to rotate toward the recess and abut against the flexible member 17. Since there is a distance H2 between the flexible member 17 and the recess on the first fixing portion 1123, the flexible member first receives the second separating force F5 and moves from left to right in the first direction, thereby generating a sixth force F6 at the second end 12. The sixth force F6 acts on the second fixing portion 1251 on the fixing bracket 125, driving the second end 12 to rotate around the point where the flexible member 17 contacts the force transmitting surface 2122. That is, the developing roller 131 at the second end 12 is the first to separate from the photosensitive drum 23. When the force transmitting surface 2122 rotates toward the first fixing portion 1123 by a distance equal to the distance H2 after contacting the flexible member 17, that is, when the force transmitting surface 2122 abuts against the first fixing portion 1123, at this time, the force transmitting surface 2122 continues to rotate, applying a reaction force to the first fixing portion 1123 and pushing the first fixing portion 1123 to move, so as to drive the developing cartridge to move, causing the developing roller 131 at the first end 11 of the developing cartridge 1 to separate from the photosensitive drum 23. At this time, the developing roller 131 is completely separated from the photosensitive drum 23. At the same time, the force receiving process is exactly opposite to that of the second embodiment, but the separation process is basically the same as that of the second embodiment, and will not be elaborated here too much.

[0087] In the present application, by providing a separating force receiving member at the second end / first end of the developing cartridge, using a flexible member to connect the separating portion to the first end / second end of the developing cartridge, when the separating force receiving member at the second end / first end receives the separating force and moves, driving the flexible member to move together, the separating force is transmitted from the second end / first end to the first end / second end, thereby causing the developing roller to be completely separated from the photosensitive drum. Such a structure enables the developing cartridge to not need to provide components at the first end / second end to receive the separating force applied by the image forming apparatus at the first end / second end, reducing the number of components of the developing cartridge, lowering the cost, and simplifying the separation process.

[0088] Embodiment 4

[0089] The developing cartridge of this embodiment has basically the same structure as the developing cartridge of the above embodiment, and the difference lies in that the structure of the separating assembly is different. In this embodiment, the separating force receiving member 122 and the transmitting member 113 are both provided at the second end 12.

[0090] Such as Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, a support member 123 is provided at the second end 12, and both the separation force receiving member 122 and the transmission member 113 are movably supported by the support member 123. The separation force receiving member 122 includes a first inclined surface 1221 and a second inclined surface 1223, and the first inclined surface 1221 and the second inclined surface 1223 are respectively located at two ends of the separation force receiving member 122. The support member 123 has a first mounting portion 1231 therein. The first mounting portion 1231 is hollow inside and has a track along the second direction. A first guide rail portion 126 is further provided on the second end 12. The extending direction of the first guide rail portion 126 is the same as that of the second mounting portion, and the first guide rail portion 126 and the second mounting portion form a limiting channel in combination. The separation force receiving member 122 is disposed in the limiting channel and guides the sliding direction of the separation force receiving member 122. This embodiment is preferably a linear guide rail, and in other embodiments, it may be a curved guide rail.

[0091] The transmission member 113 is movably mounted to the first mounting portion 1231. The transmission member 113 includes a third inclined surface 1131. The extending direction of the third inclined surface 1131 intersects with the second direction and the third direction. In this embodiment, the transmission member 113 can abut against the abutting portion 222 on the drum assembly 2.

[0092] The developing cartridge further includes a first elastic member 114. In this embodiment, the first elastic member 114 is disposed at the second end 12. The first elastic member 114 acts on the transmission member 113 and is preferably located between the transmission member 113 and the bottom of the first mounting portion 1231.

[0093] The developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum assembly 2, and the two are jointly mounted in the image forming apparatus. When the image forming apparatus does not output a separation force, the pressing component receives the pressing force applied by the force applying component, so that the developing roller 131 remains in contact with the photosensitive drum 23, and the separation force receiving member 122 and the transmission member 113 do not move relative to the cartridge body 10. When the image forming apparatus starts to output the first separation force F1, the first inclined surface 1221 of the separation force receiving member 122 receives the separation force, so that the separation force receiving member 122 moves forward relative to the cartridge body 10, and the second inclined surface 1223 abuts against the third inclined surface 1131 on the transmission member 113, so that the transmission member 113 moves downward relative to the cartridge body 10. The first elastic member 114 is compressed and stores elastic force. The transmission member 113 abuts against the abutting portion 222 and slides against the abutting portion 222. Since the extending direction of the abutting portion 222 intersects with the third direction and the second direction, during the process of the transmission member 113 sliding against the abutting portion 222, the abutting portion 222 exerts a reaction force, that is, the seventh force F7 (the same as the fourth force F4 in the previous text), on the abutting surface 332, so that the cartridge body 10 moves relative to the photosensitive drum 23, and further the developing roller 131 is separated from the photosensitive drum 23.

[0094] When the image forming apparatus stops outputting the separating force, the transfer member 113 moves upward relative to the cartridge 10 under the elastic force of the first elastic member 114. The transfer member 113 drives the separating force receiving member 122 to move in the reverse direction, and the separating assembly is reset.

[0095] Embodiment Five

[0096] The developing cartridge of this embodiment is basically the same in structure as that of the developing cartridge in Embodiment Four. The main difference lies in that there is a flexible member between the separating force receiving member and the transfer member in the second direction, and the rest of the structure is exactly the same, and the separating process is also exactly the same.

[0097] As Figure 21 shown, in this embodiment, a first guide rail portion 126 is provided on the second end 12. The first guide rail portion 126 is preferably a curved groove. The separating force receiving member 122 includes a first connecting portion 1224 and a first guided portion 1225. The first guided portion 1225 protrudes from the separating force receiving member 122 in the first direction. The first guided portion 1225 is inserted into the first guide rail portion 126 so that the separating force receiving member 122 is supported by the cartridge 10 to guide the movement direction of the separating force receiving member 122 through the first guide rail portion 126. The first connecting portion 1224 is in the shape of a hole and is located at the end of the separating force receiving member 122 facing the developing roller 131.

[0098] The transfer member 113 includes a second connecting portion 1132, a second guided portion 1133, and a third inclined surface 1131. The second connecting portion 1132 is in the shape of a hole extending in the third direction. A second guide rail portion 127 is provided on the second bearing 124. The second guide rail portion 127 is a rail protrusion extending in the third direction, and the second guide rail portion 127 is used to mount the transfer member 113. The second guided portion 1133 is in the shape of a groove extending in the third direction. The second guide rail portion 127 is embedded in the second guided portion 1133 to guide the movement direction of the transfer member 113. The third inclined surface 1131 is used to abut against the drum assembly 2, and further abuts against the abutting portion 222 on the drum assembly 2.

[0099] The two ends of the flexible member 17 are respectively connected to the first connecting portion 1224 and the second connecting portion 1132. In the second direction, the flexible member 17 is located between the separating force receiving member 122 and the transfer member 113, and the transfer member 113 is closer to the third end 13 than the separating force receiving member 122. In the third direction, the transfer member 113 is closer to the sixth end 16 than the separating force receiving member 122.

[0100] A first elastic member 114 and a second elastic member 116 are also provided at the second end 12. The first elastic member 114 acts on the separating force receiving member 122, and the second elastic member 116 acts on the transfer member 113.

[0101] AsFigure 22 As shown, when the image forming apparatus starts to output the first separation force F1, the separation force receiving member 122 receives the first separation force F1, causing the separation force receiving member 122 to move forward relative to the cartridge 10 along the first guide portion 126. A third track 1232 is further provided on the support member 123. The third track 1232 is arc-shaped and is used to limit the flexible member 17. The separation force receiving member 122 drives the flexible member 17 to bend and move under the guidance of the third track 1232, so as to convert the forward separation force into a downward separation force in the third direction. The flexible member 17 transmits the separation force to the transmission member 113, and further causes the transmission member 113 to move relative to the cartridge 10 in the third direction along the second guide portion 127. The third inclined surface 1131 abuts against the abutting portion 222 and moves relatively. The abutting portion 222 exerts a reaction force on the transmission member 113. The transmission member 113 transmits the reaction force to the cartridge 10, causing the cartridge 10 to overcome the urging force under the action of the reaction force and move relative to the photosensitive drum 23, and further causing the developing roller 131 to separate from the photosensitive drum 23. The first elastic member 114 and the second elastic member 116 are both compressed and store elastic force. The separation process is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The only difference is that in this embodiment, the separation force receiving member 122 drives the transmission member 113 through the flexible member 17, which is different from the direct contact drive between the separation force receiving member 122 and the transmission member 113 in the fourth embodiment. The rest of the separation process is exactly the same and will not be elaborated here.

[0102] In other embodiments, the other end of the flexible member 17 is directly connected to the second end 12 of the cartridge 10, and the flexible member is in a "U" shape with an opening facing the fourth end 14. When the separation force receiving member 122 applies a separation force to the flexible member 17, the flexible member 17 applies a separation force to the second end 12, causing the cartridge 10 to move relative to the drum assembly 2. In this embodiment, the drum roller separation can be achieved without setting the transmission member 113.

[0103] In this embodiment, the forward separation force is converted into a downward separation force through a bendable rope member to prevent the hard block from moving smoothly or being directly stuck during curvilinear motion, which can ensure the stable realization of the functions of the developing cartridge.

[0104] The above is only the preferred specific embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, detachably mounted on a drum assembly of an image forming device, characterized in that: The developing box comprises: The box body has a first end and a second end in the first direction, a third end and a fourth end in the second direction, and a fifth end and a sixth end in the third direction; a developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a power receiving portion, which is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction and is located at the first end; A storage medium storing information of the developing box; An electrical contact surface capable of being electrically connected to the storage medium; A separation assembly, for receiving a separation force applied by an image forming device to separate the developing box from the photosensitive drum of the drum assembly, comprising: a separation force receiving member capable of receiving a separation force applied by the image forming device; A flexible member, one end of which is connected to the separation force receiving member, can change the direction of the separation force through the flexible member when receiving the separation force to move the developing box relative to the drum assembly.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least a portion of the flexible member is located at the second end.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The separation force receiving member is arranged at the second end, and can move relative to the box body after receiving the separation force, and drive the flexible member to move relative to the box body.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second end is provided with a third track, the third track is arc-shaped, and the flexible member moves along the third track.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flexible member abuts against the second end to enable the second end to move relative to the drum assembly.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The separation component also includes a transmission member, which is arranged at the second end. The other end of the flexible member is connected to the transmission member. The flexible member drives the transmission member to move so that the transmission member abuts against the drum component.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible member is at least partially located between the first end and the second end.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The separation force receiving member abuts against the drum assembly to move the second end relative to the drum assembly; The other end of the flexible member is connected to the first end, and the separation force receiving member enables the first end to move relative to the drum assembly through the flexible member.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that: In the first direction, the point where the separation force receiving member and the flexible member are connected does not coincide with the projection of the point where the flexible member and the first end are connected, and in the second direction, the point where the flexible member and the first end are connected is closer to the developing roller than the point where the separation force receiving member and the flexible member are connected.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The separation force receiving member is arranged at the first end, and the separation force receiving member is a protrusion or the flexible member.

Images