A processing box

Abstract

A processing cartridge includes: a developing unit including a developing frame and a developing roller rotatably disposed on the developing frame about an axis extending in a first direction; a protective cover; and an isolation member for isolating a charging roller and a photosensitive drum, the isolation member being movable from a first position to a second position on the processing cartridge; in an initial state, the protective cover is disposed on at least a portion of the drum unit and / or the developing unit, the isolation member is locked in the first position and abuts against the charging roller, such that there is at least a partial gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, and a second elastic member deforms to store force; when the protective cover is removed from the processing cartridge, the isolation member is unlocked, the second elastic member returns to its original deformation, causing the charging roller to move toward the photosensitive drum, and after being unlocked, the isolation member is pushed by the charging roller from the first position to the second position in a direction away from the charging roller, such that the charging roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of optical image forming, and more specifically to a processing box. Background Technology

[0002] In the internal structure of image forming apparatuses (such as printers and copiers), the processing cartridge plays a crucial role, responsible for the core process of converting electronic signals into a physical image. The processing cartridge typically consists of two main parts: a drum unit and a developing unit. The drum unit mainly comprises a photosensitive drum and a charging roller, while the developing unit contains key components such as a developing roller. During printing, the photosensitive drum in the drum unit first forms a uniform charge layer on its surface through contact with the charging roller. Subsequently, a laser beam selectively irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum according to the information of the image to be printed, eliminating the charge in some areas, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the drum surface corresponding to the original image. Next, the developing roller in the developing unit, carrying charged toner particles, approaches the photosensitive drum. Due to electrostatic attraction, the toner is attracted to the area on the photosensitive drum with the electrostatic latent image, completing the developing process.

[0003] The photosensitive drum is generally made of aluminum tubing, with a layer of photosensitive material coated on its surface. The charging roller surface is usually a rubber structure. The time interval between the completion of the cartridge manufacturing process and its sale to individual printer users for use is often long. If the photosensitive drum and charging roller surfaces are in contact for an extended period, the rubber structure on the charging roller's bushing can contaminate the photosensitive coating on the photosensitive drum surface, leading to serious printing quality defects.

[0004] In existing technologies, isolation pins are typically installed between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum to form a protective gap. The isolation pins are mostly inserted from the two end caps of the processing box. During the production of the processing box, the isolation pins need to be inserted when assembling the processing box. Before use, the user needs to remove the isolation pins. However, in practice, there are problems such as the isolation pin removal operation not being smooth enough, and users forgetting to remove the pins, which affects printing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a processing cartridge is provided for detachable mounting to an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0006] The drum unit includes a drum frame, a photosensitive drum rotatably disposed on the drum frame about an axis extending in a first direction, a charging roller rotatably disposed on the drum frame about an axis extending in the first direction, and a second elastic member for moving the charging roller toward the photosensitive drum.

[0007] The developing unit includes a developing frame and a developing roller rotatably disposed on the developing frame about an axis extending in a first direction.

[0008] Protective shield; and

[0009] An isolation member is used to isolate the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, and the isolation member is movable from a first position to a second position on the processing box;

[0010] In the initial state, the protective cover is disposed on at least a portion of the drum unit and / or the developing unit, the isolation member is locked in the first position and abuts against the charging roller, so that there is at least a partial gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, and the second elastic member deforms and stores force; when the protective cover is removed from the processing box, the isolation member is released from locking, the second elastic member returns to its original deformation and moves the charging roller toward the photosensitive drum, and after the isolation member is released from locking, it is pushed by the charging roller to move from the first position to the second position away from the charging roller, so that the charging roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

[0011] This invention features a protective cover and an interlocking isolation component. When the protective cover is in place, the isolation component creates a gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum. When the protective cover is removed, the isolation component is unlocked, thus automatically releasing the gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, allowing the processing box to be installed and operated. Compared to existing technologies that require both the protective cover and the isolation pin to be removed, this solution only requires the protective cover to be removed, reducing the user's operation process and preventing situations where the user only remembers to remove the protective cover but forgets to remove the isolation pin, causing the processing box to malfunction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge further includes a first elastic element for moving the developing unit toward a contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

[0013] The protective cover is equipped with an abutment part;

[0014] In the initial state, the contact part abuts against the developing unit, causing the developing unit to be in the separation position where the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated. The first elastic element deforms and stores force, the isolation member is in the first position, and there is at least a partial gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum. The second elastic element deforms and stores force. When the protective cover is removed from the processing box, the contact part leaves the developing unit. The first elastic element returns to its original shape, causing the developing unit to move towards the contact position where the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are in contact. The developing unit drives the isolation member to unlock so that the isolation member can be pushed by the charging roller from the first position to the second position. The second elastic element returns to its original shape, causing the charging roller to move toward the photosensitive drum and contact the photosensitive drum.

[0015] In some embodiments, the isolation member includes an isolation portion inserted between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum at a first position, such that the charging roller moves away from the photosensitive drum. The isolation portion is configured to slide from the first position to a second position away from the charging roller, such that the charging roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

[0016] In some embodiments, the isolation member is configured to slide from a first position to a second position along a first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the developing unit is provided with a force-applying part, the drum unit is provided with a locking structure, the isolation member further includes a force-receiving part and a locking part, and the isolation member is configured to be rotatable;

[0018] At the first position, the locking part is locked to the locking structure; when the developing unit moves to the contact position, the force-applying part acts on the force-receiving part to cause the isolation member to rotate, and the locking part rotates to leave the locking structure to unlock. After unlocking, the isolation member can slide from the first position to the second position.

[0019] In some implementations, the isolation member is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a first direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the isolation member further includes a rotating part rotatably mounted on the drum frame;

[0021] The isolation section protrudes beyond the rotating section along the first direction;

[0022] The force-bearing part protrudes from the rotating part in a direction perpendicular to the first direction;

[0023] The locking part is formed on the force-bearing part.

[0024] In some embodiments, the locking part and the locking structure are mutually adapted inclined surfaces.

[0025] In some embodiments, the drum frame includes an end cap, and a locking structure is formed inside the end cap;

[0026] The developing frame includes a developing cover and a bearing, with the force-applying part located on the developing cover or the bearing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the end cap is provided with a receiving portion, and the rotating portion is rotatably disposed in the receiving portion;

[0028] The receiving part is also connected to a limiting part, which is used to prevent the rotating part from detaching from the end cover in the first direction.

[0029] In some embodiments, the isolation portion is provided with a first isolation slope inclined to a first direction. The first isolation slope is inclined to the direction of the photosensitive drum in the direction toward the charging roller, and the first isolation slope is used to abut against the end of the charging roller.

[0030] In some embodiments, the processing box further includes an isolation boss fixedly mounted on the drum frame. The isolation member and the isolation boss abut against two opposite ends of the charging roller in a first direction, thereby preventing the charging roller from contacting the photosensitive drum completely.

[0031] In some embodiments, the drum frame includes an end cap, an isolation boss is disposed inside the end cap, and the isolation boss is provided with a second isolation ramp inclined to the first direction. The second isolation ramp is inclined to the direction of the photosensitive drum in the direction toward the charging roller, and the second isolation ramp is used to abut against the end of the charging roller.

[0032] In some implementations, the isolation member is located on the drive side of the processing box.

[0033] In some implementations, the isolation member is located on the non-drive side of the processing box. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the processing box according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box on the drive side according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the developing unit is located at the separation position and the isolation member is located at the first position;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the processing box according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the processing box on the drive side according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the isolation member is located at the first position;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box on the non-driving side of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drive-side end cap and isolation member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the isolation member is located in the first position;

[0040] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the drive-side end cap and isolation component according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the drive-side end cap and isolation member of Embodiment 1 of the present invention from another perspective;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box on the drive side according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the developing unit is located at the contact position and the isolation member is located at the second position;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the processing box on the drive side according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the isolation member has been rotated by a certain angle from the first position;

[0044] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the processing box on the drive side according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the isolation member is located in the second position;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box on the non-driving side of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box on the non-driving side of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, omitting the conductive side end cap;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the non-driving side of the processing box in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the processing box on the drive side according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure label:

[0050] Drum unit 8; photosensitive drum 4; charging roller 5; second elastic element 51; drum frame 11; frame 12; drive side end cover 13; first rotating hole 131; second rotating hole 132; guide hole 133; receiving part 134; limiting part 135; locking structure 136; conductive side end cover 14; isolation boss 141; second isolation slope 1411; drum coupling 15;

[0051] Developing unit 9; developing frame 21; cassette 22; drive-side bearing 23; conductive-side bearing 24; developing coupling 25; developing cover 27; cylindrical section 270; guide protrusion 271; force application section 272; developing roller 6;

[0052] First elastic element 3;

[0053] Protective cover 101; Contact part 1011;

[0054] Isolation component 102; rotating part 1021; isolation part 1022; first isolation inclined surface 10221; force-bearing part 1023; locking part 1024. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0057] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] This embodiment provides a processing cartridge that is detachably installed in an image forming apparatus. The processing cartridge includes a drum unit 8, a developing unit 9, a protective cover 101, and an isolation member 102.

[0062] See Figure 1To better illustrate the structure of the processing box in this embodiment, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is established. The length direction of the processing box is defined as the first direction, and the processing box has a relative left (driving side) and right (non-driving side, also known as the conductive side) in the first direction. The width direction of the processing box is defined as the second direction, and the processing box has a relative front and rear in the second direction. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are arranged opposite to each other in the width direction of the processing box, with the drum unit 8 located at the front end and the developing unit 9 located at the rear end. The height direction of the processing box is defined as the third direction, and the processing box has a relative up and down in the third direction.

[0063] See Figure 1-2 and Figure 12 The drum unit 8 includes a photosensitive drum 4, a charging roller 5, a second elastic element 51, a cleaning blade, a drum coupling 15, and a drum frame 11. The drum frame 11 includes a frame body 12 and end caps. The end caps are respectively fixed on both ends of the frame body 12 along the first direction, namely the driving side end cap 13 on the driving side and the non-driving side conductive side end cap 14. The frame body 12 forms a waste toner bin for collecting waste developer. The conductive side end cap 14 is located at the right end of the drum frame 11, and the driving side end cap 13 is located at the left end of the drum frame 11. The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably mounted on the driving side end cap 13 and the conductive side end cap 14 at both ends along the first direction. The photosensitive drum 4 can rotate around an axis extending along the first direction. The charging roller 5 is also mounted on the drum frame 11 at both ends along the first direction. The charging roller 5 is used to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 with a uniform charge, so that the photosensitive drum 4 can adsorb developer. The charging roller 5 can rotate around an axis extending along the first direction. The charging roller 5 includes a roller shaft and a bushing sleeve that rotates with the roller shaft. A second elastic member 51 is used to move the charging roller 5 toward the photosensitive drum 4, so that the outer circumferential surface of the bushing sleeve of the charging roller 5 can tightly adhere to the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum. The drum coupling 15 is connected to the left end of the photosensitive drum 4 and is rotatably mounted on the drive-side end cover 13, for receiving driving force from the main component side drum drive coupling of the image forming apparatus.

[0064] The drive-side end cover 13 is provided with a first rotating hole 131 and a second rotating hole 132. Both the first rotating hole 131 and the second rotating hole 132 are through-hole structures on the drive-side end cover 13. The rotation axis of the first rotating hole 131 extends along a first direction. The developing unit 9 can move relative to the drum unit 8, thereby moving from the separation position where the developing roller 6 is separated from the photosensitive drum 4 to the contact position where the developing roller 6 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 4. Further, the developing unit 9 moves by rotation, but in other embodiments it can also be by translation. In this embodiment, the developing unit 9 is rotatably mounted on the drum frame 11. Specifically, the left end of the developing unit 9 in the first direction is rotatably mounted on the first rotating hole 131 of the drive-side end cover 13, and the right end of the developing unit 9 in the first direction is rotatably mounted on the conductive end cover 14, so that the developing unit 9 can rotate around the rotation axis of the first rotating hole 131. The drum coupling 15 is rotatably mounted in the second rotating hole 132 and drives the photosensitive drum 4. A portion of the drum coupling 15 exposed outside the second rotating hole 132 can receive the driving force of the image forming apparatus.

[0065] See Figure 1-2 The developing unit 9 includes a developing frame 21, a developing coupling 25, a developing roller 6, and a powder feeding roller. The developing frame 21 includes a housing 22, a developing cover 27, and bearings, wherein the bearings include a drive-side bearing 23 and a conductive-side bearing 24. The housing 22 has a hollow interior, forming a powder hopper for storing developer. Drive-side bearings 23 and conductive-side bearings 24 are respectively located at both ends of the housing 22 in the first direction, i.e., the drive side and the non-drive side. The powder feeding roller and the developing roller 6 are rotatably supported on the drive-side bearings 23 and conductive-side bearings 24 at both ends of the developing frame 21 in the first direction. The drive-side bearings 23 are installed at the left end of the developing frame 21, and the conductive-side bearings 24 are installed at the right end of the developing frame 21. Both the powder feeding roller and the developing roller 6 are capable of rotating about an axis extending in the first direction. A developing gear is installed at the left end of the developing roller 6. The developing gear is sleeved on the roller shaft of the developing roller 6 and extends out of the drive-side bearing 23. A powder feeding gear is installed at the left end of the powder feeding roller. The powder feeding gear is sleeved on the roller shaft of the powder feeding roller and extends out of the drive-side bearing 23. The powder feeding roller can transport the developer in the developing frame 21 to the developing roller 6. The developer adsorbed by the developing roller 6 is transferred to the photosensitive drum 4 through the potential difference between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4. The developer on the photosensitive drum 4 is then transferred by the transfer belt of the image forming apparatus to form an image on the recording material (e.g., paper).

[0066] The developing cover 27 is a cover structure, detachably mounted on the left side of the drive-side bearing 23. The developing cover 27 has a cylindrical portion 270, which is a cylindrical structure formed on the left side of the developing cover 27. The cylindrical portion 270 is installed within the first rotating hole 131 and rotates, allowing the developing unit 9 to be connected to the drum unit 8 via the developing cover 27. The developing unit 9 can rotate relative to the drum unit 8 around the axis of the first rotating hole 131. When the developing unit 9 is positioned relative to the drum unit 8... Figure 2 When the developing roller 6 rotates in the opposite direction to the R1 direction, it moves away from the photosensitive drum 4, thus disengaging from the photosensitive drum 4. At this time, the developing unit 9 is in the separated position, and the processing cartridge cannot perform developing operations. When the developing unit 9 is positioned relative to the drum unit 8... Figure 2 When the developing roller 6 rotates in the R1 direction, it moves closer to the photosensitive drum 4 and comes into contact with it. At this time, the developing unit 9 is in the contact position, and the processing cartridge can perform developing operations. The developing coupling 25 is rotatably disposed inside the developing cover 27. It drives the developing gear and the powder feeding gear respectively through a gear structure, thereby driving the developing roller 6 and the powder feeding roller to rotate. The developing coupling 25 can receive the driving force of the developing drive coupling on the main component side of the image forming apparatus through a portion of the cylindrical portion 270 exposed outside the first rotating hole 131.

[0067] Further, see Figure 2 The drive-side end cap 13 is provided with an arc-shaped guide hole 133, and the developing cover 27 is provided with a guide protrusion 271. The guide protrusion 271 can slide in the guide hole 133, thereby guiding the developing unit 9 to rotate from the separation position to the contact position.

[0068] See Figure 3 The isolation member 102 is used to isolate the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4. The isolation member 102 is movable from a first position to a second position on the processing box. In the initial state, the protective cover 101 is disposed on at least a portion of the drum unit 8 and / or the developing unit 9, the isolation member 102 is locked in the first position and abuts against the charging roller 5, so that there is at least a partial gap between the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4, and the second elastic member 51 deforms and stores force; the protective cover 101 is removed from the processing box, so that the isolation member 102 is unlocked, and the movement of the isolation member 102 after being unlocked is unrestricted, that is, the isolation member 102 can now move away from the charging roller 5, that is, the isolation member 102 cannot now isolate the charging roller 5 from the photosensitive drum 4, and at the same time, under the force of the second elastic member 51 restoring its deformation, the charging roller 5 moves toward the photosensitive drum 4, and the charging roller 5 pushes the isolation member 102 from the first position to the second position away from the charging roller 5, so that the isolation member 102 is no longer isolated between the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4, so that the charging roller 5 can contact the photosensitive drum 4.

[0069] When the protective cover 101 is removed, it can unlock the isolation member 102 directly or indirectly, thereby enabling the charging roller 5 to contact the photosensitive drum 4. There are various ways to link the protective cover 101 and the isolation member 102. In this embodiment, the processing box also includes a first elastic member 3, which is disposed between the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8. This first elastic member 3 is used to move the developing unit 9 towards the contact position. When the protective cover 101 is not removed, the developing unit 9 is in the separated position. The first elastic member 3 deforms and stores force. Removing the protective cover 101 allows the first elastic member 3 to recover its deformation, thereby driving the developing unit 9 to rotate from the separated position to the contact position. When the developing unit 9 rotates, it unlocks the isolation member 102. The second elastic member 51 recovers its deformation and applies a force F3 to the charging roller 5 (see [reference]). Figure 3 The direction of force F3 is preferably perpendicular to the first direction, so that the charging roller 5 moves toward the photosensitive drum 4. Since the isolation member 102 has been unlocked, it can be pushed by the charging roller 5 at this time, moving from the first position to the second position away from the charging roller 5. The isolation member 102 leaves the charging roller 5, so that the charging roller 5 contacts the photosensitive drum 4.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, the protective cover 101 is located below the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9, see reference. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The protective cover 101 is provided with an abutment portion 1011, which abuts against the developing unit 9, specifically against the developing frame 21, so that the developing unit 9 is in the separated position. At this time, the first elastic element 3 deforms and stores force. When the protective cover 101 is removed from the processing cartridge, the first elastic element 3 returns to its original deformation, causing the developing unit 9 to move towards the contact position, specifically, the developing unit 9 rotates along the R1 direction. There are two abutment portions 1011, which are respectively located on the protective cover 101 near the driving side and non-driving side of the processing cartridge (i.e., the left end and right end of the processing cartridge), so as to better apply force to the developing frame 21.

[0071] The isolation member 102 can be disposed on the driving side or the non-driving side of the processing box. In this embodiment, the isolation member 102 is disposed on the driving side. Specifically, see [reference needed]. Figure 7-8The isolation member 102 includes a rotating part 1021, an isolation part 1022, a force-receiving part 1023, and a locking part 1024 fixedly connected. The rotating part 1021 is rotatably disposed on the drum frame 11 so that the isolation member 102 as a whole is rotatable, and the axis of rotation of the isolation member 102 may extend along a first direction. Specifically, the isolation member 102 is movably disposed on the drive-side end cover 13. Further, the isolation member 102 is rotatably disposed on the drive-side end cover 13, wherein the drive-side end cover 13 is provided with a receiving part 134, the rotating part 1021 is rotatably disposed in the receiving part 134, and the receiving part 134 is also connected to a limiting part 135. The end of the limiting part 135 is hook-shaped to prevent the rotating part 1021 from disengaging from the drive-side end cover 13 along the first direction.

[0072] The isolating part 1022 is used to isolate the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4. Specifically, the isolating part 1022 can be inserted between the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4 to apply a force F1 to the charging roller 5 (see reference). Figure 3 This causes the charging roller 5 to move away from the photosensitive drum 4, while simultaneously pushing the second elastic element 51 to deform and store force. The movement of the charging roller 5 away from the photosensitive drum 4 creates a gap between the charging roller 5 (specifically, the bushing of the charging roller 5) and the photosensitive drum 4. It should be noted that this gap does not mean that the bushing of the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4 are completely out of contact (a completely non-contact solution is detailed in the preferred embodiment below), but only that there is at least a partial gap between the portion of the bushing of the charging roller 5 facing the photosensitive drum 4 and the photosensitive drum 4.

[0073] The isolation member 102 is configured to slide from a first position to a second position relative to the drive-side end cover 13, such that the isolation portion 1022 moves away from the charging roller 5, i.e., slides to the left. The isolation portion 1022 completely disengages from the charging roller 5 (i.e., the isolation portion 1022 is not in contact with the charging roller 5 at all) or the isolation portion 1022 is mostly disengaged from the charging roller 5 (e.g., the isolation portion 1022 only contacts the charging roller 5 at its end). The charging roller 5 can then move towards the photosensitive drum 4 under the deformation restoring force of the second elastic member 51 and push away the isolation portion 1022. Due to the disengagement of the isolation portion 1022, the charging roller 5 can then contact the photosensitive drum 4. Further, the isolation member 102 slides from the first position to the second position along a first direction (specifically, to the left in this embodiment), which is parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4 and the charging roller 5. Specifically, the isolation portion 1022 protrudes from the rotating portion 1021 along a first direction, and the isolation portion 1022 abuts against one end (i.e., the left end) of the charging roller 5 located on the drive side. Further, see... Figure 7 The isolation section 1022 is provided with a first isolation ramp 10221, and the isolation section 1022 abuts against the end of the charging roller 5 through the first isolation ramp 10221. Specifically, see [reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 7 The first isolation slope 10221 is inclined in a first direction. The first isolation slope 10221 is inclined both towards the charging roller 5 and towards the photosensitive drum 4 in the direction towards the charging roller 5. This allows the end of the charging roller 5 to slide along the first isolation slope 10221 towards the photosensitive drum 4 as the isolation portion 1022 moves away from the charging roller 5 in the first direction, thus making the movement of the charging roller 5 smoother and more stable. Preferably, the first isolation slope 10221 abuts against the end of the roller shaft of the charging roller 5, but not against the bushing of the charging roller 5, to prevent the bushing from deforming under stress.

[0074] The force-receiving part 1023 is driven by the developing unit 9 when it rotates from the separation position to the contact position, causing the isolation member 102 to rotate. Specifically, the force-receiving part 1023 is provided protruding from the rotating part 1021 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The developing unit 9 is provided with a force-applying part 272, which is specifically provided on the developing frame 21. Further, the force-applying part 272 is provided on the developing cover 27. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 4 When the developing cover 27 rotates with the developing unit 9, the force-applying part 272 rotates with the developing unit 9 along the R1 direction and acts on the force-receiving part 1023, thereby causing the isolation member 102 to rotate along the R2 direction.

[0075] Locking part 1024 is used to lock with locking structure 136 on drum unit 8, see reference. Figure 3 The locking part 1024 is specifically formed on the side of the force-receiving part 1023 facing the drive-side end cover 13, and the locking structure 136 is specifically formed on the inner side of the drive-side end cover 13. Referring to 6-8, in the first position, the locking part 1024 and the locking structure 136 are locked. When the developing unit 9 rotates to the contact position, the force-applying part 272 acts on the force-receiving part 1023, causing the isolation member 102 to rotate in the R2 direction (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 10 This allows the locking part 1024 to disengage from the locking structure 136 and unlock. After unlocking, the isolation member 102 can slide from the first position to the left to the second position (see...). Figure 11 For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The locking part 1024 is an inclined surface formed on the force-receiving part 1023, and the locking structure 136 is an inclined surface formed on the inner side of the drive-side end cover 13. The locking part 1024 and the locking structure 136 are mutually adapted inclined surfaces, and their inclination direction can be inclined relative to the first direction. When the force-receiving part 1023 does not receive the force of the force-applying part 272, the locking structure 136 can lock the locking part 1024 to prevent the isolation member 102 from rotating on its own.

[0076] See Figure 3 and Figure 5In this embodiment, the processing box further includes an isolation boss 141, which is fixedly disposed at the non-driving side end (i.e., the right end) of the drum frame 11. When the isolation part 1022 is inserted between the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4, a force F1 is applied to the charging roller 5, causing it to slide not only away from the photosensitive drum 4 but also to the right. This causes the isolation boss 141 to abut against the non-driving side end of the charging roller 5, thereby applying a force F2 to the charging roller 5. The isolation boss 141 and the isolation member 102 are arranged opposite each other, abutting against the two opposite ends of the charging roller 5 in the first direction, ensuring that both ends of the charging roller 5 are subjected to abutment forces (F1 and F2). This allows both ends of the charging roller 5 to move away from the photosensitive drum 4, ensuring that the outer circumferential surface of the charging roller 5's bushing is completely not in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 4. Further, refer to... Figure 5 An isolation boss 141 is disposed on the inner side of the conductive end cap 14. The isolation boss 141 is provided with a second isolation slope 1411, which is used to abut against the end of the charging roller 5. Specifically, the second isolation slope 1411 is inclined in the first direction and is inclined in the direction toward the charging roller 5 and simultaneously toward the photosensitive drum 4. This allows the end of the charging roller 5 to slide away from the photosensitive drum 4 along the second isolation slope 1411 when the isolation part 1022 approaches the charging roller 5 in the first direction, and the end of the charging roller 5 to slide away from the photosensitive drum 4 along the second isolation slope 1411 when the isolation part 1022 moves away from the charging roller 5 in the first direction. This makes the movement of the charging roller 5 more stable and smooth. Furthermore, the inclination direction of the second isolation ramp 10221 ensures that when the second elastic member 51 applies a force F3 to the charging roller 5, the end of the charging roller 5, under the force F2 from the isolation boss 141, not only moves closer to the photosensitive drum 4 but also slides to the left. This better pushes the isolation member 102 located at the left end of the charging roller 5 to move to the left, causing the isolation portion 1022 of the isolation member 102 to leave the charging roller 5. Preferably, the second isolation ramp 1411 abuts against the end of the roller shaft of the charging roller 5, but not against the bushing of the charging roller 5, to prevent the bushing from deforming under force. The first isolation ramp 10221 and the second isolation ramp 1411 are arranged opposite to each other and symmetrically, which further facilitates the smooth movement of the charging roller 5.

[0077] In addition, when the second isolation ramp 1411 is not provided on the isolation boss 141, the charging roller 5 approaches the photosensitive drum 4 by the force F3 of the second elastic member 51, and at the same time, the left end of the charging roller 5 applies a force to the first isolation ramp 10221 (in the opposite direction to the force F1), which can also push the isolation member 102 to slide to the left from the first position to the second position.

[0078] The working process of the processing box in this embodiment is as follows:

[0079] See Figure 1 After the processing box is assembled in the factory, the protective cover 101 is installed on the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9. The abutting part 1011 of the protective cover 101 abuts against the developing frame 21, so that the developing unit 9 is located at the separation position where the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are separated. The guide protrusion 271 is located at the front end of the guide hole 133. The first elastic member 3 deforms and stores force. At the same time, the isolation member 102 is located in the first position, the locking part 1024 is locked with the locking structure 136, the isolation part 1022 abuts against the left end of the charging roller 5, and the isolation boss 141 abuts against the right end of the charging roller 5, so that there is a gap between the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4. The second elastic member 51 deforms and stores force.

[0080] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 When the user removes the protective cover 101, the contact part 1011 leaves the developing frame 21. Under the action of the first elastic member 3, the developing unit 9 rotates along direction R1 to the contact position where the developing roller 6 contacts the photosensitive drum 4. The guide protrusion 271 moves with the developing unit 9 to the rear end in the guide hole 133. The developing cover 27 rotates with the developing unit 9, and the force-applying part 272 on the developing cover 27 rotates, acting on the force-receiving part 1023 of the isolation member 102. The isolation member 102 rotates along direction R2 (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 10 The locking part 1024 rotates and moves away from the locking structure 136 until the locking part 1024 is completely away from the locking structure 136, and the isolation member 102 is unlocked. Since the second elastic member 51 exerts a force on the charging roller 5 in the direction of the photosensitive drum 4, the charging roller 5 moves towards the photosensitive drum 4 under the force of the second elastic member 51. The right end of the charging roller 5 slides on the second isolation inclined surface 1411, causing the charging roller 5 to slide to the left. Since the isolation member 102 has been unlocked, the isolation member 102 can be pushed by the charging roller 5 to slide from the first position to the second position in the first direction (see...). Figure 11 This allows the isolation section 1022 to leave the charging roller 5, and the outer circumferential surface of the bushing of the charging roller 5 to contact the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 4, so that the processing box can be installed and work normally.

[0081] In other embodiments, the isolation boss 141 may be omitted. In this case, only the left end of the charging roller 5 abuts against the isolation member 102. The right end of the sleeve of the charging roller 5 may contact the photosensitive drum 4, but the sleeve of the charging roller 5 can still form a gap with the photosensitive drum 4 along most of the axis. Therefore, the rubber structure on the surface of the sleeve of the charging roller 5 can be less likely to contaminate the photosensitive coating on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. In some embodiments, when the isolation boss 141 is not provided, the length of the isolation portion 1022 of the isolation member 102 can be extended to have a longer length in the axial direction of the charging roller 5. This reduces the degree of contact between the right end of the sleeve of the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4, or makes the right end of the sleeve of the charging roller 5 not contact the photosensitive drum 4 at all. When the sleeve of the charging roller 5 does not contact the photosensitive drum 4 at all, the sleeve can be prevented from being squeezed and deformed by the photosensitive drum 4.

[0082] This invention provides a protective cover 101 and an isolation member 102 that can be linked with it. When the protective cover 101 is not removed, the isolation member 102 creates a gap between the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4. When the protective cover 101 is removed, the isolation member 102 is unlocked, thereby automatically releasing the gap between the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4, allowing the processing box to be installed and operated. Compared with the prior art, which requires both the protective cover 101 and the isolation pin to be removed, this solution only requires the protective cover 101 to be removed, reducing the user's operation process and avoiding the situation where the user only remembers to remove the protective cover 101 but forgets to remove the isolation pin, causing the processing box to malfunction.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] See Figure 12-15 This embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, except that the isolation member 102 and related structures in this embodiment are set on the non-driving side of the processing box instead of the driving side.

[0085] See Figure 12-14 In this embodiment, the isolation member 102 is disposed on the conductive side end cap 14. Correspondingly, the locking structure 136, the receiving portion 134, and the limiting portion 135 are disposed on the conductive side end cap 14, and the force-applying portion 272 is disposed on the non-driving side of the developing frame 21; specifically, the force-applying portion 272 is disposed on the conductive side bearing 24. See also... Figure 15 An isolation boss 141 is provided on the drive-side end cover 13. The working principle of this embodiment is similar to that of Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0086] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, or the above technical solutions can be freely combined, including freely combining the technical features of the different embodiments described above; all of these fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A processing box for detachable mounting to an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The drum unit includes a drum frame, a photosensitive drum rotatably disposed on the drum frame about an axis extending in a first direction, a charging roller rotatably disposed on the drum frame about an axis extending in the first direction, and a second elastic member for moving the charging roller toward the photosensitive drum. The developing unit includes a developing frame and a developing roller rotatably disposed on the developing frame about an axis extending in a first direction; Protective shield; as well as An isolation member is used to isolate the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, and the isolation member is movable from a first position to a second position on the processing box; In the initial state, the protective cover is disposed on at least a portion of the drum unit and / or the developing unit, the isolation member is locked in a first position and abuts against the charging roller, such that there is at least a partial gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, and the second elastic member deforms and stores force; The protective cover is removed from the processing box, which unlocks the isolation member. The second elastic member returns to its original shape, causing the charging roller to move toward the photosensitive drum. After the isolation member is unlocked, it is pushed by the charging roller from the first position to the second position away from the charging roller, so that the charging roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box further includes a first elastic element, which is used to move the developing unit toward the contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum; The protective cover is provided with an abutment part; In the initial state, the abutting part abuts against the developing unit, such that the developing unit is located at the separation position where the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated, the first elastic element deforms and stores force, the isolation member is located at the first position, and there is at least a partial gap between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, and the second elastic element deforms and stores force. The protective cover is removed from the processing box, causing the abutment portion to leave the developing unit. The first elastic member returns to its original shape, causing the developing unit to move toward the contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum. The developing unit drives the isolation member to unlock, allowing the isolation member to be pushed by the charging roller from the first position to the second position. The second elastic member returns to its original shape, causing the charging roller to move toward the photosensitive drum and contact the photosensitive drum.

3. The processing box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The isolation member includes an isolation portion. At a first position, the isolation portion is inserted between the charging roller and the photosensitive drum, causing the charging roller to move away from the photosensitive drum. The isolation portion is configured to slide from the first position to a second position away from the charging roller, so that the charging roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

4. The processing box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The isolation member is configured to slide from a first position to a second position along a first direction.

5. The processing box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The developing unit is provided with a force-applying part, the drum unit is provided with a locking structure, the isolation member further includes a force-receiving part and a locking part, and the isolation member is configured to be rotatable. In the first position, the locking part is locked to the locking structure; When the developing unit moves to the contact position, the force-applying part acts on the force-receiving part to cause the isolation member to rotate. The locking part rotates to leave the locking structure to unlock. After unlocking, the isolation member can slide from the first position to the second position.

6. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The isolation member is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a first direction.

7. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The isolation component also includes a rotating part, which is rotatably mounted on the drum frame; The isolation portion protrudes from the rotating portion along a first direction; The force-receiving part protrudes from the rotating part in a direction perpendicular to the first direction; The locking part is formed on the force-bearing part.

8. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking part and the locking structure are mutually compatible inclined surfaces.

9. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drum frame includes an end cap, and the locking structure is formed inside the end cap; The developing frame includes a developing cover and a bearing, and the force-applying part is disposed on the developing cover or the bearing.

10. The processing box according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with a receiving portion, and the rotating portion is rotatably disposed in the receiving portion; The receiving portion is also connected to a limiting portion, which is used to prevent the rotating portion from disengaging from the end cap in the first direction.

11. The processing box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The isolation section is provided with a first isolation slope inclined to a first direction. The first isolation slope is inclined to the direction of the charging roller and simultaneously to the direction of the photosensitive drum. The first isolation slope is used to abut against the end of the charging roller.

12. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box also includes an isolation boss, which is fixedly mounted on the drum frame. The isolation member and the isolation boss abut against the two opposite ends of the charging roller in a first direction, so that the charging roller does not come into contact with the photosensitive drum at all.

13. The processing box according to claim 12, characterized in that, The drum frame includes an end cap, and the isolation boss is disposed on the inner side of the end cap. The isolation boss is provided with a second isolation slope inclined to the first direction. The second isolation slope is inclined to the direction of the photosensitive drum in the direction toward the charging roller. The second isolation slope is used to abut against the end of the charging roller.

14. The processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The isolation component is disposed on the drive side of the processing box.

15. The processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The isolation component is located on the non-drive side of the processing box.

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