A process cartridge

Abstract

The application discloses a processing box, which comprises a drum unit and a developing unit, the developing unit being capable of moving between a contact position and a separation position relative to the drum unit; further comprising a force receiving member, a pushing elastic member and a retaining member, when the force receiving member is moved to a separation working position by the action force of a force applying member, the developing unit is moved to the separation position, and the retaining member is moved to a retaining position to retain the developing unit in the separation position; when the force receiving member is moved to a contact working position by the action force of the pushing elastic member, the retaining member is driven to a non-retaining position by the force receiving member, so that the developing unit can be moved to the contact position. The movable force receiving member is arranged, and is capable of moving under the action force of the force applying member and the pushing elastic member, thereby realizing the switching of the contact / separation state of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, preventing the unnecessary developing agent from being transmitted to the photosensitive drum, avoiding the unnecessary color on the printed matter, and ensuring the printing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic imaging technology, and more specifically to a processing box. Background Technology

[0002] A processing cartridge is a consumable installed within an image forming apparatus, comprising a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. The photosensitive drum has a photosensitive coating for imaging, and the developing roller delivers developer to the photosensitive drum. Therefore, during development, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum need to maintain close contact to supply developer to the photosensitive drum. However, when printing color patterns, not every color of developer needs to be printed. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that developer of unwanted colors is not supplied to the photosensitive drum to avoid unwanted colors appearing on the printed document. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem solved by this invention is to ensure that undesirable color developers are not supplied to the photosensitive drum, thereby preventing unwanted colors from appearing on printed documents.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is: a processing box, which is detachably installed in an image forming apparatus having a force application member, the processing box including a drum unit and a developing unit; The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, the rotation axis of which extends in a first direction; The developing unit includes a developing roller, which is disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The developing unit is movable relative to the drum unit between a contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum and a separation position where the developing roller is at least partially separated from the photosensitive drum. It also includes force receiving components, pushing elastic components, and retaining components; The force receiving member is movably disposed in the developing unit and can move between the contact working position and the separation working position. The force receiving member can receive the force applied by the force applying member and move to the separation working position. The pushing elastic member is used to drive the force receiving member to move from the separation working position to the contact working position. The retainer is movably disposed in the developing unit and is capable of moving between a retaining position and a non-retaining position; When the force receiving member moves to the separation working position under the force of the force applying member, the developing unit moves to the separation position, and the holding member moves to the holding position to hold the developing unit in the separation position; When the force receiving member moves to the contact working position under the force of the pushing elastic member, the holding member is driven to the non-holding position by the force receiving member, so that the developing unit can be moved to the contact position.

[0005] In some embodiments, when the force receiver is in the contact working position, the deformation of the pushing elastic element is D4, and when the force receiver is in the separation working position, the deformation of the pushing elastic element is D2, where D2>D4.

[0006] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the distance between the force receiver and the photosensitive drum when the force receiver is in the separated working position is greater than the distance between the force receiver and the photosensitive drum when the force receiver is in the contact working position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the pushing elastic member pushes the force receiver in the second direction, causing the force receiver to move toward the photosensitive drum.

[0008] In some embodiments, the force receiving member includes a force receiving surface capable of receiving the force applied by the force applying member to move the force receiving member toward the separation working position, and the force applied by the force receiving member compressing the pushing elastic member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the retainer is rotatably disposed on the developing unit, and in the retaining position, the retainer abuts against the drum unit, thereby holding the developing unit in the separated position.

[0010] In some embodiments, a reset elastic element is also included, which is connected to the retainer and the developing unit, and the force of the reset elastic element can rotate the retainer from the non-retaining position to the retaining position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the force receiver includes a locking portion that can abut against the developing unit to restrict the movement of the force receiver in the second direction, so that the force receiver is held in a standby position in the initial state. In the second direction, the standby position is located between the contact working position and the separation working position. When the force receiver is in the standby position, the deformation of the pushing elastic element is D1, D2>D1>D4.

[0012] In some embodiments, an unlocking member is movably disposed on the developing unit. The unlocking member can receive the force movement of the image forming apparatus to disengage the locking part from the developing unit. The force receiving member moves towards the photosensitive drum to a first working position under the action of the pushing elastic member. In the first working position, the force receiving surface abuts against the force applying member. The deformation of the pushing elastic member is D3, D2>D1>D3>D4.

[0013] In some embodiments, the developing unit is provided with a locking through hole extending along a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The locking part includes a locking spring arm and a locking protrusion disposed at the free end of the locking spring arm. The locking protrusion can be inserted into the locking through hole and can abut against the locking through hole. The locking member is disposed within the locking through hole and is movable in a third direction. When the locking member moves, it can push the locking protrusion out of the locking through hole.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This solution is equipped with a movable force receiving component, which can move under the action of the force applying component and the pushing elastic component, thereby realizing the movement of the developing unit between the contact position and the separation position. This enables the processing cartridge to switch between the contact state and the separation state between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, avoiding continuous contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, which would cause wear on the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. At the same time, it prevents unwanted developer from being transferred to the photosensitive drum, thus avoiding unwanted colors on the final printed document and ensuring print quality. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box in Example 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing unit and drum unit of the processing cartridge in the disassembled state in Example 1. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing unit and drum unit of the processing cartridge in the disassembled state in Example 1. Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the right end of the processing box in Example 1; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the force receiving component and the retaining component in Embodiment 1; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the force receiving component and retaining component assembled on the gear cover in Embodiment 1; Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the right end cap and retainer in Embodiment 1; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box in Embodiment 1; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point A; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the left end of the processing box in Embodiment 1; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Example 1 where the left end cap separates from the processing box; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Example 1 where the left end cap separates from the processing box; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Embodiment 2 where the scraper and photosensitive drum are separated from the first unit; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the scraper structure in Example 2; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box in Example 3; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box in Example 3; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing unit and drum unit of the processing cartridge in the disassembled state in Example 3. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing unit and drum unit of the processing cartridge in the disassembled state in Example 3. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the developing unit and drum unit of the processing cartridge in the disassembled state in Example 3. Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the processing cartridge when the developing unit is in the contact position as viewed from right to left in Example 3; Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the processing cartridge structure when the developing unit is in the contact position as viewed from left to right in Example 3; Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing cassette when the developing unit is in the contact position, viewed from left to right in Example 3; Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box structure when the developing unit is in the separated position when viewed from right to left in Example 3; Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box structure when the developing unit is in the separated position when viewed from left to right in Example 3; Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing cassette when the developing unit is in the separated position, viewed from right to left in Example 3; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box in Example 4; Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box structure when viewed from right to left in Example 4; Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box structure when viewed from left to right in Example 4; Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box in Example 5; Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box structure when viewed from right to left in Example 5; Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box structure when viewed from left to right in Example 5; Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box structure when viewed from right to left in Example 6; Figure 33 for Figure 32 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point B in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] In this embodiment, a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction are defined that intersect each other. For ease of understanding and description, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are specifically orthogonal to each other. The first direction is the left-right direction, the second direction is the front-back direction, and the third direction is the up-down direction.

[0022] Example 1: like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, a processing cartridge can be detachably mounted into an image forming apparatus having a force applicator for providing the processing cartridge with contact force and separation force to cause the developing roller 14 to contact and separate from the photosensitive drum 11. The processing cartridge includes a developing unit and a drum unit.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drum unit includes a first frame 1, on which a photosensitive drum 11 rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction is supported. The first frame 1 includes a waste toner container, a left end cover 5, and a right end cover 4, with the waste toner container located between the left end cover 5 and the right end cover 4. The left end of the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably supported by the left end cover 5, and the right end of the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably supported by the right end cover 4. A second drive member 12 is fixedly mounted on the right end of the photosensitive drum 11. The second drive member 12 receives power from the image forming apparatus, thereby causing the photosensitive drum 11 to rotate. The second drive member 12 is exposed from the right end cover 4 for engagement with the image forming apparatus. The photosensitive drum 11 is positioned towards the lower end of the first frame 1 in a third direction, and towards the front end of the first frame 1 in a second direction.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the developing unit includes a second frame 2, on which a developing roller 14 rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction is supported. The developing roller 14 is disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum 11 in a second direction and is located behind the photosensitive drum 11 in the second direction. A right bearing plate 21 is provided at the right end of the second frame 2, and the right end of the developing roller 14 is rotatably supported by the right bearing plate 21. The right end of the developing roller 14 passes through the right bearing plate 21 to the right. A developing gear is provided at the right end of the developing roller 14, and the developing roller 14 rotates together with the developing gear. The developing gear is located at the right end of the right bearing plate 21. The right end of the right bearing plate 21 also supports a first driving member 28 rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The first driving member 28 is used to receive power provided by the image forming apparatus. A first driving gear meshing with the developing gear is provided on the first driving member 28. The first driving gear moves together with the first driving member 28, so that when the first driving member 28 receives power provided by the image forming apparatus, it can transmit power to the developing roller 14 through the first driving gear and the developing gear, causing the developing roller 14 to rotate. The first drive member 28 is located approximately at the center of the right bearing plate 21 in the third direction. The developing roller 14 is positioned near the lower end of the right bearing plate 21 in the third direction, meaning that the rotation axis of the developing roller 14 is located below the rotation axis of the first drive member 28. The rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 (i.e., the rotation axis of the second drive member 12) is also located below the rotation axis of the first drive member 28. Preferably, the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 are located entirely below the first drive member 28. The developing roller 14 is located behind the photosensitive drum 11 in the second direction. A gear cover 22 is also provided at the right end of the second frame 2. The gear cover 22 is installed on the right side of the right bearing plate 21, thereby surrounding the first drive member 28 and the developing gear between the right bearing plate 21 and the gear cover 22, thus protecting the transmission structure. The gear cover 22 has an opening for exposing the first drive member 28, allowing the first drive member 28 to receive power provided by the image forming apparatus. The two ends of the developing unit are connected between the right end cover 4 and the left end cover 5. The right end cover 4 has a notch, through which a part of the gear cover 22 and the first drive member 28 can be exposed so that the first drive member 28 can engage with the image forming apparatus. The notch extends upward and backward from the position corresponding to the first drive member 28 to the upper end and rear end of the right end cover 4, that is, a gap is cut out on the right end cover 4.

[0025] like Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the right end of the developing unit is connected to the right end cover 4 via a gear cover 22. Specifically, the gear cover 22 has a guided portion, and the right end cover 4 has a guide portion that cooperates with the guided portion. The guided portion can move within the range of the guide portion. The guided portion can be a guide protrusion 221 formed on the end face of the gear cover 22. The guide protrusion 221 can be a cylindrical member extending along a first direction, preferably cylindrical, or other polyhedral prism structures. The guide portion can be a guide groove 41 formed on the right end cover 4. The guide groove 41 is arc-shaped, and the center of the guide groove 41 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the first driving member 28. During assembly, the guide protrusion 221 is embedded in the guide groove 41. The range of the guide groove 41 limits the range of movement of the guide protrusion 221, that is, limits the range of swing of the developing unit relative to the drum unit. Optionally, multiple sets of guide protrusions 221 and guide grooves 41 can be provided. Multiple guide grooves 41 can be arranged around the notch 222, and multiple guide protrusions 221 can be arranged around the periphery of the first drive member 28 at a position that matches the guide grooves 41.

[0026] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, a left bearing plate 211 is mounted on the left end of the second frame 2. The left bearing plate 211 rotatably supports the left end of the developing roller 14. An electrode 6 is provided on the left end face of the left bearing plate 211. The electrode 6 is used to contact the power supply terminal in the image forming apparatus. The electrode 6 is electrically connected to the developing roller 14, so that the voltage provided by the image forming apparatus can be conducted to the developing roller 14. A pivot hole 212 is provided on the left bearing plate 211, and a pivot shaft 51 is provided on the left end cover 5. The pivot shaft 51 extends along the first direction and is inserted into the pivot hole 212 to the right, and can rotate relative to the pivot hole 212. With the cooperation of the pivot shaft 51 and the pivot hole 212, and the cooperation of the guide protrusion 221 and the guide groove 41, the second frame 2 can rotate relative to the first frame 1 about the rotation axis extending along the first direction, so that the developing unit can move relative to the drum unit between the contact position where the developing roller 14 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 and the separation position where the developing roller 14 is at least partially separated from the photosensitive drum 11.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a first elastic element 3 is installed between the first frame 1 and the second frame 2. The first elastic element 3 can be a compression spring. The first elastic element 3 is located above the first driving element 28 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The front end of the first elastic element 3 abuts against the first frame 1, and its rear end abuts against the second frame 2. The developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 are located below the first driving element 28. Therefore, when viewed from right to left, under the elastic force of the first elastic element 3, the second frame 2 tends to rotate clockwise relative to the first frame 1, thereby enabling the developing unit to move from the separating position to the contact position relative to the drum unit, so that the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 are in close contact.

[0028] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the processing box also includes an unlocking member 25 and a force receiving member 26. The gear cover 22 is also provided with a mounting groove 23, which extends in the front-back direction and opens forward. The right and left walls of the mounting groove 23 are provided with limiting rails 24 extending in the front-back direction. The lower side wall of the mounting groove 23 is provided with a locking through hole 231 extending in the vertical direction. The unlocking member 25 is provided in the locking through hole 231 and can move in the vertical direction relative to the developing unit along the locking through hole 231. The size of the unlocking member 25 in the vertical direction is larger than the size of the locking through hole 231 in the vertical direction. The lower end of the unlocking member 25 is used to contact the pushing surface in the image forming apparatus and receive the upward force applied by the pushing surface, so that the unlocking member 25 can move in the vertical direction relative to the developing unit along the locking through hole 231. A force receiver 26 is installed in the mounting slot 23. The force receiver 26 can move along the mounting slot 23 in the front-back direction relative to the developing unit between a standby position, a separation working position, a first working position, and a contact working position. In the front-back direction, the distance between the force receiver 26 and the photosensitive drum 11 when it is in the standby position is greater than the distance between the force receiver 26 and the photosensitive drum 11 when it is in the first working position. The distance between the force receiver 26 and the photosensitive drum 11 when it is in the first working position is greater than the distance between the force receiver 26 and the photosensitive drum 11 when it is in the contact working position. The distance between the force receiver 26 and the photosensitive drum 11 when it is in the separation working position is greater than the distance between the force receiver 26 and the photosensitive drum 11 when it is in the standby position. That is, the first working position and the standby position are located between the contact working position and the separation working position.

[0029] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the force receiving member 26 includes a main body 265, a force receiving surface 261, a pushing part 262, a locking part, and a guide part 264.

[0030] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 9As shown, the main body 265 is installed in the mounting groove 23 and can move relative to the developing unit in the front-to-back direction along the mounting groove 23. The rear end of the main body 265 is provided with a receiving groove 263 for accommodating the pushing elastic member 27. The receiving groove 263 is recessed from back to front and opens to the rear. The front end of the pushing elastic member 27 abuts against the receiving groove 263, and its rear end abuts against the mounting groove 23. When the force receiving member 26 is in the standby position, the elastic deformation of the pushing elastic member 27 is D1. When the force receiving member 26 is in the disengaged working position, the elastic deformation of the pushing elastic member 27 is D1. The elastic deformation of component 27 is D2. When the force receiving component 26 is in the first working position, the elastic deformation of the force-pushing elastic component 27 is D3. When the force receiving component 26 is in the contact working position, the elastic deformation of the force-pushing elastic component 27 is D4. D2>D1>D3>D4. The force-pushing elastic component 27 is used to move the force receiving component 26 from the standby position or the separated working position to the first working position and the contact working position. That is, the force-pushing elastic component 27 can make the force receiving component 26 move forward in the second direction (towards the photosensitive drum).

[0031] like Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 9 As shown, a force receiving surface 261 is provided at the front end of the main body 265. The force receiving surface 261 is used to receive the force provided by the image forming apparatus, so that the force receiving member 26 moves from the first working position or the contact working position to the separation working position. The force receiving surface 261 can be a vertical surface facing the photosensitive drum 11 (i.e., the force receiving surface 261 extends along a third direction).

[0032] like Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 9 As shown, the pushing part 262 is fixedly disposed at the front end of the main body 265. The pushing part 262 extends forward from the front end of the main body 265 and is located above the force receiving surface 261 in the vertical direction.

[0033] like Figure 9 As shown, a locking part is located at the lower end of the main body 265. The locking part includes a locking spring arm 266 and a locking protrusion 267. The locking spring arm 266 is cantilevered and fixedly connected to the main body 265 at its front end, thus possessing elasticity. The rear end of the locking spring arm 266 is a free end. The locking protrusion 267 is located at the rear end of the locking spring arm 266 and protrudes downward from the rear end of the locking spring arm 266. The locking protrusion 267 is used to insert into the locking through hole 231 and abut against the side wall of the locking through hole 231, thereby locking the force receiver 26 and restricting the movement of the force receiver 26 in the front-back direction, keeping the force receiver 26 in a standby position in the initial state. The locking protrusion 267 can be pushed out of the locking through hole 231 by the unlocking member 25, thereby releasing the locked state of the force receiver 26.

[0034] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the guide portion 264 is provided on the left and right ends of the main body portion 265. The guide portion 264 protrudes to the left from the left end of the main body portion 265 and to the right from the right end of the main body portion 265, thereby inserting into the limiting track 24. The guide portion 264 cooperates with the limiting track 24 to limit the movement range of the force receiving member 26, prevent the force receiving member 26 from disengaging from the mounting groove 23, and limit the movement direction of the force receiving member 26, so that the force receiving member 26 moves stably along the front-back direction.

[0035] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the processing box also includes a retainer 29, and a support shaft 222 is provided on the gear cover 22. The retainer 29 is mounted on the support shaft 222 and can move relative to the developing unit around the support shaft 222.

[0036] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the retaining member 29 includes a pivoting part 291, a retaining part 292, a force-receiving part 293, and a resetting part 294.

[0037] The pivot part 291 has a shaft hole structure, which is sleeved on the support shaft 222 and can rotate around the support shaft 222.

[0038] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the retaining part 292 is a strip-shaped member extending radially from the circumferential surface of the pivoting part 291. The retaining part 292 extends generally forward, with its front end being a first abutting surface 2921 and its lower side being a second abutting surface 2922. The drum unit is provided with a fourth abutting surface 43 for abutting against the first abutting surface 2921 and a third abutting surface 42 for abutting against the second abutting surface 2922. In this embodiment, the third abutting surface 42 and the fourth abutting surface 43 are provided on the inner side (left end face) of the right end cover 4. In other embodiments, the third abutting surface 42 and the fourth abutting surface 43 may also be provided at other positions on the drum unit. The third abutting surface 42 extends in the front-rear direction, and the fourth abutting surface 43 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the fourth abutting surface 43 is connected to the rear end of the third abutting surface 42. The retaining member 29 can swing around the support shaft 222 between a retaining position and a non-retaining position. When the retainer 29 is in the holding position, the first abutment surface 2921 abuts against the fourth abutment surface 43, restricting both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the retainer 29, thus keeping the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 in a non-contact state, i.e., the developing unit is in the separated position. When the retainer 29 is in the non-holding position, the first abutment surface 2921 and the fourth abutment surface 43 disengage, thereby allowing the developing roller 14 to contact the photosensitive drum 11, i.e., the developing unit is in the contact position.

[0039] like Figures 4 to 7As shown, the force-receiving part 293 is a strip-shaped member extending radially from the circumferential surface of the pivot part 291. The force-receiving part 293 extends approximately downward. In the holding position, the force-receiving part 293 is at least partially located on the front side of the push part 262 (i.e., the force-receiving part 293 is at least partially closer to the photosensitive drum 11 than the push part 262). During the process of the force receiving member 26 moving forward to the contact working position, the force-receiving part 293 contacts the push part 262 to receive the force provided by the push part 262, thereby causing the retaining member 29 to move from the holding position to the non-holding position in a clockwise direction.

[0040] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the reset part 294 is a strip-shaped member extending radially from the circumferential surface of the pivot part 291. The reset part 294 extends rearward and has a reset protrusion extending to the right. The right end face of the gear cover 22 has a mounting protrusion 223 extending to the right. A reset elastic member 28 is installed between the reset protrusion and the mounting protrusion 223. The reset elastic member 28 is a tension spring, with one end fixedly connected to the reset protrusion and the other end fixedly connected to the mounting protrusion 223. The reset elastic member 28 provides a reset force to the reset protrusion, allowing the retaining member 29 to move from the non-retaining position to the retaining position. When the retaining member 29 is in the non-retaining position, the second abutment surface 2922 abuts against the third abutment surface 42, restricting the counterclockwise rotation of the retaining member 29 (i.e., counteracting the force of the reset elastic member 28). The developing unit can remain in the contact position, i.e., the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 are in continuous contact. The reset elastic element 28 can also be a compression spring, torsion spring, or other elastic element, and the reset part 294 can be provided with a corresponding component connected to it.

[0041] When the processing cartridge is not installed in the image forming apparatus, the force receiver 26 is in a standby position. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus and the door of the image forming apparatus is not closed, the force receiver 26, which is in the standby position in the front-back direction, is located behind the force applicator, and in the vertical direction, the force receiver 26 is located above the force applicator. When the door of the image forming apparatus is closed, the image forming apparatus applies downward pressure to the processing cartridge, causing the processing cartridge to move downward and fixing the drum unit inside the image forming apparatus. When the processing cartridge moves downward, the unlocking member 25 contacts the abutment surface inside the image forming apparatus and receives an upward force, causing the unlocking member 25 to move upward along the locking through hole 231, thereby pushing the locking protrusion 267 upward out of the locking through hole 231 (the locking part disengages from the locking through hole 231). The pushing elastic member 27 pushes the force receiver 26 forward from the standby position to the first working position, so that the force receiving surface 261 presses against the rear end of the force applicator (in the initial position).

[0042] When the image forming apparatus issues a command to separate the developing roller 14 from the photosensitive drum 11, the force applicator moves from front to back, causing the force applicator to apply a rearward force (separation force) to the force receiving surface 261, causing the force receiving member 26 to move rearward relative to the developing unit from the first working position. During this process, the pushing elastic member 27 is gradually compressed. When the force receiving member 26 moves rearward to the separation working position, the force applicator continues to move rearward, and the pushing elastic member 27 can no longer be compressed. As a result, the developing unit moves from the contact position to the separation position around the rotation axis of the first drive member 28 under the action of the separation force applied by the force applicator, and the first elastic member 3 is compressed. Simultaneously, as the developing unit rotates counterclockwise relative to the drum unit to the separation position, the retaining member 29 moves with the developing unit, causing the second abutment surface 2922 to move relative to the third abutment surface 42. This prevents the second abutment surface 2922 from contacting the third abutment surface 42, causing the retaining member 29 to rotate counterclockwise under the pulling force of the reset elastic member 28, moving from the non-retaining position to the retaining position. This causes the first abutment surface 2921 to contact the fourth abutment surface 43, thus restricting the developing unit from moving from the separation position to the contact position, keeping the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 in a separated state. Then, the image forming apparatus stops applying separation force to the force receiving surface 261 (the force applying member returns forward to the initial position). At this time, the force receiving member 26 moves forward from the separation working position to the first working position under the action of the pushing elastic member 27.

[0043] When the image forming apparatus issues a command for the developing roller 14 to contact the photosensitive drum 11, the force applying member moves from back to front, and the force receiving member 26 moves forward from the first working position to the contact working position under the force of the pushing elastic member 27. This causes the pushing part 262 to push the force receiving part 293 forward, causing the holding member 29 to rotate clockwise. The first abutting surface 2921 moves relative to the fourth abutting surface 43, so that it no longer abuts against the fourth abutting surface 43. This causes the holding member 29 to move from the holding position to the non-holding position, so that the second abutting surface 2922 abuts against the third abutting surface 42. At the same time, under the elastic force of the first elastic member 3, the developing unit rotates clockwise from the separating position to the contact position, so that the developing roller 14 contacts the photosensitive drum 11. This allows the processing cartridge to switch between the contact state and the separation state between the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11, preventing the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 from being in constant contact and causing wear on the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 14. At the same time, it prevents unwanted developer from being transferred to the photosensitive drum 11, thus avoiding unwanted colors on the final printed document and ensuring print quality.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, a chip is also provided on the right end of the processing box. The chip is provided with an electrical contact surface 13 for electrical contact with the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus reads the information in the chip through the electrical contact surface 13. In this embodiment, the chip is provided on the drum unit. In other embodiments, the chip can also be provided on the developing unit.

[0045] Example 2: like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the processing box also includes a scraper 15, which includes a blade holder 151 and a blade 153. The blade holder 151 is made of metal, and the blade 153 is made of conductive resin or metal. The blade holder 151 is fixed on the first frame 1 and extends in the left-right direction. The lower end of the blade holder 151 is fixedly connected to and electrically connected to the blade 153. The upper end of the blade holder 151 has an integrally formed forward-extending bent portion 152 to improve the strength of the blade holder 151 and prevent deformation. The blade 153 is used to contact the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 11 and charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. A blade electrode 16 is also fixedly mounted on the first frame 1. The blade electrode 16 contacts and is electrically connected to the blade holder 151. The blade electrode 16 is a metal sheet and is exposed to the outside of the left end cover 5 through an exposure hole 52 provided on the left end cover 5, so that the power supply terminal in the image forming apparatus can contact the blade electrode 16 and supply power to the blade electrode 16, thereby enabling the scraper 15 to charge the photosensitive drum 11. Using this scraper 15 eliminates the need for a charging roller on the processing box, reducing parts, lowering costs, and simplifying the structure.

[0046] Example 3: like Figures 15 to 25 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the force receiving member is omitted, and the structures of the retaining member and the first elastic member are different.

[0047] like Figures 15 to 19 As shown, in this embodiment, the first elastic element is a tension spring 3a, which is located above the first driving member 28. The tension spring 3a extends in the front-to-back direction, with its front end connected to a first hook 113 on the first frame 1 and its rear end connected to a second hook 213 on the second frame 2. The developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 are located below the first driving member 28. Therefore, when viewed from right to left, the first frame 1 tends to rotate counterclockwise relative to the second frame 2 under the elastic force of the tension spring 3a, thereby enabling the developing unit to move from the contact position to the separation position, keeping the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 in a separated state, i.e., the separation position.

[0048] like Figure 15 , Figures 17 to 20As shown, the gear cover 22 is also provided with a contact force receiving part 224 and a separation force receiving part 225. The contact force receiving part 224 is provided with a contact force receiving surface, and the separation force receiving part 225 is provided with a separation force receiving surface. The contact force receiving surface and the separation force receiving surface intersect each other in the front-back direction. The contact force receiving surface and the separation force receiving surface are arranged opposite to each other. The contact force receiving part 224 and the separation force receiving part 225 are both fixedly mounted on the gear cover 22. The contact force receiving part 224 and the separation force receiving part 225 can be fixedly mounted on the gear cover 22 by means of integral molding, snap-fit, fastener connection, adhesive bonding, etc. In the front-back direction, the contact force receiving part 224 is closer to the photosensitive drum 11 than the separation force receiving part 225. That is, the contact force receiving part 224 is located in front of the separation force receiving part 225. In other words, the contact force receiving surface is closer to the photosensitive drum 11 than the separation force receiving surface. The contact force receiving surface and the separation force receiving surface are separated in the front-to-back direction, thereby forming a space between the contact force receiving surface and the separation force receiving surface.

[0049] like Figure 15 , Figures 17 to 20 , Figure 23 As shown, a right retainer 226 is also fixedly mounted on the gear cover 22. The right retainer 226 is a magnetic component and is cylindrical with its axis extending in the left-right direction. The right retainer 226 can move together with the developing unit. A first sliding track 122 is provided on the right end cover 4 for inserting the right retainer 226 and guiding its movement. The first sliding track 122 is an arc shape with its center coaxial with the rotation axis of the first driving member 28. In the rotation direction of the first driving member 28 (clockwise when viewed from right to left), the first sliding track 122 has a first end and a second end, with the first end located downstream of the second end. A right first adsorption member 1221 is fixedly mounted at the first end, and the right retainer 226 can magnetically adsorb the right first adsorption member 1221.

[0050] like Figures 16 to 19 , Figure 21 , Figure 24As shown, a left retainer 227 is fixedly mounted on the left bearing plate 211. The left retainer 227 is a magnetic component and is cylindrical with its axis extending in the left-right direction. The left retainer 227 can move together with the developing unit. A second sliding track 132 is provided on the left end cover 5 for inserting the left retainer 227 and guiding its movement. The second sliding track 132 is an arc shape with its center coaxial with the rotation axis of the first driving member 28. In the rotation direction of the first driving member 28 (viewed from left to right, the rotation direction is counterclockwise), the second sliding track 132 has a third end and a fourth end, with the third end located downstream of the fourth end. A left first adsorption member 1321 is fixedly mounted at the third end, and the left retainer 227 can magnetically adsorb the left first adsorption member 1321.

[0051] When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the force application element in the image forming apparatus is located in the space between the separation force receiving surface and the contact force receiving surface.

[0052] like Figures 15 to 22 As shown, when the image forming apparatus issues a command to bring the developing roller 14 into contact with the photosensitive drum 11, the force applicator applies a forward contact force to the contact force receiving surface, causing the developing unit to rotate clockwise against the elastic force of the tension spring 3a, thus stretching the tension spring 3a. Simultaneously, the developing unit moves from the separating position to the contact position. At the same time, the right retainer 226 slides clockwise along the first sliding track 122 about the rotation axis, moving from the second end to the first end of the first sliding track 122, thereby magnetically attracting the right retainer 226 to the right first adsorption member 1221. Simultaneously, the left retainer 227 slides clockwise along the second sliding track 132 about the rotation axis, moving from the fourth end to the third end of the second sliding track 132, thereby magnetically attracting the left retainer 227 to the left first adsorption member 1321. The combined force of the magnetic attraction between the right retainer 226 and the right first adsorption member 1221, and the magnetic attraction between the left retainer 227 and the left first adsorption member 1321, is greater than the elastic force of the tension spring 3a. This ensures that the developing unit remains in the contact position after the contact force is stopped, keeping the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 in contact, thereby guaranteeing that the developer can be properly transferred from the developing roller 14 to the photosensitive drum 11. In some embodiments, by selecting retainers with different magnetic properties or tension springs 3a with different elastic coefficients, it is possible to overcome the elastic force of the tension spring 3a and keep the developing unit in the developing position by only setting one retainer and one adsorption member on the processing cartridge.

[0053] like Figures 23 to 25As shown, when the image forming apparatus issues a command to separate the developing roller 14 from the photosensitive drum 11, the force applying member applies a rearward separation force to the separation force receiving surface, thereby enabling the developing unit to overcome the magnetic attraction between the left holding member 227 and the left first adsorption member 1321 and the right holding member 226 and the right first adsorption member 1221, thereby moving the developing unit from the contact position to the separation position. Under the elastic force of the tension spring 3a, the developing unit can be held in the separation position after the separation force is stopped, preventing the developing roller 14 from contacting the photosensitive drum 11.

[0054] Example 4: like Figures 26 to 28 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 3 is that the first elastic element is set as a compression spring 3b, which extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of the compression spring 3b abuts against the first frame 1, and the rear end of the compression spring 3b abuts against the second frame 2. The compression spring 3b is used to apply a force to the developing unit to move the developing unit from the separating position to the contact position.

[0055] In this embodiment, the right first adsorption member 1221 and the left first adsorption member 1321 are removed, and the right second adsorption member 1222 and the left second adsorption member 1322 are provided. The right second adsorption member 1222 is located at the second end of the first sliding track 122, and the left second adsorption member 1322 is located at the fourth end of the second sliding track 132.

[0056] This causes the developing unit to move to the separation position when the separation force receiving surface receives the separation force, and causes the left holding member 227 and the left second adsorption member 1322 to be magnetically adsorbed, as well as the right holding member 226 and the right second adsorption member 1222 to be magnetically adsorbed. The resultant force of the magnetic attraction between the left holding member 227 and the left second adsorption member 1322 and the magnetic attraction between the right holding member 226 and the right second adsorption member 1222 is greater than the elastic force of the compression spring 3b, so that when the separation force is stopped, the developing unit can overcome the elastic force of the compression spring 3b and remain in the separation position.

[0057] When the contact force receiving surface receives the contact force, the developing unit overcomes the magnetic attraction between the left retainer 227 and the left second adsorption member 1322 and the magnetic attraction between the right retainer 226 and the right second adsorption member 1222 under the action of the contact force and moves from the separation position to the contact position. When the contact force is stopped, the developing unit is kept in the contact position under the elastic force of the compression spring 3b, ensuring that the developing roller 14 and the photosensitive drum 11 are in continuous close contact.

[0058] Example 5: like Figures 29 to 31As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiments three and four is that the first elastic member is omitted, and a right first adsorption member 1221, a right second adsorption member 1222, a left first adsorption member 1321, and a left second adsorption member 1322 are simultaneously provided. The developing unit moves to the contact position by receiving contact force through the contact force receiving surface. When the right holding member 226 magnetically adsorbs with the right first adsorption member 1221 and the left holding member 227 magnetically adsorbs with the left first adsorption member 1321, the developing unit is held in the contact position. The developing unit moves from the contact position to the separation position by receiving separation force through the separation force receiving surface. When the developing unit moves to the separation position by receiving separation force through the right holding member 226 magnetically adsorbs with the right second adsorption member 1222 and the left holding member 227 magnetically adsorbs with the left second adsorption member 1322, the developing unit is held in the separation position.

[0059] Example 6: like Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiments three, four, and five is that the right retainer 226 and the left retainer 227 are non-magnetic components, and the right first adsorption member 1221, the right second adsorption member 1222, the left first adsorption member 1321, and the left second adsorption member 1322 are eliminated. This reduces the number of parts and lowers costs.

[0060] In this embodiment, a limiting protrusion 1323 is provided in the first sliding track 122 and the second sliding track 132. Taking the limiting protrusion 1323 in the first sliding track 122 as an example, the structure and principle of the limiting protrusion 1323 are explained in detail. The limiting protrusion 1323 protrudes from the side wall of the first sliding track 122 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0061] Thus, when the contact force receiving surface receives the contact force, during the process of the developing unit moving from the separating position to the contact position, the right retainer 226 moves clockwise around the rotation axis along the first sliding track 122. When the right retainer 226 moves to contact the limiting protrusion 1323, the right retainer 226 squeezes the limiting protrusion 1323, causing the limiting protrusion 1323 to undergo elastic deformation, so that the limiting protrusion 1323 can no longer block the movement of the right retainer 226. After the right retainer 226 passes the limiting protrusion 1323, the limiting protrusion 1323 elastically recovers, and no more contact force is applied. The right retainer 226 is then blocked between the limiting protrusion 1323 and the first end, thereby keeping the developing unit in the contact position.

[0062] When the separating force receiving surface receives the separating force, during the process of the developing unit moving from the contact position to the separation position, the developing unit moves counterclockwise, causing the right retainer 226 to press against the limiting protrusion 1323. This causes the limiting protrusion 1323 to undergo elastic deformation, making it unable to block the movement of the right retainer 226. As a result, the right retainer 226 moves between the limiting protrusion 1323 and the second end. After the right retainer 226 passes the limiting protrusion 1323, the limiting protrusion 1323 elastically recovers, and the separating force is no longer applied. The right retainer 226 is then blocked between the limiting protrusion 1323 and the second end, thus keeping the developing unit in the separation position.

[0063] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A processing cartridge, detachably mounted into an image forming apparatus having a force application element, the processing cartridge comprising a drum unit and a developing unit; The drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, the rotation axis of which extends in a first direction; The developing unit includes a developing roller, which is disposed opposite to the photosensitive drum in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The developing unit is movable relative to the drum unit between a contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum and a separation position where the developing roller is at least partially separated from the photosensitive drum. Its features are, It also includes force receiving components, pushing elastic components, and retaining components; The force receiving member is movably disposed in the developing unit and can move between the contact working position and the separation working position. The force receiving member can receive the force applied by the force applying member and move to the separation working position. The pushing elastic member is used to drive the force receiving member to move from the separation working position to the contact working position. The retainer is movably disposed in the developing unit and is capable of moving between a retaining position and a non-retaining position; When the force receiving member moves to the separation working position under the force of the force applying member, the developing unit moves to the separation position, and the holding member moves to the holding position to hold the developing unit in the separation position; When the force receiving member moves to the contact working position under the force of the pushing elastic member, the holding member is driven to the non-holding position by the force receiving member, so that the developing unit can be moved to the contact position.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the force receiver is in the contact working position, the deformation of the pushing elastic element is D4, and when the force receiver is in the separation working position, the deformation of the pushing elastic element is D2, where D2>D4.

3. A processing box according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the second direction, the distance between the force receiver and the photosensitive drum when the force receiver is in the separated working position is greater than the distance between the force receiver and the photosensitive drum when the force receiver is in the contact working position.

4. A processing box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pushing elastic member pushes the force receiver in the second direction, causing the force receiver to move closer to the photosensitive drum.

5. A processing box according to claim 4, characterized in that, The force receiving member includes a force receiving surface, which is capable of receiving the force applied by the force applying member to move the force receiving member toward the separation working position, and the force applied by the force applying member to compress the pushing elastic member.

6. A processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer is rotatably disposed on the developing unit. In the retaining position, the retainer abuts against the drum unit, thereby holding the developing unit in the separated position.

7. A processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a reset elastic element, which is connected to the retaining member and the developing unit. The force of the reset elastic element can move the retaining member from the non-retaining position to the retaining position.

8. A processing box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The force receiver includes a locking part that can abut against the developing unit to restrict the movement of the force receiver in the second direction, so that the force receiver is held in a standby position in the initial state. In the second direction, the standby position is located between the contact working position and the separation working position. When the force receiver is in the standby position, the deformation of the pushing elastic element is D1, D2>D1>D4.

9. A processing box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The developing unit is movably provided with an unlocking member. The unlocking member can receive the force movement of the image forming apparatus to disengage the locking part from the developing unit. The force receiving member moves towards the photosensitive drum to a first working position under the action of the pushing elastic member. In the first working position, the force receiving surface abuts against the force applying member. The deformation of the pushing elastic member is D3, D2>D1>D3>D4.

10. A processing box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The developing unit is provided with a locking through hole extending along a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. The locking part includes a locking spring arm and a locking protrusion disposed at the free end of the locking spring arm. The locking protrusion can be inserted into the locking through hole and can abut against the locking through hole. The locking member is disposed within the locking through hole and is movable in a third direction. When the locking member moves, it can push the locking protrusion out of the locking through hole.

Images