Processing box assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to a process cartridge assembly detachably installed in an imaging device, the process cartridge assembly comprises a plurality of process cartridges respectively containing developing agents with different colors, the plurality of process cartridges comprise a driving process cartridge provided with a separation contact mechanism and a driven process cartridge not provided with a separation contact mechanism, each processing box comprises a developing roller and a photosensitive drum which are rotatably arranged, and the developing roller is used for supplying a developing agent to the photosensitive drum; the processing box assembly further comprises a linkage piece; and the separation contact mechanism is used for receiving an acting force for forcing the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the driving processing box to be close to each other or far away from each other from the imaging equipment, and the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the driven processing box are also close to each other or far away from each other through the linkage piece, and the processing box assembly has the beneficial effect that the overall cost of the processing box assembly is reduced.

Description

[0001] This utility model claims the priority of Chinese prior applications with the filing date of July 5, 2023, application number 202321760289.8, and invention title "Processing Cartridge Assembly", Chinese prior applications with the filing date of August 30, 2023, application number 202322349284.2, and invention title "Processing Cartridge Assembly", Chinese prior applications with the filing date of November 24, 2023, application number 202323190924.6, and invention title "Processing Cartridge", Chinese prior applications with the filing date of December 29, 2023, application number 202323657835.8, and invention title "Processing Cartridge", and Chinese prior applications with the filing date of April 24, 2024, application number 202420876497.2, and invention title "Processing Cartridge". The content of the prior applications is cross-referenced in this application. Technical Field

[0002] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging, and particularly to a processing cartridge assembly that can be detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device. Background Art

[0003] Chinese Patent Application CN113574469A (cited reference) discloses a force output member (main assembly side driving force transmission unit) 203 provided in an imaging device M. As shown in FIG. 43 of this patent application, the force output member 203 has a rotation axis M1 and includes a driving force output member (drum driving coupling) 180 that outputs driving force and a braking force output member (including a first braking engagement member 204 and a second braking engagement member 208). When the force output member 203 outputs driving force to a driving force receiving member X4 described below, the braking force output member is driven by the driving force output member 180 and rotates together with the driving force output member.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 45 of the patent application, along the rotation axis M1, driving force output surfaces (drive transmission surfaces) 180d and flange portions 180a are respectively provided at both ends of the driving force output member 180; as shown in FIG. 43, the first braking engagement member 204 has a flange portion 204a and a coupling engagement portion 204b protruding from the flange portion 204a. The coupling engagement portion 204b is provided to protrude like a claw toward the rotation axis M1 of the force output member. The second braking engagement member 208 also has a flange portion 208a and a coupling engagement portion 208b protruding from the flange portion 208a. The coupling engagement portion 208b is also provided to protrude like a claw toward the rotation axis M1 of the force output member. Along the radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis M1, the first braking engagement member 204 is located outside the second braking engagement member 208, and the coupling engagement portion 204b is located outside the coupling engagement portion 208b. The first braking engagement member 204 and the second braking engagement member 208 can rotate simultaneously about the rotation axis M1.

[0005] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a conventional processing cartridge; Figure 1B is a perspective view of a rotating member with a conventional driving force receiving member mounted thereon.

[0006] This cited document also discloses a rotating member 21 with a conventional driving force receiving member X4 mounted thereon as shown in Figure 1B . The rotating member 21 and the driving force receiving member X4 are applicable to a conventional processing cartridge C as shown in Figure 1A . The processing cartridge C includes a first unit 100 and a second unit 200 which are combined with each other and a driving force receiving member X4 for receiving driving force from an imaging device. The first unit 100 includes a first unit housing 1 and a first rotating member 11 rotatably mounted in the first unit housing 1. The second unit 200 includes a second unit housing 2 and a second rotating member 21 rotatably mounted in the second unit housing 2. The driving force receiving member X4 is provided at a longitudinal end of the processing cartridge C and drives at least one of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 21 to rotate.

[0007] Taking the rotation of the second rotating member 21 about the rotation axis L21 as an example, as shown in Figure 1BAs shown, the driving force receiving member X4 is combined with the second rotating member 21, including a chassis X42, a base X43, and a coupling portion X44. Along the rotation axis L21, the chassis X42, the base X43, and the coupling portion X44 are arranged in sequence. The coupling portion X44 includes a central column X45 and a driving force receiving portion X46 extending radially outward along the central column X45. The driving force receiving portion X46 is provided with a guiding surface X463 spirally extending in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis L21, and a driving surface X464 and a braking surface X465 adjacent to the guiding surface. Along the rotation axis L21, the guiding surface X463 is located above the braking surface X465.

[0008] During the installation of the processing cartridge C, the guiding surface X463 abuts at least against the coupling portion 208b of the second braking engagement member 208 to guide the driving force receiving portion X46 into the space between the driving force output surface 180d and the coupling portion 208b / 204b. When the processing cartridge C is in operation, the driving force output surface 180d outputs a driving force to the driving surface X464 to drive the rotating member 21 to rotate. The braking force output member is used to apply a braking force to the braking surface X465 downstream in the rotation direction of the driving force receiving portion X46.

[0009] In this cited document, to prevent the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 21 from being deformed or contaminated due to long-term mutual contact, a biasing member 152 (as shown in the cited document Figure 10 ) is provided in the processing cartridge. When the imaging device is not in operation / imaging, the biasing member 152 receives a separating force from the imaging device and then forces the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 21 to separate from each other. The separation process is that under the action of the separating force received by the biasing member 152, the first unit 100 rotates relative to the second unit 200 / housing 2 around an axis parallel to the rotation axis L21.

[0010] When multiple processing cartridges are installed in the imaging device, when the imaging device is not in operation / imaging, the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 21 in each processing cartridge need to be separated from each other. If a biasing member 152 is provided in each processing cartridge, it is not conducive to reducing the cost of the processing cartridge. Summary of the Utility Model

[0011] The present utility model provides a processing cartridge assembly. While ensuring that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in each processing cartridge of the processing cartridge assembly can approach and separate from each other, the cost of the processing cartridge assembly is also reduced. The specific solution is as follows:

[0012] A processing cartridge assembly is detachably installed in an imaging device. The processing cartridge assembly includes a plurality of processing cartridges that respectively contain different color developers. The plurality of processing cartridges include an active processing cartridge provided with a separation contact mechanism and a driven processing cartridge not provided with a separation contact mechanism. Each processing cartridge includes a rotatably provided developing roller and a photosensitive drum, and the developing roller is used to supply developer to the photosensitive drum. The processing cartridge assembly further includes a linkage member. The separation contact mechanism is used to receive from the imaging device a force that forces the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the active processing cartridge to approach or move away from each other. Through the linkage member, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the driven processing cartridge also approach or move away from each other.

[0013] In some embodiments, a part of the linkage member is provided on the active processing cartridge, and another part is provided on the driven processing cartridge.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge includes a processing cartridge housing, and both the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are rotatably provided in the processing cartridge housing; the linkage member is movably provided relative to the processing cartridge housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the linkage member is provided in the processing cartridge in a translational or sliding manner.

[0016] In some embodiments, the linkage member includes a linkage member body and a linkage portion. The linkage portion is connected to the linkage member body by rotation or sliding, and the linkage portion is used to transmit the force to the driven processing cartridge.

[0017] In some embodiments, the linkage member is rotatably provided in the processing cartridge.

[0018] In some embodiments, the imaging device further includes a tray for supporting the processing cartridge assembly, and the linkage member is arranged to move on the tray.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge includes a processing cartridge housing, and both the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are rotatably provided in the processing cartridge housing; the linkage member is fixedly provided relative to the processing cartridge housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the linkage member includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member. The first magnetic member is provided on the processing cartridge provided with the separation contact mechanism, and the second magnetic member is provided on the driven processing cartridge; a repulsive force that repels each other or an attractive force that attracts each other is generated between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.

[0021] In some embodiments, the processing box also includes: a processing box housing, in which the developing roller is rotatably disposed; an end cover, which is located at at least one end of the processing box housing along the left-right direction; a locking mechanism, including a locking portion and a locked portion that can be converted between a mutually locked state and a mutually unlocked state, in which the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are maintained in a state of being separated from each other; one of the locking portion and the locked portion is disposed on the end cover, and at least one of the locking portion and the locked portion is immovable relative to the processing box housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1A It is a stereogram of an existing process box.

[0023] Figure 1B It is a perspective view of a rotating member on which a conventional driving force receiving member is installed.

[0024] Figure 2A It is a three-dimensional diagram of an existing force output component after a part is cut away.

[0025] Figure 2B It is a partial stereogram of an existing force output member.

[0026] Figure 2C It is a partial stereoscopic diagram of a conventional force output component after the braking force output component is hidden.

[0027] Figure 2D It is a top view when observing along the rotation axis of the existing force output member.

[0028] Figure 2E It is an exploded view of the existing force output component.

[0029] Figure 2F It is a cross-sectional view cut along the rotation axis of the existing force output member.

[0030] Figure 2G It is a complete three-dimensional diagram of the existing force output component.

[0031] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is a three-dimensional diagram of the processing box involved in the utility model.

[0032] Figure 4 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the separation contact mechanism and the driving end cover of the processing box involved in the first embodiment of the utility model after being separated from the processing box shell.

[0033] Figure 5A It is a side view when the separation contact mechanism in the processing box involved in the first embodiment of the utility model is in a retracted state, observed from left to right along the left-right direction.

[0034] Figure 5BIt is a side view observed from left to right in the left - right direction when the separation contact mechanism in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present utility model is in the extended state.

[0035] Figure 5C It is a side view observed from left to right in the left - right direction when the separation contact mechanism in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present utility model receives the acting force applied by the separation control mechanism in the imaging device.

[0036] Figure 5D It is a side view observed from top to bottom in the up - down direction of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present utility model.

[0037] Figure 5E It is a simplified schematic diagram after the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other in one of the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0038] Figure 6 It is an exploded schematic diagram after both the separation contact mechanism and the drive end cap in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present utility model are separated from the processing cartridge housing.

[0039] Figure 7A It is a side view observed from left to right in the left - right direction when the separation contact mechanism in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present utility model is in the retracted state.

[0040] Figure 7B It is a side view observed from left to right in the left - right direction when the separation contact mechanism in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present utility model is in the extended state.

[0041] Figure 8 It is an exploded schematic diagram after both the separation contact mechanism and the drive end cap of the drive end of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present utility model are separated from the processing cartridge housing.

[0042] Figure 9 It is an exploded schematic diagram after both the separation contact mechanism and the drive end cap of the drive end of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present utility model are separated from the processing cartridge housing.

[0043] Figure 10 It is an exploded schematic diagram after the first driving force receiving member, the protective cover and the drive end cap of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present utility model are separated from each other.

[0044] Figure 11A It is a side view observed from left to right in the left - right direction when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present utility model are approaching each other.

[0045] Figure 11B It is a side view observed from left to right in the left - right direction when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment 5 of the present utility model are separated from each other.

[0046] Figure 12 is an exploded view after the first driving force receiving member, the cover, and the driving end cover of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment VI of the present utility model are separated from each other.

[0047] Figure 13A is a side view observed from left to right in the left-right direction when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment VI of the present utility model approach each other.

[0048] Figure 13B is a side view observed from left to right in the left-right direction when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment VI of the present utility model are separated from each other.

[0049] Figure 14 is an exploded view of some components in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment VII of the present utility model.

[0050] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the cover of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment VII of the present utility model.

[0051] Figure 16 is an exploded view of some components in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment VIII of the present utility model.

[0052] Figure 17 is an exploded view of some components in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment IX of the present utility model.

[0053] Figure 18 is an exploded view of some components in the processing cartridge according to Embodiment X of the present utility model.

[0054] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the processing cartridge assembly according to Embodiment XI of the present utility model.

[0055] Figure 20 is a side view of the processing cartridge assembly according to Embodiment XI of the present utility model observed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0056] Figure 21 is a perspective view after the linkage member of one of the processing cartridges in the processing cartridge assembly according to Embodiment XII of the present utility model is separated from the processing cartridge housing.

[0057] Figure 22 is a side view of the processing cartridge assembly according to Embodiment XII of the present utility model observed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0058] Figure 23 is a perspective view after the linkage member of one of the processing cartridges in the processing cartridge assembly according to Embodiment XIII of the present utility model is separated from the processing cartridge housing.

[0059] Figure 24It is a perspective view after the linkage of one of the processing cartridges in the processing cartridge assembly according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is separated from the processing cartridge housing.

[0060] Figure 25 It is a perspective view of the processing cartridge assembly according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 26 It is a perspective view of one of the processing cartridges in the processing cartridge assembly according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 27 It is a perspective view after the processing cartridge assembly according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention is separated from the imaging device tray.

[0063] Figure 28 It is a perspective view after the processing cartridge assembly according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention is installed on the imaging device tray.

[0064] Figure 29 It is a perspective view after the linkage of one of the processing cartridges in the processing cartridge assembly according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention is separated from the processing cartridge housing.

[0065] Figure 30 It is a side view of the processing cartridge assembly according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0066] Figure 31 It is a side view of the processing cartridge assembly according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0067] Figure 32 It is a perspective view of one of the processing cartridges in the processing cartridge assembly according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention with some components hidden.

[0068] Figure 33 It is a perspective view of the processing cartridge assembly according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 34 It is a perspective view of the processing cartridge assembly according to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 35A and Figure 35B It is a perspective view of the processing cartridge according to the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 36A It is an exploded view of some components at the drive end of the processing cartridge according to the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 36B It is an exploded view of the components at the non-drive end of the processing cartridge according to the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 37 It is a perspective view of the separating member in the processing cartridge according to the twenty - first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0074] Figure 38 It is a perspective view of the first bracket in the processing cartridge according to the twenty - first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0075] Figure 39 It is a perspective view of the driving end cap in the processing cartridge according to the twenty - first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0076] Figure 40 It is a perspective view of the non - driving end cap in the processing cartridge according to the twenty - first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0077] Figure 41A - Figure 41C It is a schematic diagram of the separation process of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when the processing cartridge according to the twenty - first embodiment of the present utility model hides some components and is observed from left to right in the left - right direction.

[0078] Figure 42A - Figure 42C It is a schematic diagram of the separation process of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when the processing cartridge according to the twenty - first embodiment of the present utility model hides some components and is observed from bottom to top in the up - down direction.

[0079] Figure 43A It is an exploded view of the components of the non - driving end of the processing cartridge according to the twenty - second embodiment of the present utility model.

[0080] Figure 43B It is a partial exploded view of the driving end of the processing cartridge according to the twenty - second embodiment of the present utility model.

[0081] Figure 44 It is a perspective view of the non - driving end cap according to the twenty - second embodiment of the present utility model.

[0082] Figure 45A - Figure 45C It is a schematic diagram of the separation process of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when the processing cartridge according to the twenty - second embodiment of the present utility model hides some components and is observed from right to left in the left - right direction. Detailed Embodiment

[0083] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the convenience of understanding, except for the driving force receiving member, the numbers and structures of the processing cartridge and its various components mentioned in the patent application in the background art will be directly cited hereinafter.

[0084] It can be understood that the first rotating member 11 and / or the second rotating member 21 described in the background art patent application can be directly driven by the driving force receiving member X4 or indirectly driven; the processing cartridge C can include both the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, or can only include any one of the first unit 100 and the second unit 200. The side of the first unit housing 1 where the driving force receiving member X4 is provided and where the developer is accommodated is called the driving end C1, and the other end opposite thereto is called the non-driving end C2. The driving end cover / first end cover 300 is installed at the driving end C1, and the driving force receiving member X4 is exposed from the driving end C1. The non-driving end cover / second end cover 400 is installed at the non-driving end C2. A conductive bracket for receiving power from the power output member provided in the imaging device and supplying it to the first rotating member 11 and / or the second rotating member 21 is provided at the non-driving end C2. The conductive bracket can be exposed outward through the second end cover 400 or directly exposed outward; the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 can be combined with each other through the first end cover 300 and the second end cover 400, or can also be combined by means such as pins and snaps. The first end cover 300 and the second end cover 400 can be either a part of the first unit 100 or the second unit 200, or can be components independent of the first unit 100 or the second unit 200, as long as they can combine the first unit 100 and the second unit 200. For example, the first end cover 300 is integrally formed with the first unit housing 1 (abbreviated as "housing 1") or the second unit housing 2 (abbreviated as "housing 2"), or the first end cover 300 is detachably combined with the first unit housing 1 or the second unit housing 2. The second end cover 400 can also be integrally formed with the first unit housing 1 or the second unit housing 2, or the second end cover 400 can also be detachably combined with the first unit housing 1 or the second unit housing 2. The first unit housing 1 and the second unit housing 2 can be collectively referred to as the processing cartridge housing; the first rotating member 11 can be a developing roller rotatably provided in the first unit housing 1, and the second rotating member 21 can be a photosensitive drum rotatably provided in the second unit housing 2. However, the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 21 can also be other rotating components in the processing cartridge. For example, a charging member 24 for charging the photosensitive drum, a supply member 102 for supplying developer to the developing roller, a stirring member for stirring the developer, etc., as long as the driving force receiving member X4 can receive the driving force from the force output member provided in the imaging device and drive the rotating member to rotate. That is to say, the photosensitive drum 21, the charging member 24, the developing roller 11, the supply member 102, the stirring member, etc. rotatably installed in the processing cartridge C can all be called rotating members. The driving force receiving member X4 receives the driving force from the device to drive the rotating member to rotate. Therefore, the combination of the rotating member and the driving force receiving member X4 can be collectively referred to as the rotating assembly.

[0085] When the processing cartridge C is in operation / imaging, the photosensitive drum 21 contacts the developing roller 11, and the developing roller 11 supplies developer to the photosensitive drum 21. Hereinafter, the driving force receiving member is denoted by the number 4. The second driving force receiving member 4 is fixedly installed at a longitudinal end of the rotating member. Therefore, the second driving force receiving member 4 and the rotating member have the same rotation axis.

[0086] [Example 1]

[0087] As Figure 4 、 Figure 5A - Figure 5E shown, the processing cartridge C further includes a locking portion 53 and a locked portion (collectively referred to as a locking mechanism). When the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 approach each other, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 also approach each other for imaging, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are locked to each other. When the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are separated from each other, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are also separated from each other and cannot perform imaging, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are unlocked.

[0088] The installation position of the locking mechanism in the processing cartridge C is also diverse. As Figure 4 shown, the locking portion 53 is provided on the housing 1 or the cover 14, and the locked portion is provided on the end caps 300 / 400. In this way, the locking portion 53 can move along with the movement of the housing 1 or the cover 14. As described above, when the force receiving member 5b is provided on the housing 1 or the cover 14, the locking portion 53 will move along with the force receiving member 5b receiving a force. Specifically, when the force receiving member 5b receives a separating force, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are converted from the mutually locked state to the mutually unlocked state. When the force receiving member 5b receives a restoring force, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are converted from the mutually unlocked state to the mutually locked state. Conversely, when the force receiving member 5b receives a separating force, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion can also be converted from the mutually unlocked state to the mutually locked state. When the force receiving member 5b receives a restoring force, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are converted from the mutually locked state to the mutually unlocked state. Along the front-rear direction, the directions of the separating force and the restoring force are opposite.

[0089] Preferably, at least one of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion is provided to be movable relative to the other, so as to facilitate the conversion between the mutually locked state and the mutually unlocked state of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion. As Figure 4As shown, the locking portion 53 is a cantilever extending from the cover 14 / housing 1. The first protrusion 531 is provided at the free end of the locking portion 53. The portion to be locked is a cantilever extending from the end cap body 301. The portion to be locked has a connecting body 22 and a second protrusion 23. The connecting body 22 is connected to the end cap body 301. The second protrusion 23 is provided at the free end of the connecting body 22. Therefore, one end of the locking portion 53 is fixedly connected to the cover 14 / housing 1. The first protrusion 531 provided at the other end (free end) of the locking portion 53 can be elastically deformed relative to the cover 14 / housing 1. One end of the connecting body 22 is fixedly connected to the end cap body 301. The second protrusion 23 provided at the other end (free end) of the connecting body 22 can be elastically deformed relative to the end cap body 301.

[0090] With the above preferred method, the overall structure of the locking mechanism will become simple. The locking portion 53 can be integrally formed with the cover 14 or the housing 1. The portion to be locked can be integrally formed with the end cap body 301.

[0091] More preferably, in the up-down direction, both the locking portion 53 and the portion to be locked are located below the processing cartridge C. That is to say, in the up-down direction, relative to the rotation axis L3 parallel to the left-right direction, the locking portion 53 and the portion to be locked are arranged closer to the developing roller 11 / photosensitive drum 21. In this way, even if there is vibration generated when the first driving force receiving member 3 rotates, the combination of the locking portion 53 and the portion to be locked can eliminate at least a part of the vibration.

[0092] In the front-back direction, the locking position LP of the locking portion 53 and the portion to be locked is located between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21. Thus, during the operation / imaging of the processing cartridge C, the risk (such as the elastic deformation of the compression spring / tension spring C3) that may affect the mutual approach of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the front-back direction can also be effectively eliminated. Further, in Figure 5A and Figure 5B taking the example that when the processing cartridge C is operating / imaging, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are in contact at the imaging position DP, in the front-back direction, compared with the distance s1 from the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum to the imaging position DP and the distance s2 from the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 to the imaging position DP, the distance s3 from the locking position LP of the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 to the imaging position DP is smaller than either s1 or s2. That is to say, the locking position LP where the locking portion 53 and the portion to be locked are locked to each other is closer to the imaging position DP than either the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 or the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 21. This more effectively ensures that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 maintain good contact.

[0093] In one embodiment, s3 = 0. At this time, the locking position LP coincides with the imaging position DP in the vertical direction, and the contact between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be more stably maintained.

[0094] Figure 5A - Figure 5C The process of the processing cartridge C from being installed at a predetermined position of the imaging device to the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 reaching the separated state is shown. As Figure 5A shown, when the processing cartridge C reaches the predetermined position of the imaging device but the top plate 94 has not yet moved downward, under the action of the first elastic force applying member 59a, the force receiving member 5b is in the retracted state, and the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are locked to each other, that is, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are engaged with each other at the locking position LP, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are in contact at the imaging position DP. As Figure 5B shown, as the top plate 94 moves downward, the pressing force receiving portion 5a2 receives the pressing force, the pressing member 5a moves downward, and through the transmission member 5a3, the force receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 also moves downward and extends. The first elastic force applying member 59a undergoes elastic deformation. Finally, the force receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 enters the separation control mechanism 93. At this time, the separation control mechanism 93 is in an intermediate position where it does not contact the force receiving member 5b / acting portion 51.

[0095] When the imaging device does not need to work / image, the separation control mechanism 93 starts to move backward and applies a separation force to the force receiving member 5b / acting portion 51. The force receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 drives the first unit 100 including the cover 14 / housing 1 to move relative to the second unit 200 / housing 2, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 move from the state of approaching each other to the state of separating from each other. As Figure 5C shown, in this embodiment, the first unit 100 does not rotate relative to the second unit 200 / housing 2 about an axis parallel to the left-right direction, but translates in the front-back direction relative to the second unit 200 / housing 2. The first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are pressed against each other, causing at least one of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion to undergo elastic deformation until the first protrusion 531 crosses the second protrusion 23, or the second protrusion 23 crosses the first protrusion 531.

[0096] During this separation process, the contact area / contact position of the force receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 and the separation control mechanism 93 in the vertical direction does not change, and the unfavorable situation of the force receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 and the separation control mechanism 93 being disengaged from each other will not occur. That is to say, the processing cartridge C can stably receive the separation force.

[0097] Continue as Figure 5CAs shown, after the first unit 100 moves translationally relative to the second unit 200, a separation gap g is formed between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21. In the front-rear direction, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are in contact with each other, and the separation gap g can be maintained. When the imaging holding member C3 is provided, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 can also be maintained in the state of being in contact with each other. In this way, the processing cartridge C as a whole can be maintained in the state where the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are separated from each other, or rather, the processing cartridge C can be maintained in the state where the housing 1 and the housing 2 are separated from each other, or rather, the processing cartridge C can be maintained in the state where the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are separated from each other.

[0098] Taking the midpoint Cg of the separation gap g in the front-rear direction as a reference, in the front-rear direction, compared with the distance s4 from the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum to the midpoint Cg and the distance s5 from the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 to the midpoint Cg, the distance s6 from the contact position AP of the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 to the midpoint Cg is smaller than either s4 or s5. That is to say, in the front-rear direction, the contact position AP of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion is closer to the midpoint Cg than either the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 or the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21. Such a design can keep the separation gap Cg stable.

[0099] In one embodiment, s6 = 0. At this time, the contact position AP coincides with the midpoint Cg in the up-down direction, and the separation gap Cg can be more effectively maintained.

[0100] When the separation control mechanism 93 starts to contact the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 backward, the separation control mechanism 93 can be regarded as being in the separation force application position. After the separation control mechanism 93 moves backward for a predetermined time / distance, the separation control mechanism 93 will move forward and return to the intermediate position; when the processing cartridge C needs to work / image again, the separation control mechanism 93 will move forward from the intermediate position and apply a restoring force to the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51. When the separation control mechanism 93 starts to contact the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 forward, the separation control mechanism 93 can be regarded as being in the restoring force application position. After the separation control mechanism 93 moves forward for a predetermined time / distance, the separation control mechanism 93 will move backward and return to the intermediate position.

[0101] When the separation control mechanism 93 applies a restoring force to the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51, the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 drives the first unit 100 to translate again relative to the second unit 200 in the front-rear direction, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 return from the separated state to the close state again; or rather, the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 drives the cover 14, and then the cover 14 drives the housing 1 to translate in the front-rear direction, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 return from the separated state to the close state again; or rather, the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 directly drives the housing 1 to translate in the front-rear direction, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 return from the separated state to the close state again.

[0102] During the process of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 moving from the separated state to the close state, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion also move from the abutting position AP to the locking position LP. Similarly, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 squeeze each other, causing at least one of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion to elastically deform until the first protrusion 531 crosses the second protrusion 23, or the second protrusion 23 crosses the first protrusion. Subsequently, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are locked to each other again.

[0103] As Figure 4 shown, the drive end cap 300 further includes a second exposure hole 305 provided on the end cap main body 301. The first driving force receiving member 3 is exposed through the second exposure hole 305, and the second driving force receiving member 4 is exposed through the second exposure hole 302. Generally, the inner diameter of the first exposure hole 305 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first driving force receiving member 3, and the inner diameter of the second exposure hole 302 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second driving force receiving member 4. In this way, both the first driving force receiving member 3 and the second driving force receiving member 4 can smoothly pass through the end cap main body 301.

[0104] In this embodiment, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 is set to translate relative to the second unit 200. Different from the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 being set to rotate relative to the second unit 200 about an axis parallel to the left-right direction, when viewed in the left-right direction, the first driving force receiving member 3 located in the first unit 100 will move within a reference plane including the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and the reference plane intersects the left-right direction. Preferably, the reference plane is perpendicular to the left-right direction. Therefore, the first driving force receiving member 3 will interfere with the movement of the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1. For this reason, the present invention also provides the following first solution.

[0105] The first driving force receiving member 3 includes an outer engaging portion 31 for receiving a driving force from an imaging device and an inner engaging portion 32 for engaging with components within the processing cartridge. The inner engaging portion 32 is configured to transfer the driving force received by the outer engaging portion 31 to other components of the processing cartridge C. Thus, the structural form of the inner engaging portion 32 can be diverse, such as a common gear, a ratchet wheel, a grooved pulley, a rack, a belt, etc. When observing in the left-right direction, to prevent the first driving force receiving member 3 from interfering with the movement of the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 within the reference plane, the outer engaging portion 31 and the inner engaging portion 32 are movably connected. In this way, the inner engaging portion 32 can move along with the movement (translation) of the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 within the reference plane, while the outer engaging portion 31 remains stationary relative to the drive end cap 300.

[0106] In some embodiments, the outer engaging portion 31 and the inner engaging portion 32 are connected by a cross-shaped sliding groove, or the outer engaging portion 31 and the inner engaging portion 32 are connected by a combination formed by at least one sphere and a rod, with at least one sphere engaging with the outer engaging portion 31 or the inner engaging portion 32, as long as the outer engaging portion 31 and the inner engaging portion 32 can both move relative to each other and transfer the driving force.

[0107] The above describes that when observing in the left-right direction, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 translates in the front-rear direction within the reference plane to bring the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 closer to or farther from each other. It is also achievable that when observing in the left-right direction, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 translates in the up-down direction within the reference plane to bring the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 closer to or farther from each other. Further, it is also achievable that when observing in the left-right direction, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 translates in a direction inclined relative to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction within the reference plane to bring the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 closer to or farther from each other. For example, a guiding groove is provided in the end cap 300 / 400, and a guided protrusion that can be guided by the guiding groove is provided in the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1. The first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 moves towards the rear upper or rear lower direction within the reference plane to separate the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 from each other. Correspondingly, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 moves towards the front lower or front upper direction within the reference plane to bring the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 closer to each other.

[0108] Based on the above inventive concept, the reference plane can also be a plane including the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 rotates in the Q direction around the pivot point P within this plane Figure 5D to achieve the separation of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0109] In one embodiment, the fulcrum P is the contact point formed by the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 21 contacting each other. As Figure 5D and Figure 5E shown, the fulcrum P is located to the right of the developing roller 11 / photosensitive drum 21, and the right separating contact mechanism 5R can be omitted. When the separating contact mechanism 5 (left separating contact mechanism 5L) on the left side of the processing cartridge receives a separating force, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 will form Figure 5E the state shown. An angle α less than 90° will be formed between the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Along the front-back direction, the distance between the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 21 gradually decreases from left to right; when the separating contact mechanism 5 receives a restoring force, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 rotates in the plane about the fulcrum P as the rotation point in the Figure 5D opposite direction of the Q direction in to achieve the mutual approach of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0110] In one embodiment, the right separating contact mechanism 5R can still be retained. However, when the separating force received by the left separating contact mechanism 5L is greater than the separating force received by the right separating contact mechanism 5R, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can still form Figure 5E the state shown. For example, a force attenuation mechanism such as a reverse pushing device and a separating force absorber is provided in the processing cartridge C. The force attenuation mechanism is used to attenuate the separating force applied by the separating control mechanism 93 to the right separating contact mechanism 5R.

[0111] It should be understood that the position of the fulcrum P should not be limited. In addition to being formed by the contact between the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 21, the fulcrum P can also be formed by the contact between the housing 1 and the first end cap 300 / second end cap 400, or by the contact between the cap 14 and the first end cap 300 / second unit housing 2, or by the contact between the conductive bracket and the second end cap 400 / second unit housing 2, or by the contact between the conductive bracket and the power output member in the imaging device, etc. When the fulcrum P is not formed by the contact between the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 and the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 21, in Figure 5E the state shown, in the left-right direction, the circumferential surface of the developing roller 11 may not contact the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum; along the left-right direction, the fulcrum P can be formed to the right of the processing cartridge or to the left of the processing cartridge.

[0112] In the manner of realizing the mutual approach and separation of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in this embodiment, the movement form of the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 is still translational. Although the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 rotates around the fulcrum P, compared with the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 rotating around the rotation axis passing through the housing 1 in the left-right direction, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 itself does not rotate in this manner, but translates in the reference plane including the front-back direction and the left-right direction. It can be seen that the movement trajectory of the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 is always within the reference plane, making its movement process simple.

[0113] [Embodiment 2]

[0114] As Figure 6 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, different from Embodiment 1, the locking portion 53 in this embodiment is provided on the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51, and the locked portion is also provided on the end caps 300 / 400. Components identical to those in Embodiment 1 will not be described herein again.

[0115] Before the top plate 94 presses down the pressing member 5a, the locking portion 53 will be in the retracted state along with the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51. As Figure 7A shown, the locking portion 53 is located above the locked portion; as the top plate 94 presses down the pressing member 5a, the force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 is pressed downward by the transfer member 5a3 in the pressing member 5a, and the first elastic force applying member 59a undergoes elastic deformation. The force-receiving member 5b / acting portion 51 gradually enters the separation control mechanism 93, and the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are engaged in the front-back direction, so that the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are locked to each other.

[0116] When the imaging holding member C3 is not provided in the processing cartridge C, before the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are locked to each other, the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are only combined through the end caps 300 / 400 and can move relative to each other. This structure is beneficial for the processing cartridge C to avoid interference during installation and disassembly. However, to prevent unnecessary collision between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21, preferably, the processing cartridge C is still provided with the imaging holding member C3.

[0117] Preferably, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion in this embodiment also have the locking position LP and the abutting position AP described in Embodiment 1, and the beneficial effects can be seen from the above description.

[0118] [Embodiment 3]

[0119] This embodiment mainly replaces the structures of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion, and the structure of the separation contact mechanism 5 is not limited herein.

[0120] As Figure 8 shown, one end of the locking portion 53 forms a first protrusion / locking force-receiving portion 531. The processing cartridge C further includes a second elastic force applying member 59b coupled to the locking portion 53. Similarly, the second elastic force applying member 59b can be at least one of a compression spring, rubber, a tension spring, etc., for forcing the locking portion 53 to move in the left-right direction. Specifically, the second elastic force applying member 59b forces the locking portion 53 to move away from or close to the housing 1. It is achievable that the locking portion 53 can be mounted on the cover 14 or the housing 1.

[0121] The locked portion is provided on the end cap 300 / 400. As shown in the figure, a connecting body 22 in the locked portion is connected to the end cap main body 301, and a second protrusion / locked force-receiving portion 23 is provided on the connecting body 22. In this embodiment, the locked portion is integrally and fixedly provided on the end cap main body 301. Thus, the locked portion can be integrally formed with the end cap main body 301, and a locking space 220 is formed between the second protrusion 23 and the end cap main body 301.

[0122] During the operation / imaging of the processing cartridge C, the locking portion 53 reaches the locking space 220 under the action of the second elastic force applying member 59b. At the same time, the locking portion 53 also abuts against the second protrusion 23 to be locked; when the separation contact mechanism 5 receives a separation force, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 moves relative to the second unit 200 in the reference plane, the second elastic force applying member 59b undergoes elastic deformation, and the locking portion 53 / first protrusion 531 moves toward the direction close to the housing 1 until it passes over the second protrusion 23. Subsequently, the second elastic force applying member 59b releases the elastic force, and the locking portion 53 / first protrusion 531 reaches the outside of the locking space 220 and abuts against the second protrusion 23 again, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be held in a mutually separated state with a separation gap g.

[0123] When the separation contact mechanism 5 receives a restoring force, the locking portion 53 / first protrusion 531 passes over the second protrusion 23 again and enters the locking space 220. During this process, the second elastic force applying member 59b undergoes elastic deformation and releases the elastic force again, and the locking portion 53 / first protrusion 531 is held in the locking space 220.

[0124] In the solution where the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are arranged to translate in the front-rear direction, when the locking portion 53 / first protrusion 531 has not passed over the second protrusion 23, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 reach a mutually separated state with a separation gap g. At this time, the locking portion 53 / first protrusion 531 is still located within the locking space 220.

[0125] In addition, to prevent the first driving force receiving member 3 from interfering with the movement of the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1, the present embodiment provides a second solution.

[0126] As Figure 8 shown, the first driving force receiving member 3 also passes through the third exposure hole 143 provided in the cap 14. Similar to the above embodiment, the outer joint portion 31 and the inner joint portion 32 in the first driving force receiving member 3 are movably connected. Further, the third exposure hole 143 is provided in an elliptical shape, so as to more effectively prevent the first driving force receiving member 3 from interfering with the movement of the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1; preferably, the major axis in the elliptical third exposure hole 143 extends along the movement direction of the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1.

[0127] Based on the structures of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion provided in this embodiment, the movement mode of the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 can also be rotation, that is, when the separation control mechanism 93 applies a separation force or a restoring force to the separation contact mechanism 5, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 rotates relative to the second unit 200, and the conversion between mutual locking and unlocking of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion can also be achieved.

[0128] The locking portion 53 in this embodiment is arranged to be movable relative to the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1. Specifically, the locking portion 53 is arranged to perform a telescopic movement in the left-right direction relative to the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1. Compared with the structure of the elastic arm, the locking portion 53 can obtain a more stable abutting effect.

[0129] Preferably, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion in this embodiment also have the locking position LP and the abutting position AP described in the first embodiment, and the beneficial effects can be seen in the above description.

[0130] [Embodiment Four]

[0131] Different from the third embodiment, the locking portion 53 in this embodiment is arranged not to be elastically deformed, but the locked portion is arranged to be elastically deformable. As Figure 9 shown, the locking portion 53 is fixedly arranged on the cap 14 or the housing 1, the first protrusion 531 is arranged on the locking portion 53, the locked portion is arranged in the form of a cantilever on the end cap body 301, that is, one end of the connecting body 22 in the locked portion is connected to the end cap body 301, the second protrusion 23 is arranged at the other end of the connecting body 22, and a locking space 220 is still formed between the second protrusion 23 and the end cap body 301. Preferably, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion in this embodiment also have the locking position LP and the abutting position AP described in the first embodiment, and the beneficial effects can be seen in the above description.

[0132] Optionally, the positions of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion in this embodiment can also be interchanged, which gives greater design freedom to the locking portion 53 and the locked portion. As a result, the overall structural rationality of the processing cartridge C can be improved. However, regardless of whether the cantilever-shaped locked portion is provided on the end cap main body 301 or on the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1, during the mutual locking and unlocking of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion, the locked portion can move in the left-right direction of the processing cartridge. Compared with the front-back direction and the up-down direction, the processing cartridge C has the largest dimension in the left-right direction. Therefore, there will be more design margins in the left-right direction of the processing cartridge C to ensure that the locked portion has sufficient deformation in the left-right direction.

[0133] [Embodiment Five]

[0134] In this embodiment, the structures of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are mainly replaced, and the structure of the separation contact mechanism 5 is not limited herein.

[0135] As Figure 10 shown, along the left-right direction, the first driving force receiving member 3 first passes through the third exposure hole 143 on the cover 14, and then passes through the second exposure hole 305 on the end cap 300. The cover 14 is further provided with a neck portion 144 disposed around the third exposure hole 143, and the neck portion 144 passes through the second exposure hole 305.

[0136] In this embodiment, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are arranged such that one of them rotates relative to the first unit 100 and the second unit 200, and the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are switched between the mutually locked state and the unlocked state, and the locking portion 53 or the locked portion is arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotation of the first unit 100 or the circumferential direction of the rotation of the second unit 200. This design does not require additional space in the processing cartridge C, nor does it require additional components to be provided in the processing cartridge C, thereby simplifying the structure of the processing cartridge C.

[0137] The locking portion 53 includes a first clamping portion 53a and a second clamping portion 53b disposed adjacent to the neck portion 144. Among them, the combination of the locked portion and the first clamping portion 53a keeps the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in a mutually close state, and the combination of the locked portion and the second clamping portion 53b keeps the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in a mutually separated state.

[0138] In one embodiment, both the first clamping portion 53a and the second clamping portion 53b are provided as clamping grooves. At this time, the locking portion 53 further includes a first protrusion 531 located between the first clamping groove 53a and the second clamping groove 53b. The locked portion includes a connecting body 22 connected to the end cap main body 301 and a second protrusion 23 provided on the connecting body 22. Among them, the connecting body 22 is provided on the end cap main body 301 in the form of a cantilever. The locking portion 53 is fixedly provided on the neck portion 144. Specifically, the connecting body 22 is arranged around the circumference of the second exposure hole 305, and the locking portion 53 is arranged along the circumference of the neck portion 144. Therefore, the locked portion will be able to elastically deform relative to the end cap main body 301, and the locking portion 53 is fixedly arranged relative to the first unit 100 / the cover 14 / the housing 1.

[0139] When the processing cartridge C is working / imaging, the second protrusion 23 enters the first clamping groove 53a. Therefore, the second protrusion 23 and the first protrusion 531 can abut against each other and be locked, thereby realizing the locking of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be kept in a state of being close to each other; when the separation control mechanism 93 applies a separation force to the separation contact mechanism 5, the first unit 100 / the cover 14 / the housing 1 rotates relative to the second unit 200 around a rotation axis (for example, the rotation axis L3 of the first driving force receiving member 3) in Figure 11A the direction shown by r2 in Figure 11B as shown, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are separated from each other to form a separation gap g. During this process, as the cover 14 rotates, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are pressed against each other, and the locked portion elastically deforms until the second protrusion 23 passes over the first protrusion 531, or rather, until the first protrusion 531 passes over the second protrusion 23. Subsequently, the locked portion is reset, the second protrusion 23 enters the second clamping groove 53b, and by the second protrusion 23 and the first protrusion 531 abutting against each other again, the separation gap g is maintained between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0140] When the separation control mechanism 93 applies a restoring force to the separation contact mechanism 51, the first unit 100 / the cover 14 / the housing 1 rotates relative to the second unit 200 around the rotation axis L3 in the opposite direction of the direction shown by r2. The first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are pressed against each other again, and the locked portion elastically deforms again until the first protrusion 531 passes over the second protrusion 23, or rather, until the second protrusion 23 passes over the first protrusion 531. Subsequently, the locked portion is reset, the second protrusion 23 enters the first clamping groove 53a, and the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are locked again, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in a state of being close to each other.

[0141] Based on the inventive concept of this embodiment, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion can also be arranged such that the locking portion 53 is elastically deformable while the locked portion is fixedly arranged, and the above-mentioned locking and unlocking processes can also be achieved.

[0142] In another embodiment, one of the first clamping portion 53a and the second clamping portion 53b is arranged as a clamping groove, and the other is arranged as a protrusion / radial protrusion portion. That is, one of the first clamping portion 53a and the second clamping portion 53b is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the neck 144 to form a clamping groove, and the other extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the neck 144 to form a radial protrusion portion.

[0143] For example, when the first clamping portion 53a is arranged as a radial protrusion portion and the second clamping portion 53b is arranged as a clamping groove, when the processing cartridge C is working / imaging, along the rotation direction r2, the second protrusion 23 abuts against the downstream surface of the radial protrusion portion 53a, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in a state of being close to each other. When the separation control mechanism 93 applies a separation force to the separation contact mechanism 5, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 rotates in the direction shown by r2. After the second protrusion 23 passes over the radial protrusion portion, it enters the clamping groove 53b. By the mutual abutment of the second protrusion 23 and the clamping groove 53b, the separation gap g is maintained between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0144] When the separation control mechanism 93 applies a restoring force to the separation contact mechanism 51, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 rotates in the opposite direction of the direction shown by r2. The second protrusion 23 passes over the radial protrusion portion 53a again and returns to the state of abutting against the downstream surface of the radial protrusion portion 53a, and the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are locked again. It can be seen that in this way, the radial protrusion portion can be regarded as the first protrusion portion 531.

[0145] When the first clamping portion 53a is arranged as a clamping groove and the second clamping portion 53b is arranged as a protrusion, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion still have the above-mentioned movement process, which will not be elaborated here.

[0146] Based on the inventive concept of this embodiment, in another embodiment, the locking portion 53 includes a radial protrusion portion extending radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the neck 144. Along the rotation direction r2, the downstream region and the upstream region adjacent to the radial protrusion portion will respectively form the first clamping portion 53a and the second clamping portion 53b. In this way, only one radial protrusion portion needs to be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the neck 144, and the structure of the locking portion 53 will become simpler.

[0147] Preferably, both the locking portion 53 and the locked portion can be modified based on the existing components in the processing cartridge C, without the need to additionally install components into the processing cartridge C, which is beneficial to reducing the number of components in the processing cartridge C and thus reducing the assembly difficulty of the processing cartridge C.

[0148] Preferably, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion in this embodiment also have the locking position LP and the abutting position AP described in Embodiment 1, and the beneficial effects can be seen from the above description. As Figure 11A shown, along the front-back direction, the distance from the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum to the imaging position DP is s1, the distance from the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 to the imaging position DP is s2, and the distance from the locking position LP to the imaging position DP is s3, and the s3 is smaller than any one of s1 and s2; as Figure 11B shown, along the front-back direction, the distance from the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum to the midpoint Cg is s4, the distance from the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 to the midpoint Cg is s5, and the distance from the abutting position AP to the midpoint Cg is s6, and the s6 is smaller than any one of s4 and s5.

[0149] Based on the inventive concept of Embodiment 5, the deformed structure of the locked portion is described in this embodiment. The locked portion in Embodiment 43 is provided as a cantilever such that its movement locus is an arc, and the movement locus of the locked portion in this embodiment is a straight line.

[0150] The locked portion in this embodiment is movably installed on the end cap main body 301. As Figure 12 shown, the end cap main body 301 is provided with a limiting space 306 for accommodating the locked portion. A third elastic force applying member 59c is installed in the limiting space 306 together with the locked portion. The limiting space 306 communicates with the second exposed hole 305. The third elastic force applying member 59c is used to push the locked portion towards the second exposed hole 305; meanwhile, adjacent first engaging portions 53a and second engaging portions 53b are still provided on the circumference of the neck portion 144. Therefore, under the action of the third elastic force applying member 59c, the second protruding portion 23 will enter the first engaging portion 53a or the second engaging portion 53b.

[0151] As Figure 13A shown, when the processing cartridge C is working / imaging, the locking portion is located in the first engaging portion 53a, and the locking portion abuts against the first protruding portion 531 to be in a locked state, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are close to each other; when the separation control mechanism 93 applies a separation force to the separation contact mechanism 5, as Figure 13BAs shown, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 rotates relative to the second unit 200 about the rotation axis L3. During the process that the second protrusion 23 passes over the first protrusion 531, the third elastic force applying member 59c undergoes elastic deformation. Subsequently, when the second protrusion 23 passes over the first protrusion 531, under the elastic force released by the third elastic force applying member 59c, the second protrusion 23 enters the second locking portion 53b. By the second protrusion 23 abutting against the first protrusion 531 again, the separation gap g between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be maintained.

[0152] Based on the inventive concept of this embodiment, the positions of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion can also be interchanged, and the above locking and unlocking processes can also be achieved.

[0153] Preferably, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion in this embodiment also have the locking position LP and the abutting position AP described in the first embodiment, and the beneficial effects can be seen in the above description.

[0154] [Embodiment Seven]

[0155] In this embodiment, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 can still achieve the mutual approach or separation of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 by the above translational movement or rotation about the rotation axis (such as the rotation axis L3). Similar to the first embodiment, the locking portion 53 is also cantilevered, as Figure 14 shown, the locking portion 53 includes a locking base 530 and a first protrusion 531 provided on the locking base 530. The locking base 530 can be integrally formed with the cap 14 / housing 1 or separately formed, as long as at least one of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion provided on the end cap 300 can achieve mutual locking and unlocking by elastic deformation.

[0156] Similar to the above embodiment, the locked portion in this embodiment is provided on the end cap 300 / 400. The connecting body in the locked portion is connected to the end cap main body 301 or the second unit housing 2. The second protrusion 23 is provided as the locked force receiving portion on the connecting body. In some embodiments, the locked force receiving portion 23 can also be provided as a groove. At this time, the locked portion will only be provided with the locked force receiving portion 23 formed as a groove; preferably, the processing cartridge C further includes the second elastic force applying member 59b. Similarly, the second elastic force applying member 59b can be at least one of a compression spring, rubber, a tension spring, etc., for forcing the locking portion 53 to move in the left-right direction away from the housing 1 or towards the housing 1; it should be noted that in the case where the second elastic force applying member 59b is not provided, the locking portion 53 can also move away from the housing 1 or towards the housing 1 by its own elasticity.

[0157] Further, the locking portion 53 in this embodiment further includes a portion 532 to be squeezed provided on the locking base 530. When the separating and contacting mechanism 5 receives a restoring force, the separating and contacting mechanism 5 squeezes the portion 532 to be squeezed, so that the locking portion 53 obtains a larger elastic deformation amount, thereby ensuring that the first protrusion 531 can cross the second protrusion 23, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 return from being separated from each other to and remain in a state of being close to each other; when the locked force-receiving portion 23 is provided as a groove, the first protrusion 531 crosses the highest point in the left-right direction of the groove 23, thereby realizing the mutual locking and unlocking between the locking portion 53 and the locked portion.

[0158] In the case where the portion 532 to be squeezed is not provided, in order to enable the locking portion 53 to obtain a sufficient elastic deformation amount, the hardness of the locking portion 53 needs to be set to be small. However, in this case, the locking state between the locking portion 53 and the locked portion will become unstable. On the contrary, when the hardness of the locking portion 53 is set to be large, it will be difficult for the locking portion 53 to obtain a sufficient elastic deformation amount; however, when the portion 532 to be squeezed is provided, even if the hardness of the locking portion 53 increases, with the squeezing of the portion 532 to be squeezed by the separating and contacting mechanism 5, the locking portion 53 will be able to easily obtain a sufficient elastic deformation amount.

[0159] Similar to the above embodiment, the processing cartridge C further includes a support body 13 extending in the left-right direction on the processing cartridge housing or cover. By cooperating the support body 13 with the long hole / slot 55 on the separating and contacting mechanism 5, the separating and contacting mechanism 5 can move in the up-down direction and can also rotate around the support body 13.

[0160] When the processing cartridge C works / forms an image, the photosensitive drum 21 contacts the developing roller 11, and the locking portion 53 and the locked portion are locked to each other in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the second protruding portion 23 is located behind the first protruding portion 531, and the first protruding portion 531 and the second protruding portion 23 are in contact with each other and locked. In some embodiments, the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 can also be held in a state where the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are close to each other by the imaging holder C3. At this time, although the second protruding portion 23 is located behind the first protruding portion 531, the two do not have to contact / abut against each other.

[0161] When the separating and contacting mechanism 5 / acting portion 51 receives a separating force, the separating and contacting mechanism 5 will rotate around the support column 13 along Figure 14Rotate in the direction shown by r7. By providing a limiting member 145 on the cover 14 / housing 1 for abutting against the separation contact mechanism 5, the rotation of the separation contact mechanism 5 in the direction shown by r7 is inhibited, and thus a separation force is applied to the cover 14 / housing 1. The first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 can then achieve the separation of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 by the above-mentioned translational movement or rotation about the rotation axis. During this process, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are pressed against each other. The first protrusion 531 alone or the first protrusion 531 drives the locking base 530 to move towards the housing 1. The second elastic force applying member 59b undergoes elastic deformation. When the first protrusion 531 passes over the second protrusion 23, the second elastic force applying member 59b releases the elastic force, and the locking base 530 drives the first protrusion 531 to move away from the housing 1. Finally, the first protrusion 531 reaches the rear of the second protrusion 23, the imaging holding member C3 undergoes elastic deformation, and the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are in abutment in the front-rear direction, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are maintained in a separated state.

[0162] Conversely, when the separation contact mechanism 5 / acting portion 51 receives a restoring force, the separation contact mechanism 5 will rotate about the support column 13 in the Figure 14 direction opposite to that shown by r7 in the figure. At this time, the separation contact mechanism 5 will start to press the portion 532 to be pressed, and the locking base 530 moves towards the housing 1. The second elastic force applying member 59b undergoes elastic deformation again. When the first protrusion 531 passes over the second protrusion 23, under the elastic force of the imaging holding member C3, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 can achieve the approach of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 by the above-mentioned translational movement or rotation about the rotation axis. At the same time, the first protrusion 531 reaches the front of the second protrusion 23, and the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 are in abutment in the front-rear direction through the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are maintained in an approaching state, or the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 maintain the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in an approaching state through the imaging holding member C3, or the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are in abutment in the front-rear direction and the imaging holding member C3 acts simultaneously.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are disposed below the processing cartridge. In some embodiments, when the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 approach each other, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are in a state of abutting against each other in the front-rear direction. At this time, the first protrusion 531 is located behind the second protrusion 23. When the separation contact mechanism 5 / acting portion 51 receives a separation force, as the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 undergoes the above-described translational movement or rotation about the rotation axis, the first protrusion 531 crosses over the second protrusion 23 and reaches the front of the second protrusion 23. At this time, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are locked to each other, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 change from the state of approaching each other to the state of separating from each other; preferably, the first protrusion 531 and the second protrusion 23 are disposed above the processing cartridge.

[0164] [Embodiment VIII]

[0165] In this embodiment, the separation contact mechanism 5 is simplified to the acting portion 51. The structures of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion and the movement processes of locking and unlocking each other are the same as those in Embodiment VII, and will not be described again in this embodiment. Below, the structure and movement process of the acting portion 51 will be mainly described.

[0166] The acting portion 51 is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation axis. Specifically, at least one of the end caps 300 / 400, the cap 14, and the housing 1 and the acting portion 51 are rotatably mounted by means of shaft-hole fitting, as Figure 16 shown. The acting portion 51 includes a rotating portion 513, an acting force receiving portion 514 connected to the rotating portion 513, and an acting force transmitting portion 515.

[0167] Preferably, the acting portion 51 is configured as a gravity block. In this way, there is no need to separately provide a reset member in the processing cartridge C to force the acting portion 51 to reset. When the separation force or restoring force applied to the acting portion 51 is withdrawn, the acting portion 51 can naturally droop under its own gravity.

[0168] Similar to the above-described embodiment, the locking portion 53 can be either installed on the housing 1 or the cap 14 as an independent component, or integrally formed with the housing 1 or the cap 14.

[0169] When the acting force receiving portion 514 receives a separation force, the acting portion 51 will move along Figure 16Rotate in the opposite direction to the direction shown by r5. When the force transmission part 515 abuts against the limiting part 145 in the housing 1 or the cover 14, the separation force will be directly or indirectly transmitted to the housing 1. Subsequently, the first unit 100 translates relative to the second unit 200 or rotates around the rotation axis (such as the rotation axis L3) to separate the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 from each other. As described in the seventh embodiment, the imaging holding member C3 undergoes elastic deformation, and the first protruding portion 531 reaches behind the second protruding portion 23, and the two abut against each other in the front - rear direction, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in a separated state.

[0170] When the force receiving part 514 receives the restoring force, the acting part 51 will rotate along Figure 16 the direction shown by r5 in the figure. At the same time, the acting part 51 presses the part 532 to be pressed, so that the first protruding portion 531 crosses the second protruding portion 23 again. Under the action of the imaging holding member C3, the first unit 100 translates relative to the second unit 200 or rotates around the rotation axis (such as the rotation axis L3) to bring the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 closer to each other.

[0171] [Embodiment Nine]

[0172] Based on the above - mentioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the internal structure of the processing cartridge C is further optimized. First, refer to Figure 14 , the processing cartridge C further includes a supply member driving member 1021 for driving the stirring member and a developing roller driving member 111 for driving the developing roller 11. The supply member driving member 1021 and the developing roller driving member 111 are simultaneously combined with the inner joint portion 32 of the first driving force receiving member 3 to receive the driving force of the outer joint portion 31. Generally, both the supply member driving member 1021 and the developing roller driving member 111 are set as gears.

[0173] The processing cartridge C further includes a gear mounting plate 15 fixedly connected to the housing 1. The first driving force receiving member 3, the supply member driving member 1021, and the developing roller driving member 111 are all installed on or pass through the gear mounting plate 15. The cover 14 is directly installed on the housing 1, or the cover 14 is first fixedly connected to the gear mounting plate 15 and then fixedly connected to the housing 1 through the gear mounting plate 15.

[0174] As described above, the stirring member is used to stir the developer contained in the housing 1, prevent the developer from caking, and convey the developer towards the supply member 102. In practice, the processing cartridge C is installed in the imaging device in an inverted posture, that is, when the processing cartridge C is in the installed state, the developing roller 11 is located below the processing cartridge, and the cavity for containing the developer in the processing cartridge is located above the developing roller 11. In this state, the stirring member can also be omitted, and the developer can reach the surface of the supply member 102 under its own gravity. At the same time, the rotating supply member 102 can also play a certain stirring role.

[0175] As Figure 17 shown, the processing cartridge C involved in this embodiment does not have to be provided with a stirring member and a gear mounting plate 15. In this way, the first driving force receiving member 3, the supply member driving member 1021, and the developing roller driving member 111 can be directly mounted on the housing 1; in addition, the cover 14 is directly fixedly connected to the housing 1. It can be seen that the structure of the processing cartridge C can be simplified, the number of components is reduced, which is beneficial to reducing the material cost and assembly cost of the processing cartridge C.

[0176] [Embodiment Ten]

[0177] Different from Embodiment Nine, in the processing cartridge C involved in this embodiment, a stirring member 103 is provided. As Figure 18 shown, the stirring member 103 is coaxially arranged with the first driving force receiving member 3. In this way, there is no need to provide a component for transmitting the driving force between the stirring member 103 and the first driving force receiving member 3 in the processing cartridge C, and the structure of the processing cartridge C can also be simplified, and the number of components of the processing cartridge C is reduced. Preferably, the stirring member 103 directly receives the driving force from the first driving force receiving member 3.

[0178] Furthermore, the stirring member 103 is at least coaxially arranged with the inner engaging portion 32. During the translation of the aforementioned first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1, even if the outer engaging portion 31 moves, the stirring member 103 can still receive the driving force of the inner engaging portion 32 and rotate.

[0179] [Embodiment Eleven]

[0180] Generally, in a color imaging device, multiple processing cartridges need to be installed at the same time, and different color developers are accommodated in each processing cartridge. The multiple processing cartridges can be referred to as a processing cartridge assembly CA. When the imaging device does not perform an imaging operation, the developing rollers 11 and the photosensitive drums 21 in each processing cartridge of the processing cartridge assembly CA need to be converted from a state close to each other to a state separated from each other.

[0181] In the conventional design, the separation contact mechanism 5 is provided in each processing cartridge C. Thus, each processing cartridge C receives the separation force and the restoring force through the separation contact mechanism 5 provided therein. This method is not conducive to reducing the cost of the processing cartridge assembly CA. This embodiment will provide a processing cartridge assembly CA, in which each processing cartridge C can realize the conversion between the state of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 being close to each other and the state of being separated from each other, and can also reduce the cost of the processing cartridge assembly CA.

[0182] The focus of this embodiment is to realize the conversion between the state where the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in each processing cartridge C are close to each other and the state where they are separated from each other through the following linkage member 8. The linkage member 8 and the processing cartridge C can be connected in a non-detachable manner or in a detachable manner; the structure of the separation contact mechanism 5 remains unchanged. Therefore, the separation contact mechanism 5 in any of the above embodiments can be applied to this embodiment.

[0183] As Figure 19 and Figure 20 shown, the processing cartridge assembly CA includes a black processing cartridge CK containing black developer, a blue processing cartridge CC containing blue developer, a red processing cartridge CM containing red developer, and a yellow processing cartridge CY containing yellow developer. The structures of the four processing cartridges are basically the same and are arranged adjacent to each other in sequence in the imaging device; this embodiment focuses on introducing the structure for the conversion between the state where the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the three processing cartridges (referred to as color processing cartridges) other than the black processing cartridge CK are close to each other and the state where they are separated from each other.

[0184] As Figure 27 shown, the four processing cartridges can be detachably mounted on the tray 99. The tray moves towards the inside of the imaging device in the front-to-back direction so that the four processing cartridges reach the installation position, and the tray moves towards the outside of the imaging device in the back-to-front direction so that the four processing cartridges reach the detachable position. The sorting of the four processing cartridges on the tray 99 is that, in the front-to-back direction, the black processing cartridge CK is the first processing cartridge, the blue processing cartridge CC is the second processing cartridge, the red processing cartridge CM is the third processing cartridge, and the yellow processing cartridge CY is the fourth processing cartridge.

[0185] In one implementation, only the yellow processing cartridge CY located at the rearmost side receives a force (either the separation force or the restoring force), and the red processing cartridge CM in front of the yellow processing cartridge CY and the blue processing cartridge CC in front of the red processing cartridge CM do not receive any force. In this way, there is no need to set up the separation contact mechanism 5 in the red processing cartridge CM and the blue processing cartridge CC, and only the separation contact mechanism 5 is set in the yellow processing cartridge CY. Thus, the cost of the processing cartridge assembly CA is reduced.

[0186] Specifically, the processing cartridge assembly CA further includes a linkage member 8 connecting the color processing cartridges. When the separation contact mechanism 5 in the yellow processing cartridge CY receives a force, the force can be transmitted to the magenta processing cartridge CM and the cyan processing cartridge CC through the linkage member 8. According to the description of the above embodiment, when the separation contact mechanism 5 receives a force, any one of the first unit 100, the cover 14, and the housing 1 realizes the conversion between the state where the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are close to each other and the state where they are separated from each other by translation or rotation. Therefore, at least any one of the first unit 100, the cover 14, and the housing 1 of each color processing cartridge can be connected to the linkage member 8.

[0187] Based on the inventive concept of this embodiment, it is also possible that at least any one of the cyan processing cartridge CC and the magenta processing cartridge CM is provided with a separation contact mechanism 5, and then through the movement of the linkage member 8, the linkage member 8 drives other color processing cartridges to realize the conversion between the state where the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are close to each other and the state where they are separated from each other.

[0188] The linkage member 8 can be formed as an independent component, and its shape can be one of a rod member, a plate member, etc. It can be integrally formed or formed by multiple segments.

[0189] When a gear mounting plate 15 is provided in the processing cartridge, the linkage member 8 can also be connected to the gear mounting plate 15.

[0190] [Embodiment Twelve]

[0191] As Figure 21 and Figure 22 shown, different from Embodiment Eleven, in this embodiment, a plurality of linkage members 8 are provided. Preferably, a linkage member 8 is provided in the yellow processing cartridge CY for receiving the force, and a linkage member 8 is provided in the magenta processing cartridge CM in front of the yellow processing cartridge CY, but a linkage member does not need to be provided in the cyan processing cartridge CC in front of the magenta processing cartridge CM.

[0192] When the separation contact mechanism 5 in the yellow processing cartridge CY receives a force (especially a separation force), the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the yellow processing cartridge CY rotates about the rotation axis L3 in the direction shown by r2. In the vertical direction, the linkage 8 in the yellow processing cartridge CY and the component (the above-mentioned acting portion 51) in the separation contact mechanism 5 for receiving the force are respectively located above and below the rotation axis L3. In this way, the linkage 8 in the yellow processing cartridge CY will be pushed by the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 to move forward, specifically, translational motion or sliding. Subsequently, the linkage 8 in the yellow processing cartridge CY then pushes the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the red processing cartridge CM, and then the linkage 8 in the red processing cartridge CM pushes the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the blue processing cartridge CC. Finally, the developing rollers 11 and the photosensitive drums 21 in each of the processing cartridges in the color processing cartridge can be brought closer to or separated from each other.

[0193] As Figure 21 shown, the linkage 8 includes a linkage main body 81, a linkage guided portion 82, and a linkage portion 84. Among them, the linkage guided portion 82 and the linkage portion 84 are both connected to the linkage main body 81. The end cap main body 301 is provided with a linkage guiding portion 307 that engages with the linkage guided portion 82. Further, the linkage 8 further includes a linkage anti-disengagement portion 83 connected to the linkage guided portion 82. In this way, the linkage 8 can move reliably in the linkage guiding portion 307.

[0194] [Embodiment Thirteen]

[0195] Different from Embodiment Twelve, the linkage 8 in this embodiment is no longer provided on the end cap 300 / 400, but is provided on the first unit housing 1 or the second unit housing 2. As Figure 23 shown, the second unit housing 2 is provided with an activity hole 2a for the linkage 8 to move. The linkage 8 still includes a linkage main body 81, a linkage anti-disengagement portion 83, and a linkage portion 84. The linkage main body 81 is movably installed in the activity hole 2a. Therefore, the linkage main body 81 can also be regarded as the linkage guided portion 82, and the activity hole 2a can be regarded as the linkage guiding portion.

[0196] It should be noted that only one linkage 8 can be provided in this embodiment, or multiple linkages 8 can be provided. The multiple linkages 8 are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0197] [Embodiment Fourteen]

[0198] Different from the above embodiments, the linkage 8 in this embodiment is arranged to rotate about the rotation axis L8. As Figure 24As shown, the linkage member 8 includes a linkage member main body 81 and a linkage portion 84 that are connected to each other. The rotating shaft 85 is integrally or separately formed with the linkage member main body 81, and the rotating shaft 85 divides the linkage member main body into a linkage member force-receiving portion 81a and a linkage member transmission portion 81b. The linkage portion 84 is connected to the linkage member transmission portion 81b, and the linkage member 8 is rotatably mounted to the second unit housing 2 through the rotating shaft 85.

[0199] As Figure 25 shown, when the separation contact mechanism 5 in the yellow processing cartridge CY receives a force (especially a separation force), the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 (1Y) rotates about the rotation axis L3 in the direction shown by r2, and the housing 1 or the cover 14 presses down on the linkage member force-receiving portion 81a, causing the linkage member 8 to rotate about the rotation axis L8. The linkage member transmission portion 81b drives the linkage portion 84 to move upward. At the same time, the linkage portion 84 pushes the housing 1 (1M) or the cover 14 of the red processing cartridge CM, causing the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 (1M) in the red processing cartridge CM to also rotate about the rotation axis L3 in the direction shown by r2 in the red processing cartridge CM. Subsequently, the linkage member 8 in the red processing cartridge CM then pushes the housing 1 (1C) or the cover 14 of the blue processing cartridge CC, causing the first unit 100 / cover 14 / housing 1 (1C) in the blue processing cartridge CC to also rotate about the rotation axis L3 in the direction shown by r2 in the blue processing cartridge CC. Finally, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in each processing cartridge in the color processing cartridge can be brought closer to or separated from each other.

[0200] [Embodiment Fifteen]

[0201] As Figure 26 shown, different from Embodiment Thirteen, the linkage member 8 in this embodiment is also set to be fixedly connected to the first unit housing 1 / cover 14. In this way, the linkage member 8 can move together with the first unit 100 / the first unit housing 1 / the cover 14. During the movement of the linkage member 8 in the yellow processing cartridge CY, the linkage member 8 in the red processing cartridge CM in front of the yellow processing cartridge CY also moves together with the first unit 100 / the first unit housing 1 / the cover 14 in the red processing cartridge CM. Subsequently, during the movement of the linkage member 8 in the red processing cartridge CM, the first unit 100 / the first unit housing 1 / the cover 14 in the blue processing cartridge CC also starts to move. Finally, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in each processing cartridge in the color processing cartridge can be brought closer to or separated from each other.

[0202] It should be understood that the movement in this embodiment refers to the translation or rotation of the first unit 100 / the first unit housing 1 / the cover 14.

[0203] [Embodiment Sixteen]

[0204] AsFigure 27 and Figure 28 As shown in and

[0205] , the linkage member 8 in this embodiment is arranged to move on the imaging device tray 99 for supporting the processing cartridge assembly CA. The tray 99 includes a tray frame 991 and a plurality of processing cartridge receiving portions 992 provided on the tray frame 991. Each processing cartridge receiving portion 992 corresponds to a processing cartridge, and a linkage member guiding portion 993 is also provided on the tray frame 991.

[0205] The linkage member 8 includes a linkage member main body 81, a guided portion 82 of the linkage member, and a linkage portion 84. The guided portion 82 of the linkage member cooperates with the linkage member guiding portion 993. In this way, the linkage member 8 can move on the tray frame 991. The linkage portion 84 is provided as a first linkage portion 84a and a second linkage portion 84b. Among them, the first linkage portion 84a is inserted between the yellow processing cartridge CY and the magenta processing cartridge CM, and the second linkage portion 84b is inserted between the magenta processing cartridge CM and the cyan processing cartridge CC. When the separation contact mechanism 5 in the yellow processing cartridge CY receives a force (especially a separation force), the yellow processing cartridge CY abuts against the first linkage portion 84a. Through the first linkage portion 84a, the first unit 100 / the first unit housing 1 / the cover 14 in the magenta processing cartridge CM will be pushed. Subsequently, the first unit 100 / the first unit housing 1 / the cover 14 in the magenta processing cartridge CM pushes the second linkage portion 84b, and then the second linkage portion 84b pushes the first unit 100 / the first unit housing 1 / the cover 14 in the cyan processing cartridge CC. Finally, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in each processing cartridge of the color processing cartridge can move closer to or away from each other.

[0206] It should be noted that the linkage portion 84 in this embodiment can also be used in cooperation with the linkage portion of the above embodiment. At this time, only one of the first linkage portion 84a and the second linkage portion 84b needs to be provided; when multiple linkage members are provided, the linkage members 8 in the above embodiments can also be combined and used, and the positions where the linkage members 8 are provided are not limited.

[0207] The above describes the manner in which the separation contact mechanism 5 in the yellow processing cartridge CY (the active processing cartridge) located at the rearmost receives a force. The magenta processing cartridge CM and the cyan processing cartridge CC (which can be collectively referred to as the driven processing cartridges) do not need to be provided with a separation contact mechanism 5.

[0208] In other embodiments, it may also be that the separation contact mechanism 5 in the middle red processing cartridge CM receives the acting force. In this case, the yellow processing cartridge CY and the blue processing cartridge CC do not need to be provided with the separation contact structure 5. At this time, the red processing cartridge CM pulls the yellow processing cartridge CY through the linkage 8, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the yellow processing cartridge CY can both approach or separate from each other, and the red processing cartridge CM pushes the blue processing cartridge CC, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the blue processing cartridge CC can both approach or separate from each other.

[0209] It may also be that the separation contact mechanism 5 in the frontmost blue processing cartridge CC receives the acting force, and the separation contact mechanism 5 does not need to be provided in the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY. At this time, the blue processing cartridge CC pulls the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY through the linkage 8, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY can both approach or separate from each other. In practice, when using the pulling method, a fitting member cooperating with the linkage 8 may also be provided on the driven processing cartridge.

[0210] [Example XVII]

[0211] In this embodiment, the linkage 8 is provided as a plurality of parts formed separately. Through the linkage 8, only one processing cartridge in the color processing cartridge needs to be provided with the separation contact mechanism 5 to realize the approach or separation of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in each processing cartridge of the color processing cartridge.

[0212] The linkage 8 includes a linkage main body 81 and a linkage part 84 which are connected to each other. The linkage main body 81 is connected to the first unit 100 / cover 14 / case 1 of the corresponding processing cartridge, and the linkage part 84 is detachably connected to the linkage force receiving part 81a. The linkage main body 81 and the linkage part 84 are connected in a movable manner, and the two can be rotatably connected around the rotation axis L85 through the rotation shaft 85 shown in the figure. In other embodiments, they can also be slidably connected. At this time, the linkage part 84 can be telescopic relative to the linkage main body 81, and the rotation shaft 85 does not need to be provided.

[0213] Continue as Figure 29 shown, the linkage main body 81 is also provided with a linkage transmission part 81b and a storage part 811. Among them, the linkage transmission part 81b is used to combine with the linkage force receiving part 81a, and the storage part 811 is used to store the linkage part 84; the linkage part 84 is also provided with a linkage combination part 841 for combining with the linkage force receiving part 81a in another linkage 8.

[0214] As Figure 29 and Figure 30As shown, in the color processing cartridge, only the blue processing cartridge CC is provided with a separation contact mechanism 5. The blue processing cartridge CC is the active processing cartridge, and the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY are the driven processing cartridges. A linkage 8 is provided in the blue processing cartridge CC and the red processing cartridge CM, and another linkage 8 is provided in the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY. The two linkages 8 have the same structure. Figure 29 The processing cartridge assembly CA in [reference] is provided with two linkages 8. To more clearly show the structure of the linkage 8, Figure 29 a part of one of the linkages 8 in [reference] is separated from the corresponding processing cartridge.

[0215] For the linkage 8 provided in the blue processing cartridge CC and the red processing cartridge CM, the linkage body 81 is provided in the blue processing cartridge CC, the linkage force-receiving part 81a is provided in the red processing cartridge CM, and the linkage part 84 is used to connect the linkage body 81 and the linkage force-receiving part 81a. Specifically, the linkage body 81 is connected to the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the blue processing cartridge, the linkage force-receiving part 81a is connected to the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the red processing cartridge, one end of the linkage part 84 is connected to the linkage body 81 through a rotating shaft 85, and the other end is connected to the linkage force-receiving part 81a through a linkage coupling part 841.

[0216] When the separation contact mechanism 5 in the blue processing cartridge CC receives a force (especially a separation force), the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the blue processing cartridge CC rotates around the rotation axis L3 in the blue processing cartridge CC in the direction shown by r2, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the blue processing cartridge CC approach or separate from each other. At the same time, the linkage body 81 transmits the force to the linkage force-receiving part 81a in the red processing cartridge CM through the linkage part 84, and drives the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the red processing cartridge CM to rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the red processing cartridge CM in the direction shown by r2 through the linkage force-receiving part 81a, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the red processing cartridge CM also approach or separate from each other.

[0217] For the linkage member 8 provided in the magenta processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY, the linkage member main body 81 is connected to the first unit 100 / cap 14 / case 1 of the magenta processing cartridge. The linkage member transmission portion 81b located in the linkage member main body 81 is engaged with the linkage member force receiving portion 81a in the magenta processing cartridge. The linkage member force receiving portion 81a is connected to the first unit 100 / cap 14 / case 1 of the yellow processing cartridge. One end of the linkage portion 84 is connected to the linkage member main body 81 through a rotating shaft 85, and the other end is connected to the linkage member force receiving portion 81a through a linkage engagement portion 841. Thus, when the magenta processing cartridge CM receives a force, through the engagement of the linkage member force receiving portion 81a located on the magenta processing cartridge CM and the linkage member transmission portion 81b located on the magenta processing cartridge CM, and the engagement of the linkage member force receiving portion 81a located on the yellow processing cartridge CY and the linkage portion 84 located on the magenta processing cartridge CM, the force is transmitted to the yellow processing cartridge CY. As a result, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / case 1 of the yellow processing cartridge CY rotates around the rotation axis L3 in the yellow processing cartridge CY in the direction shown by r2, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 of the yellow processing cartridge CY also move closer to or away from each other.

[0218] In one embodiment, when the separation contact mechanism 5 in the cyan processing cartridge CC receives a separation force, not only the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the cyan processing cartridge CC are separated from each other, but also the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the magenta processing cartridge CM and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the yellow processing cartridge CY can be separated from each other by the pulling of the linkage member 8.

[0219] When the user needs to remove any one of the color processing cartridges, it is only necessary to rotate the linkage portion 84 around the rotating shaft 85 in the direction shown by r6 ( Figure 30 as shown) so that the linkage portion 84 is disengaged from the linkage member force receiving portion 81a. Preferably, the linkage portion 84 is rotated to be received by the receiving portion 811 to ensure that the processing cartridge can be removed and reinstalled more smoothly; during this process, the linkage member 8 does not have to be removed from the processing cartridge assembly CA, which is beneficial to reducing the user's operation steps, thereby improving the user's operation efficiency. Compared with the case where the linkage member 8 needs to be removed, the relative position of the linkage member 8 in the processing cartridge assembly CA in this embodiment will not easily change.

[0220] To make the inventive concept of this embodiment clearer, Figure 30 in the two linkage members 8 shown in the figure, the linkage portion 84 of one of the linkage members 8 is in a state of being disengaged from the linkage member force receiving portion 81a, and the linkage portion 84 rotates in the direction shown by r6 and the direction opposite to the direction shown by r6, and the linkage portion 84 (shown by a dotted line in the figure) of the other linkage member 8 is in a state of being received by the receiving portion 811.

[0221] As described above, in some embodiments, the linkage portion 84 may also be configured to be retractable relative to the linkage body 81.

[0222] In the above-described embodiments, the linkage portion 84 is received by the linkage body 81 located in front of it. However, in some other embodiments, the linkage portion 84 may also be configured such that the linkage coupling portion 841 can rotate around the force-receiving portion 81a of the linkage member, so that the linkage portion 84 and the linkage body 81 can be detachably coupled. At this time, the linkage portion 84 can be received by the linkage body 84 located behind it.

[0223] [Embodiment Eighteen]

[0224] As Figure 31 shown, different from Embodiment Sixteen, in the color processing cartridge of this embodiment, a separation contact mechanism 5 is provided in the magenta processing cartridge CM located between the cyan processing cartridge CC and the yellow processing cartridge CY, while the separation contact mechanism 5 is not provided in the cyan processing cartridge CC and the yellow processing cartridge CY. Therefore, the magenta processing cartridge CM is the active processing cartridge, and the cyan processing cartridge CC and the yellow processing cartridge CY are the driven processing cartridges.

[0225] When the separation contact mechanism 5 in the magenta processing cartridge CM receives a force, through the linkage member 8 described in Embodiment Sixteen, both the cyan processing cartridge CC and the yellow processing cartridge CY can receive the force.

[0226] In Embodiment Seventeen, when the force is transmitted towards the magenta processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY, it is all achieved by pushing or pulling. However, in this embodiment, when the force is transmitted towards the cyan processing cartridge CC and the yellow processing cartridge CY, one is in the form of pulling and the other is in the form of pushing.

[0227] For example, when the force is a separation force, the cyan processing cartridge CC receives the separation force in a pushed manner through the linkage member 8, while the yellow processing cartridge CY receives the separation force in a pulled manner through the linkage member 8.

[0228] [Embodiment Nineteen]

[0229] In the above embodiments, the linkage member 8 involved transmits the force in a direct contact manner. The linkage member 8 provided in this embodiment transmits the force in a non-contact manner. Specifically, the linkage member 8 in this embodiment is provided as two magnetically separated members, that is, the linkage member 8 includes a first magnetic member 8a and a second magnetic member 8b. One of the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b is provided on the active processing cartridge, and the other is provided on the driven processing cartridge.

[0230] Figure 32A perspective view is shown with some components of one of the color processing cartridges hidden. The first magnetic member 8a in the linkage member 8 is disposed on the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1. The number of the first magnetic members 8a is not limited. That is to say, only one first magnetic member 8a can be disposed, or multiple first magnetic members 8a can be disposed. When only one first magnetic member 8a is disposed, the first magnetic member 8a can be formed into a long strip extending in the left-right direction to ensure that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be sufficiently separated from each other.

[0231] As Figure 33 shown, along the front-rear direction, the second magnetic member 8b is spaced apart from and oppositely disposed relative to the first magnetic member 8a. The second magnetic member 8b is disposed on the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the front processing cartridge of the processing cartridge provided with the first magnetic member 8a. A repulsive force that repels each other can be generated between the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b.

[0232] Continuing as Figure 33 shown, in the color processing cartridge of the present embodiment, only the yellow processing cartridge CY is provided with the separation contact mechanism 5, while the cyan processing cartridge CC and the magenta processing cartridge CM are not provided with the separation contact mechanism 5. Therefore, the yellow processing cartridge CY is the active processing cartridge, and the magenta processing cartridge CM and the cyan processing cartridge CC are the driven processing cartridges. When the separation contact mechanism 5 in the yellow processing cartridge CY receives a force, through the linkage member 8, the magenta processing cartridge CM and the cyan processing cartridge CC will sequentially receive the force. Finally, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 of each processing cartridge in the color processing cartridge can be brought closer to or separated from each other.

[0233] For example, when the separation contact mechanism 5 in the yellow processing cartridge CY receives a separation force, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the yellow processing cartridge CY rotates around the rotation axis L3 in the yellow processing cartridge CY in the direction shown by r2. The first magnetic member 8a disposed on the yellow processing cartridge CY gradually approaches the second magnetic member 8b disposed on the magenta processing cartridge CM, and the repulsive force therebetween gradually increases. The developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the yellow processing cartridge CY are gradually separated from each other. At the same time, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the magenta processing cartridge CM also starts to rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the magenta processing cartridge CM in the direction shown by r2, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the magenta processing cartridge CM are gradually separated from each other. In the same way, the first unit 100 / cap 14 / housing 1 of the cyan processing cartridge CC also starts to rotate around the rotation axis L3 in the cyan processing cartridge CC in the direction shown by r2, and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in the cyan processing cartridge CC are gradually separated from each other.

[0234] [Embodiment Twenty]

[0235] Different from the nineteenth embodiment, in this embodiment, an attractive force that attracts each other can be generated between the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b of the linkage member 8.

[0236] As Figure 34 shown, the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b are still arranged opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. In the color processing cartridge, only the blue processing cartridge CC is provided with the separation contact mechanism 5, while the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY are not provided with the separation contact mechanism 5. Therefore, the blue processing cartridge CC is the active processing cartridge, and the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY are the driven processing cartridges.

[0237] Before the separation contact mechanism 5 in the blue processing cartridge CC receives the separation force, an attractive force has been generated between the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b, but this attractive force is not sufficient to force the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 to separate from each other. As the separation contact mechanism 5 in the blue processing cartridge CC receives the separation force, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / case 1 of the blue processing cartridge CC rotates in the direction shown by r2 around the rotation axis L3 of the blue processing cartridge CC. The second magnetic member 8b in the blue processing cartridge CC starts to move away from the first magnetic member 8a provided in the red processing cartridge CM. Under the action of the magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / case 1 of the red processing cartridge CM also starts to rotate in the direction shown by r2 around the rotation axis L3 of the red processing cartridge CM. The second magnetic member 8b in the red processing cartridge CM starts to move away from the first magnetic member 8a provided in the yellow processing cartridge CY. Under the action of the magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b, the first unit 100 / cover 14 / case 1 of the yellow processing cartridge CY also starts to rotate in the direction shown by r2 around the rotation axis L3 of the yellow processing cartridge CY. Finally, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 of each processing cartridge in the color processing cartridge are separated from each other.

[0238] Similar to the eighteenth embodiment, the separation contact mechanism 5 in this embodiment can also be provided only on the red processing cartridge CM, while the blue processing cartridge CC and the yellow processing cartridge CY are not provided with the separation contact mechanism 5. The first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b between the red processing cartridge CM and the blue processing cartridge CC are set to repel each other, while the first magnetic member 8a and the second magnetic member 8b between the red processing cartridge CM and the yellow processing cartridge CY are set to attract each other. This structure can also achieve the separation of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 of each processing cartridge in the color processing cartridge.

[0239] [Embodiment Twenty - One]

[0240] The processing cartridge C includes a cartridge body and a rotating member rotatably disposed in the cartridge body. The cartridge body is configured to accommodate at least one of unused toner and used waste toner. The rotating member extends in the left-right direction of the cartridge body and rotates about its rotation axis, and the rotation axis of the rotating member is parallel to the left-right direction.

[0241] As Figure 35A and Figure 35B shown, the processing cartridge C includes a cartridge body, a developing roller 11, a toner feeding roller 12, and a photosensitive drum 21 disposed in the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a first unit housing 1 and a second unit housing 2. Further, the developing roller 11 and the toner feeding roller 12 are rotatably disposed in the first unit housing 1, and the photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably disposed in the second unit housing 2.

[0242] Continuing as shown in the figure, the processing cartridge C further includes a driving force receiving portion and a power receiving member located at the left and right ends of the cartridge body. Further, in this embodiment, the driving force receiving portion is located at the left end of the cartridge body and is configured to receive a driving force from the imaging device, and the power receiving member is located at the right end of the cartridge body and is configured to receive power from the imaging device. Specifically, the driving force receiving portion includes a first driving force receiving member 3 and a second driving force receiving member 4. The first driving force receiving member 3 is configured to directly or indirectly drive the developing roller 11 and the toner feeding roller 12 to rotate, and the second driving force receiving member 4 is configured to directly or indirectly drive the photosensitive drum 21 to rotate. The end where the driving force receiving portion is located may be referred to as the driving end C1 (left end), and the end where the power receiving member is located may be referred to as the conductive end or non-driving end C2 (right end). Further, the first driving force receiving member 3 and the second driving force receiving member 4 may drive the developing roller 11 and the toner feeding roller 12 to rotate through a driving force transmission assembly. Specifically, the driving force transmission assembly may be configured as a gear meshing structure, or a ratchet structure, or a pulley structure, etc., as long as it can transmit the driving force.

[0243] As Figure 35B 、 Figure 36A 、 Figure 36B and Figure 38As shown, the first unit 100 further includes covers 14, a second bracket 16, and a third bracket 17 provided at the left and right ends of the first unit housing 1. Among them, the cover 14 and the third bracket 17 are located at the left end (drive end C1) of the first unit housing 1. In the left-right direction, the cover 14 is farther from the first unit housing 1 than the third bracket 17. The second bracket 16 is located at the right end (non-drive end C2) of the first unit housing 1. Further, at least the third bracket 17 is used to support the developing roller 11 and the powder feeding roller 12. In addition, the covers 14, the second bracket 16, and the third bracket 17 provided at the ends of the first unit housing 1 are also used to protect other components. Furthermore, the cover 14 includes a cover main body 140, a third exposure hole 143 provided in the cover main body 140, and a first engaging portion 146. The third exposure hole 143 is used to expose the first driving force receiving member 3 outward, and the first engaging portion 146 is used to engage with the first elastic force applying member 59a described later. The cover 14 further includes a support body 13 for engaging with the separation contact mechanism 5 described later, and the support body 13 is provided on the side close to the first unit housing 1; the second bracket 16 includes a second main body 160 and a third engaging portion 161 provided in the second main body 160. The third engaging portion 161 is used to engage with the second elastic force applying member 59b described later; in addition, a power receiving member is provided on the second bracket 16, and the power receiving member is integrally or separately formed with the second bracket 16.

[0244] Continuing as shown in the figure, the second unit 200 further includes a first end cap 300 and a second end cap 400 provided at the left and right ends of the second unit housing 2. In the left-right direction, the first end cap 300 and the second end cap 400 are oppositely arranged. The first end cap 300 and the second end cap 400 can be used to support the photosensitive drum 21. In the left-right direction, the first end cap 300 is located to the left of the cover 14, and the second end cap 400 is located to the right of the second bracket 16. Preferably, in this embodiment, the first end cap 300 is provided at the drive end C1, and the second end cap 400 is provided at the non-drive end C2. Specifically, the first end cap 300 includes a second exposure hole 305 for exposing the first driving force receiving member 3 outward and a first exposure hole 302 for exposing the second driving force receiving member 4 outward. The first exposure hole 302 is also used to support the photosensitive drum 21; the second end cap 400 includes a fourth exposure hole 400a for exposing the power receiving member outward and a fifth exposure hole 400b for supporting the photosensitive drum 21. The fifth exposure hole 400b is also used to expose the conductive portion provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 21, and the conductive portion is used to receive the power provided by the imaging device to supply power to the photosensitive drum 21.

[0245] As Figure 35A 、 Figure 35B 、 Figure 36A 、 Figure 36B 、 Figure 37 - Figure 40As shown, the processing cartridge C further includes a separation contact assembly disposed therein. The separation contact assembly is configured to separate and contact the developing roller 11 from and with the photosensitive drum 21. During the separation process, the first unit can move in the left-right direction.

[0246] Furthermore, the separation contact assembly includes a separation contact mechanism 5. The separation contact mechanism 5 is configured to interact with a biasing member in the imaging device and with the cover 14. The separation contact mechanism 5 is movable relative to the first unit housing 1. Specifically, the separation contact mechanism 5 includes a mechanism body 52, a long hole / slot 55, and an acting portion 51. The long hole / slot 55 and the acting portion 51 are respectively located at both ends of the mechanism body 52. Among them, the long hole / slot 55 is preferably provided as a groove. The long hole / slot 55 is configured to be combined with the support body 13 of the cover 14. The support body 13 is further provided with a buckle portion 131. The buckle portion 131 is configured to buckle the edge of the long hole / slot 55, so that the upper end portion of the separation contact mechanism 5 is mounted on the cover 14. The combination of the long hole / slot 55 and the support body 13 serves as a guiding function, enabling the separation contact mechanism 5 to be movable relative to the cover 14. The acting portion 51 includes a first acting portion 51a and a second acting portion 51b for abutting against the biasing member. Specifically, the first acting portion 51a is configured to abut against the separation control mechanism in the biasing member to separate the developing roller 11 from the photosensitive drum 21, and the second acting portion 51b is configured to abut against the separation control mechanism in the biasing member to contact the developing roller 11 with the photosensitive drum 21 again.

[0247] Furthermore, the separation contact assembly further includes a first elastic force applying member 59a. The first elastic force applying member 59a is configured to mount the lower end portion of the separation contact mechanism 5 on the cover 14. Specifically, one end of the first elastic force applying member 59a is configured to be combined with the first engaging portion 146, and the other end is configured to be combined with the fourth engaging portion 54 provided on the separation contact mechanism 5. In this way, the first elastic force applying member 59a and the buckle portion 131 jointly act to mount the separation contact mechanism 5. Furthermore, the direction of the force generated by the first elastic force applying member 59a is perpendicular to the left-right direction. Preferably, the first elastic force applying member 59a is a tension spring.

[0248] Further, the separating and contacting assembly further includes a locking portion 53 and a locked portion 62. The locking portion 53 is configured to interact with the locked portion 62 to separate or re - contact the developing roller 11 from the photosensitive drum 21. During the separation process or the re - contact process, the locking portion 53 is in - active relative to the first unit 100 or the second unit 200, that is, the locking portion 53 moves along with the movement of the first unit 100 or the second unit 200. Specifically, the locking portion 53 is disposed on the side of the cover 14 away from the first unit housing 1. Preferably, the locking portion 53 is provided as a protrusion, and the protrusion is configured to engage with the locked portion 62 to separate or re - contact the developing roller 11 from the photosensitive drum 21. The locked portion 62 is disposed on the side of the first end - cover 300 close to the first unit housing 1. In the left - right direction, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 are oppositely disposed. Specifically, the locked portion 62 includes a convex portion 621, a first blocking portion 622, and a second blocking portion 623. The convex portion 621 has a first side surface 621a, a second side surface 621b, and a right - end portion / terminal portion 621c. The convex portion 621 is configured to interact with the locking portion 53 to separate or re - contact the developing roller 11 from the photosensitive drum 21. In the left - right direction, the right - end portion / terminal portion 621c is located at the farthest end (right - most end) of the convex portion 621. Along the left - right direction from left to right, the first side surface 621a and the second side surface 621b gradually approach each other. The convex portion 621 is located between the first blocking portion 622 and the second blocking portion 623. Further, a first clamping portion 624a is formed between the convex portion 621 and the first blocking portion 622, and a second clamping portion 624b is formed between the convex portion 621 and the second blocking portion 623. The first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are configured to accommodate the locking portion 53, that is, the convex portion 621 is located between the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b. Along the front - to - back direction, the second clamping portion 624b is located downstream of the first clamping portion 624a. In this embodiment, the locking portion 53 is disposed on the cover 14, and the locked portion 62 is disposed on the first end - cover 300. Further, the locking portion 53 and the cover 14 are preferably integrally formed, and the locked portion 62 and the first end - cover 300 are preferably integrally formed, without the need to separately provide the locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62, which can reduce the number of components, thereby simplifying the structure of the separating and contacting assembly and making the installation of the separating and contacting assembly simple and convenient. In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 is formed separately from the cover 14. Specifically, an opening is provided on the cover 14, and the locking portion 53 is exposed through the opening. The locked portion 62 can also be formed separately from the first end - cover 300. Specifically, an opening is provided on the first end - cover 300, and the locked portion 62 is exposed through the opening.

[0249] Further, the separating contact assembly further includes a second elastic force applying member 59b, and the second elastic force applying member 59b is located between the second bracket 16 and the second end cap 400. Specifically, the second end cap 400 further includes a fifth engaging portion 400c facing the first unit housing 1 side. The fifth engaging portion 400c includes a receiving portion 400c1 for receiving the second elastic force applying member 59b. The receiving portion 400c1 can position the second elastic force applying member 59b to prevent the second elastic force applying member 59b from shifting. The third engaging portion 161 of the second bracket 16 is further provided with a third blocking portion 161a, and the third blocking portion 161a is used to further prevent the second elastic force applying member 59b from shifting. Further, the second elastic force applying member 59b can generate a force in the left - right direction. Preferably, the second elastic force applying member 59b is a compression spring. In some embodiments, a blocking portion 400c2 is further provided in the receiving portion 400c1, and the second elastic force applying member 59b is sleeved on the blocking portion 400c2. The blocking portion 400c2 enables the second elastic force applying member 59b to be better positioned and less likely to shift.

[0250] Figure 41A - Figure 41C shows the separation process of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 when observed from left to right in the left - right direction. Figure 42A - Figure 42C shows the separation process of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 when observed from bottom to top in the up - down direction.

[0251] As Figure 41A and Figure 42A shown, when the processing cartridge C performs imaging / developing work, the developing roller 11 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21, and the locking portion 53 is located in the first clamping portion 624a of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the imaging position in the locked portion 62), so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in contact. At this time, in the front - rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is d1.

[0252] As Figure 41B and Figure 42BAs shown, when the processing cartridge C does not need to perform imaging / developing work, the locking portion 53 moves from the imaging position to the locking position along with the first unit 100. Specifically, the separation control mechanism in the imaging device moves backward, abuts against the first acting portion 51a, and applies a backward acting force F1 to the first acting portion 51a, pushing the separation contact mechanism 5 backward. As a result, the separation contact mechanism 5 pushes the cover 14 backward, thereby driving the first unit 100 to rotate relative to the second unit 200 along the direction shown by r2. Furthermore, the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21, and a separation gap g begins to appear between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21. As the cover 14 is continuously pushed backward, while the locking portion 53 moves backward along with the cover 14, it also gradually moves to the right along the first side surface 621a of the convex portion 621 of the locked portion 62 until the locking portion 53 reaches the rightmost end (right end / terminal end 621c) of the convex portion 621 in the left-right direction. The first unit 100 is driven by the cover 14 to move to the right as a whole, causing the second elastic force applying member 59b to be compressed in the left-right direction to store elastic force. At this time, in the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is d2. Further, d2 > d1.

[0253] As Figure 41C and Figure 42C shown, the separation control mechanism in the imaging device further pushes the separation contact mechanism 5 backward, causing the separation contact mechanism 5 to further push the cover 14 backward. The first unit 100 continues to rotate along the direction shown by r2, causing the developing roller 11 to move further away from the photosensitive drum 21, thereby further increasing the separation gap g. As the cover 14 is further pushed backward, the locking portion 53 moves backward beyond the convex portion 621. Under the elastic force of the second elastic force applying member 59b, the locking portion 53 gradually moves to the left along the second side surface 621b of the convex portion 621 of the locked portion 62 and enters the second locking portion 624b of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the locking position in the locked portion 62). The first unit 100 is driven by the cover 14 to move to the left as a whole, and the second blocking portion 623 of the locked portion 62 blocks the locking portion 53, causing the cover 14 to stop moving. Furthermore, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in a separated state, and the separation control mechanism no longer moves backward and remains stationary, which can further keep the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 in a separated state. At this time, in the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is d3. Further, d3 > d2 > d1.

[0254] In some embodiments, after the locking portion 53 enters the second clamping portion 624b, the second gear portion 623 of the locked portion 62 blocks the locking portion 53, causing the cover 14 to stop moving, and the separation control mechanism retracts forward and no longer abuts against the separation contact mechanism 5. At this time, the locking portion 53 is located in the second clamping portion 624b, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can still maintain a separated state.

[0255] When the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are in a separated state, the locking portion 53 is located in the second clamping portion 624b of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the locking position in the locked portion 62). Along the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is d3. When the processing cartridge C needs to perform imaging / developing work again, the locking portion 53 moves from the locking position to the imaging position along with the first unit 100. Specifically, the separation control mechanism in the imaging device moves forward, abuts against the second acting portion 51b, and applies a forward acting force (opposite to the direction of the acting force F1) to the second acting portion 51b, pushing the separation contact mechanism 5 forward, so that the separation contact mechanism 5 pushes the cover 14 forward, thereby driving the first unit 100 to rotate relative to the second unit in a direction opposite to the direction shown by r2, and further causing the developing roller 11 to start approaching the photosensitive drum 21, and the separation gap g between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 begins to decrease; as the cover 14 is continuously pushed forward, the locking portion 53 moves forward along with the cover 14 and gradually moves to the right along the second side surface 621b of the convex portion 621 of the locked portion 62 until the locking portion 53 reaches the rightmost end (right end / terminal end 621c) of the convex portion 621 in the left-right direction. The first unit 100 is driven by the cover to move to the right as a whole, so that the second elastic force applying member 59b is compressed in the left-right direction to accumulate elastic force. At this time, along the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 changes from d3 to d2. Further, d2 < d3.

[0256] As the separation control mechanism in the imaging device continues to push the separation contact mechanism 5 forward, causing the separation contact mechanism 5 to further push the cover 14 forward, the first unit 100 continues to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction shown by r2, causing the developing roller 11 to move closer to the photosensitive drum 21, thereby further reducing the separation gap g; as the cover 14 is further pushed forward, the locking portion 53 moves forward and crosses the convex portion 621 again. Under the elastic force of the second elastic force applying member 59b, the locking portion 53 gradually moves leftward along the first side surface 621a of the convex portion 621 of the locked portion 62 and enters the first locking portion 624a of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the imaging position in the locked portion 62). The first unit 100 is driven by the cover and moves leftward as a whole. The first blocking portion 622 of the locked portion 62 blocks the locking portion 53, the cover 14 stops moving, the developing roller 11 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 again, and the separation control mechanism no longer moves forward; at this time, along the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 changes from d2 to d1. Further, d1 < d2 < d3.

[0257] In some embodiments, the separation contact mechanism 5 may also be provided on the first end cap 300 or the first unit housing 1.

[0258] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 may also be provided on the first unit housing 1 or the third bracket 17. At this time, a connecting mechanism may be provided in the first driving force receiving member 3, or the third exposed hole 143 of the cover 14 may be set to be oval to achieve that when the first unit housing 1 or the third bracket 17 moves, the first driving force receiving member 3 remains stationary.

[0259] Further, the positions of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 may be interchanged, that is, the locked portion 62 is provided on the cover 14 or the third bracket 17 or the first unit housing 1, and the locking portion 53 is provided on the first end cap 300.

[0260] Further, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 may be simultaneously interchanged with the position of the second elastic force applying member 59b, that is, the second elastic force applying member 59b is provided at the driving end C1, and the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 are provided at the non-driving end C2.

[0261] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 may also be provided on the second unit 200. At this time, the first unit 100 remains stationary, and the second unit 200 rotates relative to the first unit 100.

[0262] In some embodiments, bearing members and / or independently provided brackets and other components are further provided at the ends of the processing cartridge C in the left-right direction. The bearing members and / or independently provided brackets can be used to support at least one of the developing roller 11, the photosensitive drum 21, the separation contact mechanism 5, and the driving force transmission assembly. The locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62 can also be provided on one of the bearing members and the independently provided brackets.

[0263] [Embodiment Twenty-Two]

[0264] Different from Embodiment Twenty-One, in this embodiment, the separation contact assembly is provided at the non-driving end C2, as follows.

[0265] As Figure 43A 、 Figure 43B and Figure 44 shown, further, the separation contact mechanism 5 is mounted on the second bracket 16. One end of the first elastic force applying member 59a is coupled to the second bracket 16, and the other end is coupled to the separation contact mechanism 5.

[0266] Further, the locking portion 53 is used to interact with the locked portion 62 to separate or bring the developing roller 11 into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 again. During the separation process or the re-contact process, the locking portion 53 is immovable relative to the first unit 100 or the second unit 200, that is, the locking portion 53 moves with the movement of the first unit or the second unit.

[0267] In this embodiment, the locking portion 53 is provided on the first unit 100. Specifically, the locking portion 53 is provided on the side of the second bracket 16 away from the first unit housing 1. Preferably, the locking portion 53 is provided as a protrusion, and the protrusion is used to engage with the locked portion 62 so that the developing roller 11 is separated from or comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 again; the locked portion 62 is provided on the second unit 200. Specifically, the locked portion 62 is provided on the side of the second end cap 400 close to the first unit housing 1. In the left-right direction, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 are oppositely arranged. Further, the locked portion 62 includes a convex portion 621, a first clamping portion 624a, and a second clamping portion 624b. The convex portion 621 is used to interact with the locking portion 53 to separate or bring the developing roller 11 into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 again. The convex portion 621 has a first side surface 621a, a second side surface 621b, and a left end portion 621c. The first side surface 621a faces the first clamping portion 624a, and the second side surface 621b faces the second clamping portion 624b. In the left-right direction, the left end portion 621c is located at the outermost end (leftmost end) of the convex portion 621. The first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are provided to be recessed from the side of the second end cap 400 close to the first unit housing 1 (left side) in a direction away from the first unit housing 1 (right side). Thus, the convex portion 621 is formed between the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b. The first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are used to accommodate the locking portion 53. Along the up-down direction / rotation direction of the first unit 100, the second clamping portion 624b is located downstream of the first clamping portion 624a. In this embodiment, the locking portion 53 is provided on the second bracket 16, and the locked portion 62 is provided on the second end cap 400. Further, the locking portion 53 and the second bracket 16 are preferably integrally formed, and the locked portion 62 and the second end cap 400 are preferably integrally formed, without the need to separately provide the locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62, which can reduce the number of components, thereby simplifying the structure of the separation and contact assembly and making the installation of the separation and contact assembly simple and convenient. In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 and the second bracket 16 are separately formed. Specifically, an opening is provided on the second bracket 16, and the locking portion 53 is exposed through the opening. The locked portion 62 and the second end cap 400 can also be separately formed. Specifically, an opening is provided on the second end cap 400, and the locked portion 62 is exposed through the opening.

[0268] Figure 45A - Figure 45C It shows the separation process of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 when observed from right to left in the left-right direction.

[0269] As Figure 45AAs shown, when the processing cartridge C performs imaging / developing operations, the developing roller 11 contacts the photosensitive drum 21, the first driving force receiving member 3 is in an engaged state with the driving force output member 185 of the imaging apparatus, and the locking portion 53 is located in the first engaging portion 624a of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the imaging position in the locked portion 62), so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in contact. At this time, in the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is d1.

[0270] As Figure 45B shown, when the processing cartridge C does not need to perform imaging / developing operations, the locking portion 53 moves with the first unit 100 from the imaging position to the locking position. Specifically, the separation control mechanism in the imaging apparatus moves backward, abuts against the first acting portion 51a, and applies a backward acting force F1 to the first acting portion 51a, pushing the separation contact mechanism 5 backward, so that the separation contact mechanism 5 pushes the second bracket 16 backward, thereby driving the first unit 100 to rotate relative to the second unit 200 in the direction shown by r2, and further separating the developing roller 11 from the photosensitive drum 21; since the driving force output member 185 of the imaging apparatus abuts against the elastic member 185a and has a movement margin and can expand and contract in the left-right direction, the locking portion 53 can move leftward along the first side surface 621a of the convex portion 621 while moving in the up-down direction with the second bracket 16, so as to move from the first engaging portion 624a to the most distal end (the leftmost end 621c) of the convex portion 621. The first unit 100 is driven by the second bracket 16 to move leftward as a whole, thereby forcing the driving force output member 185 to move leftward, and the elastic member 185a undergoes elastic deformation. At this time, in the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is d2, and further, d2 > d1.

[0271] As Figure 45CAs shown, the separation control mechanism in the imaging device further pushes the separation contact mechanism 5 backward, so that the separation contact mechanism 5 further pushes the second bracket 16 backward, and the first unit 100 continues to rotate along the direction shown by r2, so that the developing roller 11 further moves away from the photosensitive drum 21, thereby creating a gap g between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21; as the second bracket 16 is further pushed backward, the locking portion 53 moves downward past the convex portion 621, and the elastic member 185a provided in the imaging device releases elastic force and pushes the driving force output member 185 to the right, so that the first unit 100 moves to the right, thereby causing the locking portion 53 to move to the right along the second side surface 621b of the convex portion 621 and enter the second locking portion 624b of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the locked position in the locked portion 62), and the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be kept in a separated state. At this time, in the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is d3. Further, d3 > d2 > d1.

[0272] In some embodiments, the separation contact mechanism 5 can also be provided on the second end cap 400 or the first unit housing 1.

[0273] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 can also be provided on the first unit housing 1.

[0274] Further, the positions of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 can be interchanged, that is, the locked portion 62 is provided on the second bracket 16 or the first unit housing 1, and the locking portion 53 is provided on the second end cap 400.

[0275] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 can also be provided on the second unit 200. At this time, the first unit 100 remains stationary, and the second unit 200 rotates relative to the first unit 100.

[0276] In some embodiments, bearing members and / or independently provided brackets and other components are further provided at the ends of the processing cartridge C in the left-right direction. The bearing members and / or independently provided brackets can be used to support at least one of the developing roller 11, the photosensitive drum 21, the separation contact mechanism 5, and the driving force transmission assembly. The locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62 can also be provided on one of the bearing members and the independently provided brackets.

Claims

1. A processing cartridge assembly is detachably installed in an imaging device. The processing cartridge assembly includes a plurality of processing cartridges respectively containing different color developers. The plurality of processing cartridges include a driving processing cartridge provided with a separating contact mechanism and a driven processing cartridge not provided with a separating contact mechanism. Each processing cartridge includes a rotatably provided developing roller and a photosensitive drum, and the developing roller is used to supply developer to the photosensitive drum. It is characterized in that the processing cartridge assembly further includes a linkage member; the separating contact mechanism is used to receive from the imaging device a force that forces the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the driving processing cartridge to approach or move away from each other. Through the linkage member, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the driven processing cartridge also approach or move away from each other.

2. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein A part of the linkage member is provided on the driving processing cartridge, and another part is provided on the driven processing cartridge.

3. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein The processing cartridge includes a processing cartridge housing, and both the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are rotatably provided in the processing cartridge housing; the linkage member is movably provided relative to the processing cartridge housing.

4. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The linkage member is provided in the processing cartridge in a translational or sliding manner.

5. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 4, wherein The linkage member includes a linkage member body and a linkage portion. The linkage portion is connected to the linkage member body by rotation or sliding, and the linkage portion is used to transmit the force to the driven processing cartridge.

6. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The linkage member is rotatably provided in the processing cartridge.

7. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein The imaging device further includes a tray for supporting the processing cartridge assembly, and the linkage member is arranged to move on the tray.

8. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The processing cartridge includes a processing cartridge housing, and both the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are rotatably provided in the processing cartridge housing; the linkage member is fixedly provided relative to the processing cartridge housing.

9. The processing cartridge assembly according to claim 8, wherein The linkage member includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member. The first magnetic member is provided on the processing cartridge provided with the separating contact mechanism, and the second magnetic member is provided on the driven processing cartridge; a repulsive force that repels each other or an attractive force that attracts each other is generated between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.

10. The processing cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The processing cartridge further includes: a processing cartridge housing, and the developing roller is rotatably provided in the housing; an end cap, in the left-right direction, the end cap is located at at least one end of the processing cartridge housing; a locking mechanism, including a locking portion and a locked portion that can be switched between a state of being locked to each other and a state of being unlocked from each other. In the state of being locked to each other, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are kept in a separated state; One of the locking portion and the locked portion is provided on the end cap, and at least one of the locking portion and the locked portion is immovable relative to the processing cartridge housing.

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