Developing box and processing box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developing box and a processing box for electrophotographic imaging equipment. The developing box comprises a box body and a developing roller, a developing agent containing chamber for containing a developing agent is arranged in the box body, a separation assembly is arranged at the non-driving end of the box body, and the separation assembly comprises a force receiving part for receiving force applied by the electrophotographic imaging equipment and an abutting part abutting against a drum frame. When the force receiving part receives the force applied by the electrophotographic imaging equipment, the abutting part is limited to move due to abutting with the drum frame, so that the separation assembly drives the developing box to move, and the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. The direction and the position of the force are changed through the separation assembly, the force applied to the force receiving part is converted into the force for separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, the structure is simple, the precision requirement is low, and the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of electronic photographic imaging, and in particular relates to a developing box and a processing box used for electronic photographic imaging equipment. Background Art

[0002] An electrophotographic imaging device uses the principles of electrophotography to form an image on a recording medium through a series of processes, including charging, exposure, development, transfer, de-electrification, cleaning, and fixing. There are two development methods: jumping development and contact development. In jumping development, the developer component and photosensitive component are not in contact, and the developer jumps from the developer component surface to the photosensitive component surface. In contact development, the developer component and photosensitive component maintain contact during rotation, and the developer on the developer component surface transfers to the photosensitive component surface upon contact. In process cartridges used in electrophotographic imaging devices, contact development is often used. This means that during the development process, the photosensitive drum in the process cartridge contacts the developing roller, and at the contact point, the developer on the developing roller surface transfers to the photosensitive drum.

[0003] There is currently a process cartridge that is designed to be split, meaning that the developing cartridge of the process cartridge is detachably connected to the drum frame. After the developer in the developing cartridge is used up, a new developing cartridge is replaced, and the drum frame does not need to be removed from the electronic photographic imaging device. Because the photosensitive drum or developing roller is easily damaged when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum remain in contact for a long period of time when not in operation, this process cartridge is provided with a separation member to keep the developing roller and the photosensitive drum separated when not in operation and only in contact when in operation. U.S. patent application US20220404759A1 discloses a developing cartridge, wherein a separation assembly for separating the developing roller and the photosensitive drum is arranged at the non-driven end of the developing cartridge, including two cams and two gears fixedly connected to the two cams, respectively, to receive force from the electronic photographic imaging device and abut against the drum frame to move the developing cartridge. This separation assembly has a complex structure and requires high manufacturing precision for each component, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of the entire developing cartridge. In addition, due to frequent local use, the gears are prone to transmission instability and slippage, and thus may not be able to achieve normal separation between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a developer cartridge having a simple structure of separation components, low precision requirements and thus low manufacturing cost;

[0005] The main purpose of the utility model is to provide a processing box with a simple separation component structure, low precision requirements and low manufacturing cost.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned main purpose, the utility model provides a developing box for an electronic photographic imaging device, which is installed on a drum frame with a photosensitive drum. The developing box includes a box body and a developing roller, and a developer accommodating chamber for accommodating the developer is provided in the box body. A separation assembly is provided at the non-driving end of the box body, and the separation assembly includes a force receiving part for receiving the force applied by the electronic photographic imaging device and an abutting part abutting against the drum frame. When the force receiving part receives the force applied by the electronic photographic imaging device, the abutting part is restricted from moving due to the abutment with the drum frame, so that the separation assembly drives the developing box to move, and then separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The separation assembly includes a first component and a second component that can move relative to each other and are connected, the force receiving part is arranged on the first component, and the abutting part is arranged on the second component.

[0007] It can be seen from the above scheme that the change of the direction and position of the force is achieved by a separation assembly including two components that can move relative to each other and are connected together, so that the force applied to the force receiving part is converted into a force that separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The structure is simple and the precision requirements are low, so that the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0008] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the separation assembly is configured as a connecting rod mechanism, the first component is a first rod, the second component is a second rod, the first rod and the second rod are connected together so as to be relatively rotatable, and the first rod and the second rod are rotatably fixed on the box body.

[0009] It can be seen from the above scheme that the direction and position of the force are changed by the connecting rod mechanism, so that the force applied to the force receiving part is converted into the force that separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The first rod and the second rod are rotatably fixed on the box body, so that the transmission of force and motion is smoother, the structure is simple, and the precision requirements are low, so that the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0010] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the force receiving portion is provided at one end of the first rod, the other end of the first rod is connected to the connecting end of the second rod, and the other end of the second rod opposite to the connecting end is the abutting portion.

[0011] It can be seen from the above scheme that the force applied to the force receiving portion is transmitted to the connecting end of the second rod through the other end of the first rod, and then transmitted to the abutting portion. The abutting portion receives the reaction force and transmits it to the box body, causing the developing roller to move away from the photosensitive drum.

[0012] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the box body is provided with a first shaft, the first rod is provided with a first through hole, the box body is provided with a second shaft, the second rod is provided with a second through hole, and the first shaft and the second shaft are respectively provided with a first hook and a second hook to fix the first member and the second member. The matching of the holes and the shafts and the hooks facilitates the installation and fixation of the first rod and the second rod.

[0013] According to a specific embodiment of the present utility model, the separation assembly includes a gear rack mechanism, wherein the first component also includes a gear fixedly connected to the force receiving portion, and the second component also includes a rack portion meshing with the gear, and the first component and the second component are connected together by the mutual meshing of the gear and the rack.

[0014] It can be seen from the above scheme that the direction and position of the force are changed by the gear rack mechanism, so that the force applied to the force receiving part is converted into the force that separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The structure is simple and the precision requirement is low, so the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0015] According to a specific embodiment of the present utility model, the separation assembly includes a gear rack mechanism, the gear rack mechanism also includes a third component, wherein the first component also includes a first rack portion, the second component also includes a second rack portion, the third component includes a gear, the first rack portion and the second rack portion are both engaged with the gear, and the first component and the second component are connected together through the third component.

[0016] As can be seen from the above scheme, the gears and other structures are manufactured separately, so that the manufacturing accuracy of each component is easy to control and the manufacturing cost of the developer box is low.

[0017] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first member and the second member are connected to each other by abutting each other, and when the force receiving portion receives the force applied by the electrophotographic imaging device, the first member pushes the second member to move.

[0018] It can be seen from the above scheme that the direction and position of the force are changed by two components abutting each other, so that the force applied to the force receiving part is converted into a force that separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The structure is simple and the precision requirement is low, so the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0019] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first component has a first abutment slope, the second component has a second abutment slope, and the first component and the second component are abuttedly connected to each other through the first abutment slope and the second abutment slope; or either the first component and the second component has an abutment slope, and the first component and the second component are connected while maintaining line contact.

[0020] To achieve another purpose, the utility model provides a processing box for an electronic photographic imaging device, wherein the processing box includes a developing box and a drum frame, the developing box includes a box body and a developing roller, and the drum frame includes a photosensitive drum, wherein the developing box is the above-mentioned developing box.

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the above-mentioned objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a processing cartridge embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the drum frame in Example 1 of the process cartridge of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a developing cartridge embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial structural exploded schematic diagram of Example 1 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a side structural diagram of Example 1 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of a process cartridge according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of a developing cartridge according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a partial structural exploded schematic diagram of Example 2 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a side structural diagram of Example 2 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of a process cartridge according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of a developing cartridge according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a partial structural exploded schematic diagram of Example 3 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 13 This is a side structural diagram of Example 3 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 14 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth embodiment of a process cartridge according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth embodiment of a developing cartridge according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 16 This is a partial structural exploded schematic diagram of Example 4 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 17 This is a side structural diagram of a fourth embodiment of a developing cartridge of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 18 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fifth embodiment of a process cartridge according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 19 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fifth embodiment of a developing cartridge according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 20 This is a partial structural exploded schematic diagram of Example 5 of the developer cartridge of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 21 It is a side structural diagram of Example 5 of the developer box of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present invention, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, other possible implementations that may be known to those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described herein are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] Processing box embodiment 1

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the processing box 100 includes a developer box 11 and a drum frame 12 that are installed together in a longitudinally consistent manner. The developing roller 13 and the photosensitive drum 14 are parallel to each other and face each other. After the developer contained in the developer box 11 is used up, the developer box 11 can be removed from the drum frame 12 and replaced with a new one. The drum frame 12 does not need to be removed from the electronic photographic imaging device. When the service life of the photosensitive drum 14 or other components installed in the drum frame 12 is reached, the drum frame 12 can also be removed from the electronic photographic imaging device to be replaced with a new one. The structure of each component of the processing box 100 is described below. The description of the developer box 11 is described in the developer box embodiment 1, and the structure of the drum frame 12 is described in detail in the embodiment 1 of the developing box. Figure 2 Provide a description.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the drum frame 12 includes a photosensitive drum 14 and a housing 121. The photosensitive drum 14 is rotatably mounted on the housing 121. The housing 121 has receiving grooves 1211 and 1212 at both longitudinal ends thereof, which guide the developer cartridge 12 for installation and accommodate the central axis of the developer roller. A movable terminal 151 is disposed at one end of the housing 121, corresponding to the non-driven end of the developer cartridge 11. The housing 121 is provided with a terminal accommodating cavity 1213. An elastic mechanism for applying an elastic force to the movable terminal 151 is disposed within the terminal accommodating cavity 1213, and the movable terminal 151 is partially accommodated within the terminal accommodating cavity 1213. At this end, outside the terminal accommodating cavity 1213, the housing 121 is further provided with an abutment portion 1214, which is configured to abut against a separation assembly of the developer cartridge 11. This allows the developer roller to separate from the photosensitive drum 14 when the separation assembly receives a force applied by the electrophotographic imaging device.

[0047] Developer Box Example 1

[0048] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the developer cartridge 11 includes a developer roller 13 and a cartridge body 111. When installed in the drum frame 12, the developer roller 13 is positioned at the front, with the developer roller's central shaft 131 protruding beyond the end of the cartridge body 111. The cartridge body 111 includes a developer container for storing developer. A transmission mechanism is provided at the drive end of the cartridge body, and an end cap 112 is positioned outside the transmission mechanism. The other end of the cartridge body 111 is a non-drive end ND, at which an electrode 132 is provided. The electrode 132 is connected to the developer roller's central shaft 131 and abuts against a movable terminal 151 provided on the drum frame. A separation assembly 16 for receiving force from the electrophotographic imaging device to separate the developer roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 14 is also positioned in the non-drive end of the cartridge body 111, downstream of the electrode 132 in the direction of installation of the developer cartridge 11 in the drum frame 12.

[0049] The separation assembly 16 is a connecting rod mechanism, including a first rod 161 as an example of a first component and a second rod 162 as an example of a second component, which are connected to each other. The first rod 161 is rotatably fixed to the box body 111 through a fixing column 1111 (first axis) provided on the box body 111 and its own through hole 1612 (first through hole), and the second rod 162 is rotatably fixed through a fixing column 1113 (second axis) and a through hole 1622 (second through hole), wherein the top ends of the fixing columns 1111 and 1113 are respectively provided with hooks 1112 and 1114 (first hook and second hook) to facilitate the installation and fixation of the first rod 161 and the second rod 162. One end of the first rod 161 is provided with a force receiving portion 1611 for receiving the force applied by the force-applying member 1 of the electrophotographic imaging device. The other end is provided with a connecting post 1613 for connecting with the connecting end 1621 of the second rod 162. The second rod 162 is provided with a blind hole at this end for the connecting post 1613 to pass through. The other end of the second rod 162 is provided with an abutment portion 1623 for abutting against the abutment portion 1214 provided on the housing 121 of the drum frame 12.

[0050] When the developer cartridge 11 is installed in the drum frame 12, it is installed in the drum frame 12 in the installation direction with the developer roller 13 located at the front side. The developer roller central shaft 131 protruding from the cartridge body 111 is guided forward by the accommodating grooves 1121 and 1122 and is ultimately accommodated in the accommodating grooves 1121 and 1122. The electrode 132 abuts against the movable terminal 151, the developer roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 14, and the electrode 132 receives power from the movable terminal 151 and transmits it to the developer roller central shaft 131, and the process cartridge 100 can begin operation. When the processing box 100 installed in the electronic photographic imaging device is not working, the electronic photographic imaging device applies pressure F to the separation assembly 16 through the force-applying member 1, and the force receiving portion 1611 is pushed to rotate the first rod 161 around the fixed column 1111 along the R1 direction, thereby driving the second rod 162 to rotate around the fixed column 1113 along the direction R2 opposite to the rotation direction of the first rod 161. The abutment portion 1623 abuts against the abutment portion 1214 of the shell 121, and the rotation of the second rod 162 is restricted. The abutment portion 1623 receives the reaction force generated by the abutment portion 1214 to push the separation assembly 16 and the developing box 11 to move so that the second rod 162 can be further rotated, thereby separating the developing roller 13 from the photosensitive drum 14, and the movable terminal 151 is pushed by the electrode 132 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic mechanism and move into the terminal accommodating cavity 1213. When the force-applying member 1 does not apply pressure to the separation assembly 16, the first rod 161 and the second rod 162 rotate in the opposite direction to the separation action, and at the same time the developing box 11 returns to its original position under the action of gravity, the developing roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 14, and the movable terminal 151 remains in contact with the electrode 132 under the action of elastic force and returns to its initial position, and the processing box 100 can start working.

[0051] In this embodiment, the structure of the separation assembly 16 is simple, the connection method of each component is simple and reliable, and the precision requirement is low, so the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0052] Processing box embodiment 2

[0053] The structure of the process cartridge in this embodiment may be similar to or the same as that in Embodiment 1, except that the structure of the separation assembly is different.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the process cartridge 200 includes a developer cartridge 21 and a drum frame 22 that are longitudinally aligned and mounted together. The developer roller 23 and the photosensitive drum 24 are parallel to and face each other. After the developer contained in the developer cartridge is used up, the developer cartridge 21 can be removed from the drum frame 22 and replaced with a new one. The drum frame 22 does not need to be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device. When the photosensitive drum 24 or other components mounted in the drum frame 22 reach the end of their service life, the drum frame 22 can also be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device and replaced with a new one. The following describes the structure of each component of the process cartridge 200. The description of the developer cartridge 21 is described in Developer Cartridge Example 2. The structure of the drum frame 22 is basically the same as that of the drum frame in Process Cartridge Example 1 and is not repeated here.

[0055] Developer Box Example 2

[0056] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the developer cartridge 21 includes a developer roller 23 and a cartridge body 211. When installed in the drum frame 22, the developer roller 23 is positioned at the front, with the developer roller's central shaft 231 protruding beyond the end of the cartridge body 211. The cartridge body 211 includes a developer container for storing developer. A transmission mechanism is provided at the drive end of the cartridge body 211, and an end cap 212 is positioned outside the transmission mechanism. The other end of the cartridge body 211 is a non-drive end ND, at which an electrode 232 is disposed. The electrode 232 is connected to the developer roller's central shaft 231 and abuts against a movable terminal provided on the drum frame. A separation assembly 26 for receiving force from the electrophotographic imaging device to separate the developer roller 23 from the photosensitive drum 24 is also positioned in the non-drive end ND of the cartridge body 211, downstream of the electrode 232 in the direction of installation of the developer cartridge 21 in the drum frame 22.

[0057] The separation assembly 26 includes a first member 261 and a second member 262. The first member 261 is rotatably fixed to the box body 211 via a fixing post 2111 and its own through hole 2613. The second member 262 is arranged to reciprocate in a defined direction via a fixing seat 2113. The top of the fixing post 2111 is provided with a hook 2112 to facilitate the installation and fixation of the first member 261. The first component 261 includes a force receiving portion 2611 and a gear 2612. The second component 262 is arranged in the square through hole 2114 of the fixed seat 2113, and includes a rack portion 2621, a protrusion 2622 and an abutment portion 2623. The rack portion 2621 is engaged with the gear 2612, and the protrusion 2622 protrudes from the slide groove 2115 of the fixed seat 2113. The rack portion 2621 and the abutment portion 2623 are respectively exposed from both ends of the square through hole 2114, so that the second component 262 is limited by the square through hole 2114 and the slide groove 2115 to be able to move back and forth within a certain range along the extension direction of the square through hole 2114.

[0058] When the developer cartridge 21 is installed in the drum frame 22, the developer roller 23 is positioned forward along the installation direction. The developer roller's central shaft 231, which protrudes from the cartridge body 211, is guided forward by the receiving groove and ultimately accommodated within the receiving groove. The electrode 232 abuts the movable terminal, and the developer roller 23 contacts the photosensitive drum 24. The electrode 232 receives power from the movable terminal and transmits it to the developer roller's central shaft 231, allowing the process cartridge 200 to begin operation. When the processing box 200 installed in the electronic photographic imaging device is not working, the electronic photographic imaging device applies pressure F to the separation component 26 through the force-applying member 1, and the force receiving portion 2611 is pushed to rotate the first component 261 around the fixed column 2111. The gear 2612 rotates to drive the rack portion 2621 engaged with it to move, and the abutment portion 2623 is abutted with the abutment portion of the drum frame, and its movement relative to the square through hole 2114 is restricted, so that the abutment portion 2623 receives the reaction force generated by the abutment portion of the drum frame to push the first component 261 and the developing box 21 to move in the opposite direction so that the second component 262 can move relative to the square through hole 2114, thereby separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, and the movable terminal is pushed by the electrode 232 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic mechanism and move into the terminal accommodating cavity. When the force-applying member 1 does not apply pressure to the separation assembly 16, the first component 261 rotates in the opposite direction, and the second component 262 moves in the opposite direction relative to the slide groove 2115. At the same time, the developing box 21 returns to its original position under the action of gravity, the developing roller 23 contacts the photosensitive drum 24, and the movable terminal maintains contact with the electrode 232 under the action of elastic force and returns to its initial position, and the processing box 200 can start working.

[0059] In this embodiment, the structure of the separation assembly 26 is simple, the connection method of each component is simple and reliable, and the precision requirement is low, so the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0060] Processing box embodiment 3

[0061] The structure of the processing box in this embodiment may be similar to or the same as that in Embodiments 1 and 2 except that the structure of the separation assembly is different.

[0062] like Figure 10 As shown, the process cartridge 300 includes a developer cartridge 31 and a drum frame 32 that are longitudinally aligned and mounted together. The developer roller 33 and the photosensitive drum 34 are parallel to and face each other. After the developer contained in the developer cartridge 31 is used up, the developer cartridge 31 can be removed from the drum frame 32 and replaced with a new one. The drum frame 32 does not need to be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device. When the photosensitive drum 34 or other components mounted in the drum frame 32 reach the end of their service life, the drum frame 32 can also be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device and replaced with a new one. The following describes the structure of the various components of the process cartridge 300. The description of the developer cartridge 31 is described in Developer Cartridge Example 3. The structure of the drum frame 32 is basically the same as that of the drum frame in Process Cartridge Example 1 and is not described in detail here.

[0063] Developer Box Example 3

[0064] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the developer cartridge 31 includes a developer roller 33 and a cartridge body 311. When mounted on the drum frame 32, the developer roller 33 is positioned at the front, with the developer roller's central shaft 331 protruding beyond the end of the cartridge body 311. The cartridge body 311 includes a developer container for storing developer. A transmission mechanism is provided at the drive end of the cartridge body, and an end cap 312 is disposed outside the transmission mechanism. The other end of the cartridge body 311 is a non-drive end ND, at which an electrode 332 is disposed. The electrode 332 is connected to the developer roller's central shaft 331 and abuts against a movable terminal disposed on the drum frame 32. A separation assembly 36 for receiving force from the electrophotographic imaging device to separate the developer roller 33 from the photosensitive drum 34 is also disposed at the non-drive end ND of the cartridge body 311, downstream of the electrode 332 in the mounting direction of the developer cartridge 31 on the drum frame 32.

[0065] The separation assembly 36 includes a first component 361, a third component 362 and a second component 363, wherein the first component 361 is arranged through a fixing seat 3111, and the second component 363 is arranged through a fixing seat 3116 in a manner that can reciprocate along a limited direction. The third component, i.e., the gear 362, is rotatably fixed to the box body 311 through a fixing column 3114 and its own through hole 3621, wherein a hook 3115 is provided at the top of the fixing column 3114 to facilitate the installation and fixation of the gear 362. The first component 361 is arranged in the square through hole 3112 of the fixed seat 3111, and includes a force receiving portion 3611, a rack portion 3612, a protrusion 3613 and a protruding end 3614. The rack portion 3611 is engaged with the gear 362, and the protrusion 3613 protrudes from the slide groove 3113 of the fixed seat 3111, so that the first component 361 is limited by the square through hole 3112 and the slide groove 3113 to be able to move back and forth within a certain range along the extension direction of the square through hole 3112. The second component 363 is arranged in the square through hole 3117 of the fixed seat 3116, and includes a rack portion 3631, a protrusion 3632 and an abutment portion 3633. The rack portion 3631 is engaged with the gear 362. The rack portion 3631 and the abutment portion 3633 extend from both ends of the square through hole 3117 respectively, and the protrusion 3632 protrudes from the slide groove 3118 of the fixed seat 3116, so that the second component 363 is limited by the square through hole 3117 and the slide groove 3118 to be able to move back and forth within a certain range along the extension direction of the square through hole 3117.

[0066] When the developer cartridge 31 is installed on the drum frame 32, it is installed with the developer roller 33 positioned forward along the installation direction. The developer roller's central shaft 331, which protrudes from the cartridge body 311, is guided forward by the receiving groove and ultimately accommodated within the receiving groove. The electrode 332 abuts the movable terminal, and the developer roller 33 contacts the photosensitive drum 34. The electrode 332 receives power from the movable terminal and transmits it to the developer roller's central shaft 331, allowing the process cartridge 300 to begin operation. When the processing box 300 installed in the electronic photographic imaging device is not working, the electronic photographic imaging device applies pressure F to the separation component 36 through the force-applying member 1, and the force receiving portion 3611 is pushed to move the first component 361 along the square through hole 3112, thereby driving the gear 362 to rotate. The rotation of the gear 362 drives the second component 363 to move along the square through hole 3117. The abutment portion 3633 is abutted with the abutment portion of the drum frame, and its movement relative to the square through hole 3117 is restricted. Therefore, the abutment portion 363 receives the reaction force generated by the drum frame 32 to push the first component 361, the gear 362 and the developing box 31 to move in the opposite direction, so that the second component 363 can move relative to the square through hole 3117, thereby separating the developing roller 33 from the photosensitive drum 34, and the movable terminal is pushed by the electrode 332 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic mechanism and move into the terminal accommodating cavity. When the force-applying member 1 does not apply pressure to the separation assembly 36, the first component 361 and the second component 363 move in opposite directions relative to the slide grooves 3113 and 3118 respectively, and the gear 362 rotates in the opposite direction. At the same time, the developing box 31 returns to its original position under the action of gravity, the developing roller 33 contacts the photosensitive drum 34, and the movable terminal maintains contact with the electrode 332 under the action of elastic force and returns to its initial position, and the processing box 300 can start working.

[0067] In this embodiment, the separation assembly 36 has a simple structure, the gears are separately provided, the precision is easier to ensure, the connection method of each component is simple and reliable, and the precision requirement is low, so that the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0068] Processing box embodiment 4

[0069] The structure of the processing box in this embodiment may be similar to or the same as that in Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, except that the structure of the separation assembly is different.

[0070] like Figure 14As shown, the process cartridge 400 includes a developer cartridge 41 and a drum frame 42 that are longitudinally aligned and mounted together. The developer roller 43 and the photosensitive drum 44 are parallel to and face each other. After the developer contained in the developer cartridge 41 is exhausted, the developer cartridge 41 can be removed from the drum frame 42 and replaced with a new one. The drum frame 42 does not need to be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device. When the photosensitive drum 44 or other components mounted in the drum frame 42 reach the end of their service life, the drum frame 42 can also be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device and replaced with a new one. The following describes the structure of the various components of the process cartridge 400. The description of the developer cartridge 41 is described in Developer Cartridge Example 4. The structure of the drum frame 42 is basically the same as that of the drum frame in Process Cartridge Example 1 and is not further described here.

[0071] Developer Box Example 4

[0072] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the developer cartridge 41 includes a developer roller 43 and a cartridge body 411. The developer roller 43 is positioned at the front side when mounted on the drum frame 42, with the developer roller's central shaft 431 protruding beyond the end of the cartridge body 411. The cartridge body 411 includes a developer container for storing developer. A transmission mechanism is provided at the drive end of the cartridge body, and an end cap 412 is disposed outside the transmission mechanism. The other end of the cartridge body 411 is a non-drive end ND, at which an electrode 432 is disposed. The electrode 432 is connected to the developer roller's central shaft 431 and abuts against a movable terminal disposed on the drum frame 42. A separation assembly 46 for receiving force from the electrophotographic imaging device to separate the developer roller from the photosensitive drum is also disposed at the non-drive end ND of the cartridge body 411, downstream of the electrode 432 in the direction in which the developer cartridge 41 is mounted on the drum frame.

[0073] The separation assembly 46 includes a first member 461 and a second member 462, wherein the first member 461 is arranged by a fixed seat 4111, and the second member 462 is arranged by a fixed seat 4114 so as to be reciprocatable in a limited direction. The first member 461 is partially accommodated in a square through-hole 4112 of the fixed seat 4111, and includes a force receiving portion 4611, a sliding portion 4612, and a first abutting inclined surface 4613. The fixed seat 4111 is also provided with a hook 4113 to define the position of the first member 461, so that the first member 461 is restricted by the square through-hole 4112 and the hook 4113 so as to be reciprocatable within a certain range along the extending direction of the square through-hole 4112. The second component 462 is arranged in the opening of the fixed seat 4114, and includes a second abutting slope 4621, a protrusion 4622 and an abutting portion 4633. The second abutting slope 4621 abuts against the first abutting slope 4613 of the first component 461, and the protrusion 4622 protrudes from the slide groove 4115 of the fixed seat 4114, so that the second component 462 is limited to be able to move back and forth within a certain range along the extension direction of the slide groove 4115.

[0074] When the developer cartridge 41 is installed in the drum frame 42, the developer roller 43 is positioned forward along the installation direction. The developer roller's central shaft 431, which protrudes from the cartridge body 411, is guided forward by the receiving groove and ultimately accommodated within the receiving groove. The electrode 432 abuts the movable terminal, and the developer roller 43 contacts the photosensitive drum 44. The electrode 432 receives power from the movable terminal and transmits it to the developer roller's central shaft 431, allowing the process cartridge 400 to begin operation. When the processing box 400 installed in the electronic photographic imaging device is not working, the electronic photographic imaging device applies pressure F to the separation component 46 through the force-applying member, and the force receiving portion 4611 is pushed to move the first component 461 along the square through hole 4112. The first abutting slope 4613 pushes the second component 462 to slide along the slide groove 4115. The abutting portion 4623 is abutted with the abutting portion of the drum frame 42, and its movement along the extension direction of the slide groove 4115 is restricted. Therefore, the abutting portion 4623 receives the reaction force generated by the drum frame 42 to push the separation component 46 and the developing box 41 to move so that the second component 462 can move relative to the slide groove, thereby separating the developing roller 43 from the photosensitive drum 44. The movable terminal is pushed by the electrode 432 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic mechanism and move into the terminal accommodating cavity. When the force-applying member does not apply pressure to the separation assembly 46, the first component 461 and the second component 462 move in opposite directions, and at the same time the developing box 41 returns to its original position under the action of gravity, the developing roller 43 contacts the photosensitive drum 44, and the movable terminal remains in contact with the electrode 432 under the action of elastic force and returns to its initial position, and the processing box 400 can start working.

[0075] In this embodiment, the separation assembly 46 has a simple structure, a simple and reliable connection method, and low precision requirements, so that the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0076] Processing box embodiment 5

[0077] The structure of the process cartridge in this embodiment may be similar to or the same as that in Embodiments 1 to 4 except that the structure of the separation assembly is different.

[0078] like Figure 18As shown, the process cartridge 500 includes a developer cartridge 51 and a drum frame 52 that are longitudinally aligned and mounted together. The developer roller 53 and the photosensitive drum 54 are parallel to and face each other. After the developer contained in the developer cartridge 51 is used up, the developer cartridge 51 can be removed from the drum frame 52 and replaced with a new one. The drum frame 52 does not need to be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device. When the photosensitive drum 54 or other components mounted in the drum frame 52 reach the end of their service life, the drum frame 52 can also be removed from the electrophotographic imaging device and replaced with a new one. The structures of the various components of the process cartridge 500 are described below. The description of the developer cartridge 51 is described in Developer Cartridge Example 5. The structure of the drum frame 52 is basically the same as that of the drum frame in Process Cartridge Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0079] Developer Box Example 5

[0080] like Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the developer cartridge 51 includes a developer roller 53 and a cartridge body 511. When installed in the drum frame 52, the developer roller 53 is positioned at the front, with the developer roller's central shaft 531 protruding beyond the end of the cartridge body 511. The cartridge body 511 includes a developer container for storing developer. A transmission mechanism is provided at the drive end of the cartridge body, and an end cap 512 is disposed outside the transmission mechanism. The other end of the cartridge body 511 is a non-drive end ND, at which an electrode 532 is disposed. The electrode 532 is connected to the developer roller's central shaft 531 and abuts against a movable terminal provided on the drum frame 52. A separation assembly 56 for receiving force from the electrophotographic imaging device to separate the developer roller 53 from the photosensitive drum 54 is also disposed at the non-drive end ND of the cartridge body 511, downstream of the electrode 532 in the direction of installation of the developer cartridge 51 in the drum frame 52.

[0081] The separation assembly 56 includes a first member 561 and a second member 562. The first member 561 is rotatably fixed to the box body 511 via a fixing post 5111 and a through hole 5612. The second member 562 is arranged to reciprocate in a defined direction via a fixing seat 5113. The top of the fixing post 5111 is provided with a hook 5112 to facilitate the installation and fixation of the first member 561. The first member 561 includes a force receiving portion 5611, a through hole 5612, and an abutment rod 5613. The second component 562 is arranged in the opening 5115 of the fixed seat 5113, and includes a contact slope 5621, a protrusion 5622 and an abutment portion 5633. The contact slope 5621 is in abutment with the abutment rod 5613 of the first component 561 in a linear contact manner, and the protrusion 5622 protrudes from the slide groove 5114 of the fixed seat 5113, so that the second component 562 is limited to be able to move back and forth within a certain range along the extension direction of the slide groove 5114.

[0082] When the developer cartridge 51 is installed in the drum frame 52, the developer roller 53 is positioned forward along the installation direction. The developer roller's central shaft 531, which protrudes from the cartridge body 511, is guided forward by the receiving groove and ultimately accommodated within the receiving groove. The electrode 532 abuts against the movable terminal, and the developer roller 53 contacts the photosensitive drum 54. The electrode 532 receives power from the movable terminal and transmits it to the developer roller's central shaft 531, allowing the process cartridge 500 to begin operation. When the processing box 500 installed in the electronic photographic imaging device is not working, the electronic photographic imaging device applies pressure F to the separation component 56 through the force-applying member, the force receiving portion 5611 is pushed to rotate the first component 561, and the abutment rod 5613 pushes the second component 562 to slide along the slide groove 5114. The abutment portion 5623 is abutted with the abutment portion of the drum frame, and its movement along the extension direction of the slide groove 5114 is restricted, so that the abutment portion 5623 receives the reaction force generated by the drum frame 52 to push the separation component 56 and the developing box 51 to move so that the second component 562 can move relative to the slide groove 5114, thereby separating the developing roller 53 from the photosensitive drum 54, and the movable terminal is pushed by the electrode 532 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic mechanism and move into the terminal accommodating cavity. When the force-applying member does not apply pressure to the separation assembly 56, the first component 561 rotates in the opposite direction and the second component 562 moves in the opposite direction. At the same time, the developing box 51 returns to its original position under the action of gravity, the developing roller 53 contacts the photosensitive drum 54, and the movable terminal remains in contact with the electrode 532 under the action of elastic force and returns to its initial position, and the processing box 500 can start working.

[0083] In this embodiment, the separation assembly 56 has a simple structure, a simple and reliable connection method, and low precision requirements, so that the manufacturing cost of the developing box is low.

[0084] Although the present invention is disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, this is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make slight modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any changes or improvements made in accordance with the present invention shall be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developer cartridge for use in an electrophotographic imaging device, mounted on a drum frame having a photosensitive drum, the developer cartridge comprising a cartridge body and a developing roller, the cartridge body being provided with a developer receiving chamber for receiving a developer, and a separation assembly being provided at a non-driving end of the cartridge body, characterized in that: The separation assembly includes a force receiving portion for receiving the force applied by the electrophotographic imaging device and an abutting portion abutting against the drum frame. When the force receiving portion receives the force applied by the electrophotographic imaging device, the abutting portion is restricted from moving due to abutment against the drum frame, so that the separation assembly drives the developing cartridge to move, thereby separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The separation assembly includes a first member and a second member that are relatively movable and connected, the force receiving portion is provided on the first member, and the abutting portion is provided on the second member.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The separation assembly is configured as a connecting rod mechanism, the first component is a first rod, the second component is a second rod, the first rod and the second rod are connected together so as to be relatively rotatable, and the first rod and the second rod are rotatably fixed to the box body.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The force receiving portion is provided at one end of the first rod, the other end of the first rod is connected to the connecting end of the second rod, and the other end of the second rod opposite to the connecting end is the abutting portion.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The box body is provided with a first shaft, the first rod is provided with a first through hole, the box body is provided with a second shaft, the second rod is provided with a second through hole, and the first shaft and the second shaft are respectively provided with a first hook and a second hook to fix the first component and the second component respectively.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The separation assembly includes a gear rack mechanism, wherein the first component also includes a gear fixedly connected to the force receiving portion, and the second component also includes a rack portion meshing with the gear, and the first component and the second component are connected together by the mutual meshing of the gear and the rack.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: The first component is rotatably fixed on the box body, and a fixing seat is provided on the box body so that the second component can be arranged on the box body in a manner of reciprocating motion along a limited direction.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The separation assembly includes a rack and pinion mechanism, which also includes a third component, wherein the first component also includes a first rack portion, the second component also includes a second rack portion, and the third component includes a gear, the first rack portion and the second rack portion are both engaged with the gear, and the first component and the second component are connected together through the third component.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The first member and the second member are connected to each other by abutting each other, and when the force receiving portion receives a force applied by the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the first member pushes the second member to move.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The first member has a first abutting slope, the second member has a second abutting slope, and the first member and the second member are abuttedly connected to each other through the first abutting slope and the second abutting slope; or either the first member and the second member has an abutting slope, and the first member and the second member are connected while maintaining line contact.

10. A process cartridge for an electrophotographic imaging device, the process cartridge comprising a developer cartridge and a drum frame, the drum frame comprising a photosensitive drum, characterized in that: The developing cartridge is the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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