Developing cartridge

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developing box which can be detachably mounted on a drum box, the drum box comprises a photosensitive drum and a drum frame, and the photosensitive drum can be rotatably supported on the drum frame along a first direction. In some embodiments, the developing cartridge has a first end side and a second end side opposite to each other in a first direction, and includes a housing, a developing roller rotatably supported on the housing in the first direction, and a separation mechanism; wherein the separation mechanism comprises a first separation mechanism arranged on the first end side and / or a second separation mechanism arranged on the second end side, and the separation mechanism is used for receiving driving force to drive the shell to move relative to the drum frame, so that the developing roller can move between a contact position in contact with the photosensitive drum and a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum; when the developing box moves to the separation position relative to the drum box, the separation distances of the two opposite ends of the developing roller in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum are different. The separating mechanism has the advantage of high degree of freedom in design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a developing box and a processing box. Background Art

[0002] The process cartridge is usually detachably mounted on the main body of an electronic photographic imaging device such as a laser printer, a copier, or a fax machine; the process cartridge usually includes a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge, and the developer cartridge can be mounted on and removed from the drum cartridge.

[0003] The developer roller on a developer cartridge needs to be separated from the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge at certain stages of use (e.g., during cleaning). Therefore, a separation mechanism is required on the developer cartridge. Conventional separation mechanisms typically have identical structures located at two opposing ends of the developer cartridge, ensuring a consistent separation gap between the developer roller and the photosensitive drum in the axial direction. This significantly limits the design freedom of the developer cartridge, particularly the separation mechanism. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to at least partially solve the problems of the prior art, the first aspect of the present invention discloses a developing box that can be detachably mounted on a drum box, the drum box comprising a photosensitive drum and a drum frame, the photosensitive drum being rotatably supported on the drum frame along a first direction; the developing box having a first end side and a second end side opposite to each other in the first direction, and comprising a shell, a developing roller and a separation mechanism, the developing roller being rotatably supported on the shell along the first direction; the separation mechanism comprising a first separation mechanism arranged on the first end side and / or a second separation mechanism arranged on the second end side; the separation mechanism is used to receive a driving force to drive the shell to move relative to the drum frame, so that the developing roller can move between a contact position with the photosensitive drum and a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum; wherein, when moving to the separation position, the separation distances of the opposite ends of the developing roller in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum are different.

[0005] In the above technical solution, the separation mechanism can be set only on the first end side or the second end side of the developing box, or the separation mechanism can be set on the first end side and the second end side of the developing box at the same time. As long as the separation distances of the two opposite ends of the developing roller in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum are different when moving to the separation position, it has the advantage of high design freedom of the developing box, especially the separation mechanism.

[0006] According to a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present utility model, the first separation mechanism includes a force receiving member; a force transmitting member is provided on the drum frame, and the force transmitting member is arranged on the drum frame in a manner of rotating around a first direction, and has a first force transmitting part and a second force transmitting part, the first force transmitting part is used to receive the driving force and drive the force transmitting member to rotate as a whole, and the second force transmitting part is used to abut against the force receiving member during the rotation process and transmit the driving force to the force receiving member, so as to drive the shell to move relative to the drum frame, so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum.

[0007] In some embodiments, the force receiving member is fixed relative to the housing and has a first acting portion and a second acting portion connected to each other, the first acting portion is used to form an abutment fit with the second force transmitting portion, and the second acting portion is used to form an abutment fit with the pressing portion on the drum cartridge;

[0008] In some embodiments, the force receiving member adopts a split structure, which includes a first force receiving member and a second force receiving member, and the first force receiving member and the second force receiving member are both arranged to be fixed relative to the shell; the first force receiving member is provided with a first acting portion for abutting and cooperating with the second force transmitting portion, and the second force receiving member is provided with a second acting portion for abutting and cooperating with the pressing portion on the drum box.

[0009] Preferably, the first action portion is provided with a flexible portion capable of generating deformation, and the flexible portion generates adaptive deformation when abutting against the second force transmission portion to reduce the separation distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0010] In some embodiments, the force receiving member adopts a split structure, which includes a first force receiving member and a second force receiving member, the first force receiving member is movably arranged on the shell, and the second force receiving member is fixed relative to the shell and is provided with a second acting portion for abutting and cooperating with the pressing portion on the drum box; the first force receiving member has an inclined abutting surface, which is inclined toward the side away from the shell in the first direction; when the second force transmitting portion acts on the abutting surface, the first force receiving member moves a set length along the first direction toward the shell.

[0011] Furthermore, the second force receiving member is provided with a guide groove along the first direction, and the first force receiving member is movably arranged in the guide groove; wherein, an elastic member is provided in the guide groove, and the elastic member is used to drive the first force receiving member to reset away from the shell when the force of the second force transmitting part disappears.

[0012] In some embodiments, the force receiving member is configured to be fixed relative to the shell and has an abutment portion that cooperates with the second force transmission portion, and the abutment portion has a guide surface and a retaining surface; wherein, in the direction facing the second force transmission portion, the guide surface extends toward the second force transmission portion and is constructed to be closer to the second force transmission portion relative to the retaining surface; when the force transmission member rotates, the second force transmission portion first contacts the guide surface, and generates relative sliding relative to the guide surface during the continuous rotation of the force transmission member until the second force transmission portion contacts the retaining surface.

[0013] According to a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present utility model, the first separation mechanism includes a force receiving member, and the force receiving member adopts a split structure, which includes a first force receiving member and a second force receiving member; the first end side of the developing box is provided with an end cover, a chip holder and a gear support, and the end cover, the chip holder and the gear support are all arranged on the shell and fixed relative to the shell; wherein, the first force receiving member is arranged on the shell, the end cover, the chip holder or the gear support in a fixed or detachable form, and the second force receiving member is arranged on the shell, the end cover, the chip holder or the gear support in a fixed or detachable form.

[0014] Preferably, the first force receiving member and / or the second force receiving member is provided with a reinforcement structure, and the reinforcement structure includes reinforcement ribs.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second separation mechanism includes a movable member arranged on the shell, the movable member having an axis, a first movable portion and a second movable portion; the first movable portion and the second movable portion are located on opposite sides of the axis, the first movable portion is used to receive a driving force and drive the movable member as a whole to rotate around the axis, and the second movable portion is used to form an abutment fit or a fixed fit with the shell, so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum when the movable member rotates.

[0016] Furthermore, the shaft portion is provided on the housing in a manner of being rotatable around the first direction, and can move relative to the housing in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second separation mechanism includes a movable member arranged on the shell, and the movable member includes a shaft, a first actuator and a second actuator; wherein the shaft is arranged on the shell in a manner of rotating around the first direction, and can generate movement in a direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the shell; the first actuator and the second actuator are located on opposite sides of the shaft, and the first actuator and the second actuator are connected by a flexible member that bypasses the shaft.

[0018] Furthermore, the first actuator is movably arranged on the housing, and the second actuator is fixedly arranged on the housing; the first actuator is used to receive a driving force and drive the first actuator to move. Under the constraint of the flexible member, the driving force received by the first actuator is guided by the shaft and then transmitted to the second actuator, so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second separation mechanism includes a rocker arm, a bracket is provided on the second end side, the rocker arm is movably provided on the housing or the bracket, and can move in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0020] Furthermore, a guide groove is provided on the rocker arm, and a guide column is provided on the bracket. The guide column can swing within a certain range in the guide groove. When the rocker arm transmits a separation force to the developing box, it drives the guide column to move to abut against the wall of the guide groove, thereby driving the shell to move, so that the developing roller moves from the contact position to the separation position.

[0021] According to a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, when moving to the separation position, one end of the developing roller in the first direction maintains contact with the photosensitive drum, and the other end is separated from the photosensitive drum.

[0022] In some embodiments, seals are provided on the housing corresponding to the two ends of the developing roller in the first direction, and the width and / or position of the seal in the first direction are set to prevent the developer from being supplied into the end developing area where the developing roller maintains contact with the photosensitive drum when in the separated position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the developing box also includes a powder discharge knife abutting against the developing roller, and the powder discharge knife is provided with a notch groove at both ends in the first direction. The length of the notch groove in the first direction is set to reduce the supply of developer to the end developing area where the developing roller maintains contact with the photosensitive drum when in the separation position.

[0024] In some embodiments, in the first direction, the end developing area where the developing roller maintains contact with the photosensitive drum when in the separated position is located outside the developer containing chamber in the housing, thereby preventing the developer from being supplied into the end developing area where the developing roller maintains contact with the photosensitive drum.

[0025] The second aspect of the present invention provides a developing box that can be detachably mounted on a drum box having a photosensitive drum; the developing box includes a shell and a developing roller, and the developing roller is supported on the shell for rotation along a first direction; the developing box can be moved relative to the drum box so that the developing roller can move between a contact position in contact with the photosensitive drum and a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum; wherein, when the developing box moves to the separation position relative to the drum box, the separation distances of the opposite ends of the developing roller in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum are different.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the developing box further includes a chip assembly, and the chip assembly is mounted on the end side of the box body corresponding to the smaller separation distance of the photosensitive drum.

[0027] According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the developing box has a first end side and a second end side, and the first end side and the second end side are located at opposite ends of the developing box along the first direction; wherein, at least one of the first end side and the second end side is provided with a separation mechanism.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, a separation mechanism is provided on the first end side, and the separation mechanism is used to receive a driving force provided by the image forming device to drive the developing box to move relative to the drum box.

[0029] Further, the end developing area of ​​the developing roller corresponding to the second end side is reduced.

[0030] According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present utility model, a separation mechanism is provided on both the first end side and the second end side; wherein, the two separation mechanisms drive the shell to move at different distances, so as to achieve different separation distances between the two opposite ends of the developing roller in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum.

[0031] The third aspect of the present invention provides a developing box that can be detachably mounted on a drum box having a photosensitive drum; the developing box includes a shell and a developing roller, and the developing roller is supported on the shell for rotation along a first direction; wherein, the developing box also includes a separation mechanism for transmitting a separation force to the developing box, so that the developing roller can move between a contact position with the photosensitive drum and a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum.

[0032] According to a specific implementation of the third aspect of the present utility model, the separation mechanism is a separation mechanism that adopts a flexible force transmission method.

[0033] Furthermore, the separation mechanism includes a shaft, a first actuator and a second actuator; wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are located on opposite sides of the shaft, and the first actuator and the second actuator are connected by a flexible member that bypasses the shaft; the first actuator is movably arranged relative to the shell, the second actuator is fixedly arranged relative to the shell, the shaft is arranged on the shell in a manner of rotating around a first direction, and the shaft can move relative to the shell in a direction orthogonal to the first direction; wherein, when the first actuator moves, the second actuator can be driven by the flexible member to drive the shell to move, so that the developing roller moves from the contact position to the separation position.

[0034] According to a specific embodiment of the third aspect of the present utility model, the separation mechanism is a separation mechanism adopting a rocker arm type; the separation mechanism includes a rocker arm, which is provided with a guide groove and a guide column arranged in the guide groove, and the guide column is fixed to the shell; wherein, the guide column is allowed to move in the guide groove, so that when the moving component transmits a separation force to the developing box, the guide column is driven to move to abut against the wall of the guide groove, thereby driving the shell to move, so that the developing roller moves from the contact position to the separation position.

[0035] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a process cartridge that can be mounted on a main body of an image forming device for use and can be removed from the main body of the image forming device; the process cartridge comprises:

[0036] The developing cartridge comprises a housing and a developing roller, wherein the developing roller is supported on the housing for rotation along a first direction;

[0037] a drum cartridge comprising a photosensitive drum and a drum frame, wherein the photosensitive drum is rotatably supported on the drum frame in a first direction;

[0038] The developing box can be installed on the drum box and can be removed from the drum box; the developing box can be moved relative to the drum box so that the developing roller can move between a contact position in contact with the photosensitive drum and a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum.

[0039] According to a specific embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the drum frame is provided with end brackets at both opposite ends in the first direction. When the developing box is installed on the drum box, the two end sides of the developing box in the first direction can be supported on the two end brackets respectively; wherein, the two end brackets are connected by a protective part.

[0040] Furthermore, the protective part is a honeycomb panel.

[0041] According to a specific embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present utility model, a guide portion for providing an installation guide during the installation of the developing box is provided on the drum frame, and a contact portion is provided on the developing box; wherein the contact portion can form contact and cooperation with the guide portion during the installation of the developing box.

[0042] Furthermore, the guide portion is a sloped structure.

[0043] Furthermore, the drum frame is provided with two guiding parts, which correspond to the two ends of the photosensitive drum in the first direction; the developing box is provided with two contact parts, which are respectively located at the two ends of the shell in the first direction.

[0044] According to a specific embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present utility model, a conductive bracket is provided at one end of the developing box in the first direction, the developing roller has a developing roller body and a developing roller shaft, and the developing roller body is rotatably supported on the conductive bracket by the developing roller shaft; the drum box is provided with a developing roller electrode corresponding to the conductive bracket; wherein the developing roller electrode and the conductive bracket are electrically connected, and the conductive bracket and the developing roller shaft are electrically connected.

[0045] Furthermore, a drum conductive component is also provided on the drum cartridge, and the developing roller shaft and the drum conductive component are never in contact with each other.

[0046] Furthermore, the drum conductive component is arranged on the end bracket of the drum box, and there is a gap between the developing roller shaft and the end bracket, and the size of the gap is larger than the allowable movement distance of the developing box in the first direction, so that the developing roller shaft and the drum conductive component are always out of contact.

[0047] According to a specific embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, a gripping portion is provided on the developing box, and the gripping portion is arranged on the shell; wherein the gripping portion and the shell are assembled or integrally formed.

[0048] Furthermore, the gripping portion is provided on at least one of two outer side walls of the housing on opposite sides of the developing roller.

[0049] Furthermore, the gripping portion is located in the middle of the shell in the first direction.

[0050] In order to more clearly illustrate the purpose, 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

[0051] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of the developer cartridge of the embodiment mounted to the drum cartridge;

[0052] Figure 2 is a first perspective view of the developer cartridge of the embodiment mounted to the drum cartridge;

[0053] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the developer cartridge and drum cartridge;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the drum box's structure;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the state where the developing cartridge is installed on the drum cartridge;

[0056] Figure 6 is a first structural diagram showing the positions of the conductive sleeve, the developing roller shaft and the drum conductive component;

[0057] Figure 7 is a second structural diagram showing the positions of the conductive sleeve, the developing roller shaft and the drum conductive component;

[0058] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of the first separation mechanism;

[0059] Figure 9 is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge in Modification 1;

[0060] Figure 10 is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge in Modification 2;

[0061] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge in Modification 3;

[0062] Figure 12 is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge in Modification 4;

[0063] Figure 13 is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge in Modification 5;

[0064] Figure 14 is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developing cartridge in Modification 6;

[0065] Figure 15 is a structural diagram of the second separation mechanism;

[0066] Figure 16 It is a structural diagram of the moving component; Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the different separation distances between the two ends of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum;

[0067] Figure 18 is a structural diagram of a modified example 7 of the developing cartridge;

[0068] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of the powder discharge knife and the developing roller in the eighth modification of the developing cartridge;

[0069] Figure 20 It is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developer cartridge modification 9;

[0070] Figure 21 It is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developer cartridge modification 10;

[0071] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Structural diagram of the intermediate force receiving member;

[0072] Figure 23 It is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developer cartridge modification 11;

[0073] Figure 24 It is a structural diagram of the driving side of the developer cartridge modification 12;

[0074] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A structural diagram of the first force receiving member and the second force receiving member;

[0075] Figure 26 It is a structural diagram of the non-driving side of the developer cartridge modification 13;

[0076] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 Structural diagram of the second separation mechanism;

[0077] Figure 28 It is a structural diagram of the non-driving side of the developer cartridge modification 14;

[0078] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 Structural diagram of the second separation mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0080] The process cartridge of the embodiment can be installed on the host of the image forming device for use, and can be removed from the host of the image forming device; wherein the number of process cartridges installed on the image forming device can be one or more, such as three, four or even more. Figure 1-2 As shown, the process cartridge includes a developing cartridge 10 and a drum cartridge 20 , and the developing cartridge 10 is attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge 20 .

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing box 10 includes a shell 11 and a developing roller 12; wherein, the developing roller 12 is rotatably supported on the shell 11 along a first direction, and the developing roller 12 is located at one end of the shell 11 in a second direction intersecting (preferably orthogonal) with the first direction, that is, at least part of the surface of the developing roller 12 is exposed relative to the shell 11; preferably, the shell 11 is provided with sealing members 13 at both ends corresponding to the developing roller 12 in the first direction, and the sealing member 13 is, for example, felt, which is mainly used to prevent the developer from leaking from the fitting point between the shell 11 and the developing roller 12 during the supply process.

[0082] Specifically, the interior of the shell 11 is provided with a storage chamber for accommodating the developer and a supply unit for supplying the developer. The supply unit can supply the developer in the storage chamber to the developing roller 12; the supply unit includes at least a powder discharge knife 14, which is arranged in the interior of the storage chamber along a first direction and abuts against the developing roller 12, and is mainly used to adjust the thickness of the developer attached to the surface of the developing roller 12.

[0083] Please continue reading Figure 3 The drum cartridge 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21 and a drum frame 22. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably supported on the drum frame 22 along a first direction. When the developer cartridge 10 is mounted on the drum frame 22, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developer roller 12. At this time, the developer roller 12 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 21 by a pressing portion 23 provided on the drum cartridge 20 and maintains contact therewith. Preferably, pressing portions 23 are provided at both opposite ends of the drum cartridge 20 along the direction.

[0084] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the cooperation between the developer box 10 and the drum box 20, relevant protective structures are provided in the embodiment to enhance the effectiveness and stability of the cooperation between the developer box 10 and the drum box 20; the above-mentioned relevant protective structures are introduced in detail below in combination with the installation process and use process of the developer box 10.

[0085] The drum frame 22 is provided with end brackets 221 at both opposite ends in the first direction; when the developer cartridge 10 is mounted on the drum cartridge 20, the developer cartridge 10 is supported on the two end brackets 221 at both end sides in the first direction; the drum frame 22 of the embodiment is further provided with a guard portion 24, which is preferably a plate-shaped portion extending along the first direction and is connected to the two end brackets 221 respectively; Figure 4 As shown, the protection portion 24 of the embodiment is specifically a honeycomb plate, wherein a plurality of honeycomb holes 241 are provided on the side of the protection portion 24 facing the developing box 10 , and the honeycomb holes 241 are preferably blind holes.

[0086] The protective portion 24 in the embodiment is assembled together with or integrally formed with the end bracket 221; wherein, the developing box 10 preferably has no contact with the protective portion 24 during normal use; preferably, the distance between the developing box 10 and the protective portion 24 is small, so that the protective portion 24 can not only enhance the stability of the two end brackets 221, but also provide auxiliary protection for the developing box 10.

[0087] The drum frame 22 is also provided with a guide portion 222 for providing an installation guide during the installation process of the developer box 10; correspondingly, the developer box 10 is provided with a contact portion 17 adapted to the guide portion 222, and the contact portion 17 can form a contact fit with the guide portion 222 during the installation process of the developer box 10; under the contact fit between the contact portion 17 and the guide portion 222, the developer box 10 can be more conveniently and accurately sent to the corresponding installation position of the drum box 20.

[0088] Among them, the guide portion 222 in the embodiment is specifically located on the side of the photosensitive drum close to the developing box 10 to prevent the developing box 10 from damaging the photosensitive drum 21 during the installation process; further, the drum frame 22 is provided with mounting grooves 223 corresponding to the two ends of the developing roller 12 in the first direction, wherein the mounting grooves 223 are preferably located in front of the guide portion 222 along the installation direction of the developing box 10, that is, on the side closer to the support portion 24.

[0089] The drum frame 22 is preferably provided with two guide portions 222, which correspond to the two ends of the photosensitive drum 21 in the first direction. The two contact portions 17 corresponding to the two guide portions 222 are also located at the two ends of the housing 11 in the first direction, which facilitates structural simplification. Preferably, the guide portions 222 are inclined, and the contact portions 17 are bent plate-like structures.

[0090] The state of the developing cartridge 10 installation process is as follows Figure 5 As shown, the two ends of the developing roller 12 in the developing box 10 are aligned with the mounting groove 223 for installation. In the process of installing the developing roller 12 into the mounting groove 223, the contact portion 17 abuts against the guide portion 222, and then the developing box 10 is moved along the mounting groove 223. Figure 5 The developer cartridge 10 is rotated in the direction of the arrow P until the developer cartridge 10 contacts and is supported on the two end brackets 221 of the drum frame 22, thus completing the installation of the developer cartridge 10. When the developer cartridge 10 is installed, the contact portion 17 preferably no longer contacts the guide portion 222.

[0091] The developer cartridge 10 has two opposite sides in a first direction, namely a driving side and a non-driving side. The driving side of the developer cartridge 10 is provided with a driving force receiving portion 101, which is used to receive driving force from the image forming device. In this embodiment, the non-driving side of the developer cartridge 10 is also the conductive side of the developer cartridge 10. Specifically, the non-driving side of the developer cartridge 10 is provided with a conductive connecting member 18. The developing roller 12 includes a developing roller body 121 and a developing roller shaft 122. The developing roller body 121 is rotatably supported on the conductive connecting member 18 via the developing roller shaft 122.

[0092] The developer roller body 121 is a cylindrical component extending in a first direction. The developer roller shaft 122 is preferably a columnar component extending in the first direction and extending through the developer roller body 121. The developer roller body 121 is fixed to the developer roller shaft 122. The developer roller shaft 122 is made of a conductive material, such as metal or conductive resin. During use, the developer is carried on the outer peripheral surface of the developer roller body 121 by the electrostatic force between the developer roller shaft 122 and the developer.

[0093] A developing roller electrode 25 and a drum conductive component are provided on the end bracket 221 of the drum cartridge 20 corresponding to the non-driving side of the developing cartridge 10; wherein the developing roller electrode 25 is electrically connected to the conductive connecting member 18; illustratively, the conductive connecting member 18 is electrically connected to the developing roller electrode 25 via the pressing portion 23; the drum conductive component is used to cooperate with the conductive contact portion of the image forming device when the processing cartridge is installed to the image forming device to realize electrical control of the drum cartridge 20.

[0094] In order to avoid contact between the developing roller shaft 122 and the drum conductive component and affect the normal use of the developing roller 12, there is a gap between the developing roller shaft 122 of the embodiment and the end bracket 221 of the drum box 20 corresponding to the non-driving side of the developing box 10, so that there is a gap between the developing roller shaft 122 and the drum conductive component, and the size of the gap is greater than the allowable movement distance of the developing box 10 in the first direction, so that there is no contact between the developing roller shaft 122 and the drum conductive component.

[0095] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the conductive connecting member 18 has a conductive sleeve 181 corresponding to the developing roller shaft 122, and the conductive sleeve 181 and the conductive connecting member 18 are assembled together or formed as one piece, and the end of the developing roller shaft 122 is supported in the conductive sleeve 181; wherein, there is also a gap between the conductive sleeve 181 and the end bracket 221 of the drum box 20 corresponding to the non-driving side of the developing box 10; preferably, the developing roller shaft 122 is located inside the conductive sleeve 181 in the first direction, that is, the developing roller shaft 122 is configured not to protrude to the outside of the conductive sleeve 181 close to the non-driving side of the developing box 10, so as to achieve non-contact between the conductive sleeve 181, the developing roller shaft 122 and the drum conductive component, thereby avoiding the developing roller being affected by the drum conductive component on the drum box 20 during use and generating voltage changes, which is beneficial to ensuring imaging quality.

[0096] Exemplarily, the drum conductive component includes at least one of a corona wire electrode 26, a photosensitive drum ground electrode, and a grid electrode. The photosensitive drum ground electrode and the grid electrode are, for example, arranged corresponding to the end of the photosensitive drum 21. The drum frame 22 is provided with a corona wire 224 corresponding to the photosensitive drum 21. The corona wire 224 is used to ionize the air and has a relatively high voltage. The corona wire 224 is electrically connected to the corona wire electrode 26. Figure 7As shown, the corona wire electrode 26 is located on the relatively outer side of the developing roller 12 in the first direction when the developing box 10 is installed to the drum box 20; illustratively, the corona wire electrode 26 has an outer connecting portion 261 and an inner connecting portion 262 that are conductive to each other, the outer connecting portion 261 is exposed on the relatively outer side of the end bracket 221 of the drum box 20 corresponding to the non-driving side of the developing box 10 in the first direction, and is used to contact the conductive portion of the image forming device; the inner connecting portion 262 is located on the relatively inner side of the end bracket 221 of the drum box 20 corresponding to the non-driving side of the developing box 10 in the first direction, and is used to electrically connect to the corona wire 224.

[0097] In this embodiment, a gap exists between the conductive sleeve 181 and the developer roller shaft 122 and the corona wire electrode 26 (specifically, the inner connecting portion 262 of the corona wire electrode 26). This gap is larger than the allowable movement distance of the developer cartridge 10 in the first direction, thereby ensuring that the developer roller shaft 122 and the corona wire electrode 26 are always non-contacting. In other embodiments, the installation positions of the corona wire electrode 26, the photosensitive drum ground electrode, and the photosensitive grid electrode can be set or changed as needed, as long as the developer roller shaft 122 is always non-contacting with the drum conductive components and is not affected by the drum conductive components.

[0098] In order to facilitate the operator to take the developer cartridge 10 when installing it to the drum cartridge 20 or removing it from the drum cartridge 20 and to prevent the developer cartridge 10 from falling out of the operator's hand, the developer cartridge 10 in the embodiment is provided with a gripping portion 19; wherein the gripping portion 19 is provided on the shell 11, for example, it is provided on the shell 11 by assembly molding or integral molding; preferably, the gripping portion 19 is provided on at least one of the two outer side walls of the shell on opposite sides of the developing roller, specifically, it is provided on at least one of the two outer side walls of the accommodating chamber away from and close to the support portion 24, that is, the gripping portion 19 can be formed on the outer side wall of the accommodating chamber away from the support portion 24, or on the outer side wall of the accommodating chamber close to the support, or on both outer side walls of the accommodating chamber away from and close to the support portion 24; please continue to refer to Figure 3 The gripping portion 19 is preferably located in the middle of the housing 11 in the first direction. For example, the gripping portion 19 is a groove-shaped structure; wherein, a plurality of anti-slip grooves are provided in the gripping portion 19 to improve the stability when taking the developing cartridge 10.

[0099] Furthermore, a chip assembly 30 is installed at one end side of the developing box 10 in the first direction, and the gripping portion 19 is preferably located between the chip assembly 30 and the developing roller 12 , which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the developing box 10 .

[0100] When the developer cartridge 10 is mounted on the drum cartridge 20 and installed on the image forming device, at some stage, it is necessary to separate the developer roller 12 from the photosensitive drum 21 in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction to interrupt or stop the imaging process (e.g., a cleaning process); the second direction in the embodiment is preferably the same as the third direction; in other embodiments, the second direction may also intersect with the third direction. Specifically, the developer cartridge 10 is movable relative to the drum cartridge 20, and the driving force provided by the image forming device acts directly or indirectly on the developer cartridge 10 to drive the developer cartridge 10 to move relative to the drum cartridge 20 to achieve separation of the developer roller 12 from the photosensitive drum 21, so that the developer roller 12 can move between a contact position with the photosensitive drum 21 and a separation position with the photosensitive drum 21; correspondingly, when the driving force provided by the image forming device disappears, the developer roller 12 moves to a position in contact with the photosensitive drum 21 under the action of the pressing portion 23.

[0101] The two end sides of the developer cartridge 10 in the first direction are respectively a first end side 10a and a second end side 10b. For ease of description, the following embodiment is described by taking the first end side 10a as the driving side of the developing side and the second end side 10b as the non-driving side of the developer cartridge 10 as an example. In this embodiment, a first separation mechanism 40 can be provided on the first end side 10a, and in this case, a second separation mechanism 50 can be provided on the second end side 10b, or the second separation mechanism 50 can be omitted. Similarly, a second separation mechanism 50 can be provided on the second end side 10b, and in this case, the first separation mechanism 40 can be provided on the first end side 10a, or the first separation mechanism 40 can be omitted. The driving force provided by the image forming apparatus directly or indirectly acts on the first separation mechanism 40 and / or the second separation mechanism 50 to drive the developer cartridge 10 to move relative to the drum cartridge 20, thereby ultimately achieving separation of the developing roller 12 from the photosensitive drum 21.

[0102] For example, Figure 8 As shown, the first separation mechanism 40 includes a force receiving member 42, which is arranged to be fixed relative to the shell 11; wherein, a force transmitting member 27 is provided on the drum frame 22, and the force transmitting member 27 is used to receive the driving force provided by the image forming device and transmit the driving force to the force receiving member 42, driving the shell 11 to move relative to the drum frame 22.

[0103] The force transmitting member 27 is preferably arranged on the drum frame 22 in a manner of rotating around a first direction; wherein, the force transmitting member 27 has a first force transmitting portion 271 and a second force transmitting portion 272, the first force transmitting portion 271 is used to receive the driving force provided by the image forming device and drive the force transmitting member 27 to rotate as a whole, and the second force transmitting portion 272 is used to abut against the force receiving member 42 during the rotation process, and then drive the shell 11 of the developing box 10 to separate relative to the drum box 20 through the force receiving member 42, so that the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21.

[0104] The force receiving member 42 of the embodiment is preferably detachably mounted on the housing 11; the force receiving member 42 has a first acting portion 421 and a second acting portion 422 connected to each other, the first acting portion 421 is used to form an abutment fit with the second force transmitting portion 272 so that the housing 11 of the developer box 10 is separated relative to the drum box 20; the second acting portion 422 is used to form an abutment with the pressing portion 23 on the drum box 20, and the pressing portion 23 is preferably an elastic member, which squeezes the pressing portion 23 through the second acting portion 422 when the housing 11 of the developer box 10 is separated relative to the drum box 20, so that when the driving force provided by the image forming device disappears, under the action of the elastic restoring force from the pressing portion 23, the box body moves relative to the drum box 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is restored to contact with the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 12.

[0105] Furthermore, the end portion of the housing 11 on the driving side is provided with an end cover 111, and the end cover 111 is assembled together with the housing 11 or formed integrally; Figure 9 In the illustrated variation 1, the force receiving member 42 can also be integrally formed with the end cap 111. The force receiving member 42 preferably employs a monolithic structure, with the first actuating portion 421 and the second actuating portion 422 of the force receiving member 42 also preferably being integrally formed. This structural design eliminates the need for manual assembly of the force receiving member 42, reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the force receiving member 42 does not become loose relative to the housing 11 or the end cap 111. The force receiving member 42 receives the applied force, further stabilizing the contact and separation process between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0106] In such Figure 10 In the second variation shown, the force receiving member 42 may also adopt a split structure; wherein the force receiving member 42 includes a first force receiving member 425 and a second force receiving member 426, the first force receiving member 425 and the second force receiving member 426 do not contact each other, and the first force receiving member 425 and the second force receiving member 426 are both integrally formed with the housing 11; wherein the first force receiving member 425 is used to provide the first action portion 421, and the second force receiving member 426 is used to provide the second action portion 422. Please continue to refer to Figure 10In the second modification, the first force receiving member 425 and the second force receiving member 426 are integrally formed with the end cap 111. This structural design eliminates the need for manual assembly of the force receiving member 42, reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the force receiving member 42 does not become loose relative to the housing 11 or the end cap 111. The force receiving member 42 receives the applied force, making the contact and separation process between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21 more stable.

[0107] In some embodiments, at least one of the first force receiving member 425 and the second force receiving member 426 may also be provided in a detachable manner; Figure 11 In the illustrated variation 3, the first force receiving member 425 is detachably mounted on the end cap 111, for example, by snapping it together with the end cap 111, and the second force receiving member 426 is integrally formed with the end cap 111. In an alternative embodiment, the first force receiving member 425 may also be integrally formed on the end cap 111, and the second force receiving member 426 may be detachably mounted on the end cap 111. Similarly, in another alternative embodiment, both the first force receiving member 425 and the second force receiving member 426 may be detachably mounted on the end cap 111. This structural design facilitates adjustment of the force receiving angle of the first force receiving member 425 and / or the second force receiving member 426 to accommodate different models of imaging devices.

[0108] Furthermore, the chip assembly 30 includes a chip 31 and a chip holder 32. The chip holder 32 is configured to be fixed relative to the housing 11. Preferably, the chip holder 32 is detachably assembled on the end cap 111. The chip 31 is disposed on the chip holder 32. The chip 31 can be fixedly mounted on the chip holder 32 or movably mounted on the chip holder 32. The installation method of the chip 31 is not limited here and will not be expanded. Figure 12 In the shown variant example 4, the first force receiving member 425 can also be set on the chip holder 32, and the first force receiving member 425 is specifically, for example, assembled together with the chip holder 32 or formed as one piece; the second force receiving member 426 can be set on the chip holder 32 or on the end cover 111, and the second force receiving member 426 is specifically, for example, assembled together with the end cover 111 or formed as one piece.

[0109] The driving side of the developing cartridge 10 is provided with a gear assembly for transmitting the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion 101; correspondingly, the housing 11 has a gear support 112, the gear support 112 and the housing 11 are assembled or formed in one piece, and the gears in the gear assembly are mounted on the gear support 112; specifically, the gear support 112 is preferably located on the inner side of the end cover 111 in the first direction; Figure 13In the fifth variation shown, the second force receiving member 426 is disposed on the gear support 112. Specifically, the second force receiving member 426 is assembled or integrally formed with the gear support 112. Preferably, the second force receiving member 426 is at least partially located relatively outside the end cap 111 in the first direction to enable more direct engagement with the pressing portion 23. In other embodiments, the second force receiving member 426 may not protrude beyond the end cap 111 in the first direction, which will not be discussed further here.

[0110] Correspondingly, the first force receiving member 425 in the fifth modification is provided on the end cover 111 . Specifically, the first force receiving member 425 is assembled with the end cover 111 or formed integrally therewith.

[0111] Furthermore, in Figure 14 In the shown variant example 6, the second force receiving member 426 can also be arranged on the accommodating chamber main body 113 of the shell 11, and the second force receiving member 426 is specifically, for example, assembled together with the gear support 112 or formed as one piece; wherein, the second force receiving member 426 extends in the first direction from the accommodating chamber main body 113 of the shell 11 toward the driving side to the relative outer side of the end cover 111, and can form a match with the pressing portion 23; correspondingly, the first force receiving member 425 in variant example 6 is also arranged on the end cover 111, and the first force receiving member 425 is specifically, for example, assembled together with the end cover 111 or formed as one piece.

[0112] The first force receiving member 425 and the second force receiving member 426 in the above-mentioned modifications 1-6 may be provided with a reinforcement structure such as a reinforcing rib to enhance the strength of the first force receiving member 425 and the second force receiving member 426 .

[0113] like Figure 15-16 As shown, the second separation mechanism 50 of the embodiment includes a movable member 51 arranged on the shell 11; wherein, the movable member 51 has a shaft portion 511, the shaft portion 511 is arranged on the shell 11 in a manner that can rotate around a first direction, and the shaft portion 511 can produce movement in a direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the shell 11; specifically, the movable member 51 as a whole is configured to rotate around the shaft portion 511; a recess 221 is provided on the drum frame 22, and when the developing box 10 is installed to the drum box 20, the shaft portion 511 can contact the recess 221 on the drum frame 22, and the shaft portion 511 is limited by the recess 221 in the direction toward the photosensitive drum 21.

[0114] The movable member 51 also has a first movable portion 512 and a second movable portion 513, and the first movable portion 512 and the second movable portion 513 are located on opposite sides of the shaft portion 511; wherein the first movable portion 512 is used to receive the driving force provided by the image forming device and drive the movable member 51 as a whole to rotate around the shaft portion 511, and the second movable portion 513 is used to form an abutment fit or a fixed fit with the shell 11, and then drive the shell 11 to separate relative to the drum box 20 when the movable member 51 rotates, so that the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21.

[0115] When the shell 11 / developing box 10 in the embodiment moves relative to the drum frame 22 / drum box 20, the separation distances of the opposite ends of the developing roller 12 in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum 21 may be the same or different; the following content of the embodiment mainly introduces the different separation distances of the opposite ends of the developing roller 12 in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum 21; it should be understood that, in the absence of conflict, the structure in the following content may be allowed to be in a related structure with the same separation distance between the opposite ends of the developing roller 12 in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum 21.

[0116] An exemplary state in which the separation distances of the developing roller 12 at opposite ends in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum 21 are different is as follows: Figure 17 As shown, the chip assembly 30 is preferably mounted on the end of the developing cartridge 10 that is spaced from the developing roller 12 by a smaller distance to avoid poor electrical contact stability between the chip assembly 30 and the image forming device. The chip assembly 30 is preferably mounted in a fixed manner; in other embodiments, the chip assembly 30 may also be mounted in a movable manner.

[0117] In the embodiment, the first separation mechanism 40 and / or the second separation mechanism 50 can be controlled separately to make the movement distance of the housing 11 different, ultimately achieving different separation distances between the opposite ends of the developing roller 12 in the first direction and the photosensitive drum 21. In some specific embodiments, the developing cartridge 10 is provided with only the first separation mechanism 40 or the second separation mechanism 50; for example, the developing roller 12 is provided with only the first separation mechanism 40. When the developing roller 12 needs to be separated from the photosensitive drum 21 during use, the driving force provided by the image forming device acts on the first separation mechanism 40 to drive the first end side 10a of the developing cartridge 10 to move relative to the drum cartridge 20, so that the first end 12a of the developing roller 12 corresponding to the first end side 10a is separated from the photosensitive drum 21, and the second end side 10b of the developing cartridge 10 is adaptively followed; under the limitation of the drum frame 22, the second end side 10b of the developing cartridge 10 is preferably not separated from the drum frame 22, that is, the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 corresponding to the second end side 10b will maintain contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Similarly, the developing roller 12 is only provided with a second separation mechanism 50. When the developing roller 12 needs to be separated from the photosensitive drum 21 during use, the driving force provided by the image forming device acts on the second separation mechanism 50 to drive the second end side 10b of the developing box 10 to move relative to the drum box 20, so that the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 corresponding to the second end side 10b is separated from the photosensitive drum 21, and the first end side 10a of the developing box 10 produces adaptive follow-up; under the limitation of the drum frame 22, the first end side 10a of the developing box 10 is preferably not relatively separated from the drum frame 22, that is, the first end 12a of the developing roller 12 corresponding to the first end side 10a will maintain contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

[0118] It should be noted here that when the developing box 10 of the above structure moves to the separation position, the developing roller 12 only maintains contact with the photosensitive drum 21 in the end developing area adjacent to the first end 12a or the second end 12b. The above-mentioned end developing area is extremely small. In this extremely small end developing area, the developing roller 12 maintains contact with the photosensitive drum 21 without affecting the imaging quality or the impact can be ignored.

[0119] In order to completely avoid the situation in which the developer may be supplied to the photosensitive drum 21 in the above-mentioned end developing area, when the developing box 10 moves to the separation position, the imaging process of the end developing area is completely interrupted or stopped by preventing the developer from being supplied to the above-mentioned end developing area of ​​the developing roller 12 that remains in contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

[0120] The exemplary structure for implementing the above solution will be described in detail below by taking the example of the developing roller 12 being provided with only the first separating mechanism 40 and not the second separating mechanism 50 .

[0121] Illustratively, the width and / or position of the seal 13 in the first direction is set to prevent the developer from being supplied to the end developing area where the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21 are in contact when they are in the separated position. Figure 18 In the seventh modified example, the seal 13 corresponding to the second end 12b of the developer roller 12 is extended toward the first end 12a of the developer roller 12 to prevent developer from being supplied to the end development area of ​​the developer roller 12 that is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Extending the seal 13 reduces the development area of ​​the second end 12b of the developer roller 12, thereby completely or nearly completely preventing the imaging process from occurring within the end development area of ​​the developer roller 12 that is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Preferably, the width of the seal 13 in the first direction corresponding to the second end 12b of the developer roller 12 is greater than the width of the seal corresponding to the first end 12a of the developer roller 12.

[0122] As an extension of the above-described seventh modification, the seal 13 corresponding to the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 can be moved a certain distance toward the first end 12a of the developing roller 12, so that the seal 13 is further away from the second end 12b of the developing roller 12, thereby preventing developer from being supplied into the developing area of ​​the end portion of the developing roller 12 that is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21. Ultimately, the developing area of ​​the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 is reduced. The width of the seal 13 corresponding to the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 in the first direction can be the same as or different from the width of the seal corresponding to the first end 12a of the developing roller 12. Preferably, the widths of the seals 13 corresponding to the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 in the first direction are the same.

[0123] In such Figure 19 In the illustrated modification 8, the powder discharge blade 14 is provided with a first notch 141 corresponding to the first end 12a of the developing roller 12, and a second notch 142 corresponding to the second end 12b of the developing roller 12. By reducing the contact area of ​​the end developing area of ​​the developing roller 12 corresponding to the second end 12b of the developing roller 12, that is, increasing the notch length of the second notch 142 in the first direction, the developing area of ​​the developing roller 12 near the second end 12b is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of developer supplied to the end developing area of ​​the second end 12b of the developing roller 12, thereby completely or nearly completely eliminating the imaging process in the end developing area where the developing roller 12 maintains contact with the photosensitive drum 21. The notch length of the second notch 142 in the first direction is set to be greater than the notch length of the first notch 141, thereby reducing the amount of developer supplied to the end developing area where the developing roller 12 maintains contact with the photosensitive drum 21 when in the separated position.

[0124] As an extension of the above-mentioned modifications 7 and 8, the length of the accommodating chamber can also be shortened in the first direction, specifically by canceling the accommodating space corresponding to the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 (that is, in the first direction, the end developing area where the developing roller and the photosensitive drum maintain contact when they are in the separated position is located outside the developer accommodating chamber in the housing), so that the developer in the accommodating chamber cannot be supplied to the above-mentioned end developing area of ​​the second end 12b of the developing roller 12, so that the developing area of ​​the second end 12b of the developing roller 12 is reduced, thereby achieving the goal of completely or almost completely not performing the imaging process in the end developing area where the developing roller 12 maintains contact with the photosensitive drum 21.

[0125] In other specific embodiments, the developer box 10 may also be provided with a first separation mechanism 40 and a second separation mechanism 50; when the developer roller 12 needs to be separated from the photosensitive drum 21 during use, the driving force provided by the image forming device acts on the first separation mechanism 40 and the second separation mechanism 50 at the same time, and the first separation mechanism 40 is used to drive the first end side 10a of the developer box 10 to move relative to the drum box 20 and the second separation mechanism 50 is used to drive the second end side 10b of the developer box 10 to move relative to the drum box 20, so that the first end 12a and the second end 12b of the developer roller 12 are both separated from the photosensitive drum 21; in the embodiment, the first separation mechanism 40 can be acted on the shell 11 to reduce the distance the shell 11 moves, or the second separation mechanism 50 can be acted on the shell 11 to reduce the distance the shell 11 moves, so as to achieve the purpose of different separation distances between the opposite ends of the developer roller 12 in the first direction and the photosensitive drum 21, and at the same time, the overall movement amplitude of the developer box 10 can be reduced, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of poor electrical contact stability between the chip component 30 and the image forming device.

[0126] The following is a detailed description of an exemplary structure for implementing the above solution.

[0127] In such Figure 20 In the shown modification example 9, the first acting portion 421 of the force receiving member 42 is preferably capable of deformation. For example, a flexible portion 423 is provided at the position where the first acting portion 421 contacts the second force transmitting portion 272. The flexible portion 423 is preferably a flexible sleeve, such as a rubber sleeve, a silicone sleeve, etc.; when the second force transmitting portion 272 applies a driving force to the first acting portion 421, the flexible portion 423 can produce adaptive deformation, so that when the force transmitting member 27 rotates into place, the first acting portion 421 is deformed, resulting in a reduction in the actual moving distance of the developing box 10 relative to the drum box 20, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the separation distance between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0128] In such Figure 21-22In the shown variant example 10, the force receiving member 42 has an abutment portion 424 that cooperates with the second force transmission portion 272, and the abutment portion 424 is constructed to have a guide surface 4241 and a retaining surface 4242, the guide surface 4241 is preferably a conical surface or an arc surface, and the retaining surface 4242 is preferably a plane or an arc surface; wherein, in the direction facing the second force transmission portion 272, the guide surface 4241 extends toward the second force transmission portion 272 and is constructed to be closer to the second force transmission portion 272 relative to the retaining surface 4242, so that when the force transmission member 27 as a whole rotates under the driving force provided by the image forming device, the second force transmission portion 272 can first contact the guide surface 4241, and generate relative sliding relative to the guide surface 4241 during the continuous rotation of the force transmission member 27 until the second force transmission portion 272 contacts the retaining surface 4242; specifically, when the force transmission member 27 is rotated into place, the second force transmission portion 272 is always in contact with the retaining surface 4242.

[0129] Specifically, a reinforcing rib 4243 may be further provided on the abutting portion 424 to enhance the strength of the abutting portion 424; preferably, the reinforcing rib 4243 is preferably located on the side of the guide surface 4241 away from the second force transmission portion 272, and extends in a direction away from the second force transmission portion 272; preferably, the reinforcing rib 4243 is located between the abutting portion 424 and the driving force receiving portion 101 and extends toward the driving force receiving portion 101.

[0130] When the second force transmitting portion 272 slides relative to the guide surface 4241 , the force receiving member 42 can preferably move in a smaller range along the first direction, and the movement in the smaller range will not affect the normal operation of the developing box 10 or the impact can be ignored.

[0131] Furthermore, the actual moving distance of the developing box 10 relative to the drum box 20 can be changed by changing the effective distance between the retaining surface 4242 and the second force transmission portion 272, so as to achieve a smaller separation distance of the first end portion 12a of the developing roller 12 corresponding to the first separation mechanism 40 relative to the photosensitive drum 21, that is, a smaller moving distance of the first end side 10a of the developing box 10.

[0132] In such Figure 23In the illustrated variation 11, the force receiving member 42 has a split structure, comprising a first force receiving member 425 and a second force receiving member 426. The first force receiving member 425 is fixed relative to the housing 11 and is preferably assembled or prefabricated with the housing 11. The first force receiving member 425 is used to provide a first actuating portion 421. The first force receiving member 425 is preferably in the shape of a rod extending in a first direction. To enhance strength, a reinforcement structure 427, such as a rib, is provided on the first force receiving member 425. The second force receiving member 426 is preferably assembled or prefabricated with the housing 11 and is used to provide a second actuating portion 422 corresponding to the pressing portion 23.

[0133] Furthermore, the actual moving distance of the developing cartridge 10 relative to the drum cartridge 20 can be reduced by changing the relative position of the first force receiving member 425 on the housing 11 , thereby reducing the separation distance between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21 .

[0134] In such Figures 24-25 In the shown variant example 12, the first force receiving member 425 is movably arranged on the shell 11. Preferably, the first force receiving member 425 can move along the first direction; wherein, a limiting portion 15 is provided on the shell 11, and the limiting portion 15 is used to limit the position of the first force receiving member 425 moving along the first direction toward away from the shell 11, and prevent the first force receiving member 425 from detaching from the shell 11.

[0135] Furthermore, the abutment surface 4251 on the first force receiving member 425 is inclined, and the abutment surface 4251 is inclined in the first direction toward the side away from the shell 11; when the second force transmitting portion 272 acts on the abutment surface 4251 of the first force receiving member 425, the first force receiving member 425 moves a set length along the first direction toward the shell 11, thereby reducing the actual moving distance of the developing box 10 relative to the drum box 20, and ultimately achieving the purpose of reducing the separation distance between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0136] Preferably, a guide groove 4261 along the first direction is provided on the second force receiving member 426, and the first force receiving member 425 is movably arranged in the guide groove 4261. An elastic member is preferably provided in the guide groove 4261, and the elastic member is used to drive the first force receiving member 425 to reset away from the shell 11 when the force of the second force transmitting part 272 disappears.

[0137] The direction of the separating force provided by the second separating mechanism 50 in the embodiment intersects with the axis of the developing roller 12; Figures 26-27In the shown variant example 13, the second separation mechanism 50 specifically adopts a separation mechanism with a flexible force transmission method, and the movable member 51 includes a shaft 514, a first actuator 515 and a second actuator 516; wherein, the first actuator 515 and the second actuator 516 are located on opposite sides of the shaft 514, and the first actuator 515 and the second actuator 516 are connected by a flexible member 517 that bypasses the shaft 514, and the flexible member 517 is, for example, a rope or a flexible belt.

[0138] Specifically, the shaft 514 is arranged on the shell 11 in a manner of rotating around a first direction, and the shaft 514 can move relative to the shell 11 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction; the first actuator 515 is movably arranged on the shell 11, and when the first actuator 515 receives an external force, the first actuator 515 cannot directly drive the shell 11 to move; the second actuator 516 is fixedly arranged on the shell 11.

[0139] When the developing roller 12 needs to be separated from the photosensitive drum 21 during use, the first actuator 515 receives the driving force provided by the image forming device and drives the first actuator 515 to move. Under the constraint of the flexible member 517, the driving force received by the first actuator 515 is guided by the shaft 514 and transmitted to the second actuator 516, thereby driving the housing 11 to separate relative to the drum box 20, so that the developing roller 12 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21.

[0140] Furthermore, the flexible member 517 preferably decreases during the transmission of the driving force (for example, the length of the flexible member 517 shortens when the shaft 514 moves in a direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the housing 11), thereby reducing the actual moving distance of the developing box 10 relative to the drum box 20, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the separation distance between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0141] In such Figures 28-29 In the shown variant example 14, the second separation mechanism 50 is specifically a separation mechanism adopting a rocker arm type, and the movable member 51 is specifically a rocker arm; the second end side 10b of the shell 11 is provided with a bracket 16, and the rocker arm is movably arranged on the shell 11 or the bracket 16, and can move in a direction orthogonal to the first direction; specifically, a support shaft 17 is provided on the shell 11, and the support shaft 17 is preferably arranged on the shell 11 in a manner that can rotate around the first direction, and the support shaft 17 can produce a movement in a direction orthogonal to the first direction relative to the shell 11; when the developing box 10 is installed on the drum frame 22, the support shaft 17 can contact the recess 221 on the drum frame 22, and the support shaft 17 is limited by the recess 221 in the direction toward the photosensitive drum 21.

[0142] Among them, the rocker arm can generate relative movement with the shell 11 when receiving the driving force provided by the image forming device in the first stage, and can drive the shell 11 to move together when receiving the driving force provided by the image forming device in the second stage; specifically, the movement of the shell 11 is an adaptive rotation generated around the support shaft 17, and in this process, the support shaft 17 always maintains contact with the recess 221 on the drum frame 22.

[0143] For example, the rocker arm and the housing 11 or the bracket 16 form a guide groove fit; please continue to refer to Figure 29 A guide groove 518 is provided on the rocker arm, and a guide post 161 is provided on the bracket 16; wherein the guide post 161 is allowed to swing within a certain range in the guide groove 518, so that when the rocker arm transmits a separation force to the developer box 10, the guide post 161 is driven to move to abut against the wall of the guide groove 518 and drive the shell 11 to move, so that the developing roller 12 moves from the contact position to the separation position; specifically, when the rocker arm receives the first stage of the driving force provided by the image forming device, the guide post 161 swings relative to the guide groove 518 and cannot drive the shell 11 to move together, and as the driving force continues, the guide post 161 abuts against the wall of the guide groove 518 and drives the shell 11 to move together, thereby reducing the actual moving distance of the developer box 10 relative to the drum box 20, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the separation distance between the developing roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0144] Furthermore, a protrusion 114 is provided on the shell 11 corresponding to the end of the rocker arm close to the shell 11. When the guide column 161 moves to abut against the wall of the guide groove 518, the end of the rocker arm close to the shell 11 is preferably also abutted against the protrusion 114, so that the rocker arm is relatively fixed to the shell 11, which is conducive to maintaining the stability of the movement process of the rocker arm driving the shell 11.

[0145] To sum up, in the embodiments and modifications of the present invention, when the developing box 10 moves relative to the drum box 20, the separation distances between the two opposite ends of the developing roller 12 in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum 21 are different. By arranging the chip assembly 30 on the end side of the developing box 10 corresponding to the smaller separation distance of the developing roller 12, the chip assembly 30 can be effectively protected, poor contact of the chip assembly 30 can be avoided, and the stability of the electrical contact of the chip assembly 30 can be improved.

[0146] It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the features of the embodiments and variations of this application can be combined with each other. It should be understood that the first separation mechanism 40 and the second separation mechanism 50 provided in the above embodiments and variations can also be applied to other types of developer cartridges 10. For example, they can still be used in related developer cartridges 10 in which the separation distances between the opposite ends of the developing roller 12 in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum 21 are the same. For example, related developer cartridges 10 with only the second separation mechanism 50 and no first separation mechanism 40 can still be used. The application scenarios of the above embodiments and variations are not limited here.

[0147] Although the present invention has been described above through embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to exemplarily describe the feasible implementation plans of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. That is, any replacement or change made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present invention should also be covered by the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A developer cartridge removably mountable on a drum cartridge, the drum cartridge comprising a photosensitive drum and a drum frame, the photosensitive drum being rotatably supported on the drum frame in a first direction; the developer cartridge having a first end side and a second end side opposing each other in the first direction, and comprising a housing, a developing roller, and a separating mechanism, the developing roller being rotatably supported on the housing in the first direction; characterized in that: The separation mechanism includes a first separation mechanism arranged on the first end side and / or a second separation mechanism arranged on the second end side; the separation mechanism is used to receive a driving force to drive the shell to move relative to the drum frame, so that the developing roller can move between a contact position in contact with the photosensitive drum and a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum; wherein, when moving to the separation position, the separation distances of the opposite ends of the developing roller in the first direction relative to the photosensitive drum are different.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The first separation mechanism includes a force receiving member; A force transmission member is provided on the drum frame, and the force transmission member is arranged on the drum frame in a manner of rotating around a first direction, and has a first force transmission part and a second force transmission part. The first force transmission part is used to receive the driving force and drive the force transmission member to rotate as a whole, and the second force transmission part is used to abut against the force receiving member during the rotation process and transmit the driving force to the force receiving member to drive the shell to move relative to the drum frame, so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The force receiving member is fixed relative to the housing and has a first acting portion and a second acting portion connected to each other, the first acting portion is used to form an abutment fit with the second force transmitting portion, and the second acting portion is used to form an abutment fit with the pressing portion on the drum cartridge; Alternatively, the force receiving member adopts a split structure, which includes a first force receiving member and a second force receiving member, and the first force receiving member and the second force receiving member are both arranged to be fixed relative to the shell; the first force receiving member is provided with a first acting portion for abutting and cooperating with the second force transmitting portion, and the second force receiving member is provided with a second acting portion for abutting and cooperating with the pressing portion on the drum box.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The first action portion is provided with a flexible portion capable of generating deformation. When the flexible portion abuts against the second force transmission portion, the flexible portion generates adaptive deformation to reduce the separation distance between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The force receiving member adopts a split structure, which includes a first force receiving member and a second force receiving member, the first force receiving member is movably arranged on the housing, and the second force receiving member is fixed relative to the housing and has a second action portion for abutting and cooperating with the pressing portion on the drum cartridge; The first force receiving member has an inclined abutment surface, which is inclined toward the side away from the shell in the first direction; when the second force transmitting part acts on the abutment surface, the first force receiving member moves a set length along the first direction toward the shell.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: The second force receiving member is provided with a guide groove along the first direction, and the first force receiving member is movably arranged in the guide groove; wherein, an elastic member is provided in the guide groove, and the elastic member is used to drive the first force receiving member to reset away from the shell when the force of the second force transmitting part disappears.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The force receiving member is fixed relative to the housing and has an abutment portion that cooperates with the second force transmitting portion, the abutment portion having a guide surface and a retaining surface; wherein, in a direction facing the second force transmitting portion, the guide surface extends toward the second force transmitting portion and is configured to be closer to the second force transmitting portion than to the retaining surface; When the force transmission member rotates, the second force transmission portion first contacts the guide surface and slides relative to the guide surface during the continuous rotation of the force transmission member until the second force transmission portion contacts the retaining surface.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The first separation mechanism includes a force receiving component, and the force receiving component adopts a split structure, which includes a first force receiving component and a second force receiving component; The first end side of the developing box is provided with an end cover, a chip holder and a gear support member, and the end cover, the chip holder and the gear support member are all arranged on the housing and fixed relative to the housing; Wherein, the first force receiving member is arranged on the shell, the end cover, the chip holder or the gear support in an integrally formed, fixed or detachable form, and the second force receiving member is arranged on the shell, the end cover, the chip holder or the gear support in an integrally formed, fixed or detachable form.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The second separation mechanism includes a moving member disposed on the housing, the moving member having a shaft portion, a first moving portion, and a second moving portion; the first moving portion and the second moving portion are located on opposite sides of the shaft portion, the first moving portion is configured to receive a driving force and drive the moving member as a whole to rotate around the shaft portion, and the second moving portion is configured to form an abutting fit or a fixed fit with the housing, so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum when the moving member rotates; Alternatively, the second separation mechanism includes a moving member disposed on the housing, the moving member including a shaft, a first actuating member, and a second actuating member; wherein the shaft is disposed on the housing in a manner rotatable about the first direction and can move relative to the housing in a direction orthogonal to the first direction; the first actuating member and the second actuating member are located on opposite sides of the shaft, and the first actuating member and the second actuating member are connected by a flexible member that bypasses the shaft; Alternatively, the second separation mechanism includes a rocker arm, a bracket is provided on the second end side, the rocker arm is movably provided on the housing or the bracket, and can move in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, wherein: The shaft is arranged on the housing in a manner of being rotatable around the first direction and can move relative to the housing in a direction orthogonal to the first direction; The first actuating member is movably disposed on the housing, and the second actuating member is fixedly disposed on the housing; the first actuating member is configured to receive a driving force and drive the first actuating member to move; under the constraint of the flexible member, the driving force received by the first actuating member is guided by the shaft and then transmitted to the second actuating member, so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; A guide groove is provided on the rocker arm, and a guide column is provided on the bracket. The guide column can swing within a certain range in the guide groove. When the rocker arm transmits a separation force to the developing box, it drives the guide column to move until it abuts against the wall of the guide groove, thereby driving the shell to move, so that the developing roller moves from the contact position to the separation position.

11. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: When moving to the separation position, one end portion of the developing roller in the first direction keeps in contact with the photosensitive drum, and the other end portion is separated from the photosensitive drum; in: The housing is provided with sealing members corresponding to two ends of the developing roller in the first direction, and the width and / or position of the sealing members in the first direction are set to prevent the developer from being supplied into the end developing area where the developing roller and the photosensitive drum maintain contact when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are in the separated position; Alternatively, the developer cartridge further comprises a powder discharge knife abutting against the developer roller, the powder discharge knife having notches at both ends in the first direction, the notches having a length in the first direction being configured to reduce the amount of developer supplied into an end developing region where the developer roller maintains contact with the photosensitive drum when in the separated position; Alternatively, in the first direction, an end developing region where the developing roller and the photosensitive drum maintain contact when in the separated position is located outside the developer accommodating chamber in the housing.

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