Processing box

Abstract

The utility model provides a processing box which is detachably arranged on imaging equipment provided with a force applying piece, a driving force output piece and an elastic piece, and comprises a first unit, a second unit, a developing roller arranged on the first unit and a photosensitive drum arranged on the second unit, wherein the first unit and the second unit are movably combined; the process cartridge further comprises a separation contact component comprising a separation contact component, a locking part and a locked part, and the separation contact component is used for receiving the acting force applied by the force application part so as to enable the developing roller to be in contact with or separated from the photosensitive drum; when the processing box performs imaging work, the locking part is located at the first position, and the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are kept in a contact state; when the processing box does not perform imaging work, the locking part is located at the second position, and the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are kept in a separated state; in the process that the locking part moves from the first position to the second position, the elastic piece elastically deforms firstly, then the elastic force is released, the first unit moves in the left-right direction, and the locking part moves to the second position.

Description

[0001] The utility model patent application claims the priority of the prior application with the name of "processing box", the application number of 202323657835.8 submitted by the applicant on December 29, 2023, and the whole content of the prior application is cross-referenced in the present application. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The utility model relates to the field of electronic imaging, especially to a processing box which can be detachably installed in an electronic imaging device. BACKGROUND

[0003] The processing box is used for being detachably installed in an electronic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as "imaging device"), generally, the processing box includes a box body containing carbon powder, a developing roller rotatably arranged in the box body and a photosensitive drum rotatably arranged in the box body, when the imaging device performs imaging work, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum contact, the developing roller is used for supplying carbon powder to the photosensitive drum, so that the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is developed.

[0004] However, when the developing roller with the elastic layer arranged on the surface is used, if the developing roller and the photosensitive drum contact for a long time, the surface of the developing roller will be deformed, thereby causing image defects during the imaging work and reducing the image quality.

[0005] In order to prevent the developing roller surface from being deformed and causing imaging defects, generally, the processing box is also provided with a separation contact assembly for separating the developing roller and the photosensitive drum, but the separation contact assembly is relatively complex and difficult to install. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0006] The utility model provides a kind of processing box, to make separation contact assembly installation simple.Specifically as follows:

[0007] The processing cartridge is detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus provided with a force applying member, a driving force output member and an elastic member, the processing cartridge comprising a first unit and a second unit movably combined, a developing roller rotatably provided in the first unit, and a photosensitive drum rotatably provided in the second unit, the driving force output member being used to output a driving force to the processing cartridge, the elastic member being used to urge the driving force output member towards the processing cartridge, the processing cartridge further comprising a separation contact assembly used to interact with the force applying member, the separation contact assembly comprising a separation contact member, a locking portion and a locked portion, the separation contact member being used to receive a force applied by the force applying member to enable the locking portion to move relative to the locked portion between a first position and a second position along with the first unit or the second unit to enable the developing roller to contact or separate from the photosensitive drum; when the processing cartridge is in operation, the locking portion is in the first position in the locked portion, and the developing roller is kept in contact with the photosensitive drum; when the processing cartridge is not in operation, the locking portion is in the second position in the locked portion, and the developing roller is kept in separation from the photosensitive drum; during the movement of the locking portion from the first position to the second position, the elastic member is first elastically deformed, and then releases the elastic force to enable the first unit to move in the left-right direction, and the locking portion moves to the second position.

[0008] The processing cartridge receives the driving force at one end as a driving end, and at the other end opposite to the driving end as a non-driving end in the left-right direction, and the locking portion and the locked portion are provided at the non-driving end.

[0009] The locking portion is not movable relative to the first unit or the second unit.

[0010] The first unit further comprises a first unit housing and a bracket provided at a longitudinal end of the first unit housing, and the locking portion is provided at a side of the bracket away from the first unit housing; the second unit further comprises a second unit housing and a second end cover provided at a longitudinal end of the second unit housing, and the locked portion is provided at a side of the second end cover close to the first unit housing, and the locking portion and the locked portion are provided opposite to each other in the left-right direction.

[0011] The locking portion is integrally formed with the bracket, and the locked portion is integrally formed with the second end cover.

[0012] The locked portion comprises a protruding portion, a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, and the protruding portion is located between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion; the protruding portion is used to interact with the locking portion to enable the developing roller to separate from or contact the photosensitive drum, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are used to accommodate the locking portion; when the locking portion is located in the first clamping portion, the locking portion is in the first position, and when the locking portion is located in the second clamping portion, the locking portion is in the second position; and the locking portion is provided as a protrusion.

[0013] The convex portion has a first side surface, a second side surface and a left end portion, the left end portion is located at the leftmost end of the convex portion in the left-right direction, the first side surface and the second side surface gradually approach each other from right to left in the left-right direction, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are arranged as grooves.

[0014] When the processing cartridge does not perform imaging work, the force applying member applies a force to the separation and contact member, the locking portion moves from the first clamping portion to the second clamping portion via the convex portion, in the process that the locking portion moves from the first clamping portion to the left end portion along the first side surface, the first unit moves leftward, the driving force output member moves leftward, and the elastic member is elastically deformed, the locking portion passes over the convex portion under the action of the force applied by the force applying member, the driving force output member moves rightward under the action of the elastic force of the elastic member, the first unit resets rightward, and the locking portion moves from the left end portion to the second clamping portion along the second side surface.

[0015] The second unit further comprises a first end cover arranged at a longitudinal end of the second unit housing, the first end cover is opposite to the second end cover in the left-right direction, and the processing cartridge is further provided with a friction member located between the first end cover and the first unit housing.

[0016] When the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are kept in the separated state, the distance between the rotation axis of the developing roller and the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum is a third distance in the front-rear direction; when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are kept in the contact state, the distance between the rotation axis of the developing roller and the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum is a first distance in the front-rear direction; and the third distance is greater than the first distance.

[0017] The developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated and kept in the separated state through the separation and contact assembly, so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are prevented from being in long-term contact, the good image quality is ensured, the user obtains good use experience, the wear of the developing roller is reduced, the use cost of the user is reduced, the locking portion in the separation and contact assembly is arranged on the bracket, the locked portion is arranged on the end cover, the number of parts is reduced, the structure of the separation and contact assembly is simplified, and the separation and contact assembly is simple and convenient to install. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1A And Figure 1B is a perspective view of a processing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2A is a partial component exploded view of a driving end of the processing cartridge according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 2Bis the component exploded view of the non-driving end of the process cartridge related to the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 is the perspective view of the separating piece in the process cartridge related to the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 is the perspective view of the first support in the process cartridge related to the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 is the perspective view of the driving end cover in the process cartridge related to the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0024] Figure 6 is the perspective view of the non-driving end cover in the process cartridge related to the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0025] Figures 7A-7C is the separating process schematic view of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when hiding partial components in the process cartridge and observing from left to right along the left-right direction related to the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0026] Figures 8A-8C is the separating process schematic view of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when hiding partial components in the process cartridge and observing from down to up along the up-down direction related to the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0027] Figure 9A is the component exploded view of the non-driving end of the process cartridge related to the embodiment two of the utility model.

[0028] Figure 9B is the partial component exploded view of the driving end of the process cartridge related to the embodiment two of the utility model.

[0029] Figure 10 is the perspective view of the non-driving end cover related to the embodiment two of the utility model.

[0030] Figures 11A-11C is the separating process schematic view of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when hiding partial components in the process cartridge and observing from right to left along the left-right direction related to the embodiment two of the utility model.

[0031] Figures 12A-12C is the perspective view of the process cartridge related to the embodiment three of the utility model.

[0032] Figure 13 is the partial component exploded view of the driving end of the process cartridge related to the embodiment three of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033]

EMBODIMENT ONE

[0034] Figure 1A and Figure 1BIt is the perspective view of the processing box of the embodiment one of the utility model; Figure 2A It is the partial component exploded view of the driving end of the processing box of the embodiment one of the utility model; Figure 2B It is the component exploded view of the non-driving end of the processing box of the embodiment one of the utility model; Figure 3 It is the perspective view of the separating piece in the processing box of the embodiment one of the utility model; Figure 4 It is the perspective view of the first support in the processing box of the embodiment one of the utility model; Figure 5 It is the perspective view of the driving end cover in the processing box of the embodiment one of the utility model; Figure 6 It is the perspective view of the non-driving end cover in the processing box of the embodiment one of the utility model.

[0035] The processing box C is used for being detachably installed into the imaging device, in order to facilitate the description accuracy and understanding, the utility model sets up the processing box C to have as shown in the left, right, front, back, top and bottom, wherein, the left and right direction is the length direction or vertical direction of the processing box C, the front and back direction is the width direction or horizontal direction of the processing box C, the top and bottom direction is the height direction or vertical direction of the processing box C, the left and right direction, the front and back direction and the top and bottom direction cross each other, preferably, the left and right direction, the front and back direction and the top and bottom direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0036] The processing box C includes the box body and the rotatable piece rotatably arranged in the box body, wherein the box body is used for accommodating at least one of unused carbon powder and used waste carbon powder, the rotatable piece extends along the left and right direction of the box body and rotates around its rotation axis, and the rotation axis of the rotatable piece is parallel to the left and right direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the processing box C includes the box body, the developing roller 11 (as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B ), the powder feeding roller 12 (as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) and the photosensitive drum 21, the box body includes the first unit shell 1 and the second unit shell 2, further, the developing roller 11 and the powder feeding roller 12 are rotatably arranged in the first unit shell 1, and the photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably arranged in the second unit shell 2.

[0038] Specifically, the process cartridge C includes a first unit 100 and a second unit 200 movably combined, wherein the first unit 100 includes a first unit housing 1 containing toner, a developing roller 11 rotatably provided in the first unit housing 1, and a powder feeding roller 12 rotatably provided in the first unit housing 1, the developing roller 11 having a rotation axis L11 parallel to the left-right direction, the powder feeding roller 12 having a rotation axis L12 parallel to the left-right direction, the second unit 200 includes a second unit housing 2 and a photosensitive drum 21 rotatably provided in the second unit housing 2, the photosensitive drum 21 having a rotation axis L21 parallel to the left-right direction (as shown in Figure 2B FIG. 1), the developing roller 11 is oppositely provided with the photosensitive drum 21, the developing roller 11 is configured to supply toner fed by the powder feeding roller 12 to the photosensitive drum 21, and the photosensitive drum 21 is configured to carry toner to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface thereof. Further, the developing roller 11, the powder feeding roller 12, and the photosensitive drum 21 can be regarded as rotary members.

[0039] When the process cartridge C performs an imaging / developing operation, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are in contact with each other, and when the process cartridge C does not need to perform the imaging / developing operation, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are separated from each other.

[0040] Continuing as shown, the process cartridge C further includes a driving force receiving portion and a power receiving member at the left and right longitudinal ends of the cartridge body, and further, in the present embodiment, the driving force receiving portion is located at the left end of the cartridge body and is configured to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus, and the power receiving member is located at the right end of the cartridge body and is configured to receive power from the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the driving force receiving portion includes a first driving force receiving member 3 and a second driving force receiving member 4, wherein the first driving force receiving member 3 is configured to directly or indirectly drive the developing roller 11 and the powder feeding roller 12 to rotate, and the second driving force receiving member 4 is configured to directly or indirectly drive the photosensitive drum 21 to rotate. The end where the driving force receiving portion is located can be referred to as a driving end C1 (left end), and the end where the power receiving member is located can be referred to as a conductive end or a non-driving end C2 (right end), that is, the driving end C1 and the non-driving end C2 are opposite in the left-right direction. Further, the first driving force receiving member 3 and the second driving force receiving member 4 can drive the developing roller 11 and the powder feeding roller 12 to rotate through a driving force transmission assembly, and specifically, the driving force transmission assembly can be provided as a gear meshing structure, or a ratchet structure, or a belt pulley structure, etc., as long as it can transmit the driving force.

[0041] As Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 4As shown, the first unit 100 further comprises a protective cover 14, a second bracket 16 and a third bracket 17 disposed at the left and right ends / longitudinal ends of the first unit housing 1, wherein the protective cover 14 and the third bracket 17 are located at the left end (driving end C1) of the first unit housing 1, in the left-right direction, the protective cover 14 is further away from the first unit housing 1 than the third bracket 17, the second bracket 16 is located at the right end (non-driving end C2) of the first unit housing 1, further, at least the third bracket 17 is used to support the developing roller 11 and the powder feeding roller 12, in addition, the protective cover 14, the second bracket 16 and the third bracket 17 disposed at the ends of the first unit housing 1 are also used to protect other components. Still further, the protective cover 14 comprises a protective cover main body 140, a third exposure hole 143 disposed on the protective cover main body 140, and a first combination part 146, the third exposure hole 143 is used to expose the first driving force receiver 3 outward, the first combination part 146 is used to combine with the first elastic force applying member 59a described later, the protective cover 14 further comprises a support body 13 used to combine with the separation contact member 5 described later, the support body 13 is disposed on the side close to the first unit housing 1; the second bracket 16 comprises a second main body 160 and a third combination part 161 disposed on the second main body 160, the third combination part 161 is used to combine with the second elastic force applying member 59b described later; in addition, the power receiver is disposed on the second bracket 16, the power receiver is formed integrally or separately with the second bracket 16.

[0042] Continuing as shown, the second unit 200 further comprises a first end cover 300 and a second end cover 400 disposed at the left and right ends / longitudinal ends of the second unit housing 2, in the left-right direction, the first end cover 300 and the second end cover 400 are oppositely disposed, the first end cover 300 and the second end cover 400 can be used to support the photosensitive drum 21, in the left-right direction, the first end cover 300 is located to the left of the protective cover 14, and the second end cover 400 is located to the right of the second bracket 16, preferably, in this embodiment, the first end cover 300 is disposed at the driving end C1, and the second end cover 400 is disposed at the non-driving end C2. Specifically, the first end cover 300 comprises a second exposure hole 305 for exposing the first driving force receiver 3 outward and a first exposure hole 302 for exposing the second driving force receiver 4 outward, the first exposure hole 302 is also used to support the photosensitive drum 21; the second end cover 400 comprises a fourth exposure hole 400a for exposing the power receiver outward and a fifth exposure hole 400b for supporting the photosensitive drum 21, the fifth exposure hole 400b is also used to expose the conductive part disposed at the end of the photosensitive drum 21 outward, the conductive part is used to receive the power provided by the imaging device to supply power to the photosensitive drum 21.

[0043] As Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figures 3-6As shown, the process cartridge C further includes a separation contact assembly provided therein for separating and contacting the developing roller 11 with the photosensitive drum 21. During the separation process, the first unit 100 can be moved in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the separation contact assembly is provided at the driving end C1.

[0044] Further, the separation contact assembly includes a separation contact member 5 for interacting with a force applying member in the image forming apparatus and with the cover 14, the separation contact member 5 being movable relative to the first unit housing 1. Specifically, the separation contact member 5 includes a mechanism body 52, a long hole / slot 55 and an acting portion 51, the long hole / slot 55 and the acting portion 51 being respectively located at two ends of the mechanism body 52, wherein the long hole / slot 55 is preferably provided as a groove, the long hole / slot 55 being used in combination with a support body 13 of the cover 14, the support body 13 further being provided with a buckle portion 131 for buckling an edge of the long hole / slot 55, so that an upper end portion of the separation contact member 5 is mounted to the cover 14, the long hole / slot 55 in combination with the support body 13 plays a guiding role, so that the separation contact member 5 is movable relative to the cover 14, the acting portion 51 includes a first acting portion 51a and a second acting portion 51b for abutting against the force applying member, specifically, the first acting portion 51a is used for abutting against a first force applying member in the force applying member, so as to separate the developing roller 11 from the photosensitive drum 21, the second acting portion 51b is used for abutting against a second force applying member in the force applying member, so as to contact the developing roller 11 with the photosensitive drum 21 again, it is to be noted that the first force applying member and the second force applying member can be provided as one body or separately.

[0045] Further, the separation contact assembly further includes a first elastic force applying member 59a for mounting a lower end portion of the separation contact member 5 to the cover 14, specifically, one end of the first elastic force applying member 59a is used in combination with the first combination portion 146, the other end is used in combination with a fourth combination portion 54 provided on the separation contact member 5, in this way, the first elastic force applying member 59a and the buckle portion 131 jointly act to mount the separation contact member 5, further, the first elastic force applying member 59a generates a force in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, preferably, the first elastic force applying member 59a is a tension spring.

[0046] Further, the separating and contacting assembly further comprises a locking portion 53 and a locked portion 62, the locking portion 53 is configured to interact with the locked portion 62 to separate or contact the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21, during the separating or contacting process, the locking portion 53 is not movable relative to the first unit 100 or the second unit 200, i.e. the locking portion 53 moves with the first unit 100 or the second unit 200. Specifically, the locking portion 53 is arranged on the cover 14 away from the first unit housing 1, preferably, the locking portion 53 is arranged as a protrusion, the protrusion is configured to interact with the locked portion 62 to separate or contact the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21; the locked portion 62 is arranged on the first end cover 300 close to the first unit housing 1, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 are arranged opposite to each other in the left-right direction, specifically, the locked portion 62 comprises a protruding portion 621, a first blocking portion 622 and a second blocking portion 623, the protruding portion 621 has a first side surface 621a, a second side surface 621b and a right end portion 621c, the protruding portion 621 is configured to interact with the locking portion 53 to separate or contact the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21, in the left-right direction, the right end portion 621c is located at the farthest end (the rightmost end) of the protruding portion 621, along the left-right direction from left to right, the first side surface 621a and the second side surface 621b gradually approach each other, the protruding portion 621 is located between the first blocking portion 622 and the second blocking portion 623, further, a first clamping portion 624a is formed between the protruding portion 621 and the first blocking portion 622, a second clamping portion 624b is formed between the protruding portion 621 and the second blocking portion 623, the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are configured to accommodate the locking portion 53, i.e. the protruding portion 621 is located between the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b, along the front-rear direction, the second clamping portion 624b is located downstream of the first clamping portion 624a, in some embodiments, the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are grooves or through holes. In the present embodiment, the locking portion 53 is arranged on the cover 14, the locked portion 62 is arranged on the first end cover 300, further, the locking portion 53 and the cover 14 are preferably integrally formed, the locked portion 62 and the first end cover 300 are preferably integrally formed, without the need to separately arrange the locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62, which can reduce the number of parts, thereby simplifying the structure of the separating and contacting assembly, making the installation of the separating and contacting assembly simple and convenient. In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 and the cover 14 are formed separately, specifically, the cover 14 is provided with an opening, the locking portion 53 is exposed through the opening, the locked portion 62 and the first end cover 300 can also be formed separately, specifically, the first end cover 300 is provided with an opening, the locked portion 62 is exposed through the opening.

[0047] Further, the separating contact assembly further comprises a second elastic force applying member 59b located between the second support 16 and the second end cover 400. Specifically, the second end cover 400 further comprises a fifth combining portion 400c on the side facing the first unit housing 1, and the fifth combining portion 400c comprises a receiving portion 400c1 for accommodating the second elastic force applying member 59b, which can position the second elastic force applying member 59b to prevent displacement of the second elastic force applying member 59b. The third combining portion 161 of the second support 16 is further provided with a third detent portion 161a for further preventing displacement of the second elastic force applying member 59b. Further, the second elastic force applying member 59b can generate a force in the left-right direction, and preferably, the second elastic force applying member 59b is a compression spring. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 400c1 is further provided with a detent portion 400c2, and the second elastic force applying member 59b is sleeved on the detent portion 400c2, which can better position the second elastic force applying member 59b and make it less likely to displace.

[0048] Figures 7A-7C is a separating process schematic view of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when the part of the process cartridge hidden part is hidden and viewed from left to right along the left-right direction according to the embodiment one of the present application; Figures 8A-8C is a separating process schematic view of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum when the part of the process cartridge hidden part is hidden and viewed from bottom to top along the up-down direction according to the embodiment one of the present application.

[0049] Figures 7A-7C shows the separating process of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 when viewed from left to right along the left-right direction, Figures 8A-8C shows the separating process of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 when viewed from bottom to top along the up-down direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7A and Figure 8A When the process cartridge C performs the imaging / developing work, the developing roller 11 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21, the locking portion 53 is located in the first clamping portion 624a of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the first position in the locked portion 62), so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in the contact state. At this time, along the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is the first distance d1.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7B and Figure 8BAs shown, when the processing cartridge C does not need to perform imaging / development work, the locking part 53 moves from the first position to the second position with the first unit 100. Specifically, the first force-applying member in the imaging device moves backward and abuts against the first action part 51a, and applies a backward force F1 to the first action part 51a, pushing the separation contact member 5 backward, so that the separation contact member 5 pushes the cover 14 backward, thereby causing the first unit 100 to rotate relative to the second unit 200 in the direction shown by r2, thereby causing the developing roller 11 to separate from the photosensitive drum 21, and a separation gap g begins to appear between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21. As the cover 14 continues to be pushed backward, the locking part 53 moves backward with the cover 14 and gradually moves to the right along the first side 621a of the protrusion 621 of the locked part 62 until the locking part 53 reaches the farthest end (right end 621c) of the protrusion 621 in the left-right direction. The first unit 100 is driven by the cover 14 and moves to the right as a whole, so that the second elastic force applying member 59b is compressed in the left-right direction and accumulates elastic force. At this time, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 in the front-back direction is the second distance d2. Furthermore, d2>d1.

[0052] like Figure 7C and Figure 8C As shown, the first force-applying member in the imaging device further pushes the separation contact member 5 backward, causing the separation contact member 5 to further push the cover 14 backward. The first unit 100 continues to rotate along the direction shown by r2, causing the developing roller 11 to move further away from the photosensitive drum 21, thereby further increasing the separation gap g. As the cover 14 is further pushed backward, the locking part 53 moves backward past the protrusion 621. Under the elastic force of the second elastic force-applying member 59b, the locking part 53 gradually moves to the left along the second side surface 621b of the protrusion 621 of the locked part 62 and enters the second holding part 624b of the locked part 62. (The locking part 53 is in the second position in the locked part 62). The first unit 100 is driven by the cover 14 and moves to the left as a whole. The second stop part 623 of the locked part 62 blocks the locking part 53, so that the cover 14 stops moving. This keeps the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 separated. The first force-applying member stops moving backward and remains in place, which further keeps the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 separated. At this time, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 in the front-back direction is the third distance d3. Furthermore, d3>d2>d1.

[0053] In some embodiments, after the locking portion 53 enters the second clamping portion 624b, the second blocking portion 623 of the locked portion 62 blocks the locking portion 53, so that the cover 14 stops moving, the first force applying member is withdrawn in the forward direction and no longer abuts against the separation contact member 5, at this time, the locking portion 53 is located in the second clamping portion 624b, so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can still be kept in the separated state.

[0054] When the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in the separated state, the locking portion 53 is located in the second clamping portion 624b of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the second position in the locked portion 62), along the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 is the third distance d3, when the process cartridge C needs to perform the imaging / developing work again, the locking portion 53 moves with the first unit 100 from the second position to the first position, specifically, the second force applying member in the image forming apparatus moves forward, abuts against and applies a forward force (opposite to the direction of the force F1) to the second acting portion 51b, pushes the separation contact member 5 forward, so that the separation contact member 5 pushes the cover 14 forward, thereby driving the first unit 100 to rotate relative to the second unit 200 in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by r2, and further drives the developing roller 11 to start approaching the photosensitive drum 21, and the separation gap g between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 starts to decrease; along with the cover 14 being continuously pushed forward, the locking portion 53 moves forward with the cover 14 and further gradually moves right along the second side surface 621b of the convex portion 621 of the locked portion 62, until the locking portion 53 reaches the farthest end (the right end portion 621c) of the convex portion 621 in the left-right direction, the first unit 100 is driven by the cover 14 to move right as a whole, so that the second elastic force applying member 59b is compressed in the left-right direction to accumulate elastic force, at this time, along the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 changes from the third distance d3 to the second distance d2, further, d2

[0055] With the second force applying member in the imaging device continuing to push the separation contact member 5 forward, the separation contact member 5 further pushes the cover 14 forward, the first unit 100 continues to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by r2, so that the developing roller 11 further approaches the photosensitive drum 21, thereby further reducing the separation gap g; with the cover 14 being further pushed forward, the locking portion 53 again passes the protrusion 621 forward, under the elastic force of the second elastic force applying member 59b, the locking portion 53 gradually moves left along the first side surface 621a of the protrusion 621 of the locked portion 62 and enters the first clamping portion 624a of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the first position in the locked portion 62), the first unit 100 is integrally moved left with the cover 14, the first blocking portion 622 of the locked portion 62 blocks the locking portion 53, the cover 14 stops moving, the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are in contact again, and the second force applying member no longer continues to move forward; at this time, in the front-rear direction, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 changes from the second distance d2 to the first distance d1, and further, d1 < d2 < d3.

[0056] In some embodiments, the separation contact member 5 can also be arranged on the first end cover 300 or the first unit housing 1.

[0057] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 can also be arranged on the first unit housing 1 or the third support 17, at this time, a connecting mechanism can be arranged in the first driving force receiving member 3, or the third exposed hole 143 of the cover 14 is arranged in an elliptical shape, so as to realize that the first driving force receiving member 3 remains stationary when the first unit housing 1 or the third support 17 moves.

[0058] Further, the positions of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 can be interchanged, that is, the locked portion 62 is arranged on the cover 14 or the third support 17 or the first unit housing 1, and the locking portion 53 is arranged on the first end cover 300.

[0059] Further, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 can be interchanged with the position of the second elastic force applying member 59b at the same time, that is, the second elastic force applying member 59b is arranged at the driving end C1, and the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 are arranged at the non-driving end C2.

[0060] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 can also be arranged on the second unit 200, at this time, the first unit 100 remains stationary, and the second unit 200 rotates relative to the first unit 100.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge C is further provided with a bearing member and / or a separately provided support member at the end in the left-right direction, which can be used to support at least one of the developing roller 11, the photosensitive drum 21, the separation contact member 5 and the driving force transmission assembly, and the locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62 can also be provided on one of the bearing member and the separately provided support member.

[0062] Embodiment Two

[0063] Figure 9A is a component exploded view of the non-driving end of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment Two of the present application; Figure 9B is a component exploded view of the driving end of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment Two of the present application; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the non-driving end cover according to Embodiment Two of the present application.

[0064] Different from Embodiment One, in the present embodiment, the separation contact assembly is provided at the non-driving end C2, and the details are as follows.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9A , Figure 9B and Figure 10 , further, the separation contact member 5 is provided on the second support member 16, one end of the first elastic force applying member 59a is combined with the second support member 16, and the other end is combined with the separation contact member 5.

[0066] Further, the locking portion 53 is used to interact with the locked portion 62 to separate or re-contact the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21, and during the separation process or the re-contact process, the locking portion 53 is not movable relative to the first unit 100 or the second unit 200, that is, the locking portion 53 moves with the movement of the first unit 100 or the second unit 200.

[0067] In the embodiment, the locking portion 53 is arranged on the first unit 100, and specifically, the locking portion 53 is arranged on the second support 16 away from the first unit shell 1, and preferably, the locking portion 53 is arranged as a protrusion for combining with the locked portion 62 to separate or re-contact the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21; the locked portion 62 is arranged on the second unit 200, and specifically, the locked portion 62 is arranged on the second end cover 400 close to the first unit shell 1, and in the left-right direction, the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 are oppositely arranged, and further, the locked portion 62 comprises a protruding portion 621, a first clamping portion 624a and a second clamping portion 624b, the protruding portion 621 is used for interacting with the locking portion 53 to separate or re-contact the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21, the protruding portion 621 has a first side surface 621a, a second side surface 621b and a left end portion 621c, and in the left-right direction, the left end portion 621c is located at the farthest end (the leftmost end) of the protruding portion 621, and along the left-right direction from right to left, the first side surface 621a and the second side surface 621b gradually approach each other, the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are arranged to be recessed from the side (left) of the second end cover 400 close to the first unit shell 1 to the direction (right) away from the first unit shell 1, so that the protruding portion 621 is formed between the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b, and the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are used for accommodating the locking portion 53, and along the direction from top to bottom, the second clamping portion 624b is located downstream of the first clamping portion 624a, and in some embodiments, the first clamping portion 624a and the second clamping portion 624b are grooves or through holes. In the embodiment, the locking portion 53 is arranged on the second support 16, and the locked portion 62 is arranged on the second end cover 400, and further, the locking portion 53 and the second support 16 are preferably integrally formed, and the locked portion 62 and the second end cover 400 are preferably integrally formed, and the locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62 does not need to be arranged separately, so that the number of parts can be reduced, the structure of the separation and contact assembly is simplified, and the installation of the separation and contact assembly is simple and convenient. In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 and the second support 16 are formed separately, and specifically, the second support 16 is provided with an opening, and the locking portion 53 is exposed through the opening, and the locked portion 62 and the second end cover 400 can also be formed separately, and specifically, the second end cover 400 is provided with an opening, and the locked portion 62 is exposed through the opening.

[0068] Figures 11A-11C is the separation process schematic view of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in the embodiment two of the utility model, and when viewed from right to left in the left-right direction.

[0069] Figures 11A-11C The separation process of the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 is shown when viewed from right to left in the left-right direction.

[0070] As Figure 11A shown, when the process cartridge C is required to perform the image forming / developing work, the developing roller 11 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21, the first driving force receiving member 3 is in engagement with the driving force output member 185 (as Figure 9B shown) of the image forming apparatus, and the locking portion 53 is located in the first clamping portion 624a of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the first position in the locked portion 62), so that the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 are kept in the contact state, and at this time, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 in the front-rear direction is the first distance dl.

[0071] As Figure 11B shown, when the process cartridge C is not required to perform the image forming / developing work, the locking portion 53 moves with the first unit 100 from the first position to the second position. Specifically, the first force applying member in the image forming apparatus moves rearward, abuts against the first acting portion 51a, and applies the rearward acting force Fl to the first acting portion 51a, so as to push the separation contact member 5 rearward, and the second bracket 16 is pushed rearward by the separation contact member 5, so as to drive the first unit 100 to rotate relative to the second unit 200 along the direction r2, and further, the developing roller 11 is separated from the photosensitive drum 21; since the driving force output member 185 of the image forming apparatus abuts against the elastic member 185a with a certain amount of play, the driving force output member 185 can be stretched and contracted in the left-right direction, and the locking portion 53 can move leftward along the first side surface 621a of the convex portion 621 while the second bracket 16 moves in the up-down direction, so as to move from the first clamping portion 624a to the farthest end (the leftmost end 621c) of the convex portion 621, and the first unit 100 is driven by the second bracket 16 to move leftward as a whole, so as to force the driving force output member 185 to move leftward, and the elastic member 185a is elastically deformed, and at this time, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 in the front-rear direction is the second distance d2, and further, d2>dl.

[0072] As Figure 11CAs shown, the first force applying member in the image forming device further pushes the separation contact member 5 backward, so that the separation contact member 5 further pushes the second bracket 16 backward, the first unit 100 continues to rotate along the direction shown by r2, so that the developing roller 11 further moves away from the photosensitive drum 21, thereby causing a gap g between the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21; as the second bracket 16 is further pushed backward, the locking portion 53 passes the protrusion 621 downward, the elastic member 185a provided in the image forming device releases the elastic force and pushes the driving force output member 185 to the right, so that the first unit 100 moves to the right, thereby causing the locking portion 53 to move rightward along the second side surface 621b of the protrusion 621 to enter the second clamping portion 624b of the locked portion 62 (the locking portion 53 is in the second position in the locked portion 62), the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be kept in the separated state, at this time, the distance between the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 11 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 21 in the front-rear direction is a third distance d3, further, d3>d2>d1.

[0073] When the process cartridge C needs to perform the imaging / developing work again, the locking portion 53 moves with the first unit 100 from the second position to the first position, the specific process can refer to embodiment one, and the difference from embodiment one is that, in the present embodiment, after the separation contact member 5 is subjected to the forward force (opposite to the direction of the force F1) of the force applying member, the second bracket 16 is driven to move forward, thereby driving the first unit 100 to rotate relative to the second unit 200 in the direction opposite to the direction shown by r2, and further causing the developing roller 11 to contact the photosensitive drum 21.

[0074] In some embodiments, the separation contact member 5 can also be provided on the second end cover 400 or the first unit housing 1.

[0075] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 can also be provided on the first unit housing 1.

[0076] Further, the positions of the locking portion 53 and the locked portion 62 can be interchanged, that is, the locked portion 62 is provided on the second bracket 16 or the first unit housing 1, and the locking portion 53 is provided on the second end cover 400.

[0077] In some embodiments, the locking portion 53 can also be provided on the second unit 200, at this time, the first unit 100 remains stationary, and the second unit 200 rotates relative to the first unit 100.

[0078] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge C is further provided with a bearing member and / or a separately arranged support member at the end in the left-right direction, which can be used to support at least one of the developing roller 11, the photosensitive drum 21, the separation contact member 5 and the driving force transmission assembly, and the locking portion 53 or the locked portion 62 can also be arranged on one of the bearing member and the separately arranged support member.

[0079] Embodiment Three

[0080] Figures 12A-12C is a perspective view of a processing cartridge according to Embodiment Three of the present application; Figure 13 is a partially exploded view of a driving end of the processing cartridge according to Embodiment Three of the present application.

[0081] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, the processing cartridge C of the present embodiment is further provided with a friction member 142, which is located between the first end cover 300 and the first unit housing 1.

[0082] In some embodiments, the friction member 142 is arranged on the cover 14. Specifically, the cover 14 is provided with a support portion 141 extending towards the driving end C1 on the side away from the non-driving end C2, which is used to support the first driving force receiving member 3, so as to make the rotation of the first driving force receiving member 3 more stable. A third exposure hole 143 (as shown in Figure 2A The friction member 142 is arranged on the support portion 141, for example, the friction member 142 is sleeved on the support portion 141. When the processing cartridge C is assembled, the support portion 141 enters the second exposure hole 305 of the first end cover 300 and cooperates with the first end cover 300. The friction member 142 can increase the friction between the support portion 141 and the first end cover 300, so that the first unit 100 can be more stably maintained in the separated state, and thus the developing roller 11 and the photosensitive drum 21 can be more stably maintained in the separated state.

[0083] In some embodiments, the friction member 142 can also be arranged in the second exposure hole 305.

[0084] In some embodiments, the friction member 142 can also be arranged between the cover 14 and the first unit housing 1.

[0085] Further, the friction member 142 is preferably formed in a ring shape.

[0086] In some embodiments, the friction member 142 can also be formed in a sheet shape. When the friction member 142 is formed in a sheet shape, one friction member 142 can be arranged around the circumferential direction of the support portion 141, or a plurality of friction members 142 can be arranged around the circumferential direction of the support portion 141 at intervals or continuously.

[0087] Further, the friction member 142 is preferably made of sponge.

[0088] In some embodiments, the material of the friction member 142 can also be rubber, silica gel, etc.

[0089] In some embodiments, the friction member 142 can also be arranged between the second end cover 400 and the first unit shell 1, for example, arranged on the second bracket 16 or arranged on the second end cover 400.

[0090] The utility model discloses a separation contact subassembly makes the developing roller and photosensitive drum separate and keep the separated state to avoid the developing roller and photosensitive drum long -term contact, and further can guarantee good image quality, let the customer obtain good use experience, can also reduce the loss of developing roller simultaneously, and further reduce the use cost of user, and the locking of separation contact subassembly in department is set up on the support, and the locked department is set up on the end cover, can reduce the number of parts, thereby simplifying the structure of separation contact subassembly, makes separation contact subassembly simple, convenient to install.

Claims

1. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus provided with a force applying member, a driving force output member and an elastic member, the process cartridge comprising a first unit and a second unit movably coupled, a developing roller rotatably provided in the first unit, and a photosensitive drum rotatably provided in the second unit, the driving force output member for outputting a driving force to the process cartridge, the elastic member for urging the driving force output member toward the process cartridge, the process cartridge further comprising a separation contact assembly for interacting with the force applying member, characterized in that: the separation contact assembly comprises a separation contact member for receiving a force applied by the force applying member, a locking portion and a locked portion, the locking portion movable with the first unit or the second unit relative to the locked portion between a first position and a second position to bring the developing roller into contact with or out of contact with the photosensitive drum; the locking portion is in the first position in the locked portion when the process cartridge is in an image forming operation, the developing roller is kept in contact with the photosensitive drum; the locking portion is in the second position in the locked portion when the process cartridge is not in the image forming operation, the developing roller is kept out of contact with the photosensitive drum; the elastic member is elastically deformed first and then releases the elastic force to make the first unit move in a left-right direction during the movement of the locking portion from the first position to the second position, the locking portion moves to the second position. One end of the process cartridge receiving the driving force is a driving end, and an opposite end of the process cartridge to the driving end in the left-right direction is a non-driving end, the locking portion and the locked portion are provided at the non-driving end. The locking portion is not movable relative to the first unit or the second unit. The first unit further comprises a first unit housing and a bracket provided at a longitudinal end of the first unit housing, the locking portion is provided at a side of the bracket away from the first unit housing; The second unit further comprises a second unit housing and a second end cover provided at a longitudinal end of the second unit housing, the locked portion is provided at a side of the second end cover close to the first unit housing, the locking portion and the locked portion are provided opposite to each other in the left-right direction.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, The locking portion is formed integrally with the bracket, and the locked portion is formed integrally with the second end cover.

3. The process cartridge of claim 2 wherein, The locked portion comprises a protrusion, a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, the protrusion is located between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion; 4. The process cartridge of claim 3 wherein, The protrusion is used for interacting with the locking portion to separate or contact the developing roller with the photosensitive drum, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are used for accommodating the locking portion; The locking portion is in the first position when the locking portion is located in the first clamping portion, and the locking portion is in the second position when the locking portion is located in the second clamping portion; 5. The process cartridge of claim 4 wherein, The locking portion is provided as a protrusion.

6. The process cartridge of claim 4 wherein, The protrusion has a first side surface, a second side surface and a left end portion, the left end portion is located at a leftmost end of the protrusion in the left-right direction, the first side surface and the second side surface gradually approach each other from right to left in the left-right direction, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are provided as grooves. The force applying member applies a force to the separation contact member when the process cartridge is not in the image forming operation, and the locking portion moves from the first clamping portion to the second clamping portion via the protrusion. ​ ​ 7. The process cartridge of claim 6 wherein, ​ 8. The process cartridge of claim 7 wherein, ​ In the process that the locking part moves from the first clamping part to the left end along the first side surface, the first unit moves left, the driving force output part moves left, and the elastic part is elastically deformed; Under the action of the force applied by the force applying part, the locking part passes over the convex part; Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic part, the driving force output part moves right, the first unit resets right, and the locking part moves from the left end to the second clamping part along the second side surface.

9. The process cartridge of claim 4, wherein, The second unit further comprises a first end cover arranged at the longitudinal end of the second unit shell, the first end cover is opposite to the second end cover in the left-right direction, and the processing cartridge is further provided with a friction part between the first end cover and the first unit shell.

10. The process cartridge of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, When the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are kept in the separated state, the distance between the rotation axis of the developing roller and the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum in the front-rear direction is a third distance; When the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are kept in the contact state, the distance between the rotation axis of the developing roller and the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum in the front-rear direction is a first distance; The third distance is greater than the first distance.

Images