Processing box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a processing box, which comprises a drum unit, a first driving unit and a second driving unit, a developing unit including a first housing and a developing roller; a first coupling member; a chip having a chip electrical contact surface; the developing unit is movably connected to the drum unit and can move relative to the drum unit around the following postures: (a) a first posture in which the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum; (b) in a second posture, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; when the processing box is in the first posture and is positioned as follows: the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are positioned at the lower end of the processing box, and the second axis is lower than the first axis, the developing unit can move to the second posture by virtue of self weight.

Description

A processing box Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging technology, and in particular to a processing box. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technology discloses an imaging device and a detachable processing cartridge installed in the imaging device. The processing cartridge includes a first housing and a second housing, a developing roller, a force receiver, and a separator supported on the first housing, and a photosensitive drum supported on the second housing. When the processing cartridge performs a printing task, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are in pressure contact with each other, and the developing roller can deliver the developer it carries to the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. When the processing cartridge is not performing a printing task, the force receiver can receive a pushing force from the imaging device and push the first housing relative to the second housing, thereby causing the separator supported on the first housing to move to a position abutting against the second housing, thus stably maintaining the separation of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. Since the processing cartridge requires additional components such as the force receiver and the separator, the structure of the processing cartridge becomes complex, the assembly efficiency is reduced, and the production cost is high. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a new processing box, which is mainly achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0004] A processing box having a left end and a right end opposite each other in a left-right direction, the processing box comprising:

[0005] The drum unit includes a second housing and a photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum being rotatable about a second axis extending along the left-right direction;

[0006] A developing unit includes a first housing and a developing roller, the developing roller being rotatable about a first axis extending along the left-right direction;

[0007] The first coupling member is disposed at the right end of the processing box in the left-right direction and can receive external force to drive the developing roller to rotate.

[0008] The chip has a chip electrical contact surface, and the chip electrical contact surface and the photosensitive drum are arranged in a vertical direction that intersects the left-right direction. In the vertical direction, the processing box has an upper end and a lower end, the chip electrical contact surface is located at the upper end of the processing box, and the photosensitive drum is located at the lower end of the processing box.

[0009] The developing unit is movably connected to the drum unit and can move relative to the drum unit in the following orientations:

[0010] (a) First posture, the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum;

[0011] (b) Second posture, in which the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum;

[0012] When the processing box is in the first posture and positioned such that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are located at the lower end of the processing box and the second axis is lower than the first axis, the developing unit can move to the second posture by its own weight.

[0013] Furthermore, the first coupling member is rotatable about a third axis, and the developing unit and the drum unit are movably connected to each other via a connecting portion, which is located on the upper side of the third axis in the vertical direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the first coupling member is rotatable about the third axis, and the developing unit and the drum unit are movably connected to each other through a connecting portion. In the front-back direction that intersects the up-down direction and the left-right direction, the first axis is located in front of the second axis, and the connecting portion is located in front of the third axis.

[0015] Furthermore, the developing unit and the drum unit are rotatably connected to each other via a connecting portion, the connecting portion including a connecting hole on the developing unit and a connecting protrusion on the drum unit, the connecting protrusion being able to be inserted into the connecting hole.

[0016] Furthermore, the first coupling member can rotate about the third axis, and the developing unit can rotate about the fourth axis relative to the drum unit. In a direction perpendicular to the left and right direction, the distance between the third axis and the fourth axis is greater than the distance between the third axis and the first axis.

[0017] Furthermore, the developing unit can rotate relative to the drum unit about a fourth axis, and in the vertical direction, the distance between the fourth axis and the first axis is Y, where 20mm≦Y≦45mm.

[0018] Furthermore, the developing unit can rotate relative to the drum unit around a fourth axis. In the front-back direction that intersects the left-right direction and the up-down direction, the distance between the fourth axis and the first axis is X, where 14mm≦X≦26mm.

[0019] Furthermore, the second housing includes a first cover located at the right end of the processing box in the left-right direction. When viewed from the right end of the processing box to the left end, the first cover can cover at least a portion of the first housing. The first cover is provided with an exposure opening that communicates with the outside of the processing box in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. At least a portion of the first coupling member can pass through the exposure opening and be exposed to the outside of the processing box.

[0020] Furthermore, the second housing includes a first cover located at the right end of the processing box in the left-right direction. When viewed from the right end of the processing box to the left end, the first cover can cover at least a portion of the first housing. The developing unit is provided with a limited portion, and the drum unit is provided with a limiting portion. When the processing box is in the second posture, the movement of the developing unit in the direction of separation between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum is limited by the limiting portion that contacts the limited portion. The developing unit can rotate relative to the drum unit about a fourth axis. In a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, the distance from the fourth axis to the limiting portion is greater than or equal to the distance from the fourth axis to the first axis.

[0021] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the limited portion is located at the lower end of the first coupling member.

[0022] Furthermore, the processing box also includes a gear cover disposed on the developing unit, the gear cover covering at least a portion of the first coupling member, the limited portion being configured as a protrusion disposed on the gear cover, and the limiting portion being configured as a hole disposed on the first cover.

[0023] Furthermore, the processing box also includes a support member disposed at one end of the photosensitive drum in the left-right direction. The support member is used to rotatably support the photosensitive drum on the second housing. The support member is configured to be movable relative to the second housing in a direction intersecting the left-right direction.

[0024] Furthermore, the processing cartridge also includes an elastic element that can apply force to the support member, thereby forcing the support member to move toward the developing roller in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. Furthermore, the first coupling member includes a separately disposed coupling protrusion and a coupling gear, the coupling protrusion being configured to be movable relative to the coupling gear in a direction intersecting the left-right direction.

[0025] Furthermore, the processing cartridge also includes a damping portion disposed on the developing unit, the damping portion being able to suppress rotation of the first coupling member.

[0026] Furthermore, the damping component is made of sponge, rubber, or a damping agent.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing box also includes a delay mechanism, which is disposed at one end of the processing box in the left-right direction, for extending the time required for the developing unit to move from the position where the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum to the position where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum.

[0028] Furthermore, the delay mechanism includes a transmission gear that can move in response to rotation of the first coupling member to allow the developing unit to move from the second posture to the first posture.

[0029] Furthermore, the transmission gear includes a first transmission gear disposed on the developing unit and a second transmission gear disposed on the drum unit, and the driving force output by the first coupling member can be transmitted sequentially to the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear.

[0030] Furthermore, the second transmission gear is constructed as a toothed gear, having a gear tooth portion and a toothed portion. When the developing unit is in the second posture, the gear tooth portion of the second transmission gear meshes with the first transmission gear and is in a first position to receive driving force for rotation. When the developing unit is in the first posture, the toothed portion of the second transmission gear is opposite to the first transmission gear and is in a second position different from the first position.

[0031] Furthermore, the second transmission gear is rotatable along the fifth axis, and the second transmission gear is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the fifth axis to form a clearance portion. When the developing unit is in the first posture, at least a portion of the first transmission gear is accommodated in the clearance portion.

[0032] Furthermore, the delay mechanism also includes a reset member, which can apply force to the second transmission gear, causing the second transmission gear in the second position to have a tendency to move to the first position.

[0033] This invention provides a processing box. By changing the center of gravity and the swing center of gravity of the developing unit, the developing unit can separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum by its own gravity. The rotational torque generated by the rotation of the first coupling member is applied to the developing unit to achieve contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. With the above structure, the processing box no longer needs to be equipped with force receiving rods and other components, which greatly simplifies the structure of the processing box and reduces production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the processing box from a certain angle in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the developing unit and the drum unit after separation in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the processing box from another angle in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the separation of the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the developing roller contacting the photosensitive drum in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the processing box when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the processing box when the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the processing box at a certain angle in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the processing box from another angle in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the processing box from a certain angle in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the processing box from another angle in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the positions of the processing box in contact with and separation from the developing roller and the photosensitive drum in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the operation process of the delay mechanism of the processing box in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0047] Figure 14 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the delay mechanism in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 15 is another angled schematic diagram of the processing box in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0049] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the processing box at a certain angle in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0050] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the processing box after the first cover is separated from the shell in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0051] Figure 18 is an exploded view of the drive side of the processing box in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0052] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the first protective cover in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0053] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the processing box in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0054] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the processing box from another angle in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0055] Figure 22 is an exploded view of the drive side of the processing box in the first embodiment of Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0056] Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the driving side of the processing box in the first embodiment of Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0057] Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the driving side of the processing box in the second embodiment of Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0058] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the processing box in the third embodiment of Embodiment 5 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Example 1

[0060] To facilitate the description of the processing cartridge 1000 in this utility model, the various directions of the processing cartridge 1000 will be defined below. The extension direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 1001 (the rotation axis of the developing roller) is the first direction. In the first direction, the housing 1010 has a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the coupling member 1020 is arranged at the first end of the housing 1010. The second direction intersects the first direction. In the second direction, the housing 1010 has a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other. The chip electrical contact surface 131a is arranged at the third end of the housing 1010, and the photosensitive drum 1002 is arranged at the fourth end of the housing 1010. The third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1-7, this utility model discloses a processing box 1000, which is detachably installed into an imaging device having a power supply component, electrical contacts, and a driving force application component. In this utility model, the imaging device is an electrophotographic imaging device (i.e., a printer).

[0062] Processing cartridge 1000 includes a housing 1010, which has a first housing 1010a and a second housing 1010b connected to each other. The first housing 1010a can contain developer, and the second housing 1010b includes a first cover 1011 disposed at a first end of the housing 1010 and a second cover disposed at a second end of the housing 1010, and a main body portion 1013 located between the first cover 1011 and the second cover. The first cover 1011 and the main body portion 1013 are integrally formed. This means that only one set of molds is needed in the production of the first cover 1011 and the main body 1013, thus reducing the production cost of the processing box 1000. Furthermore, no additional assembly is required during the assembly of the processing box 1000, which also helps to improve the assembly efficiency of the processing box 1000. Moreover, the first cover 1011, the second cover, and the main body 1013 are integrally molded, which can further reduce the production cost of the processing box 1000 and improve the assembly efficiency of the processing box 1000.

[0063] The processing cartridge 1000 also includes a developing roller 1001 supported on a first housing 1010a, a photosensitive drum 1002 supported on a second housing 1010b, and a charging roller (not shown in the figures). When the processing cartridge 1000 performs a printing operation, the developing roller 1001 carries developer, and the charging roller can uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 1002. After the charged photosensitive drum 1002 is selectively irradiated by the laser in the imaging device, an electrostatic latent image can be formed on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 1002. The developing roller can transport the developer carried on the developing roller to the photosensitive drum 1002 through contact with the photosensitive drum 1002 to develop the electrostatic latent image thereon and form a developer image on the photosensitive drum 1002. Subsequently, the developer image can be transferred to the transfer belt of the imaging device through contact between the photosensitive drum 1002 and the transfer belt. Finally, the transfer belt can transfer the developer image to a recording medium (such as paper). The processing box 1000 also includes a first coupling member 1020 supported on the first housing 1010a and a second coupling member 1009 disposed on the second housing 1010b. The first coupling member 1020 and the second coupling member 1009 are both located at the first end of the housing 1010. The first cover 1011 can cover at least a portion of the first coupling member 1020 to position the first coupling member 1020. The first coupling member 1020 can be coupled with the first driving force applying member of the imaging device to receive the rotational driving force output by it and rotate, thereby driving the developing roller 1001 to rotate. The second coupling member 1009 can be coupled with the second driving force applying member of the imaging device to receive the driving force output by it and rotate, thereby driving the photosensitive drum 1002 to rotate.

[0064] The processing cartridge 1000 also includes electrodes having electrode electrical contact surfaces that can electrically contact the power supply components of the imaging device. In a first direction, the electrode electrical contact surfaces are disposed at the second end of the housing 1010. The electrode electrical contact surfaces are configured to supply power to the charging components, that is, the electrodes can receive power from the imaging device and supply the received power to the charging components to ensure that the charging components can charge the photosensitive drum 1002. Furthermore, the processing cartridge 1000 also includes a chip 1031 having a chip electrical contact surface 1031a that can electrically contact the electrical contacts of the imaging device. In a first direction, the chip electrical contact surface 1031a is disposed at the first end of the housing 1010, that is, in the first direction, the chip electrical contact surface 1031a and the first coupling member 1020 or the second coupling member 1009 are disposed at the same end of the housing 1010.

[0065] To avoid deformation of the outer surface of the developing roller 1001 due to prolonged contact with the photosensitive drum 1002, which could lead to image degradation, the developing roller 1001 and the photosensitive drum 1002 should be kept as separate as possible when the processing cartridge 1000 is not performing a printing task. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the rotation / oscillation center of the first housing 1010a of the processing cartridge 1000 relative to the second housing 1010b has been changed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, a connecting portion is provided at the first end of the housing 1010a in the first direction. The connecting part includes a first positioning post 1011a and a first positioning hole 1059a that cooperate with each other. The first positioning post 1011a can be inserted into the first positioning hole 1059a, and the two maintain a clearance fit. The first positioning post 1011a is disposed on the first cover 1011 of the second housing 1010b, and the first positioning hole 1059a is disposed on the gear cover 1059 or bearing plate 1060 of the first housing 1010a. Preferably, the first positioning hole 1059a is disposed on the gear cover 1059 of the first housing 1010a. On the 9th, the developing unit 1051 (including components such as the first housing 1010a and the developing roller 1001) is connected to the drum unit 1052 (including components such as the second housing 1010b and the photosensitive drum 1002) through the positioning and support cooperation of the first positioning hole 1059a and the first positioning post 1011a. Accordingly, the developing unit 1051 is supported by the drum unit 1052, and the developing unit 1051 can rotate / pivot relative to the drum unit 1052 with the first positioning hole 1059a or the first positioning post 1011a as the center. That is to say, the central axis of the first positioning hole 1059a or the first positioning post 1011a matches the rotation axis of the developing unit 1051 relative to the drum unit 1052; in this embodiment, it can also be said that the first housing 1010a can rotate / pivot relative to the second housing 1010b with the first positioning hole 1059a or the first positioning post 1011a as the center, and the central axis of the first positioning hole 1059a or the first positioning post 1011a matches the rotation axis of the first housing 1010a relative to the second housing 1010b. Optionally, the first positioning post 1011a can also be provided on the gear cover 1059 or the bearing plate 1060 of the first housing 1010a, and the first positioning hole 1059a can also be provided on the first cover 1011 of the second housing 1010b; therefore, this is not a limitation.

[0066] Specifically, since the first positioning hole 1059a and the first positioning post 1011a are mutually compatible, their positions in the processing cartridge 1000 are roughly the same in the second direction (hereinafter referred to as the vertical direction for ease of understanding) and the third direction (hereinafter referred to as the front-back direction for ease of understanding). Therefore, the position of the first positioning hole 1059a will be described as an example below. In general, the first positioning hole 1059a should be placed as far away from the developing roller 1001 as possible to provide a sufficiently long torque. This allows the developing unit 1051 to separate to the separation position with less weight, that is, closer to the upper end of the first housing 1010a in the vertical direction and closer to the front end of the first housing 1010a in the front-back direction. Furthermore, the first positioning hole 1059a... The distance between the central axis A2 and the rotation axis A1 of the first coupling member 1020 is greater than the rotation axis A3 of the developing roller 1001 and the rotation axis A1 of the first coupling member 1020. First, in the vertical direction, the first positioning hole 1059a is located at the upper end of the first cover 1011, specifically above the rotation axis A1 of the first coupling member 1020. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, when the developing roller 1001 is in the contact position, that is, when the developing unit 1051 is in the first posture, in the vertical direction, the distance between the central axis A2 of the first positioning hole 1059a and the rotation axis A3 of the developing roller 1001 is Y, where 20mm≦Y≦45mm, more preferably, 30mm≦Y≦38mm. When Y is within the above range, it has a better separation effect. In the front-rear direction, the first positioning hole 1059a is located at the front end of the first housing 1010a, specifically at the front end of the rotation axis A1 of the first coupling member 1020. More specifically, in the front-rear direction, the distance between the central axis A2 of the first positioning hole 1059a and the rotation axis A3 of the developing roller 1001 is X, wherein 14mm≦X≦26mm, more preferably 18mm≦X≦22mm. When X is within the above range, it has a better separation effect.

[0067] Furthermore, since the rotation center of the developing unit 1051 is located at the aforementioned position in the processing cartridge 1000, when the developing roller 1001 is about to move towards the separation position, the first coupling member 1020 will inevitably be interfered with by the exposed opening 1012 provided on the first cover 1011 and will be unable to move. This will prevent the developing unit 1051 from moving, and the developing roller 1001 will be unable to reach the separation position. Therefore, in order to solve this problem so that the developing roller 1001 can properly separate from the photosensitive drum 1002, at least a portion of the first coupling member 1020 is movably accommodated in the exposed opening 1012. Furthermore, the exposed opening 1012 is constructed as a circular hole, and its diameter is larger than the diameter of the supported surface 1020b of the first coupling member 1020. The supporting surface 1020b is preferably a circumferential surface. Therefore, in order to solve the problem so that the developing roller 1001 can be properly separated from the photosensitive drum 1002, the difference between the diameter of the exposed opening 1012 and the diameter of the supported surface 1020b of the first coupling member 1020 is 0.5mm-6mm. More preferably, the difference between the two diameters is 1mm-3mm. Within this range, the separation effect is optimal. This effectively avoids the problem that when the difference between the two is too small, the moving distance of the first coupling member 1020 is insufficient, resulting in insufficient separation distance of the developing roller 1001 or even difficulty in separation. It also avoids the problem that when the difference between the two is too large, it is difficult to rotate the developing unit 1051 to a contact position that allows the developing roller 1001 to contact the photosensitive drum 1002 by relying solely on the rotational torque of the first coupling member 1020.However, as another alternative implementation in this embodiment, the exposed opening 1012 can also be the same size as the exposed opening in the prior art without any change. That is, the diameter difference between the exposed opening 1012 and the supported surface 1020b of the first coupling member 1020 can also be less than 0.5 mm. In this case, in order to achieve the separation of the developing roller 1001, a cross coupling structure (which can be called a cross slider coupling) can also be provided in the processing box 1000. Since the cross coupling structure is a well-known technology, it will not be described in detail here. The following is only a brief introduction to the specific implementation structure, that is, the developing connecting protrusion 1020a and the connecting gear 1020c are connected by a connecting slider (not shown). That is to say, the coupling protrusion 1020a and the coupling gear 1020c of the first coupling member 1020 are separately provided. During the process of the developing unit 1051 moving and separating, the developing connecting protrusion 1020a will always be connected to the imaging roller. The device's driving force applies component coupling, and the position of the coupling protrusion 1020a in the processing cartridge 1000 hardly moves. However, the connecting slider and coupling gear 1020c move with the movement of the developing unit 1051, thus preventing the movement of the developing unit 1051 from being suppressed. Therefore, with this cross-coupling structure, the above-mentioned technical effect can be achieved without increasing the diameter of the exposed opening 1012. Furthermore, in another optional embodiment, when the coupling protrusion 1020a and coupling gear 1020c of the first coupling member 1020 are separately arranged, it can also be achieved through the connection of a universal joint structure that can tilt and swing relative to the left and right directions. That is, the universal joint structure has an inclined position and a straightening position. When the developing roller 1001 moves toward the separation position, the universal joint can move from the straightening position to the inclined position so that the movement of the developing unit 1051 is not suppressed without the position of the coupling protrusion 1020a in the processing cartridge 1000 changing.

[0068] Furthermore, the processing cartridge 1000 also includes a limiting surface (not shown in the figure) and a limited surface (not shown in the figure) that cooperate with each other. After the limiting surface and the limited surface come into contact with each other, they can be used to limit the rotation / pivot distance of the first housing 1010a relative to the second housing 1010b, thereby stabilizing the separation distance between the developing roller 1001 and the photosensitive drum 1002. One of the limiting surface and the limited surface is disposed on the first housing 1010a and the other is disposed on the second housing 1010b. The positions of the limiting surface and the limited surface are not limited, as long as they can come into contact with each other to limit the rotation / pivot distance of the first housing 1010a relative to the second housing 1010b.

[0069] Of course, the left end of the processing box 1000 is also provided with a structure similar to the first positioning post and the first positioning hole. Its structure and position are largely the same as the first positioning hole 1059a and the first positioning post 1011a on the right end of the processing box 1000. That is, the first positioning hole 1059a and the first positioning post 1011a on the left and right ends are coaxially arranged. This embodiment will not repeat the description.

[0070] When the processing cartridge 1000 is not performing a task or when the processing cartridge 1000 is positioned such that the photosensitive drum 1002 is positioned at the lower end of the processing cartridge 1000 and the rotation axis A4 of the photosensitive drum 1002 is located at the lower end of the rotation axis A3 of the developing roller 1001, the weight (self-weight) of the developing unit 1051 relative to the center of gravity 1099 of the developing unit 1051 generates a torque (in the direction of R1 in Figure 7) around the first positioning post 1011a, causing the developing roller 1001 and the photosensitive drum 1002 to separate from each other. At this time, the developing unit 1051 is in the second posture. By limiting the contact between the limiting surface and the limited surface, the separation distance d between the developing roller 1001 and the photosensitive drum 1002 can be stably maintained. Therefore, as a processing cartridge 1000 with this structure, when the processing cartridge 1000 is not performing a printing task, the developing roller 1001 can be stably maintained in the separated position, thereby suppressing the deformation of the surface elastic layer of the developing roller 1001 caused by the contact between the developing roller 1001 and the photosensitive drum 10023. When the processing cartridge 1000 needs to print, the first coupling member 1020 can receive the driving force of the imaging device and rotate along the R2 direction opposite to R1. The resulting rotational torque is applied to the developing unit 1051, which breaks the state balance of the developing roller 1001 in the separated position. As a result, the developing unit 1051 rotates along the R2 direction with the first positioning post 1011a as the center, thereby keeping the developing roller 1001 in contact with the photosensitive drum 1002. When the imaging ends, that is, when the processing cartridge 1000 no longer performs the printing task, the first coupling member 1020 stops rotating, and the rotational torque applied to the developing unit 1051 disappears. At this time, the self-weight of the developing unit 1051 will cause the developing unit 1051 to rotate around the first positioning post 1011a again, so that the developing roller 1001 and the photosensitive drum 1002 separate from each other.

[0071] In summary, this embodiment provides a processing cartridge 1000. By changing the center of gravity and the swing center of gravity of the developing unit 1051, the developing unit 1051 can separate the developing roller 1001 from the photosensitive drum 1002 by its own gravity. The rotational torque generated by the rotation of the first coupling member 1020 is applied to the developing unit 1051, so that the developing roller 1001 and the photosensitive drum 1002 come into contact. With the above structure, the processing cartridge 1000 no longer needs to be equipped with force receiving rods and other components, which greatly simplifies the structure of the processing cartridge 1000 and reduces the production cost.

[0072] Example 2

[0073] Next, we will introduce Embodiment 2 of this utility model. As shown in Figures 8-9, Embodiment 2 discloses a processing box. The processing box is similar to the processing box in Embodiment 1. For example, the developing unit still relies on its own gravity to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, and relies on the rotation of the developing connection part 1120 to achieve contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. The difference is that the positions of the chip 1131 and the electrode 1113 in the processing box 1100 are different.

[0074] The electrode 1113 of the processing box 1100 is disposed on the second cover 1112 of the second housing 1110b. The electrode 1113 has an electrode electrical contact surface 1113a that can make electrical contact with the power supply component of the imaging device. In a first direction, the electrode electrical contact surface 1113a is disposed at the second end of the housing 1110 and at least partially faces the upper part of the housing 1110. The electrode electrical contact surface 1113a is configured to supply the power to the charging roller. That is, the electrode 1113 can receive the power of the imaging device and supply the received power to the charging roller to ensure that the charging roller can charge the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, the chip 1131 of the processing box 1100 has a chip electrical contact surface 1131a that makes electrical contact with the electrical contacts of the imaging device. In the left-right direction, the chip electrical contact surface 1131a is located at the left end of the housing 1110, that is, both the chip electrical contact surface 1131a and the electrode electrical contact surface 1113a are located at the left end of the housing 1110. In the first direction, it is located on a different side of the housing 1110 from the first coupling member 1120. This allows the chip electrical contact surface 1131a to be further away from the first coupling member 1120 in the left-right direction, reducing the impact of the vibration generated by the first coupling member 1120 during rotation on the stability of the electrical contact between the chip electrical contact surface 1131a and the electrical contacts of the imaging device. Moreover, in the first direction, compared to the electrode electrical contact surface 1113a, the chip electrical contact surface 1131a is located at a position further away from the right end of the housing 1110.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] As shown in Figures 10-15, a processing box 1300 in Embodiment 3 of this utility model is illustrated. The processing box 1300 is similar to the processing box in Embodiment 2 above. For example, the processing box 1300 also separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum by the weight of the developing unit itself (i.e., gravity), and achieves contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum by the torque of the developing rotating component in the developing unit. Therefore, this embodiment will not elaborate on this part of the structure and function. The difference lies in the structure and gear system of the first cover 1352 and the second cover 1351 of the processing box 1300. The following will describe this part of the structure in detail.

[0077] The first cover 1352 of the processing cartridge 1300 is provided with a first exposure opening 1352a, which can also be referred to as a notch. At least a portion of the first coupling member 1320 passes through the first exposure opening 1352a and is exposed to the outside of the processing cartridge 1300 in a first direction to receive rotational driving force from the imaging device, thereby driving the developing roller 1309 and the powder feeding roller 1302 to rotate. In a direction intersecting the first direction, the first exposure opening 1352a communicates with the outside of the first cover 1352. Specifically, in a third direction (i.e., when the processing cartridge 1300 is supported on the tray of the imaging device), the processing... The first exposed opening 1352a is open in the direction away from the axis of the photosensitive drum (the direction in which the cartridge 1300 and the tray are installed together in the imaging device). In other words, in the installation direction of the cartridge 1300, the first exposed opening 1352a is open in the downstream side of the installation direction of the cartridge 1300. This structure makes it easier to assemble the developing unit onto the drum unit in a direction intersecting the first direction, thereby avoiding interference between the developing unit and the first cover 1352 when the developing unit is installed in a direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, based on this structure of the first exposed opening 1352a, the assembly efficiency of the cartridge 1300 can be greatly improved.

[0078] Since the separation of the drum rollers in this embodiment is achieved by the gravity of the developing unit, the separation distance between the developing roller 1309 supported on the developing unit and the photosensitive drum of the drum unit should be appropriate when the developing unit is not subjected to other external forces. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing box 1300 is also provided with a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is used to limit the swing distance of the developing unit after separation, so as to keep the developing roller 1309 of the developing unit at an appropriate distance from the photosensitive drum. The limiting mechanism is preferably set at both ends of the processing box 1300 in the left-right direction and located at the processing box 1300. The limiting mechanisms at both ends of the 300 are largely the same. Therefore, the following description will take the limiting mechanism at the right end of the processing cartridge 1300 as an example. Specifically, the limiting mechanism includes a protruding limiting portion 1353 provided on the gear cover 1359 of the developing unit, and a limiting hole 1352b provided on the first cover 1352 and a limiting portion 1352c formed on the inner surface of the limiting hole 1352b. In the second direction, the limiting portion 1353 and the limiting portion 1352c are located at the lower end of the first coupling member 1320. More specifically... Specifically, the limiting part 1353 and the limiting part 1352c are located at the lower end of the developing roller axis A3. More specifically, as shown in FIG15, when the developing unit is not subjected to any force from outside the processing cartridge 1300 (hereinafter referred to as the predetermined state of the processing cartridge 1300), the distance P2 between the rotating axis A2 of the developing unit and the limiting part 1352c is greater than or equal to the distance P1 between the rotating axis A2 of the developing unit and the developing roller axis A3, and in the third direction, the limiting part 1353 and / or the limiting part 1352c are coupled with the first coupling. The component 1320 has an overlapping portion, and the limiting portion 1353 can be inserted into the limiting hole 1352b and contact the limiting portion 1352c when the developing roller 1309 is separated from the photosensitive drum. This suppresses the tendency of the lower end of the developing unit to move away from the photosensitive drum. At this time, the distance between the developing roller 1309 and the photosensitive drum will remain stable and have an appropriate distance. As an optional structure, the limiting hole 1352b can be provided on the developing unit, and the limiting portion 1353 is provided on the first cover 1352. Therefore, this is not a limitation.

[0079] As described in the previous embodiment, when the processing cartridge 1300 needs to perform a printing task, the first coupling member 1320 starts to rotate. The developing unit can swing towards the drum unit through the torque generated by the rotation of the first coupling member 1320, thereby realizing the re-contact between the developing roller 1309 and the photosensitive drum, and thus enabling printing. However, if the developing roller 1309 contacts the photosensitive drum too quickly, at the point where the photosensitive drum and the developing roller 1309 are in contact, the outer surface of the photosensitive drum has not yet been charged by the charging component, and there is no potential difference to inhibit the transfer of the developer carried on the developing roller 1309 to the photosensitive drum. This will allow the developer carried on the developing roller 1309 to be transferred to the photosensitive drum. The developer on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the transfer belt of the imaging device. The contaminated transfer belt then transfers the developer onto the paper, causing a decrease in print quality. Based on this potential problem, this embodiment proposes an improvement: the processing cartridge 1300 also includes a delay mechanism. This delay mechanism aims to avoid the aforementioned problem by delaying the contact time between the developing roller 1309 and the photosensitive drum after the first coupling member 1320 begins to rotate. Specifically, as shown in Figures 13-14, the delay mechanism includes a first transmission gear 1303, a second transmission gear 1304, and a reset member 1305. The first transmission gear 1303 is... A first gear tooth 1303b, mounted on the developing unit and in contact with the gear tooth portion 1320c of the first coupling member 1320, receives the rotational driving force output by the first transmission gear 1303, causing the first transmission gear 1303 to rotate. The first transmission gear 1303 also includes a second gear tooth 1303a coaxial with the first gear tooth 1303b and located further away from the left end of the processing cartridge 1300 in a first direction than the first gear tooth 1303b. The second transmission gear 1304 is mounted on the first cover 1352 via a connecting portion 1352d configured as a resilient snap, meaning the second transmission gear 1304 does not move with the swinging of the developing unit. The second transmission gear 1304 includes a second transmission gear tooth 1304a that can mesh with the second gear tooth 1303a, allowing the second transmission gear 1304 to rotate. However, the second transmission gear tooth 1304a does not extend 360 degrees along the circumference of the second transmission gear 1304. That is, the second transmission gear 1304 is not a fully toothed gear, but a toothed gear. When the developing roller 1309 is separated from the photosensitive drum, as shown in FIG13(a), the second transmission gear tooth 1304a and the second gear tooth 1303a remain in contact and mesh. At this time, the second transmission gear 1304 is in the initial position.The second transmission gear 1304 also includes a receiving portion 1304b. In the rotational direction of the second transmission gear 1304, the receiving portion 1304b (avoidance portion) is located downstream of the gear teeth 1304a of the second transmission gear and is adjacent to the gear teeth downstream of the gear teeth 1304a. The gear teeth 1304a of the second transmission gear are constructed to be recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the second transmission gear 1304 toward the rotational axis of the second transmission gear 1304. In the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the second transmission gear 1304, at least a portion of the receiving portion 1304b is closer to the rotational axis of the gear teeth 1304a than the gear teeth 1304a. When the developing roller 1309 is in contact with the photosensitive drum, as shown in FIG13(c), the receiving portion 1304b can be used to receive at least a portion of the second gear teeth 1303a, such that the second gear teeth 1303a and the second transmission gear teeth 1304a are kept spaced apart, thereby This prevents the rotational driving force of the first transmission gear 1303 from being transmitted to the second transmission gear 1304. In this case, the second transmission gear 1303 remains stationary and in the termination position. The delay mechanism also includes the aforementioned reset member 1305. At least one end of the reset member 1305 abuts against the second transmission gear 1304, allowing the reset member 1305 to apply a force to the second transmission gear 1304 in the opposite direction to the rotation of the second transmission gear 1304. Thus, when the developing roller 1309 separates from the photosensitive drum again, the second gear tooth 1303a can disengage from the restraint of the receiving portion 1304b. Under the pushing force of the reset member 1305, the second transmission gear 1304 can reset and move from the termination position shown in FIG. 13(c) to the initial position shown in FIG. 13(a). Preferably, the reset member 1305 is a spring; more preferably, the spring is a torsion spring. Of course, the reset member 1305 is not limited to a spring structure; it can also be elastic rubber, rubber band, etc., which is not a limitation.

[0080] Next, with reference to Figures 12-14, we will introduce the working process of the delay mechanism when the developing roller 1309 of the processing cartridge 1300 contacts the photosensitive drum and when the developing roller 1309 separates from the photosensitive drum. First, when the processing cartridge 1300 is in a printing task, that is, when the developing roller 1309 is in contact with the photosensitive drum, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 13(c), it is kept apart by the limiting part 1353 and the limiting part 1352c. The second gear tooth 1303a is located in the receiving part 1304b of the second transmission gear 1304, so that the second gear tooth 1303a and the second transmission gear tooth 1304a are also kept apart. In this state, the reset member 1305 undergoes elastic deformation and accumulates elastic force.

[0081] When the processing cartridge 1300 does not need to perform a printing task, it switches from a state where it is performing a printing task to a state where it does not need to perform a printing task. The first coupling member 1320 stops rotating, and the developing unit swings away from the drum unit relative to it under its own gravity. The developing roller 1309 begins to separate from the photosensitive drum and gradually moves away from it. Then, as shown in FIG12(b), the limiting part 1353 and the limiting part 1352c will come into contact, the swing of the developing unit is suppressed, and the distance between the developing roller 1309 and the photosensitive drum will remain constant. When the developing unit begins to swing, the support on the developing... The first transmission gear 1303 on the unit can gradually move away from the second transmission gear 1304 as the developing unit swings. After the first transmission gear 1303 moves to a predetermined distance, the second gear teeth 1303a can disengage from the receiving part 1304b, thereby releasing the rotation restriction of the second transmission gear 1304. The elastic force accumulated by the reset member 1305 is released and applied to the second transmission gear 1304, so that the second transmission gear 1304 is reset from the termination position in FIG. 13(c) to the initial position in FIG. 13(a), so that the second transmission gear 1304 can perform the next delayed drive action.

[0082] When the processing cartridge 1300 needs to perform a printing task again, the processing cartridge 1300 switches from a state of not performing a printing task to a state of needing to perform a printing task. The first coupling member 1320 starts to rotate. At this time, the developing unit swings a certain distance relative to the drum unit under the torque of the first coupling member 1320 until the second gear tooth 1303a of the first transmission gear 1303 meshes with the second transmission gear tooth 1304a of the second transmission gear 1304, so that the position of the developing unit relative to the drum unit is restricted and will not continue to swing. At this time, the developing roller 1309 still maintains a distance from the photosensitive drum. As the first coupling member 1320 begins to rotate, the first transmission gear 1303 is driven to rotate. At this time, the second transmission gear 1304a of the second transmission gear 1304, which is in contact with the second gear tooth 1303a of the first transmission gear 1303, is driven. The second transmission gear 1304 begins to rotate against the reset force of the reset member. The second transmission gear 1304 will be in the intermediate position as shown in Figure 13(b) for a period of time until the second transmission gear 1304a rotates until one of the second transmission gear teeth 1304a disengages from the second gear tooth 1303a of the first transmission gear 1303. When in the meshing position, the second transmission gear 1304 will stop rotating, and at least a portion of the second gear teeth 1303a of the first transmission gear 1303 will be accommodated in the accommodating portion 1304b of the second transmission gear 1304. At this time, the second transmission gear 1304 is in the termination position as shown in Figure 13(c). At this time, the position restriction of the developing unit is released, and the developing unit overcomes its own gravity and swings relative to the drum unit under the action of the rotational torque of the first coupling member 1320, so that the developing roller 1309 contacts the photosensitive drum again, thereby continuing to perform the printing task. That is to say, when the first coupling member 1320 starts to rotate... During rotation, due to the restriction of the second gear teeth 1303a and the second transmission gear teeth 1304a, the torque of the first coupling member 1320 will not immediately cause the developing unit to swing to the position where a developing roller 1309 contacts the photosensitive drum. Instead, after the second gear teeth 1303a and the second transmission gear teeth 1304a disengage, the unrestricted developing unit will move to the position where a developing roller 1309 contacts the photosensitive drum under the action of torque. Therefore, the delay mechanism provided in the processing box 1300 can delay the swing of the developing unit after the first coupling member 1320 starts to rotate, thereby solving the above-mentioned technical problem.

[0083] Example 4

[0084] As shown in Figures 16-21, a processing box 1400 of Embodiment 4 of this utility model is shown. The processing box 1400 is similar to the processing boxes in Embodiments 2-3 above. For example, the processing box 1400 also separates the developing roller and the photosensitive drum by the weight of the developing unit itself (i.e., gravity), and achieves contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum by the torque of the rotating component in the developing unit. Therefore, this embodiment will not repeat the structure and function of this part. The differences will be described in detail below.

[0085] The processing cartridge 1400 includes a support member 1421 disposed at one end of the photosensitive drum 1404. The support member 1421 is used to connect to and rotatably support the photosensitive drum 1404 on the housing. Preferably, the support member 1421 is configured as a second coupling member connected to one end of the photosensitive drum 1404. The structure with the support member 1421 as the second coupling member will be described below. The second coupling member can pass through an exposure hole 1452b disposed on the first cover 1452 and at least part of it is exposed outside the processing cartridge 1400 to receive the driving force from the imaging device to rotate, thereby driving the photosensitive drum 1404 to rotate. At least part of the second coupling member is simultaneously rotatably supported by the inner wall of the exposure hole 1452b. That is, the second coupling member can serve as a connector to rotatably support the photosensitive drum 1404 on the first cover 1452. Alternatively, one of the... In one embodiment, the first coupling member 1421 can be divided into at least two parts: a first part that receives the driving force and a second part that can be connected to one end of the photosensitive drum 1404 and supported on the inner wall of the exposure hole 1452b. In this case, the second part serves as a rotatable support for the photosensitive drum 1404. The first and second parts are operably connected to transmit the driving force. That is, the driving force received on the first part can still be transmitted to the photosensitive drum 1404. However, in another embodiment, one end of the photosensitive drum 1404 is not provided with a second coupling member. The photosensitive drum 1404 can be driven to rotate by the first coupling member 1421. That is, the first coupling member 1421 can simultaneously drive the developing roller 1401 and the photosensitive drum 1404 to rotate. In this case, the support member 1421 only serves to support the photosensitive drum 1404 and no longer has the function of transmitting the driving force.

[0086] The drum unit 1429 of the processing box 1400 also includes a charging roller 1405 and a second force-applying portion 1406 that can push the charging roller 1405 toward the photosensitive drum 1404. The second force-applying portion 1406 is preferably a spring. Furthermore, the support member 1421 is clearance-fitted with the exposure hole 1452b. The support member 1421 is configured to move within the exposure hole 1452b in a direction intersecting the first direction. This allows the photosensitive drum 1404 to perform non-rotational linear movement in the direction intersecting the first direction. More specifically, the charging roller 1405 can press against the photosensitive drum 1404 under the push of the second force-applying portion 1406, causing the photosensitive drum 1404 to... 404 has a direction that moves toward the developing roller 1401, which helps to keep the developing roller 1401 of the photosensitive drum 1404 in close contact when the processing cartridge 1400 is performing a printing task, improving the delivery effect of the developing roller 1401 to the photosensitive drum 1404; furthermore, to ensure the support stability of the photosensitive drum 1404, the exposed hole 1452b is preferably a non-circular hole, and the center P1 of the inner wall of the exposed hole 1452b near the first side 1461 of the developing roller 1401 and the center P2 of the inner wall of the exposed hole 1452b away from the second side 1462 of the developing roller 1401 are not concentric, and P1 and P2 are in the front-back direction (of the processing cartridge 1400). The distance K between the photosensitive drum 1404 and the installation direction is 0.1mm-3mm, preferably 0.1mm-0.8mm. At this distance, the photosensitive drum 1404 has a good offset distance, which avoids the problem of unstable positioning of the photosensitive drum 1404 when the offset is too large. It should be noted that the shape of the exposure hole 1452b is not limited; it can be the aforementioned non-circular structure, a circular structure, or an irregular shaped hole structure, as long as the support member 1421 can support the photosensitive drum 1404 to move along the intersection with the first direction. Furthermore, to improve the forced pushing effect of the photosensitive drum 1404, the forced pushing force on the photosensitive drum 1404 can be increased. The direction is as close as possible to the position where the photosensitive drum 1404 and the developing roller 1401 come into contact with each other, which helps to concentrate the force and provide a greater pushing force. Therefore, the processing box 1400 of this embodiment also includes a first force-applying part 1407. The first force-applying part 1407 is mounted on the first cover 1452, and one end of it abuts against the support member 1421, so that the support member 1421 can be pushed toward the developing roller 1401. The first force-applying part 1407 is preferably a torsion spring or a compression spring. Alternatively, it can also be a sponge, rubber, or an elastic protrusion or elastic sheet integrally formed with the first cover 1452 or the second housing. This is not a limitation.

[0087] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the developing unit 1410 and the drum unit 1429 are operably connected by the cooperation between the first positioning protrusion 1452b provided on the first cover 1452 and the first positioning hole 1459b provided on the gear cover 1459b. Therefore, in addition to the above structure, the processing box 1400 in this embodiment also provides another structure, that is, the first positioning protrusion 1452b and the first positioning hole 1459b are also clearance-fitted, so that the developing unit 1410 can move linearly without rotation relative to the drum unit 1429 in a direction intersecting the first direction, so that the developing roller 1401 is further biased toward the photosensitive drum 1404. It should be noted that the structural cooperation relationship between the first positioning protrusion 1452b and the first positioning hole 1459b is generally the same as the structural cooperation relationship between the support member 1421 and the exposure hole 1452b, and will not be described again here.

[0088] This embodiment provides a processing cartridge 1400, which further enables the developing roller 1401 to maintain close contact with the photosensitive drum 1404, improving the delivery effect of the developer and enhancing the printing quality.

[0089] Example 5

[0090] As shown in Figures 22-25, a processing box 1500 in Embodiment 5 of this utility model is shown. The processing box 1400 is similar to the processing boxes in Embodiments 2-4 above. For example, the processing box 1500 also separates the developing roller from the photosensitive drum by the weight of the developing unit itself (i.e., gravity), and achieves contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum by the torque of the rotating component in the developing unit. Therefore, this embodiment will not repeat the structure and function of this part. The differences will be described in detail below.

[0091] To ensure close contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum during printing operations by the processing cartridge 1400, and to improve contact stability, in addition to the active approach of the photosensitive drum to the developing roller described in embodiment 4, a structure that brings the developing roller even closer to the photosensitive drum, as in this embodiment, can also be used. Specifically, the processing cartridge 1500 includes a force application portion 1560 applied to the developing unit 1510 to increase the oscillation torque of the developing unit and suppress speed fluctuations in the developing unit 1510, thereby making the contact between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum more stable. One type of force application portion 1560... As shown in Figures 22-23, the force application part 1560 is constructed as a sponge, rubber, or friction component installed between the first coupling member 1520 and the bearing plate 1559 of the housing for rotatably supporting the first coupling member 1520. As long as the component can suppress the rotation of the first coupling member 1520, it is acceptable. Preferably, the force application part 1560 is an annular sponge sleeved on the first coupling member 1520. Therefore, by providing this component, the swing torque of the developing unit can be increased, thereby increasing the contact force between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum and improving the contact stability between the two.

[0092] Another structure of the force application part 1560 is as shown in Figure 24: a damping agent between the first coupling member 1520 and the bearing plate 1559 for the rotatable support of the first coupling member 1520. This damping agent can be a viscous damping agent, a viscoelastic damping agent, a friction damping agent, etc., and is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the damping agent is partially or fully enclosed in the first coupling member 1520 to prevent the damping agent from being lost as the first coupling member 1520 rotates multiple times.

[0093] Another structure of the force application part 1560 is as shown in Figure 25. The force application part 1560 is configured as an elastic element operably connected between the developing unit 1510 and the drum unit 1520. The elastic force generated by the elastic element can be applied to the developing unit 1510 and the drum unit 1529, so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are close to each other. Preferably, the elastic element is a tension spring or a compression spring. It is worth mentioning that since this embodiment still relies on the gravity of the developing unit 1510 to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, the elastic element is configured such that the elastic force generated is less than the separation force of the developing unit 1510. In this way, when the developing roller and the photosensitive drum need to be separated, separation can be achieved normally. When the developing roller and the photosensitive drum need to contact each other, the torque generated by the rotation of the rotating component in the developing unit 1510 is applied to the developing unit 1510, and the elastic force of the elastic element is also applied to the developing unit 1510. Under the combined force of the two, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum will maintain stable contact.

Claims

1. A processing box having a left end and a right end opposite each other in a left-right direction, the processing box comprising: The drum unit includes a second housing and a photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum being rotatable about a second axis extending along the left-right direction; A developing unit includes a first housing and a developing roller, the developing roller being rotatable about a first axis extending along the left-right direction; A first coupling member is disposed at the right end of the processing box in the left-right direction and can receive external force to drive the developing roller to rotate; a chip has a chip electrical contact surface, the chip electrical contact surface and the photosensitive drum are arranged in a vertical direction intersecting the left-right direction, in the vertical direction, the processing box has an upper end and a lower end, the chip electrical contact surface is located at the upper end of the processing box, and the photosensitive drum is located at the lower end of the processing box; the developing unit is movably connected to the drum unit and can move relative to the drum unit around the following postures: (a) a first posture, the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum; (b) a second posture, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; characterized in that, when the processing box is in the first posture and positioned such that: the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are located at the lower end of the processing box and the second axis is lower than the first axis, the developing unit can move to the second posture by its own weight.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coupling member is rotatable about a third axis, and the developing unit and the drum unit are movably connected to each other via a connecting portion, which is located on the upper side of the third axis in the vertical direction.

3. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coupling member is rotatable about the third axis. The developing unit and the drum unit are movably connected to each other through a connecting part. In the front-back direction that intersects the up-down direction and the left-right direction, the first axis is located in front of the second axis, and the connecting part is located in front of the third axis.

4. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing unit and the drum unit are rotatably connected to each other via a connecting portion, the connecting portion including a connecting hole on the developing unit and a connecting protrusion on the drum unit, the connecting protrusion being able to be inserted into the connecting hole.

5. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coupling member is rotatable about a third axis, and the developing unit is rotatable about a fourth axis relative to the drum unit. In a direction perpendicular to the left and right direction, the distance between the third axis and the fourth axis is greater than the distance between the third axis and the first axis.

6. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing unit can rotate relative to the drum unit about a fourth axis. In the vertical direction, the distance between the fourth axis and the first axis is Y, where 20mm≦Y≦45mm.

7. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing unit can rotate relative to the drum unit about a fourth axis. In the front-back direction that intersects the left-right direction and the up-down direction, the distance between the fourth axis and the first axis is X, where 14mm≦X≦26mm.

8. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing includes a first cover located at the right end of the processing box in the left-right direction. When viewed from the right end of the processing box to the left end, the first cover can cover at least a portion of the first housing. The first cover is provided with an exposure opening that communicates with the outside of the processing box in a direction intersecting the left-right direction. At least a portion of the first coupling member can pass through the exposure opening and be exposed to the outside of the processing box.

9. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing includes a first cover located at the right end of the processing box in the left-right direction. When viewed from the right end of the processing box to the left end, the first cover can cover at least a portion of the first housing. The developing unit is provided with a limited portion, and the drum unit is provided with a limiting portion. When the processing box is in the second posture, the movement of the developing unit in the direction in which the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are separated is limited by the limiting portion that contacts the limited portion. The developing unit can rotate about a fourth axis relative to the drum unit. In a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, the distance from the fourth axis to the limiting portion is greater than or equal to the distance from the fourth axis to the first axis.

10. The processing box according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the limited portion is located at the lower end of the first coupling member.

11. The processing box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The processing box further includes a gear cover disposed on the developing unit, the gear cover covering at least a portion of the first coupling member, the limited portion being configured as a protrusion disposed on the gear cover, and the limiting portion being configured as a hole disposed on the first cover.

12. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box further includes a support member disposed at one end of the photosensitive drum in the left-right direction. The support member is used to rotatably support the photosensitive drum on the second housing. The support member is configured to be movable relative to the second housing in a direction intersecting the left-right direction.

13. The processing box according to claim 12, characterized in that, The processing box also includes an elastic element that can apply force to the support member, thereby forcing the support member to move toward the developing roller in a direction intersecting the left-right direction.

14. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coupling member includes a coupling protrusion and a coupling gear that are separately arranged, wherein the coupling protrusion is configured to be movable relative to the coupling gear in a direction intersecting the left and right directions.

15. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box further includes a damping portion disposed on the developing unit, the damping portion being able to suppress the rotation of the first coupling member.

16. The processing box according to claim 15, characterized in that, The damping component is made of sponge, rubber, or a damping agent.

17. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box also includes a delay mechanism, which is disposed at one end of the processing box in the left-right direction to extend the time required for the developing unit to move from the position where the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum to the position where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum.

18. The processing box according to claim 17, characterized in that, The delay mechanism includes a transmission gear that is movable in response to rotation of the first coupling member, allowing the developing unit to move from the second posture to the first posture.

19. The processing box according to claim 18, characterized in that, The transmission gears include a first transmission gear disposed on the developing unit and a second transmission gear disposed on the drum unit, and the driving force output by the first coupling member can be transmitted sequentially to the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear.

20. The processing box according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second transmission gear is constructed as a toothed gear, having a gear tooth portion and a toothed portion. When the developing unit is in the second posture, the gear tooth portion of the second transmission gear meshes with the first transmission gear and is in a first position to receive driving force for rotation. When the developing unit is in the first posture, the toothed portion of the second transmission gear is opposite to the first transmission gear and is in a second position different from the first position.

21. The processing box according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second transmission gear is rotatable along the fifth axis. The second transmission gear is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the fifth axis to form a clearance portion. When the developing unit is in the first posture, at least a portion of the first transmission gear is accommodated in the clearance portion.

22. The processing box according to claim 21, characterized in that, The delay mechanism further includes a reset member, which can apply force to the second transmission gear, causing the second transmission gear in the second position to have a tendency to move to the first position.

Images