A processing box

Abstract

This utility model provides a processing box that can be detachably installed in an electrophotographic imaging device, the electrophotographic imaging device being provided with a power component and a grounding terminal; the processing box includes: a developing unit frame; a developing roller rotatably supported on the developing unit frame; a power supply component for electrically connecting to the power component to receive power, and the power supply component being electrically connected to the developing roller; a first grounding member electrically connected to the developing roller; wherein the first grounding member includes an electrical contact portion, the electrical contact portion being movable between a connected position electrically connected to the grounding terminal and a disconnected position not electrically connected to the grounding terminal; the processing box having the above structure has a simpler structure and a simplified assembly process.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent No. WO2024093949A1 discloses a processing box, such as Figure 1 As shown, this processing cartridge is detachably mounted into an electrophotographic imaging device equipped with electrical components. Such a processing cartridge includes a photosensitive drum 12a, a developing roller 22a, a charging roller 13a for charging the photosensitive drum 12a, a power supply unit 52a, a connector 53a, and a grounding member 51a. The photosensitive drum 12a and the developing roller 22a are rotatably disposed within the processing cartridge. The developing roller 22a is used to transfer developer to the photosensitive drum 12a, and the charging roller 13a is used to charge the photosensitive drum 12a. The connector 53a can be electrically connected to the developing roller 22a and the power supply unit 52a. During imaging operations, the connector 53a is not electrically connected to the grounding member 51a. During cleaning operations, the connector 53a is electrically connected to the first grounding member 51a, grounding the developing roller 22a and ensuring that toner does not transfer from the surface of the developing roller 22a to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a during the cleaning process.

[0003] However, in the existing processing box, the grounding member 51a is configured to be inserted into the conductive shaft pin in the photosensitive drum 12a. The conductive shaft pin is also electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 12a. Therefore, when the connector 53a is electrically connected to the first grounding member 51a, the electricity from the power supply member 52a will be conducted to the photosensitive drum 12a, thereby affecting the potential of the photosensitive drum 12a and thus affecting normal cleaning and printing.

[0004] Furthermore, in the existing processing box, the connector 53a is configured to move between a position electrically connected to the grounding member 51a and a position not electrically connected, and the connector 53a is located inside the processing box, occupying a large space inside the processing box, which is not conducive to the arrangement of other components, and its structure is complex.

[0005] Furthermore, in the existing processing box, the grounding member 51a is located on one side of the photosensitive drum unit and needs to extend to the side of the developing unit to be electrically connected to the developing roller. The extension path is long, which is not conducive to assembly and its structure is relatively complex. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model provides a processing box to solve one of the technical problems existing in the background art.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0008] A processing cartridge is detachably mounted in an electrophotographic imaging device, the electrophotographic imaging device being provided with a power component and a grounding terminal; the processing cartridge includes: a developing unit frame; a developing roller rotatably supported on the developing unit frame; a power supply unit for electrically connecting to the power component to receive power, and the power supply unit being electrically connected to the developing roller; and a first grounding member electrically connected to the developing roller; wherein the first grounding member includes an electrical contact portion movable between a connected position electrically connected to the grounding terminal and a disconnected position not electrically connected to the grounding terminal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electrophotographic imaging apparatus further includes a force-applying member, wherein the first grounding member moves from the disconnected position to the connected position in response to the movement of the force-applying member, wherein in the connected position the first grounding member is in electrical contact with the grounding terminal, and in the disconnected position the first grounding member is no longer in electrical contact with the grounding terminal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge includes a photosensitive unit, which includes a photosensitive unit frame, a driving end, a non-driving end, and a photosensitive drum rotatably supported on the photosensitive unit frame. The driving end and the non-driving end are respectively disposed at both ends of the photosensitive unit frame along its length. The driving end is provided with a first driving unit. The photosensitive unit frame is connected to a developing unit frame. The photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other. The first grounding member is disposed at the driving end or the non-driving end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the developing unit includes the developing unit frame and the developing roller, and at least a portion of the first grounding member is exposed outward from one end of the developing unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first grounding member is an elastic element.

[0013] In some embodiments, the processing box further includes a control member for forcing the first grounding member to move from the disconnected position to the connected position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processing box further includes a resilient reset member for forcing the first grounding member to move from the connected position to the disconnected position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the processing box further includes a retaining mechanism for holding the first grounding member in the connected position or the disconnected position.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the first grounding member is not electrically connected to the grounding terminal, the developing roller has a first voltage value; when the first grounding member is electrically connected to the grounding terminal, the developing roller has a second voltage value; the absolute value of the first voltage value is greater than the absolute value of the second voltage value.

[0017] In some embodiments, the imaging device further includes a main component, a bracket, and a cover. The main component has a chamber for accommodating the bracket. Along the longitudinal direction of the processing box, the side walls on both sides of the chamber are provided with grounded first grounding terminals. The bracket is used to carry the processing box and is movable relative to the main component. The cover is used to open or close the chamber. Along the longitudinal direction of the processing box, the bracket is provided with grounded second grounding terminals on both sides. When the first grounding member is in the connection position, the first grounding member is in electrical contact with at least one of the first grounding terminal and the second grounding terminal. The grounding terminal includes at least one of the first grounding terminal and the second grounding terminal.

[0018] The processing box with the above structure has a simpler structure and a simplified assembly process. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 This is the circuit schematic of the processing box in the background technology;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the processing box and part of the grounding terminal in Example 1;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the processing box driver end in Embodiment 1;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the non-driving end of the processing box in Embodiment 1;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded view of the processing box in Example 1;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the developing unit of the processing cartridge in Example 1;

[0026] Figure 7 This is another partial structural diagram of the developing unit in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal circuit of the processing box in Example 1 when it is in the printing operation.

[0028] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the internal circuit of the processing box in Example 1 during the cleaning operation. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following are examples and their appendices. Figures 1 to 9 The present invention will be further described below.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the processing box 10a is detachably installed into the imaging device. The imaging device includes a main component, a bracket, and a cover. The main component has a chamber for accommodating the bracket. Along the longitudinal direction of the processing box 10a, a first sidewall and a second sidewall are provided on both sides of the chamber at intervals. Along the vertical direction of the processing box, the chamber also includes a top wall and a bottom wall at intervals in the vertical direction. At least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the top wall, and the bottom wall is provided with a grounded first conductive element, which may be referred to as a first grounding terminal (not shown in the figure). The bracket is used to support the processing box 10a and can be pulled out and inserted into the chamber of the imaging device relative to the main component. The cover is used to open or close the chamber. Along the longitudinal direction L of the processing box, a grounded second conductive element 9 is provided on both sides of the bracket, which may be referred to as a second grounding terminal 9. The aforementioned first conductive element and second conductive element 9 are preferably metal parts. Both the first conductive element and the second conductive element 9 may be referred to as grounding components or grounding terminals in this application. When installing the processing box 10a, the bracket is pulled out to the outside of the chamber, the processing box 10a is installed on the bracket, the bracket is then pushed into the chamber of the main component, and finally the door cover is closed to complete the installation of the processing box 10a.

[0032] The processing cartridge 10a includes a photosensitive unit 1a and a developing unit 2a. The photosensitive unit 1a includes a photosensitive unit frame 11a, a driving end 111a, a non-driving end 112a (also referred to as a conductive end), a photosensitive drum 12a, a charging component 13a, and a first driving unit 15a. The driving end 111a and the non-driving end 112a are respectively disposed at both ends along the length of the photosensitive unit frame 11a, and the first driving unit 15a is disposed at the driving end 111a. In this embodiment, the driving end 111a and the non-driving end 112a are respectively provided with a first cover component 111b and a second cover component 112b, which cover the ends of the photosensitive unit frame 11a and can support the photosensitive drum 12a and the charging component 13a.

[0033] A photosensitive drum 12a is rotatably supported on a photosensitive unit frame 11a. A charging component, a charging roller 13a, is also rotatably supported on the photosensitive unit frame 11a. The charging component 13a is configured to contact the photosensitive drum 12a to charge it. A first driving unit 15a is disposed at one end of the photosensitive drum 12a to receive the driving force from the imaging device and drive the photosensitive drum 12a and the charging roller 13a to rotate. A second grounding component 51b is also provided at the other end of the photosensitive drum 12a. The second grounding component 51b is used to connect to the imaging device to ground the photosensitive drum 12a. In this embodiment, the second grounding component 51b is a conductive pin inserted into the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0034] The developing unit 2a includes a developing unit frame 21a, a developing roller 22a, a toner feed roller (not shown), and a second drive unit 25a. The developing unit frame 21a is connected to the photosensitive unit frame 11a. The developing roller 22a is rotatably supported on the developing unit frame 21a, and the developing roller 22a and the photosensitive drum 12a are in contact with each other, so that during imaging operation, the toner on the developing roller 22a can be transferred to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a. The developing roller 22a includes a developing roller 22a shaft 221a and a first main body supported on the developing roller 22a shaft 221a. The toner feed roller (not shown) is rotatably supported on the developing unit frame 21a to supply toner to the developing roller 22a. The second drive unit 25a is disposed at one end of the developing unit 2a to receive driving force from the imaging device and supply driving force to the developing roller 22a and the toner feed roller (not shown), so that the developing roller 22a and the toner feed roller (not shown) can rotate.

[0035] The processing cartridge 10a also includes a first conductive component 6, which is disposed on the upper side of the processing cartridge and is electrically connected to and receives power from the imaging device. More specifically, the first conductive component 6 is electrically connected to the charging electrode of the imaging device. The first conductive component 6 is also electrically connected to the charging roller 13a to provide power to the charging roller 13a, which contacts and charges the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0036] The processing box 10a in this embodiment also includes a voltage regulating component and a power supply component 52a. The power supply component 52a is used to make electrical contact with the power components of the imaging device so as to receive power supplied to the developing roller 22a. The power supply component 52a can be integrally formed or it can be a separate component. When the power supply component 52a is composed of multiple separate components, the multiple components can be made of different materials.

[0037] The voltage regulating member is preferably a first grounding member 51a, which is electrically connected to the developing roller 22a and configured to move between a connected position electrically connected to the grounding terminal (also referred to as a grounding component) of the imaging device and a disconnected position not electrically connected.

[0038] The first grounding member 51a can be disposed at the driving end 111a or the non-driving end 112a, and can be made of conductive metal or conductive resin. In this embodiment, the first grounding member 51a is disposed at the driving end 111a and configured as an elastic metal member. The processing box 10a also includes a control member 8a that forces the first grounding member 51a to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. The control member 8a includes a first force receiving part 81a, a force acting part 82a, and a connecting part 83a. The first force receiving part 81a is used to receive an external force to move the force acting part 82a relative to the first grounding member 51a. The first grounding member 51a moves from the disconnected position to the connected position in response to the movement of the force acting part 82a. The connecting part 83a is movably connected to at least one of the developing unit 2a and the photosensitive unit 1a so that the force acting part 82a of the control member 8a can move relative to the first grounding member 51a.

[0039] The control member 8a is movably mounted on at least one of the developing unit 2a and the photosensitive unit 1a. In this embodiment, the control member 8a is rotatably mounted on the developing unit 2a about the connecting portion 83a. The first force receiving portion 81a of the control member 8a is configured to move between a protruding position and a retracted position. In the protruding position (e.g., ... Figure 7 As shown), the first force receiving unit 81a can receive the force applied by the force-applying member (not shown in the figure), and in the retracted position (e.g. Figure 3 The first force receiving part 81a is closer to the interior of the developing unit frame 21a / photosensitive unit frame 11a than the protruding position. When the first force receiving part 81a moves after receiving an external force, the force actuating part 82a pushes the first grounding member 51a, causing a part of the pushing member to move away from the developing roller 22a and contact the grounding terminal of the imaging device. At this time, the first grounding member 51a is in the connected position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first grounding member 51a is configured to rotate or translate; in some variations, the first grounding member 51a is made of a non-elastic material; in some variations, the control member 8a can indirectly apply force to the first grounding member 51a, for example, the first grounding member 51a can be mounted on a movable support frame, and the control member 8a moves the first grounding member 51a from a disconnected position to a connected position by pushing the support frame. In some variations, the processing box 10a also includes a separately provided elastic reset member for forcing the first grounding member 51a from the connected position to the disconnected position.

[0041] The power supply component 52a is electrically connected to the imaging device, more specifically, to the developing electrode or supply electrode of the imaging device. During imaging operation, the power supply component 52a is electrically connected to the developing roller 22a, which is energized. At this time, the voltage of the developing roller 22a is lower than the voltage of the exposed position on the photosensitive drum 12a. The electric field formed between the exposed area and the developing roller 22a points towards the developing roller 22a. Under the action of the electric field force pointing towards the photosensitive drum 12a, the negatively charged toner can be transferred from the developing roller 22a to the exposed position on the photosensitive drum 12a, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. Preferably, the power supply component 52a is located at the non-driving end of the processing cartridge 10a, and at least a portion of it is exposed outwards. When the processing cartridge 10a is installed in the imaging device, the power supply component 52a can contact the electrical components within the main assembly of the imaging device to receive power.

[0042] The first grounding member 51a is configured to be grounded. Specifically, after being electrically connected to the imaging device, during the cleaning operation of the processing cartridge 10a and the imaging device, the first grounding member 51a is in the disconnected position and electrically connected to the second grounding terminal 9. At this time, the voltage on the developing roller 22a is pulled down to 0. As a result, the voltage on the photosensitive drum 12a (e.g., -600V) is lower than the voltage on the developing roller 22a (e.g., 0V). At this time, an electric field is formed between the developing roller 22a and the photosensitive drum 12a, pointing towards the photosensitive drum 12a. The electric field force on the negatively charged toner points towards the developing roller 22a. Therefore, the negatively charged toner attached to the developing roller 22a cannot be transferred to the photosensitive drum 12a under the action of the electric field force, thereby avoiding contamination of the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0043] At least a portion of the first grounding member 51a is exposed outward from one end of the developing unit 2a. When the processing box 10a is installed in the imaging device, the first grounding member 51a can be selectively electrically connected to the second grounding terminal 9 in the main assembly of the imaging device to achieve switching between grounded and ungrounded states.

[0044] The first grounding member 51a includes an electrical contact portion 511a, a second force receiving portion 512a, a mounting portion 513a, and an electrical connection portion 514a. The mounting portion 513a is connected and mounted to a side member 29a at one end of the developing unit 2a. The second force receiving portion 512a receives an external force to move the electrical contact portion 511a to a connection position that contacts the first grounding end or the second grounding end 9. Specifically, the second force receiving portion 512a receives the force of the force-applying portion 82a of the control member 8a, thereby moving the electrical contact portion 511a to a position that contacts the second grounding end 9. The electrical contact portion 511a can move from the connection position that contacts the first grounding end or the second grounding end 9 to a disconnect position that disconnects from the first grounding end or the second grounding end 9 in response to the movement of the force-applying member. The electrical connection portion 514a can be electrically connected to the developing roller 22a. Specifically, the electrical connection portion 514a is configured to make electrical contact with the shaft 221a of the developing roller 22a.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first conductive component 6 is electrically connected to the imaging device, and the imaging device applies a voltage to the first conductive component 6 between -800V and -1200V, more preferably between -900V. The first conductive component 6 conducts this voltage to the charging component 13, which is in contact with the photosensitive drum 12a. The charging component 13 ionizes the air in the gap between them, generates electrons, and distributes them on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a. At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a is subject to a voltage of about -600V.

[0046] When a print command is executed, the imaging device emits a laser after receiving the command, illuminating the preset printing area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a. After the printing area of ​​the photosensitive drum 12a is exposed, the voltage rises to -200V, preferably between -200V and -100V. The developing roller 22a is subjected to a developing voltage (e.g., -300V). At this time, the developing roller 22a has a first voltage, which is lower than the voltage of the exposed position on the photosensitive drum 12a (e.g., -200V). The electric field direction is directed towards the developing roller 22a, and the electric field force on the negatively charged toner is directed towards the photosensitive drum 12a. The toner can be transferred from the developing roller 22a to the exposed area of ​​the photosensitive drum 12a, thereby forming a toner image. In the non-exposed area of ​​the photosensitive drum 12a, the voltage remains below -300V (e.g., -600V) for a certain period of time. At this time, the electric field formed between this area and the developing roller 22a points towards the photosensitive drum 12a, and the electric field force on the negatively charged toner points towards the developing roller 22a. Therefore, the toner on the developing roller 22a in this area cannot be transferred to the non-exposed area of ​​the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0047] After the printing command is processed (or during cleaning operations), the first grounding member 51a moves from the disconnected position to the connected position under the force of the control member 8a. The first grounding member 51a connects to the grounding terminal, and the voltage on the developing roller 22a is pulled up to 0V. At this time, the developing roller 22a has a second voltage with an absolute value of 0V. In this state, the developing roller 22a is in contact with the photosensitive drum 12a. Even if the photosensitive drum 12a transfers charge to the developing roller 22a, its potential remains at 0V because the developing roller 22a is grounded. Therefore, regardless of whether there is exposure on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a, it can be ensured that the voltage of the photosensitive drum 12a is lower than the voltage of the developing roller 22a, and the electric field direction always points towards the photosensitive drum 12a. The negatively charged toner is subjected to an electric field force pointing towards the developing roller 22a. At this time, the toner will not transfer from the surface of the developing roller 22a to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0048] The electrical contact 511a of the first grounding member 51a moves from a disconnected position to a connected position in response to the movement of the force-applying member (not shown). Specifically, the control member 8a receives a force from the force-applying member (not shown) of the imaging device, causing the electrical contact 511a of the first grounding member 51a to move between the disconnected and connected positions. The control member 8a is movably supported at one end of the processing box 10a and is generally rod-shaped, with a first force-receiving part 81a disposed at the lower end of the rod.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, during the imaging operation, a force-applying component (not shown in the figure) applies a force to the control component 8a, causing the control component 8a to rotate to a non-operating position (e.g., Figure 6 As shown), in the non-operating position, the control member 8a does not apply a force to the grounding member 51a. During non-imaging operations (such as during cleaning), the force-applying member (not shown) applies a force to the control member 8a, causing the control member 8a to rotate to the operating position (such as...). Figure 7 As shown), at this position, the control member 8a applies a force to the grounding member 51a.

[0050] When the processing box 10a is in imaging operation, the force-applying member (not shown) moves towards the photosensitive drum 12a and applies force to the first force receiving part 81a. The force-applying part 82a of the control member 8a moves to a position where it does not contact the second force receiving part 512a. At this time, the control member 8a is in the non-active position, and the first grounding member 51a is not in electrical contact with the grounding terminal. When the processing box 10a is in cleaning operation, the force-applying member (not shown) moves away from the photosensitive drum 12a and applies force to the first force receiving part 81a. The force-applying part 82a of the control member 8a rotates to a position where it contacts the second force receiving part 512a. At this time, the control member 8a is in the active position, and the first grounding member 51a is in electrical contact with the second grounding terminal 9.

[0051] The control member 8a is configured to move between a protruding position and a retracted position. In the protruding position, the first force receiving part 81a can receive the force of the force-applying member (not shown). In the retracted position, the first force receiving part 81a is closer to the inside of the frame than in the protruding position. This structural design can avoid interference with the imaging device when the processing cartridge 10a is installed. Specifically, the processing cartridge 10a also includes an elastic member 30a, which is used to hold the first force receiving part 81a in the retracted position. Preferably, one end of the elastic member 30a is connected to the control member 8a and the other end is connected to the developing unit frame 21a. When the control member 8a is pressed by the pressing mechanism on the imaging device, the control member 8a moves downward against the force of the elastic member 30a, and the first force receiving part 81a moves from the retracted position to the protruding position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first force receiving unit 81a can also be configured as a component that moves relative to the developing unit frame 21a, such as a swing arm or a free gravity block structure. This structure can move when it touches an obstacle, thereby avoiding interference from the obstacle. This allows the processing box 10a to be smoothly installed into the device and also satisfies the function of receiving the force-applying component of the device (not shown in the figure). This structural scheme is simpler.

[0053] In this embodiment, the processing box 10a further includes a holding mechanism that enables the first grounding member 51a to maintain a stable electrical connection and / or non-electrical connection with the grounding terminal (first grounding terminal / second grounding terminal) when the force-applying member (not shown in the figure) does not apply a force to the processing box 10a. In other words, the holding mechanism is used to hold the first grounding member 51a in the connected position and / or the disconnected position.

[0054] Specifically, the holding mechanism includes a connecting portion disposed on the control member 8a and a first engaged portion 521a disposed on the developing unit. When the control member 8a moves to a non-operating position due to the force applied by a force-applying member (not shown in the figure), the connecting portion and the first engaged portion 521a do not abut against each other, and the control member 8a does not apply a force to the first grounding member 51a. Subsequently, the force-applying member (not shown in the figure) does not apply a force to the control member 8a, and the first grounding member 51a and the grounding assembly are always able to avoid electrical contact. In some embodiments, the connecting portion abuts against the first engaged portion 521a, thereby maintaining the non-operating position of the control member 8a.

[0055] In some embodiments, when the control member 8a moves from the non-operating position to the operating position after receiving the force from the force-applying member (not shown), the engagement portion abuts against and is held by the second engaged portion, the control member 8a applies a force to the first grounding member 51a, the force-applying member (not shown) then stops applying a force to the control member 8a, and the electrical contact between the first grounding member 51a and the grounding terminal is maintained.

[0056] Preferably, the first engaged portion 521a is provided on the protrusion, and the engagement portion is configured as a protruding structure. At least one of the engagement portion and the first engaged portion 521a is elastically deformable or movable relative to the other.

[0057] Next, combine Figures 1 to 9 Describe the coordination process of the various components of the processing box 10a during imaging and cleaning operations.

[0058] When the imaging device is installed in the processing box 10a and the door cover is not closed, the pressing part 40a of the imaging device is located on the upper side of the processing box 10a, the control member 8a is not pressed by the pressing part 40a, and the first force receiving part 81a is in the retracted position.

[0059] After the imaging device's door is closed, the pressing member 40a moves downward and presses the control member 8a. The control member 8a moves downward against the force of the elastic member 30a. The first force receiving part 81a moves from the retracted position to the protruding position. In the protruding position, the first force receiving part 81a can receive the force of the force-applying member (not shown in the figure). The first grounding member 51a is in the disconnected position and is not in electrical contact with the second grounding terminal 9. The power supply member 52a supplies power to the developing roller 22a. The first conductive component 6 contacts the imaging device and receives power. The charging roller 13a receives power and charges the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0060] Combination Figure 8 When the processing cartridge 10a needs to perform an imaging operation, the force-applying member (not shown in the figure) moves towards the photosensitive drum 12a and pushes the first force receiving part 81a. The control member 8a rotates to the non-operating position and does not apply force to the first grounding member 51a. The first grounding member 51a is not in electrical contact with the second grounding terminal 9. At this time, the developing roller 22a can receive the power of the developing electrode of the device (such as a voltage of -300V). After the photosensitive drum 12a is exposed, the voltage of the exposed position on its surface (such as -200V) is higher than the voltage of the developing roller 22a. The electric field direction between the photosensitive drum 12a and the developing roller 22a points towards the developing roller 22a. At this time, the negatively charged toner on the developing roller 22a is subjected to an electric field force pointing towards the photosensitive drum 12a. Therefore, the negatively charged toner on the surface of the developing roller 22a can be transferred to the exposed position on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0061] In combination Figure 9 , when the process cartridge 10a needs a cleaning operation, a biasing member (not shown in the figures) moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 12a and pushes the first force receiving portion 81a, the control member 8a moves to an operating position, the engaging portion abuts against and is held by the first engaged portion 521a, the control member 8a applies an acting force to the first grounding member 51a, the first grounding member 51a maintains electrical contact with the second grounding terminal 9, the developing roller 22a is grounded, and the voltage thereof is 0V. At this time, even if the developing roller 22a is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a, part of the charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a are conducted to the developing roller 22a through the toner on the surface of the developing roller 22a, and the charges are conducted away due to grounding. At this time, the voltage value of the developing roller 22a is higher than the voltage value on the photosensitive drum 12a (e.g., -600V), therefore the negatively charged toner on the developing roller 22a cannot be transferred to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a, thereby preventing unnecessary toner from adhering to the photosensitive drum 12a and avoiding contamination of the transfer belt.

[0062] In this embodiment, during the cleaning operation, taking the start of movement of the biasing member as a starting point, and taking the subsequent point when the biasing member transmits an acting force to the first grounding member 51a to bring the first grounding member 51a into contact with the grounding terminal as an ending point, the length of time from the starting point to the ending point is T, which satisfies 0s < T ≦ 2s, more preferably 0s < T ≦ 0.5s; such time setting is beneficial for reducing the transfer of toner on the developing roller 22a to the photosensitive drum 12a, avoiding waste of toner, and prolonging the service life of the process cartridge.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first grounding member 51a moves between a connection position and a disconnection position relative to the device by being exposed from the process cartridge to the outside, and has a simple structure, does not need to occupy much space inside the process cartridge, and is easier to assemble.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the first grounding member 51a is disposed on the developing unit side, the first grounding member 51a does not need to extend from the photosensitive unit side to the developing unit side, has a simple structure, and simplifies the assembly process.

[0065] In the background art of the present application, an existing process cartridge achieves electrical contact between a grounding member 51a and a grounding terminal, and additionally adds a power on-off switch inside the process cartridge, which has a complicated structure, and vibration during the opening and closing of the switch will lead to poor contact between the grounding member and the grounding terminal, thereby increasing quality risks. In this embodiment, the first grounding member 51a is directly used to switch between the disconnection position and the connection position with the grounding terminal, which reduces the risk of poor contact. In addition, such a structure reduces assembly errors during the assembly process.

[0066] In some embodiments, the initial position of the control member 8a can be an active position or an inactive position; the initial position of the first grounding member 51a can be an open position or a connected position.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first grounding member 51a may be located on the non-driving side of the processing box 10a.

[0068] In some embodiments, the processing cartridge 10a also includes a voltage regulator that enables the voltage supplied to the developing roller 22a to remain stable.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first grounding member 51a need not be grounded, but connected to a step-down or step-up unit to keep the voltage on the developing roller 22a higher than the voltage on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a during cleaning operations; in other words, the first grounding member 51a, the step-down or step-up unit constitute a voltage regulating member.

[0070] In some embodiments, the voltage regulating component does not make the voltage of the developing roller 22a zero during the cleaning operation. As long as the voltage of the developing roller 22a is higher than the voltage of the photosensitive drum 12a, the electric field direction is from the developing roller 22a to the photosensitive drum 12a, and the force on the toner is directed towards the developing roller 22a.

[0071] In some embodiments, the voltage regulating member does not make the voltage of the developing roller 22a zero. It is sufficient that the voltage supplied by the voltage regulating member to the developing roller 22a is enough to weaken the potential difference between the developing roller 22a and the photosensitive drum. The electric field direction is from the photosensitive drum to the developing roller 22a. When the force on the toner is insufficient to move the toner from the developing roller 22a to the photosensitive drum.

[0072] In some embodiments, the potential difference between the developing roller 22a and the photosensitive drum 12a can be achieved by controlling whether the photosensitive drum 12a is grounded. This is sufficient as long as the charged toner cannot satisfy the electric field force required to transfer from the surface of the developing roller 22a to the photosensitive drum 12a. More specifically, the electric field force on the charged toner particles can overcome the frictional shear force between the developing roller 22a and the photosensitive drum 12a, or the superposition of the electric field force on the charged toner particles and the frictional shear force between the developing roller 22a and the photosensitive drum 12a cannot overcome the attraction (adhesion) between the charged toner particles and the developing roller 22a, so that the toner cannot be transferred from the surface of the developing roller 22a to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12a.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first grounding member 51a can independently receive the force of the force-applying member (not shown in the figure) and move between a connected position that is electrically in contact with the grounding terminal (first grounding terminal or second grounding terminal) and a disconnected position that is not electrically in contact with the grounding terminal; for example, a protrusion that cooperates with the first grounding member 51a is provided on the developing unit. When the first grounding member 51a receives the force of the force-applying member (not shown in the figure) and moves to the protrusion, the first grounding member 51a moves from the disconnected position to the connected position due to the pressure of the protrusion.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first grounding member 51a is configured to be electrically connected to a grounding terminal disposed on a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a top wall, or a bottom wall.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. In order to facilitate the distinction between different components, this utility model introduces terms such as "first" and "second". The terms "first" and "second" are not to be understood as limiting their quantity. According to the description, the component described by "first" and "second" can be one or include multiple components.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A processing box, detachably mounted in an electrophotographic imaging device, the electrophotographic imaging device being provided with power components and a grounding terminal; characterized in that, The processing box includes: a developing unit frame; The developing roller is rotatably supported on the developing unit frame; A power supply unit for electrically connecting to the power component to receive power, and the power supply unit is electrically connected to the developing roller; The first grounding component is electrically connected to the developing roller; The first grounding member includes an electrical contact portion that is movable between a connected position electrically connected to the grounding terminal and a disconnected position not electrically connected to the grounding terminal.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrophotographic imaging device further includes a force-applying member, wherein the first grounding member moves from the disconnected position to the connected position in response to the movement of the force-applying member, wherein in the connected position the first grounding member is in electrical contact with the grounding terminal, and in the disconnected position the first grounding member is disconnected from the grounding terminal.

3. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box includes a photosensitive unit, which includes a photosensitive unit frame, a driving end, a non-driving end, and a photosensitive drum rotatably supported on the photosensitive unit frame. The driving end and the non-driving end are respectively located at both ends of the photosensitive unit frame along its length. The driving end is provided with a first driving unit. The photosensitive unit frame is connected to the developing unit frame. The photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other. The first grounding member is located at the driving end or the non-driving end.

4. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing unit includes the developing unit frame and the developing roller, and at least a portion of the first grounding member is exposed outward from one end of the developing unit.

5. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first grounding component is an elastic element.

6. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box also includes a control component for forcing the first grounding component to move from the disconnected position to the connected position.

7. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box also includes a resilient reset member for forcing the first grounding member to move from the connected position to the disconnected position.

8. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing box further includes a holding mechanism for holding the first grounding member in the connected position or the disconnected position.

9. The processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, When the first grounding member is not electrically connected to the grounding terminal, the developing roller has a first voltage value; when the first grounding member is electrically connected to the grounding terminal, the developing roller has a second voltage value; the absolute value of the first voltage value is greater than the absolute value of the second voltage value.

10. The processing box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The imaging device further includes a main component, a bracket, and a cover. The main component has a chamber for accommodating the bracket. Along the longitudinal direction of the processing box, the side walls on both sides of the chamber are provided with grounded first grounding terminals. The bracket is used to support the processing box and is movable relative to the main component. The cover is used to open or close the chamber. Along the longitudinal direction of the processing box, the bracket has grounded second grounding terminals on both sides. When the first grounding member is in the connection position, the first grounding member is in electrical contact with at least one of the first grounding terminal and the second grounding terminal. The grounding terminal includes at least one of the first grounding terminal and the second grounding terminal.

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