Processing cartridge

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a processing cartridge, which is detachably mounted in an electronic imaging apparatus. The processing cartridge comprises: a drum unit, which comprises a photosensitive frame on which a photosensitive drum is rotatably supported; a developing unit, which comprises a developing frame on which a developing roller is rotatably supported, wherein the developing unit is pivotally connected to the drum unit, the developing unit can move around an axis of rotation between a first position and a second position relative to the drum unit, the developing roller comes in contact with the photosensitive drum at the first position, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum at the second position, the direction from the first position to the second position is a separation direction, and the direction from the second position to the first position is a contact direction; and a control structure, which is configured to limit the movement of the developing unit in the separation direction under the action of self-gravity, such that the processing cartridge cannot perform drum-roller separation by means of its own gravity, thereby reducing the impact between contact structures of the developing frame and the photosensitive frame, and prolonging the service life of the processing cartridge.

Description

A processing box Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic imaging equipment, and in particular to a processing box. Background Art

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging devices use an electrophotographic imaging process to form images on recording materials (such as paper). Examples of electrophotographic imaging devices include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers, fax machines, and word processors. A cartridge includes at least one of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (a photosensitive member) and a developing member (such as a developing roller) that acts on the drum. The photosensitive member and the developing member may also be integrally constructed into a cartridge (also referred to as a process cartridge) that can be removably mounted in the electrophotographic imaging device. The frame of the process cartridge containing the photosensitive member is called a photosensitive frame, and the frame containing the developing member is called a developing frame.

[0003] During operation of an electronic imaging device, a developer roller contacts and presses against a photosensitive drum, transferring the developer on the roller to the surface of the photosensitive drum, where a specific electrostatic latent image is formed, thus completing the development process. However, when the electronic imaging device is not in operation and the developer roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum, the developer carried on the roller is unnecessarily deposited on the drum. This developer deposits on the recording material, resulting in contamination of the recording material. Furthermore, due to the prolonged friction between the photosensitive drum and the developer roller, the degradation of the developer roller and / or the developer is accelerated. These problems can occur regardless of whether an elastic layer is provided on the surface of the developer roller. Therefore, to address these technical issues, it is necessary to separate the photosensitive drum and the developer roller during periods when the electronic imaging device is not developing to extend the service life of both. The processing box of the prior art relies on the gravity of the developing frame itself to separate. During the separation process, since the weight of the toner in the developing frame changes with the amount of toner used, the difficulty of separation by relying on the self-weight of the developing frame changes. The speed and stability of the drum roller separation will be affected by the reduction of the remaining toner. At the same time, when the amount of remaining toner in the processing box is large, the mass of the developing box part is large, which causes rigid collision between structures when separating by self-weight, which will cause wear or even damage to the processing box components in the long run.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge detachably mounted in an electronic imaging device, comprising:

[0006] a drum unit comprising a photosensitive frame on which a photosensitive drum is rotatably supported, and wherein the photosensitive drum extends along a first direction;

[0007] The developing unit includes a developing frame, wherein the developing frame rotatably supports a developing roller, and the developing roller extends along a first direction;

[0008] The developing unit is pivotally connected to the drum unit, and is movable about a rotation axis relative to the drum unit between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum, and in the second position, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. A direction of movement from the first position to the second position is a separation direction, and a direction of movement from the second position to the first position is a contact direction.

[0009] Also includes:

[0010] The control structure is used to limit the movement of the developing unit along the separation direction under the action of its own gravity.

[0011] In some embodiments, a separating member is further included, wherein the separating member is configured to provide or receive a separating force to move the developing unit from the first position to the second position along a separating direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the separating member is a first type elastic member, and the first type elastic member is disposed between the photosensitive frame and the developing frame.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control structure is a second type of elastic member, which is arranged between the photosensitive frame and the developing frame. The force of the second type of elastic member is greater than or equal to the self-weight of the developing unit, thereby offsetting the self-weight that causes the developing unit to move in the separation direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the force of the separating member is greater than the combined force of the force of the second-type elastic member and the self-weight of the developing unit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first type of elastic member includes at least one compression spring, one end of the compression spring abuts against the photosensitive frame, and the other end of the compression spring abuts against the developing frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second type of elastic member includes at least one torsion spring or tension spring.

[0017] In some embodiments, the developing unit and the drum unit are swingably connected via the control structure, and a center of the control structure is a rotation axis of the developing unit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the control structure is provided at an end position close to the developing frame along the separation direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are arranged opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the direction from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum is the positive direction of the second direction;

[0020] The connecting portion is located on the negative side of the developing roller in the second direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, a straight line passing through the center of the control structure and parallel to the second direction is defined as a first straight line, and the first straight line divides the processing box into a first area and a second area, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are located in the first area, and the area of ​​the first area is larger than the area of ​​the second area.

[0022] In some embodiments, a straight line passing through the center of the control structure and parallel to a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a second straight line, and the second straight line divides the processing box into a third area and a fourth area, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are located in the third area, and the area of ​​the third area is larger than the area of ​​the fourth area.

[0023] In some embodiments, the developing roller is located at one end of the developing frame in the third direction, and the control structure is located at the other end of the developing frame in the third direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control structure includes a connecting member and a pivot portion, the pivot portion includes a first pivot hole provided on the photosensitive frame and a second pivot hole provided on the developing frame, and the connecting member passes through the first pivot hole and the second pivot hole in sequence to pivotally connect the two.

[0025] In some embodiments, the separating member is movably disposed at one end or both ends of the process cartridge in the first direction, and the separating member is capable of receiving a separating force to drive the developing unit to move along the separating direction.

[0026] In some embodiments, the separation member does not protrude from an end portion of the process cartridge in a third direction that intersects the first direction.

[0027] In some embodiments, the separating member is rotatably disposed on the processing box, the separating member is capable of rotating between an initial position and a working position, and the separating member includes a hook portion that receives a separating force; when the hook portion is in the working position, it is farther away from the developing frame in a second direction than when it is in the initial position, and the second direction intersects with the first direction and the third direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the separator is provided with a front end portion, and when the processing box is installed on the electronic imaging device, the front end portion contacts the electronic imaging device and then rotates, so that the separator rotates from the initial position to the working position.

[0029] In some embodiments, it further includes a developing coupling that receives the driving force of the electronic imaging device, and an abutment member connected to the developing coupling, wherein the abutment member can move along a first direction and drive the developing coupling to extend and retract in the first direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, the separation member includes an abutment portion extending along a first direction, which abuts against a separation control member of the electronic imaging device and receives a separation force, driving the developing unit to swing along a separation direction to separate the photosensitive drum and the developing roller.

[0031] In some embodiments, the separating member is swingably arranged on the developing frame around a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a contact slope is provided on the contact portion. The separating control member abuts against the contact slope to cause the separating member to swing around the second direction. After the separating control member is disengaged from the contact slope, the separating member is reset.

[0032] In some embodiments, it also includes a developing coupling that receives the driving force of the electronic imaging device, and a driving gear that can engage with the developing coupling; the developing coupling is rotatably supported on the photosensitive frame, and the driving gear is rotatably supported on the developing frame. When the developing unit is in the first position, the driving gear engages with the developing coupling, and when the separating member receives the separating force to drive the developing unit to move to the second position, the driving gear disengages from the developing coupling.

[0033] In some embodiments, the control structure includes a limiting portion and a restricted portion;

[0034] The limiting portion is provided on the photosensitive frame, and the restricted portion is provided on the developing frame. The restricted portion abuts against the limiting portion to restrict movement of the developing unit in the separation direction under gravity, and the developing roller always keeps in contact with the photosensitive drum.

[0035] In some embodiments, one of the limiting portion and the restricted portion is a limiting hole, and the other is a limiting column, and the limiting column can move in the limiting hole; when the developing unit moves in the separation direction due to its own gravity, the limiting column abuts against the end of the limiting hole away from the photosensitive drum, reducing the abutting pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0036] In some embodiments, the limiting portion is a first rib, the restricted portion is a second rib, and the second rib is movable relative to the first rib; when the developing unit moves in the separation direction due to gravity, the first rib abuts against the second rib, reducing the abutting pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first rib and the second rib extend along a first direction, and projections of the first rib and the second rib in a second direction intersecting the first direction at least partially overlap.

[0038] In some embodiments, the height of the second rib in the third direction is greater than that of the first rib to avoid misalignment when the first rib and the second rib abut against each other, and the third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction.

[0039] In some embodiments, one of the limiting portion and the restricted portion is a limiting protrusion, and the other is a contact surface, and the limiting protrusion can move relative to the contact surface; when the developing unit moves in the separation direction due to gravity, the limiting protrusion contacts the contact surface, reducing the contact pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0040] In some embodiments, the developing unit further includes a force-bearing portion for receiving the contact force of the electronic imaging device. When the force-bearing portion receives the contact force, there is a gap between the restricted portion and the limiting portion, and the developing roller is in close contact with the photosensitive drum; when the contact force is removed, the developing unit moves in a separation direction relative to the drum unit due to its own gravity, the restricted portion and the limiting portion abut to limit the swing amplitude of the developing unit, so that the developing roller maintains non-close contact with the photosensitive drum.

[0041] In some embodiments, the developing frame is provided with an arc portion, the photosensitive frame is provided with a limiting opening, and the arc outer surface of the arc portion abuts against the inner wall of the limiting opening.

[0042] In some embodiments, under the combined action of the limiting protrusion and the abutting surface, the arc portion and the limiting opening, the developing unit cannot swing relative to the drum unit, and the developing roller and the photosensitive drum always maintain close contact.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control structure includes a pressing member that protrudes from the developing frame. When the processing box is installed in the electronic imaging device, the pressing member can cooperate with the electronic imaging device to make the developing unit move along the contact direction and remain in the first position.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pressing member includes a pressing portion and a buffer portion, the pressing portion abuts against the electronic imaging device, and the buffer portion is disposed between the pressing portion and the developing frame to create a buffer area therebetween.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pressing member further includes a mounting portion, the pressing member is mounted on the developing frame through the mounting portion, and the buffer portion is disposed between the mounting portion and the pressing portion.

[0046] In some embodiments, the buffer portion is an elastic member.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control structure includes a rotatable part, which is connected to the powder bin of the developing frame. The developing roller is arranged in the rotatable part. The rotatable part can move relative to the powder bin and drive the developing roller to move together to achieve contact or separation between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

[0048] In some embodiments, during the movement of the rotatable portion, the powder bin remains stationary relative to the photosensitive frame.

[0049] In some embodiments, the rotatable portion is connected to the powder bin via a flexible member.

[0050] In some embodiments, the developing unit further includes a powder feeding roller disposed in the rotatable portion, the axis of the powder feeding roller is the rotation center of the rotatable portion, and the rotatable portion can move between a first position and a second position around the rotation center.

[0051] In some embodiments, a separating member is further included, the separating member being disposed between the photosensitive frame and the rotatable portion, the separating member being configured to provide a separating force for moving the rotatable portion from the first position to the second position.

[0052] In some embodiments, developing bearings are provided at both ends of the developing unit in the first direction, and the rotatable portion is movably disposed on the developing bearings.

[0053] In some embodiments, a support hole for supporting the developing roller is provided on the developing bearing, and the rotatable portion can drive the developing roller to move relative to the developing bearing within the range of the support hole.

[0054] In some embodiments, the supporting hole is an arc-shaped hole.

[0055] In some embodiments, the flexible member is deformable.

[0056] Beneficial effects of the present invention: The present invention provides a processing box, which is provided with a control structure, which can limit the movement of the developing unit along the separation direction under the action of its own gravity, so that the processing box cannot separate the drum roller by its own gravity, thereby reducing the impact between the contact structure of the developing frame and the photosensitive frame, and extending the service life of the processing box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a non-driving end of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG4 is a schematic side view of the structure of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] 5 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a drum unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG8 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point A in FIG7;

[0065] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a developing unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG10 is a schematic side structural diagram of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG11 is a second schematic side structural diagram of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 12 is a side sectional view of the processing box of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a process cartridge in a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] 14 is a structural exploded view of the process cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0071] 15 is a schematic structural diagram of the drum unit in Example 3 of the present invention;

[0072] 16 is a schematic structural diagram of the developing unit after opening the developing frame in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0073] 17 is a schematic structural diagram of the driving end of the process cartridge in Example 3 of the present invention;

[0074] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a separation member in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 19 is a schematic structural diagram of the developing end cover in Example 3 of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the matching portion of the separator and the developing end cover in Example 3 of the present invention;

[0077] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of the abutting member and the developing drive head after being separated in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 22 is a side view of the drum and roller of the process cartridge in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] 23 is a schematic structural diagram of the drive end of the process cartridge in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0080] FIG24 is a schematic structural diagram of a separation member in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 25 is a schematic structural diagram of a process cartridge in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] FIG26 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point B in FIG25;

[0083] FIG27 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the separation control member and the abutment inclined surface in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of the separation control member and the abutting inclined surface after separation in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 29 is a side view of the drum and roller of the process cartridge separated in the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the process cartridge in Example 5 of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 31 is an exploded view of the process cartridge structure in Example 5 of the present invention;

[0088] FIG32 is a schematic structural diagram of a drum unit in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] FIG33 is a schematic diagram of a developing unit after opening a developing frame in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0090] FIG34 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving end in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0091] Figure 35 is a side view of the process cartridge in embodiment five of the present invention;

[0092] FIG36 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point C in FIG35;

[0093] FIG37 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving end in a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0094] FIG38 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point D in FIG37;

[0095] Figure 39 is a side view of the process cartridge in embodiment seven of the present invention;

[0096] FIG40 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point E in FIG39;

[0097] Figure 41 is a side view of the process cartridge in embodiment eight of the present invention;

[0098] FIG42 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a process cartridge according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention from one angle;

[0099] FIG43 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the process cartridge according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0100] FIG44 is a schematic structural diagram of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention when not placed in an electronic imaging device;

[0101] FIG45 is a schematic structural diagram of a process cartridge according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention after being placed in an electronic imaging device;

[0102] 46 is a schematic structural diagram of a pressing member of a process cartridge according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0103] Figure 47 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the process cartridge according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0104] Figure 48 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0105] FIG49 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the process cartridge according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] Figure 50 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of one end of the process cartridge in the length direction according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0107] 51 is a structural diagram and a partial enlarged view of a process cartridge according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0108] FIG52 is a schematic structural diagram of a developing unit according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0109] Figure 53 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the developing unit of embodiment 10 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0110] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described are only a portion of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0111] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0112] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "fixed," and the like should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communication between them; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0113] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0114] In the above description, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0115] The following descriptions of directions are as follows:

[0116] The directions A1 and A2 are the first directions, the direction indicated by A1 is the positive direction of the first direction, and the direction indicated by A2 is the negative direction of the first direction;

[0117] The directions B1 and B2 are the second direction, the direction indicated by B1 is the positive direction of the second direction, and the direction indicated by B2 is the negative direction of the second direction;

[0118] The directions of C1 and C2 are the third direction, the direction pointed by C1 is the positive direction of the third direction, and the direction pointed by C2 is the negative direction of the third direction.

[0119] The first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect with each other.

[0120] The electronic imaging device forms an image on a recording material using, for example, an electrophotographic imaging process. Examples of electronic imaging devices include, for example, an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer or a laser printer), and an electrophotographic printer-type fax machine. A processing cartridge is removably mounted in the electronic imaging device. The processing cartridge includes a photosensitive drum 220, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220, and the like. The electronic imaging device includes a drive head for transmitting a driving force of the electronic imaging device to the processing cartridge to operate the processing cartridge. The electronic imaging device also includes a force applying member 900.

[0121] Example 1

[0122] As shown in FIG1 , this embodiment provides a process cartridge that is removably mounted on an electronic imaging device, comprising a developing unit 100, a drum unit 200, and a drive assembly. The developing unit 100 comprises a developing frame 110, a developing roller, a powder feed roller, a stirring frame, and a powder discharge blade. The drum unit 200 comprises a photosensitive frame 210, a photosensitive drum 220, a charging roller 230 (shown in FIG15 ), and a cleaning blade. The process cartridge is generally rectangular, having a length in a first direction (directions A1 and A2), a width in a second direction (directions B1 and B2), and a height in a third direction (directions C1 and C2). The developing unit 100 and the drum unit 200 are disposed opposite each other in the second direction, with the direction from the developing unit 100 toward the drum unit 200 being the B1 direction. The process cartridge has one end along the C1 direction as the upper end and one end along the C2 direction as the lower end. The photosensitive drum 220 is disposed at the upper end of the drum unit 200, and the developing roller is disposed at the upper end of the developing unit 100. One end of the processing box along the B1 direction is the front end, and one end along the B2 direction is the rear end. One end of the processing box along the A1 direction is the driving end, and one end along the A2 direction is the non-driving end.

[0123] As shown in Figure 1, the length of the developing frame 110 extends along a first direction. The developing frame 110 includes a powder hopper, a developing bearing 102, and a developing end cover 101. The powder hopper is used to hold carbon powder and is roughly in the shape of a long box. The developing frame 110 is provided with developing bearings 102 at both ends of the length direction to support the developing roller, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame. The developing end cover 101 is arranged on the outside of the developing bearing 102 to protect the drive assembly located outside the developing bearing 102. The developing roller, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame rotate under the action of the driving assembly. The axial directions of the developing roller, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame are all along the length direction (first direction) of the developing frame 110. The carbon powder in the powder hopper is stirred by the stirring frame to prevent the carbon powder in the powder hopper from clumping. At the same time, the carbon powder can also be transported toward the powder feeding roller. The powder feeding roller transports the carbon powder to the developing roller and is adsorbed by the charged developing roller.

[0124] As shown in Figure 1 , the photosensitive frame 210 also has a lengthwise direction, which coincides with the lengthwise direction of the developing frame 110 (both along directions A1 and A2). Photosensitive end caps 201 supporting the photosensitive drum 220 are provided at both ends of the photosensitive frame 210 in the first direction. Toner attracted by the developing roller is transferred to the photosensitive drum 220 through a potential difference between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 220. The toner on the photosensitive drum 220 is then transferred via a transfer belt of an electronic imaging device, forming an image on a recording material (e.g., paper). A charging roller 230 (shown in Figure 15 ) is used to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 220, enabling it to attract toner.

[0125] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the drive assembly includes a photosensitive coupling 310, a developing coupling 320, a developing roller gear 340, a powder feed roller gear 350, a stirring frame gear 360, a first idler gear 370, and a second idler gear 380. The drive assembly can be disposed at one and / or both ends of the process cartridge in the first direction (lengthwise direction). Specifically, the photosensitive coupling 310 is disposed at one end (preferably the drive end / A1 end) of the photosensitive drum 220 in the lengthwise direction, and is configured to engage with the photosensitive drive head of the electronic imaging device to receive driving force and drive the photosensitive drum 220 to rotate. The developing coupling 320 is disposed at the drive end of the developing frame 110 and is located outside the developing bearing 102. The developing coupling 320 is sleeved on the portion of the powder feed roller shaft that extends beyond the developing bearing 102. The developing end cap 101 is provided with an opening for exposing the developing coupling 320. The developing coupling 320 engages with the developing drive head of the electronic imaging device and receives driving force. The developing roller gear 340, the powder feeding roller gear 350, the stirring frame gear 360, the first idler gear 370, and the second idler gear 380 are arranged at the non-driving end (the end in the direction A2) of the developing frame 110. The developing roller gear 340, the powder feeding roller gear 350, and the stirring frame gear 360 are respectively sleeved on the shafts of the developing roller, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame extending outside the developing bearing 102 at the non-driving end (the end in the direction A2). The developing roller gear 340 and the powder feeding roller gear 350 are respectively sleeved on the shafts of the developing roller, the powder feeding roller, and the stirring frame extending outside the developing bearing 102 at the non-driving end (the end in the direction A2). The first idler gear 370 is meshed with the second idler gear 380, and the second idler gear 380 is meshed with the stirring frame gear 360. The developing coupling 320 receives the driving force to drive the powder feeding roller to rotate, and the powder feeding roller gear 350 rotates synchronously. The developing roller gear 340 and the stirring frame gear 360 are directly or indirectly meshed with the powder feeding roller gear 350, so that the developing coupling 320 transmits the received driving force, thereby driving the developing roller, the powder feeding roller and the stirring frame to rotate.

[0126] During the operation of the electronic imaging device, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 220 need to be in close contact. When the electronic imaging device is not working, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 220 need to be separated by a certain distance to avoid the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 220 being in contact for a long time, which may cause the photosensitive drum 220 to be contaminated by excess developer attached to the developing roller, or the developing roller to be deformed or the photosensitive drum 220 to be worn.

[0127] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 , based on this, the drum unit 200 and the developing unit 100 in this embodiment are configured to be capable of relative movement, thereby enabling the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 220 to contact each other when the electronic imaging device is operating and separate when not operating. In this embodiment, the developing unit 100 and the drum unit 200 are pivotally connected. Specifically, the drum unit 200 and the developing unit 100 are pivotally connected about a connecting portion 300. The central axis of the connecting portion 300 defines the axis (rotational axis / swing center) along which the developing unit 100 swings relative to the drum unit 200. The connecting portion 300 includes a connecting member 301 and a pivoting portion. The pivoting portion includes a first pivot hole 211 provided on the photosensitive frame 210 and a second pivot hole 111 provided on the developing frame 110. The connecting member 301 passes through the first pivot hole 211 and the second pivot hole 111, respectively, to pivotally connect the two. The first pivot holes 211 are provided at both ends of the photosensitive frame 210 in the first direction, and the second pivot holes 111 are provided at both ends of the developing frame 110 in the first direction (specifically, they can be provided on the developing bearings 102 at both ends). There are two connecting members 301, which are pivotally connected to the first pivot holes 211 and the second pivot holes 111 at both ends in the first direction. The connecting members 301 are provided at both ends of the processing cartridge in the first direction. There are two connecting members 301, and specifically, the connecting members 301 can be components such as screws or pins. In this embodiment, the connecting portion is located directly below the developing roller. When viewed in the third direction, the rotation axis of the developing unit 100 relative to the drum unit 200 is located within the projection of the developing roller. In the second direction, the connecting portion is approximately located in the middle of the processing cartridge.

[0128] When the process cartridge is removed from the electronic imaging device, the drum unit 200 assumes a removal posture (the posture shown in FIG. 3 ). When the drum unit 200 is in the removal posture, the developer unit 100 is movable relative to the drum unit 200 along the rotation axis between a first position and a second position. As shown in FIG. 3 , in the first position, the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum 220, and in the second position, the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum 220. The directions in which the developer unit 100 rotates relative to the drum unit 200 about the rotation axis include a separation direction D1 and a contact direction D2 opposite to the separation direction D1. The developer unit 100 rotates from the first position to the second position along the separation direction D1, with the separation direction D1 being clockwise when viewed from the perspective of FIG. The developer unit 100 rotates from the second position to the first position along the contact direction D2, with the contact direction D2 being counterclockwise when viewed from the perspective of FIG.

[0129] When the drum unit 200 is in the removal posture, the developing unit 100 tends to move toward the second position along the separation direction D1 under the action of its own gravity. That is, its own gravity can cause the developing unit 100 to rotate to the second position along the separation direction D1.

[0130] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in this embodiment, the processing box also includes a control structure for limiting the movement of the developing unit along the separation direction D1 under the action of its own gravity; specifically, the control structure in this embodiment is a second-type elastic member 420, and the second-type elastic member 420 is arranged between the photosensitive frame 210 and the developing frame 110. When the drum unit 200 is in a removal posture, the second-type elastic member 420 can offset the self-gravity that causes the developing unit 100 to move to the second position, thereby limiting the movement of the developing unit 100 along the separation direction under the action of its own gravity, that is, the self-gravity of the developing unit 100 cannot cause the developing unit 100 to rotate along the separation direction D1, thereby maintaining the first position. Specifically, the second-type elastic member 420 includes at least one torsion spring, preferably two torsion springs. That is, the second-type elastic member 420 is disposed near the rotation axis in the third direction. Preferably, the coil portion of the torsion spring is coaxially disposed with the rotation axis and can be mounted in the first pivot hole 211 of the photosensitive frame 210 or the second pivot hole 111 of the developing frame 110, or mounted on the connecting member 301. One arm of the torsion spring abuts the photosensitive frame 210, and the other arm abuts the developing frame 110. When the drum unit 200 is in the removal position, the torsion spring is in a compressed / torsional state. The torsion spring exerts a force on the developing unit 100 in a contact direction D2 opposite to the separation direction D1, i.e., exerts a force on the developing unit 100 in a counterclockwise rotational direction. The force of the torsion spring is greater than or equal to the self-weight of the developing unit 100, thereby offsetting the self-weight of the developing unit 100. In other words, the self-weight cannot cause the developing unit 100 to rotate in the separation direction D1 to the second position.

[0131] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 , after the second-type elastic member 420 counteracts gravity, the developer unit 100 cannot move to the second position under gravity, achieving separation of the developer roller from the photosensitive drum 220. Therefore, in this embodiment, the process cartridge is further provided with a separating member for providing a force to move the developer unit 100 from the first position to the second position. In this embodiment, the separating member is a first-type elastic member 410, which is disposed between the photosensitive frame 210 and the developer frame 110. The first-type elastic member 410 includes at least one compression spring, the elastic expansion and contraction direction of which extends along the second direction, with one end of the compression spring abutting the photosensitive frame 210 and the other end abutting the developer frame 110. The second-type elastic member 420 is disposed at the upper end of the process cartridge in the third direction, i.e., near the photosensitive drum 220. Preferably, there are two first-type elastic members 410, which are respectively arranged at the two ends of the photosensitive frame 210 and the developing frame 110 in the first direction. The photosensitive frame 210 and the developing frame 110 can be provided with connecting structures such as protrusions / grooves for connecting the first-type elastic members 410.

[0132] The force exerted by the first-type elastic member 410 on the developing unit 100 causes the developing unit 100 to rotate about the rotation axis in the separation direction D1. Specifically, the force exerted by the first-type elastic member 410 on the developing unit 100 is clockwise, causing the developing unit 100 to rotate from the first position to the second position along the separation direction D1. Furthermore, the combined force of the force exerted by the second-type elastic member 420 and the weight of the developing unit 100 is greater than or equal to zero. The force exerted by the first-type elastic member 410 is greater than the combined force of the force exerted by the second-type elastic member 420 and the weight of the developing unit 100. This ensures that the developing unit 100 can rotate to the second position, ensuring stable separation of the photosensitive drum 220 and the developing roller.

[0133] The developing unit 100 is also provided with a force-bearing portion 112 for receiving the contact force applied by the force-applying member 900 of the electronic imaging device. The force-bearing portion 112 is a protruding structure arranged on the developing frame 110. The force-bearing portion 112 is arranged near the upper end of the developing frame 110 in the third direction. The force-bearing portion 112 can be arranged at one end or both ends of the developing frame 110 in the length direction.

[0134] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, when the processing box is installed in the electronic imaging device but no development work is performed, the drum unit 200 is in a removal posture. Since the force of the first type of elastic member 410 is greater than the combined force of the force of the second type of elastic member 420 and the self-gravity, the developing unit 100 rotates to the second position under the action of the first type of elastic member 410 and remains in the second position. The developing roller and the photosensitive drum 220 are always in a separated state. At this time, the second type of elastic member 420 is in a compressed state due to offsetting the self-gravity.

[0135] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, when developing work is required, the force-applying member 900 of the electronic imaging device moves in the direction B1, and after contacting the force-bearing part 112, applies a contact force along the direction B1 to the force-bearing part 112. The contact force acts on the entire developing unit 100, and under the action of the contact force, the force of the first-type elastic member 410 is overcome, causing the first-type elastic member 410 to be compressed and deformed. The developing unit 100 rotates from the second position to the first position around the rotation axis along the contact direction D2 (counterclockwise), and the upper end of the developing unit 100 moves in the direction close to the photosensitive drum 220. The developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum 220, and the two arms of the second-type elastic member 420 return to their original state or stretched state. At this time, the combined force of the contact force, the force of the second-type elastic member 420, and the self-weight of the developing unit 100 is greater than the force of the first-type elastic member 410. The developing roller maintains contact with the photosensitive drum 220 and can perform developing work.

[0136] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, when the development work is completed, the force-applying member 900 of the electronic imaging device moves in the direction of B2, the contact force is removed, and the elastic deformation of the first type of elastic member 410 is restored, pushing the developing unit 100 to rotate from the first position to the second position along the separation direction D1 (clockwise) around the rotation axis. The upper end of the developing unit 100 moves in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 220, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum 220, and the second type of elastic member 420 is compressed. Since the force of the first type of elastic member 410 is greater than the combined force of the force of the second type of elastic member 420 and the self-gravity of the developing unit 100, the processing box remains in a state of drum-roller separation, waiting for the next development work to start or be removed from the electronic imaging device.

[0137] The process cartridge of this embodiment has two types of elastic members disposed between the developing frame 110 and the photosensitive frame 210. The first type of elastic member 410 provides a force that enables the process cartridge to complete the drum-roller separation process, ensuring a stable separation process. The second type of elastic member 420 provides a force that counteracts the self-weight of the developing frame 110. When the force-applying component in the printer removes the thrust from the developing frame 110, the second type of elastic member 420 acts so that the separation of the developing frame 110 is solely due to the action of the first type of elastic member 410. This mitigates the impact between the contact structure of the developing frame 110 and the photosensitive frame 210, thereby extending the service life of the process cartridge. In addition to the single compression spring and single torsion spring provided in this embodiment, the first and second types of elastic members of this embodiment may also be two tension springs with different tensions, two compression springs with different compression levels, or the like. The first type of elastic member may also be a tension spring, a torsion spring, or the like.

[0138] Example 2

[0139] This embodiment provides another processing box. Compared with the first embodiment, the difference lies in the different control structure. The connecting part in the first embodiment is omitted, and the control structure is used instead of the connecting part to pivotally connect the developing unit 100 and the drum unit 200.

[0140] As shown in Figures 5 to 12, in this embodiment, the control structure includes a connecting member 301a and a pivoting portion. The pivoting portion includes a first pivot hole 211a provided on the photosensitive frame 210 and a second pivot hole 111a provided on the developing frame 110. The connecting member 301a passes through the first pivot hole 211a and the second pivot hole 111a in sequence, pivotally connecting the two. That is, the centers of the connecting member 301a, the first pivot hole 211a, and the second pivot hole 111a coincide with each other. The central axis of the three is the central axis of the control structure, which is also the rotational axis of the developing unit 100 relative to the drum unit 200. The control structure is identical to the connecting member 300 of the first embodiment, differing only in the location on the process cartridge.

[0141] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 10 to 12, in this embodiment, the control structure is located on the rear side of the developing roller 120 in the second direction (i.e., on the B2 direction side) in the second direction. The control structure is arranged at a position close to the end of the developing frame 110 along the separation direction (D1 direction) (i.e., close to the C2 direction end / lower end of the developing frame 100). The developing roller 120 is located at one end of the developing frame 110 in the third direction (the C1 direction end), and the control structure is close to the other end of the developing frame 110 in the third direction (the C2 direction end). That is, the axis of the control structure is located on the B2 and C2 direction side (i.e., the rear lower side) of the axis of the developing roller 120. When viewed along the A2 direction, the central axis of the control structure does not overlap with the axis of the developing roller 120. When viewed along the third direction, the central axis of the control structure is located outside the projection range of the developing roller 120.

[0142] As shown in Figure 10, observing along the A2 direction, a straight line passing through the center of the control structure and parallel to the second direction is defined as the first straight line L1. The first straight line L1 divides the processing box into a first area E1 and a second area E2 in the third direction. The developing roller 120, the powder feeding roller and the photosensitive drum 220 are all located in the first area E1. The area of ​​the first area E1 is larger than that of the second area E2.

[0143] As shown in Figure 11, observing along the A2 direction, the straight line passing through the center of the control structure and parallel to the third direction is defined as the second straight line L2. The second straight line L2 divides the processing box into a third area E3 and a fourth area E4 in the second direction. The developing roller 120, the powder feeding roller and the photosensitive drum 220 are located in the third area E3. The area of ​​the third area E3 is larger than that of the fourth area E4.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the process cartridge is further provided with a separating member (a first type elastic member 410 ) similar to that in the first embodiment, for providing a force for moving the developing unit 100 from the first position to the second position.

[0145] The force exerted by the first type elastic member 410 on the developing unit 100 causes the developing unit 100 to rotate along the separation direction D1 around the axis (rotation axis) of the control structure, that is, the force exerted by the first type elastic member 410 on the developing unit 100 is in the clockwise direction, and the developing unit 100 rotates from the first position to the second position along the separation direction D1.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 to 9 and 12, the photosensitive frame 210 is provided with a limiting portion 212, and the developing frame 110 is provided with a restricted portion 113 that cooperates with the limiting portion 212. The limiting portion 212 and the restricted portion 113 cooperate to limit the swing range of the developing unit 100 in the separation direction D1. Specifically, the restricted portion 113 is a protrusion provided on the side wall of the developing frame 110 at one end in the A1 direction. The protrusion protrudes from the side wall of the developing frame 110 along the A1 direction. The restricted portion 113 is provided near the control structure and is located on the positive side of the control structure in the second direction (the B1 side). The limiting portion 212 is a groove portion formed on the photosensitive frame 210, and the protrusion is located in the groove portion. The groove portion can be provided with groove walls at both the C1 and C2 direction ends, or can be provided with a groove wall only at the C1 direction end. When the developing unit 100 swings along the separation direction D1 until the restricted portion 113 abuts against the limiting portion 212 (abuts against the groove wall at the C1 direction end of the groove portion), the movement of the developing unit in the separation direction D1 is limited, and the developing unit 100 cannot continue to move in the separation direction D1, thereby preventing the processing box from being excessively separated during the separation of the drum roller.

[0147] As shown in Figures 5 to 12, when the processing box is installed in the electronic imaging device but no development work is performed, the processing box is maintained in the second position under the action of the first type of elastic member 410 (separating member), and the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are always in a separated state.

[0148] As shown in Figures 5 to 12, when developing work is required, the force-applying member of the electronic imaging device moves in the direction of B1, and after contacting the force-bearing part 112, a contact force along the direction of B1 is applied to the force-bearing part 112. The contact force acts on the entire developing unit 100. Under the action of the contact force, the force of the first type of elastic member 410 is overcome, so that the first type of elastic member 410 is compressed and deformed. The developing unit 100 rotates from the second position to the first position along the contact direction D2 (counterclockwise) around the axis of the control structure. The upper end of the developing unit 100 moves in the direction close to the photosensitive drum 220, and the developing roller 120 contacts and maintains a contact state with the photosensitive drum 220, so that developing work can be performed.

[0149] As shown in Figures 5 to 12, when the development work is completed, the force-applying member of the electronic imaging device moves in the direction of B2, the contact force is removed, and the elastic deformation of the first type elastic member 410 is restored, pushing the developing unit 100 to rotate from the first position to the second position along the separation direction D1 (clockwise) around the axis of the control structure. The upper end of the developing unit 100 moves in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 220, and the developing roller 120 is separated from the photosensitive drum 220. When the restricted portion 113 rotates with the developing frame 110 to abut against the limiting portion 212, the rotational movement of the developing unit 100 stops, and the processing box remains in a drum-roller separation state under the action of the first type elastic member 410, waiting for the next development work to start or be removed from the electronic imaging device.

[0150] The control structure of the photosensitive frame 210 and the developing frame 110 of the processing box of this embodiment is arranged at the end close to the developing frame 110 along the separation direction D1, so that the processing box cannot rely on its own gravity to separate the drum and roller, and the moving distance of the developing unit 100 when separating may be reduced. This solves the problem in the prior art that when the connecting part is arranged approximately in the middle of the processing box, when there is a lot of toner residue in the processing box, the mass of the developing unit 100 is large, and when there is a separation, the moving distance of the developing unit 100 will be large, resulting in rigid collision between structures, which will cause wear or even damage to the processing box components in the long run, thereby ensuring the service life of the processing box.

[0151] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0152] Example 3

[0153] This embodiment provides another processing box. Compared with the first embodiment, the difference lies in a different control structure, a different separation member structure, and an abutment member.

[0154] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, in this embodiment, in order to ensure that the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are in continuous contact during the development operation, a control structure (a second type of elastic member 420a) is provided between the developing frame 110 and the photosensitive frame 210, which is used to limit the movement of the developing unit 100 along the separation direction D1 under the action of its own gravity. The second type of elastic member 420a is located on the upper side of the processing box (C1 direction side). The second type of elastic member 420a adopts a tension spring, and its two ends are respectively connected to the developing frame 110 and the photosensitive frame 210. The second type of elastic member 420a offsets the effect of the self-gravity of the developing unit 100, limits the movement of the developing unit 100 along the separation direction D1 under the action of its own gravity, and keeps the developing unit 100 in the first position, and the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 remain in contact.

[0155] As shown in Figures 13 to 21, the abutment 150 is slidably arranged at the driving end (the end in the A1 direction) of the developing unit 100, and can be specifically arranged on the developing end cover 101. The developing end cover 101 has a protrusion 1011, and the interior of the protrusion 1011 is a hollow structure. The protrusion 1011 is provided with an opening 1012 and a slot 1013. The opening 1012 is located on the A1 side of the developing end cover 101, and is used for the developing coupling 320 to be telescopically moved on the developing end cover 101, so that the developing coupling 320 can be exposed from the opening 1012. The slot 1013 is located on the B2 side of the opening 1012, and is used to provide a space for the abutment 150 to be inserted. The abutment 150 can move in the slot 1013. The abutment 150 is a roughly rectangular structure, and its B1 side is engaged with the developing coupling 320. Specifically, the circumferential side of the developing coupling 320 is provided with There is a clamped portion 321, which can be a clamping rib arranged around the circumferential side of the developing coupling 320. A clamping portion 151 that cooperates with the clamped portion 321 is provided on the B1 side of the abutting member 150. The clamping portion 151 is a clamping groove structure, and the clamping groove structure has an arc-shaped contour that matches the circumferential side of the developing coupling 320. When the clamping groove is clamped with the clamping rib, the arc-shaped contour of the clamping portion 151 fits the circumferential side of the developing coupling 320, so that the cooperation between the clamping portion 151 and the clamped portion 321 does not affect the rotation of the developing coupling 320, and through the abutment between the clamping portion 151 and the clamped portion 321, the abutting member 150 can drive the developing coupling 320 to move along the first direction.

[0156] As shown in Figures 20 and 21 , the abutment member 150 can abut against the separation control member 800 to receive the drive of the separation control member 800, so that the abutment member 150 can move along the A1 direction within the slot 1013. Preferably, the B2 direction side of the abutment member 150 is configured as a planar structure, which abuts against the separation control member 800.

[0157] As shown in Figure 21, the processing box also includes a third type of elastic member 160, one end of the third type of elastic member 160 is connected to the developing frame 110, and the other end is connected to the abutment member 150. The third type of elastic member 160 can adopt a tension spring. Through the third type of elastic member 160, the abutment member 150 can rely on the elastic force to reset when it is out of contact with the separation control member 800, so that it can move and reset in the slot 1013 (move along the A2 direction), thereby realizing the function of the developing coupling 320 to extend and retract in the developing end cover 101.

[0158] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the separator 430 is movably arranged on the processing box and is used to receive the separation force of the electronic imaging device to drive the developing unit 100 to move along the separation direction D1. The separator 430 is a bent strip structure, and the outer shape of the separator 430 is roughly "Z"-shaped. The separator 430 can be set on the side wall of the developing frame 110 at one end or both ends of the processing box in the first direction, that is, on the side wall of the driving end and / or the non-driving end. Specifically, the separator 430 is swingably arranged on the plane on the C1 side of the developing end cover 101. In the third direction, the separator 430 is located on the upper side of the developing coupling 320 and the abutment 150, and the separator 430 is located between the two ends of the processing box in the third direction, that is, the separator 430 does not protrude from the processing box in the third direction. During the installation of the processing box, the separator 430 will not interfere with the electronic imaging device in the third direction. The separator 430 includes a hook portion 431 and a front end portion 432. A rotating portion 433 is provided in the middle of the separator 430, which is located between the hook portion 431 and the front end portion 432. The separator 430 is swung around the rotating portion 433 and is set on the developing end cover 101. Specifically, the rotating portion 433 is a socket, which is inserted into the rotating portion 433 through a pin / pin shaft and connected to the developing end cover 101, so that the separator 430 swings around the position of the rotating portion 433. The swing axis of the separator 430 extends along the third direction, that is, the separator 430 swings within the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction.

[0159] As shown in Figures 17, 18 and 20, the hook portion 431 is a curved strip structure with a hook claw structure at its end. The hook portion 431 is used to receive the separation force of the separation control member 800. Specifically, the separation control member 800 abuts against the hook claw of the hook portion 431. The hook portion 431 has a component extending along the first direction and a component extending along the second direction. Since the separation member 430 can be set at the driving end and / or the non-driving end of the processing box, this embodiment takes the separation member 430 being set at the driving end as an example, and the hook portion 431 has an extension component along the A2 direction and the B2 direction.

[0160] It should be noted that the running trajectory of the separation control member 800 in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction is an arc-shaped path, and has corresponding components in the first direction and the second direction. Therefore, correspondingly, the hook portion 431 also has a corresponding force component, so that the hook portion 431 has a shape that conforms to the running trajectory of the separation control member 800, and can receive the separation force transmitted by the separation control member 800. The hook portion 431 abuts against the separation control member 800, so that the separation member 430 has a separation force moving along the second direction (B2 direction), driving the developing unit 100 to swing relative to the drum unit 200 along the separation direction D1, thereby separating the developing roller 120 from the photosensitive drum 220.

[0161] As shown in Figures 17, 18 and 20, the front end portion 432 is arranged opposite to the hook portion 431 in the first direction of the separator 430. The front end portion 432 is also the end structure of the separator 430, and its end has a rounded structure. The separator 430 can swing between the initial position and the working position. In the initial position, the front end portion 432 is located at the front end of the processing box (A1 direction end). When the processing box is inserted into the electronic imaging device, since the processing box is not fully installed in place at this time, as the processing box continues to move, the front end portion 432 first abuts against the side wall of the electronic imaging device and the separator 430 is pushed to swing with the installation action. The swing of the separator 430 causes the hook portion 431 to shift relative to the initial position to reach the position of engaging the separation control member 800 (i.e., the working position). In the second direction, the hook portion 431 is farther away from the developing frame 110 in the working position than in the initial position, thereby facilitating abutment with the separation control member 800. In the initial position, the hook portion 431 is closer to the developing frame 110 and the hook portion 431 is prevented from interfering with other components of the electronic imaging device during installation.

[0162] Furthermore, in order to enable the separator 430 to remain in the initial position before it is fully installed, the processing box is also provided with a retaining member. Specifically, the retaining member can be a torsion spring (not shown), which maintains the separator 430 in the initial position. In the initial position, the hook portion 431 is close to the developing unit 100 (the hook portion 431 is as close to the developing frame 110 as possible). When the front end 432 abuts against the side wall of the electronic imaging device, the torsion force of the torsion spring is overcome, so that the hook portion 431 swings and is located in the working position. In the working position, the hook portion 431 is away from the developing unit 100 (the hook portion 431 reaches the position of the engaging separation control member 800). The above structure avoids the problem of the hook portion 431 opening and closing angle in the B2 direction and the developing frame 110 being too large, which causes interference when the processing box is installed.

[0163] When the processing box starts to develop, the separation control member 800 of the electronic imaging device moves simultaneously in the direction close to the B1 end and the A1 end of the processing box, abuts against the abutment 150 and drives the abutment 150 to move along the A1 direction, so that the developing coupling 320 engaged with the abutment 150 extends along the A1 direction to engage with the developing drive head and receive the driving force of the electronic imaging device. When the abutment 150 moves, the third type of elastic member 160 is deformed (the tension spring is stretched).

[0164] As shown in Figure 22, when the developing work stops, the separation control member 800 of the electronic imaging device moves in the direction away from the B1 end and the A1 end of the processing box, and the separation control member 800 abuts against the hook portion 431 of the separation member 430 and receives the separation force, so that the developing unit 100 swings from the first position to the second position along the separation direction D1, and the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are separated. At the same time, the abutment member 150 is no longer affected by the abutment of the separation control member 800, and under the action of the third type of elastic member 160, the abutment member 150 and the developing coupling 320 move along the A2 direction to the retracted position.

[0165] In this embodiment, a second type of elastic member 420a (control structure) is provided on the process cartridge to offset the gravity of the developing unit 100, maintaining the developing unit 100 in the first position and contacting the developing roller 120 with the photosensitive drum 220. The process cartridge is also provided with a separator 430 that receives the separation force output by the separation control member 800 of the electronic imaging device to achieve drum-roller separation. Separator 430 is disposed on a side wall of the process cartridge, extending outwardly in the second direction relative to the developing frame 110. The position of separator 430 is optimized for process cartridge installation, ensuring that the upper and lower sides of the process cartridge do not interfere with installation and prevent interference or damage to separator 430.

[0166] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0167] Example 4

[0168] As shown in FIG. 23 , this embodiment provides another processing box. Compared with the third embodiment, the difference is that the abutting member is omitted and a driving gear is provided; the structure of the separating member is different.

[0169] As shown in FIG23 , the process cartridge structure of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that, because the driving structure of the developing unit 100 is complex and difficult to engage, and collisions between the structures can also cause wear on the developing coupling 320 structure, the developing coupling 320 of this embodiment is rotatably mounted on the photosensitive end cover 201 and supported by the photosensitive end cover 201. The developing coupling 320 cannot be extended or retracted, nor does it move with the drum roller contact / separation process of the developing unit 100. The developing coupling 320 is also not connected to the shaft of the powder feed roller 130, that is, the developing coupling 320 cannot directly drive the powder feed roller 130 to rotate when it rotates. When the drum roller of the process cartridge is separated, the developing coupling 320 remains engaged with the developing drive head of the electronic imaging device. A driving gear 330 is provided on the A1 direction side of the developing frame 110. The driving gear 330 is coaxially arranged at the end of a driving shaft (not shown). The driving shaft is passed through the developing frame 110 along the first direction. The A2 direction end of the driving shaft is coaxially provided with corresponding gears that mesh with the developing roller gear 340, the powder feeding roller gear 350, and the stirring gear to transmit driving force, that is, the developing roller 120, the powder feeding roller 130 and the stirring frame 140 are driven through the non-driving end. The driving gear 330 is supported on the developing frame 110. When the developing unit 100 moves to the second position (drum roller separation), the driving gear 330 also moves along the separation direction D1. The driving gear 330 disengages from the developing coupling 320 and stops receiving the driving force of the developing coupling 320. The developing coupling 320 is always engaged with the developing drive head and rotates, that is, when the drum roller is separated, the developing coupling 320 is in an idling state. When the developing unit 100 moves to the first position along the contact direction D2 (drum roller contact), the driving gear 330 engages with the developing coupling 320, and the driving force can be transmitted to the non-driving end.

[0170] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the separator 440 of this embodiment is set at the non-driving end as an example. The separator 440 is set on the developing frame 110 so that it can swing and reset. Of course, the separator 440 can also be set on the developing end cover 101. Similar to the embodiment, in the third direction, the separator 440 is located between the two ends of the process cartridge in the third direction. That is, the separator 440 does not protrude from the process cartridge in the third direction and does not interfere with the two ends of the process cartridge in the third direction. The outer shape of the separator 440 is an "L"-shaped structure. The separator 440 includes an abutment portion 441 and a positioning portion 442. To better adapt to the swing shape of the separator 440, the separator 440 extends in the second direction (direction B2) into a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure is provided with a connecting through hole. The separator 440 is mounted on the connecting post on the developing frame 110 through the connecting through hole and can swing around the connecting post. The connecting post extends in the direction B2, that is, the swing axis of the separator 440 is in the second direction. The abutment portion 441 is provided at the end of the separation member along the B2 direction. The abutment portion 441 extends along the first direction. Abutment slope 4411 is provided at the end of the abutment portion 441 (the end away from the cylindrical structure). The abutment slope 4411 is closer to the end of the separation control member 800, which is convenient for abutting with the separation control member 800. Abutment plane 4412 is provided on the B1 direction side of the abutment portion 441, which is used to abut with the separation control member 800 to receive the separation force, so that the developing frame 110 is forced to swing.

[0171] As shown in Figure 26, the positioning portion 442 is a portion protruding from the cylindrical structure of the separator 440, which can be set as a convex strip structure. The positioning portion 442 is located on the upper side of the separator 440 (C1 direction side), and the developing frame 110 is provided with a limiting portion 114. The limiting portion 114 is a protruding structure on the developing frame 110 along the second direction (B2 direction). The limiting portion 114 can abut against the positioning portion 442 in the first direction. It should be noted that the initial position of the separator 440 is the state where the positioning portion 442 abuts against the limiting portion 114, and the initial position of the separator 440 is the same as the working position, both of which are the positions where the positioning portion 442 abuts against the limiting portion 114, so that the separator 440 can maintain a specific swinging position to facilitate the abutment of the abutment portion 441 with the separation control member 800. Therefore, in order to prevent the separator 440 from excessive rotation, the required position is limited by the positioning portion 442 and the limiting portion 114. In order to enable the separating member 440 to be reset to its initial position, in this embodiment, a tension spring (not shown) is provided to connect the separating member 440 and the developing frame 110, so that the separating member 440 has a resetting elastic force, and a hook 443 is provided on the separating member 440 to facilitate connection with the tension spring. One end of the tension spring is connected to the hook 443, and the other end is connected to the developing frame 110 (any fixed structure).

[0172] In the initial state of the process cartridge, the second type of elastic member 420a maintains the contact state between the photosensitive drum 220 and the developing roller 120 (in the first position), and the separating member 440 is also in the initial position. When the process cartridge is installed in place in the electronic imaging device, as shown in FIG27 , the separating control member 800 moves in the direction close to the process cartridge and abuts against the abutting inclined surface 4411, overcoming the elastic force of the tension spring connected to the separating member 440, so that the separating member 440 rotates and avoids the separating control member 800 by rotating against the abutting inclined surface 4411, as shown in FIG28 . Then, the separating control member 800 is moved. 0 The disengagement from the abutting inclined surface 4411 is located on the B1 direction side of the abutting portion 441, that is, it reaches the separation preparation position, and the separating member 440 is restored to the initial position (also the working position, capable of receiving the separation force of the separation control member 800) under the action of the tension spring. As shown in Figure 29, when the process cartridge stops developing, the separation control member 800 abuts against the abutting plane 4412 of the separating member 440 and applies a separation force to the separating member 440, so that the separating member 440 drives the developing frame 110 to swing to the second position along the separation direction D1, and the developing roller 120 is separated from the photosensitive drum 220.

[0173] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0174] Example 5

[0175] This embodiment provides a processing box, which is different from the first embodiment in that the control structure is different.

[0176] As shown in Figures 31 to 35, the control structure is provided on the process cartridge. In this embodiment, the control structure is closer to the C1 side (upper side) of the process cartridge. The control structure includes a limiting portion and a restricted portion. The limiting portion and the restricted portion can abut against each other to overcome the effect of the developer unit 100's own gravity, thereby limiting the movement of the developer unit along the separation direction D1, so that the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 maintain contact. In this embodiment, the control structure can be provided at the driving end or the non-driving end. For example, the control structure is provided at the driving end. The limiting portion is provided on the photosensitive frame 210, and the restricted portion is provided on the developing frame 110. The restricted portion abuts against the limiting portion to limit the amplitude of the swing of the developer unit 100 relative to the photosensitive unit 200, thereby limiting the separation of the developing roller 120 from the photosensitive drum 220.

[0177] As shown in Figures 32, 33 and 36, the limiting portion is constructed as a limiting hole 212a, which is recessed along the first direction or passes through one end (A1 direction end) of the photosensitive frame 210. The limiting hole 212a is preferably arranged on the photosensitive end cover 201 and is located on the B2 direction side of the photosensitive end cover 201. The shape of the limiting hole 212a is preferably a strip-shaped hole, and its length direction extends in the second direction for the restricted portion to move; the restricted portion is constructed as a limiting column 113a, which is a cylindrical structure. The limiting column 113a can be arranged on the developing bearing 102 and is located on the B1 direction side of the developing bearing 102. The limiting column 113a protrudes along the A1 direction on the developing bearing 102. The limiting column 113a can be inserted into the limiting hole 212a, and can move along the inner wall of the limiting hole 212a in the second direction and abut against the end of the limiting hole 212a in the second direction. In other embodiments, the structures of the limiting portion and the restricted portion can be interchanged to achieve the same effect, and can be designed according to different actual conditions.

[0178] In this embodiment, the developing bearing 102 is also provided with a force-bearing part 112 for receiving the thrust of the electronic imaging device. The electronic imaging device has a force-applying member (not shown) for outputting the thrust. The force-applying member is a rocker structure. The force-bearing part 112 abuts against the force-applying member to cause the developing frame 110 to swing.

[0179] During use, the force-bearing portion 112 abuts against the force-applying member to receive the contact force, thereby causing the developing unit 110 to swing a small distance along the separation contact direction D2 (counterclockwise in Figure 35), and the limiting column 113a also moves along the limiting hole 212a toward the B1 direction. At this time, the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are in close contact to perform the developing operation. Since the swing center of the developing unit 100 is closer to the C2 direction side of the processing box, when the force-bearing portion 112 is out of contact with the force-applying member (that is, it does not receive the contact force of the force-applying member of the electronic imaging device), the developing unit 100 is subjected to gravity and swings a small distance around the swing center (the center of the connecting portion 300 in Figure 35) along the separation direction D1 (clockwise in Figure 35), causing the limiting column 113a to move along the limiting hole 212a toward the B2 direction. Finally, the limiting column 113a and the B2 direction end of the limiting hole 212a (away from the B2 direction end) are aligned. The developing roller 120 abuts against one end of the photosensitive drum 220, thereby limiting the developing unit 100 from swinging continuously. At this time, the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are still in contact, but not in a tightly abutted state. Therefore, the small distance that the limiting post 113a moves in the limiting hole 212a reduces the abutting pressure between the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220, but also limits the swinging range of the developing unit 100 under the action of its own gravity, thereby avoiding collision and wear caused by excessive separation and swinging distance of the developing frame 110.

[0180] When the processing cartridge is developing, the force-bearing portion 112 abuts against the force-applying member, bringing the developing roller 120 into close contact with the photosensitive drum 220, thereby better achieving the developing operation. In the non-operating state (after development is completed), the force-bearing portion 112 of the developing frame 110 does not receive any contact force. Under the constraints of the control structure, the developing frame 110 can swing slightly due to its own gravity, causing the developing roller 120 to contact but not abut against the photosensitive drum 220, thereby reducing wear between the two. By limiting the position of the developing frame 110 in the non-operating state through the control structure, wear caused by the developing frame 110 dropping significantly due to its own gravity and colliding with the photosensitive frame 210 is avoided, thereby extending the service life of the processing cartridge.

[0181] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0182] Example 6

[0183] As shown in FIG37 , the structure of this embodiment is mostly the same as that of the fifth embodiment, except that the specific structure of the control structure is different. This embodiment does not adopt a jack-limiting structure, but a rib-abutting limiting structure.

[0184] Specifically, as shown in Figures 37 and 38, the control structure includes a limiting portion and a restricted portion. The limiting portion is constructed as a first rib 212b protruding along the A2 direction on the photosensitive frame 210, and the restricted portion is constructed as a second rib 113b protruding along the A1 direction on the developing bearing 102. The first rib 212b and the second rib 113b can abut against each other. In the second direction, the projections of the first rib 212b and the second rib 113b overlap. The first rib 212b is located on the B2 direction side of the second rib 113b, so that when the developing unit 100 swings along the separation direction D1, the developing unit 100 is limited by the abutment between the first rib 212b and the second rib 113b, so as to limit the movement of the developing unit 100 along the separation direction D1 under the action of its own gravity. In this embodiment, the width of the first rib 212b in the third direction is smaller than the width of the second rib 113b in the third direction. When the developing unit 100 swings, the second rib 113b tends to move in the third direction. This arrangement prevents the first rib 212b and the second rib 113b from being misaligned when they abut against each other, thereby preventing them from limiting the position of the developing frame 110. In this embodiment, the shapes of the first rib 212b and the second rib 113b are not limited, as long as they can abut against each other.

[0185] In the working state of the processing box (when performing the developing work), the force-bearing part 112 abuts against the force-applying member to receive the contact force, so that the developing unit 100 swings along the contact direction D2, and the developing roller 120 abuts tightly against the photosensitive drum 220 to perform the developing work. At this time, there is a gap between the first rib 212b and the second rib 113b in the second direction. In the non-working state, the force-bearing part 112 is disengaged from the abutment and the developing unit 100 moves along the separation direction D1 under gravity, specifically, moves a small distance along the B2 direction and the C2 direction. The first rib 212b abuts against the second rib 113b, so that the developing unit 100 is limited. At this time, the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are still in contact, but not in a tight abutment state. Compared with the developing work, the abutment pressure between the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 is reduced.

[0186] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0187] Example 7

[0188] As shown in Figure 39, most of the structures of this embodiment are the same as those of embodiment five, except that the position and structure of the control structure are different. In this embodiment, the control structure is located closer to the swing center of the processing box (the center of the connecting part 300), and the control structure is located on the B2 direction side and the C2 direction side of the swing center. Similarly, the swing amplitude of the developing unit 100 along the separation direction D1 is limited by abutment, so that the developing roller 120 maintains contact with the photosensitive drum 220.

[0189] Specifically, as shown in Figures 39 and 40, the control structure includes a limiting portion and a restricted portion. The limiting portion and the restricted portion can abut against each other to limit the swing of the developing frame 110. The limiting portion or the restricted portion protrudes along the third direction. In this embodiment, the limiting portion is constructed as a contact surface 212c, and the contact surface 212c is a plane on the photosensitive frame 210. The contact surface 212c is intersecting or perpendicular to the third direction. The restricted portion is constructed as a limiting protrusion 113c. The limiting protrusion 113c is a structure protruding along the C2 direction on the end face of the developing bearing 102. The end thereof abutting against the abutting surface 212c can be set to a plane or an arc shape. The limiting protrusion 113c is located on the upper side of the abutting surface 212c. The limiting protrusion 113c abuts against the abutting surface 212c to limit the swing amplitude of the developing unit 100 along the separation direction D1 (clockwise in Figure 39), thereby maintaining the contact between the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220. In other embodiments, the limiting portion can protrude along the direction C1, that is, the restricted portion is constructed as a planar structure, and the limiting portion abuts against the restricted portion, which can also achieve the above-mentioned effect.

[0190] In the working state of the processing box, the force-bearing part 112 abuts against the force-applying member so that the developing frame 110 receives the contact force, and the developing unit 100 swings around the swing center (the center of the connecting part 300) along the contact direction D2. Specifically, the developing unit moves a small distance along the C1 direction and the B1 direction, and the limiting protrusion 113c also moves slightly along the C1 direction, so that the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are in close contact to perform the developing operation; in the non-working state, when the force-bearing part 112 is out of contact with the force-applying member, the developing unit 100 swings around the swing center along the separation direction D1 under the force of gravity, that is, the developing unit 100 has a small movement component along the C2 direction and the B2 direction, and finally the limiting protrusion 113c abuts against the abutting surface 212c (the developing unit 100 can no longer move). At this time, the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 still maintain contact, but are not in a close abutment state. Compared with the developing operation, the abutment pressure between the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 is reduced.

[0191] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0192] Example 8

[0193] The structure of this embodiment is mostly the same as that of embodiment seven, except that this embodiment adds a limit point of the control structure on the basis of embodiment seven, so that the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are always in a state of close contact.

[0194] Specifically, as shown in Figure 41, the control structure of this embodiment has three limiting points. The first limiting point F1 is formed by the contact between the limiting protrusion 113c and the contact surface 212c. The first limiting point F1 is located closer to the C2 side of the process cartridge, while the other two limiting points are located closer to the C1 side of the process cartridge and farther away from the swing center than the first limiting point F1. The B1 side of the developing end cover 101 has an arc portion 1014. The B2 side of the photosensitive end cover 201 is provided with a limiting opening 2011. The limiting opening 2011 is an open structure, opening toward the arc portion 1014 (i.e., toward the B2 direction). The limiting buckle 2011 has two connected inner walls, the angle between the two inner walls is obtuse. The arc outer surface of the arc portion 1014 can abut / be tangent to the two inner walls of the limiting opening 2011, thereby forming a second limiting point F2 and a third limiting point F3 to limit the movement of the developing end cover 101 in the C1 and B2 directions. It can be seen that the abutment between the limiting protrusion 113c and the abutting surface 212c can limit the movement of the developing frame 110 along the C2 direction, and the abutment between the arc portion 1014 and the limiting opening 2011 can limit the movement of the developing frame 110 along the C1 direction and the B2 direction. The two act simultaneously to prevent the developing unit 100 from moving relative to the drum unit 200 (the effect of the developing unit 100's own gravity is completely offset), and the developing roller 120 always maintains close abutment with the photosensitive drum 220.

[0195] It should be noted that the working principle of this embodiment is different from that of the above-mentioned embodiments. When the force-bearing portion 112 abuts against the force-applying member to receive the thrust, the developing frame 110 cannot move slightly. Similarly, when the thrust is withdrawn, the developing frame 110 cannot move slightly due to its own gravity. That is, no matter whether the processing box is in the developing working state or the non-working state, under the action of the limiting protrusion 113c and the abutting surface 212c, the arc portion 1014 and the limiting opening 2011, the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 always maintain the same degree of close abutment. Therefore, the drum roller is not separated, which can effectively solve the wear problem caused by the collision between the developing frame 110 and the photosensitive frame 210 due to the swing of its own gravity.

[0196] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0197] Embodiment 9

[0198] This embodiment provides a processing box, which is different from the first embodiment in that the control structure is different.

[0199] As shown in Figures 42 to 46, in this embodiment, the control structure of the process cartridge includes a pressure member 450, which is used to cooperate with the electronic imaging device to provide a force to move the developing unit 100 from the second position to the first position, thereby offsetting the self-weight of the developing unit 100 and preventing the developing unit 100 from moving in the separation direction D1 after the process cartridge is installed in the electronic imaging device. The pressure member 450 is provided on the developing frame 110 in a direction B2, and is provided at the upper end of the process cartridge in the third direction, i.e., near the developing roller 120. The pressure member 450 includes a mounting portion 451, a buffer portion 452, and a pressure portion 453. The mounting portion 451 of the pressure member 450 is mounted on the developing frame 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pressure member 450 has a longitudinal direction and is mounted on the developing frame 110 in a direction consistent with the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge (i.e., the first direction). The mounting portion 451 is a strip-shaped structure that can be mounted on the B2 side of the developing frame 110 by gluing, welding, or snapping. The pressing portion 453 is an arc-shaped structure, with one or both ends of the pressing portion 453 connected to the mounting portion 451. The buffer portion 452 is disposed between the mounting portion 451 and the pressing portion 453 (specifically, it can be disposed at a position midway between the two in the longitudinal direction), thereby creating a buffer area between the mounting portion 451 and the pressing portion 453 to adjust the contact pressure between the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220, thereby improving the developing quality. Specifically, in this embodiment, the buffer portion 452 is formed by a spring, the elastic expansion direction of the spring extending along the second direction, one end of the spring abutting the mounting portion 451, and the other end abutting the pressing portion 453. The buffer portion 452 can also be formed by other elastic members that can achieve the same effect, such as elastic rubber, elastic sponge, etc., and one or more elastic members can be provided. The pressing portion 453 is used to abut the crossbeam structure 700 of the electronic imaging device, thereby being pressed by the crossbeam structure 700. The pressing force of the crossbeam structure 700 acts on the developing unit 100 through the pressing member, causing the developing unit 100 to rotate and move along the contact direction D2 from the second position to the first position, and the developing roller 120 is tightly abutted against the photosensitive drum 220. In this embodiment, the mounting portion of the pressing member 450 and the pressing portion 453 are integrally formed. Alternatively, the pressing portion and the mounting portion may be provided separately.

[0200] As shown in Figure 45, when the pressing member 450 is pressed and subjected to force by the beam structure 700 of the electronic imaging device, the force of the pressing member 450 on the developing unit 100 causes the developing unit 100 to rotate along the contact direction D2 around the axis (rotation axis) of the connecting portion 300, that is, the force of the pressing member 450 on the developing unit 100 is counterclockwise, and the developing unit 100 rotates from the second position to the first position along the contact direction D2, so that after the processing box is placed in the electronic imaging device, the photosensitive drum 220 and the developing roller 120 always maintain a close contact state to ensure printing quality.

[0201] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 43 and 45, the control structure also includes a control structure as in Example 7, including a limiting portion and a restricted portion, the limiting portion being the abutting surface 212c on the photosensitive frame 210, and the restricted portion being the limiting protrusion 113c on the developing frame 110, the limiting portion and the restricted portion cooperate to limit the position of the developing unit 100 in the separation direction D1, therefore, the movement of the developing unit 100 in the separation direction D1 is restricted under the action of its own gravity, and the developing unit 100 cannot continue to move in the separation direction D1, thereby ensuring the stability of the processing box before the processing box is placed in the electronic imaging device, and not generating an excessively large separation distance.

[0202] The processing box of this embodiment is provided with a pressing member 450 on the developing frame 110, so that when the processing box is placed in the electronic imaging device, the photosensitive drum 220 and the developing roller 120 always maintain contact, which solves the problem in the prior art that they rely on the gravity of the developing frame 110 itself to separate. The processing box developing frame 110 includes a powder bin structure, and the powder bin usually contains a large amount of carbon powder. Therefore, the developing frame part has a large mass, which causes rigid collision between structures when separated by their own weight, which will cause wear or even damage to the processing box components in the long run.

[0203] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0204] Example 10

[0205] As shown in Figures 47 to 49, in this embodiment, the control structure includes a rotatable part 116, which drives the developing roller 120 away from or close to the photosensitive drum 220. The rotatable part 116 is connected to the powder bin 115. The length direction of the powder bin 115 and the rotatable part 116 extends along the first direction. In the third direction, the rotatable part 116 is located on the upper side of the powder bin 115 (the C1 direction side). The developer (carbon powder) is stored in the powder bin 115. A stirring rack 140 is provided in the powder bin 115. The carbon powder in the powder bin 115 is stirred by the stirring rack 140 to prevent the carbon powder from clumping. At the same time, the carbon powder can also be transported toward the rotatable part 116. A developing roller 120 and a powder feeding roller 130 are provided in the rotatable part 116, and the powder bin 115 is connected to the inside of the rotatable part 116. The powder bin 115 and the rotatable part 116 are connected by a flexible part 117. The flexible part 117 can be deformed. The flexible part 117 can specifically be a flexible soft glue. The powder bin 115 and the rotatable part 116 are connected by the flexible soft glue so that the rotatable part 116 can move relative to the powder bin 115, thereby driving the developing roller 120 to move together to realize the contact or separation of the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220; the flexible soft glue covers the connection port between the powder bin 115 and the rotatable part 116 along the circumferential direction, thereby forming a sealing structure to prevent leakage of the developer.

[0206] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 49 to 52, the powder bin 115 and the rotatable part 116 are both supported by the developing bearing 102. The two ends of the powder bin 115 are fixedly supported on the developing bearing 102, that is, the powder bin 115 and the developing bearing 102 are in a stationary state. The two ends of the rotatable part 116 are movably supported on the developing bearing 102. Specifically, the developing bearing 102 is provided with a support hole 1021 for supporting the developing roller 120. The shaft of the developing roller 120 extends out of the end wall of the rotatable part 116 and is inserted into the support hole 1021 and supported by the support hole 1021. The support hole 1021 is preferably an arc-shaped hole. The developing roller 120 can move relative to the developing bearing 102 within the range of the support hole 1021. As shown in Figure 53, the two ends of the rotatable part 116 are also provided with a clamping groove 1161. The clamping groove 1161 is clamped to the two ends of the shaft of the developing roller 120, so that the rotatable part 116 can drive the developing roller 120 to move.

[0207] As shown in Figure 49, the powder feed roller 130 is disposed within the rotatable portion 116, with its surface in contact with the surface of the developing roller 120, thereby conveying toner to the developing roller 120 and being attracted by the charged developing roller 120. The shaft of the powder feed roller 130 also extends out of the end wall of the rotatable portion 116 and is inserted into the shaft hole 1022 (circular hole) of the developing bearing 102, thereby being supported by the developing bearing 102. The axis of the powder feed roller 130 serves as the rotation center of the rotatable portion 116. That is, when the rotatable portion 116 moves relative to the powder bin 115 / developing bearing 102, the position of the powder feed roller 130 remains unchanged. The rotatable portion 116 can move about the rotation center (the axis of the powder feed roller 130) between a first position in which the developing roller 120 contacts the photosensitive drum 220 and a second position in which the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are separated.

[0208] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 47, 50 and 51, the rotatable part 116 is also provided with a force-bearing part 112, which is used to receive the contact force applied by the force-applying member of the electronic imaging device, so that the rotatable part 116 moves from the second position to the first position. The force-bearing part 112 can be a protruding structure provided on the rotatable part 116, and the force-bearing part 112 is provided near the upper end (one end in the C1 direction) of the rotatable part 116 in the third direction. The force-bearing part 112 is provided on the side of the rotatable part 116 in the B2 direction in the second direction. The force-bearing part 112 can be provided at one end or both ends of the rotatable part 116 in the first direction.

[0209] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 49 to 51, the process cartridge further includes a separating member, which is a first-type elastic member 410. The first-type elastic member 410 is disposed between the developing bearing 102 and the rotatable portion 116. The first-type elastic member 410 is configured to provide a separating force that causes the rotatable portion 116 to move from the first position to the second position. Preferably, one end of the first-type elastic member 410 abuts against the developing bearing 102, and the other end abuts against a side of the force-bearing portion 112 facing the direction B1. The elastic expansion and contraction direction of the first-type elastic member 410 is along the second direction, and the direction of the separating force applied by the first-type elastic member 410 to the rotatable portion 116 is along the direction B2. When the process cartridge is not subjected to any other external forces (e.g., before being installed in an electronic imaging device, or when the electronic imaging device is not in operation), the rotatable portion 116 is in the second position under the force of the first-type elastic member 410, and the developing roller 120 is not in contact with the photosensitive drum 220. When the force-bearing portion 112 of the rotatable portion 116 receives the contact force and moves (along the contact direction D2), the first-type elastic member 410 is compressed. The first-type elastic member 410 can be disposed at one or both ends of the rotatable portion 116 in the first direction. The ends of the first-type elastic member 410 can also abut against the photosensitive frame 210 or other locations on the rotatable portion 116, as long as the first-type elastic member 410 can ensure that it can exert a separating force on the rotatable portion 116.

[0210] When the processing box is installed in the electronic imaging device but no development work is performed, the drum unit 200 is in a static state against the components in the electronic imaging device, the developing bearing 102 and the powder bin 115 are also in a relatively static state, the rotatable part 116 is in the second position under the action of the separation force of the first type elastic member 410, and the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220 are in a separated state.

[0211] When developing is required, the force-applying member of the electronic imaging device moves and contacts the force-receiving portion 112, applying a contact force along the contact direction D2 to the force-receiving portion 112. This contact force acts on the entire rotatable portion 116, overcoming the separation force of the first-type elastic member 410, causing the first-type elastic member 410 to be compressed and deformed. The rotatable portion 116 rotates counterclockwise (contact direction D2) about the rotation center from the second position to the first position, causing the developing roller 120 to contact the photosensitive drum 220. Furthermore, the contact force is greater than the separation force of the first-type elastic member 410, maintaining contact between the developing roller 120 and the photosensitive drum 220, enabling development. During the movement of the rotatable portion 116, the powder hopper 115 remains stationary. As the rotatable portion 116 rotates, the flexible member 117 deforms.

[0212] When the development work is completed, the contact force of the force-applying member of the electronic imaging device is removed, the elastic deformation of the first type elastic member 410 is restored, and the generated separation force pushes the rotatable part 116 to rotate from the first position to the second position in a clockwise direction (separation direction D1) around the rotation center. The developing roller 120 is separated from the photosensitive drum 220 and remains in a drum-roller separation state under the action of the separation force, waiting for the next development work to start or be removed from the electronic imaging device.

[0213] The solution of this embodiment divides the developing frame 110 into two parts: a rotatable part 116 and a powder bin 115. The two parts are connected by a flexible part 117. The powder bin 115 is fixed and the rotatable part 116 can move relative to the powder bin 115 under the expansion and contraction of the flexible part 117 to achieve contact and separation of the drum roller. The use of the flexible part 117 avoids wear caused by rigid contact; and the force required to replace the overall movement of the developing frame 110 with the movement of the rotatable part 116 is relatively small, thereby improving the flexibility of contact and separation of the drum roller.

[0214] As shown in Figures 47, 49, and 52, the developing coupling 320 is used to engage with the developing drive head of the electronic imaging device and receive driving force to drive the powder feed roller 130 to rotate. During the movement of the rotatable portion 116 between the second position and the first position, the powder feed roller 130 serves as the center of rotation and its position does not change. The developing coupling 320, which is coaxially arranged with the powder feed roller 130, also does not change position during the contact / separation process. In other words, during operation, the developing coupling 320 only rotates but does not move. The first idler gear 370 meshes with the powder feed roller gear 350, the developing roller gear 340, and the second idler gear 380, respectively. The second idler gear 380 also meshes with the stirring frame gear 360. The developing coupling 320 receives driving force to drive the powder feed roller 130 and the powder feed roller gear 350 to rotate synchronously. The powder feed roller gear 350 transmits the driving force through the meshing relationship of the gears, thereby rotating the developing roller 120 and the stirring frame 140, enabling the developing unit 100 to operate. When the developing operation is completed, the rotatable portion 116 drives the developing roller 120 to rotate from the first position to the second position. When the developing roller 120 is separated from the photosensitive drum 220 , the developing roller gear 340 is disengaged from the first idler gear 370 .

[0215] The other structures of the processing box of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0216] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, which all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A process cartridge, detachably mounted in an electronic imaging device, comprising: A drum unit, comprising a photosensitive frame, on which a photosensitive drum is rotatably supported, and the photosensitive drum extends along a first direction; A developing unit, comprising a developing frame, on which a developing roller is rotatably supported, and the developing roller extends along a first direction; The developing unit is pivotally connected to the drum unit, and the developing unit can move between a first position and a second position relative to the drum unit around a rotation axis. When in the first position, the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum, and when in the second position, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; the direction of movement from the first position to the second position is the separation direction, and the direction of movement from the second position to the first position is the contact direction; the invention further comprises: The control structure is used to limit the movement of the developing unit along the separation direction under the action of its own gravity.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: A separating member is also included, and the separating member is used to provide or receive a separating force to move the developing unit from the first position to the second position along a separating direction.

3. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The separating member is a first type elastic member, and the first type elastic member is arranged between the photosensitive frame and the developing frame.

4. The process cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The control structure is a second type of elastic member, which is arranged between the photosensitive frame and the developing frame. The force of the second type of elastic member is greater than or equal to the self-weight of the developing unit, thereby offsetting the self-weight that causes the developing unit to move in the separation direction.

5. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein: The force of the separation member is greater than the combined force of the force of the second-type elastic member and the self-weight of the developing unit.

6. The process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The first type of elastic member includes at least one compression spring, one end of the compression spring abuts against the photosensitive frame, and the other end of the compression spring abuts against the developing frame.

7. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein: The second type of elastic member includes at least one torsion spring or tension spring.

8. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The developing unit and the drum unit are swingably connected via the control structure, and the center of the control structure is a rotation axis of the developing unit.

9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The control structure is provided at a position close to an end portion of the developing frame in the separation direction.

10. The process cartridge according to claim 9, wherein: The developing roller and the photosensitive drum are arranged opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and the direction from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum is the positive direction of the second direction; The connecting portion is located on the negative side of the developing roller in the second direction.

11. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein: A straight line passing through the center of the control structure and parallel to the second direction is defined as a first straight line, wherein the first straight line divides the processing box into a first area and a second area, wherein the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are located within the first area, and an area of ​​the first area is larger than an area of ​​the second area.

12. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein: A straight line passing through the center of the control structure and parallel to a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a second straight line, and the second straight line divides the processing box into a third area and a fourth area, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are located in the third area, and the area of ​​the third area is larger than that of the fourth area.

13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: The developing roller is located at one end of the developing frame in the third direction, and the control structure is located at the other end of the developing frame in the third direction.

14. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that: The control structure includes a connecting member and a pivoting portion, wherein the pivoting portion includes a first pivoting hole arranged on the photosensitive frame and a second pivoting hole arranged on the developing frame, and the connecting member passes through the first pivoting hole and the second pivoting hole in sequence to pivotally connect the two.

15. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The separating member is movably disposed at one end or both ends of the process box in the first direction, and the separating member can receive a separating force to drive the developing unit to move along the separating direction.

16. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein: The separation member does not protrude from an end portion of the process cartridge in a third direction, and the third direction intersects the first direction.

17. The process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein: The separating member is rotatably arranged on the processing box, and the separating member can rotate between an initial position and a working position, and the separating member includes a hooking portion that receives a separating force; when the hooking portion is in the working position, it is farther away from the developing frame in a second direction than when it is in the initial position, and the second direction intersects with the first direction and the third direction.

18. The process cartridge according to claim 17, wherein: The separating member is provided with a front end portion. During the process of installing the processing box to the electronic imaging device, the front end portion contacts the electronic imaging device and then rotates, so that the separating member rotates from the initial position to the working position.

19. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that: It also includes a developing coupling for receiving the driving force of the electronic imaging device, and an abutment member connected to the developing coupling, wherein the abutment member can move along a first direction and drive the developing coupling to extend and retract in the first direction.

20. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein: The separation member includes an abutment portion extending along a first direction, the abutment portion abuts against the separation control member of the electronic imaging device and receives a separation force, driving the developing unit to swing along a separation direction, so that the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are separated.

21. The process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein: The separating member is swingably arranged on the developing frame around a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a contact slope is provided on the contact portion. The separating control member abuts against the contact slope to make the separating member swing around the second direction. After the separating control member is disengaged from the contact slope, the separating member is reset.

22. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein: It also includes a developing coupling that receives the driving force of the electronic imaging device, and a driving gear that can engage with the developing coupling; the developing coupling is rotatably supported on the photosensitive frame, and the driving gear is rotatably supported on the developing frame. When the developing unit is in a first position, the driving gear engages with the developing coupling, and when the separating member receives the separating force to drive the developing unit to move to a second position, the driving gear disengages from the developing coupling.

23. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The control structure includes a limiting portion and a restricted portion; The limiting portion is arranged on the photosensitive frame, the restricted portion is arranged on the developing frame, the restricted portion abuts against the limiting portion so that the movement of the developing unit along the separation direction is restricted under the action of gravity, and the developing roller always keeps in contact with the photosensitive drum.

24. A process cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that One of the limiting portion and the restricted portion is a limiting hole, and the other is a limiting column, and the limiting column can move in the limiting hole; when the developing unit moves along the separation direction due to its own gravity, the limiting column abuts against one end of the limiting hole away from the photosensitive drum, reducing the abutting pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

25. A process cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that The limiting portion is a first rib, and the restricted portion is a second rib, and the second rib can move relative to the first rib; when the developing unit moves along the separation direction due to its own gravity, the first rib abuts against the second rib, reducing the abutment pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

26. A process cartridge according to claim 25, characterized in that The first rib and the second rib extend along a first direction, and projections of the first rib and the second rib in a second direction intersecting the first direction at least partially overlap.

27. A process cartridge according to claim 26, characterized in that The height of the second rib in the third direction is greater than that of the first rib, so as to avoid misalignment of the first rib and the second rib when they abut against each other. The third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction.

28. A process cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that One of the limiting portion and the restricted portion is a limiting protrusion, and the other is a contact surface, wherein the limiting protrusion can move relative to the contact surface; when the developing unit moves along the separation direction due to its own gravity, the limiting protrusion contacts the contact surface, thereby reducing the contact pressure between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

29. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that: The developing unit also includes a force-bearing portion for receiving the contact force of the electronic imaging device. When the force-bearing portion receives the contact force, there is a gap between the restricted portion and the limiting portion, and the developing roller is in close contact with the photosensitive drum. When the contact force is cancelled, the developing unit moves in a separation direction relative to the drum unit due to its own gravity, the restricted portion abuts against the limiting portion to limit the swing amplitude of the developing unit, so that the developing roller maintains non-close contact with the photosensitive drum.

30. The process cartridge according to claim 28, wherein: The developing frame is provided with an arc portion, the photosensitive frame is provided with a limiting opening, and the arc outer surface of the arc portion abuts against the inner wall of the limiting opening.

31. A process cartridge according to claim 30, characterized in that, Under the joint action of the limiting protrusion and the abutting surface, the arc portion and the limiting opening, the developing unit cannot swing relative to the drum unit, and the developing roller and the photosensitive drum always maintain close contact.

32. A process cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that The control structure includes a pressing member, which is protruding from the developing frame. When the processing box is installed in the electronic imaging device, the pressing member can cooperate with the electronic imaging device to make the developing unit move along the contact direction and remain in the first position.

33. A process cartridge according to claim 32, characterized in that The pressing member includes a pressing portion and a buffer portion, wherein the pressing portion is in contact with the electronic imaging device, and the buffer portion is disposed between the pressing portion and the developing frame to generate a buffer area therebetween.

34. A process cartridge according to claim 33, characterized in that The pressing member further includes a mounting portion, through which the pressing member is mounted on the developing frame, and the buffer portion is disposed between the mounting portion and the pressing portion.

35. A process cartridge according to claim 34, characterized in that The buffer portion is an elastic member.

36. A process cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that The control structure includes a rotatable part, which is connected to the powder bin of the developing frame. The developing roller is arranged in the rotatable part. The rotatable part can move relative to the powder bin and drive the developing roller to move together to achieve contact or separation between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum.

37. A process cartridge according to claim 36, characterized in that During the movement of the rotatable part, the powder bin is stationary relative to the photosensitive frame.

38. A process cartridge according to claim 36, characterized in that The rotatable part is connected to the powder bin via a flexible member.

39. A process cartridge according to claim 36, characterized in that The developing unit further comprises a powder feeding roller arranged in the rotatable part, the axis of the powder feeding roller is the rotation center of the rotatable part, and the rotatable part can move between a first position and a second position around the rotation center.

40. A process cartridge according to claim 39, characterized in that A separating member is also included. The separating member is disposed between the photosensitive frame and the rotatable portion, and the separating member is configured to provide a separating force for moving the rotatable portion from the first position to the second position.

41. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that The developing unit has developing bearings at both ends in the first direction, and the rotatable portion is movably disposed on the developing bearings.

42. A process cartridge according to claim 41, characterized in that The developing bearing is provided with a supporting hole for supporting the developing roller, and the rotatable part can drive the developing roller to move relative to the developing bearing within the range of the supporting hole.

43. A process cartridge according to claim 42, characterized in that The supporting hole is an arc-shaped hole.

44. A process cartridge according to claim 38, characterized in that The flexible member is capable of being deformed.

Images