Process cartridge

Abstract

A process cartridge, comprising: a drum unit (200), which rotatably supports a photosensitive drum (22) and can be electrically connected to an image forming apparatus to be in a conductive and grounded state; a developing unit (100), which rotatably supports a developing roller (16); a first electrode (51), which is located at a conductive end, is arranged on the developing unit (100), and is used for transferring electric power from the image forming apparatus to the developing roller (16) so as to charge the developing roller and enable same to attract a toner, wherein when the developing roller (16) is in a charged state and the photosensitive drum (22) is in the conductive and grounded state, the toner attracted on the developing roller (16) can be transferred to the photosensitive drum (22); and a conductive delay structure, which is used for delaying the time for the developing roller (16) to switch from an uncharged state to the charged state after the developing unit (100) moves from a second position to a first position. By providing the conductive delay structure, during the process in which the process cartridge starts printing, after the developing roller (16) and the photosensitive drum (22) are fully rotated, the developing roller (16) is charged for attracting the toner and refilling the toner to the photosensitive drum (22), thereby avoiding defects in a starting position of a printed page.

Description

A processing box Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming apparatus technology, and more particularly to a processing box. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming apparatuses form images on recording material using electrophotographic imaging processing. Examples of image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (e.g., laser beam printers, LED printers), fax machines, and word processors. One type of image forming apparatus forms images using a contact development method. This contact development method forms images by performing a development process while a developing member (developing roller) is in contact with a photosensitive drum. In such an apparatus, the developing roller pushes towards the photosensitive drum at a predetermined pressure during the development process and contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum at a predetermined pressure. A processing cartridge includes at least one of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum as an image-carrying member and a processing device (developer-carrying member (developing roller)) capable of acting on the drum. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum is mounted on a photosensitive frame, and the processing device is mounted on a developing frame. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the processing device are integrally constructed as a cartridge that can be detachably mounted into the image forming apparatus.

[0003] During operation of the image forming apparatus, the developing roller contacts and presses against the photosensitive drum, transferring the developer on the developing roller to the surface of the photosensitive drum that forms a specific electrostatic latent image, thus completing the development process. However, when the image forming apparatus is not operating, the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum, and the developer carried on the developing roller unnecessarily deposits onto the photosensitive drum. This developer deposit on the recording material results in contamination of the recording material; furthermore, prolonged friction between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller accelerates the degradation of the developing roller and / or the developer. These problems can occur regardless of whether an elastic layer is provided on the surface of the developing roller. Therefore, to solve these technical problems, the processing cartridge should keep the developing roller as separate from the photosensitive drum as possible, except during the period when the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum is being developed, and / or minimize the absorption and application of developer when not developing, thereby reducing developer deposition on the developing roller and the photosensitive drum and extending their service life. Secondly, when the printer starts printing, the transmission of electrical power is always faster than the transmission of mechanical drive force. Therefore, before the photosensitive drum and developing roller have fully rotated, they are already charged and ready to absorb toner. As a result, when printing begins, there will always be some imperfections at the beginning of the printed page. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a processing box is provided, detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus, the processing box having opposing conductive terminals and driving terminals disposed along a first direction; the processing box includes:

[0005] The drum unit rotatably supports a photosensitive drum, and the conductive end of the photosensitive drum is provided with electrode contacts. The electrode contacts can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus to put the photosensitive drum in a conductive grounded state.

[0006] The developing unit is rotatably supported by a developing roller. The developing unit is movable 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.

[0007] The first electrode, located at the conductive end and disposed on the developing unit, is used to transfer the electrical energy of the image forming apparatus to the developing roller to charge it and enable it to adsorb toner. When the developing roller is in a charging state and the photosensitive drum is in a conductive grounding state, the toner adsorbed on the developing roller can be transferred to the photosensitive drum.

[0008] The developing coupling is located at the drive end and disposed on the developing unit, and is used to engage with the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus to receive driving force. When the developing coupling engages with the developing drive head and rotates together, it can drive the developing unit to move from the second position to the first position.

[0009] A conductive delay structure is provided to delay the time it takes for the developing roller to switch from a non-charging state to a charging state after the developing unit moves from a second position to a first position.

[0010] The conductive delay structure is electrically connected to the developing roller. When the conductive delay structure is in a grounded state, the developing roller is in a non-charging state; when the conductive delay structure is in a non-grounded state, the developing roller is in a charging state.

[0011] When the developing unit is in the second position, the conductive delay structure is in a grounded state and the developing roller is in a non-charged state. When the developing coupling rotates, the developing unit moves from the second position to the first position. The conductive delay structure can follow the rotation of the developing coupling and move for a preset time before switching from the grounded state to the non-grounded state, thereby delaying the time for the developing roller to switch from the non-charged state to the charged state.

[0012] According to one aspect of this application, another processing box is provided, detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, the processing box having opposing conductive terminals and driving terminals disposed along a first direction, the processing box comprising:

[0013] The drum unit rotatably supports a photosensitive drum, and the conductive end of the photosensitive drum is provided with electrode contacts. The electrode contacts can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus to put the photosensitive drum in a conductive grounded state.

[0014] The developing unit is rotatably supported by a developing roller. The developing unit is movable 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.

[0015] The first electrode, located at the conductive end and disposed on the developing unit, is used to transfer the electrical energy of the image forming apparatus to the developing roller to charge it and enable it to adsorb toner. When the developing roller is in a charging state and the photosensitive drum is in a conductive grounding state, the toner adsorbed on the developing roller can be transferred to the photosensitive drum.

[0016] The developing coupling is located at the drive end and disposed on the developing unit, and is used to engage with the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus to receive driving force. When the developing coupling engages with the developing drive head and rotates together, it can drive the developing unit to move from the second position to the first position.

[0017] It also includes a conductive delay structure located at the drive end; the conductive delay structure includes a reset member, a first gear and a second gear, the first gear is conductive and electrically connected to the developing roller, the first gear can rotate following the rotation of the developing coupling, and the first gear can move between a grounded position and an ungrounded position; the second gear is used to follow the rotation of the first gear to drive the first gear to move from the grounded position to the ungrounded position, and the reset member is used to move the first gear from the ungrounded to the grounded position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first gear and the reset member are both disposed on the developing unit, and the second gear is disposed on the drum unit;

[0019] When the developing unit is in the second position, the first gear is in the ground position under the action of the reset member, and the first gear and the second gear are separated from each other.

[0020] When the developing coupling rotates, causing the developing unit to move from the second position to the first position, the first gear and the second gear mesh, and the second gear follows the rotation of the first gear, driving the first gear to move from the grounded position to the non-grounded position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second gear can rotate from an initial position to a working position following the rotation of the first gear. When the second gear is in the initial position, the first gear is in a grounded position. When the second gear is in the working position, the first gear is driven to a non-grounded position by the second gear.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second gear is disposed at the drive end of the photosensitive drum, and when the developing unit is in the second position, the second gear can be driven by the photosensitive drum to rotate from the working position to the initial position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the driving end of the developing unit is provided with a driving side bearing, and the first gear is rotatably supported on the driving side bearing. The first gear is capable of linear movement between a grounded position and an ungrounded position along a first direction. The first gear is driven by the second gear to move towards the conductive end to the ungrounded position, and the first gear is moved away from the conductive end to the grounded position by the force of the reset member.

[0024] In some embodiments, the developing roller is provided with a conductive developing roller gear, which meshes with the first gear. The developing roller is electrically connected to the first gear through the developing roller gear. The first gear includes a grounding protrusion, a first conductive tooth portion, and a second conductive tooth portion arranged sequentially in a first direction toward the conductive end. When the first gear is in the grounded position, the grounding protrusion abuts against the grounding component of the image forming apparatus. The first conductive tooth portion is used to mesh with the second gear. The second conductive tooth portion meshes with the developing roller gear.

[0025] In some embodiments, the developing roller is provided with a developing roller gear, which meshes with the first gear. The reset member is a compression spring and is disposed between the first gear and the drive-side bearing. A portion of the reset member is electrically connected to the first gear, and another portion is electrically connected to the developing roller. The first gear includes a grounding protrusion, a first conductive tooth portion, and a second conductive tooth portion arranged sequentially in a first direction toward the conductive end. When the first gear is in the grounded position, the grounding protrusion abuts against the grounding component of the image forming apparatus. The first conductive tooth portion is used to mesh with the second gear. The second conductive tooth portion meshes with the developing roller gear.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second gear is provided with a first limiting block along the circumferential direction. In the rotational direction in which the second gear moves from its working position to its initial position, the height of the first limiting block protruding toward the conductive end gradually increases. The first limiting block is used to drive the first gear from the grounded position to the non-grounded position in the direction closer to the conductive end when the second gear rotates.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second gear is provided with a first reset tooth portion and a second reset non-tooth portion. The first reset tooth portion and the first reset non-tooth portion together form a complete circumferential structure of the second gear. The first reset tooth portion is used to mesh with the first conductive tooth portion so that the second gear follows the first gear to rotate to the working position. In the circumferential direction of the second gear, a portion of the first limiting block coincides with the first reset tooth portion, and another portion coincides with the first reset non-tooth portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second gear is provided with a second limiting block, which extends radially along the second gear;

[0029] The drum unit is provided with a first limiting groove, and the second limiting block is located in the first limiting groove. The second limiting block abuts against either end of the first limiting groove, which can stop the second gear from rotating.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This solution is designed with a conductive delay structure. During the printing process of the processing cartridge, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are allowed to rotate fully before the developing roller is charged, absorbs toner, and applies toner to the photosensitive drum, thus avoiding defects at the beginning of the printed page. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the processing box at one angle according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the processing box of Embodiment 1 of this application from another angle;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive side bearing of the processing box in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gear of the processing box in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the conductive end of the processing box in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the conductive end of the processing box in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the conductive end of the processing box in Embodiment 1 of this application when the developing unit is in the first position;

[0038] Figure 8 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the conductive end of the processing cartridge in Embodiment 1 of this application when the developing unit is in the second position;

[0039] Figure 9 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the conductive end of the processing box in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0040] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the conductive delay structure at one angle according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0041] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the conductive delay structure of Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the conductive delay structure from another angle in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0043] Figure 13 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the conductive end of the processing box in Embodiment 2 of this application when the developing unit is in the first position;

[0044] Figure 14 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the conductive end of the processing box in Embodiment 2 of this application when the developing unit is in the second position;

[0045] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box and grounding steel sheet in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0046] Figure 16 is an exploded view of the internal structure of the conductive end of the processing box in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0047] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the conductive side bearing, the first electrode, and the second electrode of the processing box in Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0048] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the processing box in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0049] Figure 19 is an exploded view of the internal structure of the processing box driver end in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0050] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the first gear of the processing box in the grounding position according to Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0051] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the first gear of the processing box in the non-grounded position in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0052] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the second gear structure of the processing box in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0053] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the drive-side end cover and the second gear structure of the processing box in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0054] Figure 24 is an exploded view of the combination of transmission gears and torsion spring structure of the processing box in Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0055] Figure 25 is an exploded view of the combination of transmission gears and friction materials in the processing box of Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0056] Figure 26 is an exploded view of the combination of transmission gears and spring structure of the processing box in Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0057] Figure 27 is an exploded view of the conductive end bearing portion of the processing box in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0058] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the conductive side cover structure with heat dissipation structure of the processing box in Embodiment 5 of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments described herein. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0060] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0061] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0063] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0064] The following descriptions of directions are defined as follows:

[0065] The directions A1 and A2 are the first direction, with A1 pointing to the positive direction of the first direction and A2 pointing to the negative direction of the first direction.

[0066] The directions of B1 and B2 are the second direction. The direction pointed to by B1 is the positive direction of the second direction, and the direction pointed to by B2 is the negative direction of the second direction.

[0067] C1 and C2 are third-party directions. C1 points to the positive direction of the third-party direction, and C2 points to the negative direction of the third-party direction.

[0068] The first, second, and third directions intersect with each other.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment provides a processing cartridge, including a developing unit 100, a drum unit 200, and a driving assembly. The developing unit 100 includes a developing frame 11, a developing roller 16, a powder feeding roller, and a powder discharging blade. The drum unit 200 includes an end cap, a photosensitive frame 21, a photosensitive drum 22, and a charging roller. The processing box is roughly rectangular in shape, with a length in the first direction (A1 and A2 directions), a width in the second direction (B1 and B2 directions), and a height in the third direction (C1 and C2 directions). One end of the processing box in the A1 direction is the driving end, and the other end in the A2 direction is the conductive end. The developing unit 100 and the drum unit 200 are arranged opposite each other in the second direction. The direction from the developing unit 100 toward the drum unit 200 is the B1 direction. The end of the processing box along the B1 direction is the front end. The direction from the drum unit 200 toward the developing unit 100 is the B2 direction. The end along the B2 direction is the rear end. The end of the processing box along the C1 direction is the upper end, and the end along the C2 direction is the lower end.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the developing frame 11 forms a toner storage hopper. The developing frame 11 is approximately elongated box-shaped and extends along a first direction (A1 and A2 directions) in its length direction. Drive-side bearings 12 and conductive-side bearings 17 are respectively provided at both ends of the developing frame 11 in its length direction. The toner feeding roller and the developing roller 16 are rotatably supported on the drive-side bearings 12 and conductive-side bearings 17 at both ends of the developing frame 11 in its length direction. The toner feeding roller and the developing roller 16 can rotate under the action of the driving assembly. The axial directions of the toner feeding roller and the developing roller 16 are both arranged along the length direction of the developing frame 11. The toner feeding roller contacts the developing roller 16 and delivers toner to the developing roller 16, where it is attracted by the charged developing roller 16. The toner feeding roller transfers toner to the developing roller 16 through the potential difference between itself and the developing roller 16. A toner discharge blade is provided on the developing frame 11, and at least a portion of the discharge blade contacts the surface of the developing roller 16, thereby controlling the toner layer thickness on the developing roller 16.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the photosensitive frame 21 also has a length direction, which is consistent with the length direction of the developing frame 11 (both along directions A1 and A2). The photosensitive drum 22 is rotatably supported on the end caps (including the drive-side end cap 41 and the conductive-side end cap 42) at both ends of the photosensitive frame 21 along its length direction. Specifically, the photosensitive drum 22 is located at the lower end (on the C2 direction) of the photosensitive frame 21 in its height direction. The toner adsorbed by the developing roller 16 is transferred to the photosensitive drum 22 through the potential difference between the roller and the photosensitive drum 22. The toner on the photosensitive drum 22 is then transferred by the transfer belt of the image forming apparatus to form an image on the recording material (e.g., paper). The charging roller is used to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 with a uniform charge, thereby enabling the photosensitive drum 22 to adsorb toner.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the drive assembly includes a photosensitive coupling 31, a developing coupling 32, a developing roller gear 33, and a powder feeding roller gear. The drive assembly can be located at one or both ends of the processing cartridge along its length. In this embodiment, the drive assembly is located at the same end of the processing cartridge along its length, preferably the drive end (the end in the A1 direction). The photosensitive coupling 31 is fixedly mounted at one end of the photosensitive drum 22 along its length (the end in the A1 direction). The photosensitive coupling 31 and the photosensitive drum 22 can be integrally formed or separate structures. The photosensitive coupling 31 is supported on the drive-side end cover 41. The photosensitive coupling 31 is used to engage with the photosensitive drive head of the image forming apparatus, thereby receiving the rotational drive force of the image forming apparatus and driving the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate. The end of the photosensitive coupling 31 away from the end face of the photosensitive frame 21 is provided with a meshing head. The meshing head can be a regular or irregular protrusion, as long as it can stably mesh with the photosensitive drive head to receive the driving force. The conductive end of the photosensitive drum 22 is provided with a drum bearing 23, which is supported on the conductive side end cover 42 (the two can be supported and connected by a pin passing through the conductive side end cover 42 and the drum bearing 23; the pin is also an electrode contact of the photosensitive drum 22. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the pin is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the image forming apparatus and finally grounded, so that the photosensitive drum 22 is conductive and grounded. After the photosensitive drum 22 is conductive and the developing roller 16 is charged, there is a potential difference between the two, which allows the toner on the developing roller 16 to be transferred to the photosensitive drum 22. The pin is preferably a metal shaft). The conductive end of the photosensitive drum 22 can also be provided with a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the drum bearing 23 and abuts against the conductive side end cover 42. The torsion spring is used to increase the torque of the photosensitive drum 22, so that the photosensitive drum 22 rotates stably.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1, the developing coupling 32, the developing roller gear 33, and the powder feeding roller gear are disposed on the outside of the drive-side bearing 12. Specifically, the drive-side bearing 12 is provided with a support hole for supporting the developing coupling 32. The developing coupling 32 is used to mesh with the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus and receive driving force. The developing roller gear 33 is sleeved on the shaft of the developing roller 16 and extends out of the drive-side bearing 12. The powder feeding roller gear is sleeved on the shaft of the powder feeding roller and extends out of the drive-side bearing 12. The developing roller gear 33 and the powder feeding roller gear mesh directly or indirectly with the developing coupling 32 to transmit the driving force received by the developing coupling 32, thereby driving the developing roller 16 and the powder feeding roller to rotate.

[0075] As shown in Figure 1, a developer cover 15 is also provided on the outside of the drive-side bearing 12. The developer cover 15 covers the developer roller gear 33, the powder feeding roller gear, and a part of the developer coupling 32, which can protect the drive components. Specifically, the developer cover 15 has a cylindrical part that protrudes along the side away from the developer frame 11. The cylindrical part is hollow inside and extends axially along the length direction of the developer frame 11. When the meshing part 34 of the developer coupling 32 extends outward along the axial direction, a part of it passes through the inside of the cylindrical part and extends out of the developer cover 15.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, end caps are located at both ends of the processing cartridge along its length, namely a drive-side end cap 41 and a conductive-side end cap 42. The conductive-side end cap 42 covers the outside of the conductive-side bearing 17, and the drive-side end cap 41 covers the outside of the developing cover 15. When viewed along the length of the processing cartridge, the drive-side end cap 41 and the developing cover 15 at least partially overlap. Both the drive-side end cap 41 and the conductive-side end cap 42 cover at least a portion of the ends of the photosensitive frame 21 and the developing frame 11, respectively. The drive-side end cap 41 is fixedly connected to the end of the photosensitive frame 21, and the drive-side end cap 41 and the photosensitive frame 21 can be integrally formed.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the drive-side end cover 41 is provided with a first through hole and a notch 412. When the drive-side end cover 41 is installed at the ends of the developing frame 11 and the photosensitive frame 21, the photosensitive coupling 31 is exposed through the first through hole and the developing coupling 32 is exposed through the notch 412 so that the coupling can engage with the drive head of the image forming apparatus to receive the driving force. The notch 412 extends downward and backward from the position corresponding to the developing coupling 32 to the lower end (C2 direction end) and rear end (B2 direction end) of the drive-side end cover 41. That is, a gap is cut out in the drive-side end cover 41, so that the projection of the notch 412 on the axial direction of the developing roller 16 is greater than the projection of the developing coupling 32 on the axial direction of the developing roller 16 (the projection of the developing coupling 32 is within the projection range of the notch 412). This allows most of the developing cover 15 to be exposed through the notch 412. The internal structure of the processing box (especially the internal structure of the developing unit 100) can be observed to a certain extent through the notch 412. In the case of partial maintenance, it can be achieved without removing the drive-side end cover 41, making maintenance more convenient.

[0078] During the operation of the image forming apparatus, the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 22 need to be in close contact. When the image forming apparatus is not working, the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 22 need to be separated by a certain distance to avoid problems such as the photosensitive drum 22 being contaminated by excess developer adhering to the developing roller 16, deformation of the developing roller 16, and wear of the photosensitive drum 22 due to prolonged contact between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 22.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing unit 100 is configured to move relative to the drum unit 200, so that the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 22 can contact each other when the image forming apparatus is working and separate when it is not working. As shown in FIG1, the processing cartridge also includes a connecting part 413 for movably connecting the developing unit 100 and the drum unit 200. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the drum unit 200 abuts against the components in the image forming apparatus, thereby fixing the drum unit 200. The developing unit 100 is configured to move relative to the drum unit 200 between a first position and a second position. When the developing unit 100 is in the first position, the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 22; when the developing unit 100 is in the second position, the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 22.

[0080] As shown in Figure 1, during the transportation and storage phases before the processing cartridge is used, it is also necessary to avoid prolonged contact between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 22. In this embodiment, the processing cartridge also includes a first elastic element 61, which can be a tension spring. One end of the tension spring is connected to the drive-side end cover 41, and the other end is connected to the developing cover 15. Both the drive-side end cover 41 and the developing cover 15 are provided with hooks for connecting the tension spring. The tension of the first elastic element 61 acts on the developing unit 100, causing the lower end of the developing unit 100 to move away from the lower end of the drum unit 200 (i.e., the developing unit 100 is in the second position), and the photosensitive drum 22 does not contact the developing roller 16. Alternatively, the first elastic element 61 can also be a compression spring, torsion spring, or other elastic components, or a magnet can be used for cooperation (using repulsive or attractive forces to keep the photosensitive drum 22 and the developing roller 16 separated from each other and prevent them from contacting), as long as the developing unit 100 can be kept in the second position.

[0081] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the processing cartridge also includes an electrode assembly and a conductive delay structure disposed at a conductive end. The electrode assembly is at least partially exposed at the conductive end to receive electrical energy from the image forming apparatus, thereby powering the developing roller 16, the toner feeding roller, and the toner exit blade. In this embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a first electrode 51 and a second electrode 52. The first electrode 51 powers the developing roller 16, and the second electrode 52 powers the toner feeding roller and the toner exit blade. Both the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are mounted on the outside of the conductive side bearing 17. An opening 421 is provided on the conductive side end cap 42, and a portion of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 is exposed through the opening 421. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the exposed portions of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 contact and are electrically connected to the electrical output components of the image forming apparatus, thereby receiving electrical energy output from the image forming apparatus. A portion of the second electrode 52 extends to contact the conductive end of the shaft of the toner feeding roller, and another portion extends to contact the conductive end of the toner exit blade, thereby supplying the received electrical energy to the toner feeding roller and the toner exit blade. The first electrode 51 includes a first contact 511, which is used to contact and electrically connect with the second contact 534 provided in the conductive delay structure, thereby supplying electrical energy to the developing roller 16. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are both conductive sheet-like components (steel sheets, copper sheets, etc.), which can be fixed to the conductive side bearing 17 by means of adhesive, snap-fit, etc.

[0082] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, a support portion 171 is provided on the conductive side bearing 17. The support portion 171 is a hollow cylindrical structure that passes through the conductive side bearing 17 and protrudes along the directions A1 and A2. The interior of the support portion 171 is a through hole extending along the first direction. The shaft of the developing roller 16 is supported on the A1 side of the support portion 171, that is, the shaft of the developing roller 16 is coaxial with the support portion 171 and its conductive end can be exposed through the through hole inside the support portion 171.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, a conductive delay structure is disposed at the conductive end, including a first gear 53 and a second gear 54. The second gear 54 is disposed at the conductive end of the photosensitive drum 22, specifically sleeved on the drum bearing 23, so that the second gear 54 can rotate with the photosensitive drum 22 by relying on the friction between the two when the photosensitive drum 22 rotates. Furthermore, the second gear 54 is provided with several protrusions 541, a portion of which extends towards the central axis of the second gear 54. When the second gear 54 is sleeved on the drum bearing 23, the protrusions 541 contact and grip the drum bearing 23, thereby increasing the friction between the two and ensuring that the second gear 54 can rotate with the photosensitive drum 22 without the action of other external forces. The several protrusions 541 can be disposed on the end face of the second gear 54 in the A2 direction, and the several protrusions 541 are arranged at intervals along the rotation direction.

[0084] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the first gear 53 is rotatably supported on the outside of the conductive side bearing 17. The first gear 53 includes a cylindrical portion 531, a toothed portion 532, a non-toothed portion 533, and a second contact 534. The cylindrical portion 531 is hollow inside and is sleeved on the support portion 171 of the conductive side bearing 17, and can rotate about the support portion 171 as an axis. The toothed portion 532 and the non-toothed portion 533 (the portion without teeth on the circumference) are located on the same circumference, and in a first direction, the toothed portion 532 and the non-toothed portion 533 are closer to the conductive side bearing 17 than the cylindrical portion 531. The conductive side bearing 17 is provided with an abutment portion 172, which is a protruding post protruding along the A2 direction. The abutment portion 172 is located within the range of the non-tooth portion 533, that is, the non-tooth portion 533 is the clearance space for the abutment portion 172. The abutment portion 172 is used to limit the rotation range of the first gear 53 (the rotation range is the arc length of the non-tooth portion 533). When the abutment portion 172 abuts against the tooth portion 532 at either end in the rotation direction, it can stop the rotation of the first gear 53. The tooth portion 532 is used to mesh with the second gear 54, so that the second gear 54 can be driven to rotate by the first gear 53. The second contact 534 is fixedly disposed on the first gear 53. Specifically, the second contact 534 can be a conductive sheet. A part of the second contact 534 enters the support 171 through the through hole of the support 171 and extends to the position where it contacts the shaft of the developing roller 16. The other part of the second contact 534 extends to the outer circumference of the cylindrical part 531. The first contact 511 of the first electrode 51 also extends to the outer circumference of the cylindrical part 531. When the second contact 534 rotates with the first gear 53, the second contact 534 can contact and electrically connect with the first contact 511 in the working position, so that the electrical energy received by the first electrode 51 is transmitted to the shaft of the developing roller 16 through the first contact 511 and the second contact 534 (that is, the developing roller 16 is turned on and starts charging, and the developing roller 16 is in a charging state), so that the developing roller 16 is charged and thus adsorbs toner. A first connecting hole 5341 can be provided on the second contact 534, and a second connecting hole 5311 is also provided on the end face of the cylindrical portion 531 in the A2 direction. The second contact 534 is fixed to the first gear 53 by passing a screw 5342 through the connecting hole. Alternatively, the second contact 534 can also be fixed to the first gear 53 by means of adhesive, snap-fit, or other methods.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the conductive delay structure also includes a reset member 55. The reset member 55 is used to reset or hold the first gear 53 in its initial position. In the initial position (without any other external force), one end of the tooth portion 532 of the first gear 53 abuts against the abutment portion 172, and the second contact 534 is separated from the first contact 511. The reset member 55 can be a torsion spring, with the coil portion of the torsion spring sleeved on the support portion 171. One end of the torsion spring abuts against the first gear 53, and the other end abuts against the support portion 171. Grooves 535 for the torsion spring to abut against can be provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 531 of the first gear 53 and the outer wall of the support portion 171. Optionally, the other end of the torsion spring can also abut against other positions on the drive-side bearing or on the conductive end cap 42. Optionally, the reset member 55 can also be a tension spring, compression spring, spring sheet, magnet, or other components, as long as it can reset the first gear 53.

[0086] As shown in Figure 8, in the initial position (the processing cartridge is in a non-developing state), the developing unit 100 is located in the second position, the lower end of the developing unit 100 is away from the lower end of the drum unit 200, the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 22, the tooth portion 532 of the first gear 53 is separated from the second gear 54, one end of the tooth portion 532 abuts against the abutting portion 172, the second contact 534 is also separated from the first contact 511, the developing roller 16 is in a non-conductive state (i.e., non-charging state), and the photosensitive drum 22 is in a pin (electrode contact) grounded state (i.e., conductive grounded state).

[0087] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, when development is required, the electrical output unit of the image forming apparatus supplies electrical energy to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52. The second electrode 52 transmits the electrical energy to the powder feeding roller and the powder exiting blade. Simultaneously, the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus engages with the developing coupling 32 of the developing unit 100, and the photosensitive drive head engages with the photosensitive coupling 31. The photosensitive drum 22 rotates clockwise (clockwise when viewed from the driving side (along the A2 direction), and simultaneously drives the second gear 54 to rotate counterclockwise (counterclockwise when viewed from the conductive side (along the A1 direction)) through friction. The developing coupling 32 receives the driving force and opens... The developing roller and powder feeding roller begin to rotate, driving the developing roller and powder feeding roller to rotate. Due to the large torque and friction of the driving force (when the developing drive head is engaged with the developing coupling 32, a part of the developing drive head will contact the developing cover 15, and friction will be generated between the two when the developing drive head rotates), a force can be generated to move the developing unit 100 from the second position to the first position (this force can overcome the force of the first elastic member 61), that is, the lower end of the developing unit 100 moves towards the lower end of the drum unit 200, the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 22, and the teeth 532 of the first gear 53 contacts and meshes with the second gear 54. 4. The first gear 53 rotates against the force of the reset member 55 (during this process, the reset member 55 is torsional deformed). The first gear 53 rotates clockwise (clockwise when viewed from the conductive side (along the A1 direction). One end of the tooth portion 532 leaves the abutment portion 172. After rotating for a certain period of time, the first gear 53 rotates to the position where the second contact 534 and the first contact 511 are in contact and the other end of the tooth portion 532 abuts against the abutment portion 172 (the first gear 53 is in the working position). The clockwise rotation of the first gear 53 is restricted by the abutment portion 172, and the first gear 53 stops rotating. The second gear 54 also stops rotating under the meshing action of the toothed portion 532 and the second gear 54 (at this time, the second gear 54 no longer rotates with the photosensitive drum 22), but the force of the second gear 54 on the first gear 53 can keep the first gear 53 in the position where the other end of the toothed portion 532 abuts against the contact portion 172 (i.e., the working position), so that the second contact 534 is in contact with the first contact 511. The electrical energy received by the first electrode 51 is transmitted to the developing roller 16 through the contact of the first contact 511 and the second contact 534 (the developing roller 16 is in the charging state and starts charging), and the processing cartridge can start the developing operation.

[0088] In the above process, after the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 22, there is a certain delay time, namely the time required for the first gear 53 to rotate from the initial position to the working position, and the time required for the first contact 511 and the second contact 534 to go from separation to contact. After this delay time (i.e., the time to switch from the non-charging state to the charging state), the developing roller 16 receives the electrical energy output by the image forming apparatus (the developing roller 16 is in the charging state and begins charging). Only then can the developing roller 16 adsorb toner and apply toner to the photosensitive drum 22 (the toner is transferred through the potential difference between the two). With this setting, the photosensitive drum 22 can be fully rotated before the toner application begins, avoiding the developing roller 16 applying toner before the photosensitive drum 22 is fully rotated, which would cause printing defects during the developing process. In this embodiment, preferably, the photosensitive drum 22 rotates at least 60 degrees (or more) after contacting the developing roller 15, and the conductive delay structure completes the corresponding action to turn on the developing roller 15, putting it in a state where it can receive electrical energy.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, after the image forming apparatus finishes the developing process, the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus stops rotating, the developing drive force disappears, and the force of the first elastic member 61 on the developing unit 100 drives the developing unit 100 to rotate to the second position away from the photosensitive drum 22. The developing roller 16 separates from the photosensitive drum 22, the tooth portion 532 of the first gear 53 disengages from the second gear 54, and the first gear 53 rotates and resets in a counterclockwise direction (counterclockwise when viewed from the conductive side (along the A1 direction)) under the force of the deformation recovery of the reset member 55. The other end of the tooth portion 532 leaves the abutment portion 172, and the second contact 534 disengages from the first contact 511 (the developing roller 16 is not conductive, not charged, and in a non-charging state). The first gear 53 rotates to the initial position (one end of the tooth portion 532 abuts against the abutment portion 172) and then stops rotating, waiting for the next developing process to begin before repeating the above motion process.

[0090] Example 2

[0091] This embodiment provides another processing box, which differs from the first embodiment in that the conductive delay structure is different.

[0092] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the conductive delay structure is disposed at the conductive end and includes a first gear 53, a second gear 54, and a reset member 55. The second gear 54 is disposed at the conductive end of the photosensitive drum 22, specifically sleeved on the drum bearing 23, so that the second gear 54 can rotate with the photosensitive drum 22 by relying on the friction between the two when the photosensitive drum 22 rotates. The second gear 54 also includes an extension 542, which is disposed on the end face of the second gear 54. The extension 542 is in the shape of a claw / arm. One or more extensions 542 can be provided. In this embodiment, two extensions are provided. The extensions 542 extend towards the connection between the drum bearing 23 and the conductive end. The pin 24 of the side end cover 42 (the pin 24 is also the electrode contact of the photosensitive drum 22. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the pin 24 is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the image forming apparatus and eventually grounded, so that the photosensitive drum 22 is grounded. After the photosensitive drum 22 is grounded and the developing roller 16 is charged, there is a potential difference between the two, so that the toner on the developing roller 16 can be transferred to the photosensitive drum 22. The pin 24 is preferably a metal shaft) extends in the direction and contacts the pin 24. The second gear 54 is made of conductive material. The second gear 54 contacts the pin 24 through the extension 542 so that the two are electrically connected, that is, the second gear 54 is also grounded.

[0093] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the first gear 53 includes a conductive part 536 and an insulating part 537. The conductive part 536 and the insulating part 537 are combined to form a complete gear. The arc lengths of the conductive part 536 and the insulating part 537 in the circumferential direction can be the same or different, as long as they can form a complete circle when combined. The conductive part 536 includes a first tooth 5361 and a first boss 5362, and the insulating part 537 includes a second tooth 5371 and a second boss 5372. When the conductive part 536 and the insulating part 537 are assembled, the first tooth 5361 and the second tooth 5371 form a complete circumferential tooth portion, which is used to mesh with the second gear 54. The first boss 5362 and the second boss 5372 form a cylindrical part 531 as in Embodiment 1. The conductive part 536 is made of conductive material and can conduct electricity, while the insulating part 537 is made of insulating material and cannot conduct electricity. The conductive part 536 and the insulating part 537 can be fixedly connected by means of adhesive, snap-fit, etc. The first gear 53 is hollow inside and is sleeved on the support part 171 of the conductive side bearing 17 and can rotate about the support part 171 as the axis.

[0094] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first gear 53 also includes a second contact 534, which is fixedly disposed on the first gear 53. Specifically, the second contact 534 can be a conductive sheet. A portion of the second contact 534 enters the support 171 through the through hole and extends to a position that contacts the shaft of the developing roller 16. Another portion of the second contact 534 extends to the outer circumferential wall of the cylindrical portion 531 and extends along the outer circumferential wall of the cylindrical portion 531. That is, the second contact 534 has an arc portion 5343. The arc portion 5343 covers the outer side of the outer circumferential wall of the cylindrical portion 531 in the circumferential direction. The arc portion 5343 also covers a portion of the first boss 5362 of the conductive portion 536 and a portion of the second boss 5372 of the insulating portion 537. That is, one circumferential end of the arc portion 5343 is located in the region of the insulating portion 537, and the other circumferential end is located in the region of the conductive portion 536. The first contact 511 of the first electrode 51 also extends to the circumferential outer wall of the cylindrical portion 531 and contacts the arc portion 5343 of the second contact 534. In the initial position, the first contact 511 can contact one end of the arc portion 5343 located in the region of the insulating portion 537 in the circumferential direction.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, the first gear 53 also includes a limiting groove 538. The limiting groove 538 is located on the side of the first gear 53 near the conductive bearing 17. It is recessed in the A2 direction on the end face of the first gear 53 in the A1 direction. The limiting groove 538 is an arc-shaped groove, with one part located in the conductive part 536 area and the other part located in the insulating part 537 area. The limiting groove 538 is used to accommodate the abutment part 172 (protrusion). When the first gear 53 rotates, the abutment part 172 moves relative to the limiting groove 538. The abutment part 172 is used to limit the rotation range of the first gear 53 (the rotation range is the arc length of the limiting groove 538). When the abutment part 172 abuts against either end of the limiting groove 538 in the circumferential direction, the first gear 53 can be stopped from rotating. The arc length of the arc portion 5343 of the second contact 534 can be set to be greater than the arc length of the limiting groove 538, so that when the first gear 53 rotates within the range of the limiting groove 538, the first contact 511 can always contact the arc portion 5343 of the second contact 534, that is, the first contact 511 and the second contact 534 will not lose contact and will always be in a state of being able to conduct electricity.

[0096] The structure, connection and function of the reset member 55 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and it is used to reset or hold the first gear 53 in its initial position.

[0097] As shown in Figure 14, in the initial position (processing cartridge in non-developing state), the developing unit 100 is located in the second position, the lower end of the developing unit 100 is away from the lower end of the drum unit 200, the developing roller 16 is separated from the photosensitive drum 22, the teeth of the first gear 53 are separated from the second gear 54, one end of the limiting groove 538 of the first gear 53 abuts against the abutting part 172, the first contact 511 and the arc portion 5343 are in contact with one end of the insulating part 537, the first gear 53 is in the position where the first tooth 5361 of the conductive part 536 is opposite to the second gear 54 (i.e., the conductive part 536 is closer to the second gear 54 than the insulating part 537), the developing roller 16 is in a non-charging state, and the photosensitive drum 22 is in a conductive grounding state.

[0098] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, when development is required, the electrical output unit of the image forming apparatus supplies electrical energy to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52. The second electrode 52 transmits the electrical energy to the powder feeding roller and the powder exiting blade. Simultaneously, the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus engages with the developing coupling 32 of the developing unit 100, and the photosensitive drive head engages with the photosensitive coupling 31. The photosensitive drum 22 rotates clockwise (clockwise when viewed from the driving side (along the A2 direction)) and simultaneously drives the second gear 54 to rotate counterclockwise (counterclockwise when viewed from the conductive side (along the A1 direction)) through friction. The developing coupling 32 receives the driving force and begins to rotate, driving the developing roller 16 and the powder feeding roller to rotate. Due to the large torque and friction of the driving force (when the developing drive head engages with the developing coupling 32, a part of the developing drive head will contact the developing cover 15, and friction is generated between the two when the developing drive head rotates), a force is generated that moves the developing unit 100 from the second position to the first position (this force can...). (Enough to overcome the force of the first elastic element 61), that is, the lower end of the developing unit 100 moves towards the lower end of the drum unit 200, the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 22, the first tooth 5361 of the conductive part 536 contacts and meshes with the second gear 54, the second gear 54 drives the first gear 53 to rotate against the force of the reset element 55 (during this process, the reset element 55 is torsional deformed), the first gear 53 rotates in a clockwise direction (clockwise when viewed from the conductive side (along the A1 direction), limiting the movement. One end of the groove 538 leaves the abutment portion 172, and the first contact 511 slides along the arc portion 5343. When the first gear 53 is in the state of meshing the first tooth 5361 with the second gear 54, the electrical energy received by the first electrode 51 passes through the first contact 511, the second contact 534, the conductive portion 536, and the guide pin 24 of the second gear 54 (i.e., finally grounded). In this state, the electrical energy received by the first electrode 51 will not be transferred to the developing roller 16 (i.e., the developing roller 16 is in a non-charging state).As the first gear 53 continues to rotate, when the second tooth 5371 of the insulating part 537 meshes with the second gear 54, the electrical energy received by the first electrode 51 cannot be transmitted to the second gear 54 through the insulating part 537. Therefore, the electrical energy is transmitted to the developing roller 16 via the first contact 511 and the second contact 534. When the first gear 53 continues to rotate until the other end of the limiting groove 538 abuts against the abutment part 172, the clockwise rotation of the first gear 53 is restricted by the abutment part 172, the first gear 53 stops rotating, and the first gear 53 is in the position opposite to the insulating part 537 and the second gear 54 (the first... The second gear 54 is engaged with the second tooth 5371. The second gear 54 also stops rotating under the engagement of the second tooth 5371 (at this time, the second gear 54 no longer rotates with the photosensitive drum 22). However, the force of the second gear 54 on the first gear 53 can keep the first gear 53 in the position where the other end of the limiting groove 538 abuts against the abutment portion 172. The other end of the arc portion 5343 of the first contact 511 and the second contact 534 (the end located in the conductive portion 536) remains in contact. The electrical energy received by the first electrode 51 is continuously transferred to the developing roller 16 (in a charging state), and the processing cartridge can perform the developing operation.

[0099] In the above process, after the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 22, there is a certain delay time for the developing roller 16 to receive electrical energy. That is, the time required for the first gear 53 to rotate from the position where the conductive part 536 meshes with the second gear 54 to the position where the insulating part 537 meshes with the second gear 54. After this delay time (i.e., the time for switching from the non-charging state to the charging state), the developing roller 16 receives the electrical energy output by the image forming apparatus, and only then does the developing roller 16 begin charging, absorb toner, and apply toner to the photosensitive drum 22. With this setting, the photosensitive drum 22 can be fully rotated before the toner application begins, avoiding printing defects that may occur during the developing process if the developing roller 16 applies toner before the photosensitive drum 22 has fully rotated. In this embodiment, preferably, the photosensitive drum 22 rotates at least 60 degrees (or more) after contacting the developing roller 15, and the conductive delay structure completes the corresponding action to de-ground the developing roller 15 and put it in a state where it can receive electrical energy (i.e., the developing roller 16 switches from the non-charging state to the charging state and begins charging).

[0100] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, after the image forming apparatus finishes the developing operation, the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus stops rotating, the developing drive force disappears, and the force of the first elastic member 61 on the developing unit 100 drives the developing unit 100 to rotate to the second position away from the photosensitive drum 22. The developing roller 16 separates from the photosensitive drum 22, the second tooth 5371 of the insulating part 537 disengages from the second gear 54, and the first gear 53 rotates and resets in a counterclockwise direction (counterclockwise when viewed from the conductive side (along the A1 direction)) under the force of the deformation recovery of the reset member 55. The other end of the limiting groove 538 leaves the abutment part 172, and the first contact 511 slides relative to the end of the arc part 5343 located on the conductive part 536 towards the end located on the insulating part 537. After the first gear 53 rotates to the initial position, it stops rotating and waits for the next developing operation to begin before repeating the above movement process.

[0101] The other structures of the processing box in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0102] Example 3

[0103] This embodiment provides another processing box, which differs from the first embodiment in that the conductive delay structure is different.

[0104] As shown in Figure 16, a conductive bearing 17 and an electrode assembly are provided at the conductive end of the processing cartridge. At least a portion of the electrode assembly is exposed on the conductive side to receive electrical energy from the image forming apparatus, thereby powering the developing roller 16, the toner feeding roller 191, and the toner exit blade 192. In this embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a first electrode 51 and a second electrode 52. The first electrode 51 powers the developing roller 16, and the second electrode 52 powers the toner feeding roller 191 and the toner exit blade 192. Both the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are conductive sheet-like components that can be fixed to the conductive bearing 17 by adhesive, snap-fit, or other means. An opening 421 is provided on the conductive end cap 42, through which a portion of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are exposed. When the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the exposed portions of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 contact and are electrically connected to the electrical output components of the image forming apparatus, thereby receiving electrical energy output from the image forming apparatus. A pin 24 is provided on the conductive end of the photosensitive drum 22, and the photosensitive drum 22 is continuously electrically connected to the image forming apparatus as the negative electrode through the pin 24. In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus is developing, the electrical energy provided by the image forming apparatus charges the developing roller 16 sequentially through the first electrode 51 and the developing roller 16.

[0105] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a first electrode fixing stage 175 and a second electrode fixing stage 176 are provided on the conductive side bearing 17. The conductive side bearing 17 also has a developing power supply hole 177 and a powder feeding power supply hole 178. When the conductive side bearing 17 and the conductive side end cap 42 are both installed on the processing box, the first electrode fixing stage 175 and the second electrode fixing stage 176 are exposed through the opening 421. The developing roller 16 is rotatably supported on the conductive side bearing 17, and the steel shaft at the conductive end of the developing roller 16 is exposed in the developing power supply hole 177. The powder feeding roller 191 is rotatably supported on the conductive side bearing 17, and the steel shaft at the conductive end of the powder feeding roller 191 is exposed in the powder feeding power supply hole 178. One end of the first electrode 51 is fixed to the first electrode mounting base 175 and exposed in the opening 421. The other end of the first electrode 51 extends along the outer contour of the conductive side bearing 17 in the C2 direction and finally extends into the developing power supply hole 177, where it contacts the developing roller 16 to achieve electrical connection. When the first electrode 51 receives electrical energy from the image forming apparatus, it can transfer the electrical energy to the developing roller 16. One end of the second electrode 52 is fixed to the second electrode mounting base 176 and exposed in the opening 421. The other end of the second electrode 52 extends along the outer contour of the conductive side bearing 17 in the C2 direction and finally extends into the powder feeding power supply hole 178, where it contacts the powder feeding roller 191 to achieve electrical connection. The second electrode 52 is also provided with an electrode extension 521, which extends along the A1 direction. When the second electrode 52 is installed on the processing box along with the conductive side bearing 17, the electrode extension 521 can make contact with the conductive end of the powder discharge blade 192 to achieve electrical connection. When the second electrode 52 receives electrical energy from the image forming apparatus, the powder feeding roller 191 and the powder discharge blade 192 can be charged synchronously.

[0106] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, a conductive delay structure is disposed at the driving end. The conductive delay structure includes a first gear 121, a second gear 221, and a reset member 122. The first gear 121 and the second gear 221 are gear structures, and the reset member 122 is a compression spring.

[0107] As shown in Figure 19, the first gear 121 is disposed at the drive end of the developing frame 11, specifically on the drive-side bearing 12. The axis of the first gear 121 is arranged along a first direction, enabling the first gear 121 to rotate around the first direction. The first gear 121 can also move linearly along the first direction in both grounded and ungrounded positions. Both the first gear 121 and the developing roller gear 33 are made of conductive material. The meshing connection between the first gear 121 and the developing roller gear 33 also achieves electrical connection. The developing roller gear 33 is disposed on the steel shaft at the drive end of the developing roller 16, thereby achieving electrical connection between the developing roller 16 and the first gear 121 through the developing roller gear 33. Alternatively, the first gear 121 can also be electrically connected to the developing roller 16 via a reset member 122 (compression spring). That is, the reset member 122 is conductive and one part of it is electrically connected to the first gear 121, and the other part is electrically connected to the developing roller 16. Specifically, the developing roller gear 33 can be made of non-conductive material. The reset member 122 (compression spring) is disposed between the first gear 121 and the drive-side bearing 12. A part of the reset member 122 (one end of the reset member 122 in the A1 direction) contacts and is electrically connected to the first gear 121, and the reset member 122 extends out a section (the other part) to contact the steel shaft of the developing roller 16, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the first gear 121 and the developing roller 16.

[0108] As shown in Figure 15, the image forming apparatus is equipped with a grounding component. Preferably, the grounding component is a grounding steel plate 123. The grounding steel plate 123 is directly or indirectly grounded. The grounding steel plate 123 can be an image forming apparatus tray that holds the processing cartridge, a side wall of the image forming apparatus, or other conductive structures on the image forming apparatus. When the first gear 121 is in the grounded position, it is in contact with the grounding steel plate 123 of the image forming apparatus. The developing roller 16 passes through the developing roller gear 33 and the first gear 121 in sequence and is then in a grounded state (i.e., the developing roller 16 is in a non-charging state). When the first gear 121 is in the non-grounded position, the conductive device is separated from the grounding steel plate 123. The developing roller 16 is no longer grounded through the developing roller gear 33 and the first gear 121. Only then does the developing roller 16 receive the electrical energy output by the image forming apparatus (the developing roller 16 is in a charging state), allowing it to absorb toner and apply it to the photosensitive drum 22. The reset element 122 provides a reset force that tends to move the first gear 121 from a non-grounded position to a grounded position. When the first gear 121 is not restricted by other forces, the reset element 122 keeps the first gear 121 in the grounded position. When the first gear 121 is in the grounded position, the developing roller 16 is directly grounded through the developing roller gear 33 connected to the first gear 121. The developing roller 16 is no longer connected to the negative terminal through the pin 24 to form a circuit. The electrical energy provided by the image forming apparatus cannot charge the developing roller 16, and the developing roller 16 does not absorb developer.

[0109] As shown in Figure 15, in this embodiment, the grounding steel plate 123 is located on the outside of the drive end, that is, compared with the first gear 121, the grounding steel plate 123 is closer to the A1 direction; in this embodiment, the grounding steel plate 123 is specifically a fixing frame (i.e., the image forming apparatus tray frame for placing the processing box) used to fix the processing box in the image forming apparatus. The fixing frame is made of metal material and is directly or indirectly connected to the ground wire through a wire. When the first gear 121 contacts the grounding steel plate 123, the grounding purpose can be achieved.

[0110] As shown in Figure 19, the reset member 122 is specifically a compression spring. The reset member 122 is disposed between the first gear 121 and the drive-side bearing 12, and is used to move the first gear 121 away from the drive-side bearing 12. That is, when the first gear 121 contacts the grounding steel plate 123 under the action of the reset member 122, the first gear 121 is in the grounded position; when the first gear 121 moves in the A2 direction (closer to the conductive end) under the action of other external forces and separates from the grounding steel plate 123, the first gear 121 is in the non-grounded position.

[0111] As shown in Figure 22, the second gear 221 drives the first gear 121 to move to a non-grounded position. The second gear 221 can move between a working position and an initial position. In the working position, the second gear 221 can drive the first gear 121 to move to a non-grounded position and keep the first gear 121 in the non-grounded position. Specifically, the second gear 221 is installed on the driving end of the photosensitive frame 21, and the axis of the second gear 221 is set along a first direction. Since the first gear 121 is set on the developing frame 11 and the second gear 221 is installed on the photosensitive frame 21, when the developing unit 100 is in the first position relative to the drum unit 200, the second gear 221 is in contact with the first gear 121, and the second gear 221 can rotate from the initial position to the working position following the rotation of the first gear 121; when the developing unit 100 is in the second position relative to the drum unit 200, the second gear 221 is separated from the first gear 121.

[0112] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in this embodiment, the second gear 221 can be driven by the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate from the working position to the initial position. Specifically, the second gear 221 is sleeved on the photosensitive coupling 31. When the photosensitive coupling 31 rotates under the action of the photosensitive drive head, the second gear 221 can rotate with the photosensitive coupling 31 by relying on the frictional force between it and the photosensitive coupling 31. The inner side of the second gear 221 is provided with a locking part 226. The number of locking parts 226 is one or more. In this embodiment, the number of locking parts 226 is three. The locking parts 226 extend towards the axis of the second gear 221 and can hold the photosensitive coupling 31 tightly, thereby increasing the frictional force between the second gear 221 and the photosensitive coupling 31.

[0113] As shown in Figures 20 to 23, the second gear 221 is provided with a first reset tooth portion 222 and a first reset non-tooth portion 223 along the circumferential direction. The first reset tooth portion 222 and the first reset non-tooth portion 223 together form the complete circumferential structure of the second gear 221. The second gear 221 is also provided with a first limiting block 224; the first limiting block 224 is used to push the first gear 121 to move in the direction of A2. The first limiting block 224 is arranged along the circumference of the second gear 221. One end of the first limiting block 224 along the circumference is located within the circumferential range of the first reset tooth portion 222; the other end of the first limiting block 224 along the circumferential range is located within the circumferential range of the first reset non-tooth portion 223. That is to say, the first limiting block 224 spans the boundary between the first reset tooth portion 222 and the first reset non-tooth portion 223. In other words, in the circumferential direction of the second gear 221, part of the first limiting block 224 coincides with the first reset tooth portion 222, and the other part coincides with the first reset non-tooth portion 223. The height of the first limiting block 224 along the axial direction gradually changes. The height of the first limiting block 224 along the axial direction is relatively low at the position of the first reset tooth portion 222 and relatively high at the position of the first reset non-tooth portion 223. That is to say, the height / thickness of the first limiting block 224 gradually increases along the A2 direction in the rotation direction (clockwise when viewed along the A2 direction) as the working position of the second gear 221 moves to the initial position. An inclined surface is formed on the first limiting block 224 (that is, the end face of the first limiting block 224 facing the conductive end is an inclined surface). Furthermore, a limiting block abutment portion 228 is also formed on the first limiting block 224 at the position of the first reset non-tooth portion 223. The limiting block abutment portion 228 is specifically a planar structure used to abut against the end face of the first gear 121. As the second gear 221 rotates following the first gear 121, the end face of the first gear 121 in the A1 direction abuts against the inclined surface of the first limiting block 224 (the working position is when the second gear 221 rotates to the position where the first limiting hole 224 abuts against the first gear 121). Under the action of the first limiting block 224, the first gear 121 gradually moves towards the A2 direction, overcoming the reset force of the reset member 122. When the first reset non-tooth portion 223 of the second gear 221 rotates to the meshing position, the thickest part of the first limiting block 224 continuously exerts pressure on the end face of the first gear 121, keeping the first gear 121 in the non-grounded position.The second gear 221 is also provided with a second limiting block 225 extending radially. Specifically, the second limiting block 225 is located on the edge of the second gear 221 and extends radially away from the axis of the second gear 221. The second limiting block 225 is used to abut against the drum unit to stop the second gear 221 from rotating. Specifically, the drive-side end cover 41 is provided with a first limiting groove 418. The first limiting groove 418 is arranged around the second gear 221 so that the second limiting block 225 can move in the first limiting groove 418. The two ends of the first limiting groove 418 along the circumferential direction are respectively used to cooperate with the second limiting block 225 to stop the second gear 221 from rotating. That is, when the second limiting block 225 abuts against either end of the first limiting groove 418, the second gear 221 can be stopped from rotating.

[0114] As shown in Figures 15 and 23, the first gear 121 is axially divided into a first conductive tooth portion 1211 and a second conductive tooth portion 1212. The first conductive tooth portion 1211 and the second conductive tooth portion 1212 are coaxially arranged and fixed to each other. The first conductive tooth portion 1211 is closer to the A1 direction than the second conductive tooth portion 1212. The radius and tooth shape of the first conductive tooth portion 1211 and the second conductive tooth portion 1212 can be the same or different. In this embodiment, the second conductive tooth portion 1212 is meshed with the developing roller gear 33. When the developing roller gear 33 rotates, the second conductive tooth portion 1212 will rotate under the drive of the developing roller gear 33, and the first gear 121 will also rotate as a whole following the second conductive tooth portion 1212. The first conductive tooth portion 1211 is used to mesh with the first reset tooth portion 222. When the first conductive tooth portion 1211 rotates and is meshed with the first reset tooth portion 222, the torque on the second gear 221 will overcome the friction between the second gear 221 and the photosensitive coupling 31, causing the rotation direction of the second gear 221 to be opposite to that of the photosensitive coupling 31. The first gear 121 is also provided with a grounding protrusion 1213 on the end face in the A1 direction. The grounding protrusion 1213 extends along the first direction (i.e., the A1 direction), and the distance between the grounding protrusion 1213 and the axis of the first gear 121 is less than the radius of the first conductive tooth portion 1211. The grounding protrusion 1213 is used to provide clearance space for the contact surface between the first limiting block 224 and the first conductive tooth portion 1211. The first limiting block 224 can abut against the edge of the first conductive tooth portion 1211. In this embodiment, the grounding protrusion 1213 is circular, but it can also be set to other shapes. The axial height of the grounding protrusion 1213 is between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the axial height of the first limiting block 224. When the second gear 221 meshes with the first gear 121, and the second gear 221 rotates with the first gear 121, the minimum axial height of the first limiting block 224 moves to the meshing position first. At this time, the end face of the first conductive tooth 1211 is closer to the conductive end than the inclined surface of the first limiting block 224, so there is no contact between the first limiting block 224 and the end face of the first conductive tooth 1211. As the first conductive tooth 1211 meshes with the first... When the toothed portion 222 engages and rotates, and the end face of the first conductive toothed portion 1211 contacts the inclined surface of the first limiting block 224, the first gear 121 can move along the inclined surface of the first limiting block 224. At this time, the first gear 121 overcomes the reset force of the reset member 122 and moves in the A2 direction. When the first limiting block 224 moves to the limiting block abutment portion 228 and contacts the end face of the first gear 121, the grounding protrusion 1213 no longer contacts the grounding steel sheet 123, and the developing roller 16 receives the electrical energy output by the image forming apparatus. Only then can the developing roller 16 adsorb toner and apply powder to the photosensitive drum 22.In this embodiment, preferably, when the photosensitive drum 22 contacts the developing roller 15, the developing coupling 32 rotates at least 90 degrees (or more) after receiving the driving force, and the conductive delay structure completes the corresponding action to make the developing roller no longer grounded and in a charging state that can receive electrical energy.

[0115] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, when the processing box in this embodiment is installed into the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus is not yet in operation, the developing unit 100 is located in the second position relative to the drum unit 200. At this time, the first gear 121 and the second gear 221 are separated from each other. The second gear 221 is located in the initial position, and the second limiting block 225 on the second gear 221 is located at the first end of the first limiting groove 418, that is, the first limiting groove 418 is located at the downstream end of the photosensitive drum 22 in the rotation direction. At this time, the first limiting block 224 on the second gear 221 is located at the end in the B1 direction. Under the action of the reset force of the reset member 122, the first gear 121 continues to be in contact with the grounding steel plate 123, and the first gear 121 remains in the grounded state. At this time, the developing roller 16 is connected to the grounding steel plate 123 through the developing roller gear 33 and the first gear 121, and the developing roller is in a non-charging state.

[0116] When the image forming apparatus starts working, the developing unit 100 moves to the first position relative to the drum unit 200, and the developing roller 16 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 22. At this time, the first conductive tooth 1211 on the first gear 121 meshes with one end of the first reset tooth 222. Under the driving force of the photosensitive drive head, the photosensitive drum 22 begins to rotate, and the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum 22 is clockwise when viewed from the drive end along the A2 direction. Under the driving force of the developing drive head, the developing roller gear 33 also begins to rotate counterclockwise. The second conductive tooth 1212 on the first gear 121 meshes with the developing roller gear 33, so the first gear 121 also begins to rotate clockwise with the developing roller gear 33. When the second conductive tooth 1212 meshes with the first reset tooth 222, it drives the first reset tooth 222 to begin to rotate counterclockwise (at this time, the force on the second gear 221 from the first gear 121 is greater than the frictional force between the second gear 221 and the photosensitive coupling 31, so the second gear 221 no longer rotates clockwise with the photosensitive coupling 31). When the first limiting block 224 on 1 rotates to the position where it contacts the first gear 121 (in the working position), as the first gear 121 moves along the inclined surface of the first limiting block 224, the thickness of the inclined surface of the first limiting block 224 in the axial direction gradually increases. The first gear 121 gradually overcomes the reset force of the reset member 122 and moves in the A2 direction. When the first limiting block 224 moves to the point where the limiting block abutment 228 contacts the end face of the first gear 121, the grounding protrusion 1213 no longer contacts the grounding steel sheet 123. After the grounding protrusion 1213 separates from the grounding steel sheet 123, the developing roller 16 is no longer grounded through the first gear 121. Only then can the developing roller 16 receive the electrical energy output by the image forming apparatus (in the charging state). Only then can the developing roller 16 adsorb toner and apply toner to the photosensitive drum 22, and the image forming apparatus begins to develop.During the development process, as rotation continues, the first gear 121 drives the second gear 221 to rotate continuously. When the first reset non-tooth portion 223 on the second gear 221 rotates to the meshing position with the first gear 121, the second limiting block 225 rotates to the second end of the first limiting groove 418, that is, the end of the first limiting groove 418 located upstream in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 22; the second gear 221 no longer rotates (remains in the working position), and there is mutual friction between the second gear 221 and the photosensitive coupling 31; the position with the greatest height on the first limiting block 224 (the limiting block abutment portion 228) forms a pressing effect on the first gear 121, and there is also mutual friction between the first limiting block 224 and the first gear 121, which is greater than that of the first gear 121. The friction between the second gear 221 and the photosensitive coupling 31 keeps the second gear 221 in its current position (working position). During the above process, after the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 22, there is a certain delay time, which is the time required for the first gear 121 to rotate from the grounded position to the non-grounded position. After this delay time (the developing roller 16 switches from the non-charging state to the charging state), the developing roller 16 receives the electrical energy output by the image forming device (i.e., starts charging). Only then can the developing roller 16 absorb toner and apply toner to the photosensitive drum 22. With this setting, the photosensitive drum 22 can be fully rotated before the toner is applied, avoiding printing defects caused by the developing roller 16 applying toner before the photosensitive drum 22 is fully rotated.

[0117] After the image forming apparatus completes the developing process, the developing unit 100 moves to the second position relative to the drum unit 200, and the developing roller 16 separates from the photosensitive drum 22. At this time, the first conductive tooth 1211 and the first reset tooth 222 on the first gear 121 separate from each other. After the first gear 121 and the second gear 221 separate, the photosensitive coupling 31 does not immediately stop rotating, but continues to rotate along its original direction, that is, the photosensitive coupling 31 still needs to rotate clockwise. Since the second gear 221 is no longer in contact with the first gear 121, the second gear 221 will rotate with the photosensitive coupling 31, moving from the working position to the initial position. At the same time as they separate, the first gear 121 is no longer squeezed by the first limiting block 224 and will also return to the initial position under the action of the reset member 122. The grounding protrusion 1213 on the first gear 121 re-abuts against the grounding steel plate 123, keeping the developing roller 16 grounded (in a non-charging state).

[0118] Example 4

[0119] During development, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum come into contact with each other. There is a set pre-tightening force between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. When the contact force is less than this pre-tightening force, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum 22 do not make a tight enough contact. The toner on the surface of the developing roller cannot fully contact the electrostatic latent image area of ​​the photosensitive drum 22, resulting in a reduction in the amount of toner transferred. As a result, the amount of toner on the photosensitive drum 22 decreases, and the printed image will have a white quality problem.

[0120] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, when the developing drive head is engaged with the developing coupling 32, the developing drive head exerts torque on the developing unit 100 when it rotates, and a part of the developing drive head contacts the developing cover 15. When the developing drive head rotates, friction is generated between the two. The torque and friction provide the developing unit 100 with the force to move from the second position to the first position. The lower end of the developing unit 100 moves towards the lower end of the drum unit 200, and the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 22. In order to increase the pressure between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 22, when the distance between the developing roller 16 and the developing coupling 32 remains unchanged, it can be achieved by increasing the torque between the developing frame and the developing coupling 32.

[0121] Specifically, the developing coupling 32 is rotatably mounted on the developing frame, and the developing coupling 32 is also meshed with the developing roller 16. Therefore, increasing the resistance of any gear on the developing unit 100 that is connected to the developing coupling 32 can transmit the resistance to the developing coupling 32, thereby increasing the torque of the developing unit 100 and increasing the pressure between the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 22.

[0122] To increase the resistance of the developing coupling 32, an idler wheel can be directly installed on the drive-side bearing 12. The idler wheel is directly or indirectly engaged with the developing coupling 32. When the developing coupling 32 drives the idler wheel to rotate, the resistance generated by the idler wheel can be transmitted to the developing coupling 32, thereby increasing the torque that drives the developing coupling 32 to rotate.

[0123] As shown in Figure 24, in order to increase the resistance of the developing coupling 32, a transmission gear 124 can be provided on the drive-side bearing 12. The transmission gear 124 is directly or indirectly meshed with the developing coupling 32, and a first resistance mechanism is provided on the drive-side bearing 12. The first resistance mechanism is in contact with the transmission gear 124. When the transmission gear 124 rotates, the transmission gear 124 will rub against the first resistance mechanism, or the transmission gear 124 will drive the first resistance mechanism to rotate. The first resistance mechanism rubs against the drive-side bearing 12 to increase the rotational resistance of the transmission gear 124.

[0124] As shown in Figure 24, the first resistance mechanism can be a torsion spring 125. The torsion spring 125 is coaxially arranged with the transmission gear 124, and one end of the torsion spring 125 is fixedly connected or snapped to the drive-side bearing 12 to prevent the torsion spring 125 from rotating synchronously with the transmission gear 124. When there is relative movement between the torsion spring 125 and the transmission gear 124, additional frictional resistance can be generated between the torsion spring and the transmission gear 124. To fix the torsion spring to the drive-side bearing 12, a limiting hole can be opened on the drive-side bearing 12, and one end of the torsion spring can be placed into the limiting hole to prevent the torsion spring from rotating.

[0125] As shown in Figure 25, the first resistance mechanism can be a resistance sleeve 126. The resistance sleeve 126 is specifically made of sponge or rubber. The resistance sleeve 126 fills the gap between the transmission gear 124 and the drive-side bearing 12. When the transmission gear 124 rotates, the resistance sleeve 126 can generate friction with the surface of the transmission gear 124 or the drive-side bearing 12 to generate additional frictional resistance.

[0126] As shown in Figure 26, the first resistance mechanism can be a compression spring 127. The compression spring 127 is disposed between the transmission gear 124 and the drive-side bearing 12, and the two ends of the compression spring 127 abut against the transmission gear 124 and the drive-side bearing 12 respectively. When the transmission gear 124 rotates relative to the drive-side bearing 12, the frictional force generated at the connection position between the compression spring 127 and the transmission gear 124 and the drive-side bearing 12 can generate additional frictional resistance for the transmission gear 124.

[0127] The first resistance mechanism described above, which is mounted on a specific transmission gear 124, may also be mounted on other gears, including but not limited to stirring rack gears and / or powder feeding roller gears and / or developing roller gears and / or other intermediate transmission gears.

[0128] Example 5

[0129] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, to improve the braking force of the photosensitive drum 22, a drum bearing 23 is provided at the conductive end of the drum unit. A second resistance mechanism is arranged around the drum bearing 23, wherein the second resistance mechanism is a torsion spring 229. The torsion spring 229 contacts the drum bearing 23 and the conductive end cap 42 to improve the frictional force of the photosensitive drum rotation. The second resistance mechanism can also be a resistance sleeve made of elastic resistance material or a spring, etc., that can provide sliding friction.

[0130] When the torsion spring 229 rubs against the drum bearing 23, a large amount of heat is generated, causing the temperature of both the drum bearing 23 and the torsion spring 229 to rise. After prolonged operation, the torsion spring 229 will age faster due to the high temperature, affecting the braking effect of the photosensitive drum.

[0131] Therefore, a heat dissipation structure 428 is provided on the conductive end cover 42. The heat dissipation structure 428 achieves the heat dissipation effect by increasing the airflow inside and outside the conductive end cover 42. The heat dissipation structure 428 can adopt structures that can achieve heat dissipation, such as heat dissipation holes, heat dissipation strips, and heat dissipation grooves. The opening orientation of the heat dissipation structure 428 can also be adjusted according to actual needs, and can be opened along the first direction and / or the second direction and / or the third direction.

[0132] In the above embodiments one, two, and three, the actions and processes of the processing box performing the developing and printing operation in the image forming apparatus are as follows:

[0133] Process 1: Under the force of the first elastic element or magnet of the processing cartridge, the developing unit 100 is held in the second position (initial position). At this time, the photosensitive drum 22 is not in contact with the developing roller 16, and the conductive delay structure of the processing cartridge keeps the developing roller 16 in a non-charging state (not conductive or grounded).

[0134] Process 2: When the image forming apparatus starts working, the developing coupling 32 engages with the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus and receives the driving force for rotation;

[0135] Process 3: When the developing coupling 32 receives the driving force, under the action of the generated torque and friction, the developing unit 100 (overcoming the force generated by the first elastic element or magnet) moves from the second position to the first position, thereby driving the developing roller 16 to move towards the photosensitive drum 22.

[0136] Process 4: Driven by the developing unit 100, the developing roller 16 moves to the position of contact with the photosensitive drum 22 (first position). In the early stage of contact between the two (initial stage), the conductive delay structure of the processing cartridge still keeps the developing roller 16 in a non-charging state (not charged / conductive or grounded).

[0137] Process 5: In the above process, the photosensitive coupling 31 also engages with the photosensitive drive head of the image forming apparatus, and drives the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate by receiving the rotational driving force.

[0138] Process Six: After the photosensitive drum 22 contacts the developing roller 16, the rotational driving force generated by the drive head of the image forming apparatus causes the photosensitive drum 22 to rotate at least 60 degrees (as shown in Figures 7 and 9) or the developing coupling 32 to rotate at least 90 degrees (as shown in Figure 19). Only then does the conductive delay structure of the processing cartridge complete the corresponding action to switch the developing roller 16 from a non-charging state to a charging state (conductive or no longer grounded, in a state where it can receive electrical energy); that is, the conductive delay structure delays the time when the developing roller 16 starts charging. During this process, the photosensitive drum 22 cannot adsorb toner from the developing roller.

[0139] Process 7: When the photosensitive drum 22 rotates at least 60 degrees (or more) or the developing coupling 32 rotates at least 90 degrees (or more), the conductive delay structure no longer acts on the developing roller 16, and the developing roller 16 is in a charging state that can receive electrical energy. At this time, the developing roller 16 can be charged to apply toner to the photosensitive drum 22 and print images.

[0140] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this application, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A processing box, detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, the processing box having opposing conductive terminals and driving terminals disposed along a first direction; the processing box comprising: The drum unit rotatably supports a photosensitive drum, and the conductive end of the photosensitive drum is provided with electrode contacts. The electrode contacts can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus to put the photosensitive drum in a conductive grounded state. The developing unit is rotatably supported by a developing roller. The developing unit is movable 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. The first electrode, located at the conductive end and disposed on the developing unit, is used to transfer the electrical energy of the image forming apparatus to the developing roller to charge it and enable it to adsorb toner. When the developing roller is in a charging state and the photosensitive drum is in a conductive grounding state, the toner adsorbed on the developing roller can be transferred to the photosensitive drum. The developing coupling is located at the drive end and disposed on the developing unit, and is used to engage with the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus to receive driving force. When the developing coupling engages with the developing drive head and rotates together, it can drive the developing unit to move from the second position to the first position. Its characteristic is that it further includes: A conductive delay structure is provided to delay the time it takes for the developing roller to switch from a non-charging state to a charging state after the developing unit moves from a second position to a first position.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive delay structure is electrically connected to the developing roller. When the conductive delay structure is in a grounded state, the developing roller is in a non-charging state; when the conductive delay structure is in a non-grounded state, the developing roller is in a charging state.

3. The processing box according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the developing unit is in the second position, the conductive delay structure is in a grounded state and the developing roller is in a non-charged state. When the developing coupling rotates, the developing unit moves from the second position to the first position. The conductive delay structure can follow the rotation of the developing coupling and move for a preset time before switching from the grounded state to the non-grounded state, thereby delaying the time for the developing roller to switch from the non-charged state to the charged state.

4. A processing box, detachably mounted in an image forming apparatus, the processing box having opposing conductive terminals and driving terminals along a first direction, the processing box comprising: The drum unit rotatably supports a photosensitive drum, and the conductive end of the photosensitive drum is provided with electrode contacts. The electrode contacts can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus to put the photosensitive drum in a conductive grounded state. The developing unit is rotatably supported by a developing roller. The developing unit is movable 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. The first electrode, located at the conductive end and disposed on the developing unit, is used to transfer the electrical energy of the image forming apparatus to the developing roller to charge it and enable it to adsorb toner. When the developing roller is in a charging state and the photosensitive drum is in a conductive grounding state, the toner adsorbed on the developing roller can be transferred to the photosensitive drum. The developing coupling is located at the drive end and disposed on the developing unit, and is used to engage with the developing drive head of the image forming apparatus to receive driving force. When the developing coupling engages with the developing drive head and rotates together, it can drive the developing unit to move from the second position to the first position. The feature is that it further includes a conductive delay structure located at the drive end; the conductive delay structure includes a reset member, a first gear, and a second gear, the first gear being conductive and electrically connected to the developing roller, the first gear being able to rotate following the rotation of the developing coupling, and the first gear being able to move between a grounded position and an ungrounded position; the second gear being used to follow the rotation of the first gear to drive the first gear to move from the grounded position to the ungrounded position, and the reset member being used to move the first gear from the ungrounded to the grounded position.

5. The processing box according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first gear and the reset component are both disposed on the developing unit, and the second gear is disposed on the drum unit; When the developing unit is in the second position, the first gear is in the ground position under the action of the reset member, and the first gear and the second gear are separated from each other. When the developing coupling rotates, causing the developing unit to move from the second position to the first position, the first gear and the second gear mesh, and the second gear follows the rotation of the first gear, driving the first gear to move from the grounded position to the non-grounded position.

6. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second gear can rotate from the initial position to the working position following the rotation of the first gear. When the second gear is in the initial position, the first gear is in the grounded position. When the second gear is in the working position, the first gear is driven to the non-grounded position by the second gear.

7. The processing box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second gear is disposed at the drive end of the photosensitive drum. When the developing unit is in the second position, the second gear can be driven by the photosensitive drum to rotate from the working position to the initial position.

8. The processing box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The developing unit is provided with a drive-side bearing at its drive end. The first gear is rotatably supported on the drive-side bearing. The first gear can move linearly between a grounded position and an ungrounded position along a first direction. Driven by the second gear, the first gear moves towards the direction closer to the conductive end to the ungrounded position. Driven by the reset member, the first gear moves away from the conductive end to the grounded position.

9. The processing box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The developing roller is provided with a conductive developing roller gear, which meshes with the first gear. The developing roller is electrically connected to the first gear through the developing roller gear. The first gear includes a grounding protrusion, a first conductive tooth portion, and a second conductive tooth portion arranged sequentially in a first direction toward the conductive end. When the first gear is in the grounded position, the grounding protrusion abuts against the grounding component of the image forming apparatus. The first conductive tooth portion is used to mesh with the second gear. The second conductive tooth portion meshes with the developing roller gear.

10. The processing box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The developing roller is provided with a developing roller gear, which meshes with the first gear. The reset member is a compression spring and is disposed between the first gear and the drive-side bearing. A portion of the reset member is electrically connected to the first gear, and another portion is electrically connected to the developing roller. The first gear includes a grounding protrusion, a first conductive tooth portion, and a second conductive tooth portion arranged sequentially in a first direction toward the conductive end. When the first gear is in the grounded position, the grounding protrusion abuts against the grounding component of the image forming apparatus. The first conductive tooth portion is used to mesh with the second gear. The second conductive tooth portion meshes with the developing roller gear.

11. The processing box according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The second gear is provided with a first limiting block along the circumferential direction. In the rotational direction in which the second gear moves from its working position to its initial position, the height of the first limiting block protruding toward the conductive end gradually increases. The first limiting block is used to drive the first gear from the grounded position to the non-grounded position when the second gear rotates.

12. The processing box according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second gear is provided with a first reset tooth portion and a second reset non-tooth portion. The first reset tooth portion and the first reset non-tooth portion together form a complete circumferential structure of the second gear. The first reset tooth portion is used to mesh with the first conductive tooth portion so that the second gear follows the first gear to rotate to the working position. In the circumferential direction of the second gear, a part of the first limiting block coincides with the first reset tooth portion, and another part coincides with the first reset non-tooth portion.

13. The processing box according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second gear is provided with a second limiting block, which extends radially along the second gear; The drum unit is provided with a first limiting groove, and the second limiting block is located in the first limiting groove. The second limiting block abuts against either end of the first limiting groove, which can stop the second gear from rotating.

Images