PROCESSING BOX WITH MOVABLE PART

Abstract

 Disclosed is a processing cartridge (1) having a movable assembly (6). The processing cartridge includes a first unit (2) and a second unit (3) coupled to each other. When the processing cartridge is in operation, the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) move close to each other, and when the processing cartridge is not in operation, the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) are separated from each other. The movable assembly (6) is installed in the processing cartridge (1) in such a way that at least one part of the movable assembly is movable, and under an action of a force applying portion (9), the movable assembly (6) can move between the initial position and the terminal position. When the movable assembly (6) is in the initial position, the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) approach each other. When the movable assembly (6) receives a force from the force applying portion (9), the movable assembly (6) moves from the initial position to the terminal position, and meanwhile forces the first unit (2) and the second unit (3) to separate from each other. When the force of the force applying portion (9) is removed, as the second unit (3) returns to a position close to the first unit (2), the movable assembly (6) returns from the terminal position to the initial position. Even if the processing cartridge (1) falls down or collides, due to the fact that the movable assembly (6) has a certain amount of space to move, the probability that the movable assembly (6) is broken can be greatly reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronic photo imaging and, in particular, to a processing cartridge detachably installed to an electronic photo imaging device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Current processing cartridges include a toner bin and a waste toner bin which are coupled to each other. The toner bin is configured to contain toner required for development, and a developing member for carrying the toner is rotatably installed in the toner bin. The waste toner bin is configured to contain waste toner generated by development, and a photosensitive member configured to form an electrostatic latent image is rotatably installed in the waste toner bin. When the processing cartridge is in operation, the developing member contacts the photosensitive member, and the toner carried by the developing member will develop electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of the photosensitive member.

[0003] When the processing cartridge is not in operation, in order to prevent deformation of a surface of the developing member or contamination of the surface of the photosensitive member caused by the long-term contact between the developing member and the photosensitive member. The processing cartridge further includes a force bearing portion fixed in the toner bin. Correspondingly, an electronic photo imaging device such as a printer is provided with a force applying portion for applying force to the force bearing portion. When the force applying portion contacts and applies force to the force bearing portion, the toner bin rotates relative to the waste toner bin to move far away from each other. At the same time, the developing member and the photosensitive member are also separated from each other. When the processing cartridge needs to operate, the force applying portion no longer applies force to the force bearing portion, and the toner bin and the waste toner bin approach to each other. At this moment, the developing member and the photosensitive member contact each other again.

[0004] The aforementioned method that the force applying portion applies force to the force bearing portion to force the toner bin and the waste toner bin to be away from each other can achieve the purpose of preventing the photosensitive member from being contaminated. However, since the force bearing portion is fixedly installed in the toner bin, in order to ensure the force bearing portion to be coupled to the force applying portion, the force bearing portion is arranged protruding therefrom, when the processing cartridge is dropped off, or once collided during transportation, the force bearing portion may be broken, so that the developing member and the photosensitive member cannot be separate from each other and thereby causing contamination of the photosensitive member.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a processing cartridge movably having a movable assembly coupled to the force applying portion, and the movable assembly is installed in a movable manner, even if the processing cartridge falls or collides, due to the fact that the movable assembly has a certain amount of space to move, the probability that the movable assembly is broken can be greatly reduced.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] According to the present disclosure, provided is a processing cartridge having a movable assembly, the processing cartridge is detachably installed in an electronic photo imaging device having a force applying portion, and the processing cartridge includes a first unit and a second unit coupled to each other. When the processing cartridge is in operation in the electronic photo imaging device, the first unit and the second unit approach each other, and when the processing cartridge is not in operation in the electronic photo imaging device, the first unit and the second unit are separated from each other. The movable assembly is installed in the processing cartridge in such a manner that at least a part of the movable assembly is movable. Under an action of the force applying portion, the movable assembly moves between an initial position and a terminal position. When the movable assembly is in the initial position, the first unit and the second unit approach each other. When the movable assembly receives a force from the force applying portion, the movable assembly moves from the initial position to the terminal position, and meanwhile forces the first unit and the second unit to separate from each other. When the force of the force applying portion is removed, as the second unit returns to a position close to the first unit, the movable assembly returns from the terminal position to the initial position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second unit includes a second unit housing and a rotating member rotatably installed in the second unit housing. When receiving a force, the movable assembly makes the second unit rotate relative to the first unit by forcing the rotating member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first unit includes a first unit housing and a photosensitive member rotatably installed in the first unit housing, and the movable assembly is installed in the photosensitive member in such a manner that at least a part of the movable assembly is movable.

[0010] In some embodiments, a straight line along which the movable assembly moves is not parallel to a straight line along which the force applying portion moves. At least a part of the movable assembly is movable, and when at the terminal position, at least another part of the movable assembly is non-movable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the movable assembly includes an installing part configured to couple the movable assembly with other components of the processing cartridge, and an acting part configured to act on corresponding components of the processing cartridge to force the first unit and the second unit to be separated from each other.

[0012] The movable assembly is installed in a movable manner, even if the processing cartridge falls or collides, due to the fact that the movable assembly has a certain amount of space to move, the probability that the movable assembly is broken can be greatly reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a processing cartridge according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a exploded view of components of a processing cartridge according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a movable assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing coupling of a movable assembly and a developing member according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 5A and 5B are lateral views along a longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge when the movable assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is not coupled to the force applying portion.

FIGs. 6A and 6B are lateral views along a longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge when the movable assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the force applying portion.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing relative movement among the movable assembly, the photosensitive member and the developing member.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of a movable assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is perspective view of a movable assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a movable assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows. A length direction of the processing cartridge 1 is defined as a longitudinal direction X, a with direction is defined as a transverse direction Y, and an installing direction is defined as a vertical direction Z. The entire structure of the processing cartridge 1 is described as follows.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the processing cartridge according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a exploded view of components of the processing cartridge according to the present disclosure

[0016] The processing cartridge 1 is detachably installed to the electronic photo imaging device. The processing cartridge 1 includes a first unit 2 and a second unit 3 which are coupled to each other rotatable relative to each other, and a first end cover 4 and a second cover 5 which are positioned at two longitudinal ends, respectively. The first unit 2 and the second unit 3 are coupled to each other via the first end cover 4 and the second end cover 5.

[0017] In conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the second unit 3 includes a second unit housing 30, a developing member 32 which is rotatably installed in the second unit housing 30, a bracket 31 fixedly mounted on the second unit housing 30, and a first power receiving member 33 rotatably supported by the bracket 31. The first power receiving member 33 penetrates through the second end cover 5 and is configured to receive a driving force from the outside. The second unit housing 30 is configured to contain the toner. Therefore, the second unit 3 can also be regarded as a toner bin, and the second unit housing 30 can also be regarded as a toner bin housing. The developing member 32 is rotatably supported by the bracket 31, and includes a rotating shaft 321, a cover layer 322 wrapped on a circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 321, and a power receiving portion 323 provided at a longitudinal end of the rotating shaft 321. The power receiving portion 323 receives the driving force from the first power receiving member 33 to drive the developing member 32 to rotate, the cover layer 322 extends along the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 321, and the rotating shaft 321 is not completely covered by the cover layer 322 in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The first unit 2 includes a first unit housing 20 and a photosensitive member 21 rotatably installed in the first unit housing 20. The first unit housing 20 is configured to contain waste toner generated during the development process. Therefore, the first unit 2 can also be called a waste toner bin, and the first unit housing 20 can also be called a waste toner bin housing. The photosensitive member 21 includes a photosensitive cylinder 211, a base 213 located at a longitudinal end of the photosensitive cylinder 211 and a second power receiving member 212 installed on the base 213. The second power receiving member 212 also penetrates through the second end cover 25 and is configured to receive a driving force from the outside, and further drive the photosensitive cylinder 211 to rotate. A diameter of the photosensitive cylinder 211 is f1, and a diameter of the base 213 is f2, where f1>f2.

[0019] The processing cartridge 1 further includes a compression spring 7 installed between the first unit 2 and the second unit 3. When the processing cartridge 1 is in operation, the first power receiving member 33 and the second power receiving member 212 respectively receive driving force from the electronic photo imaging device to drive the developing member 32 and the photosensitive member 21 to rotate. Under the force from the compression spring 7, the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 approaches each other, and the photosensitive member 21 and the developing member 32 are in contact with each other. When the processing cartridge 1 is not in operation, under the action of force applying portion 9 in the electronic photo imaging device manual (as shown in FIG. 6A), the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 rotate relatively and are thereby separated from each other, and the photosensitive member 21 and the developing member 32 are out of contact from each other. It is appreciated that, the member configured to force the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 to approach each other is not limited to the compression spring 7. For example, it can also be a tension spring installed between the first unit 2 and the second unit 3, or an elastic rubber installed between the first unit 2 and the second unit 3.

[0020] The first power receiving member 33 and the second power receiving member 212 both penetrate through the second end cover 5. The end on which the first power receiving member 33 and the second power receiving member 212 are provided in the processing cartridge 1 is called the driving end, and the other opposite end along the longitudinal direction is the non-driving end. Therefore, the first end cover 4 can also be called a non-driving end cover, and the second end cover 5 can also be called a driving end cover. The direction from the driving end cover 4 to the driving end cover 5 is the +X direction, and the direction from the second unit 3 to the first unit 2 is the +Y direction, and the installation direction of the processing cartridge 1 is the +Z direction. The second unit 3 and the first unit 2 are both integrated with the driving end cover 5 and the non-driving end cover 4 so as to realize the installation of the processing cartridge 1. The first unit 2, the non-driving end cover 4 and the driving end cover 5 are integrated by means of fixed installation without relative movement. The second unit 3 can move relative to the first unit 2, the non-driving end cover 4 and the driving end cover 5, and the specific moving manner may be that the second unit 3 and the first power receiving member 33 rotate in a coaxial manner.

[0021] The processing cartridge 1 further includes a movable assembly 6 provided therein, and at least a part of the movable assembly 6 can move between an initial position and a terminal position. When the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 approach each other, the photosensitive member 21 is in contact with the developing member 32. At this time, the movable assembly 6 is movable without any external force. When receiving the force from the force applying portion 9, the movable assembly 6 can move from the initial position to the terminal position. When the movable assembly 6 is at the terminal position, the first unit 2 and the second unit are separated from each other, and the photosensitive member 21 and the developing member 32 are out of contact. At this time, the movable assembly 6 is in an non-movable state due to the force from the force applying portion 9. When the force from the force applying portion 9 is removed, the second unit 3 returns to the position close to the first unit 2, the movable assembly 6 returns to the initial position from the end position, in other words, the movable assembly 6 returns to the movable state from the non-movable state. Whether the movable assembly 6 is movable or non-movable refers to the movable assembly 6 relative to its installation position.

First Embodiment

Movable Assembly

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a movable assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] The movable assembly 6 includes a main body portion 61, a force bearing portion 62 connected to the main body portion 61 and a forcing portion 63 connected to the force bearing portion 62. The movable assembly 6 is movably arranged in the processing cartridge 1 via the main body portion 61. The force bearing portion 62 is configured to receive force from the force applying portion 9 and to transfer the force to the forcing portion 63. The forcing portion 63 is configured to force the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 separated from each other when the force bearing portion 62 receives the force. After the force applied on the force bearing portion 62 is removed, the movable assembly 6 will return to the initial position from the terminal position, in other words, the movable assembly 6 is forced to return to the movable state from the non-movable state.

[0024] As shown in the figures, the main body portion 61 is formed with a coupling portion 611 configured to couple with the components of the processing cartridge 1. In certain embodiments, the coupling portion 611 is an elliptical hole with a first major axis end 612 and a second major axis end 613. The length of the major axis is h2, and the length of the short axis is h1. The force bearing portion 62 protrudes from the main body portion 61, and form a force receiving surface 621 for receiving force. The forcing portion 63 is a groove connected to the force bearing portion 62 and recessed towards the direction of the coupling hole 611. In certain embodiments, the forcing portion 63, the coupling portion 62 and the main body portion 61 are integrally formed, so that when the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, the entire movable assembly 6 is movable, and when the movable assembly 6 is at the terminal position, the entire movable assembly 6 is not movable.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing coupling of a movable assembly and a developing member according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] As mentioned above, when the force bearing portion 62 is subjected to a force, the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 will be forced to separate. The coupling of the moving assembly 6 and the developing member 32 is described as an example as follows.

[0027] The processing cartridge 1 further includes a developing gear 324 installed on the power receiving portion 323 for receiving driving force. When the movable assembly 6 is subjected to a force, the movable assembly 6 is coupled to the rotation shaft 321 between the developing gear 324 and the cover layer 322. The rotating shaft 321 is forced to drive the entire second unit 3 to rotate and further bring along the separation of the first unit 2 and the second unit 3, and finally the separation of the developing member 32 and the photosensitive member 21 is realized.

[0028] In some embodiments, the movable assembly 6 can further be coupled to other components of the second unit 3. For example, the toner supplying member 34 for supplying toner to the developing member 32 (shown in FIG. 2) is generally provided with a structure similar to the developing member, which also has a rotating shaft with a cover layer wrapped on its outer surface. Moreover, a longitudinal end of the toner supplying member is provided with a toner supplying member gear 341 for receiving the driving force. In contrast, the material wrapped on the toner supplying member 34 is different from that wrapped on the developing member 32, but the materials wrapped on both of the two are elastic. The developing member 32 and the toner supplying member 34 herein collectively referred to as the rotating member, including a rotating shaft and a cover layer wrapped on the circumferential surface of the rotating shaft. The movable assembly 6 is coupled to the rotating shaft, and the position where the movable assembly 6 is coupled to the rotating shaft is located between the driving gears (collective name for the developing gear 324 and the toner supplying member gear 341) and the cover layer.

[0029] In some embodiments, in order to prevent the rotating shaft from sliding off the forcing portion 63 when the movable assembly 6 applies a force to the rotating shaft, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable assembly 6 further includes an lug portion 64 provided adjacent to the forcing portion 63. The lug portion 64 can be regarded as an protrusion extending from the main body portion 61 or the forcing portion 63. In certain embodiments, along the minor axis of the coupling hole 61 or the installation direction of the processing cartridge 1, the lug portion 64 and the force bearing portion 62 are located on both sides of the forcing portion 63, respectively. In certain embodiments, the force bearing portion 62 is located above the forcing portion 63, and the lug portion 64 is located below the forcing portion 63. When the forcing portion 63 is coupled to the rotating shaft, the lug portion 64 can support the rotating shaft from the lower part of the rotating shaft.

Movement of movable assembly

[0030] FIGs. 5A and 5B are lateral views in a longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge when the movable assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is not coupled to the force applying portion. FIGs. 6A and 6B are lateral views in a longitudinal direction of the processing cartridge when the movable assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the force applying portion. FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing relative movement among the movable assembly, the photosensitive member and the developing member.

[0031] As shown in FIGs. 5A and 5B, the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, at this moment, the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 are approaching each other, the photosensitive member 21 and the developing member 32 are in contact, and the movable assembly 6 is not under any action of force and is kept in a movable state. In the movable state, the movable assembly 6 can be in contact with the rotating shaft or not. Even though the movable assembly 6 is in contact with the rotating shaft, the movable assembly 6 would not apply a force to the rotating shaft. The force receiving surface is opposite to the force applying portion 9 on the external the processing cartridge 1.

[0032] As shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B, when the force applying portion 9 moves in the direction of M towards the force bearing portion 62 and starts to apply a force to the force receiving surface 621, the movable assembly 6/the forcing portion 63 moves towards the direction of the second unit 3. As the movable assembly 6 moves, the forcing portion 63 starts to apply a force to the rotating shaft, and the force is transmitted to the bracket 31 through the rotating shaft, and then transferred to the second unit housing 30 from the bracket 31, forcing the second unit 3 to rotate along a direction shown by r in FIG. 5A relative to the first unit 2, the first end cover 4 and the second end cover 5. As a result, the second unit 3 and the first unit 2 are separated from each other, and finally the developing member 32 is separated from the photosensitive member 21, a gap g is formed between the two, and the movable assembly 6 reaches the terminal position. Under the circumstance that the force applying portion 9 continues to apply a force to the force bearing portion 62, the developing member 32 and the photosensitive member 21 are kept separated from each other, and the movable assembly 6 is kept non-movable under the action of the force. At the same time, the compression spring 7 provided between the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 is compressed.

[0033] When the force applied to the force bearing portion 62 is removed, under the elastic reset force of the compression spring 7, the second unit 3 rotates in a direction opposite to the direction shown by r relative to the first unit 2, the first end cover 4 and the second end cover 5, and the second unit 3 returns to the state close to the first unit 2 shown in FIGs. 5A and 5b. At this time, the developing member 32 is in contact with the photosensitive member 21 again. As the second unit 3 rotates, the forcing portion 63 of the movable assembly 6 is forced by the rotating shaft and drives the movable assembly 6 to move from the terminal position to the initial position. When the developing member 32 returns to the position in contact with the photosensitive member 21, the movable assembly 6 returns from the terminal position to the initial position, and at this time, the movable assembly 6 is in a movable state again.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7, when the developing member 32 and the photosensitive member 21 are in contact with each other, the center line of the two is EF, and the movable assembly 6 moves in a direction parallel to the line EF after receiving the force applied by the force applying portion 9, and the force applying portion 9 applies force to the force bearing portion 62 in the direction shown by M. The line EF is not parallel to the straight line in which the force applying portion 9 moves. In order to prevent the force applying portion 9 from slipping off when applying force to the force bearing portion 62, the movable assembly 6 further includes an anti-dropping surface 622 provided adjacent to the force receiving surface 621. As shown in FIGs 3, 5A and 6A, along +Z Direction, the anti-dropping surface 622 is located downstream of the force receiving surface 621, and the anti-dropping surface 622 at least partially faces the main body portion 61/-Z direction, Therefore, the anti-dropping surface 622 forms a hook surface opposite to the force receiving surface 621, and the force applying portion 9 is restrained from falling off from the force receiving surface 621.

[0035] The above describes the movement of the movable assembly 6 when after receiving the force and after the force is removed. Compared with the manner that the force bearing portion is fixedly installed in the toner bin described in the background portion, the movable assembly 6 according to the present disclosure is installed in a movable manner. Even if the processing cartridge 1 is collided or dropped, the movable assembly 6 will not be easily broken. The advantage of this installation manner is that there is no need to modify the structure of the processing cartridge 1, and the movable assembly 6 can be movably installed on the base 213 by directly using the structure of the existing photosensitive member 21. For the manufacturers of the processing cartridge 1, this method can greatly reduce the costs of manufacture, logistics, storage and assembling, and ensure that the processing cartridge 1 according to the present disclosure is well connected with the conventional processing cartridge during production.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the movable assembly 6 is movably installed on the base 213 of the photosensitive member 21, and the movable assembly 6 moves in a direction parallel to the center line EF of the developing member 32 and the photosensitive member 21 when the two are in contact with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide more space for the movement of the movable assembly 6 in the circumferential direction of the photosensitive member 21, so that the structure of the processing cartridge 1 is simplified.

[0037] Furthermore, in conjunction with FIGs. 5A and 7, in the process that the movable assembly 6 forces the second unit 3 to rotate, the contact point of the movable assembly 6 with the rotating shaft moves from point P to point Q. When the moving direction of the movable assembly 6 is parallel to the line EF, point P and point Q are located on two sides of the line EF, respectively, and the movable assembly 6 will not apply a force to the rotating shaft towards the +Z direction of the processing cartridge 1. Therefore, the sealing between the developing member 32 and the second unit housing 30 is held. Similarly, due to fact that the movable assembly 6 will not rotate relative to the photosensitive member 21, the movable assembly 6 will not cause any impact to the sealing of the first unit housing 20.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the movable assembly 6 is movably installed on the base 213 of the photosensitive member 21. Therefore, the size of the ellipse coupling hole 611 of the movable assembly 6 and the one of the photosensitive member 21 satisfy the relationship as follows: the length h2 of the major axis of the coupling hole 611 is larger than the diameter f1 of the photosensitive cylinder 211, and the length h1 of the minor axis of the coupling hole 611 is larger than the diameter f2 of the base 213, but smaller than the diameter 211 of the photosensitive cylinder 211.

[0039] By limiting the size of the coupling hole 611 to the above range, it can effectively ensure that the movable assembly 6 is installed on the base 213 in a movable manner, and the operation of the photosensitive cylinder 211 will not be affected.

[0040] In an embodiment, when the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, the developing member 32 is in contact with the photosensitive member 21, and the base 213 of the photosensitive member 21 is closer to the second major axis end 613 of the coupling hole 611 of the movable assembly. As shown by the long dashed line in FIG. 7, when the movable assembly 6 is at the terminal position, the developing member 32 is separated from the photosensitive member 21, and the base 213 of the photosensitive member 21 is closer to the first major axis end 612 of coupling hole of the movable assembly.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, when the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, the forcing portion 63 and the rotating shaft 321 are coupled at point P, and the movable assembly 6 is at the terminal position, the forcing portion 63 is coupled to the rotating shaft 321 at the point Q. Especially, the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, when the movable assembly 6 is forced by the force applying portion 9 to force the rotating shaft 321, the rotating shaft 321 may slip off from the bottom of the forcing portion 63 (along the +Z direction, upstream of the forcing portion 63), causing separation failure between the first unit 2 (the photosensitive member 21) and the second unit 3 (the developing member 32). When the movable assembly 6 is provided with an lug portion 64, the lug portion 64 can support the rotating shaft 321 from the bottom of the rotating shaft 321, thereby effectively preventing the rotating shaft 321 from slipping off the forcing portion 63.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the movable assembly 6 moves parallel to the line EF, thereby when the movable assembly 6 arrives at the terminal position, the coupling point of the movable assembly 6 and the rotating shaft 321 is farther away from the aforementioned point P along +Z direction.

Second Embodiment

[0043] FIG. 8 is perspective view of the movable assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The same components in this embodiment and the aforementioned embodiment will share the same reference signs. As shown in the figure, the movable assembly 6 in this embodiment is no longer provided with the anti-falling surface 622, and the force receiving surface 621 is provided as a smooth surface. The movable assembly 6 further includes a friction member 623 coupled to the force receiving surface 621. In certain embodiments, the friction member 623 is a component with a relatively large friction force, such as abrasive paper, sponge, etc., and the friction member 623 is attached to the force receiving surface 621 in an adhesive manner.

[0044] When the force applying portion 9 moves towards the force receiving surface 621, the force applying portion 9 will be coupled to the friction member 623, and the friction force generated between the force applying portion 9 and the friction member 623 prevents the force applying portion 9 from being out of contact with the movable assembly 6.

Third Embodiment

[0045] FIG. 9 is perspective view of the movable assembly according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The same components in this embodiment and the aforementioned embodiments will have the same reference signs.. As shown in the figure, the movable assembly according to this embodiment are different from those according to the first and second embodiments above mainly in that the coupling portion 611 of the movable assembly 6 is no longer an ellipse, but a circle with a diameter r1, and it is satisfied that the diameter rl is between the diameter f1 of the photosensitive cylinder 211 and the diameter f2 of the base 213, specifically: f2<r1<f1. Along the installation direction of the processing cartridge 1, the lug portions 64 and the force bearing portion 62 are located on two sides of the forcing portion 63, respectively.

[0046] Similarly, the movable assembly according to this embodiment can still implement the functions of the movable assembly in the above embodiments. That is, the movable assembly 6 is in a movable state before being subjected to the force applied by the force applying portion 9, the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 approach each other, and the photosensitive member 21 is in contact with the developing member 32. After subjected to the force applied by the force applying portion 9, the moving assembly 6 is in the non-movable state. The first unit 2 and the second unit 3 are out of contact from each other, and the photosensitive member 21 and the developing member 32 are out of contact.

Fourth Embodiment

[0047] FIG. 10 is perspective view of the movable assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] As mentioned above, the movable assembly 6 is integrally formed. However, in practice, the main body portion 61 can also be formed separately from the force bearing portion 62 and the forcing portion 63. With reference to FIG. 3, the movable assembly 6 can be considered to include an installing part 6a and an acting part 6b which are separately arranged. Among them, the installing part 6a corresponds to the aforementioned main body portion 61 and is configured to combine the movable assembly 6 with the components in the processing cartridge, and the acting part 6b is corresponding to at least one of the aforementioned force bearing portion 62 and the forcing portion 63. When the force applying portion 9 applies a force, the acting part 6b acts on the processing cartridge, so that the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 are separated from each other. At the same time, the photosensitive member 21 and the developing member 32 are out of contact.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the acting part 6b is movable relative to the installing part 6a. Therefore, the movable extent of the entire movable assembly 6 is greater. When the processing cartridge 1 falls or collides, it is more beneficial to prevent the movable assembly 6 from being broken.

[0050] For the movable assembly 6 with the acting part 6b movable relative to the installing part 6a, there are two installation manners as follows:

a) The installing part 6a itself is movably installed. When the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, the installing part 6a and the acting part 6b are both movable. When the movable assembly 6 is at the terminal position, the installing part 6a is movable, and the acting part 6b is non-movable. As in the first and second embodiments described above, the installing part 6a is elliptical, and as in the third embodiment, the installing part 6a is circular, which satisfies the situation: f2<r1<f1.

b) The installing part 6a itself is fixedly installed. When the movable assembly 6 is at the initial position, the installing part 6a is non-movable, and the acting part 6b is movable. When the movable assembly 6 is at the terminal position, the installing part 6a and the acting part 6b are both non-movable. At this time, regardless of whether the installing part 6a is elliptical or circular, the components coupled to the installing part 6a in the processing cartridge always match the installing part 6a, so that installing part 6a can be fixedly installed.

[0051] For the second installation manner mentioned above, when the acting part 6b does not receive the force applied by the force applying portion 9, the acting part 6b is at the movable initial position. When the acting part 6b receives the force applied by the force applying portion 9, the acting part 6b moves relative to the installing part 6a. Under the further action of the force applying portion 9, the acting part 6b forces the first unit 2 and the second unit 3 separated from each other, and at the same time, the photosensitive member 21 and the developing member 32 are out of contact. At this time, the acting part 6b is located at the non-movable terminal position. When the force applying portion 9 no longer applies force to the acting part 6b, the acting part 6b returns to the movable initial position from the non-movable terminal position.

[0052] In this way, the acting part 6b and the installing part 6a can adopt east one of the connection methods such as elastic connection, rack connection, magnetic connection, and rail connection. As shown in FIG. 10, the installing part 6a and the acting part 6b are connected by an elastic member 6c, so that the two can move relative to each other. Furthermore, the installing part 6a is also provided with a guide groove 6e and the acting part 6b is further provided with a protrusion 6d which can slide in the guide groove 6e. Therefore, the trajectory of the relative movement of the installing part 6a and the acting part 6b can be precisely controlled.

Fifth Embodiment

[0053] According to the aforementioned embodiments, this embodiment further describes the installation position of the movable assembly 6. Based on the solutions according to the present disclosure, the installation position of the movable assembly 6 is not limited to the photosensitive member 21. As long as the movable assembly 6 can receive the force from the force applying portion 9 and applies the received force to the second unit 3, so as to force the second unit 3 to rotate relative to and thereby separate from the first unit 2 and finally disengage the developing member 32 from the photosensitive member 21. For example, the movable assembly 6 can be installed on at least any one of the first unit housing 20, the photosensitive member 21, the first end cover 4, the second end cover 5, the second unit housing 30 and the developing member 32.

[0054] For example, when the movable assembly 6 is movably installed on other components or the housing of the processing cartridge 1. The first unit housing 20 is provided with a coupled portion configured to combine with the coupling portion 611, or the first end cover 4 and the second end cover 5 are provided with the coupled portion. If this manner is adopted, the structure of the existing processing cartridge 1 needs to be modified. Although it does not benefit to the production connection of the processing cartridge 1, and also increases the aforementioned various costs, the technical solution according to this embodiment is still effective for solving the technical problems faced in the background art.

[0055] As described above, at least a part of the movable assembly 6 can be installed in a movable manner. Even if the processing cartridge 1 falls down or collides, due to the fact that the movable assembly 6 has a certain amount of space to move, the probability that the movable assembly is broken can be greatly reduced.

Claims

1. A processing cartridge having a movable assembly, wherein the processing cartridge is detachably installed in an electronic photo imaging device having a force applying portion, and the processing cartridge comprises a first unit and a second unit coupled to each other, when the processing cartridge is in operation in the electronic photo imaging device, the first unit and the second unit approach each other, and when the processing cartridge is not in operation in the electronic photo imaging device, the first unit and the second unit are separated from each other, characterized in that,

the movable assembly is installed in the processing cartridge in such a manner that at least a part of the movable assembly is movable; and under an action of the force applying portion, the movable assembly moves between an initial position and a terminal position;

when the movable assembly is in the initial position, the first unit and the second unit approach each other; when the movable assembly receives a force from the force applying portion, the movable assembly moves from the initial position to the terminal position, and meanwhile forces the first unit and the second unit to separate from each other; and when the force of the force applying portion is removed, as the second unit returns to a position close to the first unit, the movable assembly returns from the terminal position to the initial position.

2. The processing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, the second unit comprises a second unit housing and a rotating member rotatably installed in the second unit housing, when receiving a force, the movable assembly makes the second unit rotate relative to the first unit by forcing the rotating member.

3. The processing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, the rotating member comprises a rotating shaft, a cover layer wrapped on a circumferential surface of the rotating shaft, and a power receiving portion provided at a longitudinal end of the rotating shaft, and the movable assembly is coupled to the rotating shaft between the cover layer and the power receiving portion.

4. The processing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first unit comprises a first unit housing and a photosensitive member rotatably installed in the first unit housing, and the movable assembly is installed in the photosensitive member in such a manner that at least a part of the movable assembly is movable.

5. The processing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, the second unit includes a second unit housing, a developing member rotatably installed in the second unit housing, when the movable assembly is at the initial position, the developing member is in contact with the photosensitive member, and when the movable assembly is at the terminal position, the developing member is separated from the photosensitive member, and a direction along which the movable assembly moves is parallel to a center line of the developing member and the photosensitive member when the two are in contact with each other.

6. The processing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the movable assembly is subjected to a force from the force applying portion, before the first unit and the second unit are separated from each other, a contact point of the forcing portion and a position where the processing cartridge is acted by the movable assembly is point P, and after the first unit and the second unit are separated from each other, a contact point of the forcing portion and a position where the processing cartridge is acted by the movable assembly is point Q, point P and point Q are located on two sides of a connection line EF, respectively.

7. The processing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, the photosensitive member comprises a photosensitive cylinder and a base located at a longitudinal end of the photosensitive cylinder, and the movable assembly is installed in the base in such a manner that at least a part of the movable assembly is movable.

8. The processing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, a straight line along which the movable assembly moves is not parallel to a straight line along which the force applying portion moves.

9. The processing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, when at the initial position, at least a part of the movable assembly is movable, and when at the terminal position, at least another part of the movable assembly is non-movable.

10. The processing cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, the movable assembly comprises an installing part configured to couple the movable assembly with other components of the processing cartridge, and an acting part configured to act on corresponding components of the processing cartridge to force the first unit and the second unit to be separated from each other.

11. The processing cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that, when the installing part is not fixedly installed, at the initial position, both the installing part and the acting part are movable, and at the terminal position, at least the acting part is non-movable.

12. The processing cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that, when the installing part is fixedly installed, the acting part is capable of moving relative to the installing part; at the initial position, the installing part is non-movable and the acting part is movable, and at the terminal position, both the installing part and the acting part are non-movable.

13. The processing cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that, the installing part and the acting part are formed separately, and the two adopt at least one of the following connection manners: elastic connection, rack connection, magnetic connection, and rail connection.

14. The processing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, the movable assembly comprises a main body portion, a force bearing portion connected to the main body portion and a forcing portion connected to the force bearing portion, wherein the force bearing portion is configured to receive a force from the force applying portion and force movable assembly to move from the initial position to the terminal position, the forcing portion is coupled to a corresponding position of the processing cartridge and configured to force the first unit and the second unit to be separated from each other when the force bearing portion is subject to a force.

15. The processing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, the main body portion is provided with a coupling hole configured to couple with components in the processing cartridge, wherein the coupling hole has an ellipse shape.

16. The processing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, the movable assembly is provided with an lug portion, along an installing direction of the processing cartridge, the lug portion and the force bearing portion are located on two sides of the forcing portion, respectively.

17. The processing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, when the force bearing portion is subjected to a force from the force applying portion, before the first unit and the second unit are separated from each other, a contact point of the forcing portion and a corresponding position is point P, and after the first unit and the second unit are separated from each other, a contact point of the forcing portion and a corresponding position is point Q, and along the installing direction of the processing cartridge, point P is in located upstream of the point Q.

18. The processing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, the force bearing portion has a force receiving surface coupled to the force applying portion and an anti-dropping surface adjacent to the force receiving surface, and the anti-dropping surface forms a hook surface opposite to the force receiving surface.

19. The processing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, the force bearing portion has a force receiving surface coupled to the force applying portion, wherein the force receiving surface is a smooth surface and is provided with a friction member.

Drawing