FIG. 44 is a plan view of another type of process cartridge according to Embodiment 18, viewed from left to right along the left-right direction.

FIG. 45 is an exploded view of the first end cap and the first unit housing after separation in the process cartridge according to Embodiment 19.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20.

FIG. 47 is a partial exploded view of the driving end of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20.

FIG. 48A and FIG. 48B are perspective views of the first end cap in the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20.

FIG. 49 is a schematic view of the cover and the separation contact member when coupled in the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20.

FIG. 50A is a schematic view of the first end cap and the separation contact member after some components are hidden, when the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20 is in the developing state.

FIG. 50B is a schematic view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20 when in the developing state, viewed from left to right along a first direction.

FIG. 51A is a schematic view of the first end cap and the separation contact member after some components are hidden, when the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20 is in the non-developing state.

FIG. 51B is a schematic view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 20 when in the non-developing state, viewed from left to right along a first direction.

FIG. 52 is a partial exploded view of the driving end after some components are hidden in the process cartridge according to Embodiment 21.

FIG. 53 is a schematic view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 21, viewed from left to right along a first direction.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a variant of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 21.

FIG. 55 is a partial exploded view of a variant of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 21.

FIG. 56 and FIG. 57 are schematic views of the coupling of the cover and the second unit housing after some components are hidden in a variant of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 21.

FIG. 58 is a schematic view of a variant of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 21, viewed from left to right along a first direction.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the first end cap in the process cartridge according to Embodiment 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in conjunction with the embodiments to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the following embodiments and detailed descriptions are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Embodiment 1

As known in the prior art (see, for example, Chinese Patent Publication CN105929661B), a process cartridge is detachably mounted in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Specifically, the process cartridge may be mounted into a tray unit in an up-down direction (a second direction), and the process cartridge may be mounted via the tray unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus into the main body (also referred to as the main assembly) of the image forming apparatus, which is configured to form images on a recording medium. The process cartridge is mounted in the tray unit and moves into and out of the main body. The tray unit is configured to move together with the process cartridge from a pulled-out position outside the main body to a mounting position inside the main body. The tray unit is provided with a plurality of trays, each for accommodating one process cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the image forming apparatus is provided with a rotational stop protrusion 47, which limits the position of the process cartridge PK when the process cartridge PK is mounted in the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the rotational stop protrusion 47 is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

In the present disclosure, the process cartridge 100 may be a developing cartridge that includes a developing member, a drum cartridge that includes a photosensitive member, or an integrated cartridge that includes both a developing member and a photosensitive member.

As shown in FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is defined as the X-direction, the up-down direction when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus is the Z-direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and up-down directions is the Y-direction. The process cartridge 100 of this embodiment includes a developing unit 1 and a photosensitive unit 2, which are connected such that they are movable relative to each other. Specifically, the developing unit 1 and the photosensitive unit 2 are connected by side members disposed at the X-direction ends of the process cartridge 100, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. The side member may be a part of the developing unit 1 or the photosensitive unit 2, or it may be an independently provided component. The side members are attached to the longitudinal ends of the process cartridge.

The developing unit 1 includes a developing member 11, a toner supplying member 12, a first driving member 13, a first conductive member 14, and a first frame 15. The first frame 15 is substantially rectangular. The developing member 11 and the toner supplying member 12 are rotatably mounted on the first frame 15. The toner supplying member 12 faces the developing member 11 to transfer toner contained within the first frame 15 to the developing member 11. The first driving member 13 is disposed at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge and is capable of receiving a driving force from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to drive the rotation of the developing member 11 and the toner supplying member 12. The first conductive member 14 is disposed at a second end, opposite the first end, and is configured to supply power to the developing member 11.

The photosensitive unit 2 includes a photosensitive member 21, a charging member 22, a second driving member 23, a second conductive member 24, and a second frame 25. The photosensitive member 21 and the charging member 22 are rotatably mounted on the second frame 25. The photosensitive member 21 faces the developing member 11 for image forming operations. The developing member 11 is configured to supply toner to the photosensitive member 21 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on its surface. The charging member 22 is configured to charge the photosensitive member 21. The second driving member 23 is disposed at the first end in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge and can receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus to rotate the photosensitive member 21. The second conductive member 24 is disposed at the second end, opposite the first end, and is configured to supply power to the photosensitive unit 2 or the charging member 22.

Hereinafter, in the Z-direction, the side where the photosensitive member 21 or developing member 11 is located is referred to as the lower side, and the opposite side is the upper side. In the X-direction, the side where the first driving member 13 and second driving member 23 are located is the right side, and the opposite is the left side. In the Y-direction, the direction from the developing unit 1 towards the photosensitive unit 2 is the rearward direction, and the opposite is the forward direction.

As shown in FIG. 1C to FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the side members are formed as part of the photosensitive unit 2 and include a first side member 3 at the first end of the process cartridge and a second side member 4 at the second end. In the present disclosure, both the first side member 3 and the second side member 4 may be referred to as side members. The first side member 3 and the second side member 4 are respectively fixed to the two ends of the second frame 25 in the length direction and are configured to connect to the developing unit 1, allowing the developing unit 1 to rotate relative to the photosensitive unit 2.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the process cartridge 100 also includes a resetting member 17 and a separation force receiving member 6. In the up-down direction, the resetting member 17 and the separation force receiving member 6 are spaced apart. The separation force receiving member 6 is configured to receive a separation force from the image forming apparatus to compel the developing unit 1 to rotate relative to the photosensitive unit 2 about a rotation axis A1 in the direction r. This causes the developing member 11 and the photosensitive member 21 to move from a mutually close state to a mutually separated state. Simultaneously, the resetting member 17 undergoes elastic deformation and stores restoring force. When the separation force applied by the image forming apparatus to the separation force receiving member 6 is removed, the resetting member 17 releases its elastic force, compelling the developing unit 1 to rotate in the direction opposite to r about the rotation axis A1. The developing member 11 and the photosensitive member 21 return from the separated state to the close state, allowing the process cartridge 100 to perform developing/image forming operations.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first side member 3 further includes a chip mount 51, a first exposure portion 33a configured to expose at least a part of the first driving member 13, and a second exposure portion 33b configured to expose at least a part of the second driving member 23, thereby allowing the first driving member 13 and second driving member 23 to receive an external driving force. The chip mount 51 is disposed on the first main body 32 (as described later) and is configured to mount a chip 31 (memory). As shown in FIG. 5, the chip 31 includes a substrate 311, terminals 312 mounted on the front surface 311a of the substrate, a rear surface 311b opposite the front surface 311a, and a side surface 311c connecting the front and rear surfaces. The terminals 312 are configured for electrical contact with the contact pins in the image forming apparatus to establish communication between the process cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus. When the process cartridge is mounted in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, both the chip 31 and the chip mount 51 are disposed on the upper side of the first side member 3, and the front surface 311a of the substrate faces upward.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the up-down direction Z, the first exposure portion 33a is located closer to the chip 31 than the second exposure portion 33b. The exposure portion 33 may be a hole configuration or a notch configuration.

In this embodiment, the chip mount 51 has an upward-facing mounting surface 511. The chip 31 may be mounted onto the mounting surface 511 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 511. The mounting surface 511 supports the chip 31. Specifically, the substrate 311 of the chip 31 is attached to the mounting surface 511 by an adhesive, such as glue, double-sided tape, or solvent bonding. This configuration simplifies the chip mount 51.

Further, the extension direction of the mounting surface 511 is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

Further, the substrate 311 of the chip 31 is located above the chip mount 51, and the side surface 311c of the substrate 311 is exposed. This configuration of the process cartridge 100 simplifies the installation and removal of the chip 31 and reduces the risk of damaging the chip 31.

The second side member 4 is disposed at the second end of the process cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction. It includes a third exposure portion 41a and a fourth exposure portion 41b configured to expose the first conductive member 14 and the second conductive member 24. The third and fourth exposure portions 41a, 41b may be configured as through-holes or notches.

In some embodiments, the chip mount 51 further includes a limiting portion to facilitate accurate installation of the chip 31.

In some embodiments, the first exposure portion 33a and the second exposure portion 33b are configured as circular holes of the same size.

In some embodiments, the first exposure portion 33a and the second exposure portion 33b are configured as circular holes, and the radius of the first exposure portion 33a is smaller than that of the second exposure portion 33b.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the chip 31 also includes a memory device 313 on its rear surface 311b. The chip mount 51 includes an avoidance groove 512 corresponding to the memory device 313. The avoidance groove 512 is recessed from the mounting surface 511 in a direction away from the chip 31. When the chip 31 is installed on the mounting surface 511, the memory device 313 is situated within the avoidance groove 512.

In some embodiments, the chip mount 51 is configured to be detachable from the first side member 3. When the chip 31 needs to be replaced, a user can detach the chip mount 51 rather than using tools to pry the chip 31 from the chip mount 51.

Embodiment 2

This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the chip mount and the chip. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the chip mount 52 includes a mounting surface 521 and a plurality of mounting protrusions 522. The mounting surface 521 is configured for supporting the substrate 311 of the chip 31, and the plurality of mounting protrusions 522 are for fixing the substrate 311 of the chip 31. The mounting protrusions 522 extend outward in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 521.

When the chip 31 is mounted on the chip mount 52, the mounting protrusions 522 abut against a portion of the side surface 311c of the substrate 311 to restrict the movement of the chip 31.

Further, the chip mount 52 also has a cover portion 523 for fixing the chip 31. In this embodiment, at least one of the mounting protrusions 522 has a cover portion 523 at its tip. The cover portion 523 is disposed at the tip of the mounting protrusion 522 and is capable of covering a part of the front surface 311a of the substrate 311 to restrict its movement. Specifically, the cover portion 523 may be a configuration formed by melting or deforming the tip of the mounting protrusion 522 during a welding process.

In some embodiments, the substrate 311 of the chip 31 further includes a through-portion 311d, which may be a hole or a notch. The mounting protrusions 522 are inserted into the through-portion 311d and abut against the side surface 311c of the substrate 311 of the chip 31 to restrict the movement of the substrate 311.

In this embodiment, the chip 31 may be installed by first placing it on the chip mount 52 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 521, and then fixing it by welding.

The process cartridge of this embodiment is configured to reduce wear on the substrate 311 of the chip 31 during installation. For removal, it is only necessary to break a part of the mounting protrusions 522 or the cover portion 523, making chip removal convenient.

Embodiment 3

This embodiment differs from Embodiment 2 in the configuration of the chip mount and the chip.

As shown in FIGS. 8-12, the chip mount 53 includes a mounting surface 531, an engaging portion 533b, and a cover portion 533. The mounting surface 531 is configured for supporting the substrate 311 of the chip 31. The cover portion 533 is configured for fixing the chip 31. The cover portion 533 includes a contact portion 533a capable of abutting against the front surface 311a of the chip 31 and an engaged portion 532 that mates with the engaging portion 533b. The engaging portion 533b and the engaged portion 532 of the cover portion 533 are joined to fix the cover portion 533.

Specifically, the engaging portion 533b and the engaged portion 532 may be configured as a snap-fit configuration.

To install the chip 31, it is first placed on the mounting surface 531 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 531, and then the cover portion 533 is assembled, causing the chip 31 to be fixed on the chip mount 53. The cover portion 533 may be installed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 531 so that the engaging portion 533b and the engaged portion 532 mate, or it may be installed in a direction parallel to the mounting surface 531.

The process cartridge 100 with the above configuration allows for simpler installation of the chip 31. To remove the chip 31, a user only needs to detach the cover portion 533, which prevents damage to the chip mount 53.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the first side member 3 is provided with a guide groove 34, and the end face of the developing unit 1 is provided with a protrusion 16 that cooperates with the guide groove 34. The developing unit 1 is supported by the first side member 3 through the cooperation of the guide groove 34 and the protrusion 16. When the developing unit 1 moves relative to the photosensitive unit 2, the protrusion 16 can slide within the guide groove 34. Additionally, the first exposure portion 33a is configured as a notch with its opening facing the direction of movement of the developing unit 2, while the second exposure portion 33b is configured as a circular hole. The size of the first exposure portion 33a is larger than that of the second exposure portion 33b. This configuration provides sufficient space for the developing unit 1 to move within the notch when it moves relative to the photosensitive unit 2. The aforementioned guide groove 34 and protrusion 16 may be implemented in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiment 4

This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in the chip mount and chip mounting method.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the chip mount 54 includes a mounting cavity 542, a mounting surface 541 disposed within the mounting cavity 542 for supporting the substrate 311 of the chip 31, and a cover portion 543 located above the mounting surface 541 for fixing the chip 31. The mounting cavity 542 is configured to receive the substrate 311 of the chip 31 and has a mounting opening 544. The mounting opening 544 faces the upper side of the process cartridge, and the substrate 311 of the chip 31 may be mounted into the mounting cavity 542 through the mounting opening 544 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 541.

Further, the side surface 311c of the chip substrate 311 may be enclosed by the mounting cavity 542.

Further, the mounting opening 544 has a guide portion 545. The guide portion 545 facilitates the smooth installation of the chip when it is being mounted into the mounting cavity.

To install the chip 31, it may be pressed into the mounting cavity 542 through the mounting opening 544, which makes assembly more convenient.

Embodiment 5

This embodiment differs from the aforementioned Embodiment 4 in the chip mount and chip mounting method.

As shown in FIG. 15, at least one side of the mounting cavity 542 in the X or Y direction is provided with an elastic member 546. The elastic member 546 includes a cover portion 543 disposed at the tip of the elastic member 546. When the chip 31 is installed in the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface, the elastic member 546 elastically deforms to allow the chip 31 to be mounted into the mounting cavity 542. The cover portion 543 abuts against the front surface 311a of the substrate of the chip 31 to restrict the position of the chip 31. This configuration of the chip mount allows the chip to be pressed into the chip mount for installation, featuring a simple configuration and convenient mounting.

Specifically, the elastic member 546 may be configured as an elastic hook, with the cover portion 543 extending inward toward the mounting cavity 542. The number of elastic hooks may be one or more. Preferably, two elastic members 546 are provided, located on opposite sides of the mounting cavity 542 along the X direction or along the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X and Z directions.

Embodiment 6

As shown in FIG. 16, this embodiment further improves the second side member 4 based on the previous embodiments. That is, the second side member 4 of this embodiment may be applied to the process cartridges of the previous embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 16, the second side member 4 has a first end face 41 and a step portion 42 protruding longitudinally from the first end face 41. Along the longitudinal X direction, the first end face 41 faces away from the developing unit 1/first frame 15. When the process cartridge is installed in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the door is closed, this step portion 42 abuts against a rotational stop protrusion 47 (as shown in FIG. 1A), thereby defining the position of the process cartridge. Specifically, the step portion 42 has an abutment surface 421 facing toward the bottom of the process cartridge. Along a first direction P (parallel to the Y direction), the abutment surface 421 is located upstream of the second conductive member 24. This abutment surface 421 abuts against the rotational stop protrusion 47 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In other words, the abutment surface 421 is located to the rear of the second conductive member 24.

Further, the step portion 42 includes a recessed portion 422. This recessed portion 422 is recessed from the step portion 42 in the X direction toward the first end of the process cartridge and is also recessed in the first direction P. Preferably, the second conductive member 24 is disposed in this recessed portion 422. More preferably, along the direction opposite to the first direction P, the second conductive member 24 is exposed, which facilitates its installation. The first direction P is preferably parallel to the Y direction. This design can prevent interference between the step portion and the rotational stop protrusion 47 during the process of installing the process cartridge into the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In particular, when closing the door, it ensures that the abutment surface 421 can smoothly abut against the rotational stop protrusion 47.

Embodiment 7

As shown in FIG. 17, the chip mount 55 in this embodiment further includes an elastic member 556 and a cover portion 553 at the end of the elastic member 556. When the chip 31 is installed in the mounting cavity 557 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 551, the elastic member 556 elastically deforms to allow the chip 31 to be mounted, and the cover portion 553 abuts against the front surface 311a of the substrate of the chip 31 to restrict the chip 31.

Further, the chip mount 55 also includes a blocking portion (mounting protrusion) 552 provided on a side different from the elastic member 556. When the chip 31 is mounted on the mounting surface 551, both the blocking portion 552 and the elastic member 556 abut against the side surface 311c of the substrate, thereby stably positioning the chip 31 on the mounting surface 551. Accordingly, the blocking portion 552 and the elastic member 556 may be collectively referred to as a limiting portion. The limiting portion abuts against the side surface 311c of the substrate to restrict the movement of the chip 31 in directions perpendicular to the Z direction.

Preferably, two elastic members 556 are provided. Along the longitudinal X or Y direction, the two elastic members 556 are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting cavity 557, respectively. In some embodiments, the two elastic members 556 may have only one that is elastic. FIG. 17 shows an example where two elastic members 556 are provided on opposite sides of the mounting cavity 557 along the longitudinal X direction. In a deformable configuration, the two elastic members 556 may also be provided on opposite sides of the mounting cavity 557 along the Y direction.

Taking the configuration shown in FIG. 17 as an example, the blocking portion 552 is provided on the Y-direction side of the mounting cavity 557. Preferably, two blocking portions 552 are also provided. The two blocking portions are arranged on opposite sides of the mounting cavity 557 and are spaced apart along the Y direction. In one embodiment, the two blocking portions 552 are misaligned. Specifically, the blocking portion 552 includes a first blocking portion 552a located at the rear of the mounting cavity 557 and a second blocking portion 552b located at the front of the mounting cavity 557. Along the longitudinal X direction, the dimensions of both the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b are smaller than the dimension of the mounting cavity 557. Therefore, an empty portion 550 is formed adjacent to both the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b. That is, along the arrangement direction of the two elastic members 556, or along a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the two blocking portions, within the defined area S of the mounting cavity 557, the blocking portion 552 is provided adjacent to the empty portion 550.

As shown in FIG. 18, the first blocking portion 552a is located to the left of the second blocking portion 552b. Along the longitudinal X direction, the first blocking portion 552a has a first end face 552c at its right end and a second end face 552d at its left end. The second blocking portion 552b has a third end face 552e at its right end and a fourth end face 552f at its left end. A first reference line L1, parallel to the Y direction, is drawn through the rightmost point or face of the first blocking portion 552a. This first reference line L1 is located at least to the left of the third end face 552e. Preferably, the first reference line L1 is located to the left of the fourth end face 552f or passes through the fourth end face 552f. In this preferred configuration, the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b do not overlap in the Y direction. This simplifies the configuration of the chip mount 55, and the mold for manufacturing the chip mount 55 may be released more easily.

In some embodiments, along the longitudinal X direction, the positions of the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b may be interchanged, meaning the first blocking portion 552a is to the right of the second blocking portion 552b. In this case, the first reference line L1 will pass through the leftmost point or face of the first blocking portion 552a. Along the longitudinal X direction, the first reference line L1 is located at least to the right of the fourth end face 552f. Preferably, the first reference line L1 is located to the right of the third end face 552e or passes through the third end face 552e.

In some embodiments, the positions of the blocking portion 552 and the elastic member 556 may also be interchanged. That is, the elastic member 556 is provided on the Y-direction side of the mounting cavity 557, and the blocking portion 552 is provided on the longitudinal X-direction side of the mounting cavity 557.

The image forming apparatus also includes a preventing portion disposed in its main body. Conventional process cartridges have a U-shaped groove that cooperates with this preventing portion. The U-shaped groove is on a side member. When the tray unit moves into the main body and the process cartridge moves downward with the tray, the preventing portion enters the U-shaped groove to position the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the image forming apparatus also includes a preventing portion 53b disposed in its main body 2b. A conventional process cartridge PK, PC, PM, PY further includes a U-shaped groove 24b for cooperating with the preventing portion 53b. The U-shaped groove 24b is disposed on a side member 24a. When the tray unit 51b moves into the main body 2b, and the process cartridge PK, PC, PM, PY moves downward with the tray unit 51b, the preventing portion 53b enters the U-shaped groove 24b to position the process cartridge PK, PC, PM, PY in the image forming apparatus. However, this positioning configuration requires the preventing portion 53b and the U-shaped groove 24b to be precisely aligned; otherwise, the tray unit 51b cannot be lowered smoothly, and there is a risk of damaging the image forming apparatus or the process cartridge.

To address this, in one embodiment, the U-shaped groove 24b is replaced by an avoidance portion 37, as shown in FIG. 17. In the Y direction, the avoidance portion 37 is located to the rear of the chip mount 55. When the process cartridge 100 of the present disclosure is lowered with the tray to a predetermined position, the preventing portion 53 of the image forming apparatus enters the avoidance portion 37. That is, the preventing portion 53 is exposed in the Y direction. In some embodiments, the U-shaped groove 24 may be retained. However, when the process cartridge 100 of the present disclosure is lowered to the predetermined position, the avoidance portion 37 still enters the U-shaped groove 24, but regardless of the forces on the process cartridge within the image forming apparatus, the preventing portion 53 does not contact the side walls that form the U-shaped groove 24. In other words, the U-shaped groove 24 no longer functions to position the process cartridge 100 in cooperation with the preventing portion 53.

Embodiment 8

Differing from Embodiment 7, in this embodiment the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b are configured to overlap along the Y direction or the longitudinal X direction. Specifically, along the Y direction or the longitudinal X direction, one of the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b completely overlaps with the other. As shown in FIG. 19, the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting cavity 557 in the Y direction, respectively. Along the Y direction, the first blocking portion 552a and the second blocking portion 552b overlap. A second reference line L2, parallel to the Y direction, is drawn through the leftmost point or face of the first blocking portion 552a. This second reference line L2 passes through the leftmost point or face of the second blocking portion 552b. Furthermore, along the longitudinal X direction, the dimension of the first blocking portion 552a does not exceed the dimension of the second blocking portion 552b, or the dimension of the second blocking portion 552b does not exceed the dimension of the first blocking portion 552a.

In some embodiments, the second reference line L2 may not pass through the leftmost point or face of the second blocking portion 552b. Overall, along the longitudinal X direction, as long as the first blocking portion 552a does not extend beyond the region defined by the leftmost and rightmost points or faces of the second blocking portion 552b in the Y direction, or vice versa, the condition is met.

Based on the above description, the configuration of the chip mount 55 in this embodiment is also simplified, and the mold for manufacturing the chip mount 55 is also easier to release.

Embodiment 9

As referenced in Chinese Patent Publication CN105929661B, the image forming apparatus is provided with a tray unit for carrying a process cartridge. The tray unit has multiple trays 70, each for accommodating one process cartridge. FIG. 20 shows the configuration of a tray 70. As shown, the tray 70 includes a tray frame 79 and a support portion 75 on the tray frame 79 for supporting the process cartridge. Specifically, the tray frame 79 includes a first side plate 71, a second side plate 72, a third side plate 73, and a fourth side plate 74. The first and second side plates 71, 72 are spaced apart from and opposite to each other in the Y direction. The third and fourth side plates 73, 74 are spaced apart from and opposite to each other in the longitudinal X direction. These four side plates enclose and form a process cartridge receiving cavity 76. In the Y direction, the first side plate 71 is located in front of the second side plate 72. The first side plate 71 has a first inner surface 711 facing the receiving cavity 76, and the second side plate 72 has a second inner surface 721 facing the receiving cavity 76. The first and second inner surfaces 711, 721 are opposite to each other.

As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the first side member 3 includes a first main body 32 and, provided on the first main body 32, a first supported portion 34 and a second supported portion 35. The first exposure portion 33a and the second exposure portion 33b are disposed on the first main body 32. The second side member 4 includes a second main body 46 and, provided on the second main body 46, a third supported portion 44 and a fourth supported portion 45. As shown in FIG. 16, the third exposure portion 41a and the fourth exposure portion 41b are disposed on the second main body 46.

When the tray unit is moved out of the main body, the first supported portion 34 and the third supported portion 44 are simultaneously supported by the support portions 75. Thus, the process cartridge 100 is supported in the mounting cavity 76. When the tray unit is moved into the main body, the second supported portion 35 and the fourth supported portion 45 are simultaneously supported by positioning portions (such as 51a in FIG. 1B) within the main body.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, when the separation force receiving member 6 receives a separation force, with the rotation of the developing unit 1, the side member or the developing unit will be subjected to a forward pushing force. At the same time, the elastically deformed resetting member 17 will apply a rearward pushing force to the second frame 25. For this reason, the process cartridge 100 also needs to be provided with a positioning member for positioning the process cartridge 100 in the mounting cavity 76. The positioning member positions the process cartridge 100 by overcoming the forward and/or rearward pushing force.

As stated above, the developing unit 1 is configured to rotate relative to the photosensitive unit 2. Preferably, the positioning member is provided on at least one of the side member and the second frame 25.

As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the positioning member in this embodiment includes a first positioning member 81 and a third positioning member 83 provided on the first side member 3, and a second positioning member 82 and a fourth positioning member 84 provided on the second side member 4. In the Y direction, the first positioning member 81 and the third positioning member 83 are spaced apart, and the second positioning member 82 and the fourth positioning member 84 are spaced apart. In the longitudinal X direction, the first positioning member 81 and the second positioning member 82 are spaced apart, and the third positioning member 83 and the fourth positioning member 84 are spaced apart.

In the Y direction, the first main body 32 has a first front surface 36a facing forward and a first rear surface 36b facing rearward. The second main body has a second front surface 43a facing forward and a second rear surface 43b facing rearward. The first positioning member 81 protrudes forward from the first front surface 36a, and the third positioning member 83 protrudes rearward from the first rear surface 36b. Preferably, each of the positioning members is formed as a protrusion. The protrusion may be either fixed or movable.

As shown in FIG. 23, after the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the process cartridge mounting cavity 76, the first positioning member 81 and the second positioning member 82 are both opposite the first inner surface 711. The third positioning member 83 and the fourth positioning member 84 are both opposite the second inner surface 721. Collectively, the first positioning member 81 and the second positioning member 82 may be referred to as the front positioning member, and the third positioning member 83 and the fourth positioning member 84 may be referred to as the rear positioning member. That is, the front positioning member includes at least one of the first positioning member 81 and the second positioning member 82, and the rear positioning member includes at least one of the third positioning member 83 and the fourth positioning member 84. Preferably, before the separation force receiving member 6 receives the separation force, the front positioning member is in contact with the first inner surface 711, or there is a gap between them to facilitate the smooth installation of the process cartridge 100. Similarly, the rear positioning member also has one of these two states with respect to the second inner surface 721.

Along the longitudinal X direction, the respective positioning members in this embodiment may abut against the tray frame 79 at both ends of the process cartridge 100, resulting in a more uniform distribution of forces on the process cartridge 100.

When the separation force receiving member 6 receives the separation force, under the effect of the aforementioned forward and rearward pushing forces, the front positioning member abuts against the first inner surface 711, and the rear positioning member abuts against the second inner surface 721. In this way, stable positioning of the second frame 25 and the side members in the process cartridge mounting cavity 76 may be achieved. Even if the developing unit 1 rotates relative to the photosensitive unit 2, the position of the process cartridge 100 in the mounting cavity 76 will not change, thus eliminating the risk of the terminal 312 disengaging from the contact pin.

In some embodiments, the respective positioning members may not necessarily be formed as protrusions but may be formed by increasing the dimension of the side members in the Y direction. In this case, the entire first front surface 36a may be considered the first positioning member 81, the entire first rear surface 36b may be considered the third positioning member 83, the entire second front surface 43a may be considered the second positioning member 82, and the entire second rear surface 43b may be considered the fourth positioning member 84.

In some embodiments, the process cartridge 100 also includes a bracket or side plate between the first frame 15 or second frame 25 and the side member. The bracket or side plate is configured for supporting rotatable components (such as the photosensitive member 21, charging member 22, developing member 11, toner supplying member 12, first driving member 13, second driving member 23, etc.) in the process cartridge. Based on the inventive concept of the present disclosure, the positioning member may also be provided on the bracket or side plate. Generally, the bracket or side plate is fixedly connected to the second frame 25, and thus the bracket or side plate may also be considered a part of the photosensitive unit 2 or second frame 25.

Embodiment 10

As shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the rear positioning member in this embodiment is a protrusion 75 provided on the second frame 25, while the front positioning members 81 and 82 are still provided on the side members.

In some embodiments, along the longitudinal X direction, the protrusion 75 is located approximately in the middle of the second frame 25. The first positioning member 81, the second positioning member 82, and the protrusion 75 are arranged in a triangle. When the separation force receiving member 6 receives the separation force, this can ensure stable positioning of the process cartridge 100. That is, the line connecting the first positioning member 81, the second positioning member 82, and the protrusion 75 forms a triangle.

In some embodiments, along the longitudinal X direction, two protrusions 75 may be provided, spaced apart from each other, which can also achieve stable positioning of the process cartridge 100.

Embodiment 11

As shown in FIGS. 26A-27A, the developing roller (developing member) 1111 rotates about a first rotation axis L11, and the photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 1121 rotates about a second rotation axis L21. The first rotation axis L11 and the second rotation axis L21 are parallel to each other. A first drive force receiving member (first driving member) 1131 transmits a driving force to the developing roller (developing member) 1111 via a drive force transmission assembly 1118. The process cartridge C also includes a first bracket 1112 and a cover 1113 on the driving side. Both the first bracket 1112 and the cover 1113 are fixedly connected to the first unit housing (first frame) 111. At least a part of the drive force transmission assembly 1118 is supported by the first bracket 1112. Therefore, the first bracket 1112 may also be referred to as a drive bracket. The cover 1113 includes a cover body 11131 and an extension 11132 connected to the cover body 11131. A part of the first drive force receiving member (first driving member) 1131 passes through the cover 1113.

As shown in FIG. 28, FIG. 29A, and FIG. 29B, the process cartridge C may be detachably mounted in a tray 9 of an image forming apparatus, and then the process cartridge C is installed forward along with the tray 9. The tray 9 includes a first side plate 9a and a second side plate 9b spaced apart in the front-rear direction, forming a process cartridge receiving cavity 9c between them.

Further, the tray 9 further includes a support mechanism for supporting the process cartridge C. The support mechanism includes at least a first support member 91, a second support member 92, and a third support member 93. Among these three support members, one is disposed on the first side plate 9a or the second side plate 9b, and the other two are disposed on the second side plate 9b or the first side plate 9a. Specifically, the first support member 91 is on the first side plate 9a, and the second support member 92 and the third support member 93 are on the second side plate 9b. The first support member 91 and the second support member 92 are spaced apart from and opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. The second support member 92 and the third support member 93 are spaced apart from and opposite to each other in the left-right direction. That is, in a plane including the front-rear and left-right directions, the tray 9 is provided with at least three mutually spaced support members, so that three corners of the process cartridge C may be supported.

In some embodiments, the first support member 91 and the third support member 93 may also be spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

Each support member has two support stands of different heights in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 28, the first support member 91 has a first high support stand 911 and a first low support stand 912. The second support member 92 has a second high support stand 921 and a second low support stand 922. The third support member 93 has a third high support stand 931 and a third low support stand 932.

Further, the process cartridge C further includes an abutment mechanism 115 for abutting against the tray 9 to ensure that the cartridge C is stably mounted in the tray 9. At least a part of the abutment mechanism 115 abuts against the tray 9.

Continuing with FIGS. 26A, 26B, 27A, 27B, 28, 29A, and 29B, the process cartridge C includes a first end cap (first side member) 11300 and a second end cap (second side member) 11400 disposed at the two ends of the first unit housing (first frame) 111. The abutment mechanism 115 includes a supported assembly 1151 and an abutting assembly 1152. The supported assembly 1151 is not provided on the first end cap 11300 and the second end cap 11400. The abutting assembly 1152 is provided on the first end cap 11300 and the second end cap 11400. When the process cartridge C is mounted in the tray 9, the supported assembly 1151 abuts against the support mechanism. Specifically, the abutting assembly 1152 also abuts against the tray 9. That is, among the supported assembly 1151 and the abutting assembly 1152, the abutment mechanism 115 is provided with at least the supported assembly 1151.

The supported assembly 1151 includes at least a first supported member 11511, a second supported member 11512, and a third supported member 11513. The first supported member 11511 is configured to abut against the first support member 91 (specifically, the first high support stand 911). The second supported member 11512 is configured to abut against the second support member 92 (specifically, the second high support stand 921). The third supported member 11513 is configured to abut against the third support member 93 (specifically, the third high support stand 931). In this way, the process cartridge C may be stably supported in the tray 9.

When the process cartridge C is mounted in the tray 9, the bottom of the process cartridge C is also supported by the bottom of the tray 9. When each supported member abuts against the corresponding high support stand of the support member, it is more conducive to ensuring the stable mounting of the process cartridge C in the tray 9.

Further, since the supported assembly 1151 is not provided on the first end cap 11300 and the second end cap 11400, the size of the first end cap 11300 and the second end cap 11400 may be reduced, which contributes to the miniaturization of the process cartridge C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27B, the process cartridge C includes a conductive member (first conductive member) 1114 on the non-driving side (second end) and a second bracket 1115 for supporting the conductive member 1114. The conductive member 1114 is configured for receiving electrical power from the image forming apparatus and supplying it directly or indirectly to the developing roller 1111. Therefore, the second bracket 1115 may also be called a conductive bracket. The first supported member 11511 is provided on the second bracket 1115 or the first unit housing (first frame) 111. The second supported member 11512 and the third supported member 11513 are both provided on the second unit housing (second frame) 112. In the front-rear direction, the first supported member 11511 and the second supported member 11512 are spaced apart. In the left-right direction, the second supported member 11512 and the third supported member 11513 are spaced apart.

In some embodiments, the first supported member 11511 may also be provided on any one of the first bracket 1112, the cover 1113, and the first unit housing (first frame) 111. The second supported member 11512 and the third supported member 11513 are still provided on the second unit housing (second frame) 112. In the front-rear direction, the first supported member 11511 and the third supported member 11513 are spaced apart. In the left-right direction, the second supported member 11512 and the third supported member 11513 are spaced apart.

As shown in FIG. 28, FIG. 29A, and FIG. 29B, the sectioning direction AA in FIG. 28 is parallel to a plane including the front-rear and up-down directions. When the process cartridge C is performing development in the image forming apparatus, the developing roller 1111 and the photosensitive drum 1121 are in mutual contact. A force-applying member 90 is disposed between a first force receiving member 1141 and a second force receiving member 1142 of a separation mechanism 114. The first supported member 11511 is supported by the first high support stand 911, the second supported member 11512 is supported by the second high support stand 921, and the third supported member 11513 is supported by the third high support stand 931 (not shown in the figure).

In some embodiments, when the process cartridge C is mounted in the tray 9, the abutting assembly 1152 also abuts against the side plates 9a, 9b of the tray 9 to restrict the movement of the process cartridge C in the front-rear direction. Especially when the force-applying member 90 applies a separation force or a restoring force to the separation mechanism 114, the first unit housing (first frame) 111 will be subjected to the effect of the separation force or restoring force, thereby driving the entire process cartridge C to move in the front-rear direction. When the abutting assembly 1152 is provided, the possible movement of the process cartridge C in the front-rear direction may be eliminated, thus allowing the process cartridge C to always be stably positioned in the tray 9 and process cartridge receiving cavity 9c.

As stated above, the abutting assembly 1152 is provided on the first end cap (first side member) 11300 and the second end cap (second side member) 11400. Specifically, the abutting assembly 1152 includes a first abutting member (second positioning member) 11521 and a second abutting member (fourth positioning member) 11522 provided on the second end cap 11400, and a third abutting member (third positioning member) 11523 and a fourth abutting member (first positioning member) 11524 provided on the first end cap 11300. In the front-rear direction, the first abutting member 11521 and the second abutting member 11522 are spaced apart, and the third abutting member 11523 and the fourth abutting member 11524 are spaced apart. The first abutting member 11521 and the fourth abutting member 11524 are for abutting against the first side plate 9a. The second abutting member 11522 and the third abutting member 11523 are for abutting against the second side plate 9b. In this way, when the first unit housing (first frame) 111 receives the separation force or restoring force and rotates relative to the second unit housing (second frame) 112, the process cartridge C as a whole can remain stably positioned in the tray 9 and process cartridge receiving cavity 9c through the abutment of the first abutting member 11521 and the fourth abutting member 11524 with the first side plate 9a, and the abutment of the second abutting member 11522 and the third abutting member 11523 with the second side plate 9b. That is, the process cartridge C as a whole can remain stationary relative to the tray 9 and process cartridge receiving cavity 9c.

In some embodiments, the abutting assembly 1152 may not be necessary. Instead, the supported assembly 1151 is configured such that, in the front-rear direction, the maximum distance between two oppositely arranged supported members is equal to the distance between the corresponding locations in the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c where those two supported members are located. By the mutual abutment of the supported members with the inner walls of the receiving cavity 9c (the inner wall of the first side plate 9a and the inner wall of the second side plate 9b), the movement of the process cartridge C in the front-rear direction can also be prevented.

In some embodiments, the supported member abuts only against the inner wall of the second side plate 9b. When the force-applying member 90 applies a separation force to the separation mechanism 114, the supported member abuts against the inner wall of the second side plate 9b, which can also prevent the movement of the process cartridge C in the front-rear direction.

In some embodiments, the abutting assembly 1152 may also be elastic.

According to the above embodiments, the maximum distance between the two oppositely arranged supported members may also be greater than the distance between the corresponding locations in the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c where those two supported members are located, but at least one of the two supported members is configured to be elastic. Ultimately, the movement of the process cartridge C in the front-rear direction can also be suppressed.

Embodiment 12

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and tray after separation according to Embodiment 12 of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 is a side view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 12, viewed from the driving end along the left-right direction.

This embodiment further optimizes the abutment mechanism 115 based on the inventive concept of Embodiment 11.

As shown in FIG. 30, the support mechanism in this embodiment is a support stand 94 provided on at least one of a third side plate 9d and a fourth side plate 9e. Accordingly, the supported assembly 1151 is a protrusion capable of being supported by the support stand 94. Specifically, the protrusion 1151 is disposed on one of the first unit housing 111, the first bracket 1112, the cover 1113, the first end cap 11300, the second bracket 1115, the second unit housing 112, and other components of the process cartridge C, as long as the process cartridge C may be supported through the cooperation of the protrusion 1151 and the support stand 94.

In this embodiment, the abutting assembly 1152 is still provided on the first end cap 11300 and the second end cap 11400. Different from the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the first abutting member (second positioning member) and the second abutting member (fourth positioning member) 11522 are the front end face (second front surface) and the rear end face (second rear surface) 400b of the second end cap 11400, respectively. The fourth abutting member (first positioning member) 11524 and the third abutting member (third positioning member) 11523 are the front end face (first front surface) 300a and the rear end face (first rear surface) 300b of the first end cap 11300, respectively. When the process cartridge C is mounted in the tray 9, in the up-down direction, the protrusion 1151 is supported by the support stand 94. In the front-rear direction, the first abutting member (second positioning member) and the fourth abutting member (first positioning member) 11524 both abut against the inner surface 9a3 of the first side plate, and they have an interference fit with the inner surface 9a3 of the first side plate. The second abutting member (fourth positioning member) 11522 and the third abutting member (third positioning member) 11523 both abut against the inner surface 9b3 of the second side plate, and they have an interference fit with the inner surface 9b3 of the second side plate. Consequently, the process cartridge C is stably positioned in the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c, and its possible rotation is suppressed.

The inner surface 9a3 of the first side plate and the outer surface 9a2 of the first side plate are opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. The inner surface 9a3 of the first side plate faces the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c, and the outer surface 9a2 of the first side plate faces away from the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c. The inner surface 9b3 of the second side plate and the outer surface 9b2 of the second side plate are opposite to each other in the front-rear direction. The inner surface 9b3 of the second side plate faces the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c, and the outer surface 9b2 of the second side plate faces away from the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c.

When the door of the image forming apparatus is closed and it is ready for development, the tray 9 will move downward, and the protrusion 1151 will no longer be supported by the support stand 94. However, because the first abutting member (second positioning member), the second abutting member (fourth positioning member) 11522, the third abutting member (third positioning member) 11523, and the fourth abutting member (first positioning member) 11524 respectively abut against the corresponding inner surfaces of the side plates, the process cartridge C can still be positioned in the process cartridge receiving cavity 9c, and its possible rotation can still be suppressed.

Embodiment 13

As shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33, the process cartridge C includes a developing unit 22100 and a photosensitive unit 200 connected by an end cap (side member) 2214. The developing unit 22100 can rotate relative to the photosensitive unit 200 about a developing rotation axis L5. The end cap (side member) 2214 includes a first side member at the driving end of the photosensitive unit 200 and a second side member C3 at the non-driving end of the photosensitive unit 200. The first side member and/or the second side member C3 may be integrally formed with the photosensitive housing (second frame) 2221 or may be formed as separate parts. The non-driving side of the process cartridge C further includes a plurality of exposed electrode contacts 61, 62, 63. The plurality of electrode contacts 61, 62, 63 pass through the second side member C3 and are exposed to the outside.

The electrode contacts 61, 62, 63 include at least one of a developing electrode contact 61, a charging electrode contact 62, and a ground electrode contact 63. The plurality of electrode contacts 61, 62, 63 may be formed from metal sheets or conductive resin. The developing electrode contact 61 and the charging electrode contact 62 are configured to respectively contact the image forming apparatus and receive electrical power from it. The ground electrode contact 63 is configured for electrical connection with a ground portion of the image forming apparatus. The charging electrode contact 62 is electrically connected to a charging roller (charging member) 2223. The ground electrode contact 63 is electrically connected to a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 2222. There is at least one developing electrode contact 61. When there is one developing electrode contact 61, it is electrically connected to at least one of the developing roller (developing member) 2212, the toner supplying roller (toner supplying member) 2213, and the developing blade 2219. When there are two developing electrode contacts 61, one is electrically connected to the developing roller 2212, and the other is electrically connected to the toner supplying roller 2213 and the developing blade 2219. When there are three developing electrode contacts 61, they are respectively connected to the developing roller 2212, the toner supplying roller 2213, and the developing blade 2219.

As shown in FIG. 32, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis L5, the outlines of the plurality of electrode contacts 61, 62, 63 and the straight lines connecting them form a polygon Q with the largest area. The rotation axis L5 does not pass through this area Q. In other words, the rotation axis L5 of the developing unit 22100 is located outside of the polygon Q having a largest area that can be formed by connecting the plurality of electrode contacts. Specifically, the line connecting the developing electrode contact 61 and the charging electrode contact 62 is a first straight line L6. The line connecting the charging electrode contact 62 and the ground electrode contact 63 is a second straight line L7. The line connecting the ground electrode contact 63 and the developing electrode contact 61 is a third straight line L8. The area Q is the largest area enclosed by the developing electrode contact 61, the first straight line L6, the charging electrode contact 62, the second straight line L7, the ground electrode contact 63, and the third straight line L8. In this embodiment, the rotation axis L5 does not pass through the area Q, which is advantageous for the arrangement of the multiple electrode contacts of the process cartridge and reduces the interference of cartridge movement on the electrical connections.

In some embodiments, the developing unit 22100 includes a developing housing (first frame) 2211 and a sealing member 2271. A toner storage chamber 2210 for storing toner is formed in the developing housing 2211. A developing chamber 2217 is formed below the toner storage chamber 2210. A toner supply opening 2218 is provided between the toner storage chamber 2210 and the developing chamber 2217. A rotatably supported toner supplying roller 2213 and developing roller 2212 are disposed within the developing chamber 2217.

The sealing member 2271 includes a sealing portion 2272 and a pull tab 2273. The sealing portion 2272 seals the toner supply opening 2218. The pull tab 2273 is exposed at the non-driving end of the developing housing 2211. By pulling the pull tab 2273 in the axial direction of the developing roller 2212, the sealing member 2271 may be removed from the process cartridge C. In other words, pulling the pull tab 2273 can remove the sealing portion 2272 that seals the toner supply opening 2218. Viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sealing member 2271, the developing rotation axis L5 is located outside of the width dimension of the sealing member 2271 defined in the direction perpendicular to the developing rotation axis L5. In other words, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sealing portion 2272, the developing rotation axis L5 is located outside of the width dimension of the sealing portion 2272 defined in the direction perpendicular to the developing rotation axis L5. By designing the toner supply opening 2218 to be far from the developing rotation axis L5, when the developing unit swings, the swing amplitude of the toner supply opening 2218 increases, causing greater agitation of the toner in the toner storage chamber 2210, which facilitates its entry into the developing chamber 2217 from the toner supply opening 2218, thus ensuring sufficient toner supply.

Embodiment 14

As shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, the process cartridge C includes a mutually coupled first unit (developing unit) 8100 and a second unit (photosensitive unit) 8200. The first unit 8100 includes a first unit housing (first frame) 81 and a developing roller (developing member) 811 rotatably mounted in the first unit housing 81. The developing roller 811 is configured for carrying toner stored in the first unit housing 81. The second unit 8200 includes a second unit housing (second frame) 82 and a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 821 rotatably mounted in the second unit housing 82. The developing roller 811 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 821 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 821.

To make the following description clearer, the extension direction of the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 811 is defined as the left-right direction. The arrangement direction of the first unit 8100 and the second unit 8200 is the front-rear direction. The direction from the first unit 8100 toward the second unit 8200 is the front direction, and the opposite is the rear direction. The side of the process cartridge C where the developing roller 811 is mounted is the lower side, and the opposite is the upper side. The rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 821 extends parallel to the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 34, the process cartridge C also includes a first drive force receiving member (first driving member) 83 and a second drive force receiving member (second driving member) 84 for receiving rotational driving force output from the image forming apparatus. The first drive force receiving member 83 directly or indirectly drives the rotation of the developing roller 811. The second drive force receiving member 84 directly or indirectly drives the rotation of the photosensitive drum 821. In the left-right direction, one end of the process cartridge C that receives the rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus is defined as the driving end (first end) C81/left side, and the opposite end is the non-driving end (second end) C82/right side. In the left-right direction, the process cartridge C also has a first end cap (first side member) 8300 at the driving end C81 and a second end cap (second side member) 8400 at the non-driving end C82. Both the first drive force receiving member 83 and the second drive force receiving member 84 are exposed through the first end cap 8300. The first unit 8100 and the second unit 8200 are connected via the first end cap 8300 and the second end cap 8400. The first end cap 8300 and the second end cap 8400 may be formed as separate parts from the second unit housing 82 or may be integrally formed with it. When the first end cap 8300 and the second end cap 8400 are both integrally formed with the second unit housing 82, they may be considered as part of the second unit housing 82.

As shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, the process cartridge C includes a separation contact assembly for causing the developing roller 811 to move with the first unit housing 81. Specifically, the separation contact assembly includes a separation contact member (separation force receiving member) 85 that is configured to interact a force-applying member in the image forming apparatus. The separation contact member 85 is movable relative to the first unit housing 81. Further, the separation contact member 85 has a mechanism body 852, with a long slot or groove 855 and an acting portion 851 disposed at the two ends of the mechanism body 852. The non-driving end C82 of the process cartridge C also includes a second bracket 816. The second bracket 816 is at least for supporting the developing roller 811. The second bracket 816 has a second main body 8160 and a second support body 8162 formed on the second main body 8160. The second support body 8162 cooperates with the long slot or groove 855 to guide the separation contact member 85 to move relative to the second bracket 816. The separation contact member 85 has an acting position and a non-acting position. In the acting position, the acting portion 851 can receive the force applied by the force-applying member. In the non-acting position, the acting portion 851 cannot receive the force applied by the force-applying member. The acting portion 851 includes a first acting portion 851a and a second acting portion 851b configured for receiving the force applied by the force-applying member in the image forming apparatus. The first acting portion 851a is configured for receiving a separation force applied by the force-applying member to cause the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 to separate from each other. The second acting portion 851b is configured for receiving a contact/restoring force applied by the force-applying member to cause the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 to contact each other. This technical solution is also applicable to a process cartridge C that does not include the second unit 8200.

As shown in FIG. 35, FIG. 38, and FIG. 39, the separation contact assembly also includes a first elastic force applying member 859a. The first elastic force applying member 859a is configured for resetting the separation contact member 85. The first elastic force applying member 859a deforms with the movement of the separation contact member 85. Specifically, one end of the first elastic force applying member 859a is connected to the separation contact member 85, and the other end is connected to the second end cap 8400, bracket 816, or first unit housing 81. The first elastic force applying member 859a is preferably a tension spring.

As shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 37, the process cartridge C further includes a shielding member 87. The shielding member 87 is movably provided relative to the first unit housing 81, second unit housing 82, second end cap 8400, or bracket 816. Hereinafter, the case where the shielding member 87 is movably provided on the second end cap 8400 is for illustrative purposes.

Specifically, the shielding member 87 has a main body 870 and a guided portion 875 and a shielding portion 872 respectively disposed at the two ends of the main body 870. The main body 870 is movably provided relative to the first unit housing 81, second unit housing 82, second end cap 8400, or bracket 816. The second end cap 8400 has a second end cap body 8401 and a guide portion 8400d formed on the second end cap body 8401. The guide portion 8400d is configured for coupling with the guided portion 875 to allow them to be movably connected. Viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the shielding portion 872 is configured for shielding the acting portion 851. The shielding member 87 has a first position and a second position. The lowermost end 8721 (as shown in FIG. 38) of the shielding portion 872 in the second position is closer to the rotation axis L11 of the developing roller 811 than in the first position. Under its own weight, the shielding member 87 remains in the first position. Viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the acting portion 851 does not protrude below the shielding member 87. The acting portion 851 is always shielded by the shielding member 87/shielding portion 872, so that the separation contact member 85 may be more effectively protected. The shielding member 87 also has an abutting portion 873 adjacent to the shielding portion 872. During the process of installing the process cartridge C into or removing it from the image forming apparatus, if the abutting portion 873 interferes with an interfering component in the image forming apparatus (e.g., they mutually abut), the interfering component can push the abutting portion 873 to cause the shielding member 87 to move from the first position to the second position along the guide portion 8400d to avoid the interfering component, thereby allowing the process cartridge C to be installed smoothly. The abutting portion 873 may be a curved or inclined edge adjacent to the shielding portion 872, or it may be a protrusion provided on the shielding portion 872.

When the process cartridge C is not installed in the image forming apparatus, in the up-down direction, the separation contact member 85 is maintained in the non-acting position by the action of the first elastic force applying member 859a. Under its own weight, the shielding member 87 remains in the first position. Viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the acting portion 851 does not protrude below the shielding member 87, and the shielding member 87/shielding portion 872 shields the acting portion 851.

As shown in FIG. 38, during the process of installing the process cartridge C into the image forming apparatus, the shielding member 87 moves from the first position to the second position under the action of an interfering component in the image forming apparatus and the separation contact member 85 is maintained in the non-acting position. In this state, viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the acting portion 851 does not protrude below the shielding member 87. In other words, in the second position, the shielding member 87/shielding portion 872 still shields the acting portion 851.

As shown in FIG. 39, when the process cartridge C is installed at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus, under its own weight, the shielding member 87 remains in the first position. Then, the door of the image forming apparatus is closed. After the door is closed, under the action of a top plate 894, the separation contact member 85 is maintained in the acting position. In this state, viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the acting portion 851 does not protrude below the shielding member 87, and the shielding member 87/shielding portion 872 still shields the acting portion 851. The predetermined position is the position where the process cartridge C is installed inside the image forming apparatus, just before the door of the image forming apparatus is closed.

In some embodiments, when the process cartridge C is installed at the predetermined position in the image forming apparatus, the shielding member 87 is moved from the first position to the second position by the action of an interfering component in the image forming apparatus. Then, the door of the image forming apparatus is closed. After the door is closed, under the action of the top plate 894, the separation contact member 85 is maintained in the acting position. In this state, viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the acting portion 851 does not protrude below the shielding member 87, and the shielding member 87/shielding portion 872 is still able to shield the acting portion 851.

In some embodiments, when the process cartridge C is installed at the predetermined position in the image forming apparatus, the shielding member 87 is moved from the first position to the second position by the action of an interfering component in the image forming apparatus. Then, the door of the image forming apparatus is closed. After the door is closed, under the action of the top plate 894, the separation contact member 85 is maintained in the acting position. In this state, viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the acting portion 851 is not shielded by the shielding member 87/shielding portion 872.

In some embodiments, the shielding member 87 further includes an extension connected to the shielding portion 872. When viewing the process cartridge C along the front-rear direction, the acting portion 851 is shielded by the extension, thus providing more comprehensive protection for the acting portion 851.

In some embodiments, the shielding member 87 may also be movably connected to other components, as long as it is guaranteed that during the up-down movement of the shielding member 87, when viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the separation contact member 85 does not protrude below the shielding member 87, and the shielding member 87/shielding portion 872 is always able to shield the acting portion 851.

As described above, in this embodiment, at least before the process cartridge C is installed in the image forming apparatus, when viewing the process cartridge C along the left-right direction, the separation contact member 85 does not protrude below the shielding member 87, and the acting portion 851 of the separation contact member 85 is shielded by the shielding portion 872 of the shielding member 87. This can provide more effective protection for the separation contact member 85 and prevent the process cartridge C from being damaged by collision with other components during transportation or installation into the image forming apparatus.

Embodiment 15

As shown in FIG. 40, the following will introduce Embodiment 15 of the present disclosure. Parts that are the same as in the above embodiments will not be described again. The difference from the above embodiments lies in the configuration of the separation contact member (separation force receiving member) 85.

As shown in FIG. 40, the plane in which the first acting portion 851a is located is parallel to the plane in which the second acting portion 851b is located. In the front-rear direction, the planes of both the first acting portion 851a and the second acting portion 851b are inclined in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 821.

In some embodiments, the acting portion 851 is formed by extending vertically downward, as long as it is guaranteed that the plane of the first acting portion 851a is always parallel to the plane of the second acting portion 851b.

As shown in FIG. 40, when the acting portion 851 is sectioned by a plane parallel to the front-rear and left-right directions, in the up-down direction, the dimension d of the section in the front-rear direction remains unchanged. This ensures that the strength of the acting portion 851 is uniform throughout, preventing fracture when it is subjected to force.

As described above, when the acting portion 851 is sectioned by a plane parallel to the front-rear and left-right directions, in the up-down direction, the dimension d of the section in the front-rear direction remains unchanged, which can effectively prevent the acting portion 851 from fracturing when subjected to force.

Embodiment 16

As shown in FIG. 41, the following will introduce Embodiment 16 of the present disclosure. Parts that are the same as in the above embodiments will not be described again. The difference from the above embodiments lies in the configuration of the separation contact member (separation force receiving member) 85.

As shown in FIG. 41, the plane in which the first acting portion 851a is located is parallel to the plane in which the second acting portion 851b is located. The second acting portion 851b is provided with an anti-disengagement portion 857 for increasing friction. The anti-disengagement portion 857 is preferably a coating, densely packed dots, or ribs, configured to increase the friction between the second acting portion 851b and the force-applying member, preventing them from slipping and disengaging.

As described above, providing the anti-disengagement portion 857 on the second acting portion 851b prevents slipping and disengagement when the force-applying member applies force to the second acting portion 851b.

Embodiment 17

Components and numbers that are the same as in the above embodiments will be directly referenced in this embodiment. Different from the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the surface of the first acting portion 851a for receiving the separation force is configured as a plane inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, and at least a part of the surface faces downward.

As described above, the first acting portion 851a is configured for receiving the separation force applied by a force-applying member 89 (as shown in FIG. 43) in the image forming apparatus. This force causes the first unit housing (first frame) 81 to move relative to the second unit housing (second frame) 82, thereby achieving the separation of the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821. Under the condition that the stroke of the force-applying member 89 remains unchanged, compared to a plane where at least a part faces upward or is parallel to the up-down direction, when at least a part of the plane faces downward, the timing for the first acting portion 851a to receive the separation force may be delayed. Consequently, the time for the first unit 8100 to move relative to the second unit 8200 may be reduced, and accordingly, the stroke of the first unit 8100 is also reduced. This reduces the stroke of the first drive force receiving member 83 that moves with the first unit 8100/first unit housing 81, which is beneficial for reducing the reaction force exerted by the first drive force receiving member 83 on the corresponding drive output member in the image forming apparatus, making the drive output member less prone to damage.

As shown in FIG. 42, the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 are in a mutually separated state. At this time, the rotation axis of the developing roller 811 is L11. To more clearly describe the position of the first acting portion 851a, the developing roller in a state of mutual contact with the photosensitive drum 821 is denoted by reference numeral 811′, and its rotation axis is L11′.

When viewed along the left-right direction, a line M passes through the line segment formed by the projection of the surface of the first acting portion 851a for receiving the separation force. In some embodiments, this line M passes between the rotation axis L11/L11′ of the developing roller 811 and the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 821. Since the surface is formed as a plane, the line M may be considered as the tangent to this plane.

In this embodiment, when the first acting portion 851a receives the separation force, the first unit 8100/first unit housing 81 rotates about a rotation axis L in the direction r1, thereby achieving the separation of the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821. When the second acting portion 851b receives the contact force, the first unit 8100/first unit housing 81 rotates about the rotation axis L in the direction r2, thereby achieving contact between the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821. The rotation directions r1 and r2 are opposite.

In some embodiments, the rotation axis L and the rotation axis L11/L11′ are both on the same side of the line M, and the rotation axis L21 is on the other side of the line M. When the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 are separated, this design can reduce the required separation force, thus lowering the output power of the image forming apparatus and also reducing wear on the force-applying member 89.

In some embodiments, a line N is perpendicular to the line M. As shown in FIG. 42, the line N also passes through the first acting portion 851a. When viewed along the left-right direction, the rotation axis L11/L11′ of the developing roller 811, the rotation axis L21 of the photosensitive drum 821, and the charging roller (charging member) 823 are all on the same side of the line N. The charging roller 823 is rotatably mounted in the second unit housing 82, and the charging roller 823 is configured for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 821, so that after being charged, the photosensitive drum 821 can form an electrostatic latent image upon laser exposure.

In some embodiments, the process cartridge C also includes an anti-disengagement portion 857 provided on the first acting portion 851a to prevent the force-applying member 89 from disengaging from the first acting portion 851a. Specifically, the anti-disengagement portion 857 is configured as a friction pad, rubber, silicone, or other composite material. By using materials with a high friction coefficient, the friction between the force-applying member 89 and the anti-disengagement portion 857 is increased. The anti-disengagement portion 857 is mounted on the surface of the first acting portion 851a for receiving the separation force.

In some embodiments, the anti-disengagement portion 857 may also be a high-friction-coefficient coating applied to the surface of the first acting portion 851a for receiving the separation force, such as rubber, ceramic coating, etc.

In some embodiments, the surface of the first acting portion 851a for receiving the separation force may be roughened to make the surface itself form the anti-disengagement portion 857. For example, through mechanical processing (such as sanding, sandblasting, etc.) or chemical treatment (such as etching), the surface roughness of the first acting portion 851a is increased to enhance friction.

Embodiment 18

Differing from Embodiment 17, in this embodiment, the surface of the first acting portion 851a for receiving the separation force is no longer configured as a plane but as a curved surface. In the up-down direction, at least a part of this curved surface faces downward. In other words, the center of this curved surface points to at least one point on the curved surface in a direction facing downward. It should be noted that “facing downward” includes directions parallel to the up-down direction and pointing downward, as well as directions inclined with respect to the up-down direction but having a downward component.

As shown in FIG. 43, a tangent to any point on this curved surface is M. The rotation axis L and the rotation axis L11 are both on the same side of the line M, and the rotation axis L21 is on the other side of the line M.

As shown in FIG. 44, in a variant embodiment, the surface of the first acting portion 851a includes an upward-facing upper surface 851a81 and a downward-facing lower surface 851a82. The force-applying member 89 contacts the curved lower surface 851a82, causing the acting portion 851 to receive the separation force, and the force-applying member 89 does not contact the upper surface 851a81. The curved upper surface 851a81 can enhance the strength of the acting portion 851.

Similarly, the “upward-facing” upper surface 851a81 should be understood as: the center of the upper surface 851a81 points to at least one point on the upper surface 851a81 in a direction that is inclined with respect to the up-down direction but has an upward component.

Embodiment 19

As shown in FIG. 45, the process cartridge C also includes a cover 814 and a first bracket 817. In the left-right direction, the first unit housing 81, the first bracket 817, the cover 814, and the first end cap 8300 are arranged sequentially from right to left. The first bracket 817 is fixedly connected to the first unit housing 81 and can serve as a gear mounting plate for supporting gears. The driving force received by the first drive force receiving member 83 may be transmitted to various components of the first unit 8100 through these gears. The cover 814 is fixedly mounted on the first bracket 817 or the first unit housing 81 to protect the gears and expose the first drive force receiving member 83.

The first end cap 8300 is provided with a second exposure hole (second exposure portion) 8302 and a first exposure hole (first exposure portion) 8305. The first drive force receiving member 83 is exposed through the first exposure hole 8305. The second drive force receiving member 84 is exposed through the second exposure hole 8302. In this embodiment, the process cartridge C also includes a first guide portion 8141 and a second guide portion 8306 cooperating with each other. In the radial direction of the first exposure hole 8305, there is a movement gap between the cover 814 and the inner wall of the first exposure hole 8305. Through the cooperation of the first guide portion 8141 and the second guide portion 8306, the first unit 8100/first unit housing 81 can slide relative to the second unit housing 82.

When the developing roller 811 separates from the photosensitive drum 821 by rotating the first unit 8100/first unit housing 81 about the rotation axis L, one of the first guide portion 8141 and the second guide portion 8306 is configured as an arc-shaped groove or hole extending around the rotation axis L, and the other is configured as a protrusion guided by the arc-shaped groove or hole.

When the developing roller 811 separates from the photosensitive drum 821 by moving the first unit 8100/first unit housing 81 rearward in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction, one of the first guide portion 8141 and the second guide portion 8306 is configured as a straight groove or hole extending in the front-rear direction, and the other is configured as a protrusion guided by the straight groove or hole. FIG. 45 shows the first guide portion 8141 as a protrusion and the second guide portion 8306 as an arc-shaped hole. The first guide portion 8141 may protrude leftward from any one of the first unit housing 81, the cover 814, and the first bracket 817. The second guide portion 8306 is disposed on the first end cap 8300.

Further, the process cartridge C also includes a pushing member (resetting member) 8151. This pushing member 8151 is configured for urging the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 to remain in a state of mutual contact. Specifically, the pushing member 8151 is provided between at least one of the first unit housing 81, the first bracket 817, and the cover 814, and the first end cap 8300. Thus, through the pushing force generated by the pushing member 8151, the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 remain in mutual contact.

In some embodiments, the pushing member 8151 is configured as an elastic member. One end of the elastic member 8151 contacts the first unit 8100, and the other end contacts the first end cap 8300. Specifically, one end of the pushing member 8151 abuts against at least one of the first unit housing 81, the first bracket 817, and the cover 814, and the other end abuts against the inner wall 8307 of the first end cap 8300. Preferably, at least a part of the inner wall 8307 faces forward. When the first end cap 8300 is configured as part of the second unit 8200, the elastic member 8151 in the process cartridge C is configured with one end contacting the first unit 8100 and the other end contacting the second unit 8200.

In some embodiments, in the up-down direction, the position where at least one of the first unit housing 81, the first bracket 817, and the cover 814 abuts against the elastic member 8151 is located below the rotation axis L.

Embodiment 20

As shown in FIGS. 46 to 49, in this embodiment, the separation contact member (separation force receiving member) 85 includes an acting portion 851, a mechanism body 852, and a rotating portion 854. The rotating portion 854, which is provided on the mechanism body 852, cooperates with a rotated portion 8143 provided on the cover 814, hereby enabling the mechanism body 852 to rotate relative to the cover 814. The acting portion 851 includes a first acting portion 851a and a second acting portion 851b for receiving the force applied by a force-applying member in the image forming apparatus. The first acting portion 851a is configured for receiving the separation force from the force-applying member to rotate in the direction r1, thus causing the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 to separate from each other. The second acting portion 851b is configured for receiving the contact/restoring force from the force-applying member to rotate in the direction r2, thus causing the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 to contact each other. Further, the first acting portion 851a is provided on the cover 814, and the second acting portion 851b is provided on the mechanism body 852. The second acting portion 851b can rotate relative to the first acting portion 851a.

As shown in FIG. 47, FIG. 48A, FIG. 48B, and FIG. 49, the process cartridge C also includes a holding member 881. The holding member 881 is configured for keeping the developing roller 811 and the photosensitive drum 821 in a mutually separated position. Specifically, the holding member 881 includes a holding portion 8811 and a held portion 8812. In the left-right direction, the holding portion 8811 and the held portion 8812 are arranged opposite to each other. The holding portion 8811 and the held portion 8812 interact to enable the first unit 8100 to move in the left-right direction. Further, the holding portion 8811 is configured as a protrusion, and the held portion 8812 includes a first receiving portion 88121, a second receiving portion 88122, and a middle portion 88123. In the front-rear direction, the first receiving portion 88121 is located to the rear of the second receiving portion 88122. The first receiving portion 88121 and the second receiving portion 88122 are formed as grooves, and the middle portion 88123 is a protrusion formed between the first and second receiving portions. Still further, the first and second receiving portions 88121, 88122 are for receiving the holding portion 8811, and the middle portion 88123 is configured for abutting against the holding portion 8811.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 48A and FIG. 48B, the middle portion 88123 has a front end face 881231 and a rear end face 881232. The front end face 881231 is configured as an inclined surface. Specifically, the front end face 881231 is not parallel to the left-right direction and is not parallel to the front-rear direction. Preferably, the front end face 881231 faces to the right and forward. Further, the front end face 881231 is disposed in the second receiving portion 88122, and the rear end face 881232 is disposed in the first receiving portion 88121.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 47, FIG. 48A, and FIG. 48B, the holding portion 8811 is provided on the cover 814, and the held portion 8812 is provided on the first end cap 8300. In the left-right direction, the holding portion 8811 extends from the cover 814 toward the first end cap 8300. The first and second receiving portions 88121, 88122 are recessed from the first end cap 8300 in a direction away from the cover 814.

In some embodiments, the holding portion 8811 and the held portion 8812 may be interchanged. That is, the holding portion 8811 is on the first end cap