JP2024081984A - Reproduction method for developer storage unit, reproduction method for developing device, and reproduction method for process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To simplify a reproduction method for a developing cartridge and a process cartridge.SOLUTION: A junction N between a developer container 33 and a developing bottom member 34 forming a developing frame body 29 is cut off. A toner storage unit is then separated from the developing frame body 29 together with a part of the developing bottom member 34. After that, a developing lid member 134 to which a new toner storage unit is fixed is joined to the developing frame body 29.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus), and a method for remanufacturing a developer storage unit, a developing device, and a process cartridge that are detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Here, an image forming apparatus is one that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copying machines, electrophotographic printers (e.g., laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), facsimile machines, and word processors.

A developer storage unit is a unit that has at least a developer and a container for storing the developer and is used in an image forming device.

A developing device is a device that has a developer and a developing roller that is a developer carrier that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) that is an image carrier, and is detachable from an image forming device or a drum unit that has a photosensitive drum.

A process cartridge is a cartridge that combines a photosensitive drum and a developing roller and is detachable from an image forming device.

The image forming device main body refers to the part of the image forming device excluding the developing device or the process cartridge.

Conventionally, in image forming devices using an electrophotographic image forming process, the photosensitive drum and the process means acting on the photosensitive drum are integrated into a cartridge. A process cartridge system is adopted that makes this cartridge detachable from the main body of the image forming device.

This process cartridge system allows users to perform maintenance on the image forming device themselves, without relying on a service technician, dramatically improving operability.

For this reason, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming devices.

Such process cartridges use developer to form images on recording media. As an image is formed, developer is consumed.

Conventionally, there has been a demand for a simple method of remanufacturing process cartridges that can be re-commercialized after the developer has been consumed and the product life has been completed, and such a method has been devised (Patent Document 1).

Some process cartridges are also equipped with memory means (such as IC memory) that stores information about the process cartridge, and when the process cartridge is attached to the device body, information can be exchanged between the device body and the process cartridge (Patent Document 2). Information such as the cartridge lot number, characteristics of the image forming device, and characteristics of the process means are registered in the memory means installed in the cartridge. This makes it easier to maintain the device body or the cartridge. Furthermore, image formation can be controlled according to the information recorded in the memory means, allowing image formation to be performed under the best conditions.

JP 2016-85372 A JP 2003-330335 A

The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned conventional technology.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for remanufacturing developer storage units that can re-commercialize developer storage units that have reached the end of their product lifespan when the developer has been consumed to the extent that they are no longer capable of forming images of a quality satisfactory to the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for reproducing a process cartridge that allows easy replacement of the memory means of the process cartridge when reproducing the process cartridge.

A typical configuration for achieving the above object is a method for remanufacturing a developing cartridge that contains a developer used in an image forming device, the method comprising: a flexible container that contains the developer; a developing frame that contains the flexible container; and an agitating member that is provided within the developing frame and agitates the developer; the method is characterized in that the developing lid member is produced through a process of joining the developing frame to the developing frame, and includes at least a new flexible container and a new agitating member.

Another representative configuration for achieving the above object is a method for reproducing a process cartridge used in an image forming apparatus, the method comprising: a drum unit having at least an image carrier; a developing unit having at least a developer carrier for supplying developer to the image carrier; cartridge cover members fixed to both longitudinal ends of the drum unit and supporting the developing unit so that the developing unit can swing; a memory means provided on at least one of the cartridge cover members; and a color chip indicating the color of the process cartridge, the method being characterized in that the process cartridge is produced through at least a step of attaching a memory holding member equipped with a new memory means, and the memory holding member has an area that overlaps the color chip when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the image carrier.

As described above, the present invention simplifies the method of remanufacturing developer storage units.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for reproducing a process cartridge can be provided that allows easy replacement of the memory means of the process cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developer accommodating unit separated from a developing frame according to the first embodiment; 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of the toner storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing unit as viewed from the developing bottom member side in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a memory means of a driving side cartridge cover member in the first embodiment.

The best mode for carrying out this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. However, the functions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in this example are not intended to limit the scope of this invention unless otherwise specified.

The following describes a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, an image forming apparatus to which four process cartridges can be detachably attached is exemplified as the image forming apparatus. Note that the number of process cartridges that can be attached to the image forming apparatus is not limited to this. It can be set appropriately as needed.

In the embodiment described below, a laser beam printer is used as an example of an image forming device.

[General configuration of image forming device]
Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge P.

This image forming device 1 is a four-color full-color laser printer that uses an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on a recording medium S. The image forming device 1 is of a process cartridge type, and a process cartridge is removably attached to the image forming device main body 2 to form a color image on the recording medium S.

Here, with respect to the image forming device 1, the side where the front door 3 is provided is referred to as the front side (front surface), and the side opposite the front side is referred to as the back side (rear surface). In addition, when looking at the image forming device 1 from the front side, the right side is referred to as the drive side, and the left side is referred to as the non-drive side.

When looking at image forming device 1 from the front, the upper side is the top surface and the lower side is the bottom surface. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of image forming device 1 as viewed from the non-driving side, with the front side of the page being the non-driving side of image forming device 1, the right side of the page being the front of image forming device 1, and the back side of the page being the driving side of image forming device 1.

The drive side of the process cartridge P is the side on which the drum coupling member (photoconductor coupling member) described below is arranged when viewed in the axial direction of the photoconductor drum. The drive side of the process cartridge P is the side on which the developer coupling member described below is arranged when viewed in the axial direction of the developer roller (developing member).

The first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction in the image forming device main body 2.

The first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) each have a similar electrophotographic process mechanism, and each has a different color developer (hereafter referred to as toner). A rotational drive force is transmitted to the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) from a drive output unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 2.

In addition, bias voltages (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) are supplied to each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) from the image forming apparatus main body 2 (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) in this embodiment has a photosensitive drum 4 and a drum unit 8 equipped with charging means and cleaning means as process means acting on this photosensitive drum 4. In addition, a charging roller 5 is used as the charging means, a cleaning blade 7 is used as the cleaning means, and a developing roller 6 is used as the developing means.

In addition, each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) has a development unit 9 equipped with a development means that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4.

The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected to each other. A more specific configuration of the process cartridge P will be described later.

The first process cartridge PY contains yellow (Y) toner in the developing frame 29 and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

The second process cartridge PM contains magenta (M) toner in the developing frame 29 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

The third process cartridge PC contains cyan (C) toner in the developing frame 29 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

The fourth process cartridge PK contains black (K) toner in the developing frame 29 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

A laser scanner unit LB is provided above the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) as an exposure means. This laser scanner unit LB outputs laser light Z corresponding to image information. The laser light Z passes through the exposure window 10 of the process cartridge P to scan and expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

Below the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK), an intermediate transfer unit 12 is provided as a transfer member. This intermediate transfer unit 12 has a drive roller 14, a turn roller 15, and a tension roller 13, and a flexible transfer belt 12a is stretched across it.

The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 4 of each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) contacts the upper surface of the transfer belt 12a. This contact area is the primary transfer area. A primary transfer roller 16 is provided on the inside of the transfer belt 12a, facing the photosensitive drum 4.

The secondary transfer roller 17 is in contact with the turn roller 12c via the transfer belt 12a. The contact area between the transfer belt 12a and the secondary transfer roller 17 is the secondary transfer area.

A feeding unit 18 is provided below the intermediate transfer unit 12. This feeding unit 18 has a paper feed tray 19 that holds and stores the recording medium S, and a paper feed roller 20.

In the upper left of the image forming device main body 2 in FIG. 2, a fixing device 21 and a paper discharge device 22 are provided. The top surface of the image forming device main body 2 serves as a paper discharge tray 23.

The toner image is fixed onto the recording medium S by the fixing means provided in the fixing device 21, and the recording medium S is discharged onto the discharge tray 23.

[Image formation operation]
The operation for forming a full color image is as follows.

The photosensitive drum 4 of each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is rotated at a predetermined speed (the direction of the arrow D in Figure 3). The transfer belt 12a is also rotated in the forward direction of the rotation of the photosensitive drum (the direction of the arrow C in Figure 2) at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4.

The laser scanner unit LB is also driven. In synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit LB, the charging roller 5 in each process cartridge uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The laser scanner unit LB scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 4 with laser light Z in response to the image signal for each color.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal for the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photoconductor drum 4. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 6, which is rotated at a predetermined speed.

By the electrophotographic image forming process operation described above, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the first process cartridge PY. Then, the toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the second process cartridge PM. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow toner image that has already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the third process cartridge PC. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the fourth process cartridge PK. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images that have already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

In this way, a full-color unfixed toner image of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, is formed on the transfer belt 12a.

Meanwhile, the recording medium S is separated and fed one by one at a predetermined control timing. The recording medium S is introduced into the secondary transfer section, which is the contact point between the secondary transfer roller 14 and the transfer belt 12a, at a predetermined control timing.

As a result, as the recording medium S is transported to the secondary transfer section, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12a is transferred sequentially and simultaneously onto the surface of the recording medium S.

[Overall Configuration of Process Cartridge]
The structure of the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figures 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of the process cartridge P. Figure 6 is an assembly diagram of the toner storage unit. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the development cartridge 9. Figure 8 is an oblique view of the process cartridge P.

In this embodiment, the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) have the same electrophotographic process mechanism, but each contains different toner colors and toner filling amounts.

[Drum unit configuration]
As shown in Fig. 3, the drum unit 8 is composed of the photosensitive drum 4, the charging roller 5, the cleaning means 7, a cleaning container 26, and cartridge cover members (the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 25 in Fig. 4). The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably supported by the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 25 provided at both ends of the process cartridge P in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 25 are fixed to the cleaning container 26 at both ends of the cleaning container 26 in the longitudinal direction. Here, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 4 is defined as the longitudinal direction.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a coupling member 4a for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 4 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 4. The coupling member 4a engages with a main body side drum drive coupling (not shown) that serves as a drum drive output section of the image forming device main body 2, and the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the image forming device main body 2 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 4, which is rotated in the direction of arrow D (Figure 3). The charging roller 5 is supported by the cleaning container 26 so that it can contact the photosensitive drum 4 and rotate following it.

The cleaning means 7 is supported in a cleaning container 26 so that it contacts the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 with a predetermined pressure. Residual toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 by the cleaning means 7 is stored in the cleaning container 26. The driven side cartridge cover member 24 is provided with a support hole 24a for rotatably supporting the developing unit 9, and the non-driven side cartridge cover member 25 is provided with a support shaft 25a.

The driving side of the drum unit 8 is also provided with a memory means 300 and a color chip 301 that allows the user to distinguish the color of the process cartridge. This color chip may be made of the same material as the toner color, or it may be marked with white letters. The memory means 300 is inserted into the holding portion 24c of the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and fixed to the driving side cartridge cover member 24 with adhesive. The color chip is inserted into the holding portion 24d. The driving side cartridge cover member 24 is then attached to the cleaning container 26, and fixed to the drum unit 8.

[Configuration of Development Unit]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the developing unit 9 is made up of the developing roller 6, the developing blade 31, the developing frame 29, a driving side bearing 45, a non-driving side bearing 46, a developing cover member 32, and the like.

The developing frame 29 is composed of a developing container 33 and a developing bottom member 34. The developing container 33 and the developing bottom member 34 are joined by ultrasonic welding or the like. A flexible container 251 is housed inside the developing frame 29. As shown in FIG. 6, the flexible container 251 is fixed to the developing bottom member 34 by a plurality of fixing portions 34a provided in the longitudinal direction. The flexible container 251 is also provided with an opening 251h for discharging toner. When the process cartridge P is new, the opening 251h is covered with a sealing member 253 that is peelably welded to the flexible container 251, so that the toner is sealed in the flexible container 251. The sealing member 253 is also joined to the stirring member 254.

The stirring member 254 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow J in FIG. 3 by receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 2. When using a new process cartridge P, the process cartridge P is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 2, and the stirring member 254 rotates by receiving a rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 2. At this time, the sealing member 253 is peeled off from the flexible container 251 and taken up by the stirring member 254. This exposes the opening 251h of the flexible container 251, allowing the toner in the flexible container 251 to be discharged into the developing frame 29. Here, the flexible container 251, sealing member 253, and stirring member 254 united with the developing frame 29 is referred to as a toner storage unit.

The developing frame 29 also rotatably supports the developing roller 6 via a drive side bearing and a non-drive side bearing 46, and holds a developing blade 31 that regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 6.

A development drive input gear 68 for transmitting a driving force to the development unit 9 is provided at one end of the development unit 9 in the longitudinal direction. The development drive input gear 68 is provided with a development input coupling portion 68a that receives driving force from the image forming device main body 2, and the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the image forming device main body 2 is input to the development unit 9.

The driving force input to the developing unit 9 is transmitted to the developing roller gear 69, which can rotate the developing roller 6 in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 3. A developing cover member 32 that supports and covers the developing drive input gear 68 is provided at one longitudinal end of the developing unit 9. The outer diameter of the developing roller 6 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 4. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 4 is set in the range of Φ18 to Φ22, and the outer diameter of the developing roller 6 is set in the range of Φ8 to Φ12. Setting the outer diameters in this range allows for efficient arrangement.

[Assembly of Drum Unit 8 and Developing Unit 9]
4, 5 and 8, the assembly of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 will be described. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected by a driving side cartridge cover member 24 and a non-moving side cartridge cover member 25 provided at both ends of the process cartridge P in the longitudinal direction. The driving side cartridge cover member 24 provided at one end of the process cartridge P is provided with a developing unit support hole 24a for supporting the developing unit 9 so that it can swing (move). Similarly, the non-driving side cartridge cover member 25 provided at the other end of the process cartridge P is provided with a developing unit support shaft 25a for supporting the developing unit 9 so that it can swing. Furthermore, the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-moving side cartridge cover member 25 are provided with drum support holes 24b, 25b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 4, respectively.

At one end, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 32b of the developing cover member 32 is fitted into the developing unit support hole 24a of the driving side cartridge cover member 24. At the other end, the outer diameter portion of the support hole 46b of the non-driving side bearing 46 is fitted into the developing unit support shaft 25a of the non-moving side cartridge cover member 25. Furthermore, both longitudinal ends of the photosensitive drum 4 are fitted into the drum support hole 24b of the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the drum support hole 25b of the non-moving side cartridge cover member 25.

The driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-moving side cartridge cover member 25 are then fixed to the drum unit 8 with screws, adhesive, or the like (not shown). As a result, the developing unit 9 is rotatably supported by the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-moving side cartridge cover member 25 relative to the drum unit 8 (photosensitive drum 4), and the developing roller 6 can be positioned to act on the photosensitive drum 4 during image formation.

The drum unit 8 and developing unit 9 are assembled through the above steps and integrally formed into the process cartridge P, as shown in Figure 8.

The axis connecting the center of the developing unit support hole 24a of the driven cartridge cover member 24 and the center of the developing unit support hole 25a of the non-moving cartridge cover member 25 is called the swing axis K (Figs. 4 and 5). Here, the cylindrical portion 32b of the developing cover member 32 on one end side is coaxial with the developing input coupling 68a. In other words, the developing unit 9 is configured to receive driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 2 on this swing axis K. The developing unit 9 is also supported so as to be freely rotatable around the swing axis K.

[Explanation of Remanufacturing of Process Cartridges]
The process cartridge P is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 2, and an image is formed while consuming the toner in the flexible container 251. Below, a method for remanufacturing the process cartridge P according to the present invention, in which the toner in the flexible container 251 is replaced with a new toner storage unit after the toner in the flexible container 251 has been consumed, will be described in order.

[Unit separation process]
A unit separating step for separating the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 of the process cartridge P will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 9. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit 8.

The drive side cartridge cover member 24 is bonded to the adhesive portion 26a of the cleaning container 26 and the adhesive portion 24e of the drive side cartridge cover member 24. The non-drive side cartridge cover member 25 is bonded to the adhesive portion 26b of the cleaning container 26 and the adhesive portion 25b of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 25. The drive side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-drive side cartridge cover member 25 can be removed from the cleaning container 26 by removing the adhesive portion 24e of the drive side cartridge cover member 24 and the adhesive portion 25b of the non-drive side cartridge cover member 25 with a processing tool or device such as a hole saw H. Then, the development unit 9 and the drum unit 8 can be separated. Also, as described above, the non-drive side cartridge cover member 25 and the cleaning container 26 rotatably support the photosensitive drum 4, so that the photosensitive drum 4 can be separated from the drum unit 8 by the above-mentioned disassembly process.

[Disassembly and reassembly process of development unit]
Next, the disassembly process of the developing unit 9 will be described in order with reference to Figures 1, 7, and 10. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the toner storage unit separated from the developing frame 29. Figure 7 shows the component configuration of the developing unit 9. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the developing unit 9 as seen from the developing bottom member 34 side.

First, the developing cover member 32 provided at the drive side end of the developing unit 9 is separated from the developing frame 29. If the developing cover member 32 is fixed to the drive side bearing 45 or the developing frame 29 by a screw 93 or the like, remove the screw 93 and then separate the developing cover member 32 from the developing unit 9.

Next, the drive input gear 68, which is located on the inside of the longitudinal direction of the developing cover member 32 on the drive side of the developing unit 9, and the developing roller gear 69 are separated from the developing unit 9. The drive input gear 68 is supported slidably by the developing cover member 32 and the drive side bearing 45, and the developing roller gear 69 is fitted into the developing roller 6 from the end of the developing roller 6. Therefore, the developing input gear 68 and the developing roller 69 can be easily separated from the developing unit 9.

Next, the drive side bearing 45, the non-drive side bearing 46, and the developing roller 6 are separated from the developing unit 9. If the drive side bearing 45 is fixed to the developing frame 29 by a screw or the like, the screw is removed, and then the drive side bearing 45 is separated from the developing frame 29. Similarly, if the non-drive side bearing 46 is fixed to the developing frame 29 by a screw or the like, the screw is removed, and then the non-drive side bearing 45 is separated from the developing frame 29. As described above, the developing roller 6 is supported by the drive side bearing 45 and the non-drive side bearing 46 so that it can slide. Therefore, when the drive side bearing 45 and the non-drive side bearing 46 are separated from the developing frame 29, the developing roller 6 can be easily separated from the developing frame 29. In the above description, in order to separate the developing roller 6 from the developing frame 29, a process was performed in which both the drive side bearing 45 and the non-drive side bearing 46 were separated from the developing frame 29. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the developing roller 6 may be separated from the developing frame 29 by first separating only the non-drive side bearing 46 from the developing frame 29, and then pulling the developing roller 6 out to the non-drive side.

Next, the developing blade 31 is separated from the developing frame 29. If the developing blade 31 is fixed to the developing frame 29 with a screw or the like, the screw is removed and then the developing blade 31 is separated from the developing frame 29.

Next, the process of separating the toner storage unit will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 10. The toner storage unit is fixedly supported by the developing bottom member 34. To separate the toner storage unit, the joint N between the developing container 33 and the developing bottom member 34 that constitute the developing frame 29 is removed using a processing tool or device such as an end mill. Then, the toner storage unit can be separated from the developing frame 29 together with a part of the developing bottom member 34 (state shown in Figure 1). After the above separation, it is acceptable if a part of the developing frame 29 remains on the developing bottom member 34 during the process of separating the developing bottom member 34.

After disassembling the developing unit 9 as described above, reassemble the developing unit 8. To reassemble the developing cartridge 8, simply carry out the disassembly process described above in reverse. The method for reassembling the developing unit 9 will be explained below step by step with reference to Figure 7.

First, the developing cover member 134 with the new toner storage unit attached is joined to the developing frame 29. The joining method may be ultrasonic welding or adhesive. Next, the developing blade 31 is fixed to the developing frame 29 with a screw or the like. Then, the developing roller 6 is placed on the developing frame 29, and the driving side bearing 45 and the non-driving side bearing 46 are attached to the developing frame 29 from both longitudinal ends. Next, the drive input gear 68 is fitted to the driving side bearing 45, and the developing roller gear 69 is fitted to the end of the developing roller 6. Next, the developing cover member 32 is fixed to the developing frame 29 or the driving side bearing 45 on the longitudinal outside with a screw 93 or the like so as to cover the developing roller gear 69 and the drive input gear 68. The above steps complete the assembly process of the developing unit 9.

[Unit combination process, memory means exchange]
Next, the unit connecting process for connecting the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In this process, the cleaning container 26, the photoconductor track 4, and the developing unit 9 are simultaneously sandwiched between the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 25. In order to hold the developing unit 9 rotatably relative to the drum unit 8, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 32b of the developing cover member 32 is fitted into the support hole portion 24a of the driving side cartridge cover member 24, and the support hole 46b of the non-driving side bearing 46 is fitted into the support hole portion 25a of the non-driving side cartridge cover member. Through the above process, the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected.

Next, the method for replacing the memory means 300 will be explained using Figures 11(a) to 11(c). Figures 11(a) to (c) are enlarged perspective views of the memory means 300 and its surroundings on the driving side cartridge cover member 24. For ease of understanding, the development unit 9 is not shown.

As mentioned above, the memory means 300 is fixed to the driving side cartridge cover member 24. When replacing the memory means 300, the cutting line Q (FIG. 11(a)), which is the area including the holding portion 24c of the memory means 300 of the driving side cartridge cover member 24, is cut away. In this way, the memory means 300 can be separated from the driving side cartridge cover member 24. At this time, it is desirable to leave the ribs 24f and 24g of the driving side cartridge cover member as they are used for positioning with the reading member (not shown) of the memory means 300 of the device main body 2.

Next, reassembly of the new memory means 400 will be described. A memory holding member 350 is used to assemble the new memory means. The memory holding member 350 is provided with a holding portion 350a that holds the memory means 400 (300), a retaining portion 350b that secures the color chip 301, and fitting portions 3350c and 350d that position the memory means 400 relative to the drive side cartridge cover member 24. The new memory means 400 is dropped into the holding portion 350a of the memory holding member 350, and the memory means 400 is fixed to the memory holding member 350 with the adhesive that has been applied to the holding portion 350a beforehand.

Next, the color chip 301 is dropped into the holding portion 24d of the driving side cartridge cover member 24. Then, the memory holding member 350 is dropped in. The position of the memory holding member 350 is determined by the engagement of the fitting portion 350c with the rib 24f of the driving side cartridge cover member 24 and the fitting portion 350d with the rib 24g of the driving side cartridge cover member 24. The memory holding member 350 and the driving side cartridge cover member 24 are then joined by ultrasonic bonding or adhesive. At this time, the color chip 301 overlaps a part of the retaining portion 350b of the memory holding member 350 when viewed from the assembly direction of the memory holding member 350. Therefore, the color chip 301 will not fall off from the process cartridge P.

The above steps complete the assembly of the process cartridge P as shown in Figure 8. Note that although the method for reproducing the memory means 300 after combining the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 has been described, there is no problem in reproducing the memory means 300 first and then combining the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9.

As explained above, the joint N between the developer container 33 and the developer bottom member 34 that make up the developing frame 29 is cut, and the toner storage unit is separated from the developing frame 29 together with a part of the developing bottom member 34. After that, the developing cover member 134 to which the new toner storage unit is fixed is joined to the developing frame 29. This method of reproducing the developing unit 9 makes it possible to realize one simple method of reproducing the toner storage unit.

In addition, the memory means 300 and the holding portion 24c fixed to the driving side cartridge cover member were removed, and a new memory holding member 350 equipped with a memory means 400 was attached.

This method of reproducing process cartridges P makes it possible to realize a method of reproducing process cartridges that allows easy replacement of the memory means of the process cartridges P.

D, E, J Rotation direction H Hole saw K Swing shaft N Joint Q Cutting line P Process cartridge S Recording medium Z Laser light LB Laser scanner unit 1 Image forming device 2 Device body 3 Front door 4 Photosensitive drum 4a Coupling member 5 Charging roller 6 Development roller 7 Cleaning blade 8 Drum unit 9 Development unit 10 Exposure window 11 Intermediate transfer belt unit 12 Transfer belt 13 Drive rollers 14, 15 Tension roller 16 Primary transfer roller 17 Secondary transfer roller 18 Feeding unit 19 Paper feed tray 20 Paper feed roller 21 Fixing unit 22 Discharge unit 23 Discharge tray 24 Drive side cartridge cover 24a Development unit support hole 24b Drum support hole 24c Memory means holding portion 24d Color chip holding portion 24e Adhesive portion 24f, 24g Rib 25 Non-drive side cartridge cover 25a Development unit support shaft 25b Drum support hole 25c Adhesive portion 26 Cleaning containers 26a, 26b Adhesive portion 29 Development frame 31 Development blade 32 Development cover member 32b Cylindrical portion 33 Development container 34 Development bottom member 45 Drive side bearing 46 Non-drive side bearing 46b Support hole 68 Drive input gear 68a Drive transmission portion 69 Development roller gear 93 Screw 134 Development cover member 251 Flexible container 251h Opening 253 Sealing member 254 Stirring member 300 Memory means 301 Color chip 350 Memory retention member 350a Memory retention portion 350b Fall-off prevention portion
350c, 350d Fitting portion 400 New memory means

Claims (3)

A method for remanufacturing a developer cartridge that contains a developer used in an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of:
a flexible container for accommodating the developer;
a developing frame housing the flexible container therein;
an agitating member provided within the developing frame for agitating the developer;
A method for remanufacturing a developing cartridge having the following features:
A method for remanufacturing a developing cartridge, comprising: a developing lid member having at least a new flexible container and a new stirring member, the developing lid member being produced through a process of joining the developing frame. A method for remanufacturing a process cartridge for storing a developer used in an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of:
a flexible container for accommodating the developer;
a developing frame housing the flexible container therein;
an agitating member provided within the developing frame for agitating the developer;
A method for remanufacturing a developing cartridge having the following features:
A method for remanufacturing a process cartridge, comprising producing a developing lid member having at least a new flexible container and a new stirring member through a process of joining the developing lid member to the developing frame. A method for remanufacturing a process cartridge used in an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of:
a drum unit having at least an image carrier;
a developing unit having a developer carrier for supplying developer to at least the image carrier;
a cartridge cover member fixed to both longitudinal ends of the drum unit and supporting the developing unit so as to be capable of swinging;
a memory means provided in at least one of said cartridge cover members;
a color chip indicating the color of the process cartridge;
A method for reproducing a process cartridge having the following features:
A method for reproducing a process cartridge, which is produced through at least a process of attaching a memory retention member equipped with a new memory means, and which is characterized in that the memory retention member has an overlapping area when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the color chip and the image carrier.