JP7297467B2 - Cartridge remanufacturing method and cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to cartridges used in image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers and facsimiles, and a method of remanufacturing the cartridges.

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming system (electrophotographic process), a photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a "photosensitive drum") as an image bearing member is uniformly charged. An electrostatic latent image is then formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum by selectively exposing the charged photoreceptor. Next, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is visualized as a toner image using toner as developer. Then, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred to a recording material such as recording paper or plastic sheet. Furthermore, image formation is performed by applying heat and pressure to the toner image transferred onto the recording material to fix the toner image on the recording material.

Such image forming apparatuses generally require maintenance of various process means. In order to facilitate the maintenance of these various process means, a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus by putting together the above-described photosensitive drum, charging means, developing means, cleaning means, etc. in a frame has been put to practical use. It is According to this cartridge system, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with excellent usability.

In addition, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100000, for example, a product is provided in which a process cartridge is equipped with memory means for recording service information and process information. The image forming apparatus utilizes this process cartridge information to improve image quality and process cartridge maintenance.

Such a process cartridge forms an image on a recording medium using toner. Therefore, toner is consumed each time an image is formed. A process cartridge reaches the end of its service life when the toner is consumed to such an extent that the user who purchased the process cartridge cannot form an image of satisfactory quality.

In recent years, methods have been proposed for recommercializing process cartridges whose commercial value has been lost due to the consumption of toner. As a method for remanufacturing such process cartridges, a method has been devised in which the memory means attached to the frame of the process cartridge is removed and a new memory means is attached.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-330335

However, the memory means may differ in shape and size depending on the product. Also, the shape of the mounting portion to which the memory means is mounted may be different. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare memory means corresponding to the shape of each mounting portion of the cartridge.

In recent years, along with the miniaturization of image forming apparatuses, the miniaturization of cartridges has also progressed. Therefore, it is conceivable that there are restrictions on the shape and size of the memory means that can be attached to the cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems by replacing the first memory unit attached to the cartridge before remanufacturing with a second memory unit having a shape different from that of the first memory unit. It is to provide a reproduction method.

In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge remanufacturing method of the present invention comprises:
A reproduction method for reproducing a cartridge from a material cartridge,
The material cartridge is detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode, and the cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The material cartridge has a first unit and a second unit, the first unit electrically connecting the first electrode and the first electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode. a first memory unit having a first storage element connected thereto, the second unit being movably coupled to the first unit;
The reproduction method includes:
removing the first memory unit from the first unit;
a memory mounting step of mounting a second memory unit having a second electrode and a second memory element, wherein the second electrode is mounted on the first unit; and the second memory element. to the second unit; and
the second electrode and the second memory element are electrically connected by a connection member;
The second electrode is arranged so as to be electrically connectable to the body electrode.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, a cartridge remanufacturing method of the present invention comprises:
A reproduction method for reproducing a cartridge from a material cartridge,
The material cartridge is detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode, and the cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The material cartridge has a first unit and a second unit, the second unit electrically connecting the first electrode and the first electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode. a first memory unit having a first storage element connected thereto, the second unit being movably coupled to the first unit;
The reproduction method includes:
removing the first memory unit from the second unit;
a memory mounting step of mounting a second memory unit having a second electrode and a second memory element, wherein the second electrode is mounted on the second unit; and a second memory element. to the first unit; and
the second electrode and the second memory element are electrically connected by a connection member;
The second electrode is arranged so as to be electrically connectable to the body electrode.
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the cartridge of the present invention comprises:
A cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode,
a photosensitive unit having a drum frame and a drum rotatably supported by the drum frame and having a photosensitive layer;
a developing unit having a developing frame and a developer bearing member rotatably supported by the developing frame and supplying developer to the drum, and movably coupled to the photoreceptor unit; ,
a memory unit having an electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode, a memory element, and a connection member electrically connecting the electrode and the memory element;
has
The electrode is arranged on one of the photosensitive unit and the developing unit, and the memory element is arranged on the other of the photosensitive unit and the developing unit ,
The connecting member has flexibility, one end of which is fixed to the photoreceptor unit, and the other end of which is fixed to the developing unit. Deform while maintaining electrical connection between the electrode and the memory element
It is characterized by
Further, in order to achieve the above object, the cartridge of the present invention comprises:
A cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode,
a frame;
a developer carrier rotatably supported by the frame;
an end member attached to one end of the frame in the rotation axis direction of the developer carrier;
a memory unit having an electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode, a memory element, and a connection member electrically connecting the electrode and the memory element;
has
the frame body is rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to the end member;
The electrode is arranged on the end member, the memory element is arranged on the frame ,
The connecting member has flexibility, one end of which is fixed to the frame, and the other end of which is fixed to the end member. Deform while maintaining electrical connection between the electrode and the memory element
It is characterized by

According to the present invention, a remanufacturing method is provided in which a first memory unit attached to a process cartridge before being remanufactured can be replaced with a second memory unit having a shape different from that of the first memory unit. can be done.

4 is a perspective view showing a remanufacturing method in remanufacturing the process cartridge according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of mounting a process cartridge to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 1; 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first memory unit according to Example 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a mounting configuration of the first memory unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the structure of the developer container according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of positioning the process cartridge in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main body connector unit and an attachment portion according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a process cartridge remanufacturing method according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a process cartridge remanufacturing method according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a process cartridge remanufacturing method according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a process cartridge remanufacturing method according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a side view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is a side view showing a process cartridge remanufacturing method according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a developer cartridge according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of mounting a developing cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge to the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an end unit according to Example 3; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a developing cartridge to which a second memory unit according to the third embodiment is attached;

Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below based on embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangement of components described in the following examples should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following examples.

(Example 1)
A developing device, a cartridge, a process cartridge 7 and an image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG.

<Electrophotographic image forming apparatus>
First, the overall configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "image forming apparatus") according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge 7 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the process cartridge 7. FIG.

Image forming apparatus 100 includes first, second, and third image forming units for forming yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images, respectively, as a plurality of image forming units. , and fourth image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK.

In this embodiment, the configurations and operations of the first to fourth image forming units are substantially the same except that the colors of the images to be formed are different. Therefore, in the following description, Y, M, C, and K will be omitted unless they need to be distinguished from each other, and a general description will be given.

That is, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has four electrophotographic photosensitive drums (hereinafter referred to as "photosensitive drums") 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) as image carriers. The photosensitive drum 1 has a photosensitive layer on its outer peripheral surface and rotates in the direction of the arrow A in the figure. A charging roller 2 and a scanner unit 3 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1 . The photosensitive drum 1 is an example of a rotating body.

Here, the charging roller 2 is charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 . The scanner unit 3 is exposure means for forming an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 1 by irradiating a laser based on image information. Further, around the photosensitive drum 1, developing devices (hereinafter referred to as "developing units") 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and cleaning blades 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) as cleaning means are arranged. ing. Further, an intermediate transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer member for transferring the toner images on the photosensitive drums 1 onto the recording material 12 is arranged so as to face the four photosensitive drums 1 .

In this embodiment, the developing unit 4 uses a non-magnetic one-component developer, that is, toner T (TY, TM, TC, TK) as developer. In this embodiment, the developing unit 4 performs contact development by bringing a developer bearing member (hereinafter referred to as a "developing roller") 22 as a developing means into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 .

In this embodiment, a photoreceptor unit 13 is formed having a photoreceptor drum 1, a charging roller 2, a cleaning blade 6, and a waste toner container 14a (14aY, 14aM, 14aC, 14aK). The waste toner storage unit 14 a stores primary transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 . Further, the process cartridges 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K) are formed by integrating the developing unit 4 and the photosensitive unit 13 into a cartridge. The process cartridge 7 is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 100 via a mounting means such as a mounting guide and a positioning member (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100 .

3, the process cartridge 7 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100 along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, all the process cartridges 7 for each color have the same shape. The process cartridges 7 for the respective colors contain yellow (TY), magenta (TM), cyan (TC), and black (TK) toners T (TY, TM, TC, TK).

The intermediate transfer belt 5 contacts all the photosensitive drums 1 and rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is stretched over a plurality of supporting members (driving roller 26, secondary transfer counter roller 27, driven roller 28). Four primary transfer rollers 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) serving as primary transfer means are arranged side by side on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5 so as to face the respective photosensitive drums 1 . . A secondary transfer roller 9 as a secondary transfer means is arranged at a position facing the secondary transfer opposing roller 27 on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5 .

<Image forming process>
When forming an image, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2 . Next, the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 1 is scanned and exposed by laser light emitted from the scanner unit 3 according to image information, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 according to the image information. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed as a toner image by the developing unit 4 . The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 by the action of the primary transfer roller 8 .

For example, when forming a full-color image, the above-described processes are sequentially performed in the first to fourth image forming units SY, SM, SC, and SK, and the toner images of each color are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. primary transfer. After that, the recording material 12 is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion in synchronization with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 5 . The four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively secondary-transferred onto the recording material 12 by the action of the secondary transfer roller 9 which is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 5 via the recording material 12 . be.

The recording material 12 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 10 as fixing means. A toner image is fixed on the recording material 12 by applying heat and pressure to the recording material 12 in the fixing device 10 . The primary transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer process is removed by the cleaning blade 6 . Secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer process is removed by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 11 . The removed secondary transfer residual toner is discharged to a waste toner box (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100 .

Note that the image forming apparatus 100 is also capable of forming monochrome or multi-color images using a single or some (but not all) image forming units as desired.

<Process cartridge>
Next, the overall structure of the process cartridge 7 mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7. FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the developing unit 4. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the photoreceptor unit 13 has a drum frame 14 that supports various elements within the photoreceptor unit 13 . The photosensitive drum 1 is attached to the drum frame 14 so as to be rotatable in the arrow A direction via a bearing member. The drum frame 14 is an example of a frame.

A charging roller bearing 15 is attached to the drum frame 14 along a line passing through the center of rotation of the charging roller 2 and the center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 . Here, charging roller bearing 15
is mounted movably in the direction of arrow C. The charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to the charging roller bearing 15 . The charging roller bearing 15 is biased toward the photosensitive drum 1 by a charging roller pressure spring 16 as biasing means.

The cleaning blade 6 is integrally formed with an elastic member 6a for removing primary transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after primary transfer, and a support member 6b for supporting the elastic member. . The primary transfer residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 6 falls in the direction of gravity (downward in the drawing) through the space formed by the cleaning blade 6 and the drum frame 14, and is discharged into the waste toner container 14a. housed within.

As shown in FIG. 7, the developing unit 4 has a developing frame 18 that supports various elements in the developing unit 4 and is a developer container. The developing unit 4 is provided with a developing roller 22 that contacts the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in the arrow D direction. The developing roller 22 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 18 via bearing units 32 and 33 at both ends in the rotation axis direction. The developing roller 22 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 1 . The developing roller 22 is an example of a rotating body. The development frame 18 is an example of a frame. Further, the bearing units 32 and 33 can also be said to be part of the developing device frame 18 .

The developing unit 4 also has a developer containing portion 18a containing toner, a developing portion 18b in which the developing roller 22 is disposed, and an opening 18c communicating between the developer containing portion 18a and the developing portion 18b. In this embodiment, the developing section 18b is positioned above the developer accommodating section 18a. A developer supply member 20 rotating in contact with the developing roller 22 and a developer regulating member 21 for regulating the toner layer on the developing roller 22 are arranged in the developing portion 18b.

Further, in the developer containing portion 18a of the developing frame 18, an agitating member 23 is provided for agitating the contained toner T and conveying the toner to the developer supplying member 20 through the opening 18c. there is The stirring member 23 has a rotating shaft 23a extending in the direction of its rotating shaft, and a flexible stirring sheet 23b having one end attached to the rotating shaft 23a and stirring and conveying the toner.

The agitating member 23 rotates in the direction of arrow F with the agitating sheet 23b in contact with the inner wall surface of the developer containing portion 18a and bent. The developer containing portion 18a has a releasing portion 18e for releasing the stirring sheet 23b from the bent state. The position where the release portion 18e is provided is the release position where the stirring sheet 23b is released from the bent state. When the agitation sheet 23b passes through the release portion 18e, the toner on the agitation sheet 23b is sprung up by the force of the agitation sheet 23b being released from the flexed state, and the toner on the agitation sheet 23b is pushed up through the opening 18c to the developer supply member in the developing portion 18b. 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the photoreceptor unit (first unit) 13 and developing unit (second unit) 4 are connected by a connecting pin 36 . The developing unit 4 is movably coupled to the photoreceptor unit 13 . Specifically, the developing unit 4 is rotatably coupled to the photosensitive unit 13 around a coupling pin 36 . A boss 14h is provided on the drum frame 14, and a boss 18k is provided on the developing frame 18. A tension spring 40 is engaged with the boss 18k and the boss 14h. During image formation, the biasing force of the tension spring 40 causes the developing unit 4 to receive a moment to rotate around the coupling pin 36 with respect to the photoreceptor unit 13, and the photoreceptor drum 1 and the developing roller 22 are brought into contact with each other. Then, when the image formation is completed, the main body member (not shown) presses the spaced portion 18j provided on the developing frame 18 in the arrow R direction. As a result, the developing unit 4 rotates about the coupling pin 36 with respect to the photosensitive unit 13, and the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 22 are separated from each other. As a result, deformation of the developing roller 22 can be suppressed even when the developing roller 22 is left for a long period of time, and good image quality can be obtained.

<Structure of First Memory Unit and Mounting Structure of First Memory Unit>
Next, the first memory unit (storage means) mounted on the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view and a perspective view of the first memory unit. 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of the process cartridge showing the state before the first memory unit is inserted into the mounting portion. FIG. 6(c) is an explanatory view of inserting the first memory unit into the mounting portion and thermally caulking the ribs.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the memory means (first memory unit) 60 has electrodes 60a1 and 60a2 on the substrate that are electrically connectable to body electrodes 112a1 and 112a2, which will be described later. Moreover, on the back surface of the electrodes 60a1 and 60a2, there is a memory chip 60a3, which is a memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read-Only Memory). FIG. 5B is an external view of the first memory unit 60 with the memory chip 60a3 covered with resin 60b or the like. The electrodes 60a1 and 60a2 are an example of first electrodes (first memory electrodes or first memory electrical contacts), and the memory chip 60a3 is an example of a first storage element.

In the first memory unit 60, information used for image forming processing (for example, lot numbers of process cartridges, initial values of process conditions, usage status, characteristics of the image forming apparatus, characteristics of process means, etc.) are stored in advance. remembered. The process cartridge 7 exchanges information stored in the first memory unit 60 with the image forming apparatus 100 when it is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 . As a result, the control board (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100 is notified of the usage status of the process cartridge 7 . The image forming apparatus 100 uses the information received from the process cartridge 7 for image forming processing. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the information to display the status of the process cartridge 7 to the operator. Information is written to the memory chip 60a3 of the first memory unit 60 as needed even while the image forming apparatus 100 is in operation.

Next, a method of attaching the first memory unit 60 to the process cartridge 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the drum frame 14 is provided with a memory mounting portion (mounting portion) 14i for mounting the first memory unit 60 thereon. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the mounting portion 14i is provided with a guide portion 14j and a caulking boss 14k. After the first memory unit 60 is inserted along the guide portion 14j in the direction of the arrow S, it is prevented from coming off by thermally crimping the crimping boss 14k. The state after heat caulking is shown in FIG. 6(c). Positioning ribs 14m1 and 14m2 and engaging surfaces 14n1 and 14n2 are provided on the attachment portion 14i to regulate the position of the connector 112 of the image forming apparatus 100, which will be described later.

<Attaching and removing the process cartridge>
A configuration for attaching and detaching the process cartridge 7 to and from the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 8. FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the positioning structure of the process cartridge 7 to the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge 7 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100 in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1 (in the direction of arrow G). Here, the upstream side in the mounting direction of the process cartridge 7 is defined as the front side, and the downstream side in the mounting direction is defined as the rear side. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a concave first guide 101 extending along the attachment/detachment direction is provided on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 100 in the vertical direction, and a concave second guide 102 is provided on the upper side. On the other hand, the drum frame 14 of the photosensitive unit 13 is provided with a first guided portion 14 d at a position corresponding to the first guide 101 . In addition, convex-shaped second guided portions 14 e are provided at both longitudinal ends of positions corresponding to the second guides 102 . The first guided portion 14d and the second guided portion 14e are restricted from coming into contact with the first guide 101 and the second guide 102, respectively, so that the vertical and horizontal postures of the process cartridge 7 during attachment and detachment are changed. Regulated.

<Positioning the process cartridge>
Next, the positioning structure of the process cartridge 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8. FIG. The first guide 101 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to move vertically in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the main body door 103 (in the direction of arrow H in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 8, the first guide 101 is provided with pressing members 104a and 104b on the far side and the front side, respectively. The pressing members 104a and 104b are slidable in the vertical direction (in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 8) with respect to the first guide 101, and are urged upward by urging means 105a and 105b such as compression springs. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with V-shaped positioning portions 106a and 106b on the back side and the front side, respectively. Further, an oblong hole-shaped hole portion 107 extending in the vertical movement direction of the first guide 101 is provided on the far side.

On the other hand, the process cartridge 7 is provided with receiving portions 14p1 and 14p2 on the far side and the front side of the drum frame 14, respectively. In addition, R-shaped restricting portions 14r1 and 14r2 are provided on the far side and the front side of the photoreceptor unit 13, respectively. A cylindrical rotation stop boss 14s is provided on the far side of the photoreceptor unit 13. As shown in FIG. As described above, when the process cartridge 7 is mounted in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1 , the rotation stopping boss 14 s of the drum frame 14 is fitted into the hole 107 . Next, the closing operation of the main body door 103 causes the first guide 101 to move upward. At that time, the pressing members 104a and 104b press the receiving portions 14p1 and 14p2 upward by the biasing forces of the biasing means 105a and 105b. The regulating portions 14r1 and 14r2 of the drum frame 14 abut against the positioning portions 106a and 106b of the image forming apparatus 100, and the rotation stop bosses 14s engage with the hole portions 107, thereby causing the process cartridge 7 to move toward the image forming apparatus 100. position is determined.

<Connection configuration between electrical contacts on the image forming apparatus side and electrical contacts on the process cartridge side>
Next, connection of main body connector unit 110 provided in image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view showing the main body connector unit 110, and FIG. 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the main body connector unit 110 is engaged with the mounting portion 14i.

The body connector unit 110 is arranged at a position facing the first memory unit 60 of the process cartridge 7 when the process cartridge 7 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 . As shown in FIG. 9( a ), the body connector unit 110 has a housing 111 and a connector 112 . The housing 111 is fixed to the image forming apparatus 100 by fixing means such as screws (not shown). The connector 112 is attached to the housing 111 with play, and is movable in the horizontal direction (direction of arrow U in FIG. 9(a)) and vertical direction (direction of arrow V in FIG. 9(a)). is. The connector 112 has main body electrodes (main body electrical contacts) 112a1 and 112a2, which are spring members, and is electrically connected to the control board of the image forming apparatus 100 via a cable bundle (not shown). Further, the connector 112 is provided with positioning ribs 112b1, 112b2, 112b3, and 112b4 for positioning with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

When the process cartridge 7 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 9B, the positioning ribs 14m1 and 14m2 of the process cartridge 7 and the positioning ribs 112b1, 112b2, 112b3 and 112b4 are attached to the regulating portions 14r1 and 14r2. engages. Then, the connector 112 moves horizontally (in the direction of arrow U) and vertically (in the direction of arrow V) with respect to the process cartridge 7 . As a result, electrodes 60a1 and 60a2 and body electrode 1
12a1 and 112a2 are positioned in contact with each other and electrically connected.

<Method for Disassembling and Remanufacturing Process Cartridge>
The process cartridge remanufacturing method according to this embodiment includes the following five steps.
(1) Separation process of photoreceptor unit 13 and development unit 4 (2) Removal process of first memory unit 60 (3) Disassembly, toner refilling, and reassembly process of development unit 4 (4) Photoreceptor unit 13 and development unit 4 Developing unit 4 coupling process (5) Second memory unit 70 mounting process Note that the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment is a preparatory process for preparing the process cartridge 7 as a raw material before performing the above five processes. contains. As the process cartridge 7 that is the raw material, for example, a used process cartridge 7 in which toner has been consumed by performing an image forming operation is used. In other words, the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment is a method of remanufacturing a new process cartridge (second process cartridge, cartridge) from the process cartridge 7 (first process cartridge, material cartridge) that serves as a material. is. A new process cartridge produced in this manner can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100 in the same manner as the process cartridge 7 used as a raw material.
Each step will be described below in order.

(1) Separation process of photoreceptor unit 13 and developing unit 4 As shown in FIG. 11, the connecting pins 36 provided at both ends of the process cartridge 7 are pulled out, and the photoreceptor unit 13 and the developing unit 4 are separated. .

(2) Step of Removing First Memory Unit 60 The first memory unit 60 is removed from the photosensitive unit 13 . In this embodiment, the end surface 60c (FIG. 6C) of the first memory unit 60 is pressed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (the direction of the arrow W), thereby removing the first memory unit 60 from the mounting portion 14i. Removed. At this time, the boss 14k melted by heat caulking is destroyed. Next, burrs and the like of the destroyed boss 14k are removed, and the mounting portion 14i is cleaned by blowing or the like.

(3) Disassembly, Toner Refilling, and Reassembly of Developing Unit 4 After the three screws 34 shown in FIG. 7 are removed with a screwdriver or the like, the side cover 32c is removed. Next, the toner cap 31 is removed and a funnel 38 is inserted into the exposed toner filling port as shown in FIG. Then, toner is refilled from the funnel 38 into the developer container 18a. Next, after the toner cap is attached using an adhesive or the like, the removed side cover 32c is attached to the developing unit 4 by reversing the above procedure.

(4) Photoreceptor unit 13 and developing unit 4 are reunited. Reassemble in the reverse order of the process.

(5) Step of Attaching Second Memory Unit <Configuration of Second Memory Unit>
Here, the configuration of the second memory unit 70 to be replaced in the process cartridge remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second memory unit 70. As shown in FIG.
The first memory unit 60 has electrodes 60a1 and 60a2 and a memory chip 60a3 arranged on one substrate. The second memory unit differs in shape from the first memory unit. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the second memory unit 70 has a contact substrate 71 having electrodes 71a1 and 71a2 that can come into contact with body electrodes 112a1 and 112a2 on the image forming apparatus 100 side. The second memory unit 70 also has a memory substrate 72 on which memory chips 72a3 such as RAM and ROM are arranged. Further, the second memory unit 70 has a conductive cable 73 electrically connecting the contact substrate 71 and the memory substrate 72 . The conductive cable 73 is an example of a connecting member, the electrodes 71a1 and 71a2 are an example of a second electrode (second memory electrode or second memory electrical contact), and the memory chip 72a3 is a second memory element. is an example.

Here, the memory board 72 used has a different shape and size from the one (the board of the first memory unit 60) attached before the execution of the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a large memory substrate is used which has a shape different from that attached before remanufacturing. Therefore, the memory board 72 is a board that cannot be attached to the attachment portion 14i.

The conductive cable 73 is fixed to the contact substrate 71 at connection portions 73a1 and 73a2 and to the memory substrate 72 at connection portions 73b1 and 73b2 by soldering or the like. Thereby, the electrodes 71a1 and 71a2 and the memory chip 72a3 are electrically connected. Also, the conductive cable 73 has flexibility. Therefore, when the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing unit 4 move relative to each other, the conductive cable 73 can be deformed while maintaining the electrical connection of the connection portions 73a1, 73a2, 73b1, and 73b2.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), the memory board 72 is provided with positioning holes 72a1 and 72a2, while the mounting base 74 is provided with positioning bosses 74a1 and 74a2 at positions corresponding to the positioning holes 72a1 and 72a2. is provided. The positioning holes 72a1 and 72a2 of the memory board 72 are inserted into the positioning bosses 74a1 and 74a2. Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, the memory board 72 is fixed to the mount 74 by thermally caulking the positioning bosses 74a1 and 74a2. A component in which the contact substrate 71 , the memory substrate 72 , the conductive cable 73 , and the mount 74 are integrated in this manner is taken as an example of the second memory unit 70 .

Further, the mounting base 74 is provided with a hook-shaped conductive cable holding portion 74b. In this embodiment, the method of fixing the memory board 72 to the mount 74 is heat caulking, but the memory board 72 may be fixed to the mount 74 by adhesion, press fitting, snap fit, or the like.

<Second memory unit installation method>
Next, a method of attaching the second memory unit 70 to the process cartridge 7 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the process cartridge 7. FIG.

In this embodiment, the electrodes 71a1 and 71a2 are attached to the photosensitive unit 13, and the memory chip 72a3 is attached to the developing unit 4. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the contact substrate 71 of the second memory unit 70 is inserted into the guide portion 14j provided in the mounting portion 14i of the drum frame 14. As shown in FIG. That is, in this embodiment, the electrodes 71a1 and 71a2 are fixed to the drum frame 14 via the mounting portions 14i. At this time, the inserted contact substrate 71 and the drum frame 14 are fixed to each other by bonding with an adhesive or the like. Next, the mounting surface 74c of the mounting base 74 opposite to the contact surface with the memory substrate 72 is fixed to the side surface 18m of the developing frame 18 with an adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, the side surface 18m of the developing frame 18 extends from the side surface 14m of the drum frame 14 in the extending direction of the connecting pin 36, that is, in the extending direction of the rotation shafts of the photoreceptor unit 13 and the developing unit 4. It retreats by a predetermined length toward the center of the unit 4 . In FIG. 1(a), the length is indicated by "L". Therefore, it is possible to secure a space for wiring the conductive cable 73 that connects the contact substrate 71 and the memory substrate 72 by attaching the mounting base 74 to the side surface 18m. In other words, the memory chip 72a3 is attached to the drum frame 14 so as to be positioned inside the attachment portion 14i in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing unit 4 with respect to the photosensitive unit 13. FIG. In this embodiment, by using such a space, the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the second memory unit 70 can be increased.

In this embodiment, an adhesive is used to fix the mount 74 to the developing frame 18, but the method is not limited to this, and for example, welding or thermoplastic resin (hot melt) may be used. . Note that the mounting base 74 is an example of a memory element mounting portion of the memory element of the second memory unit.

Further, in a state where the contact substrate 71 and the drum frame 14 are fixed to each other and the mounting table 74 is fixed to the developing frame 18, as shown in FIG. It has a portion 73c.

As described above, the developing unit 4 moves relative to the photoreceptor unit 13 about the coupling pin 36 . At this time, the slack portion 73 c of the conductive cable 73 is deformed following the movement of the developing unit 4 . Here, the mounting base 74 is provided with a hook-shaped conductive cable holding portion 74b (FIG. 1(b)). At least one turn of the conductive cable 73 is wound around the conductive cable holding portion 74b. As a result, when the developing unit 4 moves relative to the photoreceptor unit 13 as described above, a direct load is less likely to be applied to the connection portions 73b1 and 73b2 between the memory board 72 and the conductive cable 73. FIG. As a result, for example, when the developing unit 4 is repeatedly moved relative to the photoreceptor unit 13, it can be expected that the electrical connection between the connecting portions 73b1 and 73b2 is prevented from being disconnected.

Various methods are conceivable for preventing electrical disconnection of the connection portions 73a1, 73a2, 73b1, and 73b2 due to relative movement of the developing unit 4 with respect to the photoreceptor unit 13. FIG. In this embodiment, as one method, there is a method of reinforcing by applying a thermoplastic resin to each of the connection portions between the memory substrate 72 and the conductive cable 73 and between the contact substrate 71 and the conductive cable 73 and hardening them.

As described above, the photoreceptor unit 13 has attachment/detachment guides, positioning, rotation stoppers, etc. with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the space for providing the memory substrate 72 of the second memory unit 70 may be limited. There is According to this embodiment, even if the shape and size of the memory board 72 are different from those of the original first memory unit 60 and there is a possibility that the installation space for the memory board 72 is insufficient in the photoreceptor unit 13, the above-mentioned As a result, the process cartridge 7 can be remanufactured.

Further, in the above description, the mounting position of the mount 74 with respect to the developing frame 18 is the side surface 18 m of the developing frame 18 . However, as shown in FIG. 13, any one of the vertically lower surface 18n of the developing device frame 18, the surface 18p on the photosensitive unit 13 side, and the surface 18r on the side opposite to the photosensitive unit 13 may be attached to the mount 74. position. As described above, according to this configuration, the memory substrate 72 can be installed in a space where the memory substrate 72 can be arranged in the development frame 18, so that the memory substrate 72 can be arranged with respect to the development frame 18 more freely.

Further, in this embodiment, electrodes 71a1 and 71a2 are attached to the photoreceptor unit 13 positioned in the image forming apparatus 100 . Therefore, the electrodes 71a1 and 71a2 can be accurately positioned with respect to the body electrodes 112a1 and 112a2.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. In addition, in Example 2, a part different from Example 1 is demonstrated in detail. In the following description, materials, shapes, processes, etc. are the same as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. Further, in the second embodiment, constituent elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment are assigned the same numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, a method for remanufacturing a process cartridge having a form different from that in the first embodiment will be described. In Example 1, the first memory unit was arranged in the photoreceptor unit. Then, when attaching the second memory unit, the second electrode was attached to the photosensitive unit, and the second memory element was attached to the developing unit. In this embodiment, the first memory unit is arranged in the developing unit (second unit). When attaching the second memory unit, the second electrode is attached to the developing unit, and the second memory element is attached to the photosensitive unit (first unit).
FIG. 14 is a side view of the process cartridge 213 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the first memory unit 260 of the process cartridge 213 of this embodiment is attached to the attachment portion 214i on the side surface 214m of the developing unit 204. As shown in FIG. The method of attaching the first memory unit to the attachment portion 214i and the method of connecting the image forming apparatus 100 and the first memory unit 260 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. In other words, the body connector unit 110 described in the first embodiment should be arranged at a position where it can be connected to the first memory unit 260 .

In the method of remanufacturing the process cartridge 213 of the present embodiment, steps (2) and (5) of the first embodiment are different, and the other steps are the same as those of the first embodiment. (2-2) Step of Removing First Memory Unit 260 The first memory unit 260 is removed from the mounting portion 214i on the side surface 214m of the developing unit 204. As shown in FIG. Here, since the specific removal method is the same as that of the first embodiment, the explanation is omitted here.

(2-5) Second memory unit installation method (memory installation process)
A method of attaching the second memory unit 270 to the process cartridge 213 will be described. In this embodiment, the electrodes (second electrodes) of the second memory unit 270 are attached to the developing unit, and the memory chips (second storage elements) of the second memory unit 270 are attached to the photosensitive unit.
FIG. 15 is a side view of the process cartridge 213 after the second memory unit 270 is attached.

First, the contact substrate 271 of the second memory unit 270 is inserted into the guide portion 214j (see FIG. 14) provided on the mounting portion 214i of the developing device frame 214. As shown in FIG. The inserted contact substrate 271 and the development frame 214 are fixed to each other by bonding with an adhesive or the like.

Next, the mounting surface 274c of the mounting base 274, which is the surface opposite to the contact surface with the memory substrate 272, is fixed to the drum frame 218 with an adhesive or the like. According to this embodiment, the first memory unit 260 is replaced with the second memory unit 270 that is different in shape from the first memory unit 260 installed before the process cartridge 213 remanufacturing method is carried out. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present invention, one of the photoreceptor unit and the developing unit is provided with the attachment portion to which the first memory unit having the electrodes and the memory element is attached. When replacing the first memory unit with the above-described second memory unit, even if the storage element of the second memory unit cannot be attached to the attachment portion, the other of the photoreceptor unit and the developing unit can be replaced. Storage elements of a second memory unit can be attached.
In other words, in the process cartridge having the second memory unit, the second electrode of the second memory unit (memory unit) is arranged in one of the photosensitive unit and the developing unit. A second storage element is arranged in the other of the photoreceptor unit and the developing unit.
In the above embodiment, the photoreceptor unit and developing unit are separated before replacing the first memory unit with the second memory unit. However, it is not necessary to separate the photoreceptor unit and developer unit before replacing the first memory unit with the second memory unit.
Also, the conductive cable of the second memory unit may be connected to the second electrode and the second storage element after the attachment of the second electrode and the attachment of the second storage element. At this time, the conductive cable of the second memory unit may be attached after the photoreceptor unit and the developing unit are reconnected. In other words, it can be said that the process cartridge remanufacturing method includes a connecting step (a step of attaching a conductive cable) of electrically connecting the second electrode and the second memory element with a conductive cable.

(Example 3)
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19. FIG. In addition, in Example 3, portions different from Examples 1 and 2 will be described in detail. In the following description, materials, shapes, processes, and the like are the same as those in Examples 1 and 2 unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the third embodiment, the same numbers are assigned to the components corresponding to the first and second embodiments, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, a method for remanufacturing a cartridge having a form different from that in the first embodiment will be described. In Examples 1 and 2, the developing unit and the photoreceptor unit were movably connected with a connecting pin. In Example 1, the first memory unit was located in the photoreceptor unit. Then, when attaching the second memory unit, the second electrode was attached to the photosensitive unit, and the second memory element was attached to the developing unit. In Example 2, the first memory unit was located in the developer unit. When attaching the second memory unit, the second electrode was attached to the developing unit, and the second memory element was attached to the photosensitive unit.
In this embodiment, the two cartridges, ie, the developing cartridge and the photoreceptor cartridge, can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus independently of each other. The developing cartridge has a structure in which a developing unit is movably coupled to an end member described later, and the photoreceptor cartridge has the same structure as the photoreceptor unit 13 of the first embodiment. In other words, the process cartridge of this embodiment has a developing unit (developing cartridge) and a photoreceptor unit (photoreceptor cartridge) that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus independently of each other. Also, the first memory unit is arranged on a first end member which will be described later. When attaching the second memory unit, the second electrode is attached to the first end member of the developing unit, and the second memory element is attached to the developing frame of the developing unit.

<Development cartridge>
16 is an exploded perspective view of the developer cartridge 407. FIG. The developer cartridge 407 has a developer unit (second unit) 404 and an end unit (first unit) 609 . The development unit 404 has a development frame 618 and a development roller 422 rotatably supported by the development frame 618 . The developing roller 422 is the same as the developing roller 22 of Example 1, so description thereof is omitted. The end unit 609 has a first memory unit 460 and a first end member (end member) 601 attached to one end of the developing frame 618 in the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 422 . The developing cartridge 407 also has a second end member 602 provided at the other end of the developing frame 618 . The developing roller 422 rotates around a rotational axis (broken line in the drawing) passing through the center of the developing roller 422 . In this embodiment, the direction of the axis of rotation of the developing roller 422 is the same as the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 618 . In this embodiment, the developing unit 404 is movably coupled to a first end member 601 and a second end member 602 provided at both ends of the developing unit 404 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the developing unit 404 and the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 618 are parallel to the rotational axis direction of the developing roller 422 provided in the developing unit 404 . The first end member 601 and the second end member 602 support the developing device frame 618 so as to be rotatable around a rotational axis J parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 618 . In other words, the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 are rotatably attached to the developing frame 618 . The first end member 601 and the second end member 602 are rotatable independently of each other. That is, the first end member 601 is rotatable with respect to the second end member 602 and the developing frame 618 . On the other hand, the second end member 602 is rotatable with respect to the first end member 601 and the developing frame 618 . Therefore, the developing device frame 618 is rotatable about the rotation axis J with respect to the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 . Specifically, the developing frame 618 is rotatably supported by the developing unit supporting portion 601a provided on the first end member 601 and the developing unit supporting portion 602a provided on the second end member 602. It is By rotating the developing frame 618, the developing roller 422 intersects the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 422 (perpendicular in this embodiment). ). Movement of the developing unit 404 in the longitudinal direction is regulated by a drop-off prevention screw 603 . A first memory unit 460 is also attached to the first end member 601 . Since the configuration of the first memory unit 460 is the same as the configuration of the first memory unit 60 of the first embodiment, description of the configuration of the first memory unit 460 is omitted here. Other configurations of the developing cartridge 407 are the same as those of the developing unit 4 of the first embodiment, and thus descriptions of other configurations of the developing cartridge 407 are omitted here.

<Installing and removing the developing cartridge and photoreceptor cartridge>
Attachment/detachment of the developing cartridge 407 and the photosensitive member cartridge 414 to/from the image forming apparatus 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of mounting the developing cartridge 407 and the photoreceptor cartridge 414 to the image forming apparatus 500 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the developing cartridge 407 and the photoreceptor cartridge 414 are attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 500 in the axial direction of the photoreceptor drum 401 (in the direction of arrow G). Here, the upstream side in the mounting direction of the developing cartridge 407 is defined as the front side, and the downstream side in the mounting direction is defined as the rear side. The developer cartridge 407 is inserted with the first end member positioned on the back side and the second end member positioned on the front side. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, a concave first development guide 551 extending along the attachment/detachment direction is provided on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 500 in the vertical direction, and a concave second development guide 552 is provided on the upper side. It is On the other hand, the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 of the development cartridge 407 are provided with first development guided portions 601b and 602b at positions corresponding to the first development guide 551, respectively. (See FIG. 16). Further, the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 of the developing cartridge 407 are provided with second guided portions 601c and 602c having convex shapes at positions corresponding to the second developing guides 552, respectively. there is The contact of the first guided portions 601b and 602b and the second guided portions 601c and 602c with respect to the first guide 551 and the second guide 552 is regulated, so that the developer cartridge 407 is attached and detached. Vertical and horizontal postures are restricted.
When the developer cartridge 407 is installed in the image forming apparatus 500 , the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 are brought into contact with the image forming apparatus 500 and positioned. With the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 positioned, the developing unit 404 rotates around the rotation axis J with respect to the first end member 601 and the second end member 602 . to rotate.
Further, since the specific method of attaching and detaching the photoreceptor cartridge 414 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the explanation is omitted here.
When the developing cartridge 407 and the photosensitive cartridge 414 are removed from the image forming apparatus 500, the developing cartridge 407 and the photosensitive cartridge 414 are removed in the direction opposite to the mounting direction.

<How to disassemble and remanufacture the developing cartridge>
A method of reproducing the developing cartridge 407 (second cartridge, cartridge) having the second memory unit 470 from the developing cartridge 407 (first cartridge, material cartridge) having the first memory unit 460 will be described. The second memory unit 470 will be described later. In the method of remanufacturing the developing cartridge 407 in this embodiment, steps (1), (2), (4), and (5) of Example 1 are different, and step (3) is different from that of Example 1. It is the same.

(3-1) End Member Separating Step As described above, the developing unit 404 is coupled to the first end member 601 in this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 16, the drop prevention screw 603 is removed from the developing unit 404 to remove the first end member 601 from the developing unit 404 .

(3-2) Step of Removing First Memory Unit 460 A step of removing the first memory unit 460 from the developing unit 404 will be described with reference to FIG. 18 is a side view showing the configuration of the end unit 609. FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the first memory unit 460 is attached to a guide portion 601j provided on the attachment portion 601i of the first end member 601. As shown in FIG. The first memory unit 460 is removed from the guide portion 601j provided on the mounting portion 601i of the first end member 601. FIG. Since the specific removal method of the first memory unit 460 is the same as the removal method of the first memory unit 60 of the first embodiment, the explanation is omitted here.

(3-4) End member reconnection process The first end member 601 removed in the above step (3-1) and the developing unit 404 refilled with toner are combined in the above (3). -1) is combined again in the reverse order. Note that the steps of disassembling the developing unit 404, refilling toner, and reassembling are the same as the steps (3) of the first embodiment, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted here.

(3-5) Second memory unit installation step (memory installation method)
A method of attaching the second memory unit 470 to the developing unit 404 of the developing cartridge 407 will be described. In this embodiment, the electrodes (second electrodes) of the second memory unit 470 are attached to the first end member 601 and the memory chips (second storage elements) of the second memory unit 470 are attached to the developer unit 404 . Attach to Since the configuration of the second memory unit 470 is the same as the configuration of the second memory unit 70 of the first embodiment, description of the configuration of the second memory unit 470 is omitted here.
FIG. 19 shows the developer cartridge after the second memory unit 470 is attached. FIG. 19(a) is a side view of the developing cartridge (second cartridge, cartridge) 407 after the second memory unit 470 is attached, and FIG. 19(b) is the first end from FIG. 19(a). 4 is a side view of developer cartridge 407 with only member 601 omitted. FIG.

First, the contact substrate 471 of the second memory unit 470 is inserted into the guide portion 601j (see FIG. 19A) provided on the mounting portion 601i of the first end member 601. As shown in FIG. By bonding the inserted contact substrate 471 to the first end member 601 with an adhesive or the like, the contact substrate 471 is fixed to the developing unit 404 . Therefore, the electrodes 471a1, 471a2 of the second memory unit 470 are fixed to the first end member 601 via the mounting portion 601i.

Next, the mounting surface of the mounting base 474 in the second memory unit 470, which is the surface opposite to the contact surface with the memory substrate 472, is fixed to the side surface 404m of the developing unit 404 with an adhesive or the like ( See FIG. 19(b)). As a result, the memory chip (second storage element) 472 a 3 of the second memory unit 470 is attached to the development frame 618 of the development unit 404 . According to this embodiment, the first memory unit 460 is replaced with the second memory unit 470 that is different in shape from the first memory unit 460 attached before the remanufacturing method of the developing cartridge 407 is carried out. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In this embodiment, the memory chip 472 a 3 is attached to the developing frame 618 so as to be positioned inside the first end member 601 in the direction of the rotation axis J of the developing frame 618 . In other words, the memory chip 472a3 is attached to the developing frame 618 so as to be positioned between the first end member 601 and the developing frame 618 in the direction of the rotation axis J of the developing frame 618. .

The conductive cable 473 is fixed to the contact substrate 471 at the connection portion 473a and to the memory substrate 472 at the connection portion 473b by soldering or the like. Thereby, the electrodes 471a1 and 471a2 and the memory chip 472a3 are electrically connected. Also, the conductive cable 473 has flexibility. Therefore, when the developing unit 404 and the first end member 601 move relative to each other, the conductive cable 473 can be deformed while maintaining the electrical connection of the connecting portions 473a and 473b. That is, the conductive cable 473 deforms while maintaining electrical connection between the electrodes 471a1 and 471a2 and the memory chip 472a3 as the developing unit 404 moves relative to the first end member 601. FIG.
In the above description, the mounting position of the mount 474 with respect to the developing unit 404 is the side surface 404 m of the developing unit 404 . However, as described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 13), the mounting position of the mounting base 474 has a degree of freedom and is not limited to the position of this embodiment.

As described above, the developing device frame 618 rotates about the rotation axis J with respect to the first end member 601 . At this time, the slack portion of the conductive cable 473 is deformed following the movement of the developing frame. Here, the mounting base 474 is provided with a hook-shaped conductive cable holding portion 474b (FIG. 19(b)). At least one turn of the conductive cable 473 is wound around the conductive cable holding portion 474b. As a result, when the developing device frame 618 moves relative to the first end member 601, a direct load is less likely to be applied to the connection portions 473a and 473b between the memory substrate 472 and the conductive cable 473. FIG. As a result, for example, when the developing device frame 618 is repeatedly moved relative to the first end member 601, it can be expected that the electrical connection between the connecting portions 473a and 473b is prevented from being disconnected.

As described above, according to the present invention, the end member of the developing unit of the developing cartridge is provided with the mounting portion to which the first memory unit having the electrodes and the memory element is mounted. When the first memory unit is replaced with the second memory unit, even if the storage element of the second memory unit cannot be attached to the attachment portion, the second memory unit can be attached to the developing unit. of storage elements can be attached.
In other words, in the developing cartridge (second cartridge, cartridge) having the second memory unit, the second electrode of the second memory unit is arranged on the end member. A second storage element of a second memory unit is arranged on the developing frame.
In this embodiment, the first end member and the developing unit are separated before replacing the first memory unit with the second memory unit. However, it is not necessary to separate the first end member and developer unit before replacing the first memory unit with the second memory unit.
Also, the conductive cable of the second memory unit may be connected to the second electrode and the second storage element after the attachment of the second electrode and the attachment of the second storage element. At this time, the attachment of the conductive cable of the second memory unit may be performed after reconnection of the first end member and developer unit is completed. In other words, it can be said that the process cartridge remanufacturing method includes a connecting step (a step of attaching a conductive cable) of electrically connecting the second electrode and the second memory element with a conductive cable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Photosensitive drum 7... Process cartridge 4... Developing unit 13... Photoreceptor unit 14... Drum frame 14i, 214i... Mounting part 18, 214... Development frame 22... Developer carrier 60a1 , 60a2, 71a1, 71a2... electrodes, 60a3, 72a3... memory chips, 100... image forming apparatus

Claims (24)

A reproduction method for reproducing a cartridge from a material cartridge,
The material cartridge is detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode, and the cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The material cartridge has a first unit and a second unit, the first unit electrically connecting the first electrode and the first electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode. a first memory unit having a first storage element connected thereto, the second unit being movably coupled to the first unit;
The reproduction method includes:
removing the first memory unit from the first unit;
a memory mounting step of mounting a second memory unit having a second electrode and a second memory element, the step of mounting the second electrode to the first unit; a memory attachment step comprising attaching a device to the second unit;
has
the second electrode and the second memory element are electrically connected by a connection member;
A method of remanufacturing a cartridge, wherein the second electrode is arranged so as to be electrically connectable to the body electrode. The first unit includes a drum frame, a drum rotatably supported by the drum frame and having a photosensitive layer, and the first memory unit,
The second unit includes a developing frame, and a developer bearing member rotatably supported by the developing frame and supplying developer to the drum.
2. The cartridge remanufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein: the first unit has a mounting portion formed on the drum frame and to which the first memory unit is mounted;
3. The method of remanufacturing a cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the second electrode is fixed to the drum frame via the mounting portion. the second unit is rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to the first unit;
4. The cartridge remanufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein the second storage element is attached to the second unit so as to be positioned inside the attachment portion in the direction of the rotation axis. . The second unit has a developing frame and a developer bearing member rotatably supported by the developing frame and supplying developer to a drum having a photosensitive layer,
The first unit has an end member attached to one end of the developing frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the developer carrier,
The developing frame is rotatable about a rotation shaft with respect to the end member,
wherein the second electrode is attached to the end member;
2. The method of remanufacturing a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said second memory element is attached to said developing device frame. the end member has a mounting portion to which the first memory unit is mounted;
6. The method of remanufacturing a cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the second electrode is fixed to the end member via the mounting portion. 7. The method of remanufacturing a cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the second memory element is attached to the developing device frame so as to be positioned inside the attachment portion in the direction of the rotation shaft. A reproduction method for reproducing a cartridge from a material cartridge,
The material cartridge is detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode, and the cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus,
The material cartridge has a first unit and a second unit, the second unit electrically connecting the first electrode and the first electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode. a first memory unit having a first storage element connected thereto, the second unit being movably coupled to the first unit;
The reproduction method includes:
removing the first memory unit from the second unit;
a memory mounting step of mounting a second memory unit having a second electrode and a second memory element, the step of mounting the second electrode to the second unit; a memory mounting step comprising mounting a device to the first unit;
has
the second electrode and the second memory element are electrically connected by a connection member;
A method of remanufacturing a cartridge, wherein the second electrode is arranged so as to be electrically connectable to the body electrode. The first unit includes a drum frame and a drum having a photosensitive layer and rotatably supported by the drum frame, and the second unit includes a developing frame and the drum. 9. The remanufactured cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising: a developer carrier that supplies a developer to the developing device frame and is rotatably supported by the developing frame; and the first memory unit. Method. the second unit has a mounting portion formed on the developing frame and to which the first memory unit is mounted;
10. The method of remanufacturing a cartridge according to claim 9, wherein said second electrode is fixed to said developing device frame via said mounting portion. 11. The method of remanufacturing cartridges according to claim 9, wherein the second unit is rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to the first unit. The connection member has flexibility,
wherein the connection member is deformable while maintaining electrical connection between the second electrode and the second memory element according to movement of the second unit with respect to the first unit; 12. The method of remanufacturing a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11. the second memory unit further has a holding portion around which the connection member can be wound;
13. The method of remanufacturing a cartridge according to claim 12, further comprising winding the connection member around the holding portion. 14. The reproduction of the cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a connecting step of electrically connecting the second storage element and the second electrode by the connecting member. Method. A cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode,
a photosensitive unit having a drum frame and a drum rotatably supported by the drum frame and having a photosensitive layer;
a developing unit having a developing frame and a developer bearing member rotatably supported by the developing frame and supplying developer to the drum, and movably coupled to the photoreceptor unit; ,
a memory unit having an electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode, a memory element, and a connection member electrically connecting the electrode and the memory element;
has
The electrode is arranged on one of the photosensitive unit and the developing unit, and the memory element is arranged on the other of the photosensitive unit and the developing unit ,
The connecting member has flexibility, one end of which is fixed to the photoreceptor unit, and the other end of which is fixed to the developing unit. Deform while maintaining electrical connection between the electrode and the memory element
A cartridge characterized by: The photosensitive unit has a mounting portion formed on the drum frame, the mounting portion having the electrode mounted thereon,
the developing unit is rotatable about a rotation shaft with respect to the photoreceptor unit;
16. A cartridge according to claim 15, wherein said storage element is mounted so as to be located inside said mounting portion in the direction of said pivot shaft. The one end of the connecting member is fixed to the photosensitive unit by soldering, and the other end is fixed to the developing unit by soldering.
17. A cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: 18. The cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said memory unit further has a holding portion around which said connection member can be wound. A cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus having a body electrode,
a frame;
a developer carrier rotatably supported by the frame;
an end member attached to one end of the frame in the rotation axis direction of the developer carrier;
a memory unit having an electrode electrically connectable to the body electrode, a memory element, and a connection member electrically connecting the electrode and the memory element;
has
the frame body is rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to the end member;
The electrode is arranged on the end member, the memory element is arranged on the frame ,
The connecting member has flexibility, one end of which is fixed to the frame, and the other end of which is fixed to the end member. Deform while maintaining electrical connection between the electrode and the memory element
A cartridge characterized by: The end member has an attachment portion to which the electrode is attached,
20. A cartridge according to claim 19, wherein said storage element is mounted so as to be located inside said mounting portion in the direction of said pivot shaft. The one end of the connection member is fixed to the frame by soldering, and the other end is fixed to the end member by soldering.
21. A cartridge according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: 22. A cartridge according to claim 21, wherein said frame further has a holding portion around which said connection member can be wound. further comprising a second end member attached to the other end of the frame in the rotation axis direction,
the end member is rotatable with respect to the frame and the other end member;
the other end member is rotatable with respect to the frame and the end member;
23. The frame according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the frame is rotatable about the rotation shaft with respect to the end member and the other end member. cartridge. 24. A cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein said connecting member is a conductive cable.

Images