EP3647879B1 - Remanufacturing method for developing apparatus and cartridge - Google Patents
Remanufacturing method for developing apparatus and cartridge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3647879B1 EP3647879B1 EP19193712.7A EP19193712A EP3647879B1 EP 3647879 B1 EP3647879 B1 EP 3647879B1 EP 19193712 A EP19193712 A EP 19193712A EP 3647879 B1 EP3647879 B1 EP 3647879B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- developing
- communication hole
- remanufacturing method
- filter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 139
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 75
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims description 66
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 claims description 62
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 59
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 36
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 31
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 16
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007872 degassing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0894—Reconditioning of the developer unit, i.e. reusing or recycling parts of the unit, e.g. resealing of the unit before refilling with toner
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
- G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
- G03G21/1803—Arrangements or disposition of the complete process cartridge or parts thereof
- G03G21/181—Manufacturing or assembling, recycling, reuse, transportation, packaging or storage
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0865—Arrangements for supplying new developer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
- G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
- G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
- G03G15/0887—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity
- G03G15/0889—Arrangements for conveying and conditioning developer in the developing unit, e.g. agitating, removing impurities or humidity for agitation or stirring
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
- G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
- G03G21/1642—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements for connecting the different parts of the apparatus
- G03G21/1647—Mechanical connection means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/00987—Remanufacturing, i.e. reusing or recycling parts of the image forming apparatus
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a developer storage container provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer and to remanufacturing of a cartridge such as a developing apparatus or a process cartridge provided with the developer storage container.
- image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic image formation system an electrophotographic process
- image forming apparatuses with superior usability in which various process means are integrated as a cartridge configured so as to be attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus main body are being put to practical use for the purpose of facilitating maintenance.
- a cartridge system image forming apparatus an image is formed on a recording material (a recording medium) using toner stored in a cartridge (a developing apparatus formed as a cartridge or a process cartridge).
- the toner stored in the cartridge is consumed as image formation is performed, and once the toner is consumed to such an extent that images of high enough quality to satisfy a user having purchased the cartridge can no longer be formed, the cartridge loses its commercial value.
- the cartridges described above include those that have a stirring member for stirring toner inside a developer storage chamber. With such cartridges, the stirring member arranged inside the developer storage chamber may sometimes interfere with the remanufacturing process described above.
- JP 2002 278423 A discloses a prior art remanufacturing method for cartridges, according to which toner is refilled through a toner passage opening that is exposed by removing a developing roller.
- US 2018/143569 A discloses a remanufacturing method for cartridges, according to which a part of a frame member is removed so as to refill a flexible container that is arranged in a common space with a developing roller and an unsealing member.
- EP 3 316 042 A1 discloses a further related developing apparatus and a process cartridge.
- the present invention provides a remanufacturing method of a cartridge which prevents work from being disturbed by a stirring member of the cartridge.
- the remanufacturing method according to the present invention is a remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing apparatus as specified in claims 1 to 8, and 15 to 19.
- the remanufacturing method according to the present invention is a remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing apparatus as specified in claims 9 to 19,
- FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a situation where the process cartridge 7 is mounted to an image forming apparatus main body, in which illustration of components such as a cover that closes a storage portion of the process cartridge 7 in the apparatus main body is omitted.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 7 according to the present embodiment.
- the image forming apparatus 100 includes first, second, third, and fourth image forming portions SY, SM, SC, and SK for respectively forming images of the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).
- first, second, third, and fourth image forming portions SY, SM, SC, and SK for respectively forming images of the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).
- configurations and operations of the first to fourth image forming portions are substantially the same with the exception of differences in colors of formed images. Therefore, unless a specific distinction must be made, Y, M, C, and K will be omitted and the image forming portions will be collectively described.
- the image forming apparatus 100 includes four electrophotographic photosensitive drums (hereinafter, referred to as "photosensitive drums") 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K) as four image bearing members.
- the photosensitive drum 1 rotates in a direction of an arrow A in the drawings.
- a charging roller 2 and a scanner unit 3 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1.
- the charging roller 2 is charging means which uniformly charges a surface of the photosensitive drums 1.
- the scanner unit 3 is exposing means which irradiates a laser based on image information and forms an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drums 1.
- developer units 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K) and cleaning blades 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K) as cleaning means are arranged in a periphery of the photosensitive drums 1. Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer member for transferring a toner image on the photosensitive drums 1 to a recording material 12 is arranged so as to oppose the four photosensitive drums 1.
- the developing units 4 use toners T (TY, TM, TC, and TK) which are non-magnetic single component developers as developers.
- the developing units 4 perform contact development by bringing a developer bearing member (hereinafter, referred to as a "developing roller") 22 as developing means into contact with the photosensitive drums 1.
- photosensitive units 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K) are formed by the photosensitive drums 1, the charging roller 2, the cleaning blades 6, and a waste toner storage portion 14a for storing primary transfer residual toner that remains on the photosensitive drum 1.
- the process cartridges 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K) are formed by integrating the developing unit 4 and the photosensitive unit 13 into a cartridge.
- the process cartridges 7 are configured so as to be attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 100 via mounting means such as a mounting guide or a positioning member (not shown) provided on the image forming apparatus 100.
- the process cartridges 7 are attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 100 in an axial direction of the photosensitive drums 1 as indicated by an arrow G in FIG. 3 .
- the process cartridges 7 for the respective colors all have the same shape.
- the process cartridges 7 for the respective colors store toners T (TY, TM, TC, and TK) of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).
- the intermediate transfer belt 5 is in contact with all photosensitive drums 1 and rotates in a direction of an arrow B in FIG. 2 .
- the intermediate transfer belt 5 is stretched over a plurality of supporting members (a driver roller 26, a secondary transfer opposing roller 27, and a driven roller 28).
- Four primary transfer rollers 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K) as primary transfer means are arranged side by side on a side of an inner peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 5 so as to oppose each photosensitive drum 1.
- a secondary transfer roller 9 as secondary transfer means is arranged at a position opposing the secondary transfer opposing roller 27 on a side of an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 5.
- the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 2.
- the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is subjected to scanning exposure and an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.
- the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is then developed by the developing unit 4 as a toner image (a developer image).
- the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred (primarily transferred) onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 by an action of the primary transfer roller 8.
- the process described above is sequentially performed in the first to fourth image forming portions SY, SM, SC, and SK, and toner images of the respective colors are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 5 by being sequentially superimposed on one another.
- the recording material 12 is transported to a secondary transfer portion in synchronization with a movement of the intermediate transfer belt 5.
- the secondary transfer roller 9 due to an action of the secondary transfer roller 9 in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 5 via the recording material 12, the four-color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively secondarily transferred onto the recording material 12.
- the recording material 12 onto which the toner images have been transferred is transported to a fixing apparatus 10 as fixing means. Heat and pressure are applied to the recording material 12 by the fixing apparatus 10 to fix the toner images onto the recording material 12. Subsequently, the recording material 12 on which the toner images have been fixed is discharged to outside of the machine.
- Secondary transfer residual toner that remains on the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer process is removed by the cleaning blade 6.
- secondary transfer residual toner that remains on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer process is removed by an intermediate transfer belt cleaning apparatus 11.
- the removed secondary transfer residual toner is discharged to a waste toner box (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100.
- the image forming apparatus 100 is also configured so as to be capable of forming a single-color or multi-color image using only a single or some (not all) desired image forming portions.
- FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the developing unit 4 and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the developing unit 4.
- the photosensitive unit 13 includes a cleaning frame 14 as a frame that supports various elements inside the photosensitive unit 13.
- the photosensitive drum 1 is attached to the cleaning frame 14 via a bearing member so that the photosensitive drum 1 is rotatable in a direction of an arrow A.
- a charging roller bearing 15 is attached to the cleaning frame 14 along a line that passes through a center of rotation of the charging roller 2 and a center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 so as to be movable in a direction of an 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 by an elastic member 6a for removing primary transfer residual toner that remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after primary transfer and a supporting member 6b for supporting the elastic member.
- the primary transfer residual toner having been removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 6 drops in a direction of gravity in a space formed by the cleaning blade 6 and the cleaning frame 14 and is stored in the waste toner storage portion 14a.
- the developing unit 4 includes a developing frame 18 which supports various elements inside the developing unit 4 and which is also a developer storage container.
- the developing unit 4 is provided with a developing roller 22 which comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in a direction of an arrow D.
- the developing roller 22 is rotatably supported at both ends in a direction of a rotational axis thereof by the developing frame 18 via bearing units 32 and 33.
- the developing unit 4 has a developer storage chamber (a storage chamber) 18a for storing toner, a developing chamber 18b in which the developing roller 22 is arranged, and an opening (an internal opening or a first opening) 18c which connects the developer storage chamber 18a and the developing chamber 18b each other.
- the developing frame 18 has a partition portion (a partition wall) 18m which partitions the developer storage chamber 18a and the developing chamber 18b of the developing frame 18.
- the opening 18c is provided in the partition portion 18m.
- the developing frame 18 is provided with a developer opening (a second opening) for exposing a part of the developing roller 22 to outside of the developing frame 18.
- the developing chamber 18b is positioned above the developer storage chamber 18a.
- a developer supplying member (a supplying roller) 20 which comes into contact with the developing roller 22 and rotates and a developer restricting member (a developing blade) 21 for restricting a toner layer of the developing roller 22 are arranged in the developing chamber 18b.
- the developer storage chamber 18a of the developing frame 18 is provided with a stirring member 23 for stirring stored toner T and transporting the toner to the developer supplying member 20 via the opening 18c.
- the stirring member 23 has a rotating shaft 23a extending in a rotational axis direction of the stirring member 23 (a first direction) and a stirring sheet 23b which is a flexible sheet member having one end attached to the rotating shaft 23a and which stirs and transports toner.
- the stirring member 23 is configured so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the rotational axis direction (a center of the rotating shaft 23a).
- a longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 and the axial direction of the developing unit 4 are parallel to the rotational axis direction of the stirring member 23.
- the rotational axis directions of the developing roller 22, the supplying roller 20, and the photosensitive drum 1 are parallel to the rotational axis direction of the stirring member 23.
- the stirring member 23 rotates in a direction of an arrow F in a state where a side of another end of the stirring sheet 23b which is a free end has come into contact with an inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber 18a and is deflected.
- the developer storage chamber 18a has a release position 18e at which the stirring sheet 23b is released from the deflected state.
- the stirring sheet 23b flips up toner present on the stirring sheet 23b due to a release force from the deflected state and transports the toner to the developer supplying member 20 inside the developing chamber 18b via the opening 18c.
- the stirring sheet 23b is configured so as not to come into contact with the inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber 18a in at least a rotational phase from the release position 18e to a position opposing the opening 18c in a clockwise direction in FIG. 5 but capable of coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber 18a in other rotational phases.
- a distance between the inner wall surface of the developing frame 18 and the stirring member 23 varies.
- the stirring sheet 23b comes into contact with the partition portion 18m after passing the release position 18e.
- the partition portion 18m restricts entry of the stirring member 23 (the stirring sheet 23b) to the developing chamber 18b.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the developing frame 18.
- the developing frame 18 is provided with a filter 35 which reduces internal air pressure of the developing chamber 18b at a position opposing the opening 18c of the developing chamber 18b.
- the developing roller 22 and the toner supplying roller 20 are supported via a first developing bearing unit 32 and a second developing bearing unit 33 with respect to the developing frame 18.
- the first developing bearing unit 32 is constituted by the developing roller 22, a developing bearing member 32a for supporting the toner supplying roller 20, a gear train 32b for transmitting drive to a stirring gear 30, and a side cover 32c.
- Two ventilation openings (vent holes) 18g which extend along an axial line of the developing roller 22 are arranged in parallel at positions opposing the opening 18c of the developing chamber 18b in the developing frame 18 in order to prevent internal pressure rise of the developing frame 18, and the filter 35 is bonded so as to cover the ventilation openings 18g.
- the ventilation openings 18g connect the inside of the developing chamber 18b and the outside of the developing frame 18. In addition, with respect to the axial direction of the stirring member 23, positions of the ventilation openings 18g and a position of the opening 18c overlap with each other.
- the filter 35 is formed by a material which restricts passage of toner but allows passage of air.
- the side cover 32c is fixed to the developing frame 18 and the developing bearing member 32a by three screws 34 in a state where the side cover 32c covers a toner cap 31.
- the toner cap 31 seals a toner filling port (not shown) which is provided at a longitudinal end portion of the developing frame 18 and which is used to fill the developer storage chamber 18a of the developing frame 18 with toner T during manufacture of the developing unit 4.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the developing frame 18 in a process of refilling toner.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the developing frame 18 prior to refilling toner.
- FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the developing frame 18 after boring a hole
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the developing frame 18 in an example of a communicating process of the developing frame 18.
- FIG. 8A is a sectional view of the developing frame 18 after boring a hole
- FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the developing frame 18 in an example of the communicating process of the developing frame 18.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the developing frame 18 in an example of a process of refilling toner.
- FIG. 10A is an exploded view of an example of a sealing process for sealing the communication hole 18f of the developing frame 18, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an example in which the communication hole 18f of the developing frame 18 has been sealed.
- FIG. 11A is an exploded view of an example of the sealing process for sealing the communication hole 18f of the developing frame 18, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an example in which the communication hole 18f of the developing frame 18 has been sealed.
- FIG. 12A is an exploded view of an example of the sealing process for sealing the communication hole 18f of the developing frame 18, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an example in which the communication hole 18f of the developing frame 18 has been sealed.
- the developing unit 4 according to the present embodiment may sometimes be remanufactured independently (separated from the photosensitive unit 13) or may sometimes be remanufactured in an integrated state with the photosensitive unit 13 (in other words, as the process cartridge 7).
- cartridges in the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the present invention may sometimes be the developing unit 4 (a developing apparatus) having been independently made into a cartridge or may sometimes be the process cartridge 7 as described in the present embodiment.
- the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment includes a preparing step of preparing a cartridge (the developing unit 4 or the process cartridge 7) to be a material before performing the steps 1 to 3 described above.
- the developing unit 4 or the process cartridge 7 to be a material for example, a used developing unit 4 or a used process cartridge 7 in a state where toner has been consumed by performing image forming operations is used.
- the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment is a method of remanufacturing a new developing unit (a second developing apparatus) from the developing unit 4 (a first developing apparatus) to be a material.
- the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment is a method of remanufacturing a new process cartridge (a second process cartridge) from the process cartridge 7 (a first process cartridge) to be a material.
- Step 1 Communicating Process of Developing Frame 18
- the communicating process of the developing frame 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B , 8A, and 8B .
- a communication hole (a third opening) 18f for communicating the developing chamber 18b and the outside of the developing frame 18 is bored at a position opposing the opening 18c of the developing chamber 18b in the developing frame 18.
- the communication hole 18f is bored using an ultrasonic cutter, laser machining, or the like. In other words, a part of the developing frame 18 is removed to form the communication hole 18f on the developing frame 18. Due to the communication hole 18f, the developer storage chamber 18a communicates with the outside of the developing frame 18 via the opening 18c, the developing chamber 18b, and the communication hole 18f.
- the communication hole 18f is formed so as to open on a wall surface in an upper part of the developing chamber 18b when the process cartridge 7 is in the posture when the developing unit 4 being used.
- a shape and a size of the communication hole 18f and a position at which the communication hole 18f is provided are preferably a shape, a size, and a position which enable a funnel 36 (to be described later) to be inserted so that a leg portion of the funnel 36 reaches the developer storage chamber 18a.
- the shape and the size of the communication hole 18f are preferably a shape and a size which enable the communication hole 18f to be closed by a sticker member 37a or a cap member 37b (to be described later).
- the communication hole 18f is formed so as to penetrate the filter 35 and an affixing portion of the filter 35 in the developing frame 18.
- a through-hole is also formed in the filter 35, and the communication hole 18f is formed by the through-hole of the filter 35 and an expanded ventilation opening 18g (to be described later).
- the communication hole 18f of a desired size is formed by also partially cutting away a periphery of the ventilation opening 18g.
- the communicating process includes a process of expanding a size of the ventilation opening 18g as the communication hole originally provided in the developing frame 18 to a size that enables the leg portion of the funnel 36 to be inserted thereinto.
- a through-hole may only be formed in the filter 35 and the communication hole 18f may be formed by the through-hole of the filter 35 and the ventilation opening 18g.
- Using the ventilation opening 18g enables generation of shavings to be suppressed as compared to a case where a new communication hole 18f is formed in the developing frame 18.
- the filter 35 may be peeled away from the developing frame 18 to form the communication hole 18f.
- a removing process of peeling the filter 35 away from the developing frame 18 is first performed and, subsequently, a process of boring the communication hole 18f with a desired size in the developing frame 18 is performed.
- a peripheral portion of the ventilation opening 18g is partially cut away when forming the communication hole 18f in a similar manner to the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B described above.
- the communicating process may be completed by only an action of peeling the filter 35 away from the developing frame 18.
- the ventilation opening 18g may be used as the communication hole 18f without removing a part of the developing frame 18. Accordingly, work for removing a part of the developing frame 18 can be omitted and generation of shavings can be suppressed.
- the communication hole 18f may be formed by connecting a plurality of ventilation openings 18g. Expanding the ventilation opening 18g or connecting a plurality of ventilation openings 18g can also improve degassing performance of the ventilation opening 18g. Even in this case, it can be argued that the ventilation opening 18g is being expanded.
- the communicating process of the developing frame 18 is not limited to the methods described above. Other methods can be appropriately adopted as long as a communication hole which establishes communication between the developer storage chamber 18a and the outside of the developing frame 18 and which enables an introduction path of refill toner to be secured during toner refill (to be described later) can be formed in the developing frame 18.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a situation where toner refill is performed with respect to the developing frame 18 in which the communication hole 18f has been formed so as to penetrate the filter 35 and the affixing portion of the filter 35 in the developing frame 18 by the communicating process shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- Toner refill to the developer storage chamber 18a is performed by inserting the funnel 36 into the communication hole 18f and pouring toner T into the funnel 36 from a toner bottle (not shown) or the like.
- the funnel 36 has a conical portion 36a for receiving the toner T poured from the toner bottle and a tubular leg portion 36b which extends from a small-diameter leading end portion of the conical portion 36a, and the funnel 36 is inserted into the developing frame 18 to a position where an opening leading end portion 36c of the leg portion 36b reaches the developer storage chamber 18a.
- positions of the ventilation openings 18g and the position of the opening 18c overlap with each other. Therefore, the opening leading end portion 36c of the leg portion 36b can be readily inserted to a position where the opening leading end portion 36c reaches the developer storage chamber 18a.
- a refill introduction path of the toner T is formed which reaches the developer storage chamber 18a from the outside of the developing frame 18 via the communication hole 18f, the developing chamber 18b, and the opening 18c. While the toner T can also be refilled from other portions, filling the developer storage chamber 18a with the toner T from the communication hole 18f which is proximal to the developer storage chamber 18a makes it easier for the toner to enter the developer storage chamber 18a.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing a situation where toner refill is performed with respect to the developing frame 18 in which the communication hole 18f has been formed by peeling away the filter 35 according to the communicating process shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- toner refill to the developer storage chamber 18a is performed by peeling away the filter 35, inserting the funnel 36 into the formed communication hole 18f, and pouring toner into the funnel 36 from a toner bottle (not shown) or the like.
- toner refill is not limited to methods using the funnel 36 described above as a tool for refilling the developer storage chamber 18a with the toner T.
- a method may be adopted in which refill is performed by inserting a tubular portion of a dispenser or a hose-like tubular member being connected to a toner supply source.
- Refill need not necessary involve directly filling the developer storage chamber 18a with toner.
- the developing chamber 18b may be filled with toner from the outside of the developing frame 18 via the communication hole 18f.
- the stirring member 23 is preferably moved so as not to cover the opening 18c. Accordingly, the developer storage chamber 18a can be filled with the toner having filled the developing chamber 18b through the opening 18c.
- Step 3 Sealing Process for Sealing Hole of Developing Frame 18
- the communication hole 18f can be sealed using various sealing members 37.
- the sticker member 37a may be used as the sealing member 37.
- An adhesive surface of the sticker member 37a is attached to the filter 35 at a position where the communication hole 18f is to be sealed to provide a seal so that toner T does not leak from the communication hole 18f.
- the cap member 37b may be used as the sealing member 37.
- an adhesive member 38 is injected to bonding surfaces of the cap member 37b and the filter 35 or the adhesive member 38 is applied to the bonding surfaces in advance, and the cap member 37b and the filter 35 are bonded to each other. Bonding methods are not limited and a pressure sensitive adhesive or a silicone bond may be used.
- the filter 35 may be replaced with a new filter 37c and the new filter 37c may be attached to the developing frame 18 so as to cover the communication hole 18f (the ventilation opening 18g). In doing so, the filter 35 may be reused.
- the filter 35 is peeled away, the communication hole 18f is formed and, after refill, the new filter 37c is attached and the new filter 37c and the developing frame 18 are bonded to each other. Bonding methods are not limited and heat-welding or a double-sided tape may be used.
- a remanufacturing method of a cartridge which prevents work from being disturbed by a stirring member of the cartridge can be provided.
- the communication hole 18f is formed so as to open to the developing chamber 18b which is partitioned by the partition portion 18m with respect to the developer storage chamber 18a in which the stirring member 23 is stored. Accordingly, the stirring member 23 is prevented from closing the communication hole 18f. In other words, work for filling the inside of the developing frame 18 with toner from the outside of the developing frame 18 is not impeded by the stirring member 23. In addition, even in cases where a part of the developing frame 18 is removed in the process of forming the communication hole 18f or expanding the communication hole 18f (the ventilation opening 18g), the stirring member 23 is prevented from being damaged. Therefore, there is no need to move the stirring member 23 in order to prevent damage to the stirring member 23. In other words, work for removing a part of the developing frame 18 is not impeded by the stirring member 23.
- the communication hole 18f (the ventilation opening 18g) opens in a direction (a second direction) that intersects with a direction of the rotational axis of the stirring member 23. Therefore, an insertion direction of the funnel 36 is a direction that approximately matches a direction in which the stirring sheet 23b is likely to exhibit flexibility. While the funnel 36 and the stirring sheet 23b preferably do not come into contact with each other, even when the funnel 36 and the stirring sheet 23b come into contact with each other, since the contact occurs in a direction in which the stirring sheet 23b is likely to exhibit flexibility, the stirring sheet 23b is less likely to be damaged.
- the leg portion 36b of the funnel 36 can be inserted to the developer storage chamber 18a by utilizing the flexibility of the stirring sheet 23b and causing the stirring sheet 23b to deflect (by pushing back the stirring sheet 23b).
- the stirring sheet 23b since the stirring sheet 23b is in a released state where the stirring sheet 23b is not in contact with the inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber 18a at the position where the stirring sheet 23b closes the opening 18c, it is not difficult to push the leg portion 36b of the funnel 36 into the communication hole 18f and cause the stirring sheet 23b to deform so as not to damage the stirring sheet 23b.
- a remanufacturing method of the process cartridge 7 according to a second embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 .
- descriptions of matters in common with those of the first embodiment will be generally omitted.
- FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a communicating process according to the second embodiment.
- the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in an arrangement of the ventilation opening 18g and an arrangement of the communication hole 18f.
- FIG. 13 An arrow in FIG. 13 indicates a longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 (a rotational axis direction of the developing roller 22).
- the developing frame 18 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of ventilation openings 18g.
- the ventilation openings 18g according to the second embodiment are arranged at positions opposing the opening 18c in a similar manner to the first embodiment (refer to FIGS. 5 , 6A, and 6B ).
- the ventilation openings 18g are covered by the filter 35 in a similar manner to the first embodiment.
- the plurality of the ventilation openings 18g include a plurality of first ventilation openings 18g1 and a plurality of second ventilation openings 18g2.
- positions of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and positions of the second ventilation openings 18g2 differ from and do not overlap with each other.
- the positions of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and the positions of the second ventilation openings 18g2 differ from each other.
- the positions of at least a part of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and the positions of at least a part of the second ventilation openings 18g2 overlap with each other.
- the communication hole 18f is formed so as to connect the first ventilation openings 18g1 and the second ventilation openings 18g2. In doing so, the communication hole 18f can be formed so as to connect one first ventilation opening 18g1 and one second ventilation opening 18g2 (18f1). In addition, the communication hole 18f can also be formed so as to connect one first ventilation opening 18g1 and a plurality of the second ventilation openings 18g2 (18f2). The communication hole 18f can also be formed so as to connect a plurality of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and a plurality of the second ventilation openings 18g2. Furthermore, a plurality of communication holes 18f can be formed in the developing frame 18.
- a communication hole denoted by 18f1 and a communication hole denoted by 18f2 can be formed in the developing frame 18.
- any one of a communication hole denoted by 18f1 and a communication hole denoted by 18f2 can be formed in the developing frame 18. In doing so, in order to form the communication hole 18f, a part of the developing frame 18 positioned between the respective ventilation openings 18g is removed.
- the communication hole 18f can be readily formed.
- the communication hole 18f can be readily expanded. Accordingly, the degassing performance of the ventilation openings 18g can also be improved.
- the communication hole 18f (the ventilation openings 18g) can be sealed by a sealing member such as the filter 35, the new filter 37c, or the cap member 37b.
- a cartridge can be remanufactured while preventing work from being disturbed by a stirring member of the cartridge.
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Description
- The present invention relates to a developer storage container provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer and to remanufacturing of a cartridge such as a developing apparatus or a process cartridge provided with the developer storage container.
- Among image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic image formation system (an electrophotographic process), image forming apparatuses with superior usability in which various process means are integrated as a cartridge configured so as to be attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus main body are being put to practical use for the purpose of facilitating maintenance. With such a cartridge system image forming apparatus, an image is formed on a recording material (a recording medium) using toner stored in a cartridge (a developing apparatus formed as a cartridge or a process cartridge). The toner stored in the cartridge is consumed as image formation is performed, and once the toner is consumed to such an extent that images of high enough quality to satisfy a user having purchased the cartridge can no longer be formed, the cartridge loses its commercial value.
- In recent years, cartridges having lost their commercial values once their toner has been consumed are being remanufactured (recycled). As such a remanufacturing method, for example, a method has been proposed which involves boring a hole at one end in a longitudinal direction of a developer storage chamber in a cartridge, refilling the developer storage chamber with toner from the bored hole, and sealing the hole with a sealing member once the refill is completed (
JP 2002 328588 A JP 2002 251119 A - The cartridges described above include those that have a stirring member for stirring toner inside a developer storage chamber. With such cartridges, the stirring member arranged inside the developer storage chamber may sometimes interfere with the remanufacturing process described above.
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JP 2002 278423 A -
US 2018/143569 A discloses a remanufacturing method for cartridges, according to which a part of a frame member is removed so as to refill a flexible container that is arranged in a common space with a developing roller and an unsealing member.EP 3 316 042 A1 discloses a further related developing apparatus and a process cartridge. - The present invention provides a remanufacturing method of a cartridge which prevents work from being disturbed by a stirring member of the cartridge.
- The remanufacturing method according to the present invention is
a remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing apparatus as specified in claims 1 to 8, and 15 to 19. - In addition, the remanufacturing method according to the present invention is
a remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing apparatus as specified in claims 9 to 19, - Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).
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FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a refilling process in remanufacturing of a developer storage container according to a first embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment when mounting the process cartridge to an apparatus main body; -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a configuration of the developer storage container according to the first embodiment; -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded view and a perspective view showing a configuration of the developer storage container according to the first embodiment; -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of a communicating process in a remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the first embodiment; -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of the communicating process in the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a refilling process in the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the first embodiment; -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a sealing process in the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the first embodiment; -
FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the sealing process in the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the first embodiment; -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the sealing process in the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the first embodiment; and -
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a communicating process according to a second embodiment. - Hereinafter, a description will be given, with reference to the drawings, of embodiments (examples) of the present invention. However, the sizes, materials, shapes, their relative arrangements, or the like of constituents described in the embodiments may be appropriately changed according to the configurations, various conditions, or the like of apparatuses to which the invention is applied. Therefore, the sizes, materials, shapes, their relative arrangements, or the like of the constituents described in the embodiments do not intend to limit the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.
- Configurations of a
process cartridge 7 and animage forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4 .FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of theimage forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a situation where theprocess cartridge 7 is mounted to an image forming apparatus main body, in which illustration of components such as a cover that closes a storage portion of theprocess cartridge 7 in the apparatus main body is omitted.FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of theprocess cartridge 7 according to the present embodiment. - First, an overall configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as an "image forming apparatus") according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 2 ,3 , and4 . As a plurality of image forming portions, theimage forming apparatus 100 includes first, second, third, and fourth image forming portions SY, SM, SC, and SK for respectively forming images of the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the present embodiment, configurations and operations of the first to fourth image forming portions are substantially the same with the exception of differences in colors of formed images. Therefore, unless a specific distinction must be made, Y, M, C, and K will be omitted and the image forming portions will be collectively described. - The
image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes four electrophotographic photosensitive drums (hereinafter, referred to as "photosensitive drums") 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K) as four image bearing members. The photosensitive drum 1 rotates in a direction of an arrow A in the drawings. Acharging roller 2 and a scanner unit 3 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1. In this case, thecharging roller 2 is charging means which uniformly charges a surface of the photosensitive drums 1. In addition, the scanner unit 3 is exposing means which irradiates a laser based on image information and forms an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drums 1. Developing apparatuses (hereinafter, referred to as "developing units") 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K) and cleaning blades 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K) as cleaning means are arranged in a periphery of the photosensitive drums 1. Furthermore, anintermediate transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer member for transferring a toner image on the photosensitive drums 1 to arecording material 12 is arranged so as to oppose the four photosensitive drums 1. - In the present embodiment, the developing
units 4 use toners T (TY, TM, TC, and TK) which are non-magnetic single component developers as developers. In the present embodiment, the developingunits 4 perform contact development by bringing a developer bearing member (hereinafter, referred to as a "developing roller") 22 as developing means into contact with the photosensitive drums 1. - In the present embodiment, photosensitive units 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K) are formed by the photosensitive drums 1, the
charging roller 2, the cleaning blades 6, and a waste toner storage portion 14a for storing primary transfer residual toner that remains on the photosensitive drum 1. - Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the process cartridges 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K) are formed by integrating the developing
unit 4 and thephotosensitive unit 13 into a cartridge. Theprocess cartridges 7 are configured so as to be attachable to and detachable from theimage forming apparatus 100 via mounting means such as a mounting guide or a positioning member (not shown) provided on theimage forming apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, theprocess cartridges 7 are attachable to and detachable from theimage forming apparatus 100 in an axial direction of the photosensitive drums 1 as indicated by an arrow G inFIG. 3 . - In the present embodiment, the
process cartridges 7 for the respective colors all have the same shape. Theprocess cartridges 7 for the respective colors store toners T (TY, TM, TC, and TK) of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). - The
intermediate transfer belt 5 is in contact with all photosensitive drums 1 and rotates in a direction of an arrow B inFIG. 2 . Theintermediate transfer belt 5 is stretched over a plurality of supporting members (adriver roller 26, a secondarytransfer opposing roller 27, and a driven roller 28). Four primary transfer rollers 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K) as primary transfer means are arranged side by side on a side of an inner peripheral surface of theintermediate transfer belt 5 so as to oppose each photosensitive drum 1. In addition, a secondary transfer roller 9 as secondary transfer means is arranged at a position opposing the secondarytransfer opposing roller 27 on a side of an outer peripheral surface of theintermediate transfer belt 5. - During image formation, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charging
roller 2. Next, due to laser light in accordance with image information emitted from the scanner unit 3, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is subjected to scanning exposure and an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is then developed by the developingunit 4 as a toner image (a developer image). The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred (primarily transferred) onto theintermediate transfer belt 5 by an action of the primary transfer roller 8. - For example, when forming a full-color image, the process described above is sequentially performed in the first to fourth image forming portions SY, SM, SC, and SK, and toner images of the respective colors are primarily transferred onto the
intermediate transfer belt 5 by being sequentially superimposed on one another. Subsequently, therecording material 12 is transported to a secondary transfer portion in synchronization with a movement of theintermediate transfer belt 5. In addition, due to an action of the secondary transfer roller 9 in contact with theintermediate transfer belt 5 via therecording material 12, the four-color toner images on theintermediate transfer belt 5 are collectively secondarily transferred onto therecording material 12. - The
recording material 12 onto which the toner images have been transferred is transported to a fixingapparatus 10 as fixing means. Heat and pressure are applied to therecording material 12 by the fixingapparatus 10 to fix the toner images onto therecording material 12. Subsequently, therecording material 12 on which the toner images have been fixed is discharged to outside of the machine. - Primary transfer residual toner that remains on the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer process is removed by the cleaning blade 6. In addition, secondary transfer residual toner that remains on the
intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer process is removed by an intermediate transferbelt cleaning apparatus 11. The removed secondary transfer residual toner is discharged to a waste toner box (not shown) of theimage forming apparatus 100. - The
image forming apparatus 100 is also configured so as to be capable of forming a single-color or multi-color image using only a single or some (not all) desired image forming portions. - An overall configuration of the
process cartridge 7 to be mounted to theimage forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will now be described with reference toFIGS. 4 ,6A, and 6B. FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the developingunit 4 andFIG. 6B is a perspective view of the developingunit 4. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thephotosensitive unit 13 includes acleaning frame 14 as a frame that supports various elements inside thephotosensitive unit 13. The photosensitive drum 1 is attached to thecleaning frame 14 via a bearing member so that the photosensitive drum 1 is rotatable in a direction of an arrow A. In addition, a chargingroller bearing 15 is attached to thecleaning frame 14 along a line that passes through a center of rotation of the chargingroller 2 and a center of rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 so as to be movable in a direction of an arrow C. The chargingroller 2 is rotatably attached to the chargingroller bearing 15. In addition, the chargingroller bearing 15 is biased toward the photosensitive drum 1 by a chargingroller pressure spring 16 as biasing means. - The cleaning blade 6 is integrally formed by an elastic member 6a for removing primary transfer residual toner that remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after primary transfer and a supporting
member 6b for supporting the elastic member. The primary transfer residual toner having been removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 6 drops in a direction of gravity in a space formed by the cleaning blade 6 and thecleaning frame 14 and is stored in the waste toner storage portion 14a. - As shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B , the developingunit 4 includes a developingframe 18 which supports various elements inside the developingunit 4 and which is also a developer storage container. The developingunit 4 is provided with a developingroller 22 which comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in a direction of an arrow D. The developingroller 22 is rotatably supported at both ends in a direction of a rotational axis thereof by the developingframe 18 via bearingunits 32 and 33. - The developing
unit 4 has a developer storage chamber (a storage chamber) 18a for storing toner, a developingchamber 18b in which the developingroller 22 is arranged, and an opening (an internal opening or a first opening) 18c which connects thedeveloper storage chamber 18a and the developingchamber 18b each other. More specifically, the developingframe 18 has a partition portion (a partition wall) 18m which partitions thedeveloper storage chamber 18a and the developingchamber 18b of the developingframe 18. Theopening 18c is provided in thepartition portion 18m. In addition, the developingframe 18 is provided with a developer opening (a second opening) for exposing a part of the developingroller 22 to outside of the developingframe 18. In the present embodiment, when theprocess cartridge 7 is in a posture when the developingunit 4 being used (when theprocess cartridge 7 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100), the developingchamber 18b is positioned above thedeveloper storage chamber 18a. A developer supplying member (a supplying roller) 20 which comes into contact with the developingroller 22 and rotates and a developer restricting member (a developing blade) 21 for restricting a toner layer of the developingroller 22 are arranged in the developingchamber 18b. - The
developer storage chamber 18a of the developingframe 18 is provided with a stirringmember 23 for stirring stored toner T and transporting the toner to thedeveloper supplying member 20 via theopening 18c. The stirringmember 23 has arotating shaft 23a extending in a rotational axis direction of the stirring member 23 (a first direction) and astirring sheet 23b which is a flexible sheet member having one end attached to therotating shaft 23a and which stirs and transports toner. In other words, the stirringmember 23 is configured so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the rotational axis direction (a center of therotating shaft 23a). - In the present embodiment, a longitudinal direction of the
process cartridge 7 and the axial direction of the developingunit 4 are parallel to the rotational axis direction of the stirringmember 23. In addition, the rotational axis directions of the developingroller 22, the supplyingroller 20, and the photosensitive drum 1 are parallel to the rotational axis direction of the stirringmember 23. - The stirring
member 23 rotates in a direction of an arrow F in a state where a side of another end of the stirringsheet 23b which is a free end has come into contact with an inner wall surface of thedeveloper storage chamber 18a and is deflected. Thedeveloper storage chamber 18a has arelease position 18e at which thestirring sheet 23b is released from the deflected state. When passing therelease position 18e, the stirringsheet 23b flips up toner present on the stirringsheet 23b due to a release force from the deflected state and transports the toner to thedeveloper supplying member 20 inside the developingchamber 18b via theopening 18c. Specifically, the stirringsheet 23b is configured so as not to come into contact with the inner wall surface of thedeveloper storage chamber 18a in at least a rotational phase from therelease position 18e to a position opposing theopening 18c in a clockwise direction inFIG. 5 but capable of coming into contact with the inner wall surface of thedeveloper storage chamber 18a in other rotational phases. In other words, due to a movement (a rotation) of the stirringmember 23, a distance between the inner wall surface of the developingframe 18 and the stirringmember 23 varies. In the present embodiment, the stirringsheet 23b comes into contact with thepartition portion 18m after passing therelease position 18e. In other words, thepartition portion 18m restricts entry of the stirring member 23 (the stirringsheet 23b) to the developingchamber 18b. - A detailed configuration of the developing
frame 18 which is a developer storage container will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 ,6A , and6B .FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the developingframe 18. - In the present embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 5 , in addition to thedeveloper storage chamber 18a, the developingchamber 18b, theopening 18c, and the stirringmember 23 described above, the developingframe 18 is provided with afilter 35 which reduces internal air pressure of the developingchamber 18b at a position opposing theopening 18c of the developingchamber 18b. - As shown in
FIG. 6A , the developingroller 22 and thetoner supplying roller 20 are supported via a first developing bearing unit 32 and a second developing bearingunit 33 with respect to the developingframe 18. The first developing bearing unit 32 is constituted by the developingroller 22, a developingbearing member 32a for supporting thetoner supplying roller 20, a gear train 32b for transmitting drive to a stirring gear 30, and aside cover 32c. Two ventilation openings (vent holes) 18g which extend along an axial line of the developingroller 22 are arranged in parallel at positions opposing theopening 18c of the developingchamber 18b in the developingframe 18 in order to prevent internal pressure rise of the developingframe 18, and thefilter 35 is bonded so as to cover theventilation openings 18g. Theventilation openings 18g connect the inside of the developingchamber 18b and the outside of the developingframe 18. In addition, with respect to the axial direction of the stirringmember 23, positions of theventilation openings 18g and a position of theopening 18c overlap with each other. Thefilter 35 is formed by a material which restricts passage of toner but allows passage of air. - As shown in
FIG. 6B , theside cover 32c is fixed to the developingframe 18 and the developingbearing member 32a by threescrews 34 in a state where theside cover 32c covers atoner cap 31. - The
toner cap 31 seals a toner filling port (not shown) which is provided at a longitudinal end portion of the developingframe 18 and which is used to fill thedeveloper storage chamber 18a of the developingframe 18 with toner T during manufacture of the developingunit 4. - A remanufacturing method of the
process cartridge 7 will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 1 and5 to12B .FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the developingframe 18 in a process of refilling toner.FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the developingframe 18 prior to refilling toner. -
FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the developingframe 18 after boring a hole, andFIG. 7B is a perspective view of the developingframe 18 in an example of a communicating process of the developingframe 18. -
FIG. 8A is a sectional view of the developingframe 18 after boring a hole, andFIG. 8B is a perspective view of the developingframe 18 in an example of the communicating process of the developingframe 18. -
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the developingframe 18 in an example of a process of refilling toner. -
FIG. 10A is an exploded view of an example of a sealing process for sealing thecommunication hole 18f of the developingframe 18, andFIG. 10B is a perspective view of an example in which thecommunication hole 18f of the developingframe 18 has been sealed. -
FIG. 11A is an exploded view of an example of the sealing process for sealing thecommunication hole 18f of the developingframe 18, andFIG. 11B is a perspective view of an example in which thecommunication hole 18f of the developingframe 18 has been sealed. -
FIG. 12A is an exploded view of an example of the sealing process for sealing thecommunication hole 18f of the developingframe 18, andFIG. 12B is a perspective view of an example in which thecommunication hole 18f of the developingframe 18 has been sealed. - The developing
unit 4 according to the present embodiment may sometimes be remanufactured independently (separated from the photosensitive unit 13) or may sometimes be remanufactured in an integrated state with the photosensitive unit 13 (in other words, as the process cartridge 7). In other words, cartridges in the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the present invention may sometimes be the developing unit 4 (a developing apparatus) having been independently made into a cartridge or may sometimes be theprocess cartridge 7 as described in the present embodiment. - The remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the present embodiment generally includes the following three steps:
- Step 1: communicating process of the developing
frame 18, - Step 2: toner refilling process, and
- Step 3: sealing process for sealing a hole of the developing
frame 18. - It should be noted that the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment includes a preparing step of preparing a cartridge (the developing
unit 4 or the process cartridge 7) to be a material before performing the steps 1 to 3 described above. As the developingunit 4 or theprocess cartridge 7 to be a material, for example, a used developingunit 4 or a usedprocess cartridge 7 in a state where toner has been consumed by performing image forming operations is used. In other words, the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment is a method of remanufacturing a new developing unit (a second developing apparatus) from the developing unit 4 (a first developing apparatus) to be a material. In still other words, the remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment is a method of remanufacturing a new process cartridge (a second process cartridge) from the process cartridge 7 (a first process cartridge) to be a material. - Hereinafter, each step will be described in sequence.
- The communicating process of the developing
frame 18 will be described with reference toFIGS. 7A, 7B ,8A, and 8B . - As shown in
FIG. 7A , a communication hole (a third opening) 18f for communicating the developingchamber 18b and the outside of the developingframe 18 is bored at a position opposing theopening 18c of the developingchamber 18b in the developingframe 18. Thecommunication hole 18f is bored using an ultrasonic cutter, laser machining, or the like. In other words, a part of the developingframe 18 is removed to form thecommunication hole 18f on the developingframe 18. Due to thecommunication hole 18f, thedeveloper storage chamber 18a communicates with the outside of the developingframe 18 via theopening 18c, the developingchamber 18b, and thecommunication hole 18f. Thecommunication hole 18f is formed so as to open on a wall surface in an upper part of the developingchamber 18b when theprocess cartridge 7 is in the posture when the developingunit 4 being used. - A shape and a size of the
communication hole 18f and a position at which thecommunication hole 18f is provided are preferably a shape, a size, and a position which enable a funnel 36 (to be described later) to be inserted so that a leg portion of thefunnel 36 reaches thedeveloper storage chamber 18a. In addition, the shape and the size of thecommunication hole 18f are preferably a shape and a size which enable thecommunication hole 18f to be closed by asticker member 37a or acap member 37b (to be described later). - In the example of the communicating process shown in
FIGS. 7A and 7B , thecommunication hole 18f is formed so as to penetrate thefilter 35 and an affixing portion of thefilter 35 in the developingframe 18. In other words, a through-hole is also formed in thefilter 35, and thecommunication hole 18f is formed by the through-hole of thefilter 35 and an expandedventilation opening 18g (to be described later). In the developingframe 18 according to the present embodiment, since a size of theventilation opening 18g provided in the affixing portion of thefilter 35 is not large enough to enable the leg portion of thefunnel 36 to be inserted thereinto, thecommunication hole 18f of a desired size is formed by also partially cutting away a periphery of theventilation opening 18g. In other words, it can be argued that the communicating process includes a process of expanding a size of theventilation opening 18g as the communication hole originally provided in the developingframe 18 to a size that enables the leg portion of thefunnel 36 to be inserted thereinto. In the case of a configuration in which theventilation opening 18g has a sufficient size, a through-hole may only be formed in thefilter 35 and thecommunication hole 18f may be formed by the through-hole of thefilter 35 and theventilation opening 18g. Using theventilation opening 18g enables generation of shavings to be suppressed as compared to a case where anew communication hole 18f is formed in the developingframe 18. - Alternatively, as in the example of the communicating process shown in
FIG. 8A , at least a part of thefilter 35 may be peeled away from the developingframe 18 to form thecommunication hole 18f. In other words, a removing process of peeling thefilter 35 away from the developingframe 18 is first performed and, subsequently, a process of boring thecommunication hole 18f with a desired size in the developingframe 18 is performed. A peripheral portion of theventilation opening 18g is partially cut away when forming thecommunication hole 18f in a similar manner to the example shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B described above. In the case of a configuration in which theventilation opening 18g has a sufficient size, the communicating process may be completed by only an action of peeling thefilter 35 away from the developingframe 18. In other words, in the communicating process, theventilation opening 18g may be used as thecommunication hole 18f without removing a part of the developingframe 18. Accordingly, work for removing a part of the developingframe 18 can be omitted and generation of shavings can be suppressed. It should be noted that, as shown inFIG. 8B , thecommunication hole 18f may be formed by connecting a plurality ofventilation openings 18g. Expanding theventilation opening 18g or connecting a plurality ofventilation openings 18g can also improve degassing performance of theventilation opening 18g. Even in this case, it can be argued that theventilation opening 18g is being expanded. - The communicating process of the developing
frame 18 is not limited to the methods described above. Other methods can be appropriately adopted as long as a communication hole which establishes communication between thedeveloper storage chamber 18a and the outside of the developingframe 18 and which enables an introduction path of refill toner to be secured during toner refill (to be described later) can be formed in the developingframe 18. - The toner refilling process of filling the developing
frame 18 with new toner will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 and9 . -
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a situation where toner refill is performed with respect to the developingframe 18 in which thecommunication hole 18f has been formed so as to penetrate thefilter 35 and the affixing portion of thefilter 35 in the developingframe 18 by the communicating process shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B . Toner refill to thedeveloper storage chamber 18a is performed by inserting thefunnel 36 into thecommunication hole 18f and pouring toner T into thefunnel 36 from a toner bottle (not shown) or the like. Thefunnel 36 has aconical portion 36a for receiving the toner T poured from the toner bottle and atubular leg portion 36b which extends from a small-diameter leading end portion of theconical portion 36a, and thefunnel 36 is inserted into the developingframe 18 to a position where an opening leadingend portion 36c of theleg portion 36b reaches thedeveloper storage chamber 18a. In the present embodiment, with respect to the axial direction of the stirringmember 23, positions of theventilation openings 18g and the position of theopening 18c overlap with each other. Therefore, the opening leadingend portion 36c of theleg portion 36b can be readily inserted to a position where the opening leadingend portion 36c reaches thedeveloper storage chamber 18a. Accordingly, a refill introduction path of the toner T is formed which reaches thedeveloper storage chamber 18a from the outside of the developingframe 18 via thecommunication hole 18f, the developingchamber 18b, and theopening 18c. While the toner T can also be refilled from other portions, filling thedeveloper storage chamber 18a with the toner T from thecommunication hole 18f which is proximal to thedeveloper storage chamber 18a makes it easier for the toner to enter thedeveloper storage chamber 18a. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing a situation where toner refill is performed with respect to the developingframe 18 in which thecommunication hole 18f has been formed by peeling away thefilter 35 according to the communicating process shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B . As shown inFIG. 9 , toner refill to thedeveloper storage chamber 18a is performed by peeling away thefilter 35, inserting thefunnel 36 into the formedcommunication hole 18f, and pouring toner into thefunnel 36 from a toner bottle (not shown) or the like. - It should be noted that toner refill is not limited to methods using the
funnel 36 described above as a tool for refilling thedeveloper storage chamber 18a with the toner T. For example, a method may be adopted in which refill is performed by inserting a tubular portion of a dispenser or a hose-like tubular member being connected to a toner supply source. - Refill need not necessary involve directly filling the
developer storage chamber 18a with toner. In other words, the developingchamber 18b may be filled with toner from the outside of the developingframe 18 via thecommunication hole 18f. In doing so, the stirringmember 23 is preferably moved so as not to cover theopening 18c. Accordingly, thedeveloper storage chamber 18a can be filled with the toner having filled the developingchamber 18b through theopening 18c. - The sealing process for sealing the
communication hole 18f of the developingframe 18 will be described with reference toFIGS. 10A, 10B ,11A, 11B ,12A, and 12B . - In the sealing process according to the present embodiment, the
communication hole 18f can be sealed using various sealing members 37. - As shown in
FIG. 10A , thesticker member 37a may be used as the sealing member 37. An adhesive surface of thesticker member 37a is attached to thefilter 35 at a position where thecommunication hole 18f is to be sealed to provide a seal so that toner T does not leak from thecommunication hole 18f. - Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 11A , thecap member 37b may be used as the sealing member 37. After attaching thecap member 37b to thefilter 35 so as to close thecommunication hole 18f, anadhesive member 38 is injected to bonding surfaces of thecap member 37b and thefilter 35 or theadhesive member 38 is applied to the bonding surfaces in advance, and thecap member 37b and thefilter 35 are bonded to each other. Bonding methods are not limited and a pressure sensitive adhesive or a silicone bond may be used. - Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 12A , thefilter 35 may be replaced with anew filter 37c and thenew filter 37c may be attached to the developingframe 18 so as to cover thecommunication hole 18f (theventilation opening 18g). In doing so, thefilter 35 may be reused. In the communicating process shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B , thefilter 35 is peeled away, thecommunication hole 18f is formed and, after refill, thenew filter 37c is attached and thenew filter 37c and the developingframe 18 are bonded to each other. Bonding methods are not limited and heat-welding or a double-sided tape may be used. - As described above, with steps 1 to 3 described above, a remanufacturing method of a cartridge which prevents work from being disturbed by a stirring member of the cartridge can be provided.
- Specifically, the
communication hole 18f is formed so as to open to the developingchamber 18b which is partitioned by thepartition portion 18m with respect to thedeveloper storage chamber 18a in which the stirringmember 23 is stored. Accordingly, the stirringmember 23 is prevented from closing thecommunication hole 18f. In other words, work for filling the inside of the developingframe 18 with toner from the outside of the developingframe 18 is not impeded by the stirringmember 23. In addition, even in cases where a part of the developingframe 18 is removed in the process of forming thecommunication hole 18f or expanding thecommunication hole 18f (theventilation opening 18g), the stirringmember 23 is prevented from being damaged. Therefore, there is no need to move the stirringmember 23 in order to prevent damage to the stirringmember 23. In other words, work for removing a part of the developingframe 18 is not impeded by the stirringmember 23. - In addition, with the remanufacturing method of a cartridge according to the present embodiment, the
communication hole 18f (theventilation opening 18g) opens in a direction (a second direction) that intersects with a direction of the rotational axis of the stirringmember 23. Therefore, an insertion direction of thefunnel 36 is a direction that approximately matches a direction in which thestirring sheet 23b is likely to exhibit flexibility. While thefunnel 36 and the stirringsheet 23b preferably do not come into contact with each other, even when thefunnel 36 and the stirringsheet 23b come into contact with each other, since the contact occurs in a direction in which thestirring sheet 23b is likely to exhibit flexibility, the stirringsheet 23b is less likely to be damaged. Furthermore, even when the stirringsheet 23b stops at a position where the stirringsheet 23b closes theopening 18c between thedeveloper storage chamber 18a and the developingchamber 18b, theleg portion 36b of thefunnel 36 can be inserted to thedeveloper storage chamber 18a by utilizing the flexibility of the stirringsheet 23b and causing the stirringsheet 23b to deflect (by pushing back the stirringsheet 23b). As described above, since the stirringsheet 23b is in a released state where the stirringsheet 23b is not in contact with the inner wall surface of thedeveloper storage chamber 18a at the position where the stirringsheet 23b closes theopening 18c, it is not difficult to push theleg portion 36b of thefunnel 36 into thecommunication hole 18f and cause the stirringsheet 23b to deform so as not to damage the stirringsheet 23b. - A remanufacturing method of the
process cartridge 7 according to a second embodiment will now be described in detail with reference toFIG. 13 . In the second embodiment, descriptions of matters in common with those of the first embodiment will be generally omitted. -
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a communicating process according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in an arrangement of theventilation opening 18g and an arrangement of thecommunication hole 18f. - An arrow in
FIG. 13 indicates a longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 (a rotational axis direction of the developing roller 22). As shown inFIG. 13 , the developingframe 18 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality ofventilation openings 18g. It should be noted that theventilation openings 18g according to the second embodiment are arranged at positions opposing theopening 18c in a similar manner to the first embodiment (refer toFIGS. 5 ,6A, and 6B ). In addition, theventilation openings 18g are covered by thefilter 35 in a similar manner to the first embodiment. - The plurality of the
ventilation openings 18g include a plurality of first ventilation openings 18g1 and a plurality of second ventilation openings 18g2. In a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the developingroller 22, positions of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and positions of the second ventilation openings 18g2 differ from and do not overlap with each other. In the rotational axis direction of the developingroller 22, the positions of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and the positions of the second ventilation openings 18g2 differ from each other. However, the positions of at least a part of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and the positions of at least a part of the second ventilation openings 18g2 overlap with each other. - The
communication hole 18f is formed so as to connect the first ventilation openings 18g1 and the second ventilation openings 18g2. In doing so, thecommunication hole 18f can be formed so as to connect one first ventilation opening 18g1 and one second ventilation opening 18g2 (18f1). In addition, thecommunication hole 18f can also be formed so as to connect one first ventilation opening 18g1 and a plurality of the second ventilation openings 18g2 (18f2). Thecommunication hole 18f can also be formed so as to connect a plurality of the first ventilation openings 18g1 and a plurality of the second ventilation openings 18g2. Furthermore, a plurality ofcommunication holes 18f can be formed in the developingframe 18. For example, a communication hole denoted by 18f1 and a communication hole denoted by 18f2 can be formed in the developingframe 18. Alternatively, any one of a communication hole denoted by 18f1 and a communication hole denoted by 18f2 can be formed in the developingframe 18. In doing so, in order to form thecommunication hole 18f, a part of the developingframe 18 positioned between therespective ventilation openings 18g is removed. - According to the arrangement of the
ventilation openings 18g (the plurality of first ventilation openings 18g1 and the plurality of second ventilation openings 18g2) described in the present embodiment, thecommunication hole 18f can be readily formed. In addition, by increasing the number ofventilation openings 18g which become connected by forming thecommunication hole 18f, thecommunication hole 18f can be readily expanded. Accordingly, the degassing performance of theventilation openings 18g can also be improved. - Since the refilling process of toner and the sealing process of sealing the
communication hole 18f are the same as those of the first embodiment, descriptions thereof will be omitted. In other words, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, thecommunication hole 18f (theventilation openings 18g) can be sealed by a sealing member such as thefilter 35, thenew filter 37c, or thecap member 37b. - According to the present invention, a cartridge can be remanufactured while preventing work from being disturbed by a stirring member of the cartridge.
- While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation.
Claims (19)
- A remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing apparatus (4),
the developing apparatus (4) including:a frame (18) having a storage chamber (18a) for storing developer (T), a developing chamber (18b) in which a developing roller (22) for bearing the developer is to be arranged, and a partition portion (18m) that partitions the storage chamber (18a) and the developing chamber (18b), the frame (18) being provided with an opening (18c) in the partition portion (18m) such that the storage chamber (18a) and the developing chamber (18b) are connected each other; anda stirring member (23) for stirring the developer (T), the stirring member (23) being arranged in the storage chamber (18a) so as to be capable of coming into contact with a wall surface of the frame (18) that forms the storage chamber (18a),the remanufacturing method comprising:a communicating step of cutting a part of the frame (18) to form a communication hole (18f) formed so as to open to the developing chamber (18b) such that an outside of the frame (18) and the developing chamber (18b) are connected each other;a refilling step of refilling an inside of the frame (18) with the developer (T) via the communication hole (18f); anda sealing step of sealing the communication hole (18f). - The remanufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein
the developing apparatus (4) includes the frame (18) provided with a ventilation opening (18g) which connects an outside of the frame (18) and the developing chamber (18b) each other, and a filter (35) which is attached to the frame (18) so as to cover the ventilation opening (18g). - The remanufacturing method according to claim 2, comprising a step of exposing the ventilation opening (18g) to the outside of the frame (18) by peeling away at least a part of the filter (35) from the frame (18).
- The remanufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein in the sealing step, the filter (35) peeled away from the frame (18) or a new filter (35) is attached to the frame (18) so as to cover the ventilation opening (18g).
- The remanufacturing method according to claim 2, whereinthe communicating step includes a step of forming a through-hole in the filter (35), andthe communication hole (18f) includes the ventilation opening (18g) and the through-hole.
- The remanufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein in the sealing step, a sealing member (37a, 37b) for closing the through-hole is bonded to the filter (35).
- The remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the communicating step includes a step of expanding a size of the ventilation opening (18g).
- The remanufacturing method according to claim 7, whereinthe frame (18) is provided with a plurality of the ventilation openings (18g), andthe communicating step includes a step of connecting the plurality of the ventilation openings (18g).
- A remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing apparatus (4),
the developing apparatus (4) including:a frame (18) having a storage chamber (18a) for storing developer (T), a developing chamber (18b) in which a developing roller (22) for bearing the developer (T) is to be arranged, and a partition portion (18m) that partitions the storage chamber (18a) and the developing chamber (18b), the frame (18) being provided with an opening (18c) in the partition portion (18m) such that the storage chamber (18a) and the developing chamber (18b) are connected each other; anda stirring member (23) for stirring the developer (T), the stirring member (23) being arranged in the storage chamber (18a) so as to be capable of coming into contact with a wall surface of the frame (18) that forms the storage chamber (18a),the frame (18) being provided with a ventilation opening (18g) which connects an outside of the frame (18) and the developing chamber (18b) each other, and a filter (35) which is attached to the frame (18) so as to cover the ventilation opening (18g),the remanufacturing method comprising:a communicating step of forming a communication hole (18f) which connects the outside of the frame (18) and the developing chamber (18b) each other by peeling away at least a part of the filter (35) from the frame (18);a refilling step of refilling an inside of the frame (18) with the developer (T); anda sealing step of sealing the communication hole (18f). - The remanufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein in the sealing step, the filter (35) peeled away from the frame (18) or a new filter (35) is attached to the frame (18) so as to cover the ventilation opening (18g).
- The remanufacturing method according to claim 9 or 10, whereinthe communicating step includes a step of forming a through-hole in the filter (35), andthe communication hole (18f) includes the ventilation opening (18g) and the through-hole.
- The remanufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein in the sealing step, a sealing member (37a, 37b) for closing the through-hole is bonded to the filter (35).
- The remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the communicating step includes a step of expanding a size of the ventilation opening (18g).
- The remanufacturing method according to claim 9 to 13, whereinthe frame (18) is provided with a plurality of the ventilation openings (18g), andthe communicating step includes a step of connecting the plurality of the ventilation openings (18g).
- The remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the communication hole (18f) is arranged at a position opposing the opening.
- The remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the partition portion (18m) is configured to restrict entry of the stirring member (23) into the developing chamber (18b).
- The remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein in the refilling step, the storage chamber (18a) is filled with the developer (T) via the communication hole (18f) and the opening.
- The remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the stirring member (23) has a rotating shaft (23a) and a sheet member (23b) in which one end of the sheet member (23b) is fixed to the rotating shaft (23a) and another end is capable of coming into contact with the wall surface.
- The remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein when the developing apparatus (4) is in an posture when the developing apparatus (4) being used, the developing chamber (18b) is positioned above the storage chamber (18a) and the communication hole (18f) is positioned on a wall surface in an upper part of the developing chamber (18b).
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JP2018160408 | 2018-08-29 | ||
JP2019142871A JP7353850B2 (en) | 2018-08-29 | 2019-08-02 | Developing device remanufacturing method and cartridge |
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EP3647879B1 true EP3647879B1 (en) | 2024-06-12 |
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JP2002251119A (en) * | 2001-02-22 | 2002-09-06 | Canon Inc | Method for reproducing process cartridge |
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JP3324723B2 (en) * | 1995-11-07 | 2002-09-17 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming device |
JP3363893B2 (en) * | 2001-03-19 | 2003-01-08 | キヤノン株式会社 | Reproduction method of process cartridge |
JP3467023B2 (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2003-11-17 | キヤノン株式会社 | Process cartridge reproduction method and process cartridge |
JP6584062B2 (en) * | 2014-10-27 | 2019-10-02 | キヤノン株式会社 | Reproduction method |
JP2018054749A (en) | 2016-09-27 | 2018-04-05 | 三菱ケミカル株式会社 | Toner cartridge, test printing method, image formation apparatus, and method for recycling toner cartridge |
JP6685979B2 (en) | 2016-10-31 | 2020-04-22 | キヤノン株式会社 | Developing container, process cartridge and image forming apparatus |
US10620563B2 (en) * | 2016-10-31 | 2020-04-14 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Developer container, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus |
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