JP2002268514A - Recycling method for process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recycle a process cartridge whose toner container and developing frame body are ultrasonic welded. SOLUTION: The former welded part 11n of the toner container 11 and the developing frame body 12 is cut in a certain width and put closely in figure. Before or after the cut, the upper part of a triangular rib 100 arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of a flange 12e (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure) is cut. A toner supply opening 11i is sealed and the toner container 11 is filled with toner and, as shown in figure, the flange 11i and 12e are put together to be jointed with a clip 101.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of remanufacturing a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body for forming an image by an electrophotographic method.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser printer, an LED printer, and the like), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

A process cartridge is a unit in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is made detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. . In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Further, at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Further, the developing device is configured such that the developing means and the developer accommodating portion are integrally formed into a cartridge,
The cartridge is detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is used as an image forming apparatus. A process cartridge system detachable from the main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

[0005] Such a process cartridge forms an image on a recording medium using a developer. Therefore, the developer is consumed as the image is formed. When the developer is consumed to such an extent that an image of satisfactory quality cannot be formed for a user who has purchased the process cartridge, the commercial value of the process cartridge is lost.

[0006]

Heretofore, there has been a demand for a simple process cartridge reproduction method capable of commercializing a process cartridge whose commercial value has been lost due to consumption of a developer.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple process cartridge reproduction method.

Another object of the present invention is to commercialize a process cartridge which has lost its commercial value as a process cartridge because the developer has been consumed to such an extent that an image of satisfactory quality cannot be formed for the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge reproducing method capable of reproducing the process cartridge.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for remanufacturing a process cartridge detachable from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: (a) a drum frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A developing roller for supporting a developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum, the developing roller having a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used for developing the electrostatic latent image A pin removing step of removing a pin rotatably connecting the frame from the pin hole, wherein the pin is provided on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame and the developing frame. (B) a frame separating step of separating the drum frame and the developing frame from each other;
(C) Next, a developing frame reinforcing rib removing step for removing a part or all of the plurality of reinforcing ribs provided on the developing frame, wherein the reinforcing rib integrally forms the developing frame and the developer accommodating portion. (D) Then, a bearing member attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame and rotatably supporting the developing roller is provided on the developing frame. A fixing member removing step of removing a fixing member for fixing the fixing member to a predetermined position from the developing frame; and (e) a bearing portion attached to the other longitudinal end of the developing frame to rotatably support the developing roller. (F) removing the developing roller bearing member provided with the developing roller bearing member from the developing frame; (G) separating the developer accommodating portion from the developer accommodating portion, and then removing the lid member sealing the developer filling port from the separated developer accommodating portion to enable the refilling of the developer. To remove the lid member,
(H) a developer supply opening seal attaching step of attaching a seal member for closing a developer supply opening for supplying the developer from the developer accommodating section to the developing roller;
(I) a developer filling step of refilling the developer into the developer accommodating portion from the developer filling port exposed in the lid member removing step; and (j) a lid member for attaching a lid member for closing the developer filling port. An attaching step, (k) a joining step for joining the developing frame and the developer accommodating portion, and (l) a fixing member for fixing a bearing member for rotatably supporting the developing roller at a predetermined position of the developing frame. A fixing member attaching step of attaching the fixing member to one longitudinal end of the developing frame; and (m) a developing roller bearing member provided with a bearing for rotatably supporting the developing roller. A developing roller bearing member attaching step of attaching to the end; and (n) a drum frame and a developing frame in a state where one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame and the developing frame are overlapped. A frame connecting step of attaching a pin to a pin hole provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction, and rotatably connecting the drum frame and the developing frame. is there.

A second invention according to the present invention is the process cartridge reproduction method according to the first invention, wherein a clip made of an elastic member is used in the joining step.

A third invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the developing roller bearing member attaching step is performed prior to the fixing member attaching step. It is a production method.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, prior to the developing frame reinforcing rib removing step, when the process cartridge is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body, the transfer opening provided in the process cartridge is covered. A method for reproducing a process cartridge according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein a shutter member removing step of removing a shutter member is performed.

A fifth invention according to the present invention is the process cartridge reproduction method according to the fourth invention, wherein the shutter member is attached to the developing frame.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is the process cartridge reproductive method according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein a shutter member attaching step is performed prior to the frame joining step. .

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, the short direction of the process cartridge B is a direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 14, and coincides with the transport direction of the recording medium. Further, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B is a direction (direction substantially perpendicular to) that intersects with the direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 14, is parallel to the surface of the recording medium, and This is a direction that intersects the transport direction. Further, the left and right of the process cartridge are right or left as viewed from above in the recording medium transport direction.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view thereof. Fig. 3 to Fig. 4
1 is a drawing related to a process cartridge to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the process cartridge, and FIG. 4 is a left side view schematically illustrating the appearance thereof. Further, in the following description, the upper surface of the process cartridge B
The lower surface is a surface located on the upper side in a state of being mounted on the lower surface, and the lower surface is a surface located on the lower side.

[Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus A and Process Cartridge B] First, a laser beam printer A as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam printer A forms an image on a recording medium (for example, recording paper, OHP sheet, cloth, etc.) by an electrophotographic image forming process. Then, a toner image is formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive member).

More specifically, the photosensitive drum is charged by the charging means, and then the photosensitive drum is irradiated with laser light corresponding to the image information from the optical means to form a latent image corresponding to the image information on the photosensitive drum. Form. Then, the latent image is developed by a developing unit to form a toner image. Then, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium 2 set in the paper feed cassette 3a is reversely conveyed by the pickup roller 3b, the conveying roller pairs 3c and 3d, and the registration roller pair 3e. Next, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge B is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit. Thereafter, the recording medium 2 to which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing unit 5 by the transport guide 3f. The fixing unit 5 includes a driving roller 5c and a fixing roller 5b including a heater 5a. Then, heat and pressure are applied to the passing recording medium 2 to fix the transferred toner image. Then, the recording medium 2 is conveyed to the recording medium 2 by a pair of discharge rollers 3g, 3h, 3i, and discharged to a discharge tray 6 through a reversing path 3j. The discharge tray 6 is used for the apparatus main body 14 of the image forming apparatus A.
Is provided on the upper surface. The swingable flapper 3k
Is operated, and the recording medium 2 can be discharged by the discharge roller pair 3m without passing through the reversing path 3j. In the present embodiment, the pickup roller 3b,
The conveying unit 3 is constituted by the conveying roller pairs 3c and 3d, the registration roller pair 3e, the conveying guide 3f, the discharging roller pairs 3g, 3h and 3i, and the discharging roller pair 3m.

On the other hand, in the process cartridge B, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a photosensitive drum 7 having a photosensitive layer is rotated, and the surface thereof is made uniform by applying a voltage to a charging roller 8 as charging means. Charge. Next, a laser beam light corresponding to the image information from the optical system 1 is exposed to the exposure opening 1e.
Irradiates the photosensitive drum 7 via the. And forms a latent image. Then, the latent image is developed by developing means 9 using toner. The optical system 1 has a laser diode 1a, a polygon mirror 1b, a lens 1c, and a reflection mirror 1d.

Here, the developing means 9 includes the toner container 1
The toner in 1A is rotated by rotation of the toner feeding member 9b.
It is sent to the developing roller 9c. Then, the developing roller 9c having a fixed magnet therein is rotated, and a toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by the developing blade 9d is formed on the surface of the developing roller 9c to supply the toner to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7. Then, the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image, thereby forming a toner image and visualizing the toner image. Here, the developing blade 9d regulates the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c and applies a triboelectric charge. The developing roller 9c
, A toner stirring member 9e for circulating the toner in the developing chamber is rotatably mounted.

Then, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2.
By 0, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed.
Here, the cleaning means 10 scrapes off the toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 7 by an elastic cleaning blade 10a provided in contact with the photoconductor drum 7 and collects it in the removed toner reservoir 10b.

The process cartridge B includes a toner frame 11 having a toner container (toner storage section) 11A for storing toner and a developing frame (developing frame) 12 for holding developing means 9 such as a developing roller 9c. Join. A cleaning means 10 such as a photosensitive drum 7, a cleaning blade 10a, and the like, and a cleaning frame 13 to which a charging roller 8 is attached are combined with the photosensitive drum 7. The process cartridge B is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 14 by an operator.

The process cartridge B is provided with an exposure opening 1e for irradiating the photosensitive drum 7 with light corresponding to image information and a transfer opening 13n for facing the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2. is there. More specifically, the exposure opening 1e is provided in the cleaning frame 13, and the transfer opening 13n is formed between the developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13.

Next, the configuration of the housing of the process cartridge B according to the present embodiment will be described. The process cartridge B described in the present embodiment includes a toner frame 1
The photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8, the developing means 9, the cleaning means 10 and the like are housed in a housing formed by connecting the cleaning frame 13 to the developing frame 1 and the cleaning frame 13 rotatably. It is made into a cartridge. Then, the process cartridge B is detachably mounted on a cartridge mounting means provided on the image forming apparatus main body 14.

(Housing Configuration of Process Cartridge B) The process cartridge B according to the present embodiment is
As described above, the housing is formed by combining the toner frame 11, the developing frame 12, and the cleaning frame 13. Next, the structure will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the toner frame 1
1, a toner feeding member 9b is rotatably mounted. A developing roller 9c and a developing blade 9d are mounted on the developing frame 12, and a stirring member 9e for circulating toner in the developing chamber is rotatably mounted near the developing roller 9c. As shown in FIG. 3, an antenna rod 9h is attached to the developing frame 12 so as to be opposed to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c and substantially parallel to the developing roller 9c. Then, the toner frame 11 and the developing frame 12
(In this embodiment, ultrasonic welding) to form the developing unit D as an integrated second frame.

When the process cartridge B is removed from the main body 14 of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 7 is covered, and a drum shutter member 18 for protecting the photosensitive drum 7 from exposure to light for a long period of time or contact with foreign matters is provided. D
It is attached to.

The drum shutter member 18 has a shutter cover 18a for opening and closing the transfer opening 13n and links 18b and 18c for supporting the shutter cover 18a. One end of a right link 18c is pivotally connected to a hole (not shown) of a developing holder at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the shutter cover 18a and in the transport direction of the recording medium 2, and one end of the left link 18c is a toner. Lower frame 1 of frame 11
1b is pivotally mounted on a boss 11h provided on 1b. The other ends of the links 18c on both sides are pivotally mounted on the upstream side with respect to the mounting direction of the process cartridge B of the shutter cover 18a. The link 18c is a metal wire, and a portion pivotally connected to the shutter cover 18a is connected between both sides of the process cartridge B, and the left and right links 18c are integrated. The link 18b is provided on only one side of the shutter cover 18a. One end of the link 18b is pivotally attached to the shutter cover 18a on the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium 2 with respect to the position where the link 18c is pivotally attached. 12 is attached to a dowel 12d. This link 18b is a synthetic resin.

The links 18b and 18c have different lengths, and form a four-bar chain mechanism in which a shutter cover 18a and a frame including the toner frame 11 and the developing frame 12 are linked. The side projections 18c1 provided on the links 18c on both sides come into contact with a fixed member (not shown) provided near the cartridge mounting space S of the image forming apparatus main body 14, and the drum is moved by the movement of the process cartridge B. The shutter member 18 is actuated to open the shutter cover 18a.

The shutter cover 18a and the link 18
The drum shutter member 18 composed of
The shutter cover 18a is biased so as to cover the transfer opening 13n by a torsion coil spring (not shown) which is mounted on the link d and has one end locked by the link 18d and the other end locked by the developing frame 12. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8 and the cleaning means 10 are attached to the cleaning frame 13 to constitute a cleaning unit C as a first frame.

The process cartridge B is constituted by connecting the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C rotatably to each other by a connecting member 22 of a round pin. That is, the arm portions 19 formed on both sides of the developing frame 12 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the developing roller 9c).
Is provided with a round rotating hole 2 parallel to the developing roller 9c.
0 is provided. On the other hand, concave portions 21 (see FIG. 6) for entering the arm portion 19 are provided at two places on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 13. The arm 19 is inserted into the recess 21, the coupling member 22 is press-fitted into the mounting hole 13e of the cleaning frame 13, and is fitted into the pivot hole 20 at the end of the arm 19 to further press-fit into the inner mounting hole 13f. As a result, the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are rotatably connected around the connecting member 22. At this time, a compression coil spring 22a inserted and attached to a dowel (not shown) standing upright at the root of the arm portion 19 hits the upper wall of the concave portion 21 of the cleaning frame 13, and causes the developing frame 12 to move downward by the compression coil spring 22a. By urging, the developing roller 9c is reliably pressed against the photosensitive drum 7. The upper wall of the concave portion 21 of the cleaning frame 13 is inclined so that when the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are assembled, the compression coil spring 22a gradually increases the compression from the non-compression state. Therefore,
By attaching spacer rollers 9i (see FIG. 13) having a diameter larger than that of the developing roller 9c on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c, the spacer rollers 9i are pressed against the photosensitive drum 7, and the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c are separated. They face each other at regular intervals (about 300 μm). Therefore,
The developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are connected to the connecting member 2.
2 can rotate around each other, and the elastic force of the compression coil spring 22a can maintain the positional relationship between the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 and the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c.

As described above, the member in which the compression coil spring 22a is attached to the developing frame 12 at the root side of the arm portion 19 is used as a spring seat. Is a part having high strength and rigidity, which is effective in maintaining accuracy.

Next, the developing frame 12, the toner frame 11, and
The joining configuration of both frames will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toner frame 11 is composed of two parts, an upper frame 11a and a lower frame 11b. The upper frame 11a bulges upward so as to occupy the space to the right of the optical system 1 of the image forming apparatus main body 14 as shown in FIG. The amount of toner in the cartridge B is increased. A concave portion 17 is provided from the outside at the center in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 11a, and has a function of a handle. Then, the flanges 11a1 of the upper frame 11a are fitted to the flanges 11b1 of the lower frame 11b having a peripheral edge and are joined together at the welding surface U, and the welding ribs are melted by ultrasonic waves to integrate the two frames 11a and 11b. I have. However, the joining method is not limited to ultrasonic welding, and may be performed by, for example, heat welding, forced vibration, adhesion, or the like.

Prior to connecting the two frames 11a and 11b, the toner feeding member 9b is placed inside the lower frame 11b.
Incorporate. Further, a coupling member 11e, which is a drive transmission member for rotationally driving the toner feeding member, is incorporated through a hole 11e1 in the side plate of the toner frame 11. The hole 1
1e1 is provided at one longitudinal end of the lower frame 11b. Further, a toner filling port 11d (see FIG. 21) for filling the toner is provided on the same side as the hole 11e1. Further, in the longitudinal direction of the toner frame 11, a toner supply opening 11i (see FIG. 21) for feeding toner from the toner frame 11 to the developing frame 12 is provided.
The sealing member 5 is closed so as to cover the toner supply opening 11i.
1 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). Thereafter, toner is filled from the toner filling port 11d (see FIG. 21), and the toner filling port 11d is closed with the toner cap 11f to complete the toner unit J (see FIG. 23). The toner cap 11f is formed of a soft material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and is pressed into or adhered to a toner filling port 11d provided in the toner frame 11, and is prevented from coming off. Further, the toner unit J is ultrasonically welded to the developing frame 12 to form a developing unit D. However, the bonding method is not limited to the ultrasonic welding, and an adhesive or the like may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 18, and 21, a toner supply opening 11i for sending toner from the toner frame 11 to the development frame 12 is provided at a joint of the toner frame 11 and the development frame 12. Is provided. This toner supply opening 11i
Is provided with a concave surface 11k. This concave surface 11
Grooves 11n are provided in parallel on both longitudinal sides of the upper and lower flanges 11j, 11j1 of k. The upper flange 11j of the concave surface 11k has a gate shape, and the lower flange 11j1 is in a direction crossing the concave surface 11k. As shown in FIG. 18, the bottom 11n of the groove 11n
Reference numeral 2 denotes a position protruding outward (toward the developing frame 12) from the concave surface 11k. The flange 1 of the toner supply opening 11i
1j may be framed to be one plane.

As shown in FIG. 18, the surface of the developing frame 12 facing the toner frame 11 is a flat surface 12u.
A flange 12e is provided above and below 2u at a position retracted from the plane 12u and is parallel to the plane 12u. A ridge 12v is fitted to the groove 11n of the toner frame 11 in the longitudinal direction at the edge of the flange 12e. Is provided. A triangular ridge 12v for ultrasonic welding is formed on the top surface of the ridge 12v.
1 is provided. Therefore, the toner frame 11 and the developing frame 12 after the components have been incorporated therein are combined with the toner frame 1
The first groove 11n and the ridge 11v of the developing frame 12 are fitted together,
Ultrasonic welding is performed along the longitudinal direction.

A triangular rib 100 is provided on the surface of the flange 12e provided on the developing frame 12 on the side opposite to the surface on which the ridge 12v is provided. The ribs 100 are provided to enhance the strength of the flange 12e, and are provided at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the flange 12e (seven locations in this embodiment). Note that the number of ribs 100, the arrangement interval, and the like are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, positions, and the like may be determined as needed.

As described above, the developing frame 12 incorporates the developing roller 9c, the developing blade 9d, the toner stirring member 9e, and the antenna rod 9h for detecting the remaining amount of toner.

The developing blade 9d is formed by fixing a rubber member 9d2 to a sheet metal 9d1 having a thickness of about 1 to 2 mm with a hot melt, a double-sided adhesive tape, or the like. Roller 9c
Regulate the amount of toner on the peripheral surface.

The developing roller unit G includes a developing roller 9
c, a spacer roller 9i for making the distance between the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c and the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 constant, a developing roller bearing 9j for rotatably supporting the developing roller 9c and positioning it on the developing frame 12, and a bearing. The box 12v is driven by a drum gear 7b provided on the photosensitive drum 7,
Developing roller gear 9 for rotating developing roller 9c
k, a developing coil spring contact 91 (see FIG. 15) having one end fitted to the end of the developing roller 9c, and provided inside the developing roller 9c for adhering toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. It is unitized by a magnet 9g.

(Method of Disassembling Process Cartridge B) Next, the structure of the cleaning frame will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning unit C, FIGS. 6 and 8 to 11 are right perspective views inside the process cartridge B, and FIG. 7 is a left perspective view outside the process cartridge B.

5 and 6, the photosensitive drum 7 has a driving flange 7a at one end and a non-driving flange 7b at the other end.
Is attached. The driving-side flange 7a has a coupling convex portion 7a1 and a shaft portion 7a2, and the non-driving-side flange 7b has an inner diameter portion 7b1 for inserting the centering shaft 27. The photosensitive drum 7 is supported on the right (drive input) side in a state where the inner diameter portion 30a of the drum bearing 30 is rotatably fitted with the shaft portion 7a2 of the drive side flange 7a.
0 and small screws 24 on the side 13a of the cleaning frame 13.
(See FIG. 8 described later). Drive side flange 7
The coupling convex portion 7a1 is a twisted polygonal column shape, and when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 14, it is engaged with a gear having a twisted polygonal hole shape (not shown) in the apparatus main body 14 to rotate. At the same time as the power is transmitted,
The drive side flange 7a is drawn in the direction of the gear and is aligned.

Similarly, on the left (non-drive input) side, the centering shaft 2
7 and the inner diameter portion 7b1 of the non-drive-side flange 7b are rotatably fitted to each other so that the centering shaft 27 is
Is fixed to the side portion 13b with a small screw 24 (see FIG. 7 described later).

Next, in the method of supporting the charging roller 8, the inner wall 13 d (two places) inside the cleaning frame 13 has a bearing guide 23, and the bearing 15 can move along the bearing guide 23. One end of the biasing member 29 is attached to a boss (not shown) of the bearing 15, and the other end is the cleaning frame 1.
3 is in contact with the bearing surface 13g, so that the photosensitive drum 7 is always
The urging force acts in the direction of. Further, the bearing 15 does not fall off the bearing guide 23 by a stopper (not shown) of the bearing guide 23. Charging roller 8 is cored bar 8
By attaching a to the bearing 15, it is supported by the cleaning frame 13 and is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 by the urging member 29. Here, the urging member 29 is a compression coil spring.

(Method of Disassembling and Reproducing Process Cartridge B) Next, a method of disassembling and reproducing the process cartridge B applied to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Separation Step of Cleaning Unit C and Developing Unit D) First, a step of separating the cleaning unit C and the developing unit D will be described.

7, the small screw 24 is removed from the left side portion 13b of the cleaning frame 13, and the centering shaft 27 is removed.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, the small screw 24 is removed from the right side portion 13a of the cleaning frame 13, and the drum bearing 30 is removed.

As described above, the centering shaft 27 and the drum bearing 3
By removing 0, the photosensitive drum 7 can be removed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the charging roller 8, the bearing 15, and the urging member 2 are provided by a bearing guide 23 provided on the inner wall 13d.
9 is removed. At this time, if only the charging roller 8 is removed while the bearing 15 and the urging member 29 are attached to the bearing guide 23, it does not matter if the workability is not affected. The same applies to the left side (not shown).

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the closing portion 13 corresponding to the bottom of the mounting hole 13f which is a blind hole provided in the inner wall 13d.
h is cut with a cutting tool (not shown), then removed and opened,
The coupling member 22 is pushed from the inside of the cleaning frame 13 from the inside.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the connecting member 22 is pushed out from the inside of the cleaning frame 13 in the direction of arrow F, and the cleaning frame pair 13 is inserted through the mounting holes 13e and 13f and the turning hole 20 of the arm portion 19. Remove 22.

By removing the connecting member 22 in this manner, the cleaning unit C and the developing unit D
Can be separated.

As a cutting tool for cutting the closed portion 13h, any means can be used as long as it can surely cut the closed portion 13h, such as an ultrasonic cutter or a blade. Needless to say, by manufacturing a dedicated tool for cutting the closed portion 13h, the work can be performed more efficiently.

(Process of Removing Developing Roller) Next, a process of removing the developing roller 9c from the separated developing unit D will be described.

A developing roller 9c is attached to the developing unit D as shown in FIG.

First, a small screw (not shown) fixing the developing unit drive transmission unit DG at one end side (drive side) in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 12 is removed, and then the developing unit is driven from the developing unit D. Remove the transmission unit DG (see FIG. 14).

As shown in FIG. 14, the developing unit drive transmission unit DG is provided with a developing holder 40 having a support hole 40a for supporting the non-rotationally inserted circular shaft 9g1 of the D-cut magnet 9g and a gear train GT. It is a configuration that supports each gear.

The fixing of the developing holder 40 to the developing frame 12 is supported not only by small screws but also by fixing claws 9m formed integrally with the developing holder 40.

Next, after removing the small screw (not shown) fixing the bearing box 12b at the other longitudinal end (non-driving side) of the developing frame 12, the bearing box 12b is removed from the developing unit D.
Remove. As shown in FIG. 15, a bearing fitting hole 12b1 is provided in the bearing box 12b, and an insulator bearing 9f made of a synthetic resin is fitted and supported. Further, the key 9f1 provided on the bearing 9f and the key groove 12b2 provided on the bearing fitting hole 12b1 are fitted, whereby the bearing 9f is prevented from rotating.

A hollow journal 9w made of an insulating member is fitted and fixed to the inner periphery of the end of the developing roller 9c, and a reduced-diameter cylindrical portion 9w1 integrated with the journal 9w is a developing coil spring electrically connected to the developing roller 9c. Contact 9l (L)
And the magnet 9g are insulated.

The fixing to the developing frame 12 is supported not only by the small screws but also by the fixing claws 12b3.

As described above, the developing unit drive transmission unit D
By removing G and bearing box 12b from developing unit D, developing roller 9c can be removed. FIG.
Is a state in which the developing roller 9c has been removed from the developing unit D.

The order of removing the developing unit drive transmitting unit DG and the bearing box 12b from the developing unit D is not limited to the above. For example, even if the developing unit drive transmitting unit DG is removed from the bearing box 12b, Bearing box 12b
May be removed at the same time.

(Step of Removing Developing Blade) Next, the step of removing the developing blade 9d from the developing unit D will be described. After the developing roller 9c is removed, the developing blade 9d crosses the plate surface of the sheet metal 9d1 after removing the small screw 24 fixing the developing blade 9d to the blade mounting seat surface of the developing frame body 12 shown in FIG. This is done by moving in the direction away from the blade mounting seat surface.

The developing blade removing step of removing the developing blade 9d attached to the developing unit D separated by the above steps is completed. FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of the developing unit D with the developing blade 9d removed, and FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view of FIG.

(Separation Step of Developing Frame and Toner Frame) Next, the step of separating the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11 will be described.

As described above, the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11 are integrally joined by ultrasonic welding. In the separation step, this joint is cut and separated by a cutting tool or the like. Examples of the cutting tool include an ultrasonic cutter and a general cutting tool, but are not limited thereto. Needless to say, by manufacturing a dedicated tool, work can be performed more efficiently.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 18, a rotary cutter (metal saw) 31 attached to a tool shaft (arbor) in a horizontal direction parallel to the plane of the drawing and positioned at the longitudinal end to the cutting position at the joint. Then, the rotary cutter 31 was fed in the longitudinal direction and cut. The cut position is adjusted to the side wall 11n3 of the groove 11n indicated by the tip of the lead line. The side surface of the rotary cutter 31 is substantially aligned with the bottom 11n2 of the groove 11n. Thereby, the longitudinal grooves 32, 33 are vertically arranged.
Is formed.

(Step of Removing Reinforcing Rib from Developing Frame) Next, the reinforcing rib 100 provided on the developing frame 12 (FIG.
Part or all of FIG.
To form The flat portion is for attaching a clip 101 used for joining the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11 described later. Therefore, it is sufficient that the plane area 102 has a minimum area necessary for attaching the clip 101, and a decrease in the strength of the flange 12e of the developing frame 12 can be minimized. As a tool for removing, a milling machine or the like is preferable. FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of the developing frame body with a part of the reinforcing rib 100 cut away, and FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view of FIG.

The reinforcing rib removing step of the developing frame may be performed before the step of separating the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11.

(Toner Filling Method) Next, a toner refilling method will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the above-described process, the toner cap 11f is removed from the toner frame 11 separated from the developing frame, and the toner filling port 11d is opened. However, when the toner T is filled from the toner filling port 11d in this state, it is apparent that the toner T leaks from the toner supply opening 11i. To prevent toner leakage, the toner supply opening 11
A cover film 51 for covering i must be stuck.

As shown in FIG. 22, the cover film 51 is opened in order to open the toner supply opening 11i.
A tear tape 52 for tearing 1 is welded.
The tear tape 52 is folded at the longitudinal end 52b of the toner supply opening 11i.

As shown in FIG. 23, the cover film 51 is moved along the four edges of the toner supply opening 11 i of the toner frame 11.
It is attached to the concave surface 11k so as to close the toner supply opening 11i. When the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11 are bonded later, the elastic sealing material 54 (for example, felt) attached to the longitudinal end of a plane of the developing frame 12 facing the toner frame 11 is used. The tear tape 12 is pulled out through a gap between the toner tape 11 and the toner frame 11 (see FIG. 25). Thus, even when the toner T is filled from the toner filling port 11d, the toner T does not leak from the toner supply opening 11i.

Next, the step of refilling the toner T into the toner frame 11 will be described. This toner filling is shown in FIG.
Is performed with the toner filling port 11d facing upward. The tip of the funnel 501 is inserted into the toner filling port 11d, and the toner T is dropped from the toner bottle 502 into the funnel 501. In addition, if a fixed-amount supply device having an auger in a funnel-shaped main body is used, toner can be efficiently filled. After the completion of the toner filling, the toner cap 11f is inserted again so that the toner does not leak from the toner filling port 11d.

Thus, the step of filling the toner into the toner frame 11 from the toner filling port 11d is completed.

(Joining Step of Developing Frame and Toner Frame) Next, the joining step of the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11 will be described. FIG. 26 shows the joined development frame 12 and toner frame 1
FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 26.

As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, a clip 101 is used to join the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11. The clip 101 is a member having a U-shape having elasticity and having a length substantially equal to that of a joint surface having a separated length in the longitudinal direction. It is a hurry.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the joint between the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11 is cut by the cutter 31, the ridge 12v is cut on the upper side but the ridge 1 forming the groove 11n is cut.
1n1 remains. On the lower side, similarly, the ridge 12v
Is cut, but a ridge 11j1 remains at the lower end of the flange 11j provided with the groove 11n. Therefore, the ridges 11n1 and 11j1 come into contact with the flanges 12e and 12e1 of the developing frame 12 at the upper and lower joints. In the new process cartridge B, the ridges 11n1 and 11j1 were not in contact with the flanges 12e and 12e1. However, the joint between the developing frame 12 and the toner frame 11 was cut off and reassembled. Can be contacted.

(Developing Blade Mounting Step) Next, the mounting step of the developing blade 9d will be described.

After the completion of the toner filling, the previously removed developing blade 9d (see FIG. 19) is replaced with the sheet metal 9d1 as shown in FIG.
(See FIG. 26). In a state where the sealing member 15 is compressed by pressing the sealing member 15, the hole 9d6 of the sheet metal 9d1 is fitted into the positioning boss 12f provided on the blade mounting seat surface 12i, and the cut 9d4 is formed on the projection 12g of the developing frame 12 Fit it. Next, the small screw 24 is inserted through the hole 9d6 of the blade sheet metal 9d1 and screwed into the blade mounting seat surface 12i, and the developing blade 9d
Is fixed to the developing frame 12.

The developing blade attaching step of attaching the developing blade 9d to the developing unit D separated as described above is completed.

When the developing blade attaching step is completed, the result is as shown in FIG.

When the developing blade 9d attached to the developing frame 12 is not replaced with a new one, the following cleaning and inspection steps may be added.

Before the developing blade 9d is attached to the developing frame 12, the adhering toner is cleaned at the same time as air suction and air blowing. After cleaning, an inspection is performed to determine whether or not it can be recycled. As a result of the inspection, if the performance does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the performance is appropriately replaced with a new one.

(Developing Roller Mounting Step) Next, the step of mounting the developing roller 9c to the developing frame 12 will be described.

After the developing roller 9c is set on the developing frame 12, first, one end side (drive side) of the developing frame 12 in the longitudinal direction.
The developing unit drive transmission unit DG is attached to the. On this occasion,
The missing circular shaft 9g1 of the D-cut magnet 9g is fitted into a support hole 40a provided in the developing holder of the developing unit drive transmission unit DG.

The developing unit drive transmission unit DG is connected to the developing frame 1
First, the fixing claw 9j is temporarily fixed by fitting the fixing claw 9j into a fitting hole (not shown) provided in the developing frame 12, and then is fixed with a small screw (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 15, a bearing box 12b is attached to the other end (non-drive side) of the developing frame 12 in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the journal 9w fitted and fixed to the inner periphery of the end of the developing roller 9c is inserted into the bearing 9f fitted and supported in the bearing fitting hole 12b1 of the bearing box 12b.

When the bearing box 12b is mounted on the developing frame 12, the fixing claws 12b3 are temporarily fixed by fitting them into fitting holes (not shown) provided in the developing frame 12, and then the small screws (not (Shown).

Thus, the developing roller attaching step of attaching the developing roller 9c to the developing unit D is completed.

The developing roller 9c may be worn by sliding against the developing blade 9d. Therefore, when there is a high probability that replacement is required statistically during the study in the development process or at the time of reproduction, it is possible to improve the work efficiency by replacing with a new one at the time of reproduction without performing inspection.

However, when the developing roller 9c to be mounted on the developing frame 12 is not replaced with a new one in order to improve reproductivity, the following cleaning and inspection steps may be added. The developing roller 9c cleans the adhered toner using air blowing or the like at the same time as air suction.

Next, the developing roller 9c is inspected to determine whether it can be used again. As a result of the inspection, if the performance does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the performance is appropriately replaced with a new one.

The inspection of the developing roller 9c is performed by disassembling the developing roller main body, magnet, bearing, spacer roller, roller electrode, developing roller gear, etc., and finding usable ones. May be replaced.

(Reassembling method of process cartridge B)
Finally, as a method for reassembling the process cartridge B, FIG.
2, the concave part 2 of the cleaning unit C maintained by replacing or reusing the parts removed at the time of disassembly.
1, the arm 19 of the developing unit D, which is also maintained by refilling the toner, is inserted again, and the connecting member 2
2 are the mounting holes 13e, 13f of the cleaning frame 13.
When the two units are joined by press-fitting in the direction of arrow E into the turning hole 20 of the arm portion 19, the cleaning unit C and the developing unit D are again supported rotatably about the joining member 22 as a central axis. . Thus, the process cartridge B can be assembled again.

In FIG. 12, the process cartridge B
Although only one longitudinal end is shown, the same applies to the other longitudinal end (not shown).

Incidentally, each step in the reproduction method of the present invention is not limited to the order of the steps described above.
The order may be appropriately changed.

In the above-described embodiment, the used process cartridge is collected and disassembled. Then, components taken out of each process cartridge by disassembly are collected for each identical component. Then, using the parts,
In some cases, a part of the process cartridge may be re-produced by using the above-described re-production method using a new part (a part that is not reused). In the embodiment described above, the used process cartridge is collected and disassembled. Then, using the parts taken out from the process cartridge, in some cases, some parts are used in the above-mentioned reproduction method using new parts (parts not reused) or parts taken out from another process cartridge. Includes remanufacturing cartridges.

In the present invention, in any of the following cases,
included. (1) When reproducing process cartridges,
When reusing cartridges by reusing only parts removed from one process cartridge. (2) In the case of the above (1), for a part that cannot be reused because it has reached the end of its life or is damaged, a new part or a reused part removed from another cartridge Is used to reproduce the cartridge. (3) When reproducing process cartridges,
Parts removed from a plurality of process cartridges are collected once for each part. Then, when necessary parts are selected and taken out from the parts collected for each part, and the parts are reused to re-produce the cartridge. (4) In the case of the above (3), when a cartridge that cannot be reused, for example, has reached the end of its service life or has been damaged, is remanufactured using a new part.

The above-mentioned components are components described in the claim, that is, components forming a part of the cartridge. The minimum unit that can be disassembled, or the case of a unit is also included.

In the above description, the material for forming the toner frame 11 and the developing frame 12 is plastic such as polystyrene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), modified PPE resin (polyphenylene ether), and modified PPE resin (polyphenylene ether). PPO resin (polyphenylene oxide), polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene and the like.

As another embodiment of the method of filling the toner, there is a method of removing the toner cap 11f and then performing the filling from the filling port 11d. In this case, it is necessary to reseal the opening 11 i of the toner frame 11.
As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, there is a method of directly filling the toner container 11A with the toner from the opening 11i of the toner frame 11 by the toner fixed amount supply unit 34. As still another embodiment, there is a method in which a filling port is newly provided in the toner frame body 11 and filling is performed from there. In this case, after filling the toner, it is necessary to close the filling port with a seal member or a cap.

[0110]

As described above, the collected used process cartridge is separated into the drum frame and the developing frame, and the joint between the toner frame and the developing frame is separated.
By rejoining with the clip, the process cartridge B can be easily reproduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

 Each of the drawings shows an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a left side view schematically illustrating the appearance of the process cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inner right side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a left exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inner right side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner right side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 10 is an inner right perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inner right side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 12 is an internal right perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the developing unit.

FIG. 14 is an inside side view of the developing holder.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a developing roller bearing box.

FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of the toner developing frame.

FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of a toner developing frame.

18 is a partial sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of a developing frame.

FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an external perspective view of a toner frame.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a cover film.

FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of the toner frame.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of filling a toner frame with toner.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a developing frame.

FIG. 26 is an external perspective view of the toner developing frame.

FIG. 27 is a partial sectional view of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an external perspective view of a developing unit.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a toner filling step.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: laser beam printer B: process cartridge C: cleaning unit D: developing unit DG: developing unit drive transmission unit G: developing roller unit GT: gear train S: mounting space U: welding surface J: toner unit 1. optical system 1a ... Laser diode 1b ... Polygon mirror 1c ... Lens 1d ... Reflection mirror 1e ... Exposure opening 2 ... Recording medium 3 ... Conveying means 3a ... Paper feeding cassette 3b ... Pickup rollers 3c and 3d ... Transport roller pair 3f ... Transport guide 3e ... Registration roller pair 3g, 3h, 3i, 3m
... Discharge roller pair 3j ... Reversing path 3k ... Flapper 4 ... Transfer roller 5 ... Fixing means 5a ... Heater 5b ... Fixing roller 5c
... drive roller 6 ... discharge tray 7 ... photosensitive drum 7a ... drive side flange 7a1 ... coupling convex part 7a2 ... shaft part 7b ... non-drive side flange 7b1 ... inner diameter part 8 ... charging roller 8a ... core metal 9 ... developing means 9b ... toner feeding member 9c ... developing roller 9d ... developing blade 9d1 ... sheet metal 9d2 ... rubber member 9d3 ... hole 9d4 ... cut 9d6 ... hole 9
e: toner stirring member 9f: bearing 9f1: key portion 9
g: Magnet 9g1: Missing circular shaft 9h: Antenna rod 9i: Spacer roller 9j: Developing roller bearing 9k: Developing roller gear
9l: developing coil spring contact 9m: fixed claw 9w: journal 9w1: reduced diameter cylindrical portion 10: cleaning means 10a: elastic cleaning blade 10b: removed toner reservoir 11: toner frame 11A: toner container 11a: upper frame 11a1: flange 11b ... Lower frame 11b
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Flange 11d ... Toner filling port 11e ... Coupling member 11e1 ... Hole 11f ... Toner cap
11h: boss 11i: toner supply opening 11j: flange 11j1
... Flange 11k ... Concave surface 11n ... Slot 11n2 ...
Bottom 11n3 Side wall 12 Developing frame 12b Bearing box 12b1 Bearing fitting hole 12b2 Keyway 12b3 Fixing claw 12d Dowel 12e Flange
12f ... Positioning boss 12g ... Projection 12i ... Blade mounting seat surface 12u ... Flat surface 12v ... Protrusion 12v1 ... Triangular protrusion 13 ... Cleaning frame 13a, 13b ... Side 13
c recess 13d ... inner wall 13e, 13f ... mounting hole 13g ... seat surface 13h ... closing part 13n ... transfer opening part 14 ... apparatus main body 15 ... sealing member 17 ... concave part 18 ... drum shutter member 18a ... shutter cover 18b, 18c ... link 18c1 Projecting portion 19 Arm 20 Rotating hole 22 Coupling member 22a Compression coil spring 23 Bearing guide 24 Small screw 27 Centering shaft 29 Biasing member 30 Drum bearing 30a Internal diameter 31 Cutter 32, 33: groove 34: toner supply unit 40: developing holder 40a: support hole 51: cover film 52: tear tape 52b: longitudinal end 54: elastic sealing material 100: rib 101: clip 102: flat surface 501: Roth 502 ... Toner bottle E, F ... Arrow

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A method for reproducing a process cartridge detachable from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: (a) a drum frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum; A pin supporting a developing roller for developing, and a pin rotatably connecting the developing roller to a developing frame having a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used for developing an electrostatic latent image. Removing the pins from the holes, wherein the pins are attached to pin holes provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame and the developing frame, (b)
A frame separating step of separating the drum frame and the developing frame; (c) a developing frame reinforcing rib removing step of removing some or all of the plurality of reinforcing ribs provided on the developing frame; The rib is provided on a surface opposite to a joining surface that integrally joins the developing frame and the developer accommodating portion. (D) Next, the rib is attached to one longitudinal end of the developing frame, and A fixing member removing step of removing a fixing member for fixing the bearing member for rotatably supporting the developing frame at a predetermined position from the developing frame, and (e) subsequently attaching the fixing member to the other longitudinal end of the developing frame. A developing roller bearing member provided with a bearing portion for rotatably supporting the developing roller is removed from the developing frame. (F) then separating the developer accommodating portion integrally joined to the developing frame, and (g) then charging the developer from the separated developer accommodating portion. A lid member removing step for removing the lid member sealing the mouth and enabling refilling of the developer; and (h) a developer supply for supplying the developer from the developer accommodating portion to the developing roller. A developer supply opening seal attaching step of attaching a seal member for closing the opening; and (i) a developer filling step of refilling the developer into the developer accommodating portion from the developer filling opening exposed by the lid member removing step. (J) a lid member attaching step of attaching a lid member for closing the developer filling port, (k) a joining step of joining the developing frame and the developer accommodating portion, and (l)
A fixing member attaching step of attaching a fixing member for fixing a bearing member for rotatably supporting the developing roller at a predetermined position of the developing frame to one longitudinal end of the developing frame; and (m) rotating the developing roller. A developing roller bearing member attaching step of attaching a developing roller bearing member provided with a bearing portion for supporting the developing roller to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame; and (n) one end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame and the developing frame. A frame coupling step of attaching pins to pin holes provided at one end and the other end of the drum frame and the developing frame in the longitudinal direction with the ends overlapped, and rotatably coupling the drum frame and the developing frame; A process cartridge reproduction method, comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a clip made of an elastic member is used in the joining step. 3. The process cartridge production method according to claim 1, wherein the developing roller bearing member attaching step is performed prior to the fixing member attaching step. 4. A shutter member removing step of removing a shutter member for covering a transfer opening provided in the process cartridge when the process cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus main body prior to the developing frame reinforcing rib removing step. The method according to claim 1, wherein a process is performed. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the shutter member is attached to the developing frame. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein a shutter member attaching step is performed prior to the frame joining step.