JP2004109208A - Method for reproducing process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easy method for reproducing a process cartridge. <P>SOLUTION: A connection pin for turnably connecting a development frame to a drum frame is disposed inside the insertion guide member of the process cartridge. When the two frames are separated, part of the insertion guide is shaved so that a connection pin can be grasped. To reproduce the process cartridge, another connection pin having a shaft and a portion identical in shape to the shaved guide portion is inserted to connect the frames. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for reproducing a process cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic 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 attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus main body. A process cartridge system that makes it possible 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.
[0003]
In such a process cartridge, an image is formed 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.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Heretofore, there has been a demand for a simple process cartridge reproduction method capable of commercializing a process cartridge whose developer value has been lost and whose commercial value has been lost.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple process cartridge reproduction method.
[0006]
Another object of the present invention is to re-commercialize a process cartridge that 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. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for reproducing a process cartridge.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first invention according to the present application is:
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
A charging roller for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
A drum frame having a cleaning blade for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and
A developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using a developer,
A developing frame that supports the developing roller;
A developer frame having a developer storage section for storing the developer,
A developer frame coupled to the developer frame,
In a method for remanufacturing a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
(A) Attached and detached along a guide member provided in the image forming apparatus main body
In the mounting guides on both sides of the drum frame,
Having a connecting pin that rotatably connects the drum frame and the developing frame,
From outside the drum frame,
Cut off part of the mounting guide,
Grab the exposed end face of the coupling pin,
Withdrawing the coupling pin to the outside of the drum frame;
(B) a separating step of separating the drum frame and the developing frame;
(C) By removing the screw from the drum frame, a bearing portion provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame and supporting the shaft provided at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is removed from the drum frame. Bearing part removal process,
(D) a positioning pin removing step of pulling out a drum positioning pin provided at the other longitudinal end of the drum frame;
(E) a drum removing step of removing the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the drum frame;
(F) Insert a new electrophotographic photosensitive drum into the drum frame, insert a drum positioning pin from the outside of the drum frame at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and then insert one end of the new electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A drum mounting step of mounting a bearing to one end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame with a screw so as to support the provided shaft,
(G) having the same shape as the shaved mounting guide portion,
A mounting guide portion of the mounting guide that has not been shaved off,
A mounting guide section that cooperates to form a mounting guide,
It has a shaft that fits into holes provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame and the developing frame
Using the coupling pin,
A joining step of joining the drum frame and the developing frame,
And a process cartridge re-production method.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is a direction that intersects with a direction in which the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body (a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the image carrier), and is parallel to the surface of the recording medium. And a direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular to) the transport direction of the recording medium. In addition, left and right mean left or right when the recording medium is viewed from above according to the recording medium conveyance direction. Further, the upper surface of the process cartridge is a surface located above when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, and the lower surface is a surface located below.
[0009]
First, a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the cartridge can be attached and detached will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with a process cartridge, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a process cartridge. Here, as the order of the description, first, the overall configuration of the process cartridge and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same will be described, and then the configuration of the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism for attaching / detaching the process cartridge to / from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body will be described. I do.
[0010]
(overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 1, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer, hereinafter referred to as an “image forming apparatus”) A is a drum-shaped electrophotographic image forming apparatus that transmits information light based on image information from an optical system 1 as optical means. Irradiation is performed on a photoconductor (image carrier, hereinafter referred to as “photoconductor drum”) 7 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 7, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer (hereinafter, referred to as “toner”). Develop to form a toner image. Then, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium (recording paper, OHP sheet, cloth, etc.) 2 is separated and fed one by one from the cassette 3a by the pickup roller 3b and the pressing member 3c pressed against the cassette 3a. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 of B is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to a transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit, and the recording medium 2 is transported to the fixing unit 5 by a transport guide 3f. The fixing means 5 includes a driving roller 5a, a fixing rotator 5d including a heater 5b and a cylindrical sheet rotatably supported by a support 5c, and applies heat and pressure to the recording medium 2 passing therethrough. The applied voltage fixes the transferred toner image. The recording medium 2 is conveyed by a discharge roller 3d, and is discharged to a discharge section 6 through a reverse conveyance path. In this embodiment, the transporting means 3 is constituted by the pickup roller 3b, the pressing member 3c, the discharge roller 3d, and the like.
[0011]
(Process cartridge)
On the other hand, the process cartridge B includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process means. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a cleaning for cleaning toner remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member There are means. As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge B of the present embodiment rotates a photosensitive drum 7, which is an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer, and applies a voltage to a charging roller 8, which is a charging unit, to apply a voltage to the photosensitive drum. The surface of the drum 7 is uniformly charged, and the charged photosensitive drum 7 is exposed to information light (optical image) based on the image information from the optical system 1 through the exposure opening 9b. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 10.
[0012]
The developing unit 10 sends out the toner in the toner storage unit 10a by a rotatable sending member 10b which is a toner sending unit. Then, while rotating a developing roller 10d, which is a developing rotating body (developer carrier) incorporating a fixed magnet 10c, a toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by a developing blade 10e is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d. The toner image is formed by transferring the toner to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image to visualize the toner image.
[0013]
Then, after applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image to the transfer roller 4 to transfer the toner image to the recording medium 2, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 11a and scooped by the squeeze sheet 11b. The residual toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed by a cleaning unit 11 that collects the collected toner in a removed toner storage unit 11c.
[0014]
The process cartridge B described in the present embodiment rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 7, and includes a cleaning unit 11d (or a drum frame) in which the cleaning unit 11 and the charging roller 8 are incorporated, a developing unit 10, and a toner storage. And a toner developing frame 10f (or developing frame) incorporating the portion 10a. The toner developing frame 10f is rotatably supported with respect to the cleaning frame 11d so that the developing roller 10d of the developing means 10 can face the photosensitive drum 7 in parallel with a predetermined space therebetween. Spacers 10m (see FIG. 8) for maintaining an interval between the photosensitive drum 7 and the photosensitive drum 7 are arranged at both ends of the developing roller 10d. Holder members 10g are provided on both side surfaces of the toner developing frame 10f, and have a suspending arm 10g7 formed with a coupling hole 10g8 for rotatably suspending the developing unit to the cleaning unit. A predetermined pressure is applied between the developing unit and the cleaning unit in order to maintain an interval.
[0015]
The process cartridge B is housed in a cartridge frame CF formed by combining a developing frame 10f1 and a lid member 10f2 by welding and integrating a toner developing frame 10f and a cleaning frame 11d to form a cartridge. I have. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge frame CF is detachably attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, referred to as "image forming apparatus main body") 14 in the direction of arrow X, as shown in FIGS. A positioning guide 18b is provided coaxially with the rotation guide of the photosensitive drum 7 and supported by positioning means inside the image forming apparatus. The positioning 18a is a cylindrical boss having different diameters on the left and right sides, and has an arc-shaped projection 18a1 having a center on the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 7 and a larger radius than the positioning 18a for positioning on the opposite side. The mounting guide 18b has a lower surface 18b1 that is received by a moving guide 41, which will be described later, and a distal end 18b2 that is the distal end of the mounting guide 18b in the insertion direction of the process cartridge. It has been enlarged. A rear end lower corner 18b3, which is a rear end corner of the lower surface 18b1 in the insertion direction, has an inclined surface 18b4 formed at an acute angle with respect to the lower surface 18b1, and a rear end of the upper surface in the insertion direction is an orthogonal surface 18b5 orthogonal to the upper surface. Consists of The rear end of the mounting guide 18b is provided to the rear of the center of gravity of the process cartridge. When the process guide B is supported by the mounting guide 18b, the front end of the mounting cartridge 18b is always maintained. In this embodiment, the mounting guide 18b is provided above the positioning 18a on the side surface of the cleaning frame 11d. However, the mounting guide 18b may be provided on the toner developing frame 10f or the holder 10g attached to the side surface thereof.
[0016]
In the process cartridge B of the present embodiment, a drum shutter 12 that can integrally cover the transfer opening 9a and the exposure opening 9b facing the transfer roller 4 of the photosensitive drum is rotatably provided on the cleaning frame 11d. I have. The configuration of the drum shutter 12 will be described. The drum shutter 12 has a drum protection portion 12a that can cover the transfer opening 9a where the photosensitive drum 7 contacts the transfer roller 4. The rotating shaft 12b rotatably supported near the exposure opening 9b of the cleaning frame 11d includes a sliding portion 12b1 sliding on the cleaning frame 11d at both ends of the rotating shaft 12b and a sliding portion 12b1 at both ends. A large-diameter portion 12b2, which is larger than the sliding portion 12b1, is provided at a portion that overlaps the exposure opening 9b to be connected, and an exposure shutter portion 12b3 that closes the exposure opening 9b when the drum shutter 12 is closed is provided in the large-diameter portion 12b2. The drum shutter 12 has two connecting portions 12c provided at both left and right portions connecting both ends of the drum protecting portion 12a and outside the large diameter portion of the rotating shaft 12b. A cam portion 12 d is disposed on the right side of the large-diameter portion 12 b 2 of the rotating shaft 12 b and protrudes above the process cartridge B. There is a rib 12e provided on the right connecting portion 12c and extending outward in the longitudinal direction of the drum shutter 12. The rib 12e is received by the shutter guide 44c of the fixed guide 44, and holds the drum shutter 12 in an open position.
[0017]
A biasing force is applied to the drum shutter 12 in a direction in which the drum shutter 12 covers the photosensitive drum 7 by a spring force of a shutter spring (see FIG. 5B). As a result, when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body, the drum shutter 12 maintains a closed state covering the transfer opening 9a of the photosensitive drum 7 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. In a state where the image forming operation is possible, the drum shutter is opened and closed by a drum shutter opening / closing means, which will be described later, exposing the transfer opening 9a as shown by the solid line in FIG. 2 so that the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer roller 4 can come into contact with each other. Take a posture.
[0018]
Next, the structure of the cleaning means will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The cleaning means 11 includes a first seal member 11e for preventing toner leakage from both sides of the rubber of the cleaning blade 11a from the removed toner storage portion 11c, and a second seal member 11h for preventing toner leakage from the back of the cleaning blade 11d. At a predetermined position with a double-sided tape or the like. Next, a cleaning blade is fixed to a predetermined position of the cleaning frame body 11d with a screw, and the cleaning blade 11a is used to prevent toner from leaking from both rubber ends of the cleaning blade 11a and to wipe off adhered matter such as toner on the photosensitive drum. The third sealing member 11f as described above, and a scooping sheet 11b, which is a scooping member, is fixed to the cleaning frame 11d by a double-sided tape 11g or the like. Further, an electrode 8c for supplying power from the image forming apparatus main body A to the charging roller 8 is fitted therein.
[0019]
Further, a roller bearing 8b serving as a bearing for supplying power to the charging roller 8 from the electrode 8c and the other bearing 8a are incorporated in a cleaning frame, and the shaft of the charging roller 8 is fitted into the bearings 8b and 8a.
[0020]
One of the photosensitive drums 7 is coupled with a coupling means 70 for transmitting power and a drum gear 71 integrally formed with a gear for transmitting power to the developing roller 10 and the transfer roller 4 and a ground contact, and the other is a flange 85 having a bearing. Are combined. A bearing 18c having a positioning 18a is coupled to the photosensitive drum 7 by a screw on the coupling means 70 side, and the other is press-fitted into the cleaning frame 11d and supported so that the positioning pin 18d fits within the positioning 18a.
[0021]
The assembly of the cleaning means 11 is performed in the same order as described above.
[0022]
Next, the developing means 10 of the process cartridge B will be described in more detail.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the developing means 10 includes a toner chamber (toner accommodating portion) 10a and a developing chamber 10i by connecting the toner developing frame 10f1 and the lid member 10f2.
[0024]
Further, the toner developing frame 10f1 is provided with a toner passage opening 10k through which the toner contained in the toner chamber 10a passes when supplied to the developing roller 10d.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 6, a toner seal member 27 (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-102105) consisting of a plurality of layers that closes the toner passage opening 10k of the toner developing frame 10f1 has a cover film 27b that can be torn by laser light. Are heat-welded to the seal mounting portion, and a sealant layer 31 for fixing the toner seal member 27 is provided on the cover film portion 27b.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 7, the toner seal member 27 is attached to the seal mounting portion 10h along four edges of the toner passage opening 10k. Has been half-cut by a laser as described above (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-102105).
[0027]
Further, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the toner developing frame 10f1, a toner filling port (not shown) for filling the toner in the toner chamber 10a is provided, and the toner filling opening is sealed by a cap member 10j (see FIG. 8) after the toner filling. Is stopped.
[0028]
The toner developing frame 10f1 and the lid member 10f2 are both formed by injection molding of resin. To assemble these, the lid member 10f2 is joined to the open wall portion of the toner developing frame 10f1, and the joined portions are welded and joined. After the coupling, an end seal 10r for preventing toner leakage at both ends of the developing roller 10d, a seal member 10s for preventing toner leakage at both ends of the developing blade 10e, and scattering of toner from a gap below the developing roller 10d are prevented. The sheet member 10t is attached to the toner developing frame 10f1 and the lid member 10f2 with a double-sided tape or the like.
[0029]
As described above, as shown in FIG. 8, an arm portion 10g7 protrudes toward the cleaning frame 11d from a holder member (hereinafter referred to as an "end member") 10g, and is provided at the tip of the arm 10g7. The cleaning frame 11d and the end member 10g can be rotatably connected to each other by the pins 60 that are fitted into the connection holes 10g8 in the longitudinal direction and the connection holes (not shown) provided in the cleaning frame. Then, a compression coil spring whose inner diameter is fitted into the spring stopper 10g9 on the arm portion 10g7 is compressed between the cleaning frame 11d and the gap holding members 10m on both sides of the developing roller 10d and the photosensitive drum 7 are pressed against each other.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the cleaning frame 11d in which the photosensitive drum 7 and the cleaning means 11 are assembled to the toner developing frame 10f1 and the lid member 10f2 integrated as described above Is inserted through the holes 10g8 of the end members 10g on both sides along the pin insertion guides 18b6 inside the mounting guide 18b, and the cleaning frame is coaxial with the pin insertion guides 18b6 on both sides of the holes 10g8 of the end member 10g. It is pressed into a hole in the body (not shown) and joined. Further, the process cartridge B 'is assembled by connecting the shutter 12 and the shutter spring 12f to the cleaning frame 11d.
[0031]
(Configuration of end member and handle member)
One end member 10g disposed on both longitudinal sides of the developing means 10 has a developing roller gear 10n (FIG. 8) fixed to the end of the developing roller meshing with a drum gear (not shown) fixed to the end of the photosensitive drum 7. And a gear train composed of two idler gears 10p and 10q for transmitting drive from the developing roller gear 10n to a transport gear (not shown) of the toner feeding member 10b. The other end member 10g is provided with a handle member 10g1 described below.
[0032]
The drawer 27a (see FIG. 6) of the toner seal member 27 is folded back at one longitudinal end 10p (see FIG. 7) of the toner passage opening 10k and passes through the hole 10f11 (see FIG. 8) of the toner developing frame 10f1. Pulled out. The end portion 27a1 of the toner seal member 27 which is drawn out of the drawer portion 27a is further drawn out through the hole 10g6 of the end member 10g, and the surface R shown in FIG. The (sealant layer 31 side) is heated and fixed to a predetermined surface of the handle member 10g1 through the through hole 10g4 of the plate-like handle member 10g1 serving as a handle so that the handle member 10g1 side is on the handle member 10g1 side (see FIG. 5). The handle member 10g1 is provided so as to be detachable from the end member 10g. More specifically, the thickness of the connection portion connected to the end member 10g is particularly reduced so that the connection portion can be bent and separated. The handle member 10g1 and the end member 10g are integrally formed. Preferably, it is preferable to integrally mold using a styrene-based material such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or acrylonitrile-butadiene polymer (ABS). The end 27a1 of the drawer 27a is heat-welded to the handle.
[0033]
The process cartridge B 'shown in FIG. 5 assembled as described above is shipped with the handle member 10g1 turned down on the arrow P side as shown in FIG. 12 so that the process cartridge B' shown in FIG. At this time, the tip of the handle member 10g1 is provided with a relief (a notch 10g2 shown in FIG. 7) so as not to interfere with the projection 18a1 for positioning the cleaning frame 11d when the handle member 10g1 is tilted.
[0034]
When the user purchases and uses the process cartridge, the handle member 10g1 is tilted in the direction of arrow Q opposite to the direction in which the process cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 14 as shown in FIG. The tip N of the provided projection 10g5 abuts on the end member 10g to serve as a rotation fulcrum, and the root side (connection portion with the end member 10g) of the handle member 10g1 is cut off from the end member 10g, as shown in FIG. As described above, when the operator hooks the protrusion 10g3, which is a handle of the handle member 10g, with the finger and pulls it in the direction of the arrow F, the drawer 27a is pulled out, the cover film 27b is torn, and the toner of the toner developing frame 10f1 is removed. The passage opening 10k is opened, and the toner can be sent from the toner chamber 10a to the developing chamber 10i. A state of di-B, it is ready to be inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 14.
[0035]
(Process cartridge attachment / detachment mechanism)
Next, the configuration of a process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism for attaching / detaching the process cartridge B to / from the image forming apparatus main body 14 will be described.
[0036]
The process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a moving guide 41 that holds the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body and moves between the optical system and the conveying unit. A cam plate 50 for moving in the latter half of the process, a connecting plate 51 for transmitting the rotation of the opening / closing cover 15 to the cam plate 50, a push arm for supporting the process cartridge at a position where an image forming operation can be performed after the process cartridge is moved, It comprises a drum shutter opening / closing means for the drum shutter 12 of the cartridge.
[0037]
Further, in the present embodiment, in the latter half of the closing operation of the opening / closing cover and the first half of the opening operation, coupling between the coupling means on the image forming apparatus side and the coupling means 70 on the process cartridge side for transmitting the drive from the right end in the longitudinal direction to the process cartridge. And an interlock switch for detecting that the opening / closing cover is closed and for energizing the image forming apparatus operatively. In the closing operation of the opening and closing cover, the process cartridge is transported by the movement of the moving guide 41 interlocked with the opening and closing cover, and then the coupling means is brought to the position shown in FIG. Thereafter, the interlock switch is operated. In the opening operation of the opening / closing cover, the interlock switch is released first, then the drive connecting means and the push arm are released, and finally the moving guide is moved.
[0038]
The shutter 12 opens when the cam portion 12d comes into contact with the support plate of the optical system 1 in the process of transporting the process cartridge B by the movement guide 41 in the closing operation of the opening / closing cover. Rides on the shutter guide 42c, and is kept open at the position of FIG. 1 which is the image forming position. In the opening operation of the opening / closing cover, the shutter 12 can be closed by the reverse operation.
[0039]
(Attaching the process cartridge to the main unit)
Next, an operation of attaching and detaching the process cartridge B by the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0040]
When the opening / closing cover 15 of the image forming apparatus main body 14 is completely opened (fully opened state), an opening W for attaching and detaching the process cartridge appears. In this state, as shown in FIG. 15, the movement guide 41 appears in a posture in which it is lowered toward the back side in the insertion direction of the process cartridge. An auxiliary guide 42 is fixed to the inner plate 40 substantially symmetrically left and right on the upstream side in the insertion direction of the moving guide 41.
[0041]
The auxiliary guide 42 has an attachment / detachment auxiliary part 42a connected to the rear end of the moving guide 41 and an upper regulating part 42b having a surface almost connected to the upper surface 41a6 of the moving guide 41. A front guide surface 42a1 connected to the guide surface 41a2, an introduction guide surface 42a2 that is continuous with the front guide surface 42a1 and has a smaller inclination than the front guide surface 42a1 and is substantially horizontal, and the front guide surface 42a1 and the introduction guide surface It has a lower guide surface 42a3 which is located below 42a2 and is inclined at a steeper angle than the front guide surface toward the lower surface of the moving guide 41. The upper regulating portion 42b has an upper guide surface 42b1 substantially connected to the upper surface 41a6 of the moving guide 41, an upper guide surface 42b2 continuous with the upper guide surface 42b1 and substantially parallel to the lower guide surface 42a3 and inclined upward from the upper guide surface 42b1. have. The side guide 43b of the front guide 43 has an inclined surface 43b1 whose inclination is slightly steeper than parallel to the guide surface 41a2 of the moving guide 41, and a horizontal surface 43b2 which is continuous with the inclined surface 43b1 and provided on the opening / closing cover 15 side. .
[0042]
Therefore, on the inner surface of the inner plate 40 on the left and right sides of the opening W that appears when the opening / closing cover 15 is opened, the inlet side is widened by the introduction guide surface 42a2 and the upper introduction guide surface 42b2, and the upper regulation portion 42b and the attachment / detachment assist portion 42a of the auxiliary cover 42 The upper guide G1 formed between the moving guide 41 and the lower guide surface 42a3 and the horizontal surface 43b2, the entrance side is widened, and the lower guide formed between the moving guide 41 and the side guide 43b. Two guide grooves G2 appear. Further, since the central boss 15a is located on the lower side of the cover as shown in FIG. 9, the openable cover 15 opens downward, and the back cover 16 faces the opening W. A rough guide surface 16a1 that is inclined downward in the process cartridge insertion direction is formed on the convex portion 16a provided on the back cover 16.
[0043]
As described above, the process cartridge B has a positioning 18a formed coaxially with the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 7 on both sides of the cartridge frame CF, and a rib-shaped mounting guide 18b formed along the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge. Is provided. Further, on the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f, projections 10f3 are provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction.
[0044]
When the process cartridge B is inserted into the opening W, the mounting guide 18b of the process cartridge B is aligned with the upper guide G1 on the side surface of the opening W, and the positioning 18a is aligned with the lower guide G2. Insert it all the way into the back. At this time, the convex portion 16a of the back cover 16 functions as a rough guide to limit the insertion position of the process cartridge B to some extent, and to easily guide the mounting guide 18b and the positioning 18a of the process cartridge to the upper guide G1 and the lower guide G2. This is the distance h1 from the rough guide surface 16a1 to the top of the introduction guide surface 42a2 on the opening / closing cover side, and the distance h2 from the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f to the intersection between the lower surface 18b1 of the mounting guide 18b and the tip 18b2. h1 <h2, the distance h3 from the vertex of the introduction guide surface 42a2 on the open / close cover side to the vertex of the horizontal surface 43b2 of the side guide 43b on the open / close cover side, and the intersection of the lower surface 18b1 and the tip 18b2 of the mounting guide 18b. By setting the distance h4 to the lower surface of the positioning 18a as h3> h4, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f is aligned with the rough guide surface 16a1 provided on the upper surface of the convex portion 16a, The mounting guide 18b is naturally guided to the entrance of the upper guide G1, and the positioning 18a is naturally guided to the entrance of the lower guide G2. The projection 16a contacts the rear end of the toner developing frame 10f until the mounting guide 18b engages the guide surface 41a2 of the moving guide 41, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the process cartridge B can be easily moved to the back of the guide groove 41a of the moving guide 41 by its own weight.
[0045]
The convex portions 16a are provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the back cover 16 and the central portion is kept low to secure a space where a user's hand can easily enter when attaching / detaching the process cartridge or clearing a jam. The opening W that is formed by opening the opening / closing cover 15 has a shape that satisfies both a limited area for mounting the process cartridge and a space that is easy for a user to access the inside of the image forming apparatus.
[0046]
Here, the positional relationship between the protrusion 16a in the opening W and the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. The distance L1 between the outer side of the convex portion 16a of the back cover 16, the distance L2 between the outer surface of the left convex portion and the inner surface of the left auxiliary guide, and the distance L3 between the outer surface of the right convex portion and the inner surface of the right auxiliary guide are different from the process cartridge. The relationship between the inner space 11 of the protrusion 10f3 of B, the space 12 between the inner surface of the left protrusion and the left side surface of the cartridge frame CF, and the space 13 between the inner surface of the right protrusion and the right surface of the cartridge frame CF is as follows. L1 <11, (2) L2 ≒ 12 + (11−L1) / 2 + ((L1 + L2 + L3) − (11 + 12 + 13)) / 2, (3) L3 ≒ 13 + (11−L1) / 2 + ((L1 + L2 + L3− (11 + 12 + 13) )) / 2, the projections 16a at both ends are settled between the projections 10f3 on the lower surface of the toner developing frame according to the formula (1), and the projections 10f3 are set as the projections according to the formulas (2) and (3). Has become approximate alignment can be related in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B relative to the opening W by adjusting the 6a.
[0047]
When the mounting guide 18b of the process cartridge B is guided to the upper guide G1 and the positioning 18a is guided to the lower guide G2 using the projection 16a of the back cover 16 formed as described above, the front guide which is the lower surface of the upper guide G1 is provided. The surface 41a1 and the guide surface 41a2 are formed to be inclined forward and downward, and the rear end of the mounting guide 18b is provided to the rear from the center of gravity of the process cartridge. The guide is guided to the back of the movement guide 41 by its own weight. Since the inclined surface 43b1 of the side guide 43b, which is the lower surface of the lower guide G2, is slightly steeper than the guide surface 41a2, as the process cartridge is inserted, the positioning 18a moves away from the inclined surface 43b1 of the side guide 43b (FIG. 18). reference). Therefore, when the process cartridge is inserted from the opening W, the mounting guide 18b can be received by the movement guide 41. When the process cartridge B received on the guide surface 41a2 of the moving guide is further inserted, the tip end portion 18b2 of the mounting guide 18b comes into contact with the upper inclined surface 41a7 of the moving guide 41 (see FIG. 19). The front end portion 18b2 of the mounting guide 18b is a smooth arc, and the lower side of the upper surface inclination 41a7 is a receiving surface 41a1 lower than the guide surface 41a2. The cartridge is inserted into the back side of the guide groove 41a while changing the posture in the direction of increasing the inclination, and the mounting guide distal end portion 18b2 contacts the back side of the receiving surface 41a1 to complete the mounting of the process cartridge (see FIG. 20).
[0048]
When the attitude of the process cartridge B in the direction of increasing the inclination is changed, the tip of the contact rib 43c provided on the front guide 43 contacts the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f, and the tip of the contact rib 43c is used as a fulcrum. The process cartridge B changes to a further lowering posture (see FIGS. 19 and 20). In the state where the process cartridge B has been inserted, the point where the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f contacts the contact rib 43c is set rearward in the insertion direction from the position of the center of gravity of the process cartridge B. In some cases, the posture is such that the toner developing frame body located rearward in the insertion direction is lifted. For this reason, the process cartridge B inserted from the opening W is positioned below the front end portion 18b2 of the mounting guide behind the receiving surface 41a1 of the guide groove 41a, and the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f is contacted with the contact rib 43c of the front guide 43. The lower corner 18b3 of the rear end of the mounting guide 18b is lifted. The contact rib 43c is set so that the rear end lower corner 18b3 of the mounting guide 18b is at the same height as the guide surface 41a2 of the moving guide 41.
[0049]
The movement guide 41 in the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism according to the present embodiment is configured to move in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing cover 15. Therefore, if the rear end (opening / closing cover side end surface) of the moving guide 41 can be pushed by the process cartridge B, the moving guide 41 escapes into the image forming apparatus, and the process guide is moved into the guide groove 41a of the moving guide 41. The mounting guide 18b of the cartridge B cannot be inserted. For this purpose, in this embodiment, an auxiliary guide fixed to the inner plate 40 and connected to the rear end of the movable guide 41 is provided on the upstream side of the movable guide 41 in the mounting direction of the process cartridge B (the direction of the arrow X). 42 are provided. The above-mentioned problem is solved by the auxiliary guide 42, and the guide rib 18b of the process cartridge B is reliably guided to the guide groove 41a of the moving guide 41.
[0050]
Further, since the process cartridge B is mounted on the moving guide 41 that moves in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing cover 15, the moving guide 41 moves into the image forming apparatus when the opening and closing cover 15 is partially closed. Therefore, a gap is formed between the auxiliary guide 42 and the attachment / detachment auxiliary part 42a. If the opening amount of the opening / closing cover 15 is small and the gap is such that the mounting guide 18b can cross over, it is possible to mount the process cartridge. However, when the gap is widened to some extent, the mounting guide 18b of the process cartridge B cannot be inserted into the guide groove 41a of the moving guide 41. When the gap is further widened, the mounting guide 18b enters the gap to form an image. It is assumed that the user will get into the device. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the insertion of the process cartridge with the opening / closing cover 15 closed partway is prevented by the convex portion 16 a of the back cover 16.
[0051]
When the closing amount of the opening / closing cover 15 is large, the convex portion 16a of the back cover 16 is close to the upper regulating portion 42b, and there is no space in which the process cartridge can be mounted, so that the process cartridge cannot be inserted. When the opening / closing cover 15 is closed halfway and the process cartridge is still insertable, the rotation of the opening / closing cover 15 causes the protrusion 16 a to enter in the original attaching / detaching direction (the direction of the arrow X), and the rough guide surface of the back cover 16. Since the angle of 16a1 is steeper than usual, the process cartridge B can be inserted only at a steeper angle than usual. When the process cartridge B is inserted at a steep angle such that the lower surface of the process cartridge B extends along the rough guide surface 16a1 of the convex portion 16a with the opening / closing cover 15 being closed, the guide surface 41a2 of the moving guide 41 and the auxiliary cover are formed. Since the introduction guide surface 42a2 of 42 is discontinuous, the front end surface 18b2 of the mounting guide 18b contacts the rear end surface of the moving guide 41. At this time, the positioning 18a is in contact with the inclined surface 43b1 of the side guide 43b, and the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f is in contact with the convex portion 16a of the back cover 16, so that the attitude of the process cartridge B is limited. The opening / closing cover 15 is further moved from the state where the front end of the mounting guide 18b and the rear end of the moving guide 41, the positioning 18a, the inclined surface 43b1 of the side guide 43b, the lower surface of the toner developing frame 10f and the projection 16a are in contact. Is closed, the moving guide 41 moves into the image forming apparatus, and the convex portion 16a of the back cover 16 also rotates upward, so that the process cartridge B rotates counterclockwise to rotate the upper surface of the mounting guide 18b. At the rear end, the corner with the orthogonal surface 18b5 abuts on the upper guide surface 42b2 of the auxiliary guide 42, and the opening / closing cover 15 cannot be closed any more. That is, even if the process cartridge is inserted from a state where the cover 15 is partially closed, the cover 15 cannot be closed, so that the problem of improper mounting of the process cartridge can be prevented.
[0052]
Here, even when the process cartridge B is inserted and the process cartridge B cannot be moved from the state where the open / close cover 15 is partially closed, if the open / close cover 15 is again rotated in the opening direction, the movement guide 41 is moved. The process cartridge B is moved to the opening W side and pushes the front end portion 18b2 of the mounting guide 18b to pull out the process cartridge B. When the gap between the receiving surface 41a1 of the moving guide 41 and the front guide surface 42a1 of the auxiliary guide 42 becomes small, and the mounting guide 18b crosses the gap, the mounting guide 18b fits in the guide groove 41a and the process cartridge can be mounted. Become like
[0053]
(Reproduction of process cartridges)
When the toner in the toner container 10a is used up, the process cartridge B 'is collected and reproduced as follows.
[0054]
For remanufacturing, the disassembled parts are inspected, and if they pass the inspection, the parts are used for reassembly.If rejected, the parts are determined to be usable for disassembly and inspection of new parts and other similar models. Parts will be used for reproduction as appropriate.
[0055]
(Drum shutter removal process)
The step of removing the drum shutter will be described with reference to FIG.
The drum shutter 12 rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 11d is removed. To remove the drum shutter 12 from the cleaning frame 11d, insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver (not shown) between the bearings 11d1 on both sides of the cleaning frame 11d and the sliding portions 12b1 at both ends of the drum shutter 12, and pry up. Can be removed. Further, a drum shutter spring 12f for applying a biasing force in a direction in which the drum shutter 12 covers the photosensitive drum 7 can be removed at the same time. At this time, the sliding portion 12b1 of the drum shutter 12 may be damaged. If damaged, the drum shutter 12 is replaced with a new one at the time of reassembly. As a result of the inspection, if it is confirmed that the function is sufficient, the drum shutter 12 is reused. After the inspection, the drum shutter spring 12f is reused if there is no abnormality. In this embodiment, the drum shutter is removed before the cleaning unit and the developing unit are separated from each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0056]
(Separation process of cleaning unit and developing unit)
Next, a process of separating the cleaning unit 11 and the developing unit 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5, 8, 23, 24, and 25. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the process cartridge with the toner seal not opened, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the developing means assembly, FIG. 23 is a side view showing the non-driving side of the process cartridge (a view showing the cross-sectional position in FIG. 24), and FIG. It is a drawing explanatory drawing of a connection pin.
[0057]
First, the connection configuration of the cleaning unit and the developing unit will be described with reference to FIGS. An arm 10g7 protrudes toward the cleaning frame 11d from the end member 10g shown in FIG. 8, and has a longitudinal coupling hole 10g8 provided at the tip of the arm 10g7.
[0058]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cleaning frame 11d on which the photosensitive drum 7, the cleaning means 11 and the like are assembled is provided with the connecting pins 60 along the pin insertion guides 18b6 inside the mounting guides 18b. The hole 10g8 of the end member 10g is pressed into a hole 18b7 (see FIG. 24) of the cleaning frame coaxially with the pin insertion guide 18b6 on both sides of the hole 10g8 of the end member 10g.
[0059]
To separate the cleaning unit 11 from the developing unit 10, a part of the mounting guide 18b of the cleaning frame 11d and the pin insertion guide 18b6 are deleted, and the end of the coupling pin 60 is exposed from the cleaning frame 11d. Until then, there is a method of scraping the cleaning frame 11d and pulling out the end face of the coupling pin 60 that has appeared.
[0060]
For detailed description, FIG. 23 is a side view showing the non-driving side of the process cartridge, and FIGS. 24 and 25 are cross-sectional views taken along line S--S in the drawing. Here, the non-drive side will be described as an example, but the same applies to the drive side.
[0061]
First, in order to cut the cleaning frame 11d until the end 60a of the coupling pin 60 reaches the processing surface 80 (see FIG. 25b) that emerges from the cleaning frame 11d, an ultrasonic cutter 81 or the like as shown in FIG. It is easy if used and melt-processed. Moreover, you may cut by a drill, a cutter, etc. However, since the processing surface 80 serves as a contact surface of a connecting pin used for reconnecting the developing unit and the cleaning unit, which will be described later, what is melt-processed by the ultrasonic cutter 81 or the like has a flatness and a processing depth. A post-process for accurately processing the surface is required.
[0062]
It is desirable that the position of the processing surface 80 is such that the end face 60a (see FIG. 25B) of the coupling pin 60 can be seen, and the size and the processing depth of the processing surface 80 are as shown in FIG. The minimum size and depth are good enough to insert a tip such as nipper or radio pliers 82 used for pulling out the wire in the direction of arrow T (drawing direction). This is because the cleaning frame 11'd having the processing surface 80 is reused when it is confirmed that the cleaning frame 11'd functions sufficiently. Further, the hole 18b7 of the cleaning frame is a blind hole, and can be separated without dropping the mold facet or the like generated when processing the processing surface 80 into the cleaning frame 11'd.
[0063]
The procedure for separating the cleaning unit 11 from the developing unit 10 will be described. A part of the mounting guide 18b of the cleaning frame 11d and the pin insertion guide 18b6 are shaved (the guide remaining after the shaving is referred to as the mounting guide 18'b). The cleaning frame 11d is shaved until the cleaning frame 11d appears. Then, the end face 60a of the coupling pin 60 that has appeared is gripped with a general-purpose tool such as nipper or radio pliers 82 and pulled out.
[0064]
In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a part of the mounting guide 18b of the cleaning frame 11d is cut, but the entire mounting guide 18b may be cut off.
[0065]
The separated cleaning unit 11 'and developing unit 10 are in the state shown in FIG. As described above, the process of separating the cleaning unit 11 and the developing unit 10 has been described, but the procedure is not limited to this.
[0066]
(Reproduction of cleaning unit)
Next, reproduction of the cleaning unit 11 'will be described.
[0067]
First, the step of removing the photosensitive drum 7 from the cleaning frame 11'd will be described. As described above, the support structure of the photosensitive drum will be described with reference to FIG. One of the photosensitive drums 7 is coupled with a coupling means 70 for driving transmission and a drum gear 71 integrally formed with a developing roller 10, a gear for transmitting driving to the transfer roller 4, an earth contact, and the like, and a flange having a bearing on the other. 85 are connected. A bearing 18c having a positioning 18a is coupled to the photosensitive drum 7 by a screw on the coupling means 70 side, and the other is press-fitted into the cleaning frame 11d and supported so that the positioning pin 18d fits within the positioning 18a. A simple method of removing the photosensitive drum 7 from the cleaning frame 11'd is to remove the screw and the bearing 18c, lift the drum gear 71 of the photosensitive drum 7 in the direction of arrow V shown in FIG. It can be removed by flexing the side wall while pulling it out diagonally. After that, the positioning pin 18d can be pushed out from the inside of the cleaning frame 11'd and pulled out.
[0068]
Desirably, decomposition is performed by the following method. To remove the photosensitive drum 7 from the cleaning frame 11'd, as shown in FIG. 28, the positioning pin 18d of the flange 85 of the photosensitive drum 7 may be removed from the inside of the positioning 18a of the cleaning frame 11'd. As shown in FIG. 28a, in order to make the positioning pin 18d protrude from the positioning 18a, a jig 86 is inserted into a gap between the end face 18d1 (see FIG. 11) of the positioning pin 18d and the flange 85, and the end face 18d1 and the cleaning frame body. The other end face 18d2 of the positioning pin 18d can be pushed out of the positioning 18a by sandwiching the side wall 11'd and pressing it in the direction of arrow E. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 28B, the other end face 18d2 of the positioning pin 18d can be grasped with a general-purpose tool such as nipper or radio pliers 84 and pulled out. Thereby, the photosensitive drum 7 can be removed.
[0069]
Alternatively, a part of the positioning 18a can be cut out, and the positioning pin 18d can be gripped with a general-purpose tool such as a pair of pliers, nippers or the like and pulled out.
[0070]
Next, the charging roller 8 and the roller bearing 8a serving as a bearing of the charging roller 8 shown in FIG. 11 are removed.
[0071]
Next, waste toner is extracted from the cleaning unit 11 'from which the photosensitive drum 7 has been removed. As shown in FIG. 29, in the cleaning unit 11 'from which the photosensitive drum 7 has been removed, the suction nozzle 87 of the toner suction device is held in a hand, and the suction nozzle 87 is moved between the cleaning blade 11a and the cleaning sheet 11b of the cleaning unit 11'. Press against gap 88. While hitting the upper surface of the cleaning frame 11'd, the suction nozzle 87 is moved laterally along the gap 88 to suck the waste toner inside. Next, as shown in FIG. 30, the cleaning unit from which the waste toner has been removed removes the cleaning blade 11a and cleans the inside of the cleaning frame 11'd by blowing air or the like with an air gun 89 or the like. If the processing surface 80 of the cleaning frame 11′d is melt-processed by an ultrasonic cutter 81 or the like, the processing surface 80 is connected to a developing unit and a cleaning unit to be described later. Since it is a contact surface of the pin and requires precision, precision processing is required after cleaning.
[0072]
After the removed photosensitive drum 7 and cleaning blade 10a are blown with air or the like to clean the adhered toner, they are inspected to determine whether they can be reused. As a result of the inspection, if the performance does not meet the standard, it is appropriately replaced with a new one. However, if there is a high probability that replacement is required statistically during the study of the development process or at the time of reproduction, replacing it with a new one at the time of reproduction without inspection may improve work efficiency. is there.
[0073]
(Reassembly of the cleaning unit)
After attaching a new or reused cleaning blade 10a and a new squeeze sheet 10c to the cleaning frame 11'd, a new or reused roller bearing 8a and a charging roller 8 serving as bearings of the charging roller 8 are attached. Further, in order to rotatably attach the new photosensitive drum 7 to the cleaning frame 11'd, the bearing 18c is coupled to the cleaning frame 11'd by a screw, and the other is to attach the positioning pin 18d to the cleaning frame 11 '. Press-fit so as to fit within the positioning 18a of d. In order to reassemble a new photosensitive drum 7 to the cleaning frame 11'd from which the photosensitive drum 7 has been pulled out without pulling out the positioning pins 18d described above, a direction opposite to the arrow V direction shown in FIG. Inserting the photosensitive drum 7 obliquely while bending the side wall of the cleaning frame 11'd enables reassembly.
[0074]
(Reproduction method of developing means)
Next, a method of disassembling the developing means 10 and a method of reproducing by refilling the toner will be described.
[0075]
Regarding reproduction, the disassembled parts are inspected, and if the inspection is passed, the parts are used for reassembly, and if not, new parts are appropriately used for reproduction.
[0076]
(Disassembly of end member and toner cap)
The developing unit 10 separated from the cleaning unit 11 is further disassembled as shown in FIG. First, the screw fixing the end member 10g on the side where the toner filling port 110 is located is removed. While pressing the bearing 111 that positions the developing roller 10d, the end member 10g is pulled out in the longitudinal direction with the compression spring 114 attached. By removing the end member 10g, the toner cap 10j fitted in the toner filling port 110 can be seen. Similarly, while pressing the bearing 111, the toner cap 10j is pulled out using radio pliers (not shown) or the like. Although the bearing 111 may be held by hand, it is preferable to perform the operation using a temporary positioning jig 112 as shown in FIG. 32 in order to prevent the toner from scattering.
[0077]
(Refill toner)
As shown in FIG. 32, the toner filling port 110 of the toner developing frame 10f is held upward, and a funnel 113 corresponding to the diameter of the toner filling port 110 from which the toner cap 10j has been removed is fitted into the toner filling port 110. At 112, the toner is refilled from the funnel 112 into the toner developing frame 10f while holding down the sleeve 10d and the bearing 111. The toner may be directly refilled from the filling port 110 without using the funnel 113. However, in order to suppress the scattering of the toner and to refill the toner efficiently, a fixed-quantity feeding apparatus having an auger in a funnel-shaped main body is used. It is better to use etc.
[0078]
(Assembly of developing means)
After refilling the toner in the toner developing frame 10f as described above, the developing means 10 is reassembled. Reassembly may be performed by reversing the above disassembly step. That is, after refilling the toner in the toner developing frame 10f, the funnel 113 is removed with the temporary positioning jig 112 attached, and the toner cap 10j is fitted into the toner filling port 110. Thereafter, the temporary positioning jig 112 is removed, the end member 10g is reassembled, and fastened with screws. If it is determined that the end member 10g is unusable as a result of the inspection, a new end member (in which the handle portion 10g2 described at the beginning of the embodiment is integrated) is used as a new end member. The integrally formed handle member 10g2 is folded and separated as described in the detailed description of the developing means 10 described above.
[0079]
As described above, the reassembly of the developing unit 10 up to the stage before being combined with the cleaning unit 11 is completed.
[0080]
If breakage is found in other parts of the developing means 10 as well as the disassembled end member 10g and toner cap 10j, it is determined that the parts can be used by disassembling and inspecting new parts and other moving models. Replace with parts as appropriate.
[0081]
In this embodiment, as a method of reproducing the developing means, a method in which the end member is removed, the toner cap is removed, and the developer is refilled from the filling port, but the method is not limited thereto.
[0082]
(Unit Reconnecting Step of Reconnecting Developing Unit and Cleaning Unit) A method of inserting the connecting pin 61 will be described. FIG. 33 is a side view showing the re-assembly of the remanufactured cleaning unit 11 ′ and the remanufactured developing unit 10 ′, and shows a cutting position SS in a cross-sectional view of FIG. 34 described later. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of a method of inserting a connecting pin. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of reassembly for inserting a coupling pin forming a part of a mounting guide.
[0083]
As described above, after the (drum shutter removing step), the developing unit 10 and the cleaning unit 11 are separated, and the cleaning unit re-produced through (reproduction of the cleaning unit) and (re-assembly of the cleaning unit). 11 ′ and the developing unit 10 ′ regenerated through (disassembly of the end member and the toner cap), (refilling of the toner), and (reassembly of the developing means) with (the separation step of the cleaning unit and the developing unit). Although re-assembly is performed in the reverse procedure, a part of the mounting guide 18b is cut off on the cleaning frame 11'd of the reassembled cleaning unit 11 ', and only the shape of the mounting guide 18'b remains. Therefore, it cannot perform the function of the guide. (See FIG. 33) Therefore, a coupling pin 61 is used in which the shaft portion 61b and the mounting guide portion 61a are integrally formed. (See FIGS. 34 and 35.) The mounting guide portion 61a has the same shape as the portion of the cleaning frame 11d from which the mounting guide 18b has been removed when the developing unit 10 and the cleaning unit 11 are separated. Further, the shaft portion 61b is inserted through the hole 10g8 of the end member 10g on both sides along the hole 18b6 ′ of the cleaning frame 11′d, and the hole 18b6 ′ is formed on both sides of the hole 10g8 of the end member 10g. It is pressed into the coaxial cleaning frame hole 18b7. The height 61c of the coupling pin 61 is set to a step difference between the processing surface 80 and the mounting guide 18'b.
[0084]
Thus, when the cleaning unit and the developing unit are reassembled using the connecting pin 61, the mounting guide 18'b and the mounting guide portion 61a of the connecting pin 61 can provide a substantially continuous mounting guide.
[0085]
As a result, the remanufactured cleaning unit 11 'and the remanufactured developing unit 10' are reconnected so as to be rotatable about the connection pin 60.
[0086]
The main steps of the process cartridge reproduction according to the present invention have been described above. The above-mentioned steps show one embodiment of the reproduction method of the present invention, and the procedures and methods are not limited to those described above. Absent.
[0087]
Further, the process cartridge described in the above-described embodiment has exemplified a case where a single color image is formed. Alternatively, the present invention can be suitably applied to a cartridge that forms a full color or the like.
[0088]
The electrophotographic photoreceptor is not limited to the photoreceptor drum, and includes, for example, the following. First, a photoconductor is used as the photoconductor, and examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and an organic photoconductor (OPC). For example, a drum-shaped or belt-shaped one is used as the shape on which the photoconductor is mounted. It was done.
[0089]
Also, as a developing method, various developing methods such as a known two-component magnetic brush developing method, a cascade developing method, a touch-down developing method, and a cloud developing method can be used.
[0090]
In addition, the configuration of the charging means also uses a so-called contact charging method in the above-described embodiment, but as another configuration, a metal shield such as aluminum is provided around three sides of a conventionally used tongue wire, and the tongue wire is provided to the tongue wire. It is a matter of course that a configuration may be used in which positive or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage are moved to the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the surface of the drum is uniformly charged.
[0091]
The charging unit may be a blade (charging blade), a pad type, a block type, a rod type, a wire type, or the like, in addition to the roller type.
[0092]
Also, as a method of cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, a cleaning unit may be configured using a blade, a fur brush, a magnetic brush, or the like.
[0093]
The above-described process cartridge includes, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of processing means. Accordingly, as an aspect of the process cartridge, in addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing unit are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Further, there is an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing unit, and a charging unit or a cleaning unit which are combined into a cartridge to be detachable from the apparatus body.
[0094]
That is, the above-described process cartridge refers to a cartridge in which at least the developing unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Then, the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user himself. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus main body can be performed by the user himself.
[0095]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a laser beam printer is exemplified as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electrophotographic printer such as an electrophotographic copying machine, an LED printer, and a facsimile Naturally, it can be used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an apparatus, a word processor, or a multifunction printer (such as a multifunction printer).
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, one simple method for reproducing a process cartridge is realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a process cartridge.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a process cartridge in which a toner seal is not opened.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a toner seal member and an enlarged sectional view of the toner seal member.
FIG. 7 is an assembled view of a toner developing frame, a lid member, and a toner seal member.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a developing means assembly.
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a process cartridge inserted into an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning unit.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning unit.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an end member and a handle member.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an end member and a handle member.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an end member and a handle member.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism.
16 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of inserting a process cartridge into the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism shown in FIG.
17 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of inserting a process cartridge into the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism shown in FIG.
18 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of inserting a process cartridge into the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism shown in FIG.
19 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of inserting a process cartridge into the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism shown in FIG.
20 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of inserting a process cartridge into the process cartridge attaching / detaching mechanism shown in FIG.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship in the longitudinal direction between a back cover protrusion at an opening W and a protrusion of a process cartridge.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a drum shutter removing process.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory rear view of the cleaning frame.
FIG. 24 is a side view showing the non-driving side of the process cartridge.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory view of extracting a connecting pin.
FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the cleaning unit and the developing unit.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory view of removing a photosensitive drum.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory view of removing a photosensitive drum.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a waste toner removing method.
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a cleaning method of the cleaning frame.
FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating removal of an end member and a toner cap.
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a toner filling method.
FIG. 33 is a side view showing the non-driving side of the process cartridge during reassembly.
FIG. 34 is a view for explaining a re-press-fitting step of the connecting pin.
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of reassembly for inserting a coupling pin;
[Explanation of symbols]
A Image forming device
B process cartridge
B 'process cartridge
CF cartridge frame
G1 Upper Guide
G2 Lower guide
L1, L2, L3, L4, l1, l2, l3 interval
l5, l6, l8 length
17 Projection height
N tip
R surface
W opening
h1, h2, h3, h4 distance
1 Optical system
2 Recording media
3 transport means
3a cassette
3b Pickup roller
3c crimping member
3d discharge roller
3f transport guide
4 Transfer roller
5 Fixing means
5a drive roller
5b heater
5c support
5d fixing rotating body
6 discharge section
7 Photoconductor drum
8 Charging roller
9a Transfer opening
9b Exposure aperture
10 Developing means
10a Toner container
10b Feeding member
10c Fixed magnet
10d developing roller
10e developing blade
10f Toner developing frame
10f1 developing frame
10f2 Lid member
10f3 protrusion
10g End member (holder member)
10g1 Handle member
10g2 notch
10g3 convex
10g4 through hole
10g5 protrusion
10g6 hole
10g7 arm
10g8 coupling hole
10g9 Spring stop
10i development room
10k toner passage opening
10n developing roller gear
11 Cleaning means
11a Cleaning blade
11b Squishy sheet
11c Removal toner storage section
11d cleaning frame
11'd reuse cleaning frame
11d1 bearing
12 Drum shutter
12a Drum protection unit
12b Rotary axis
12b1 Sliding part
12b2 Large diameter part
12b3 Exposure shutter
12d cam part
12e rib
12f Shutter spring
14 Image Forming Apparatus Main Body
15 Openable cover
15a center boss
16 Back cover
16a convex
16a1 rough guide surface
18a Positioning
18a1 protrusion
18b Mounting guide
18'b Mounting guide part left uncut
18b1 bottom surface
18b2 Tip
18b3 Lower corner of rear end
18b4 Slope
18b5 orthogonal plane
18b6 pin insertion guide
18b7 hole
18c bearing
18d positioning pin
18d1 end face
18d2 other end
27 Toner seal member
27a Drawer
27a1 end
27b Cover film part
31 Sealant layer
40 inner plate
41 Movement Guide
41a Guide groove
41a1 receiving surface
41a2 Guide surface
41a6 Upper surface
41a7 Top tilt
42 Auxiliary Guide
42a Detachable auxiliary part
42a1 Front guide surface
42a2 Introduction guide surface
42a3 Lower guide surface
42b Upper regulation part
42b1 Upper guide surface
42b2 Upper guide surface
43 Previous Guide
43b Side guide
43b1 Inclined surface
43b2 Horizontal surface
43c contact rib
44 Fixed Guide
44c Shutter guide
50 cam plate
51 Connecting plate
60 coupling pin
60a end face
60b other end
61 Connecting pin
61a Mounting guide
61b axis
61c Mounting guide height
70 Coupling means
71 Drum Gear
80 Machined surface
81 Ultrasonic cutter
82 pliers
84 pliers
85 flange
86 jig
87 suction nozzle
88 gap
89 airgun
90 Connecting pin insertion jig
90a Guide part
90b insertion part
110 Toner filling port
111 bearing
112 Positioning jig
113 Roth

Claims (8)

An electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
A charging roller for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
A drum frame having a cleaning blade for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and
A developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using a developer,
A developing frame that supports the developing roller;
A developer frame having a developer storage section for storing the developer,
A developer frame coupled to the developer frame,
In a method for remanufacturing a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body,
(A) In a mounting guide on both sides of a drum frame which is detachably mounted along a guide member provided in the image forming apparatus main body,
Having a connecting pin that rotatably connects the drum frame and the developing frame,
From outside the drum frame,
Cut off part of the mounting guide,
Grab the exposed part of the coupling pin,
Withdrawing the coupling pin to the outside of the drum frame;
(B) a separating step of separating the drum frame and the developing frame;
(C) By removing the screw from the drum frame, a bearing portion provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame and supporting the shaft provided at one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is removed from the drum frame. Bearing part removal process,
(D) a positioning pin removing step of pulling out a drum positioning pin provided at the other longitudinal end of the drum frame;
(E) a drum removing step of removing the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the drum frame;
(F) Insert a new electrophotographic photosensitive drum into the drum frame, insert a drum positioning pin from the outside of the drum frame at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and then insert one end of the new electrophotographic photosensitive drum. A drum mounting step of mounting a bearing to one end in the longitudinal direction of the drum frame with a screw so as to support the provided shaft,
(G) having the same shape as the shaved mounting guide portion,
A mounting guide portion of the mounting guide that has not been shaved off,
A mounting guide section that cooperates to form a mounting guide,
Using a coupling pin having a shaft portion that fits into a hole provided at one end and the other end of the drum frame and the developing frame in the longitudinal direction,
A joining step of joining the drum frame and the developing frame,
A process cartridge reproductive method comprising: By removing the screw from one longitudinal end of the developing frame,
Removing one end cover attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame;
Remove the cap from the developer filling opening exposed by removing the end cover,
After that, refill the developer,
Thereafter, a developer refilling step of sealing the developer filling opening,
To support one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller,
At one longitudinal end of the developing frame,
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a developing roller attaching step of attaching one end cover with a screw. Furthermore, by removing the screw from the other longitudinal end of the developing frame,
Removing the other end cover attached to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the developing frame;
After the developing roller removal process,
By removing the screw attached to one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the developing blade,
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of removing the developing blade from the developing frame. In the joining pin pulling process,
The processing to be applied to the mounting guide,
Using a tool,
Resection of the mounting guide,
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the drum frame around the connecting pin is shaved. Further, in the developer refilling step,
5. The method according to claim 12, wherein the refilling of the developer is performed while shaking the developer accommodating portion. Furthermore, between the drum removal process and the drum mounting process,
After removing the electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
A charging roller for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
A charging roller removal process to remove from the drum frame,
After removing the charging roller,
A cleaning blade for removing the developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
A cleaning blade removal process to remove from the drum frame by removing screws,
The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein: Furthermore, in the cleaning blade removal process,
After removing the cleaning blade,
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of removing the developer stored in the removed developer storage section in which the developer removed from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by the cleaning blade is stored. 7. The method for remanufacturing a process cartridge according to any one of 3, 4, 5, and 6. In the developer removal process,
Removal of the developer from the developer storage section includes suctioning the developer,
The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the method is performed by blowing out a developer.

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