JP2010128184A - Method for reproducing development device and method of reproducing process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide methods for reproducing a development device and a process cartridge, by which the development device and the process cartridge can be reproduced by a simpler method. <P>SOLUTION: The method for reproducing a development unit 9 includes: a removal step (a) of removing a developing blade 38 from a development vessel 34; a removal step (b) of removing a lengthwise-direction seal member 64 from the development vessel 34; a removal step (c) of removing a control member 61 from the development vessel 34; a developer re-filling step (d) of filling a toner storage part 39 with toner through a toner supply port 42 exposed by removal of the control member 61; an attaching step (e) of attaching the control member 61 to the development vessel 34; an attaching step (f) of attaching the lengthwise-direction seal member 64 to the development vessel 34; and an attaching step (g) of attaching the developing blade 38 to the development vessel 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for reproducing a developing device detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a method for reproducing a process cartridge.

  Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an image carrier and process means acting on the image carrier are integrally formed as a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. This method is adopted.

  Such a method is generally called a process cartridge method. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. In recent years, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses having this process cartridge system have been widely used.

  In using an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a process cartridge system, a reproduction method has been proposed in which a process cartridge configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body is reproduced (Patent Document 1).

According to this reproduction method, for example, it is possible to commercialize again a process cartridge that has consumed the developer and has reached the end of its product life.
JP 2005-164756 A

  The present invention is a further development of the above-described conventional process cartridge remanufacturing method.

  That is, in the conventional process cartridge remanufacturing method, when the developer is refilled, a step of removing the developer carrying member and a step of cleaning the bearing portion of the developer carrying member are necessary, which is complicated. It was.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a developing device and a process cartridge remanufacturing method capable of reproducing the developing device and the process cartridge by a simpler method.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developing chamber provided with a developer carrying member for carrying the developer;
A developer supply port for supplying a developer from the developer container to the developing chamber;
And a developing device frame in which an opening opening to the outside is formed in a part of the developing chamber.
The developer carrying member is disposed in the opening;
A layer regulating member that regulates the thickness of the developer layer on the surface of the developer carrying member, with one end attached to the edge of the opening and the other end abutting the surface of the developer carrying member;
A seal member attached to an edge of the opening and sealing between the layer regulating member and the developing device frame;
A developer circulation regulating member that is attached to an edge of the opening and regulates the circulation of the developer in the developing chamber;
A developing device reproduction method for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
(A) a removal step of removing the layer regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(B) a removing step of removing the seal member from an edge of the opening;
(C) a removing step of removing the developer circulation regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(D) a developer refilling step of refilling the developer into the developer accommodating portion through the developer supply port from between the developer carrier and the edge of the opening;
(E) an attachment step of attaching the developer circulation regulating member to an edge of the opening;
(F) an attaching step for attaching the seal member to an edge of the opening;
(G) an attachment step of attaching the layer regulating member to an edge of the opening;
It is characterized by having.

Also,
An image carrier unit having an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image;
Have
The image carrier unit and the developing device are provided to be separable,
The developing device includes:
A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developing chamber provided with a developer carrying member for carrying the developer;
A developer supply port for supplying a developer from the developer container to the developing chamber;
And a developing device frame in which an opening opening to the outside is formed in a part of the developing chamber.
The developer carrying member is disposed in the opening;
A layer regulating member that regulates the thickness of the developer layer on the surface of the developer carrying member, with one end attached to the edge of the opening and the other end abutting the surface of the developer carrying member;
A seal member attached to an edge of the opening and sealing between the layer regulating member and the developing device frame;
A developer circulation regulating member that is attached to an edge of the opening and regulates the circulation of the developer in the developing chamber;
A process cartridge reproduction method for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:
(A) a separation step of separating the image carrier unit and the developing device;
(B) a removing step of removing the layer regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(C) a removal step of removing the seal member from the edge of the opening;
(D) a removing step of removing the developer circulation regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(E) a developer refilling step of refilling the developer into the developer accommodating portion through the developer supply port from between the developer carrier and the edge of the opening;
(F) an attaching step of attaching the developer circulation regulating member to an edge of the opening;
(G) an attaching step for attaching the seal member to an edge of the opening;
(H) an attachment step of attaching the layer regulating member to an edge of the opening;
(I) a coupling step for coupling the image carrier unit and the developing device;
It is characterized by having.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing device and a process cartridge remanufacturing method that can regenerate the developing device and the process cartridge by a simpler method.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below based on the embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.

[Embodiment]
(Schematic configuration of image forming apparatus)
A schematic configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a left cross section of a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

  Here, a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, but the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), electrostatic recording, printer, magnetic recording printer, facsimile apparatus, and word processor.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 1 adopts a process cartridge system, and the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1A to form a color image on the recording medium S.

  Here, terms indicating directions will be described.

  The front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 refers to the side on which the open / close door 3 is disposed. The rear side (rear side) refers to the side opposite to the front side. The front-rear direction refers to the direction from the rear side to the front side (front direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 and the opposite direction (rear direction). Left and right refers to the left or right direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front side. The left-right direction refers to a direction from left to right (left direction) and the opposite direction (right direction).

  Further, the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) 1A refers to an apparatus component excluding the process cartridge. Regarding the process cartridge, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (image carrier), the side to which drive is transmitted from the apparatus main body 1A is referred to as a drive side, and the opposite side is referred to as a non-drive side. . In the present embodiment, the driving side is the right side when viewed from the front of the apparatus main body 1A, and the non-driving side is the left side when viewed from the front of the apparatus main body 1A.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1B denotes a process cartridge housing portion, which is provided inside the apparatus main body 1A. The first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are arranged in the horizontal direction from the rear side to the front side of the apparatus main body 1A in the housing portion 1B.

  Thus, by arranging a plurality of process cartridges (hereinafter referred to as cartridges) P in the horizontal direction, the height dimension of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed. Each cartridge P has the same electrophotographic process mechanism, and the color of the developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) and the amount of toner filling are different.

  A rotational driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main body 1A side to the cartridge P located in the housing portion 1B. Further, a bias (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) is supplied to the cartridge P from the apparatus main body 1A (not shown).

  Each cartridge P includes a photosensitive drum unit 8 including an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) 4 as an image carrier, a charging roller 5 acting on the photosensitive drum 4, and a cleaning blade 7. (Image carrier unit) (FIG. 2).

  Each cartridge P has a developing unit 9 as a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4. The photosensitive drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are coupled to each other so as to be swingable, and are provided so as to be separable from each other.

  The developing unit 9 includes a developing roller 6 as a developer carrying member, and a developing blade 38 (layer regulation) that contacts the surface of the developing roller 6 and regulates the thickness of the toner layer (developer layer) on the surface. Member). A more specific configuration of the cartridge P will be described later.

  The first cartridge PY contains yellow (Y) toner in a developing container, and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The second cartridge PM contains magenta (M) toner in the developing container, and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

  Further, the third cartridge PC contains cyan (C) toner in the developing container, and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The fourth cartridge PK contains black (K) toner in the developing container, and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

  Above the cartridge P (PY / PM / PC / PK), a laser scanner unit LB as an exposure unit is disposed. The scanner unit LB outputs laser light L corresponding to the image information, makes the output laser light L incident from the exposure window portion 10 of the cartridge P, and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

  An intermediate transfer belt unit 11 as a transfer member is disposed below the cartridge P (PY / PM / PC / PK). The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes a flexible endless transfer belt 12, and a driving roller 13, a turn roller 14, and a tension roller 15 that stretch and rotate the transfer belt 12.

  The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 4 of each cartridge P is in contact with the upper surface of the transfer belt 12, and this contact portion becomes the primary transfer portion. Further, a primary transfer roller 16 is disposed inside the transfer belt 12 so as to face the photosensitive drum 4.

  Further, a secondary transfer roller 17 is brought into contact with the driving roller 13 via the transfer belt 12, and a contact portion between the transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 17 becomes a secondary transfer portion.

  A feeding unit 18 is disposed below the intermediate transfer belt unit 11. The feeding unit 18 includes a tray 19 on which recording media S are stacked and accommodated, a feeding roller 20, and the like. A fixing unit 22 and a discharge unit 23 are disposed above the rear side in the apparatus main body 1A. A discharge tray 24 is formed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1A.

  Each cartridge P (PY / PM / PC / PK) accommodated in the accommodating portion 1B is pressurized from above by a pressurizing mechanism (not shown) on the apparatus main body 1A side, and is positioned on the apparatus main body 1A side (not shown). It is fixed to the figure.

  Further, the drive output section on the apparatus main body 1A side is coupled to the drive input section of each cartridge P, and the power supply system (non-power supply) on the apparatus main body 1A side is connected to the input electrical contact provided on each cartridge P side. Are electrically connected.

  The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows.

  First, the photosensitive drum 4 of each of the first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow (FIG. 1). Further, the transfer belt 12 is rotationally driven at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4 in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow (forward direction with respect to the photosensitive drum rotation), and the laser scanner unit LB starts driving.

  In synchronization with this drive, in each cartridge P, the charging roller 5 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a predetermined polarity and potential, and the laser scanner unit LB applies the surface of each photosensitive drum 4 to each color. Scanning exposure is performed with a laser beam L corresponding to the image signal.

  As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 4. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the toner layer on the developing roller 6 that is rotated at a predetermined speed in the clockwise direction of the arrow.

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

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

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

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

  In this manner, a full-color unfixed toner image of four colors of yellow color + magenta color + cyan color + black color is formed on the transfer belt 12. In each cartridge, the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 after the primary transfer is removed by the cleaning blade 7.

  On the other hand, the recording medium S is separated from the tray 19 and fed one by one at a predetermined control timing.

  The fed recording medium S is introduced into a secondary transfer portion which is a contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the transfer belt 12 at a predetermined control timing. As a result, the four color superimposed toner images on the transfer belt 12 are sequentially transferred onto the surface of the recording medium S in the course of the recording medium S being conveyed through the nip portion.

Thereafter, the recording medium S is separated from the surface of the transfer belt 12, introduced into the fixing unit 22, and heated and pressurized at the fixing nip portion. As a result, each color toner image is fixed to the recording medium S. Then, the recording medium S is conveyed from the fixing unit 22 and discharged onto the tray 24 by the discharge unit 23 as a full color image formed product.

(Process cartridge replacement method)
Next, a method for replacing the process cartridge P in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 are diagrams showing the process cartridge replacement operation in the present embodiment.

  In the main body of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the cartridge P can be replaced by pulling out the cartridge P (PY / PM / PC / PK) for the purpose of improving usability. It is performed in a state where it is placed on the member. Then, the cartridge P is pulled out together with the cartridge tray 29 to the front side of the apparatus main body 1A, and each process cartridge is replaced in this state.

  That is, when the cartridge tray 29 is pulled out to the outermost side of the apparatus main body 1A (FIGS. 4 and 5), all cartridges P (PY / PM / PC / PK) are ejected from the inner side of the apparatus main body 1A to the outer side. It becomes the state. Therefore, when the user replaces the cartridge P with respect to the cartridge tray 29, it is easy to perform the replacement operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, an opening 26 through which the cartridge tray 29 passes is provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A in order to insert a cartridge into the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A or to remove the cartridge P from the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A. It has been. An opening / closing door 3 is provided as an opening / closing member that can move between a closing position for closing the opening 26 and an opening position for opening the opening 26.

  In the present embodiment, the open / close door 3 is configured to be capable of opening and closing with respect to the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A about a lower shaft (hinge shaft) 27 on the lower side of the open / close door 3.

  That is, by closing the open / close door 3 with respect to the apparatus main body 1A as shown in FIG. 1, the opening 26 is closed by the closing operation of the open / close door 3, while the open / close door 3 is closed as shown in FIG. Can be opened largely. In addition, 3a is a handle provided in the opening / closing door 3.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of tray holding members 28L and 28R are disposed opposite to each other on the inner side of the left frame and the inner side of the right frame of the main frame 1C that is the skeleton of the apparatus main body 1A.

  Between the tray holding members 28L and 28R, the cartridge tray 29 is held so as to be slidable substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction. That is, the cartridge tray 29 is configured to be movable between the inside (the state shown in FIG. 1) and the outside (the state shown in FIG. 5) of the apparatus main body 1A.

  In conjunction with the movement of the tray holding members 28L and 28R, the drive output section (not shown) on the apparatus main body 1A side with respect to the drive input section of each cartridge P is released (drive release). Further, the pressurization mechanism (not shown) that positions and fixes each cartridge P is released (pressure release), thereby releasing the positioning and fixing of the cartridge tray 29.

Then, the cartridge tray 29 supporting each cartridge P is moved to an upper right position together with the holding members 28L and 28R (FIG. 1 → FIG. 3). Thereby, each cartridge P floats to a position where it can move from the positioning portion.

  In this state, the lower surface of the photosensitive drum 4 of each cartridge P is separated from the surface of the transfer belt 12 and is in a non-contact state. The cartridge tray 29 can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A (this state is referred to as a mounting position).

  Therefore, the user grasps the handle portion 29a exposed from the opening 26 and slides the cartridge tray 29 horizontally in the forward direction with respect to the tray holding members 28L and 28R.

  4 and 5, the cartridge tray 29 is pulled out from the opening 26 to a predetermined pulling position outside the apparatus main body 1A (this state is referred to as a pulling position).

  As a result, the entire first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) held on the cartridge tray 29 pass through the opening 26 and are exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A. The upper surface of P is in an open state.

  When the cartridge tray 29 is pulled out to the pull-out position, further pull-out movement is prevented by the action of a stopper (not shown), and the state where the cartridge tray 29 is pulled out to the predetermined pull-out position is kept stable by the tray holding members 28L and 28R. Will be.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge tray 29 supports the cartridge P roughly until each cartridge P is mounted on the apparatus main body 1A and positioned.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the user lifts and removes the used cartridge P to be replaced from the cartridge tray 29 upward. Then, a new cartridge P is fitted into the cartridge tray 29 from above. That is, each cartridge P can be inserted into and removed from the cartridge tray 29 from the vertical direction.

  After replacing the cartridge P with respect to the cartridge tray 29, the user slides the pulled-out cartridge tray 29 horizontally with respect to the tray holding members 28L and 28R in the reverse procedure.

  Then, it is fully pushed into the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A until pushing in beyond a predetermined position is prevented by a stopper (not shown). As a result, the cartridge tray 29 returns to the mounting position shown in FIG.

  After the cartridge tray 29 is pushed into the mounting position, the open / close door 3 is rotated to close the open / close door 3. In conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing door 3, the tray holding members 28L and 28R are pushed by the link 30 and moved rearward by a predetermined amount along a guide member (not shown), and then moved downward by a predetermined amount.

  In other words, the tray holding members 28L and 28R move to the diagonally lower left position in FIG. Thereafter, in conjunction with this return movement of the tray holding members 28L and 28R, the cartridge pressurizing mechanism pressurizes each cartridge P.

  Each cartridge P is positioned by a positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body 1A by the pressing force of the pressurizing mechanism, and is fixed to an image forming position where image formation is possible.

Further, the drive output section on the apparatus main body 1A side is coupled to the drive input section of each cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK), and the cartridge tray 29 is positioned and fixed. Further, the lower surface of the photosensitive drum 4 of each cartridge comes into contact with the surface of the transfer belt 12.

  As a result, each cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) returns to the state (FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the cartridge P is mounted at the latent image forming position in the apparatus main body 1A. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 becomes ready for an image forming operation.

(Process cartridge configuration)
The configuration of the process cartridge according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the process cartridge in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the first to fourth cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) have the same electrophotographic process mechanism, and different toner colors and toner filling amounts are stored. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the cartridge P (PY / PM / PC / PK) has a horizontally long shape with the direction of the rotation axis a of the photosensitive drum 4 as the longitudinal direction, and the right side when viewed from the front of the apparatus main body 1A. The driving side and the left side are the non-driving side.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cartridge P includes a photosensitive drum unit 8, a developing unit 9, a driving side cover member 31, and a non-driving side cover member 32.

  First, the configuration of the photosensitive drum unit 8 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the photosensitive drum unit 8 includes a photosensitive drum 4, a charging roller 5, and a cleaning blade 7 in a cleaning container 33 serving as a frame.

  The photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably driven by the photosensitive drum support 51L of the non-driving side cover member 32 shown in FIG. 9 on the non-driving side and by the photosensitive drum support 51R of the driving cover member 31 on the driving side. It is supported.

  A drum drive coupling (drive transmission unit) 36 as a photosensitive drum drive input unit is attached to the end 4 </ b> R on the driving side of the photosensitive drum 4 so as to be concentric with the photosensitive drum 4.

  A coupling as a drum drive output unit on the apparatus main body 1A side is engaged with the drum drive coupling 36, and a driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 1A is transmitted. As a result, the photosensitive drum 4 can be rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 at a predetermined speed.

  The charging roller 5 is a contact charging type charging member that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 and rotates in a driven manner. The charging roller 5 is provided with a predetermined crossing angle with respect to the photoconductive drum 4 and is brought into contact with the surface of the photoconductive drum 4 so that the shaft ends of the driving side and the non-driving side are side plates 33R and 33L of the cleaning container 33. It is rotatably supported via a bearing portion (not shown) provided therebetween.

  The cleaning blade 7 is an elastic rubber blade, and the front end of the cleaning blade 7 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 4 in the counter direction with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 4. The cleaning blade 7 serves to remove the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 4. The transfer residual toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 by the cleaning blade 7 is accommodated in the cleaning container 33.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, projections 37R and 37L for engagement with the cover members 31 and 32 are provided on the outer surfaces of the drive side and non-drive side surfaces 33R and 33L of the cleaning container 33, respectively. .

  Next, the configuration of the developing unit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the developing unit 9 in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing unit 9 in the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the developing unit 9 according to this embodiment with the developing roller and the like removed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the developing unit 9 as a developing device includes a developing roller 6 (developer carrier), a toner supply roller 62 that supplies toner to the developing roller 6, and a developing blade (layer regulating member) 38. ing. These members are accommodated in or attached to the developing container 34 (developing apparatus frame) as a frame of the developing unit 9.

  Further, the developing container 34 includes a toner container 39 (developer container) that stores toner, and a developing chamber 40 in which the developing roller 6 and the like are provided.

  FIG. 14 is a view showing a state in which the developing roller 6 is removed from the developing unit 9. As shown in FIG. 14, a part of the portion forming the developing chamber 40 in the developing container 34 is an external portion. Open to. That is, it can be said that an opening is formed in a part of the developing chamber 40 (FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the developing roller 6 is disposed in the opening. In other words, a part of the developing roller 6 is exposed to the photosensitive drum 4 from this opening. Further, one end of the developing blade 38 is attached to the edge of the opening, and the other end of the developing blade 38 is in contact with the surface of the developing roller 6. In other words, a part of the developing blade 38 is also in contact with the surface of the developing roller 6 so as to be exposed from the opening.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the shaft end portions on the developing roller driving side and the non-driving side are respectively supported by bearing members 41R and 41L attached to both side surfaces 34R and 34L on the driving side and the non-driving side of the developing container 34. It is supported rotatably.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a developer circulation regulating member (hereinafter referred to as a regulating member) 61 that regulates toner circulation in the developing chamber 40 is provided in the developing container 34. That is, the restricting member 61 is attached to the edge of the opening.

  The regulating member 61 is fixed to a mounting rib 34a provided in the developing chamber by means such as press fitting. One surface 61 a of the regulating member 61 is formed by a surface extending in the longitudinal direction, and forms a part of the shape of the developing chamber 40 of the developing container 34 in a state of being attached to the developing container 34.

During image formation, toner circulation occurs in the developing chamber 40 due to the rotation of the developing roller 6 and the toner supply roller 62. This circulation is determined by the outer diameter and rotation speed of the developing roller 6 and the toner supply roller 62, the rotation direction, the position of the center of each rotation axis, the position of the developing blade 38, the shape of the developing container 34, and the fluidity of toner. Is done.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the one surface 61 a of the regulating member 61 described above prevents toner from staying near the back surface of the developing blade 38 in the developing chamber 40, and good toner circulation in the developing chamber 40. Allows to be formed. That is, the surface 61a of the regulating member 61 is formed as a surface capable of regulating the toner circulation.

  On the other hand, the other surface 61b of the regulating member 61 is also a uniform surface extending in the longitudinal direction. This surface is a surface facing a longitudinal seal member (hereinafter referred to as a longitudinal seal member) extending in the axial direction of the developing roller 6 to be described later, and can be attached with the longitudinal seal member. It is set so as to be substantially the same position as the sealing member attaching surface 34b. That is, the surface 61b of the regulating member 61 is formed as a seat surface to which the longitudinal seal member can be attached.

  In the developing unit 9 in the present embodiment, a plurality of seal members are provided in the developing container 34 so that toner leakage from the developing roller 6 and the developing blade 38 does not occur.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a longitudinal seal member 64, circumferential seal members 65L and 65R of the developing roller 6, and a sheet member 66 extending in the longitudinal direction are provided.

  The longitudinal direction seal member 64 seals between the developing blade 38 and the developing container 34 in the longitudinal direction.

  The circumferential seal members 65L and 65R seal the developing roller 6 in the circumferential direction at both longitudinal ends of the developing container 34.

  The sheet member 66 is positioned downstream in the rotation direction of the developing roller 6 and seals the developing roller 6 and the developing container 34 in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 14 shows a state in which parts other than the seal are removed for easy understanding of the seal configuration.

  Among these, the circumferential seal members 65L and 65R and the longitudinal seal member 64 of the developing roller 6 are in close contact with each other at both longitudinal ends (arrows J and K in the figure), and no gap is generated between the seal members. It is configured as follows.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the longitudinal length L1 of the longitudinal seal member 64 is set to be longer than the interval L2 to which the circumferential seal members 65L and 65R are attached, and the longitudinal seal member 64 is opened. Affixed to the edge of the part. This ensures that the longitudinal seal member 64 is in close contact with the circumferential seals 65L and 65R.

  The developing container 34 is formed with a seating surface for attaching each seal. Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the other surface 61 b of the regulating member 61 is used as a part of the seating surface of the longitudinal seal 64.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a developer supply port (hereinafter referred to as a toner supply port) that regulates and supplies a toner amount from the toner storage unit 39 to the development chamber 40 between the toner storage unit 39 and the development chamber 40. ) 42 is formed. The toner supply port 42 extends in the axial direction of the developing roller 6 (the developing roller longitudinal direction).

In the new cartridge P, a film-like seal member 43 as shown in FIG. 8 is attached to the toner supply port 42 by a method such as heat welding.
3 separates the toner container 39 and the developing chamber 40 from each other. The toner T is sealed in the toner storage unit 39.

  In other words, the toner supply port 42 is blocked by the seal member 43 so that the toner does not leak from the toner container 39 into the developing chamber 40 until the new cartridge P is used by the user. It is. In the present embodiment, the seal member 43 is a flexible film having a thickness of 70 to 200 μm, and is fixed to the outer edge of the toner supply port 42 by thermal welding.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a drive input gear 46 is disposed substantially at the center of the outer surface of the drive-side side surface 34 </ b> R of the developer container 34. The drive input gear 46 is held at the rotational axis center by a cylindrical portion 47 a of a side cover 47 attached to the side surface 34 </ b> R of the developing container 34. The drive input gear 46 is engaged with a gear 45 for transmitting the rotation of the gear to the developing roller 6 to drive the developing roller 6.

  Further, the side cover 47 is a cover for the drive input gear 46 and the gear 45, and a development drive coupling (drive transmission portion) as a development drive input portion is formed on the end face of the drive input gear 46.

  A coupling as a developing drive output unit on the apparatus main body 1A side is engaged with the coupling 46 to transmit drive, and the developing roller 6 is driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. Further, a separation rib 48 is provided on the outer surface of the bearing member 41R so as to project upward and receive force from the apparatus main body 1A side.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a cylindrical boss 49 is provided at a substantially central portion of the outer surface of the non-driving side surface 34 </ b> L of the developing container 34. The boss 49 is coaxial with the rotational axis b of the drive input gear 46. The rotation axis b is substantially parallel to the rotation axis a of the photosensitive drum 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the driving-side cover member 31 has a drum shaft with which the driving-side drum shaft engaging annular rib 35R and the engaging convex portion 37R are respectively fitted to the driving-side cover member 31. An engaging groove 65R and an engaging recess 52R are provided.

  The drive side cover member 31 is provided with a cylindrical receiving hole 54 into which the cylindrical portion 47a of the side cover 47 of the developing unit 9 is fitted.

  A boss 55 for determining the mounting posture of the cartridge P in the apparatus main body 1A is provided on the outer surface of the drive side cover member 31.

  The drive side cover member 31 is provided with a drive side positioned portion 56R that projects downward and positions the cartridge P on a positioning portion (not shown) on the apparatus main body 1A side. Yes.

  Further, the non-driving side cover member 32 has a drum shaft engaging groove 65L and an engaging recess 52L in which the non-driving side annular rib 35L of the photosensitive drum unit 8 and the engaging protrusion 37L are respectively fitted. Is provided.

  Further, on the inner surface of the non-driving side cover member 32, a shaft 58 that fits into the cylindrical hole corresponding to the cylindrical boss 49 on the non-driving side of the developing unit 9 is provided. Furthermore, a groove portion 60 is provided on the outer surface of the non-driving side cover member 32 so that the mounting posture of the cartridge in the apparatus main body 1A does not fall greatly.

  A non-driving side positioned portion 56L for positioning the cartridge P to a positioning portion (not shown) on the apparatus main body 1A side is provided at the lower edge portion of the non-driving side cover member 32 to project downward. It has been.

  Further, the driving side and non-driving side cover members 31 and 32 correspond to the driving side and non-driving side of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9, respectively.

  On the driving side, the annular rib 35R and the engaging convex portion 37R on the photosensitive drum unit 8 side, the cylindrical portion 47a of the side cover 47 on the developing unit 9 side, the concave groove 65R on the cover member 31 side, the engaging concave portion 52R, and The cylindrical receiving holes 54 are respectively fitted.

  Then, the driving side cover member 31 is fixed to the photosensitive drum unit 8 by a method such as fastening with a screw 70R.

  On the non-driving side, the drum shaft engaging annular rib 35L and the engaging convex portion 37L on the drum unit 8 side, the cylindrical boss 49 on the developing unit 9 side, and the drum shaft engaging on the non-driving side cover member 32 side are provided. The fitting concave groove 65L, the engaging concave portion 52L, and the shaft 58 are fitted.

  Then, the non-driving side cover member 32 is fixed to the photosensitive drum unit 8 by a method such as fastening with screws 70L.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the developing unit 9 is supported between a driving member and a non-driving side cover member 31, 32 by a swinging structure that can swing around an axis b that is substantially parallel to the drum axis a. Yes. That is, the developing unit 9 is coupled to the photosensitive drum unit 8 so as to be rotatable and further separable.

  On the driving side of the developing unit 9, the cylindrical portion 47 a of the side cover 47 is rotatably supported in the cylindrical receiving hole 54 of the driving side cover member 31. On the non-driving side, a cylindrical boss 49 is rotatably supported on the shaft 58 of the non-driving side cover member 32.

  The axis of oscillation center of the developing unit 9 on the driving side and the non-driving side substantially coincides with the rotation center axis b of the developing drive coupling 46.

  Reference numeral 63 in FIGS. 8 and 15 symbolically represents the swing center of the developing unit 9. According to such a configuration, the developing unit 9 can swing with respect to the photosensitive drum unit 8 while performing drive transmission from the apparatus main body 1A. Further, a gap portion between the photosensitive drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 is an exposure window portion 10.

  Then, the developing unit 9 is a pressing spring 71 (biasing member) that rotates in the direction D (FIG. 15) in which the developing roller 6 contacts the drum 4 by a rotating moment about the swing center 63. It is always energized by FIG.

(How to install a new cartridge)
Next, a cartridge mounting method when using a new cartridge will be described.

  First, the user takes out a new cartridge P from the packing material. In the stage before use of the new cartridge P, the toner supply port 42 for supplying the toner T from the developer accommodating portion 39 of the developing unit 9 to the developing chamber 40 is sealed with a sealing member 43 as shown in FIG. .

  Therefore, the user performs an unsealing operation for removing the seal member 43 in order to supply the toner T from the toner accommodating portion 39 of the developing unit 9 to the developing chamber 40.

  The user peels off the seal member 43 sequentially from the driving side of the developing container 34 to the non-driving side by means of detachment means such as a pull tab (not shown) attached to the tip of the sealing member. As a result, the toner supply port 42 is opened over its entire length, and the toner T is supplied from the toner containing portion 39 to the developing chamber 40 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge with the seal member 43 opened as described above is mounted on the cartridge tray 29 in the pull-out position, and the cartridge tray 29 is moved to the mounting position. As described above, the position of the photosensitive drum 4 is determined by closing the open / close door 3, and the posture of the cartridge P is determined by the boss 55.

  At the time of image formation, the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 are kept in contact with each other, and are rotated at a predetermined speed counterclockwise and clockwise to perform image formation.

  During non-image formation (when image formation is not being performed), the separation rib 48 of the development unit 9 causes the development unit 9 to be centered around the swing center 62 by the operation of a pressing member (not shown) on the apparatus body 1A side. Against the urging force of the pressure spring is pressed in the clockwise direction E (FIG. 15).

  As a result, the developing roller 6 is held in a state separated from the photosensitive drum 4 with a predetermined gap interval. At the time of image formation, the pressing member (not shown) moves in a direction to escape from the separation rib 48, and the developing roller 6 returns to the state in contact with the photosensitive drum 4.

  When image formation is performed using the image forming apparatus 1 as described above, the toner in the cartridge P is consumed. When the toner in the developing unit 9 decreases to a predetermined amount and sufficient image quality cannot be obtained, the cartridge P has reached the end of its product life. Such a cartridge P can be collected from the user and reproduced.

  Next, a method for remanufacturing the cartridge P according to the present embodiment will be described in the order of steps with reference to FIGS.

(Reproduction method of cartridge)
(1) Unit Separation Step A unit separation step for separating the photosensitive drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 of the cartridge P will be described.

  As described above, the developing unit 9 is rotatably supported by the driving side and non-driving side cover members 31 and 32, and the photosensitive drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are provided to be separable. The procedure for separating the developing unit 9 from the photosensitive drum unit 8 is as follows.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a screw 70 </ b> R for coupling the drive side cover member 31 and the cleaning container 33 is provided on the drive side surface, and the photosensitive drum unit 8 is configured by the fastening force of the screws. Yes.

  Similarly, a screw 70 </ b> L for connecting the non-driving side cover member 32 and the cleaning container 33 is also provided on the non-driving side.

  In order to separate the developing unit 9 from the cartridge P in such a configuration, these screws are removed, and the cover members 31 and 32 are separated from the cleaning container 33. Thereby, the developing unit 9 can be separated from the cartridge P.

(2) Disassembling process of developing unit Next, a disassembling process of the developing unit 9 will be described. The disassembling process of the developing unit 9 includes (developing blade removing process), (longitudinal seal member removing process), and (regulating member removing process). Hereinafter, these steps will be described in order.

(Developing blade removal process)
A process of removing the developing blade 38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the process cartridge (at the time of disassembly) in the present embodiment, and particularly shows a state when the developing blade 38 is separated.

  The developing blade 38 is attached to the developing container 34 with screws 71 and 72 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 9. Therefore, the developing blade 38 can be removed from the edge of the opening of the developing container 34 by removing the screws 71 and 72.

  Since the developing roller 6 remains attached to the developing unit 9, the developing blade 38 can be removed from the edge of the opening of the developing container 34 by pulling in the direction tangential to the developing roller 6 (arrow direction in the figure). .

(Longitudinal seal member removal process)
The removal process of the longitudinal direction seal member 64 is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the process cartridge (when disassembled) in the present embodiment, and particularly shows a state when the longitudinal seal member 64 is removed.

  As described above, the longitudinal seal member 64 is provided at the edge of the opening of the developing container 34 to prevent toner leakage from between the developing blade 38 and the developing container 38 (see FIG. 13). .

  As shown in FIG. 14, the longitudinal seal member 64 is in close contact with circumferential seal members 65L and 65R that prevent toner leakage from the circumferential direction of the developing roller 6 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The space between the members 65L and 65R is also sealed.

  In the present embodiment, the longitudinal seal member 64 is made of an elastic body such as urethane foam so as to be in close contact with the gap between the seating surface 34b of the developing container 34, the surface 61b of the regulating member 61, and the developing blade 38. It has been.

  In the present embodiment, the longitudinal seal member 64 is attached to a seating surface constituted by a seating surface 34b provided in the developing container 34 and a surface 61b of a regulating member 61 that regulates toner circulation by means such as double-sided tape. It has been.

  Therefore, the longitudinal seal member 64 is removed from the developing container 34 and the regulating member 61 by the work of peeling from the seat surface.

(Restricting member removal process)
The removal process of the regulating member 61 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the process cartridge (when disassembled) in the present embodiment, and particularly shows a state when the regulating member 61 is separated.

  In the developing container 34 with the longitudinal seal member 64 removed in the above process, the regulating member 61 is exposed.

  In the present embodiment, the regulating member 61 is attached to the press-fitting rib 34 a provided in the developing container 34 by elastically bending the press-fitting portion 61 c. Further, a surface 34c for determining the position is formed in the depth direction of the developing container 34 (the arrow direction in the figure), and the position in the depth direction is determined by contacting the regulating member with the surface 34c (FIG. 13). reference).

  Therefore, the regulating member 61 can be removed from the edge of the opening of the developing container 34 by elastically deforming and pulling out the press-fit portion 61c.

  Through the above steps, the developing blade 38, the longitudinal seal member 64, and the regulating member 61 are removed from the developing unit 9.

  The developing blade 38, the longitudinal seal member 64, and the regulating member 61 are attached between the opening formed in the developing chamber 40 of the developing container 34 and the toner supply port 42. The opening and the toner supply port 42 communicate with each other. In this state, there is nothing blocking between the opening and the toner supply port 42.

  That is, in this state, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the toner supply port 42 of the developing container 34 is exposed from the outside of the developing unit 9 and the toner can be refilled from the outside. 19 and 20 are schematic cross-sectional views of the developing unit 9 when the toner is refilled.

  When toner is refilled in this way, toner is refilled from the toner supply port 42 by removing only the developing blade 38, the longitudinal seal member 64, and the regulating member 61 among the components constituting the developing unit 9. Is possible.

  For this reason, in the disassembling process for refilling, it is not necessary to disassemble the gears constituting the developing unit 9 or to remove the developing roller 6 from the bearing members 41L and 41R, and the process can be simplified. Further, there is no fear that toner or the like adheres to the end of the developing roller 6 shaft or gears due to disassembly, and the cleaning process can be omitted. That is, it is not necessary for the user to perform a complicated process.

(3) (Toner refilling step)
The toner refilling process (developer refilling process) will be described with reference to FIG. This step is a step of filling the toner from the toner supply port 42 into the toner container 39 of the developing container 34.

  When the toner is filled, the developing container 34 is held so that the toner supply port 42 is on the top and the toner container 39 is on the bottom. Then, the tip of the funnel 73 is inserted into the toner supply port 42, and the toner T is dropped into the funnel 73 to refill the toner container 39 with toner.

(4) (Development unit assembly method)
After refilling the toner container 34 with toner as described above, the cartridge P is assembled again. In order to reassemble the cartridge P, the above disassembling process may be performed in the reverse order. Hereinafter, the reassembly process of the developing unit 9 will be described step by step.

(Regulator member installation process)
First, the attachment process of the regulating member 61 will be described. The restricting member 61 is attached by being pressed into the rib 34a of the developing container 34 while elastically deforming the press-fitting portion 61c of the restricting member 61 and pushing into the positioning surface 34c of the developing container 34.

(Longitudinal seal member attachment process)
Next, the attachment of the longitudinal seal member 64 will be described.

  A seating surface of a longitudinal seal member 64 is formed in the developing container 34 to which the regulating member 61 is attached. Then, the longitudinal seal member 64 is affixed to the seat surfaces (the developer container surface 34b and the regulating member surface 61b).

  The longitudinal seal member 64 also has a sealing function with the circumferential seal members 65L and 65R, and needs to be in close contact with the circumferential seal members 65L and 65R. Therefore, the total length L1 of the longitudinal seal member 64 is set longer than the circumferential seal interval L2 at both ends.

  As an affixing process, it affixes on a seat surface, crushing the front-end | tip of the longitudinal direction seal member 64 first with respect to the circumferential direction seal member (for example, 65L) side of a longitudinal direction one end side (FIG. 14).

  Thereafter, the longitudinal seal member 64 is pasted along the seating surface, and the longitudinal seal member 64 is crushed at the other end of the longitudinal side, and is brought into close contact with the side surface of the circumferential seal member (for example, 65L) on the other end side.

  Through the above steps, the circumferential seal members 65L and 65R and the longitudinal seal member 64 are attached in close contact with each other, and toner leakage can be prevented.

  The longitudinal seal member 64 can be reused when the elastic body (urethane foam) and the double-sided tape are not damaged when removed, but a new one may be used during reassembly.

  In the present embodiment, the longitudinal seal member 64 and the circumferential seal members 65L and 65R are adhered to each other and adhered to form a seal for the entire developing container 34. However, the present invention is limited to this. Is not to be done.

  For example, the longitudinal seal member 64 may be set to be shorter than the interval between the circumferential seal members 65L and 65R, and toner leakage may be prevented by a means such as injecting a sealant into the gap generated after the sticking.

(Development blade installation process)
Next, a process for attaching the developing blade 38 will be described.

The developing blade 38 is provided with a groove 38a for positioning in the longitudinal direction with respect to the developing container 34, and the developing container 34 is provided with a corresponding boss 34e. The development blade 38 is attached in the following procedure.

  First, the tip of the developing blade 38 is attached so as to be pushed into the developing unit 9 from the tangential direction of the developing roller 6 (the direction opposite to the arrow in the figure).

At this time, in the longitudinal direction of the developing blade 38, the groove 38a provided in the developing blade 38 and the boss 34e of the developing container are fitted to determine the positional relationship between the two. Thereafter, when the developing blade comes to a predetermined position in the tangential direction, it is fixed with screws 71 and 72 at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the developing blade 38 in the tangential direction is adjusted and assembled with respect to the reference of the developing container 34 in order to absorb variations in parts. Even during re-production, positioning is performed while measuring one end in the tangential direction of the developing blade 38 with a jig, and then fixing with screws 71 and 72.

  However, the positioning method of the developing blade 38 with respect to the developing container 34 is not limited to the above method, and is uniquely positioned with respect to the developing container 38 by a boss and a positioning portion (not shown) that regulate the short direction. May be determined.

  The reassembly of the developing unit 9 is completed by the above process. In the reassembling process of the developing unit 9, since there is no assembling process of the developing roller 6 and assembling process of gears, a simple assembling method can be realized as a disassembling process for toner refilling.

(5) (Unit coupling process)
With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the coupling process between the photosensitive drum unit 8 and the completed developing unit 9 will be described. This step is a step in which the photosensitive drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are coupled to complete the cartridge P.

  The photosensitive drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 used here are preferably the same combination before separation, but are not necessarily the same combination. At this time, the photosensitive drum 4 may be replaced with a new one.

  The photosensitive drum unit 8 and the developing unit are combined in the following steps.

  First, in a state where the photosensitive drum 4 is set in the cleaning container 33, the longitudinal positioning part 34 f of the developing unit 9 provided in the developing container 34 is engaged with the longitudinal positioning part 33 a provided in the cleaning container 33. .

  Next, the drive side cover member 31 is attached from the side surface of the cleaning container 33. A cylindrical portion 35R for determining the position of the photosensitive drum 4 and a rotation stopper 37R are provided on the driving side surface of the cleaning container 33, and the cover member side is also fitted at a position corresponding to the position of the cleaning container 33. Joint portions 65R and 52R are provided. The drive-side cover member 31 is provided with a support portion 54 for rotatably supporting the developing unit.

  When the drive side cover member 31 is assembled, it is assembled while aligning the positions of the photosensitive drum positioning portion, the rotation stop portion, and the developing unit support portion.

  Then, when the drive side cover member 31 is assembled to the fixed position of the cleaning container 33, it is fixed by screws 70R. Thus, the driving side cover member 33 is integrated with the cleaning container 33 to support the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing unit 9 so as to be rotatable.

  Similarly, on the non-driving side, the photosensitive drum positioning portion 35L, the rotation stopping portion 37L of the cleaning container, and the cylindrical portion 49 serving as the swing center of the developing unit are assembled.

  Further, the photosensitive drum positioning portions 65L, the rotation stoppers 52L, and the developing unit support shafts 58 provided on the non-driving side cover member 32 are respectively assembled to the cleaning container 33 while being simultaneously aligned. Thereafter, the non-driving side cover member 32 is fixed to the cleaning container 33 with the screw 70L, and the assembly is completed.

  The above process realizes one simple method in the cartridge P remanufacturing method.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the developing unit 9 is rotatably supported by the cover member has been described. However, the effect of the present invention is not limited to this form. As a method for supporting the developing unit 9, a pin-shaped separate part may be used instead of the support portion provided on the cover member.

  In this embodiment, the process cartridge has been described. However, the effect of the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and only the developing device may be configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus.

  The above is the main process of the cartridge remanufacturing method of the present invention. The above-described process shows one embodiment of the remanufacturing method of the present invention, and the procedure and the method are limited to those described above. It is not a thing. In the following, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the reproduction method of the present invention.

  The developing blade 38 and the regulating member 61 taken out from the developing unit 9 are not always attached again to the developing unit 9 and the process cartridge that were originally attached.

  That is, when the reproduction process is performed on a production line or the like, for example, in a so-called flow operation, for example, after several development blades 38 removed from the development unit 9 are stored together, they are cleaned by air blowing, etc. Supplied to the assembly process. Therefore, it is not always reattached to the developing unit 9 that was originally attached.

  Further, although there is a tolerance difference in dimensions if the same model is used, the shape is basically the same, so there is no necessity of re-attaching to the development unit 9 that was originally attached.

  The same applies to the restricting member 61. Further, for the same reason, when the developing unit 9 and the photosensitive drum unit 8 are recombined, it is not necessary to recombine in the original combination.

  As described above, the developing device and the process cartridge reproduction method according to the present invention can provide a developing device and a process cartridge reproduction method capable of reproducing the developing device and the process cartridge by a simpler method. It becomes possible.

1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment. The figure which shows the replacement | exchange operation | movement of the process cartridge in this Embodiment. The figure which shows the replacement | exchange operation | movement of the process cartridge in this Embodiment. The figure which shows the replacement | exchange operation | movement of the process cartridge in this Embodiment. The figure which shows the replacement | exchange operation | movement of the process cartridge in this Embodiment. The perspective view of the process cartridge in this Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a process cartridge in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developing unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a process cartridge in the present embodiment. The perspective view of the process cartridge (at the time of decomposition | disassembly) in this Embodiment. The perspective view of the process cartridge (at the time of decomposition | disassembly) in this Embodiment. The perspective view of the process cartridge (at the time of decomposition | disassembly) in this Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developing unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developing unit in the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 3 Open / close door 4 Photosensitive drum (image carrier)
5 Charging roller 6 Developing roller (developer carrier)
9 Development unit (developing device)
29 Cartridge tray 31 Driving side cover member 32 Non-driving side cover member 33 Cleaning container 34 Developing container (developing device frame)
38 Development blade (layer regulating member)
39 Toner container (developer container)
40 Developing chamber 42 Toner supply port (developer supply port)
61 Restriction member (Developer circulation restriction member)
62 Toner supply roller 64 Longitudinal seal member (seal member)
65 Circumferential seal member 66 Sheet member D, E Development unit swinging direction

Claims (4)

A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developing chamber provided with a developer carrying member for carrying the developer;
A developer supply port for supplying a developer from the developer container to the developing chamber;
And a developing device frame in which an opening opening to the outside is formed in a part of the developing chamber.
The developer carrying member is disposed in the opening;
A layer regulating member that regulates the thickness of the developer layer on the surface of the developer carrying member, with one end attached to the edge of the opening and the other end abutting the surface of the developer carrying member;
A seal member attached to an edge of the opening and sealing between the layer regulating member and the developing device frame;
A developer circulation regulating member that is attached to an edge of the opening and regulates the circulation of the developer in the developing chamber;
A developing device reproduction method for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
(A) a removal step of removing the layer regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(B) a removing step of removing the seal member from an edge of the opening;
(C) a removing step of removing the developer circulation regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(D) a developer refilling step of refilling the developer into the developer accommodating portion through the developer supply port from between the developer carrier and an edge of the opening;
(E) an attachment step of attaching the developer circulation regulating member to an edge of the opening;
(F) an attaching step for attaching the seal member to an edge of the opening;
(G) an attachment step of attaching the layer regulating member to an edge of the opening;
A method for reproducing a developing device, comprising: The developer circulation regulating member is
A surface capable of regulating the circulation of the developer is formed in a portion facing the developing chamber,
The developing device reproduction method according to claim 1, wherein a seating surface to which the seal member can be attached is formed at a portion facing the seal member. An image carrier unit having an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed;
A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image;
Have
The image carrier unit and the developing device are provided to be separable,
The developing device includes:
A developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developing chamber provided with a developer carrying member for carrying the developer;
A developer supply port for supplying a developer from the developer container to the developing chamber;
And a developing device frame in which an opening opening to the outside is formed in a part of the developing chamber.
The developer carrying member is disposed in the opening;
A layer regulating member that regulates the thickness of the developer layer on the surface of the developer carrying member, with one end attached to the edge of the opening and the other end abutting the surface of the developer carrying member;
A seal member attached to an edge of the opening and sealing between the layer regulating member and the developing device frame;
A developer circulation regulating member that is attached to an edge of the opening and regulates the circulation of the developer in the developing chamber;
A process cartridge reproduction method for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:
(A) a separation step of separating the image carrier unit and the developing device;
(B) a removing step of removing the layer regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(C) a removal step of removing the seal member from the edge of the opening;
(D) a removing step of removing the developer circulation regulating member from an edge of the opening;
(E) a developer refilling step of refilling the developer into the developer accommodating portion through the developer supply port from between the developer carrier and the edge of the opening;
(F) an attaching step of attaching the developer circulation regulating member to an edge of the opening;
(G) an attaching step for attaching the seal member to an edge of the opening;
(H) an attachment step of attaching the layer regulating member to an edge of the opening;
(I) a coupling step for coupling the image carrier unit and the developing device;
A process cartridge remanufacturing method comprising: The developer circulation regulating member is
A surface capable of regulating the circulation of the developer is formed on the surface facing the developing chamber,
4. The process cartridge remanufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein a seating surface to which the sealing member can be attached is formed on a surface facing the sealing member.

Images