JP7353850B2 - Developing device remanufacturing method and cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a developer storage container provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a developing device equipped with the same, and the reproduction of a cartridge such as a process cartridge.

Image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic image forming method (electrophotographic process) integrate various process means into a cartridge for easy maintenance, and are configured to be removably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, resulting in image formation with excellent usability. The device has been put into practical use. In such a cartridge-type image forming apparatus, an image is formed on a recording material (recording medium) using toner contained in a cartridge (a cartridge-shaped developing device or a process cartridge). The toner contained in the cartridge is consumed as images are formed, and when the toner is consumed to the extent that it is no longer possible to form images of a quality that is satisfactory to the user who purchased the cartridge, the cartridge loses its commercial value. do.

In recent years, cartridges whose toner has been consumed and have lost their commercial value have been re-commercialized (recycled). In such a remanufacturing method, a hole is made at one longitudinal end of the developer storage chamber in the cartridge, toner is refilled through the opened hole, and after refilling, the hole is sealed with a sealing member. has been devised (see Patent Document 1). In addition, in the cartridge remanufacturing method, a hole is made in the surface parallel to the photoreceptor axis of the developer storage chamber in the cartridge, toner is refilled through the opened hole, and after refilling, the hole is sealed with a sealing member. A method for stopping the problem has also been devised (see Patent Document 2).

JP2002-328588A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-251119

Some of the above-described cartridges include a stirring member that stirs the toner inside the developer storage chamber. In such a cartridge, the stirring member disposed within the developer storage chamber may interfere with the above-mentioned remanufacturing process.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for remanufacturing a cartridge in which work is not hindered by the stirring member of the cartridge.

In order to achieve the above object, the reproduction method of the present invention includes:
A remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing device,
The developing device includes:
A frame body having a storage chamber for storing developer, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier carrying the developer is disposed, and a partition part separating the storage chamber and the developing chamber, a frame body in which the partition portion is provided with an opening that communicates the storage chamber and the development chamber;
a stirring member for stirring the developer, the stirring member being disposed in the storage chamber so as to be able to come into contact with the wall surface of the frame forming the storage chamber;
Equipped with
The reproduction method includes:
a communication step of cutting off a part of the frame to form a communication hole so as to communicate between the outside of the frame and the developing chamber;
a refilling step of refilling the inside of the frame with developer through the communication hole; a sealing step of sealing the communication hole;
It is characterized by having the following.
Moreover, in order to achieve the above object, the reproduction method of the present invention includes:
A remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing device,
The developing device includes:
A frame body having a storage chamber for storing a developer, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier carrying the developer is arranged, and a partition part separating the storage chamber and the developing chamber, a frame body in which the partition portion is provided with an opening that communicates the storage chamber and the development chamber;
a stirring member for stirring the developer, the stirring member being disposed in the storage chamber so as to be able to come into contact with a wall surface of the frame forming the storage chamber;
Equipped with
The frame is provided with a deaeration hole that communicates the outside of the frame with the developing chamber, and a filter attached to the frame so as to cover the deaeration hole,
The reproduction method includes:
a communication step of peeling off at least a portion of the filter from the frame to form a communication hole , at least a portion of which is the deaeration hole, communicating between the outside of the frame and the development chamber;
a refilling step of refilling the inside of the frame with developer through the communication hole ;
a sealing step of sealing the communicating hole;
It is characterized by having the following.
Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the cartridge of the present invention includes:
A developing device remanufactured by the remanufacturing method of the present invention,
a regulating member that regulates the developer carried on the developer carrier;
A cartridge removably attached to an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the cartridge is equipped with:

According to the present invention, cartridges can be remanufactured without being hindered by the stirring member of the cartridge.

A cross-sectional view showing a refilling process in remanufacturing the developer storage container according to Example 1. Cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Example 1 A perspective view of the process cartridge according to Example 1 when it is installed in the apparatus main body. Cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to Example 1 A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a developer storage container according to Example 1. Exploded view and perspective view showing the configuration of a developer storage container according to Example 1 An explanatory diagram of the communication process in the cartridge remanufacturing method according to Example 1 An explanatory diagram of the communication process in the cartridge remanufacturing method according to Example 1 An explanatory diagram of the refilling process in the cartridge remanufacturing method according to Example 1 An explanatory diagram of the sealing process in the cartridge remanufacturing method according to Example 1 An explanatory diagram of the sealing process in the cartridge remanufacturing method according to Example 1 An explanatory diagram of the sealing process in the cartridge remanufacturing method according to Example 1 Explanatory diagram of the communication process according to Example 2

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, with reference to drawings, the form for implementing this invention is illustratively described in detail based on an Example. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangement of the components described in this embodiment should be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments.

[Example 1]
The configurations of the process cartridge 7 and image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing how the process cartridge 7 is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and components such as a cover that closes the accommodating portion of the process cartridge 7 in the main body of the apparatus are not shown. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 7 according to this embodiment.

<Electrophotographic image forming apparatus>
First, the overall configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "image forming apparatus") according to this embodiment will be described using FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of image forming sections, a first, a second, and a third for forming images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. , fourth image forming sections SY, SM, SC, and SK. In this embodiment, the configurations and operations of the first to fourth image forming sections are substantially the same except that the colors of the images to be formed are different. Therefore, in the following, if no particular distinction is required, Y, M, C, and K will be omitted and a general description will be given.

The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes four electrophotographic photosensitive drums (hereinafter referred to as "photosensitive drums") 1 (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K) as image carriers. The photosensitive drum 1 rotates in the direction of arrow A in the figure. A charging roller 2 and a scanner unit 3 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1. Here, the charging roller 2 is a charging means that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The scanner unit 3 is an exposure unit that irradiates a laser beam based on image information to form an electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 1. Further, around the photosensitive drum 1, a developing device (hereinafter referred to as "developing unit") 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a cleaning blade 6 (6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K) as a cleaning means are arranged. ing. Furthermore, an intermediate transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer member for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 onto the recording material 12 is arranged opposite to the four photosensitive drums 1 .

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

In this embodiment, the photoconductor unit 13 ( 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K) are formed.

Further, in this embodiment, the developing unit 4 and the photoreceptor unit 13 are integrally formed into a cartridge to form the process cartridge 7 (7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K). The process cartridge 7 is removably attachable to the image forming apparatus 100 via a mounting means such as a mounting guide and a positioning member (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the process cartridge 7 is removable from the image forming apparatus 100 along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1, as shown by arrow G in FIG.

In this embodiment, the process cartridges 7 for each color all have the same shape. The process cartridges 7 for each color contain toners T (TY, TM, TC, TK) of yellow (TY), magenta (TM), cyan (TC), and black (TK), respectively.

The intermediate transfer belt 5 contacts all the photosensitive drums 1 and rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is stretched around a plurality of supporting members (drive roller 26, secondary transfer opposing roller 27, and driven roller 28). On the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5, four primary transfer rollers 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) are arranged in parallel as primary transfer means so as to face each photosensitive drum 1. . Further, a secondary transfer roller 9 as a secondary transfer means is arranged at a position facing the secondary transfer opposing roller 27 on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 5.

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

For example, when forming a full-color image, the above-mentioned process is performed sequentially in the first to fourth image forming sections SY, SM, SC, and SK, and toner images of each color are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 5. primary transfer is performed. Thereafter, the recording material 12 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section in synchronization with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 5. Then, by the action of the secondary transfer roller 9 which is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 5 via the recording material 12, the four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 5 are secondarily transferred onto the recording material 12 at once. Ru.

The recording material 12 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 10 as a fixing means. The toner image is fixed on the recording material 12 by applying heat and pressure to the recording material 12 in the fixing device 10 . Thereafter, the recording material 12 with the toner image fixed thereon is discharged outside the machine.

The primary transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer process is removed by the cleaning blade 6. Furthermore, the secondary transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer process is removed by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 11. The removed secondary transfer residual toner is discharged to a waste toner box (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100.

The image forming apparatus 100 is also capable of forming monochrome or multicolor images using only one desired image forming section or some (but not all) image forming sections.

<Process cartridge>
The overall configuration of the process cartridge 7 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6. 6(a) is an exploded view of the developing unit 4, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view of the developing unit 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the photoreceptor unit 13 has a cleaning frame 14 as a frame that supports various elements within the photoreceptor unit 13. As shown in FIG. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 14 via a bearing member so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow A. Further, a charging roller bearing 15 is attached to the cleaning frame 14 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow C along a line passing through the rotation center of the charging roller 2 and the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 1. The charging roller 2 is rotatably attached to a charging roller bearing 15. The charging roller bearing 15 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 1 by a charging roller pressing spring 16 serving as an urging means.

The cleaning blade 6 is integrally formed with an elastic member 6a for removing primary transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the primary transfer, and a support member 6b for supporting the elastic member. The primary transfer residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 6 falls in the direction of gravity through the space formed by the cleaning blade 6 and the cleaning frame 14, and is stored in the waste toner storage section 14a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the developing unit 4 includes a developing frame 18 that supports various elements within the developing unit 4 and is a developer storage container. The developing unit 4 is provided with a developing roller 22 that contacts the photosensitive drum 1 and rotates in the direction of arrow D. The developing roller 22 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 18 via bearing units 32 and 33 at both ends in the rotation axis direction.

The developing unit 4 includes a developer accommodating chamber (accommodating chamber) 18a that accommodates toner, a developing chamber 18b in which a developing roller 22 is disposed, and an opening (internal opening) that communicates the developer accommodating chamber 18a and the developing chamber 18b. or a first opening) 18c. More specifically, the developing frame 18 has a partition portion (partition wall) 18m that partitions the developer storage chamber 18a and the developing chamber 18b of the developing frame 18. The opening 18c is provided in the partition portion 18m. Further, the developing frame 18 is provided with a developing opening (second opening) for exposing a portion of the developing roller 22 to the outside of the developing frame 18 . In this embodiment, when the process cartridge 7 is in the position for use (when installed in the image forming apparatus 100), the developing chamber 18b is located above the developer storage chamber 18a. A developer supplying member (supply roller) 20 that rotates in contact with the developing roller 22 and a developer regulating member (developing blade) 21 that regulates the toner layer of the developing roller 22 are arranged in the developing chamber 18b. has been done.

The developer storage chamber 18a of the developing frame 18 is provided with a stirring member 23 for stirring the stored toner T and transporting the toner to the developer supplying member 20 via the opening 18c. The stirring member 23 includes a rotating shaft 23a that extends in the direction of the rotating shaft (first direction), and a stirring sheet 23b that is a flexible sheet member that is attached to the rotating shaft 23a at one end and that stirs and conveys the toner. has. In other words, the stirring member 23 is configured to be rotatable around an axis (center of the rotating shaft 23a) extending in the direction of the rotating shaft.
Here, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 and the axial direction of the developing unit 4 are parallel to the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 23. Further, the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 22, the supply roller 20, and the photosensitive drum 1 is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 23.

The stirring member 23 rotates in the direction of arrow F with the other end side of the stirring sheet 23b, which is a free end, contacting the inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber 18a and being bent. The developer storage chamber 18a has a release position 18e where the stirring sheet 23b is released from its bent state. When the stirring sheet 23b passes through the release position 18e, the force of the stirring sheet 23b being released from the flexed state causes the toner on the stirring sheet 23b to be thrown up and sent to the developer supplying member in the developing chamber 18b through the opening 18c. 20. That is, the stirring sheet 23b does not come into contact with the inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber 18a at least in the rotational phase from the release position 18e to the position facing the opening 18c in the clockwise direction in FIG. It is configured such that it can come into contact at rotational phases other than that. In other words, as the stirring member 23 moves (rotates), the distance between the inner wall surface of the developing frame 18 and the stirring member 23 changes. In this embodiment, the stirring sheet 23b comes into contact with the partition portion 18m after passing through the release position 18e. In other words, the partition portion 18m prevents the stirring member 23 (stirring sheet 23b) from entering the developing chamber 18b.

<Detailed configuration of developer storage container>
The detailed structure of the developing frame 18, which is a developer storage container, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing frame 18.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the developing frame 18 includes, in addition to the developer storage chamber 18a, the developing chamber 18b, the opening 18c, and the stirring member 23, the opening 18c of the developing chamber 18b. A filter 35 for reducing the air pressure inside the developing chamber 18b is provided at an opposing position.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the developing roller 22 and the toner supply roller 20 are supported by the developing frame 18 via a first developing bearing unit 32 and a second developing bearing unit 33. The first developing bearing unit 32 includes the developing roller 22, a developing bearing member 32a for supporting the toner supply roller 20, a gear train 32b for transmitting drive to the stirring gear 30, and a side cover 32c. At positions facing the opening 18c of the developing chamber 18b in the developing frame 18, there are two deaeration holes (vents) 18g extending along the axis of the developing roller 22 in order to suppress an increase in pressure inside the developing frame 18. are arranged in parallel, and the filter 35 is joined so as to cover the degassing hole 18g. The deaeration hole 18g communicates the inside of the developing chamber 18b and the outside of the developing frame 18. Further, in the axial direction of the stirring member 23, the position of the deaeration hole 18g and the position of the opening 18c overlap. The filter 35 is made of a material that restricts the passage of toner and allows the passage of air.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the side cover 32c covers the toner cap 31 and is fixed to the developer frame 18 and the developer bearing member 32a with three screws 34.
The toner cap 31 is provided with a toner filling port ( (not shown) is sealed.

<How to remanufacture the process cartridge>
A method for remanufacturing the process cartridge 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 12. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing frame 18 in the process of refilling with toner. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing frame 18 before being refilled with toner.
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the developing frame 18 after opening, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the developing frame 18 in an example of the process of communicating the developing frame 18.
FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view of the developing frame 18 after opening a hole, and FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view of the developing frame 18 in an example of the communication process of the developing frame 18.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the developing frame 18 in an example of the process of refilling with toner.
10(a) is an exploded view of an example of the sealing process of sealing the communicating hole 18f of the developing frame 18, and FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view of an example of sealing the communicating hole 18f of the developing frame 18. be.
11(a) is an exploded view of an example of the sealing process of sealing the communicating hole 18f of the developing frame 18, and FIG. 11(b) is a perspective view of an example of sealing the communicating hole 18f of the developing frame 18. be.
12(a) is an exploded view of an example of the sealing process of sealing the communicating hole 18f of the developing frame 18, and FIG. 12(b) is a perspective view of an example of sealing the communicating hole 18f of the developing frame 18. be.

The developing unit 4 according to this embodiment may be reproduced alone (separated from the photoreceptor unit 13), or in a state integrated with the photoreceptor unit 13 (that is, as a process cartridge 7). It may also be reproduced. That is, the cartridge in the cartridge remanufacturing method of the present invention may be the developing unit 4 (developing device) which is made into a single cartridge in this embodiment, or may be the process cartridge 7.

The cartridge remanufacturing method according to this embodiment is roughly as follows:
The process includes three steps: Step 1: Communication step of the developing frame 18 Step 2: Toner refilling step Step 3: A sealing step of sealing the holes of the developing frame 18.
Note that the remanufacturing method according to this embodiment includes a preparation step of preparing a cartridge (developing unit 4 or process cartridge 7) as a raw material before performing steps 1 to 3 described above. As the developing unit 4 and process cartridge 7 serving as the raw materials, for example, a used developing unit 4 and process cartridge 7 in which toner has been consumed after performing an image forming operation are used. In other words, the remanufacturing method according to this embodiment is a method of remanufacturing a new developing unit (second developing device) from the developing unit 4 (first developing device) serving as a raw material. In other words, the remanufacturing method according to this embodiment is a method of remanufacturing a new process cartridge (second process cartridge) from the process cartridge 7 (first process cartridge) as a raw material.
Hereinafter, each process will be explained in order.

(Step 1: Communication step of developing frame 18)
The process of communicating the developing frame 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a communication hole (third opening) 18f that communicates the outside of the developing chamber 18b with the developing chamber 18b is provided in the developing frame 18 at a position facing the opening 18c of the developing chamber 18b. Open. For drilling, the communication hole 18f is made using an ultrasonic cutter, laser machining, or the like. That is, a portion of the developing frame 18 is removed to form the communication hole 18f in the developing frame 18. The communication hole 18f allows the developer storage chamber 18a to communicate with the outside of the developing frame 18 via the opening 18c, the developing chamber 18b, and the communication hole 18f. The communication hole 18f is formed so as to open at the upper wall surface of the developing chamber 18b when the process cartridge 7 is in the position for use.

The shape, size, and position of the communication hole 18f are preferably such that the foot of a funnel 36, which will be described later, can be inserted therethrough so as to reach the developer storage chamber 18a. Further, the shape and size of the communication hole 18f are preferably such that it can be closed by a seal member 37a and a cap member 37b, which will be described later.

In the example of the communication step shown in FIG. 7, the communication hole 18f is formed so as to pass through the filter 35 and the attachment portion of the filter 35 on the developing frame 18. That is, the filter 35 is also formed with a through hole, and the through hole of the filter 35 and the expanded deaeration hole 18g, which will be described later, form a communication hole 18f. In the developing frame 18 of this embodiment, the size of the deaeration hole 18g provided in the attachment part of the filter 35 is not large enough to allow the foot of the funnel 36 to be inserted, so the circumference of the deaeration hole 18g is also By partially cutting it out, a communicating hole 18f of a desired size is formed. That is, it can be said that it includes a step of enlarging the size of the deaeration hole 18g, which is a communication hole originally provided in the developing frame 18, to a size that allows the foot of the funnel 36 to be inserted therethrough. Note that if the deaeration hole 18g has a sufficient size, the through hole is formed only in the filter 35, and the through hole of the filter 35 and the deaeration hole 18g form a communication hole 18f. You can do it like this. By using the degassing hole 18g, generation of shavings can be suppressed compared to the case where a new communication hole 18f is formed in the developing frame 18.

Alternatively, as in the example of the communication step shown in FIG. 8A, at least a portion of the filter 35 may be peeled off from the developing frame 18 to open the communication hole 18f. That is, a removal step of peeling off the filter 35 from the developing frame 18 is first performed, and then a step of opening the communication hole 18f of a desired size in the developing frame 18 is performed. In forming the communication hole 18f, a portion of the area around the deaeration hole 18g is cut out, as in the example shown in FIG. 7 described above. Note that if the deaeration hole 18g has a sufficient size, the communication process may be completed simply by peeling off the filter 35 from the developing frame 18. That is, in the communication step, the deaeration hole 18g may be used as the communication hole 18f without removing a part of the developing frame 18. By doing so, the work of removing a part of the developing frame 18 can be omitted, and the generation of scraps can be suppressed. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a plurality of deaeration holes 18g may be connected to form a communication hole 18f. The degassing performance of the degassing hole 18g can also be improved by expanding the degassing hole 18g or connecting a plurality of degassing holes 18g. In this case as well, it can be said that the deaeration hole 18g is expanded.

The process of communicating the developing frame 18 is not limited to the method described above. A communication hole is formed in the developing frame 18 to communicate between the developer storage chamber 18a and the outside of the developing frame 18, and to ensure an introduction path for refilled toner at the time of toner refilling, which will be described later. Other methods may be used as appropriate as long as they are possible.

(Step 2: Toner refilling step)
A toner refilling process for filling new toner into the developing frame 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9.

In FIG. 1, toner is transferred to the developing frame 18 in which a communication hole 18f is formed so as to pass through the filter 35 and the attachment portion of the filter 35 in the developing frame 18 through the communication process shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state when refilling is performed. The developer storage chamber 18a is refilled with toner by inserting the funnel 36 through the communication hole 18f and dropping toner T from a toner bottle (not shown) or the like. The funnel 36 has a conical portion 36a that receives the toner T dropped from the toner bottle, and a tubular foot portion 36b extending from a small diameter tip of the conical portion 36a. It is inserted into the developing frame 18 until it reaches the agent storage chamber 18a. In this embodiment, in the axial direction of the stirring member 23, the position of the deaeration hole 18g and the position of the opening 18c overlap. Therefore, it is easy to insert the open end portion 36c of the foot portion 36b to the position where it reaches the developer storage chamber 18a. Thereby, a toner T refill introduction path is formed from the outside of the developing frame 18 to the developer storage chamber 18a via the communication hole 18f, the developing chamber 18b, and the opening 18c. Note that the toner T may be refilled from other parts, but by filling from the communication hole 18f near the developer storage chamber 18a, the toner easily enters the developer storage chamber 18a.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how the developing frame 18 with the filter 35 removed and the communication hole 18f opened is refilled with toner in the communication process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the developer storage chamber 18a is refilled with toner by peeling off the filter 35, inserting the funnel 36 through the opened communication hole 18f, and dropping toner from a toner bottle (not shown) or the like. .

Note that toner refilling is not limited to the method using the funnel 36 described above as a device used to refill the developer storage chamber 18a with the toner T. For example, refilling may be performed by inserting a tube part of a dispenser connected to a toner supply source or a hose-like tube member.
Note that refilling does not require directly filling the developer storage chamber 18a with toner. That is, toner may be filled into the developing chamber 18b from outside the developing frame 18 through the communication hole 18f. At this time, it is preferable to move the stirring member 23 so as not to cover the opening 18c. By doing so, the toner filled in the developing chamber 18b can be filled into the developer storage chamber 18a through the opening 18c.

(Step 3: Sealing step of sealing the holes in the developing frame 18)
A sealing process for sealing the communication hole 18f of the developing frame 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.
In the sealing step in this embodiment, the communication hole 18f can be sealed using various sealing members 37.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), a sealing member 37a may be used as the sealing member 37. The adhesive surface of the sealing member 37a is attached to the filter 35 at a position where the communication hole 18f is sealed, thereby sealing the communication hole 18f so that the toner T does not leak from the communication hole 18f.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11(a), a cap member 37b may be used as the sealing member 37. After attaching the cap member 37b to the filter 35 so as to close the communication hole 18f, the adhesive member 38 is injected into the joint surface between the two, or the adhesive member 38 is applied to the joint surface in advance, and the cap member 37b and the filter are bonded together. Glue 35. The bonding method is not limited to adhesives, silicone bonds, etc.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12A, the filter 35 may be replaced with a new filter 37c, and the filter 37c may be attached to the developing frame 18 so as to cover the communication hole 18f (deaeration hole 18g). At this time, the filter 35 may be used again. In the communication step shown in FIG. 8, the filter 35 is peeled off, the communication hole 18f is opened, and after refilling, a new filter 37c is attached, and the new filter 37c and the developing frame 18 are bonded together. The adhesion method is not limited to heat welding, double-sided tape, etc.

<Excellent points of this example>
As described above, through the steps 1 to 3, it is possible to provide a cartridge remanufacturing method in which work is not hindered by the stirring member of the cartridge.
That is, the communication hole 18f is formed so as to open into the developer storage chamber 18a in which the stirring member 23 is accommodated and into the development chamber 18b partitioned by the partition portion 18m. By doing so, the stirring member 23 does not block the communication hole 18f. In other words, the stirring member 23 does not interfere with the operation of filling the inside of the developing frame 18 with toner from the outside of the developing frame 18 . Further, in the process of forming the communication hole 18f or expanding the communication hole 18f (deaeration hole 18g), even if a part of the developing frame 18 is removed, the stirring member 23 may not be damaged. do not have. That is, it is not necessary to move the stirring member 23 so that the stirring member 23 is not damaged. In other words, the work of removing a portion of the developing frame 18 is not hindered by the stirring member 23.

Further, according to the cartridge remanufacturing method according to the present embodiment, the communication hole 18f (deaeration hole 18g) is opened in a direction (second direction) intersecting the direction of the rotation axis of the stirring member 23. There is. Therefore, the direction in which the funnel 36 is inserted is substantially the same as the direction in which the stirring sheet 23b can exhibit its flexibility. It is preferable that the funnel 36 and the stirring sheet 23b do not come into contact with each other, but even if they do, the stirring sheet 23b will be in a direction in which it is more likely to exhibit flexibility, so that damage to the stirring sheet 23b is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, even if the stirring sheet 23b stops at a position where it closes the opening 18c between the developer storage chamber 18a and the developing chamber 18b, the stirring sheet 23b can be bent (pushed away) using its flexibility, and the funnel can be closed. 36 foot portions 36b can be inserted up to the developer storage chamber 18a. As described above, since the stirring sheet 23b is in the open state where it does not come into contact with the inner wall surface of the developer storage chamber 18a at the position where it closes the opening 18c, the foot portion 36b of the funnel 36 must be pushed in to avoid damage. It's not difficult to transform.

[Example 2]
A method for remanufacturing the process cartridge 7 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. Note that in the second embodiment, descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted in principle.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the communication process according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the deaeration holes 18g and the arrangement of the communication holes 18f.
The arrow in FIG. 13 indicates the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 (the direction of the rotational axis of the developing roller 22). As shown in FIG. 13, the developing frame 18 according to the second embodiment is provided with a plurality of degassing holes 18g. Note that the deaeration hole 18g in this embodiment is arranged at a position facing the opening 18c, similarly to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Further, as in the first embodiment, the deaeration hole 18g is covered with a filter 35.

The plurality of deaeration holes 18g include a plurality of first deaeration holes 18g1 and a plurality of second deaeration holes 18g2. In the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 22, the position of the first deaeration hole 18g1 and the position of the second deaeration hole 18g2 are different and do not overlap. With respect to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 22, the position of the first deaeration hole 18g1 and the position of the second deaeration hole 18g2 are different. However, at least a portion of the first deaeration hole 18g1 and at least a portion of the second deaeration hole 18g2 overlap.

The communication hole 18f is formed to connect the first deaeration hole 18g1 and the second deaeration hole 18g2. At this time, the communication hole 18f can be formed to connect one first deaeration hole 18g1 and one second deaeration hole 18g2 (18f1). Further, the communication hole 18f can also be formed to connect one first deaeration hole 18g1 and a plurality of second deaeration holes 18g2 (18f2). The communication hole 18f can also be formed to connect the plurality of first deaeration holes 18g1 and the plurality of second deaeration holes 18g2. Further, a plurality of communicating holes 18f may be formed in the developing frame 18g. For example, a communication hole indicated by 18f1 and a communication hole indicated by 18f2 may be formed in the developing frame 18. Further, for example, either one of the communication hole indicated by 18f1 and the communication hole indicated by 18f2 may be formed in the developing frame 18. At this time, in order to form the communication holes 18f, a portion of the developing frame 18 located between the respective degassing holes 18g is removed.

According to the arrangement of the deaeration holes 18g (the plurality of first deaeration holes 18g1 and the plurality of second deaeration holes 18g2) shown in this embodiment, the communication holes 18f can be easily formed. Furthermore, by increasing the number of degassing holes 18g that are connected by forming the communication hole 18f, the communication hole 18f can be easily expanded. Thereby, the deaeration performance of the deaeration hole 18g can also be improved.

Note that the toner refilling process and the sealing process of sealing the communication hole 18f are the same as in Example 1, and therefore their description will be omitted. That is, as in the first embodiment, the communication hole 18f (deaeration hole 18g) can be sealed with a sealing member such as the filter 35, the new filter 37c, and the cap member 37b.

4...Developing device (developing unit), 7... Process cartridge, 18... Developer storage container (development frame), 18a... Developer storage chamber, 18b... Development chamber, 18c... Opening, 18e... Release position, 18f... Communication Hole, 18g... Deaeration hole, 20... Developer supply member, 21... Developer regulating member, 22... Developer carrier (developing roller), 23... Stirring member, 23a... Rotating shaft, 23b... Stirring sheet, 35... Filter , 36... funnel, 37... sealing member, 37a... sealing member, 37b... cap member, 37c... new filter, 38... adhesive member

Claims (20)

A remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing device,
The developing device includes:
A frame body having a storage chamber for storing developer, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier carrying the developer is disposed, and a partition part separating the storage chamber and the developing chamber, a frame body in which the partition portion is provided with an opening that communicates the storage chamber and the development chamber;
a stirring member for stirring the developer, the stirring member being disposed in the storage chamber so as to be able to come into contact with the wall surface of the frame forming the storage chamber;
Equipped with
The reproduction method includes:
a communication step of cutting off a part of the frame to form a communication hole so as to communicate between the outside of the frame and the developing chamber;
a refilling step of refilling the inside of the frame with developer through the communication hole; a sealing step of sealing the communication hole;
A reproduction method characterized by having the following. The developing device includes: a frame provided with a deaeration hole communicating between the outside of the frame and the development chamber; a filter attached to the frame so as to cover the deaeration hole;
The reproduction method according to claim 1, comprising:. The remanufacturing method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of exposing the deaeration hole to the outside of the frame by peeling off at least a portion of the filter from the frame. 4. The remanufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein in the sealing step, the filter peeled from the frame or a new filter is attached to the frame so as to cover the deaeration hole. The communication step includes a step of forming a through hole in the filter,
3. The reproduction method according to claim 2, wherein the communication hole includes the deaeration hole and the through hole. 6. The remanufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein in the sealing step, a sealing member that closes the through hole is adhered to the filter. The reproducing method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the communicating step includes a step of enlarging the size of the degassing hole. The frame body is provided with a plurality of the deaeration holes,
The reproducing method according to claim 7, wherein the communicating step includes a step of connecting the plurality of deaeration holes. A remanufacturing method for remanufacturing a developing device,
The developing device includes:
A frame body having a storage chamber for storing developer, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier carrying the developer is disposed, and a partition part separating the storage chamber and the developing chamber, a frame body in which the partition portion is provided with an opening that communicates the storage chamber and the development chamber;
a stirring member for stirring the developer, the stirring member being disposed in the storage chamber so as to be able to come into contact with the wall surface of the frame forming the storage chamber;
Equipped with
The frame body is provided with a deaeration hole that communicates the outside of the frame body and the developing chamber, and a filter affixed to the frame body so as to cover the deaeration hole,
The reproduction method includes:
a communication step of peeling off at least a portion of the filter from the frame to form a communication hole , at least a portion of which is the deaeration hole, communicating between the outside of the frame and the development chamber;
a refilling step of refilling the inside of the frame with developer through the communication hole ;
a sealing step of sealing the communicating hole;
A reproduction method characterized by having the following. 10. The remanufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein in the sealing step, the filter peeled from the frame or a new filter is attached to the frame so as to cover the deaeration hole. The communication step includes a step of forming a through hole in the filter,
The reproduction method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the communication hole includes the degassing hole and the through hole. 12. The remanufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein in the sealing step, a sealing member that closes the through hole is adhered to the filter. The reproducing method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the communicating step includes a step of enlarging the size of the deaeration hole. The frame body is provided with a plurality of the deaeration holes,
The reproducing method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the communicating step includes a step of connecting the plurality of deaeration holes. The reproduction method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the communication hole is arranged at a position facing the opening. 16. The reproducing method according to claim 1, wherein the partition section is configured to restrict entry of the stirring member into the developing chamber. 17. The reproducing method according to claim 1, wherein in the refilling step, the developer is filled into the storage chamber through the communication hole and the opening. According to any one of claims 1 to 17, the stirring member has a rotating shaft and a sheet member whose one end is fixed to the rotating shaft and whose other end can come into contact with the wall surface. Reproduction method described. 1. The developing chamber is located above the storage chamber when the developing device is in a position during use, and the communication hole is located on an upper wall surface of the developing chamber. 19. The reproduction method according to any one of Item 18. A developing device remanufactured by the remanufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 19;
a regulating member that regulates the developer carried on the developer carrier;
What is claimed is: 1. A cartridge removably attached to an image forming apparatus, comprising:

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