TWI411897B - Dismounting and mounting methods for coupling and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A coupling member dismounting method for dismounting, from a drum flange mounted to an electrophotographic photosensitive drum usable with a process cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a coupling member for receiving a rotating force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the main assembly of the apparatus in a state in which the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, the method including (i) an inclining step of inclining the coupling member relative to a rotational axis of the drum flange, wherein the coupling member includes a rotating force receiving member having, at a free end portion, a rotating force receiving portion for receiving the rotating force, a spherical portion mounted to a rear end portion of the rotating force receiving member by a pin penetration; (ii) a pin urging step of pushing the pin from one end to the other end thereof, wherein the one and the other ends of the pin are projected out of the spherical portion in a state in which the coupling member is inclined by the inclining step; wherein a regulating portion provided along an inside of the drum flange with a gap between the spherical portion and the regulating portion and has a configuration nearer to a spherical surface of the free end portion than a flat plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and which passes through a center of the spherical portion, and wherein the regulating portion includes a first surface extending from the regulating portion in a direction away from the coupling member toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction, and a second surface bent from the first surface extending from the regulating portion in a direction away from the coupling member toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction, (iii) a pin riding step of making a part of the pin which is further projected at the end by the pin urging step ride on the second surface; and (iv) a coupling member dismounting step of dismounting the coupling member from the drum flange by applying a force to a free end portion of the coupling member toward a fulcrum which is the portion of the pin riding on the second surface.

Description

Decomposition and mounting method for coupling and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit

The present invention relates to an exploded method for a coupling member, a mounting method for the coupling member, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit for use in a process cartridge detachably mounted to a main component of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Here, in the present invention, the process cartridge includes at least one of an electrophotographic photosensitive member drum, a developing mechanism such as a processing mechanism that can act on the drum, a cleaning mechanism, and a charging mechanism as one unit. Also, it is detachably mounted to the main components of this electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Further, this electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording material via an electrophotographic type program. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer), a facsimile apparatus, a word processor, and the like.

Further, the main constituent of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is a part of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus other than the processing cartridge.

In a known electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming program, an electrophotographic photosensitive member drum and a processing mechanism which can act on the drum of the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a crucible as a unit. Further, the crucible is detachably mounted to the main component of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to process the crucible type.

According to this processing mode, the maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed by the user himself/herself without relying on the service person, and therefore, the operability of maintenance can be remarkably improved.

Further, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an image is formed on a recording material using a developer. When the processing with the developing mechanism repeats image formation, the developer contained in the developer accommodating portion is consumed.

In such a degree that the developer is consumed to an image that does not conform to the quality of the user, it is desirable to re-manufacture a simple decomposition of the available treatment, and a remanufacturing method. Also, an example of such a method is disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,834,482.

An easy assembly method for handling defects has been desired.

The present invention further develops the prior art described above.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an easy decomposition method for a coupling member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy installation method for a coupling member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit in which the decomposition of this coupling is easy.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit in which the mounting of the coupling is easy.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a coupling member disassembling method for disassembling a coupling member for receiving a rotational force from a drum flange, the drum flange is mounted to be detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus The main component of the process is an electrophotographic photosensitive drum used together, the rotational force coming from the main component of the apparatus for mounting the state of the main component of the apparatus to the apparatus to make the electrophotographic photosensitive Drum rotation, the method comprising: (i) a step of tilting the coupling member with respect to a rotation axis of the drum flange, wherein the coupling member includes a rotational force receiving portion at the free end portion for receiving the rotational force a rotational force receiving member, and a spherical portion mounted to the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by the insertion end; (ii) a tip pushing step of pushing the insertion tip from one end thereof to the other end, wherein the insertion tip The one end and the other end protrude from the spherical portion in a state where the coupling member is inclined by the tilting step; wherein the adjustment is set along the inner side of the drum flange a portion having a gap between the spherical portion and the adjusting portion, and having a structure closer to a spherical surface of the free end portion than a flat surface perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and passing through a center of the spherical portion, And wherein the adjusting portion includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface extending from the adjusting portion in a direction away from the coupling member with respect to the longitudinal end portion of the longitudinal direction, the second surface being adjusted from a portion of the first surface that extends in a direction away from the coupling member with respect to the longitudinal end portion of the longitudinal direction, (iii) a portion of the spigot that is finally further protruded by the plunging step a pinch folding step on the second surface; and (iv) applying a force to the free end portion of the coupling member by a fulcrum toward a portion of the spigot that is superimposed on the second surface The coupling member decomposes from the coupling flange of the drum flange.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a coupling member disassembling method for disassembling a coupling member for receiving a rotational force from a drum flange is mounted to be detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image Forming an electrophotographic photosensitive drum for use with a main component of the apparatus, the rotational force being derived from the main component of the apparatus for mounting the system to the state of the main component of the apparatus such that the electron The photoreceptor drum is rotated, wherein the coupling member includes a rotational force receiving member having a rotational force receiving portion for receiving the rotational force at the free end portion, and a rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member is attached through the insertion end a spherical portion of the resin, wherein the coupling member is attached to a drum flange attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a resin adjusting portion, the resin adjusting portion being disposed inside the drum flange, and relative to the The drum flange projects radially inwardly with a gap between the spherical portion and the adjustment portion, the method comprising (i) clamping the rotation of the coupling member a step of clamping the receiving member; and (ii) moving the resin adjusting portion and the resin spherically by applying a force toward the free end portion in a state in which the receiving member is clamped by the pressing force step When at least one of the portions is deformed, the coupling member is disassembled from the resin regulating portion and the coupling member of the spherical portion of the resin.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling member mounting method for mounting a coupling member for receiving a rotational force to a drum flange, the drum flange being mounted to be detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image An electrophotographic photosensitive drum used in combination with a main component of the apparatus, the rotational force being derived from the main component of the apparatus for mounting the electrophotographic system to the state of the main component of the apparatus The photosensitive drum is rotated, wherein the coupling member includes a rotational force receiving member having a rotational force receiving portion for receiving the rotational force at the free end portion, and a rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member is attached by the insertion end a spherical portion of the resin, wherein the coupling member is attached to a drum flange attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a resin adjusting portion, the resin adjusting portion being disposed inside the drum flange and opposite to the drum a radial direction of the flange protruding inwardly, and a gap between the spherical portion and the adjusting portion, the method comprising: by adjusting the resin portion and When at least one of the spherical portions of the resin is longitudinally pushed inward toward the electrophotographic photosensitive drum to deform at least one of the resin regulating portion and the spherical portion of the resin, the coupling member is mounted into the resin adjusting portion and the A coupling member mounting step of the spherical portion of the resin.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit is proposed, to which a coupling member can be mounted, wherein the coupling member is included in a free end portion for receiving from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for making an electron a rotational force receiving member that rotates a rotational force of the photosensitive drum, and a spherical portion that is attached to a rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by a insertion end, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit including a roller having a photosensitive layer at a periphery thereof And a drum flange disposed at one end of the drum, the drum flange including a plurality of resin adjusting portions disposed on an inner side of the drum flange and protruding radially inward from the drum flange, wherein When the coupling member is mounted to the drum unit, the adjusting portions effectively adjust the movement of the spherical portion in the longitudinal direction of the drum unit; the recess is disposed in the adjusting portion at a position radially outward of the drum flange a portion for facilitating deformation of the adjustment portion of the drum flange radially outward; and a plurality of rotational force receiving portions including an insertion for receiving the rotational force Wherein the jumper line is provided between the adjacent adjustment portion such adjustment portion.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The functions, materials, configurations, positional relationships, and the like of the components described below are not limited to the present invention unless otherwise stated. The materials, structures, and the like of the components previously described will be applied to the following description unless otherwise stated.

Example:

(general configuration)

1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming main component 1 (main component) of an image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention, and a process 匣2 (匣). Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the system 2. Referring to Figures 1-2, a general configuration of an image forming apparatus and an image forming program in the present embodiment will be described.

This image forming apparatus is a laser beam printer using electrophotography in which a crucible 2 is detachably mounted to the main component 1. When the crucible 2 is disposed on the main component 1, the exposure device (laser scanner unit) 3 is disposed on the upper portion of the crucible 2. The lower portion of the crucible 2 has a stack 4 containing a recording material (sheet material) P which is an object on which an image is formed. The main component 1 has a pickup roller 5a, a paper feed roller 5b, a paper feed roller pair 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer charging roller 7, a paper feed guide 8, fixing (fixing) along the paper feed direction of the paper P. The device 9, the discharge roller pair 10, the discharge port 11, and the like.

(image forming program)

An outline of the image forming program will be explained. In response to the printing start signal, the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum (drum) 20 is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed (processing speed) in the direction of the arrow R1. The charging roller (charging mechanism, processing mechanism) 12 is supplied to the outer surface of the drum 20 using a bias contact, and the outer surface of the drum 20 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 12.

The laser beam L modulated in response to the serial electrical digital pixel signal of the image information is output from the exposure device 3. The laser beam L enters the crucible 2 via the exposure window 53 on the upper surface of the crucible 2 to thereby expose the outer surface of the drum 20 by scanning, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer surface of the drum 20. on. The electrostatic latent image is developed onto the toner image by the developer T (toner) of the developing device unit 40.

The charging roller 12 contacts the drum 20 and electrically charges the drum 20. The charging roller 12 is rotated by the drum 20. The developing device unit 40 supplies the toner onto the developing area of the drum 20 to develop the latent image formed on the drum 20.

The developing device unit 40 feeds the toner T in the toner chamber 45 to the toner feeding chamber 44 by the rotation of the agitating member 43. A developing roller (developing mechanism, processing mechanism) 41 (which is a developer conveying member including a magnet roller (resting magnet) 41a) rotates, and a toner layer which is frictionally charged by the developing sheet 42 is formed. On the surface of the developing roller 41. The toner is transferred onto the drum 20 in accordance with the latent image so that the electrostatic latent image is regarded as a toner image. When the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 41 is adjusted, the developing sheet 42 applies triboelectric charging.

On the other hand, according to the output timing of the laser beam L, the paper is fed from the stack 4 to the lower portion of the main component 1 by the pickup roller 5a, the paper feed roller 5b, and the paper feed roller pair 5c. Paper material P accommodated. The paper P is timed and fed to the transfer position between the drum 20 and the transfer charging roller 7 via the transfer guide 6. In the transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum 20 to the paper P.

The paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum 20, and fed to the fixing device 9 along the paper feed guide 8. The paper P passes through a nip formed between the fixing roller 9a constituting the fixing device 9 and the imprinting roller 9b. The embossing and heat fixing process is carried out in press printing so that the toner image is fixed on the paper P. The paper P that has been subjected to the image fixing program paper P for the toner image is fed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to the discharge port 11.

On the other hand, after the transfer, the remaining toner remaining on the outer surface of the drum 20 is removed by the cleaning sheet (cleaning mechanism, processing mechanism) 52, and the drum 20 is used for the next one activated by the electric charging operation. Image formation. The waste toner removed from the drum 20 is stored in the waste toner chamber 52a in the photosensitive member unit 50.

The charging roller 12, the developing roller 41, the cleaning blade 52, and the like are processing mechanisms that respectively act on the drum 20.

(handling the frame structure of 匣)

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame structure of the processing cassette 2.

Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the frame structure of the process 匣 2 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drum 20, the charging roller 12, and the cleaning sheet 52 are attached to the drum frame 51, and constitute the integral photosensitive member unit 50.

On the other hand, the developing device unit 40 is constituted by a toner chamber 45, and the toner chamber 45 contains carbon powder, a toner accommodating chamber 40a forming a toner feeding chamber 44, and a lid 40b.

The toner accommodating chamber 40a and the cover 40b are connected to each other by means such as welding.

As shown in FIG. 3, the crucible 2 is configured by rotatably connecting the photosensitive member unit 50 and the developing device unit 40 with respect to each other by the connecting member 54 of the circular insertion end.

As shown in FIG. 3, the free end of the arm portion 55a formed on the side cover 55 at each end of the longitudinal direction of the developing device unit 40 (the axial direction of the developing roller 41) has a developing roller 41. A circular rotating hole 55b extending in parallel. When the arm portion 55a is inserted into a predetermined position of the drum frame 51, the drum frame 51 has an engaging hole 51a for accommodating the connecting member 54 coaxial with the rotating hole 55b.

The photosensitive member unit 50 and the developing device unit 40 are rotatably connected to each other around the connecting member 54 by inserting the connecting member 54 through the rotating hole 55b and the engaging hole 51a.

At this time, the compression coil spring 46 attached to the base of the arm portion 55a abuts against the drum frame 51 to advance the developing device unit 40 downward.

Thereby, the developing roller 41 (FIG. 2) is surely embossed toward the drum 20.

A spacer member (not shown) is attached to the opposite end of the developing roller 41 such that the developing roller 41 and the drum 20 are held by a predetermined interval.

(Processing the rotation force transmission method of 匣)

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the main component of the door 140 with the opening.

匣 2 is not installed.

Referring to Fig. 4, a rotational force transmitting method of 匣2 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guide rail 130 for the cymbal mounting and disassembly is disposed in the main component 1, and the cymbal 2 is mounted along the guide rail 130 into the interior of the main component 1.

In this case, the drive shaft 100 on the main component side and the coupling member 156 (FIG. 3) which is the rotational force transmitting portion of the crucible 2 are connected to each other in association with the mounting operation of the crucible 2.

Thereby, the drum 20 receives the rotational force from the main component 1 and rotates.

1>> drive shaft 100:

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the drive shaft 100 on the side of the main component 1.

The drive shaft 100 is coupled to a drive transmission mechanism (such as an unshown gear train disposed in the main component 1 and a motor not shown).

The free end portion 100a of the drive shaft 100 has a substantially hemispherical shape and has a rotational force transmitting lance as the rotational force applying portion 100b.

2>>Coupling:

In a state where the crucible 2 is detachably mounted to the main component 1, the coupling member 156 has a function of receiving a receiving force from the main constituent member 1 for rotating the drum 20.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, this coupling member 156 has a rotational force receiving member 150 having a rotational force receiving portion 150e (150e1-150e4) at its free end portion for receiving a rotational force.

Further, it has a spherical portion (spherical member) 160 mounted by passing the insertion end 155 through the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member 150.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotational force receiving member 150.

The material of the rotational force receiving member 150 is polyacetal, polycarbonate, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), or the like.

However, in order to increase the rigidity of the rotational force receiving member 150, glass fibers, carbon fibers, and/or the like may be mixed in the resin material in response to the required torque load.

In the case of mixing such materials, the rigidity of the rotational force receiving member 150 can be increased.

The rigidity can be further increased by inserting the metal member material into the resin material, and the entire rotational force receiving member 150 can be composed of metal or the like.

The free end of the rotational force receiving member 150 has a plurality of drive receiving projections 150d (150d1-150d4).

Further, the drive receiving protrusion 150d (150d1-150d4) has a rotational force receiving portion 150e (150e1-150e4) inclined with respect to the axis L150 of the rotational force receiving member 150.

Further, the inside of the drive receiving projections 150d1-150d4 has a funnel-shaped recess 150f.

3>> connection state between the drive shaft 100 and the coupling member 156:

FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the rotational force receiving member 150 of the coupling member 156 and the drive shaft 100 are connected to each other.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rotational force receiving member 150 and the drive shaft 100 are connected to each other.

7 and 8, the connection state between the drive shaft 100 and the coupling member 156 will be described.

The rotational force transmitting lance 100b of the drive shaft 100 is engaged with the rotational force receiving portion 150e (150e1-150e4).

Although not shown in Fig. 7, the rotational force transmitting lance 100b on the back side is also engaged with the rotational force receiving portion 150e.

Further, the free end portion 100a of the drive shaft 100 is in contact with the recess 150f of the rotational force receiving member 150.

This rotational force is transmitted from the rotational force transmitting lance 100b to the rotational force receiving portion 150e by the rotation of the drive shaft 100.

Further, by the rotational force receiving portion 150e inclined with respect to the axis L150 of the rotational force receiving member 150, the rotational force receiving member 150 and the drive shaft 100 are attracted with respect to each other, and the free end portion 100a and the recess 150f surely make it Contact each other so that a stable rotational force transmission is achieved.

4>> coupling member 156 and connecting portion:

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the rotational force receiving member 150, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the spherical portion 160.

11 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member 156, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the coupling member 156.

As shown in FIG. 9, the end point 150s on the reverse side of the rotational force receiving portion 150e of the rotational force receiving member 150 has a through hole 150r.

As shown in FIG. 10, the spherical portion 160 connected to the rotational force receiving member 150 has a substantially circular shape, and has a rotational force receiving member 150 and a hole for accommodating the lance 155 as will be described later.

The hole 160a closed at one end accommodates the end point 150s of the rotational force receiving member 150.

The through hole 160b accommodates the spigot 155, which will be described later along with the hole 160a.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rotational force receiving member 150 is inserted into the spherical portion 160, and in a state where the through hole 150r and the through hole 160b are aligned with each other, the spigot 155 is inserted.

In this embodiment, the rotational force receiving member 150 and the one end closed hole 160a are engaged with each other in a non-tight manner.

The spigot 155 and the through hole 150r are engaged with each other in a non-tight manner.

The spigot 155 and the through hole 160b are engaged with each other in a non-tight manner.

Therefore, the spigot 155 and the spherical portion 160 are integrally connected to each other.

The member provided by the connection between the rotational force receiving member 150 and the spherical portion 160 is the coupling member 156.

When the rotational force is received from the drive shaft 100, the rotational force receiving member 150 rotates about the shaft L150, and the through hole 150r is engaged with the insertion end 155.

More specifically, the rotational force from the main component 1 is converted into a force for rotating the lance 155 about the rotational axis L150 through the rotational force receiving member 150.

5>> rotational force transmitted from the coupling member 156 to the drum 20

Fig. 13 is a view showing the drum flange 151, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S2-S2 in Fig. 13.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S1-S1 of Figure 13 showing the procedure in which the rotational force receiving member 150 is assembled into the drum flange 151.

16 shows a section taken along the line S1-S1 in FIG. 13, which shows a procedure in which the rotational force receiving member 150 is fixed to the flange 151.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit (drum unit) 21 as viewed from the driving side (rotational force receiving member 150).

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the drum unit 21 as viewed from the non-driving side (relatively opposite to the rotational force receiving member 150).

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, an example of a drum flange (flange) 151 (to which the rotational force receiving member 150 is attached) will be described.

Figure 13 illustrates the flange 151 as viewed from the side of the drive shaft 100.

The opening 151g (151g1-151g4) shown in FIG. 13 is a groove extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the flange 151.

When the rotational force receiving member 150 is mounted to the flange 151, the spigot 155 is accommodated in any two openings of the openings 151g1-151g4.

The clockwise upstream side of the opening 151g1-151g4 has a rotational force transmitting surface (rotational force receiving portion) 151h (151h1-151h4).

When the rotational force is transmitted from the flange 151 to the spigot 155, the lance 155 and the rotational force transmitting surface 151h are in contact with each other.

Further, adjacent to the central axis L151 of the flange 151, a recess (space) 151f is formed.

The recess 151f provides a space surrounded by the cylindrical surface 151j (151j1-151j4), the holding portion 151i (151i1-151i4) which is an adjustment portion, and the opening 151k (151k1-151k4).

The cylindrical surface 151j (151j1-151j4) is a substantially cylindrical surface that is coaxial with the shaft L151 and that is adjacent to the opening 151g and has a diameter D151a.

The holding portion 151i (151i1-151i4) is a substantially hemispherical surface that smoothly continues with the cylindrical surface 151j and has a radius of SR151.

The opening 151k (151k1-151k4) is provided on the drive shaft side of the holding portion 151i and has a diameter of D151b.

More specifically, the opening 151k is a first surface of the adjustment portion that continues from the holding portion 151i (adjustment portion) and which extends away from the coupling of the free end of the rotational force receiving member 150 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 In the direction of member 156.

Further, the relationship of the spherical portion 160 with respect to the outer dimension D160 is as follows (Fig. 14, Fig. 15):

D151b<D160<D151a=2×SR151

Although the spherical portion 160 may be inserted into the recess 151f with the gap G (FIG. 24), the movement toward the opening 151k of the shaft L151 is prohibited.

Because of this prohibition, the spherical portion 160 (coupling member 156) is not separated from the flange 151 (process 匣 2) under normal operating conditions.

More specifically, the flange 151 is mounted to the end of the drum 20 to which the coupling member 156 is mounted.

In order to mount the coupling member 156, the flange 151 has an adjustment portion (holding portion 151i) that extends along the inner peripheral surface of the flange 151.

The adjustment portion (holding portion 151i) has a gap G with respect to the spherical portion 160, and has a specific plane (which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 and passes through the center of the spherical portion 160) closer to the spherical portion 160 of the rotational force receiving member 150. The organization of the surface structure.

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, a procedure for assembling the rotational force receiving member 150 to the flange 151 and fixing it will be described.

The end portion 150s is inserted into the flange 151 in the direction of the arrow X1.

Then, the spherical portion 160 is placed on the end portion 150s in the direction indicated by the arrow X2.

Further, the through hole 160b of the spherical portion 160 and the through hole 150r of the end portion 150s are aligned with each other, and thereafter, the insertion tip 155 is inserted thereto in the direction of the arrow X3.

The insertion end 155 extends through the through hole 160b and the through hole 150r.

Since the inner diameter of the through hole 160b is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion end 155, there is friction between the insertion end 155 and the through hole 160b.

In this embodiment, the interference therebetween is about 50 microns.

Thereby, during normal use, the lance 155 is clamped without deviation, and the coupling member 156 constituted by the connection between the rotational force receiving member 150 and the spherical portion 160 is provided.

Further, the coupling member 156 is moved in the direction X4, and the spherical portion 160 is in contact with or near the holding portion 151i.

Then, the holding portion material 157 is inserted and fixed to the flange 151 in the direction indicated by the arrow X4.

Because the running (gap) is held relative to the spherical portion 160, the coupling member 156 can change orientation.

The structure of the drum unit 21 will be described with reference to Figs. 17 and 18 .

A flange 151 having the mounted coupling member 156 is fixed to the end side of the drum 20 such that the drive receiving projection 150d is exposed.

Further, the drum flange 152 on the non-driving side is fixed to the other end side of the drum 20.

The fixing method may be crimping, joining, welding, or the like.

The drum unit 21 is supported by the bearing member 158 (Fig. 3, Fig. 19) on the driving side of the drum unit 21, and the non-driving side is supported by the drum unit supporting ferrule 159 (Fig. 19). It is rotatably supported by the drum frame 51 (Fig. 3).

As has been explained before, the rotational force from the motor (not shown) of the main component 1 causes the drive shaft 100 to rotate through a drive transmission mechanism, such as a gear (not shown) of the main component 1.

The rotational force is transmitted to the crucible 2 via the rotational force receiving member 150 of the coupling member 156.

Further, the rotational force is transmitted from the rotational force receiving member 150 to the flange 151 via the insertion tip 155 to apply a rotational force to the drum 20 integrally fixed to the flange 151.

The outer periphery of the flange 151 has a helical gear 151c that is integrally cast with the flange 151.

This gear 151c transmits the rotational force received from the drive shaft 100 to the developing roller 41 (FIG. 2) by the rotational force receiving member 150.

More specifically, the outer portion opposite to the holding portion 151i which is the adjustment portion of the flange 151 has a helical gear 151c, and this gear transmits the rotational force received from the main component 1 to the display by the coupling member 156 Like the wheel 41.

(匣's remanufacturing method)

In the crucible 2 installed and used in the main component 1, the toner T contained in the toner chamber 45 is consumed in accordance with the repetition of image formation.

When the toner T is consumed until it becomes an image incapable of forming a quality conforming to the user of 匣2, it loses the commercial value as 匣2.

In view of this, for example, a mechanism (not shown) for detecting the remaining amount of toner of the crucible 2 is provided, and the main component control circuit (not shown) will detect the remaining amount and the life expectancy for the crucible and/or Or compare the predetermined threshold of the life warning.

When the detected remaining amount is less than the critical value, the display portion (not shown) displays the life prediction or life warning of 匣2.

Thereby, the user is replaced by the preparation to replace the cassette 2, and in this way, the quality of the output image is maintained.

The used process 匣 2 is collected, and cleaning, component replacement, and the like are carried out, and new toner is filled therein.

By this, it is manufactured for reuse.

Here, the method of remanufacturing of the used crucible will be explained.

Here, the cleaning system is carried out, for example, by suction, blowing, wet cleaning, wiping, and the like.

(i) Unit separation steps:

When the connecting members 54 are pulled out (which connect the photosensitive member units 50 to the developing device unit 40 rotatably with respect to each other), the developing device unit 40 and the photosensitive member unit 50 can be separated from each other (FIG. 3).

(ii) Decomposition, cleaning, component replacement, and reassembly of the photosensitive member unit 50:

19-22 are perspective views showing a procedure for decomposing the photosensitive member unit 50.

After the photosensitive member unit 50 and the developing device unit 40 are separated from each other, the decomposition, cleaning, component replacement, and reassembly of the photosensitive member unit 50 are performed.

These operations will be explained.

First, referring to Fig. 19, the decomposition of the protective member 101 and the thrust spring 102 will be explained.

The shaft portion 101a of the protective member 101 for light shielding and protection of the drum 20 is decomposed from the U-shaped bearing portion 51d of the drum frame 51 from the feed spring 102.

Referring to Fig. 20, a decomposition method of the drum unit 21 will be explained.

The drum unit 21 is supported by bearing members 158 and drum unit support nips 159 provided at respective end points of the photosensitive member unit 50 (drum frame 51).

When the ejector pin 159 is pulled out, it is separated from the non-driving side (the ejector side) of the drum unit 21.

The non-driving side wall 51b of the drum frame 51 is opened longitudinally outward, and the bearing member 158 integrally fixed to the driving side wall 51c of the drum frame 51 at the driving side is simultaneously opened longitudinally outward.

These directions are indicated by the arrows in Fig. 19.

Then, the drum unit 21 is rotated around the driving side of the drum unit 21 in the direction indicated by the arrow X201.

Until the non-driving side drum flange 152 (FIG. 18) does not overlap with the non-driving side wall 51b with respect to the axial direction of the drum unit 21 (the direction of the arrow X202), it rotates, and then, in the direction indicated by the arrow X202 , the drum unit 21 is easily pulled out.

Referring to Fig. 21, the removal of waste toner and the decomposition of the charging roller 12 will be explained.

When the drum unit 21 is disassembled, the elongated waste toner collecting port 57 is exposed between the cleaning sheet 52 and the waste toner hole of the paper 56 which is attached to the drum frame 51.

By this, the removal of the waste toner stored in the waste toner chamber 52a (FIG. 2) of the drum frame 51 can be completed using the waste toner collecting port 57.

This removal is carried out, for example, by pumping, blowing, wet cleaning, wiping.

For the disassembly of the charging roller 12, the roller shaft is decomposed in the direction indicated by the arrow of the charging roller bearing 13 on the drum frame side of the opposite end of the self-supporting roller shaft.

In the state in which the charging roller 12 is disassembled, when the removal of the waste toner is performed, the contamination of the charging roller 12 and the damage of the charging roller 12 at the time of removal are avoided.

The disassembly of the cleaning blade 52 is performed by disassembling the two screws 58 that fix the cleaning sheet 52 to the drum frame 51.

(iii) Decomposition and disassembly of the coupling member 156 (1):

In this embodiment, the rotational force receiving member 150 and the distal end 155 of the coupling member 156 are made of metal to achieve high image quality.

Since it is a metal, it is durable and can be reused, so it is desirable to decompose and reuse them.

In the method for decomposing the coupling member 156, the above-described manufacturing method of the drum unit 21 is reversely implemented.

In other words, the drum 20 is disassembled from the drum unit 21, and then the holding portion material 157 (Fig. 16) is separated from the flange 151.

Next, the spigot 155 is pulled out of the coupling member 156.

Thereby, the rotational force receiving member 150 and the spherical portion 160 can be separated from each other.

At least the lance 155 and the rotational force receiving member 150 (not shown) are used.

(iv) Decomposition and disassembly of the coupling member 156 (2):

As another method, the coupling member 156 is directly decomposed from the drum unit 21.

In this case, since the operation for separating the drum 20 and the holding member 157 from each other is unnecessary, the work efficiency is good.

A method of directly decomposing the coupling member 156 from the drum unit 21 will be described.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of directly decomposing the coupling member 156 from the drum unit 21.

This cross-sectional view is the S2-S2 cross-sectional view of FIG.

Figure 24 is a detailed view of a portion (surrounding portion) of the opening 151k in Figure 23 .

Frequently, since the flange 151 has the gear 15c, it is composed of a highly stable resin material such as polyacetal.

Likewise, since the spherical portion 160 is swung in the recess 151f, it is also composed of a resin member such as polyacetal.

More specifically, the spherical portion 160 and the flange 151 (the adjustment portion 151 such as the holding portion 151i of S) are composed of a resin material.

As previously explained, the outer dimension D160 of the spherical portion 160 is greater than the diameter D151b of the opening 151k, and therefore, often, in use. The spherical portion 160 (coupling member 156) cannot be separated from the flange 151 (treatment 匣 2).

The opening 151k is continuing the holding portion 151i and tends to be away from the coupling member 156 (the spherical portion 160).

In more detail, in this embodiment, the difference between the outer dimension D160 of the spherical portion 160 and the diameter D151b of the opening 151k is about 0.4 mm.

However, since the flange 151 and the spherical portion 160 are composed of a resin material, they are relatively easily deformed according to an external force.

Therefore, it is deformed such that it can pass through the spherical portion 160.

Therefore, the coupling member 156 can be pulled out from the flange 151.

First, members other than the rotational force receiving member 150 of the drum unit 21 (i.e., the drum 20) and the flange 151 are clamped.

Then, when the driving portion 150a having the rotational force receiving portion 150e and the connecting portion 150c (the cross-hatched portion using the connecting portion 150c in Fig. 23) are clamped by the jig 201 such as a pliers or a hand clamp (clamping step) At the time, it is pulled out in the direction of the axis L150 (the direction indicated by the arrow X231).

Thereby, the spherical portion 160 contacts the holding portion 151i.

Further, when the pulling force is increased, the outer dimension D160 of the spherical portion 160 is lowered, and the retaining portion 151i, the opening 151k, and the tapered surface 151n of the flange 151 are from the axis L151 of the flange 151 in the radial direction (by FIG. 24 The direction indicated by the arrow is deformed outward.

The tapered surface 151n of the flange 151 extends to the opening 151k, and it is inclined away from the coupling member 156 toward the free end side of the coupling member 156 which is in the driving side portion with respect to the axial direction L151.

This tapered surface 151n is a portion S of the second surface of the adjustment portion 151.

More specifically, the tapered surface 151n is inclined from the opening 151k which is the first surface of the holding portion 151i which is the adjustment portion 151S, and faces the free end of the rotational force receiving member 150 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the drum. It extends away from the coupling member 156.

In other words, the spherical portion 160, the radially extending portion protruding from the set of the flange 151 (which is the adjustment portion 151S), the opening 151k, and the tapered surface 151n are curved, and the diameter D151b of the opening 151k and the spherical portion 160 When the outer dimension D160 becomes the same, the coupling member 156 can be taken out from the flange 151 (decomposition step).

The force required at this time is about 9-11 kgf (88-108 Newtons (N)).

In order to effectively utilize the pulling force, it is preferable to perform the pulling operation in a state where the axis L151 of the flange 151 and the axis L150 of the rotational force receiving member 150 are aligned with each other (the positional relationship shown in Fig. 23).

The flexibility of the flange adjusting portion (adjusting portion 151i, opening 151k, tapered surface 151n) of 151 depends on the recess 151q1-8, which is the diameter of the drum flange 151 as viewed from the adjusting portion member 151S of Fig. 13. In the up position outside.

In detail, when the recess 151q is large, it is easily separated, and when it is small, it is difficult to separate.

In this embodiment, the dimensional relationship in this embodiment is selected such that in normal use, the holding function is effective and at the time of decomposition. It can be decomposed by the force described above.

Using this method, the coupling member 156 can be directly decomposed from the drum unit 21 as described above.

Therefore, the operation for separating the drum 20 and the holding member 157 from each other is unnecessary, and thus the operational efficiency is improved.

Moreover, since this operation can be carried out using a common tool 201 such as a pliers and a hand clamp, no special tools are used. Easy to operate.

Furthermore, in the case of decomposing a small number of drum units, manual decomposition is practical without the use of common tools.

Thereafter, the spigot 155 is taken out or pushed out of the spherical portion 160. Thereby, the coupling member 156 can be separated into the rotational force receiving member 150, the insertion tip 155, and the spherical portion 160.

Here, the recess 151q (151q1-151q8) is disposed in a symmetrical position with respect to the shaft 151L of the flange 151.

More specifically, the recess 151q1 and the recess 151q5, the recess 151q2 and the recess 151q6, the recess 151q3 and the recess 151q7, and the recess 151q4 and the recess 151q8 are respectively disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to the shaft 151L.

With this configuration, when the coupling member 156 is disassembled from the flange 151, the deformation of the adjustment portion is unevenly increased with respect to the circumferential direction of the flange 151, and therefore, the deformation of the gear portion 151c can be alleviated.

This also applies in the case where the coupling member 156 is mounted to the flange 151.

The shaft 151L is aligned with the shaft 20L of the drum 20 and is aligned with the shaft 20AL of the drum drum 20A (Fig. 13, Fig. 34). Designated by reference numeral S is a photosensitive layer.

(v) Decomposition and disassembly of the coupling member 156 (3):

Further, another method for directly decomposing the coupling member 156 from the drum unit 21 will be described. 25-27 and Figs. 29 and 30 are cross-sectional views showing a method of directly decomposing the coupling member 156 from the drum unit 21. Here, it is a cross-sectional view along the plane of the shaft L151 including the flange 151 and the axis of the spigot 155. Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the state of Figure 27 in three dimensions. The detailed description will be implemented using these drawings.

First, the coupling member 156 is rotated with respect to the flange 151 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 25 near the center of the spherical portion 160 (coupling member tilting step). Then, the end surface 155a of the spigot 155 is exposed.

Then, the end surface 155a is pushed in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 26 toward the end surface 155b. More specifically, in a state where the coupling member 156 is inclined by the above-described tilting step, the insertion end 155 from which the one end and the other end protrude from the spherical portion 160 is pushed in from the one end toward the other end (the insertion step). As previously explained, the friction is generated between the ferrule 155 and the spherical portion 160, so that the ferrule 155 is clamped, but the ferrule 155 can be pushed in without being caused by a screwdriver having a tip. The tool 202 is pressed to break the component (coupling member 156). When the end surface 155a is pushed into the vicinity of the surface of the spherical portion 160, the opposite end surface 155b is moved to a state in which the gap is held with respect to the inner surface 151m of the flange 151.

Then, the coupling member 156 is gently pulled out in the direction of the arrow X271 in Fig. 27. Thereby, the spherical portion 160 contacts the holding portion 151i. Further, the coupling member 156 is rotated in the direction of the arrow X272. Thereby, the end surface 155b is exposed.

Then, when the coupling member 156 is inclined, the shafts L150 and L151 cross each other, and the coupling member 156 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 28 around the axis L151 of the flange 151 in FIG.

Before pushing the end point 155a of the insertion end 155, the rotational force transmitting surface 151h (Fig. 13) is in contact with the insertion end 155, but the insertion end point 155a is pushed in, so that it can be rotated without contacting the rotational force The transfer surface 151h. Furthermore, this rotation is not limited in the end point 155b by providing a gap between the tip 155 and the tapered surface 151n.

The coupling member 156 is rotated to a position where the tip end 155b as viewed in the longitudinal direction overlaps the tapered surface 151n of the flange 151 (Fig. 29).

As mentioned above, a portion of the lance protruding further from the other end by being pushed in by the above-described plucking advancement step is located at the tapered surface 151n which is the second surface of the holding portion 151i which is the adjustment portion )on.

Further, when the driving portion 150a of the rotational force receiving member 150 is clamped, the force is applied to the direction in which the coupling member 156 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

When the force is applied in such a positional relationship, the driving portion 150a is a point of application, the joint between the tip 155 and the tapered surface 151n is the fulcrum P1, and the joint between the spherical portion 160 and the holding portion 151i is The point of application.

As shown in Fig. 29, the connecting portion 150c of the rotational force receiving member 150 is long, and the distance between the fulcrum P1 and the applied point is shorter than the distance between the applied point and the fulcrum P1, and therefore, the so-called "lever The law" role. By increasing this force, the outer dimension D160 of the spherical portion 160 at the point of application is reduced. Further, the holding portion 151i, the opening 151k, and the tapered surface 151n of the flange 151 are deformed outward with respect to the radial direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 24) of the axis L151 of the flange 151. Thereby, the spherical portion 160 (coupling member 156) is decomposed from the flange 151. The force required at this time is about 8-10 kgf (78-98 N).

As described above, the force toward the fulcrum is applied to the free end of the coupling member 156 at the fulcrum at the spigot portion, so that the coupling member 156 is decomposed from the flange 151 (the coupling member disassembling step).

With this method, it is possible to directly decompose the coupling member 156 from the drum unit 21. Therefore, the operation for separating the drum 20 and the holding member 157 from each other is unnecessary, and thus the operational efficiency is improved. Further, this operation can be carried out using a general tool 202 such as a screwdriver, so that no special tool is used, and therefore it is good in terms of ease of operation. Further, the force (Fig. 30) applied until the spherical portion 160 (the coupling member 156) is separated from the flange 151 is small by "leverage".

(vi) Reassembly method of drum unit 21 (1):

The first method is substantially the same as the assembly method of the drum unit 21 described above. In other words, the rotational force receiving member 150 is inserted into the flange 151, and the spherical portion 160 is covered. Then, the rotational force receiving member 150, the spherical portion 160, and the spigot 155 are integrally connected by the ejector 155, and the coupling member 156 is assembled to the flange 151 (Fig. 15). Further, the holding member 157 is inserted in the direction of the arrow X4 and is fixed to the flange 151 (FIG. 16). Then, the drum 20 and the flange 151 are connected to each other. Finally, the non-driven side drum flange 152 is fixed to the other end portion of the drum 20 (Fig. 18).

At this time, the decomposed and taken-out rotational force receiving member 150 is used again, but the spherical portion 160 and the spigot 155 can be used after checking the degree of damage and deformation.

(vii) Reassembly method of drum unit 21 (2):

31 and 32 are cross-sectional views showing a method of reassembling the drum unit 21 according to another embodiment. Here, FIGS. 31 and 32 are cross-sectional views taken along line S1-S1 in FIG. Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view showing the drum unit 21 of another embodiment.

First, referring to Fig. 31, description will be made. In the above assembling method, the coupling members 156 are assembled into the flange 151, and in the present embodiment, the coupling members 156 are separately assembled. At this time, the decomposed and taken-out rotational force receiving member 150 is used again, but the spherical portion 160 and the spigot 155 can be used after checking the degree of damage and deformation.

Further, the holding member 157 is fixed to the flange 151, and then the drum 20 and the flange 151 are connected to each other. Further, the non-driving side drum flange 152 is fixed to the other end portion of the drum 20 (Fig. 18, Fig. 34).

Finally, the coupling member 156 is pushed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 31, and the spherical portion 160 contacts the tapered surface 151n, and when it is further pushed in, the spherical portion 160, and the flange 151 (which is the adjustment portion) The vicinity of the tapered surface 151n is deformed (arrow in Fig. 24). The spherical portion 160 (coupling member 156) can be accommodated in the recess 151f by this deformation (Fig. 23).

Here, the ease of deformation of the adjustment portion 151S (the holding portion 151i, the opening 151k, the tapered surface 151n) of the flange 151 depends on the recess 151q (FIG. 13, FIG. 34) which is opposite to the drum flange 151. In the outer portion of the radial direction, the ease increases with the size of the recess 151q. In this embodiment, the dimensional relationship is such that, in use, it has a normal holding function and is easily pushed in. The adjustment portion 151S has a holding portion 151i, an opening 151k, and a tapered surface 151n which are avoidable. The adjustment portion 151S may have at least a holding portion 151i.

Therefore, in mounting the coupling member 156 to the flange 151, the spherical portion 160 contacts the tapered surface 151n, and the center position of the spherical portion 160 is adjusted on the axis of the flange 151. Thereby, the contact state with respect to the spherical portion 160 of the tapered surface 151n is uniform. Therefore, the adjustment portion 151S is unevenly deformed, and therefore, the spherical portion 160 can be smoothly mounted to the flange 151.

Therefore, even if the flange 151 and the spherical portion 160 are composed of a resin material as in the present embodiment, damage at the time of contact can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the coupling member 156 is made of metal and, therefore, has high strength.

However, the center position of the spherical portion 160 is disposed on the shaft 151L. Therefore, the coupling member 156 can be smoothly mounted to the flange 151. In the spherical portion 160, when the coupling member 156 is smoothly mounted to the flange 151, at least the portion contacting the adjustment portion 151S has a spherical configuration.

The insertion end 155 can be inserted into the spherical portion 160 and the rotational force receiving member 150 without inserting the rotational force receiving member 150 into the flange 151, and therefore, the insertion of the insertion tip 155 is easy. Further, it is not necessary to mount the member from the side of the holding member 157, and therefore, it can be manufactured as a single member by integrally casting the flange 151 and the holding member 157 (integral type flange 153) as shown in FIG. Thereby, simplification of the remanufacturing step and cost reduction of the product are achieved.

(viii) Reassembly method of photosensitive member unit 50:

Subsequent reassembly of the photosensitive member unit 50 is carried out via a reverse program as in the case of decomposing the photosensitive member unit 50. More specifically, the cleaning sheet 52, the charging roller 12, and the drum unit 21 are sequentially mounted in the order of the names.

In the above reassembly, at least the new object is used with respect to the drum 20.

(ix) Disassembly of the developing device unit 40, and reassembly method:

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a disassembling method of the developing unit 40. Referring to Fig. 33, a method of disassembling the developing unit 40 will be described.

First, the side cover 55 of the opposite longitudinal end of the developing device unit 40 is disassembled. The side cover 55 is fixed to the toner accommodating chamber 40a by a fastening mechanism such as a screw not shown, and therefore, it can be disassembled from the developing device unit 40 by loosening the screw.

Then, the developing roller unit 39 is exploded. The developing roller unit 39 is rotatably supported by a bearing member 47 provided on the opposite end of the developing roller 41. Each of the upper and lower portions of the bearing member 47 has two holes 47a which are engaged with the shaft 55c of the side cover 55. Therefore, when the side cover 55 at the two end portions is disassembled, the developing roller unit 39 can be easily disassembled from the developing unit 40. Further, the developing roller unit 39 is provided at the respective end points of the developing roller 41 with a spacing member 48 for holding a predetermined gap between the developing roller 41 and the drum 20. Further, the end of the developing roller 41 has a gear 49 for transmitting a rotational force to the developing roller 41 by engagement with the gear 151c of the flange 151.

Then, the developing panel 42 is exploded. The developing sheet 42 accompanying the cleaning member 38 for achieving the cleaning operation is fixed to the toner accommodating chamber 40a by the screws 59 at the opposite end portions thereof, and contacts the end surface of the developing roller 41. Therefore, the image sheet 42 can be decomposed by removing the two screws 59.

The toner refill step will be explained. The toner supply opening 37 (Fig. 2, Fig. 33) communicating with the toner feeding chamber 44, and the toner chamber 45 are exposed through the above-described disassembling step. The toner is filled into the toner chamber 45 via the toner supply opening 37. The toner filling is performed when the developing device unit 40 having the toner supply opening 37 is held at the upper position and the toner chamber 45 is kept at the lower position. Also, a feeding mechanism such as a funnel is used, and the toner is refilled into the toner supply opening 37.

As described above, after refilling the toner, the developing device unit 40 is assembled. In the case of reassembly of the developing device unit 40, the operation is carried out via a program opposite to the procedure of the above disassembling step. More specifically, after the refilling of the toner is completed, the developing blade 42, the developing roller unit 39, and the side cover 55 are mounted.

(x) 重新2 reassembly method:

The operation is carried out via a procedure opposite to the procedure for disassembly in the reassembly of the crucible 2. More specifically, the photosensitive member unit 50 and the developing device unit 40 are rotatably connected to each other by the connecting member 54 (FIG. 3). Finally, in a state where the thrust spring 102 is mounted to the protective member 101 (FIG. 19), the shaft portion 101a of the protective member 101 is inserted into the U-shaped bearing portion 51d of the drum frame 51.

Remanufacturing of the crucible 2 is accomplished via the above steps.

In the assembly method, the disassembly method, and the remanufacturing method of treating the crucible, these steps can be simultaneously performed by different operators. Furthermore, the order of the steps mentioned in the foregoing or the claims may be modified as appropriate by those skilled in the art.

In addition, the assembly, disassembly, and remanufacturing of the processing cartridge can be performed by manual operation, automatic operation using an automated machine, and a combination of manual operation and automatic operation. In addition, tools can be used as appropriate.

Further, in this embodiment, the processing 使用 used is collected and disassembled. Also, the components taken out of the processing cartridge by disassembly are separately collected for the same component. These parts can then be reused, and in some cases, some parts (non-reusable parts) cannot be used and will replace the new ones. Further, in another version of the embodiment, the processing 使用 used is collected and disassembled. Also, a part of the parts (non-reusable parts) cannot be used, and instead, the reusable parts collected from another used crucible can be reused. Therefore, in the scope of the patent application, these components, these components, these components, and devices having "said or the" cover additional components, components, parts, and have unique components, components, and parts. And devices that have the same function.

As has been explained before, according to the above-described embodiments, it is possible to provide an assembly process which is easy to assemble. In addition, it provides easy handling for disassembly. In addition, a simple remanufacturing method for handling defects is achieved. In addition, a remanufacturing method of reusing the treatment 此种 (the developer has been used to such an extent that the image quality satisfactory to the user cannot be formed) is achieved. In addition, the developer can be easily filled into the treated crucible of the consumed toner.

The structure of the processing of the foregoing embodiment is summarized as follows.

(1) The process 2 of the main component 1 detachably mounted to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive member drum 20, and processing means 12, 41, 52 which can act on the drum of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. It includes a coupling member 156 for receiving a rotational force from the main component for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum in a state where the process cartridge is removably mounted to the main component. The coupling member includes a rotational force receiving member 150 having a rotational force receiving portion 150e for receiving a rotational force at a free end portion, and a spherical portion that passes through the rear end portion of the mounted rotational force receiving member by inserting the distal end 155 160. Further, it includes a holding portion 151i (which is an adjustment portion extending along the inner peripheral surface of the flange 151) to mount the coupling member 156 to the drum flange 151 (which is attached to the end of the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum 20) point). The configuration of the holding portion 151i provides a gap G with respect to the spherical portion 160, and is closer to the surface of the spherical portion 160 along the free end portion than the plane (which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20 and passing through the center of the spherical portion 160). Extended organization.

With this structure, it is easy to assemble and process. In addition, the achievement can be easily disassembled.

More specifically, the coupling member can be directly decomposed from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit 21, and therefore, an operation for separating the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum and the holding member from each other is unnecessary, whereby the operation efficiency is good. In addition, it is possible to disassemble common tools such as pliers and hand clamps without the use of special tools.

(2) The adjustment portion 151S includes a first surface (opening) 151k that extends away from the coupling member 156 from the adjustment portion 151S toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction.

(3) The adjustment portion 151S includes a second surface (tapered surface) 151n curved from the first surface (opening) 151k, and the second surface (conical surface) 151n is directed away from the coupling member 156 toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction. And extended.

(4) The outer portion of the holding portion 151i facing the flange 151 has a helical gear 151c, and this helical gear transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member 156 from the main component 1 to the developing roller 41.

(5) The spherical portion 160 and the adjustment portion 151S are composed of a resin material.

Further, the decomposition method of the coupling member 156 of the above embodiment is summarized as follows.

(6) The coupling member 156 is decomposed from the drum flange 151, and the drum flange 151 is attached to an electrophotographic apparatus which can be used together with a process cartridge 2 which is detachably mounted to the main component 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Photosensitive drum 20. In a state where the process cartridge 2 is detachably mounted to the main component 1, the coupling member 156 receives a rotational force from the main component 1 for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum 20.

The coupling member 156 has a rotational force receiving member 150 (having a rotational force receiving portion 150e for receiving a rotational force) at the free end portion, and a resin spherical shape attached to the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by the insertion of the insertion tip 155 Part 160. And, the coupling member 156 is attached to the drum flange 151 by the adjustment portion (holding portion) 151i, and the configuration of the adjustment portion (holding portion) 151i provides the gap G with respect to the spherical portion 160, and is more vertical than the plane The longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum 20, and passing through the center of the spherical portion 160) is closer to the structure extending along the surface of the spherical portion of the free end portion.

(i) A clamping step of the rotational force receiving member 150 having the tool 201 tightened by the coupling member 156.

(ii) It has a state in which the force is applied to the tool 201 toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction in a state where the rotational force receiving member 150 is clamped by the tightening step. Thereby, when the opening 151k of the holding portion 151i which is the resin regulating portion, the tapered surface 151n, and the resin spherical portion 160 is elastically deformed, the resin spherical portion 160 is from the resin material regulating portion (holding portion 151i) Decomposed, thereby decomposing the coupling member 156.

There is provided a method in which a coupling member 156 is attached to a drum flange having a resin material regulating portion provided inside the flange 151, and a flange 151 is attached to an end point 151S of the photosensitive drum 20 (holding portion 151i, Opening 151k, tapered surface 151n). Here, the adjustment portion 151S protrudes inward with respect to the radial direction of the flange 151.

This method includes the step of clamping the receiving force 150 of the rotational force receiving member 150 of the coupling member 156. It includes a coupling member mounting step. In the coupling member mounting step, when at least one side of the resin regulating portion 151S and the resin spherical portion 160 is elastically deformed, the spherical portion 160 is pushed into the inside of the adjusting portion 151S with respect to the direction of the axis 20L of the photosensitive drum 20, This coupling member 156 is mounted to the flange 151.

Further, the decomposition step of decomposing the coupling member 156 from the flange 151 has a bottom step. It has a clamping step of the rotational force receiving member 150 that grips the coupling member 156. It has a coupling member disassembling step in which at least one side of the adjusting portion 151S and the spherical portion 160 is made by applying a force toward the free end portion in a state where the rotational force receiving member 150 is tightly clamped by the tightening step At the time of deformation, the spherical portion 160 is decomposed from the adjustment portion 151S, whereby the coupling member 156 is decomposed from the flange 151.

The adjustment portion 151S is provided inside the flange 151 along with a section along the circumferential direction of the flange 151. Further, the recess 151f is provided inside the flange 151, and is disposed outside the adjustment portion 151S with respect to the radial direction of the flange 151. The outer surface of the flange 151 opposite to the recess 151f has a gear portion 151C. The gear portion 151C is provided along the outer surface of the flange 151. The gear portion 151C transmits the force received by the coupling member 156 from the main component 1 to the developing roller 41.

According to the decomposition method for this coupling member, it is possible to directly decompose the coupling member from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit, and an operation for separating the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum from the holding member is unnecessary. In addition, this operation is possible by conventional tools such as pliers and hand clamps without the use of special tools.

(7) A method is provided in which the coupling member 156 is disassembled from the drum flange 151, and the drum flange 151 is attached to the process of being detachably mountable to the main component 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum 20 is used together. In a state where the process cartridge 2 is detachably mounted to the main component 1, the coupling member 156 receives a rotational force from the main component 1 for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum 20. The coupling member 156 has a rotational force receiving member (having a rotational force receiving portion for receiving a rotational force) at the free end portion, and a spherical portion that is attached to the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by the penetration of the insertion tip 155.

(i) It has an inclined step of inclining the coupling member 156 with respect to the rotational axis of the drum flange 151.

(ii) having a spigot pushing step of pushing the spigot 155, one end and the other end of the spigot 155 protruding from the spherical portion 160 in a state where the coupling member 156 is inclined by the tilting step;

(iii) having a tip folding step of superimposing a portion of the tip that protrudes further from the other end by the tip pushing step in the adjustment portion provided along the inner peripheral surface of the drum flange 151 Two surfaces (conical surfaces) 151n. Here, the holding portion 151i as the adjustment portion provides the gap G with respect to the spherical portion 160, and its constituent ratio plane (which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20 and passing through the center of the spherical portion 160) is closer to the free end. The structure in which the surface of the portion of the spherical portion extends. Also, the adjustment portion 151S extends from the holding portion 151i, and has a first surface (opening) 151k extending away from the coupling member 156 toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction. The second surface (tapered surface) 151n is bent from the first surface (opening) 151k, and extends away from the coupling member 156 toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction.

(iv) It has a free end portion that is biased toward the coupling member 156 by a portion that is superposed on the second surface, and a coupling member disassembling step that decomposes the coupling member 156 from the drum flange 151.

According to the decomposition method for the coupling member of the above embodiment, the coupling member can be directly decomposed from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit. Therefore, the operation for separating the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum from the holding member is unnecessary, and therefore, the efficiency of the decomposition operation is good. In addition, it is possible to use a common tool such as a pliers, a hand gripper or the like without using a special tool, and therefore, the operation is easy. By leveraging, the force required to directly decompose the coupling member is small.

Further, the structure of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit 21 of the above embodiment is summarized as follows.

(8) The electrophotographic photosensitive member drum 20 is used in an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit 21 which can be used together with a process cartridge 2 which is detachably attached to the main component 1 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It has a coupling member 156 for receiving a rotational force for rotating the photosensitive drum 20 in a state where the process cartridge 2 is detachably mounted to the main component 1. The coupling member 156 has a rotational force receiving member 150 (having a rotational force receiving portion 150e for receiving a rotational force) at the free end portion, and a spherical shape mounted by inserting the distal end portion 155 through the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member 150. Part 160. Also, the coupling member 156 is attached to the flange 151 (which is attached to the end of the photosensitive drum 20) by the adjustment portion 151S (holding portion 151i). The adjustment portion 151S (holding portion 151i) is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the flange 151 to mount the coupling member 156 to the flange 151 (which is attached to the end of the photosensitive drum 20). Further, the adjustment portion 151S (holding portion 151i) provides a gap with respect to the spherical portion, and its constituent specific plane (which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 20 and passing through the center of the spherical portion 160) is closer to the portion along the free end portion. The structure in which the surface of the spherical portion 160 extends.

As has been explained before, the drum unit 21 has the following structure.

First, the coupling member 156 can be mounted to the drum unit 21. Also, the coupling member 156 has a rotational force receiving member 150 (having a rotational force receiving portion 150e for receiving a rotational force) at the free end portion, and is mounted by inserting the distal end portion 155 through the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member 150. The spherical portion 160 is for rotating the drum 20 of the main component 1 from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Also, the drum unit 21 has a drum 20A having a photosensitive layer S at the peripheral surface and a drum flange 151 at the end of the drum 20A. The drum flange 151 has a resin material regulating portion 151S that protrudes inward in the radial direction of the drum flange 151 in the interior of the drum flange 151. When the coupling member 156 is mounted, the adjustment portion 151S prevents the spherical portion 160 from moving in the longitudinal direction of the drum unit 21. Also, the adjustment portion 151S has a section along the circumferential direction in the inside of the flange 151. Further, the drum flange 151 has recesses 151q (151q1 to 151q8) provided in the adjustment portion 151S with respect to the radial direction of the flange 151, wherein the recess 151q promotes or allows the adjustment portion 151S with respect to the flange 151 Radial outward deformation. Further, the flange 151 has a plurality of rotational force transmitting surfaces (rotational force transmitting portions) 151h (151h1-151h4) disposed between the adjusting portions 151S to receive a rotational force from the spigot 155.

Further, the resin material adjusting portion 151S is disposed at the same position as the gear portion 151C in the longitudinal direction of the drum 20A in the resin flange 151, and is disposed along the interval of the circumferential direction of the drum 20A. Further, in the adjustment portion 151S, the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the drum 20A protrudes inward with respect to the radial direction of the flange 151. Further, recesses 151q (151q1 to 151q8) are provided between the adjustment portion 151S and the inner surface 151t (FIG. 13, FIG. 34) of the flange 151 with respect to the radial direction. Also, the recess 151q promotes or allows the adjustment portion 151S to be deformed outward with respect to the radial direction.

Here, the adjustment portion 151S is easily deformed outward with respect to the radial direction by the arrangement of the recess 151q. Further, after that, the deformed adjustment portion 151S is returned.

Further, 151r (Fig. 13) indicates a connecting portion for connecting the adjustment portion 151S and the inner surface 151t (Fig. 13, Fig. 34) of the flange 151 to each other. The recess 151q is provided between the connecting portions 151r. In other words, the connecting portion 151r and the recess 151q are sequentially disposed along the circumferential direction of the flange 151. Therefore, the adjustment portion 151S is easily deformed.

Further, the coupling member 156 is mounted to the flange 151. The coupling member 156 receives the rotational force transmitted from the main component 1 to the flange 151. The coupling member 156 has a rotational force receiving member 150 (having a rotational force receiving portion 150e (150e1 to 150e4) for receiving a rotational force) at the free end portion, and a rear end of the receiving member 150 by passing the distal end 155 through the rotational force Part of the installed spherical portion 160. In a state where the coupling member 156 is attached to the flange 151, the spigot 155 is movable to the adjustment portion 151S, the circumferential direction of the drum between the adjustment portion 151S provided along the circumferential direction of the flange 151, and the longitudinal direction . Further, the coupling member 156 is rotatable relative to the flange 151 in a state where the spherical portion 160 is movable in the circumferential direction, and is adjusted by the adjustment portion 151S in the longitudinal movement. More specifically, in a state in which the spherical portion 160 is movable in the movement of the insertion end 155 by the adjustment portion 151S, the coupling member 156 is rotatably mounted to the flange 151, and is moved The adjustment is made by the adjustment portion 151S in the vertical direction.

According to the drum unit 21 described above, the decomposition of the coupling member 156 is easy.

According to the drum unit 21 described above, the mounting of the coupling member 156 is easy.

According to the structure of the drum unit 21, it is possible to directly decompose the coupling member 156 from the drum unit 21, and an operation for separating the drum 20 and the holding member from each other is unnecessary, and therefore, the operation efficiency is good. In addition, since it is possible to use a general tool such as a pliers, a hand gripper or the like without using a special tool, it is easy to operate.

(9) The adjustment portion 151S (holding portion 151i) has a first surface (opening) 151k that extends away from the coupling member 156 from the holding portion 151i as the adjustment portion 151S toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction.

(10) The adjustment portion has a second surface (tapered surface) 151n bent from the first surface (opening) 151k, and it extends away from the coupling member 156 toward the free end portion with respect to the longitudinal direction.

(11) The outer portion of the holding portion 151i facing the drum flange 151 has a helical gear 151c, and this helical gear transmits the rotational force received by the coupling member 156 from the main component 1 to the developing roller 41.

According to the above embodiment, an easy decomposition method for the coupling member can be provided.

According to the above embodiment, an easy mounting method for the coupling member can be provided.

According to the above embodiment, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit which can easily decompose the coupling member can be provided.

According to the above embodiment, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit in which a coupling member can be easily mounted can be provided.

The present invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, and is not limited to the details mentioned, and the application is intended to cover the purpose or scope of the Class modification or change.

1. . . Main component

2. . . Processing

3. . . Exposure device (laser scanner unit)

4. . . Paper basket

5a. . . Pick roller

5b. . . Paper feed roller

5c. . . Feed roller pair

6. . . Transfer guide

7. . . Transfer charging roller

8. . . Paper guide

9. . . Fixing device

9a. . . Fixing wheel

9b. . . Imprint roller

10. . . Discharge roller pair

11. . . Discharge

12. . . Charging wheel

13. . . Charging roller bearing

20. . . Electrophotographic photosensitive member drum

20A. . . Drum roller

20AL. . . axis

20L. . . axis

twenty one. . . Electrophotographic drum unit

37. . . Toner supply opening

38. . . Cleaning member

39. . . Developing roller unit

40. . . Imaging device unit

40a. . . Toner storage room

40b. . . cover

41. . . Imaging wheel

42. . . Picture

43. . . Agitating member

44. . . Toner feed room

45. . . Toner room

46. . . Compression coil spring

47. . . Bearing member

47a. . . hole

48. . . Spacer member

49. . . gear

50. . . Photosensitive member unit

51. . . Drum frame

51a. . . Meshing hole

51b. . . Non-driven side wall

51c. . . Drive side wall

51d. . . U-shaped bearing part

52. . . Cleaning sheet

52a. . . Waste toner room

53. . . Exposure window

54. . . Connecting member

55. . . Side cover

55a. . . Side cover

55b. . . Rotating hole

55c. . . axis

56. . . Paper

57. . . Waste toner collection port

58. . . Screw

59. . . Screw

100. . . Drive shaft

100a. . . Free end

100b. . . Rotational force application section

101. . . Protective member

101a. . . Shaft section

102. . . Propulsion spring

130. . . guide

140. . . door

150. . . Rotating force receiving member

150a. . . Drive section

150c. . . Connection part

L150. . . axis

150d. . . Drive receiving protrusion

150d1. . . Drive receiving protrusion

150d2. . . Drive receiving protrusion

150d3. . . Drive receiving protrusion

150d4. . . Drive receiving protrusion

150e. . . Rotating force receiving part

150e1. . . Rotating force receiving part

150e2. . . Rotating force receiving part

150e3. . . Rotating force receiving part

150e4. . . Rotating force receiving part

150f. . . Recess

150s. . . End point

150r. . . Through hole

151. . . Drum flange

151c. . . gear

151C. . . Gear section

151g. . . Opening

151g1. . . Opening

151g2. . . Opening

151g3. . . Opening

151g4. . . Opening

151h. . . Rotating force transmitting surface

151h1. . . Rotating force transmitting surface

151h2. . . Rotating force transmitting surface

151h3. . . Rotating force transmitting surface

151h4. . . Rotating force transmitting surface

L151. . . The central axis

151L. . . axis

151f. . . Recess

151i. . . Holding part

151i1. . . Holding part

151i2. . . Holding part

151i3. . . Holding part

151i4. . . Holding part

151j. . . Cylindrical surface

151j1. . . Cylindrical surface

151j2. . . Cylindrical surface

151j3. . . Cylindrical surface

151j4. . . Cylindrical surface

151k. . . Opening

151k1. . . Opening

151k2. . . Opening

151k3. . . Opening

151k4. . . Opening

D151a. . . diameter

SR151. . . radius

D151b. . . diameter

151m. . . The inner surface

151n. . . Conical surface

151q. . . Recess

151q1. . . Recess

151q2. . . Recess

151q3. . . Recess

151q4. . . Recess

151q5. . . Recess

151q6. . . Recess

151q7. . . Recess

151q8. . . Recess

151r. . . Connection part

150s. . . End point

151S. . . Adjustment section

151t. . . The inner surface

152. . . Drum flange

153. . . Integral flange

155. . . Pin

155a. . . End surface

155b. . . End surface

156. . . Coupling member

157. . . Holding part of the material

158. . . Bearing member

159. . . Drum unit support

160. . . Spherical part

160a. . . Closed end

160b. . . Through hole

201. . . Fixture

202. . . Press tool

1 is a main component of an image forming apparatus in an embodiment, and a cross-sectional view of the processing apparatus;

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the processing crucible;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame structure of the processing cassette;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main components in the state in which the switchable door cover is opened;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the drive shaft of the main component;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the free end portion of the coupling member;

Figure 7 is a view showing a state in which the coupling member and the drive shaft are connected to each other;

8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a coupling member and a drive shaft are connected to each other;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a rotational force receiving member which is a component portion of the coupling member;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a spherical portion that is a component portion of a coupling member;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling member;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the coupling member;

Figure 13 is an illustration of a drum flange;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S2-S2 in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a procedure in which a rotational force receiving member is assembled to a drum flange in a section along a line S1-S1 in Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a procedure in which a coupling member is fixed to a drum flange in a section taken along line S1-S1 in Figure 13;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the drum unit as viewed from the driving side;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the drum unit as viewed from the non-drive side;

Figure 19 is a perspective view showing a disassembly process of the photosensitive member unit;

Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a disassembly process of the photosensitive member unit;

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing a disassembly process of the photosensitive member unit;

Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a disassembly procedure of the photosensitive member unit;

Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of directly decomposing a coupling member from a drum unit;

Figure 24 is a partial enlarged view of the opening portion of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of directly decomposing a coupling member from a drum unit;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of directly decomposing a coupling member from a drum unit;

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of directly decomposing a coupling member from a drum unit;

Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the state of Figure 27 in three dimensions;

29 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of directly decomposing a coupling member from a drum unit;

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of directly decomposing a coupling member from a drum unit;

Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of reassembling a drum unit;

Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of reassembling the drum unit;

Figure 33 is a perspective view showing a disassembling method of the developing unit;

Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view showing a method of reassembling the drum unit.

20. . . Electrophotographic photosensitive member drum

20A. . . Drum roller

twenty one. . . Electrophotographic drum unit

150. . . Rotating force receiving member

150a. . . Drive section

150c. . . Connection part

L150. . . axis

151i. . . Holding part

151j. . . Cylindrical surface

151n. . . Conical surface

L151. . . The central axis

155. . . Pin

155a. . . End surface

155b. . . End surface

156. . . Coupling member

157. . . Holding part

160. . . Spherical part

P1. . . Pivot

Claims (8)

A coupling member disassembling method for decomposing a coupling member for receiving a rotational force from a drum flange, the drum flange being attached to a process of being detachably mountable to a main component of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus An electrophotographic photosensitive drum used together, the rotational force coming from the main component of the apparatus for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state in which the processing system is attached to the main component of the apparatus, the method comprising: (i) a step of tilting the coupling member with respect to a rotation axis of the drum flange, wherein the coupling member includes a rotational force receiving member having a rotational force receiving portion for receiving the rotational force at the free end portion, and a spherical portion mounted to the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by the insertion end; (ii) a tip pushing step of pushing the insertion end from one end thereof to the other end, wherein the one end of the insertion end and the other end And protruding from the spherical portion in a state in which the coupling member is inclined by the tilting step; wherein an adjustment portion disposed along an inner side of the drum flange, the spherical portion and the a gap between the adjustment portions, and having a configuration of a spherical surface that is closer to the free end portion than a flat surface of the center of the spherical portion perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and wherein the adjustment portion includes the first a surface and a second surface extending from the adjustment portion in a direction away from the coupling member with respect to the longitudinal end portion, the second surface extending from the adjustment portion in a direction relative to the longitudinal direction The free end portion is curved away from the first surface in a direction away from the coupling member, (iii) a step of superimposing a portion of the spigot that is finally further protruded by the spigot advancement step on the second surface; and (iv) superimposing on the second by orientation The fulcrum of the portion of the tip on the surface is applied to the free end portion of the coupling member, and the coupling member is disassembled from the coupling member of the drum flange. A coupling member disassembling method for decomposing a coupling member for receiving a rotational force from a drum flange, the drum flange being attached to a process of being detachably mountable to a main component of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus An electrophotographic photosensitive drum used together, the rotational force coming from the main component of the apparatus for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state in which the processing is attached to the main component of the apparatus, wherein the coupling member a rotary force receiving member having a rotational force receiving portion for receiving the rotational force at a free end portion, and a resin spherical portion mounted to a rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by insertion of a distal end, wherein the coupling member Mounted to a drum flange attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a resin adjusting portion, the resin adjusting portion being disposed inside the drum flange and facing inward with respect to a radial direction of the drum flange Projecting a gap between the spherical portion and the adjusting portion, wherein the gap extends in a direction around the drum flange, and the adjusting portion is on the drum flange The radially outer position has a recess, the method comprising: (i) a clamping step of the rotational force receiving member of the coupling member; and (ii) receiving the member by the rotational force Step in the state of being clamped, applying force to the free end portion to adjust the resin When at least one of the portion and the spherical portion of the resin is deformed, the coupling member is subjected to a decomposition step of the coupling member from which the resin regulating portion and the spherical portion of the resin are decomposed. A coupling member mounting method for mounting a coupling member for receiving a rotational force to a drum flange, the drum flange being attached to a process detachably mountable to a main component of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus An electrophotographic photosensitive drum used together, the rotational force coming from the main component of the apparatus for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in a state in which the processing is attached to the main component of the apparatus, wherein the coupling member a rotary force receiving member having a rotational force receiving portion for receiving the rotational force at a free end portion, and a resin spherical portion mounted to a rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by insertion of a distal end, wherein the coupling member Mounted to a drum flange attached to one end of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by a resin adjusting portion, the resin adjusting portion being disposed inside the drum flange and facing inward with respect to a radial direction of the drum flange Projecting a gap between the spherical portion and the adjusting portion, wherein the gap extends in a direction around the drum flange, and the adjusting portion is on the drum flange The radially outer position has a recess, the method comprising: causing the resin adjustment portion and the resin to be pushed toward the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by longitudinally pushing at least one of the resin adjustment portion and the resin spherical portion When at least one of the spherical portions of the resin is deformed, the coupling member is mounted into the coupling member mounting step of the resin regulating portion and the resin spherical portion. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit to which a coupling member can be mounted An electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit, wherein the coupling member includes a rotational force receiving member at a free end portion for receiving a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and is mounted by inserting a tip To the spherical portion of the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit comprising: a roller having a photosensitive layer at a periphery thereof; and a drum flange disposed at one end of the roller, the drum flange comprising: a plurality of resin adjusting portions disposed on an inner side of the drum flange and projecting radially inward from the drum flange, wherein the adjusting portion effectively adjusts the drum unit when the coupling member is mounted to the drum unit The movement of the spherical portion in the longitudinal direction; the recess being provided in the adjustment portion at a position radially outward of the flange of the drum for facilitating deformation of the adjustment portion of the drum flange radially outward; The plurality of rotational force receiving portions include a lance for receiving the rotational force, wherein the lance is disposed between adjacent adjustment portions of the adjustment portions. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the unit comprising: a roller having a photosensitive layer at a periphery thereof; and a drum flange disposed at one end of the roller, the drum flange comprising: a plurality of resins An adjusting portion is disposed on an inner side of the drum flange and protrudes radially inward from the drum flange, and a gap between the adjusting portions is along a circumferential direction of the drum flange; The recess is provided in the adjusting portion at a position radially outward of the flange of the drum to promote the radially outward deformation of the adjusting portion of the drum flange. A unit of claim 4 or 5, wherein the plurality of recesses are intermittently disposed in the peripheral direction. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit for processing detachably mounted to a main component of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit comprising: a roller having a photosensitive layer at a periphery thereof; a resin drum flange, Provided at one end of the drum; a gear portion disposed along an outer surface of the drum flange; a plurality of resin adjusting portions disposed at the same position as the gear portion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the drum, a gap between the adjustment portions is in a circumferential direction inside the drum flange; and a recess is radially disposed between the adjustment portion and an inner surface of the drum flange to promote the drum flange The adjustment portion is deformed radially outward. A unit of claim 7, wherein a coupling member for receiving a rotational force from the main component of the device is mounted to the drum flange and includes a free end portion for receiving the rotational force. a rotational force receiving member of the rotational force receiving portion, and a spherical portion mounted to the rear end portion of the rotational force receiving member by the insertion end, and wherein the insertion tip is disposed in the circumferential direction Adjusting between the portions and moving in the peripheral direction and in the longitudinal direction of the drum, wherein the sphere a portion is rotatably mounted to the drum flange, and the spherical portion is movable in a range adjusted by adjusting the adjustment portion of the spigot in the peripheral direction, and the adjustment portion is in the longitudinal direction Adjustment.