JP7577489B2 - How to disassemble the development unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers that use electrophotography, and to developing units in cartridges used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.

Here, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as an "image forming apparatus") is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of image forming apparatuses include copying machines, facsimile machines, printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.), and combination machines (multifunction printers) of these.

A cartridge is removable from the main body of an image forming device (device body). An example of a cartridge is one that integrates a photosensitive member and at least one process means that acts on the photosensitive member.

A drum unit is a unit that has a photosensitive drum and is used in cartridges and image forming devices.

A development unit is a unit that has a development roller and is used in cartridges and image forming devices.

Conventionally, in image forming devices using an electrophotographic process, a configuration is known in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum) and a process means acting on the photosensitive drum are integrated into a cartridge. The cartridge is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming device.

This cartridge system allows users to perform maintenance on the image forming device themselves, without the need for a service technician, greatly improving maintainability. For this reason, this cartridge system is widely used in image forming devices.

In a configuration in which the cartridge is detachable from the image forming device main body (device main body), stable image formation is possible by reducing the relative positional tolerance of the photosensitive drum and each process means integrated into the cartridge and locating and fixing each position. For example, a configuration having a side cover (cartridge cover) for supporting each unit is known as a method of integrating a drum unit having a photosensitive drum and a development unit having a development roller, which is a process means that acts on the photosensitive drum, into a cartridge. For these cartridges, a method of manufacturing the cartridge by replacing the process means as necessary is required. (See Patent Document 1.)

JP 2016-164648 A

For these cartridges, a method is required for manufacturing the cartridge by replacing the process means as necessary. Therefore, the present invention provides a method for disassembling the development unit that makes it easy to manufacture the cartridge.

A method for disassembling a developing unit according to the present invention is a method for disassembling a developing unit including a frame, a developing roller extending in a first direction, and a first end unit and a second end unit fixed to the frame and rotatably supporting the developing roller, wherein the first end unit is disposed on one end side of the frame in the first direction and includes a first bearing member supporting the developing roller, a first moving member movable relative to the first bearing member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a first biasing member biasing the first moving member, and the second end unit is disposed on the other end side of the frame in the first direction and includes a second bearing member supporting the developing roller, and a first biasing member biasing the first moving member in a third direction intersecting the first direction. the developing unit includes a second movable member movable relative to a second bearing member and a second biasing member biasing the second movable member, the first end unit includes a third movable member movable relative to the first bearing member, the first biasing member being connected to the first movable member and the third movable member, the second end unit includes a fourth movable member movable relative to the second bearing member, the second biasing member being connected to the second movable member and the fourth moving member, and the developing unit has a bearing removal process for removing at least one of the first bearing member and the second bearing member from the frame, and a roller removal process for removing the developing roller from the developing unit .

The present invention provides a method for disassembling a development unit that can facilitate the manufacture of cartridges.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. 1 is a partial perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a driving side of the developing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the non-driving side of the developing unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit in the first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partial detailed view of the tray according to the first embodiment. 3 is a perspective view of a memory element pressing unit and a cartridge pressing unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developer separation control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view (partially cross-sectional view) of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view (partially cross-sectional view) of the cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an assembled perspective view of a non-driving side end unit according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

The following describes in detail an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings and examples. However, the functions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an image forming device to which four process cartridges (cartridges) can be detachably attached is exemplified as the image forming device. Note that the number of cartridges to be attached to the image forming device is not limited to this. It is set appropriately according to the needs. In the embodiment described below, a laser beam printer is exemplified as one form of image forming device.

[General Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus M. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge (cartridge) 100.

This image forming apparatus M is a four-color full-color laser printer that uses an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on a recording medium S. The image forming apparatus M employs a cartridge system in which a cartridge 100 is removably attached to the image forming apparatus main body (apparatus main body, electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body) 170, and a color image is formed on the recording medium S.

Here, with regard to image forming device M, the side where the front door 11 is provided is referred to as the front (front surface), and the surface opposite the front is referred to as the back (rear surface). Furthermore, when looking at image forming device M from the front, the right side is referred to as the drive side, and the left side is referred to as the non-drive side. Furthermore, when looking at image forming device M from the front, the upper side is referred to as the top surface, and the lower side is referred to as the bottom surface. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of image forming device M as seen from the non-drive side, with the front side of the page being the non-drive side of image forming device M, the right side of the page being the front of image forming device M, and the back side of the page being the drive side of image forming device M.

The drive side of the cartridge 100 is the side on which a drum coupling member (photoconductor coupling member) described later is arranged in the axial direction of the photoconductor drum. The drive side of the cartridge 100 is also the side on which a developer coupling member described later is arranged in the axial direction of the developer roller (developing member).

The axial direction of the photosensitive drum is the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, which will be described later. Similarly, the axial direction of the developing roller is the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller, which will be described later. In this embodiment, since the axis of the photosensitive drum and the axis of the developing roller are approximately parallel, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum and the axial direction of the developing roller are considered to be substantially the same.

The image forming device main body 170 has four cartridges 100 arranged in a substantially horizontal direction: a first cartridge 100Y, a second cartridge 100M, a third cartridge 100C, and a fourth cartridge 100K.

The first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) each have a similar electrophotographic process mechanism, but each uses a different color developer (hereafter referred to as toner). A rotational drive force is transmitted to the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) from a drive output unit (details of which will be described later) of the image forming apparatus main body 170.

In addition, a bias voltage (charging bias, developing bias, etc.) is supplied to each of the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) from the image forming apparatus main body 170 (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) in this embodiment has a photosensitive drum 104 and a drum holding unit 108 equipped with a charging means as a process means acting on the photosensitive drum 104. In addition, each of the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) has a developing unit 109 equipped with a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104.

The drum holding unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected to each other. A more specific configuration of the cartridge 100 will be described later.

The first cartridge 100Y contains yellow (Y) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

The second cartridge 100M contains magenta (M) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

The third cartridge 100C contains cyan (C) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

The fourth cartridge 100K contains black (K) toner in the developing frame 125 and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

A laser scanner unit 14 is provided above the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) as an exposure means. This laser scanner unit 14 outputs laser light U corresponding to image information. The laser light U passes through the exposure window 110 of the cartridge 100 to scan and expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

Below the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K), an intermediate transfer unit 12 is provided as a transfer member. This intermediate transfer unit 12 has a drive roller 12e, a turn roller 12c, and a tension roller 12b, and a flexible transfer belt 12a is stretched across them.

The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 104 of each of the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) is in contact with the upper surface of the transfer belt 12a. This contact area is the primary transfer area. A primary transfer roller 12d is provided on the inside of the transfer belt 12a, facing the photosensitive drum 104.

The secondary transfer roller 6 is in contact with the turn roller 12c via the transfer belt 12a. The contact area between the transfer belt 12a and the secondary transfer roller 6 is the secondary transfer area.

A feeding unit 4 is provided below the intermediate transfer unit 12. This feeding unit 4 has a paper feed tray 4a that holds and stores a stack of recording media S, and a paper feed roller 4b that separates and feeds the recording media S one by one from the feed tray 4a.

The fixing device 7 and the paper discharge device 8 are provided in the upper left of the image forming device body 170 in FIG. 1. The top surface of the image forming device body 170 serves as a paper discharge tray 13.

[Image Forming Operation]
The operation for forming a full color image is as follows.

The photosensitive drum 104 of each of the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) is rotated at a predetermined speed (in the direction of arrow A in Figure 2).

The transfer belt 12a is also rotated in the forward direction (the direction of arrow C in Figure 1) of the rotation of the photosensitive drum at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 104.

The laser scanner unit 14 is also driven. In synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit 14, the charging roller 105 in each cartridge uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a predetermined polarity and potential. The laser scanner unit 14 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 104 with laser light U in response to the image signal for each color.

As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal for the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photoconductor drum 104. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 106, which is rotated at a predetermined speed.

By performing this electrophotographic image forming process operation, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the first cartridge 100Y. Then, the toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

Similarly, a magenta toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the second cartridge 100M. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow toner image that has already been transferred thereto.

Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the third cartridge 100C. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow and magenta toner images already transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the fourth cartridge 100K. Then, this toner image is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 12a, superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images that have already been transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

In this way, a full-color unfixed toner image of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, is formed on the transfer belt 12a.

Meanwhile, the recording medium S is separated and fed one by one from the feeding unit 4 at a predetermined control timing. The recording medium S is introduced to the secondary transfer section, which is the contact point between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the transfer belt 12a, at a predetermined control timing.

As a result, as the recording medium S is transported to the secondary transfer section, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12a is transferred sequentially and simultaneously onto the surface of the recording medium S.

The recording medium S onto which the toner image has been transferred is then fixed by the fixing means provided in the fixing device 7, and the recording medium S is discharged to the discharge tray 13. In this way, the image forming process on the recording medium S is completed.

The configuration of the image forming device main body 170 and the cartridge 100 is described in further detail below.

[Overall configuration of the cartridge]
The configuration of the cartridge 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Figure 3 is an oblique view of the cartridge 100 as seen from the drive side. Figure 4 is an assembled oblique view of the cartridge 100 as seen from the drive side, which is one end side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 104. In this embodiment, the first to fourth cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) have the same electrophotographic process mechanism, but each contains different toner colors and toner filling amounts.

The cartridge 100 is equipped with photosensitive drums 104 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a process means that acts on the photosensitive drums 104. As a process means, the cartridge 100 has a charging roller 105 that is a charging means (charging member) that charges the photosensitive drum 104. The cartridge 100 also has a developing roller 106 that is a developing means (developing member) for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 as another process means.

Other process means include cleaning means (such as a cleaning blade) for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. However, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is configured without a cleaning means that comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 104.

The cartridge 100 is divided into a drum holding unit 108 (108Y, 108M, 108C, 108K) and a developing unit 109 (109Y, 109M, 109C, 109K).

[Configuration of drum holding unit]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the drum holding unit 108 is made up of the photosensitive drum 104, the charging roller 105, a drum frame 115 which is a first frame, and the like.

The driving side cartridge cover member 116 has a developing unit support hole 116a, a drum support hole 116b, a driving side cartridge cover positioning hole 116E1, and a driving side cartridge cover rotation determination hole 116K1. Similarly, the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 has a developing unit support hole 117a, a drum support hole 117b, a non-driving side cartridge cover positioning hole 117E1, and a non-driving side cartridge cover rotation determination hole 117K1.

The drum frame 115 has, on its driving side, a driving side positioning boss 115E1 that fits into the driving side cartridge cover positioning hole 116E1, and a driving side rotation determining boss 115K1 that fits into the driving side cartridge cover rotation determining hole 116K1. The drum frame 115 also has, on its non-driving side, a non-driving side positioning boss 115HE1 that fits into the non-driving side cartridge cover positioning hole 117E1, and a non-driving side rotation determining boss 115HK1 that fits into the non-driving side cartridge cover rotation determining hole 117K1.

The driving side cartridge cover member 116 is positioned relative to the drum frame 115 by fitting the driving side cartridge cover positioning hole 116E1 into the driving side positioning boss 115E1. On the other hand, the driving side cartridge cover member 116 is configured to be restricted from rotating relative to the drum frame 115 by fitting the driving side cartridge cover rotation determination hole 116K1 into the driving side rotation determination boss 115K1. Similarly, the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 is positioned relative to the drum frame 115 by fitting the non-driving side cartridge cover positioning hole 117E1 into the non-driving side positioning boss 115HE1. On the other hand, the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 is configured to be restricted from rotating relative to the drum frame 115 by fitting into the non-driving side cartridge cover rotation determination hole 117K1. In this way, the driving side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 are integrated with the drum frame 115.

Here, the photosensitive drum 104 is integrated with the coupling member 143 and the drum flange 142 as the drum unit 103. When the driving side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 are integrated with the drum frame 115, the drum unit 103 has the coupling member 143 and the drum flange 142 fitted into the drum support holes 116b and 117b, respectively. In this way, the drum unit 103 is rotatably supported by the driving side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 provided at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 100. At the same time, the drum unit 103 is configured to be rotatable by the driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 170 by engaging the coupling member 143 with the main body side drum drive coupling 180 (see FIG. 5) of the image forming apparatus main body 170. Note that FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view in which the cartridge 100 and the tray 171 are omitted. FIG. 5(b) is an oblique view omitting the cartridge 100, front door 11, and tray 171.

The charging roller 105 is rotatably supported by a charging roller bearing portion (not shown) provided on the drum frame 115, and is configured to be biased against the photosensitive drum 104 via the charging roller bearing portion by a spring provided between the charging roller bearing portion and the drum frame 115.

Furthermore, when the driving side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 are integrated with the drum frame 115, the developing unit 109 is supported by the drum holding unit 108 so as to be swingable (rotatable). Specifically, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the developing cover member 128 and the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the non-driving side bearing 127 are fitted into the developing unit support hole 116a and the developing unit support hole 117a, respectively. In this way, the developing unit 109 is made rotatable relative to the drum holding unit 108, so that the developing roller 106 can be brought into contact with and separated from the photosensitive drum 104. During image formation, the developing roller 106 can be positioned at a position that acts on the photosensitive drum 104, and the developing roller 106 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 104 during image formation and separated from the photosensitive drum 104 during non-image formation.

The axis connecting the center of the development unit support hole 116a of the driven side cartridge cover member 116 and the center of the development unit support hole 117a of the non-driven side cartridge cover member 117 functions as the swing axis K of the development unit 109. Here, the cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 128 on one end side rotatably supports the development input coupling 74. In other words, the rotation axis of the development input coupling 74 and the swing axis K of the development unit 109 are configured to coincide with each other, and the development unit 109 is configured to receive driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 170 at the swing axis K.

[Configuration of Development Unit]
As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 6 to 9, the developing unit 109 is composed of a developing roller 106, a toner transport roller 107, a developing blade 130, a developing frame 125, etc. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 109, Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a driving side end unit 226 and its surroundings on the driving side of the developing unit 109, and Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a non-driving side end unit 227 and its surroundings on the non-driving side of the developing unit 109. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 109, showing the configuration with the toner transport roller 107 and the developing blade 130 removed.

The developing frame 125 is composed of a lower frame 125a and a cover member 125b. The lower frame 125a and the cover member 125b are joined by ultrasonic welding or the like. The developing frame 125, which is the second frame (second casing), has a toner storage section 129 that stores toner to be supplied to the developing roller 106. The developing frame 125 also rotatably supports the developing roller 106 and the toner transport roller 107 via a driving side bearing 126 (first bearing member) and a non-driving side bearing 127 (second bearing member), and holds a developing blade 130 that regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 106.

The developing blade 130 is made by attaching an elastic member 130b, which is a sheet metal with a thickness of about 0.1 mm, to a support member 130a, which is a metal material with an L-shaped cross section, by welding or the like. The developing blade 130 is attached to the developing frame 125 at two points, one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction, with fixing screws 130B1 and 130B2 (Figure 9). The developing roller 106 is composed of a core metal 106c made of a metal material and a rubber part 106d.

The toner transport roller 107 is configured by attaching a toner transport section 107s to a cylindrical shaft. Here, the toner transport section 107s is made of a sponge material, which is an elastically deformable material. The cylindrical shaft is a metal shaft, and the shaft ends 107c and 107d are connected to the toner transport shaft hole 125D of the developing frame 125 and the shaft hole 258D of the toner transport bearing 258 attached to the developing frame 125. As described above, the toner transport roller 107 is rotatably supported by the driving side bearing 126 and the non-driving side bearing 127 (see Figures 7 and 8). The toner transport roller 107 is fitted with sealing members 259L and 259R to prevent toner from leaking out from the toner transport shaft hole 125D of the developing frame 125 and the shaft hole 258D of the toner transport bearing 258.

The developing roller 106 is rotatably supported by a drive side bearing 126 and a non-drive side bearing 127 attached to both longitudinal ends of the developing frame 125. The developing frame 125, the drive side bearing 126, and the non-drive side bearing 127 are part of the frame (casing) of the cartridge. In a broad sense, the bearings 126 and 127 are sometimes considered to be part of the developing frame 125, and the drive side bearing 126, the non-drive side bearing 127, and the developing frame 125 are sometimes collectively referred to as the developing frame.

3 and 4, a development input coupling 132a for transmitting a driving force to the development unit 109 is provided at one end of the development unit 109 in the longitudinal direction. The development input coupling 132a engages with a main body side development drive coupling 185 (see FIG. 5) as a development drive output part of the image forming apparatus main body 170, and the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 170 is input to the development unit 109. The driving force input to the development unit 109 is transmitted by a drive train (not shown) provided in the development unit 109, so that the development roller 106 can be rotated in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 2. The outer diameter of the development roller 106 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104 is set in the range of 18 mm to 22 mm, and the outer diameter of the development roller 106 is set in the range of 8 mm to 14 mm. Setting the outer diameters in this range enables efficient arrangement.

The developing unit 109 has drive side end units 226 and 227 to allow the developing roller 106 to contact and separate from the photosensitive drum 104 and to rotatably support the developing roller 106 and the toner transport roller 107.

As shown in FIG. 7, the drive side end unit 226 (first end unit) has a drive side bearing 126, a development input coupling gear 132, and a development cover member 128. The drive side bearing 126 rotatably supports the development roller 106 at the development roller bearing opening 126D and the toner transport roller 107 at an opening not shown. The development input coupling gear 132 is equipped with a development input coupling part 132a that engages with the development drive coupling 185 of the image forming apparatus main body 170 and receives a driving force from the development drive coupling 185. The drive side end unit 226 further includes a development roller gear 131 connected to the core metal of the toner transport roller 107, and a toner transport roller gear 133 connected to the core metal 106c (106cR) of the development roller 106. This makes it possible to transmit the drive from the development input coupling gear 132. The developing cover member 128 supports and covers the developing input coupling part 132a and the gear train.

The drive side end unit 226 also includes a separation maintaining member 151R, a force applying member 152R (first moving member), and a separation spring 153R (first biasing member) to enable the development roller 106 to contact and separate from the photosensitive drum 104.

Here, the force applying member 152R and the separation spring 153R are fixed integrally to the longitudinal outside of the developing cover member 128. The force applying member 152R is fixed to the longitudinal outside by a snap claw 128d so as not to come apart, while being rotatable by a pivot boss 128c of the developing cover member 128 and held movably in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the developing roller 109 relative to the developing cover member 128. The separation spring 153R is a tension spring, and has hooks at both ends. It is fixed by hooking each hook to the separation holding member 151R and the force applying member 152R attached to the developing cover member 128.

On the other hand, the non-driven side end unit 227 (second end unit) is composed of the non-driven side bearing 127, a separation member 151L that enables contact and separation, a force applying member 152L (second moving member), and a separation spring 153L (second biasing member), as shown in FIG. 8. The non-driven side bearing 127 rotatably supports the toner transport roller 107 at the toner transport roller bearing opening 127D, and is configured to rotatably support the developing roller 106.

Here, the spacing member 151L, the force applying member 152L, and the spacing spring 153L are fixed integrally to the longitudinal outside of the non-driven side bearing 127. The force applying member 152L is fixed by the snap claw 127b so as not to disassemble longitudinally outward, while being rotatable by the rotating boss 127c of the non-driven side bearing 127, so as to be movable relative to the developing cover member 128 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the developing roller 109. The spacing member 151L is similarly held rotatably by a rotating boss (not shown), and is fixed by the snap claw (not shown) so as not to disassemble longitudinally outward. The spacing spring 153L is a tension spring, and has hooks at both ends. It is fixed by hooking each hook to the spacing member 151L and the force applying member 152L.

The drive side end units 226 and 227 are fastened to the developing frame 125 with screws 145R and 145L, and are also glued and fixed to each other at the adhesive joints.

Specifically, on the drive side, the drive side bearing 126 has a positioning hole 126E, a rotation stop boss 126K, and an adhesive hole 126S, and the developing frame 125 has a cylindrical drive side positioning portion 125E, an opening 125K, and an adhesive fixing hole 125S. The developing cover member 128 has a positioning boss 128E and an adhesive boss 128S. In the drive side end unit 226, the drive side positioning portion 125E provided on the developing frame 125 is inserted into the positioning hole 126E of the drive side bearing 126, and the rotation stop boss 126K of the drive side bearing 126 is inserted into the opening 125K of the developing frame 125. As a result, the drive side bearing 126 is positioned relative to the developing frame 125 by the drive side positioning portion 125E and the positioning hole 126E, and rotation is restricted by the rotation stop boss 126K and the opening 125K.

The drive side positioning portion 125E provided on the developing frame 125 is inserted into the positioning hole 126E of the driving side bearing 126, and the positioning boss 128E of the developing cover member 128 is inserted into a recess provided at the tip of the drive side positioning portion 125E. On the other hand, the adhesive boss 128S of the developing cover member 128 penetrates the adhesive hole 126S of the driving side bearing 126 with adhesive interposed, and is inserted and fitted into the adhesive fixing hole 125S of the developing frame 125. As a result, an adhesive portion is formed between the developing cover member 128 and the driving side bearing 126 and the developing frame 125. In this way, the driving side end unit 226 consisting of the developing cover member 128 and the driving side bearing 126 and the developing frame 125 are firmly fixed at the adhesive portion with the screw 145R that fastens so that the relative position does not change until they are firmly fixed at the adhesive portion, and are integrated into a unit.

On the other hand, on the non-drive side, the non-drive side bearing 127 has a positioning boss 127E, a rotation stopper boss 127K, an adhesive boss 127S, and a contact portion 127a that contacts a contact of the image forming apparatus main body 170 (not shown) and is electrically connected to the developing roller 106. The positioning boss 127E is inserted into a drive side positioning portion (not shown) of the developing frame 125, and the non-drive side bearing 127 is positioned relative to the developing frame 125. Meanwhile, the rotation stopper boss 127K is inserted into an opening (not shown) of the developing frame 125, and is configured to restrict the rotation of the non-drive side bearing 127 relative to the developing frame 125.

In this state, the adhesive boss 127S of the non-drive side bearing 127 is inserted into and fitted into an adhesive fixing hole (not shown) in the developing frame 125 with adhesive interposed between them, forming an adhesive portion between the non-drive side bearing 127 and the developing frame 125. In this way, the non-drive side end unit 227 consisting of the non-drive side bearing 127 and the developing frame 125 are firmly fixed at the adhesive portion with the screw 145L that fastens them so that their relative positions do not change until they are firmly fixed at the adhesive portion, and are integrated into a unit.

[Cartridge installation/removal configuration overview]
The tray (hereinafter referred to as the tray) 171 that supports the cartridge will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in which the tray 171 is located inside the image forming apparatus main body 170 with the front door 11 open. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in which the tray 171 is located outside the image forming apparatus main body 170 with the front door 11 open, and the cartridge 100 is housed inside the tray. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in which the tray 171 is located outside the image forming apparatus main body 170 with the front door 11 open, and the cartridge 100 is removed from the tray. Fig. 13(a) is a partial detailed view of the tray 171 in the state of Fig. 10 as viewed from the driving side. Fig. 13(b) is a partial detailed view of the tray 171 in the state of Fig. 10 as viewed from the non-driving side.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the tray 171 can move in the direction of the arrow X1 (pushing direction) and the direction of the arrow X2 (pulling direction) relative to the image forming device main body 170. That is, the tray 171 is provided so that it can be pulled out and pushed into the image forming device main body 170, and when the image forming device main body 170 is installed on a horizontal surface, the tray 171 can move in a substantially horizontal direction. Here, the state in which the tray 171 is located outside the image forming device main body 170 (the state in Figure 11) is referred to as the outer position. Also, the state in which the tray 171 is located inside the image forming device main body 170 with the front door 11 open and the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a separated (the state in Figure 10) is referred to as the inner position.

The tray 171 also has a mounting section 171a in which the cartridge 100 can be removably mounted at the outer position as shown in FIG. 12. Each cartridge 100 mounted in the mounting section 171a (FIG. 12) at the outer position of the tray 171 is supported on the tray 171 by the driving side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-driving side cartridge cover member 117 as shown in FIG. 13. The cartridge 100 moves inside the image forming device main body 170 as the tray 171 moves while being placed in the mounting section 171a. At this time, the cartridge 100 moves with a gap between the transfer belt 12a and the photosensitive drum 104. The tray 171 can move the cartridge 100 inside the image forming device main body 170 without the photosensitive drum 104 coming into contact with the transfer belt 12a (details will be described later).

As described above, the tray 171 allows multiple cartridges 100 to be moved together to a position inside the image forming device body 170 where image formation is possible, and also allows them to be pulled out together to the outside of the image forming device body 170.

[Positioning of Cartridge in Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus]
The positioning of the cartridge 100 in the image forming apparatus main body 170 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, the tray 171 is provided with positioning portions 171VR and 171VL for holding the cartridge 100. The positioning portions 171VR have straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2, respectively. The position of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 104 is determined by the contact of the arc portions 116VR1 and 116VR2 of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 shown in FIG. 13 with the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2.

As shown in FIG. 13, on the drive side, the tray 171 has a rotation determining protrusion 171KR. By fitting this protrusion into the rotation determining recess 116KR position of the drive side cartridge cover member 116 shown in FIG. 13, the position of the cartridge 100 is determined relative to the device main body 170.

On the other hand, on the non-driven side, a positioning portion 171VL and a rotation determining protrusion 171KL are disposed at a position facing the positioning portion 171VR in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 100, sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 12a therebetween. In other words, on the non-driven side as well, the position of the cartridge 100 is determined by the arc portions 117VL1 and 117VL2 of the non-driven side cartridge cover member 117 engaging with the positioning portion 171VL, and the rotation determining recess 117KL engaging with the rotation determining protrusion 171KL. In this way, the position of the cartridge 100 is correctly determined relative to the tray 171.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, move the cartridge 100 integrated with the tray 171 in the direction of the arrow X1 and insert it to the position shown in FIG. 10.

Then, by closing the front door 11 in the direction of arrow R, the cartridge 100 is pressed by a cartridge pressing mechanism (not shown) described below, and is fixed to the image forming device main body 170 together with the tray 171. In addition, in conjunction with the operation of the cartridge pressing mechanism, the transfer belt 12a comes into contact with the photoconductor 4. This state enables the printer to form an image (Figure 1).

In this embodiment, the positioning portion 171VR and the positioning portion 171VL are made of sheet metal because they also serve as reinforcement to maintain the rigidity of the tray 171 when it is pulled out, but this is not limiting.

[Cartridge pressing mechanism]
Next, the cartridge pressing mechanism will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14(a) shows the cartridge 100, tray 171, cartridge pressing mechanisms 190, 191, and intermediate transfer unit 12 of the image forming apparatus main body 170 in the state shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 14(b) shows the cartridge 100, tray 171, cartridge pressing mechanisms 190, 191, and intermediate transfer unit 12 of the image forming apparatus main body 170 in the state shown in Fig. 1.

The cartridge 100 receives a driving force during image formation, and also receives a reaction force in the direction of the arrow Z1 from the primary transfer roller 12d (Figure 1). Therefore, in order to maintain a stable position during image formation without the cartridge floating above the positioning portions 171VR and 171VL, the cartridge needs to be pressed in the Z2 direction. For this reason, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus main body 170 is provided with a cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191).

The cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191) is composed of a memory element pressing unit 190 on the non-driven side and a cartridge pressing unit 191 on the driven side. This will be explained in more detail below.

When the front door 11 shown in FIG. 10 is closed, the memory element pressing unit 190 and the cartridge pressing unit 191 shown in FIG. 14 move down in the direction of the arrow Z2.

The memory element pressing unit 190 has a main body side electrical contact (not shown) that mainly contacts the electrical contact of the memory element (not shown) provided in the cartridge 100. By linking it to the front door 11 with a link mechanism (not shown), the memory element 140 and the main body side electrical contact can be brought into contact or not into contact with each other.

In other words, when the front door 11 is closed, the contacts come into contact, and when the front door 11 is opened, the contacts separate.

By doing this, when the cartridge 100 moves together with the tray 171 inside the image forming device body, the electrical contacts do not rub against each other, and by moving the contacts away from the insertion/removal path of the cartridge 100, the insertion and removal of the tray 171 is not hindered.

This memory element pressing unit 190 also plays a role in pressing the cartridge 100 against the aforementioned positioning portion 171VR.

In addition, similar to the memory element pressing unit 190, the cartridge pressing unit 191 also descends in the direction of arrow Z2 in conjunction with the operation of closing the front door 11, and plays a role in pressing the cartridge 100 against the aforementioned positioning portion 171VL.

Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191) also simultaneously plays a role in pressing down the force application members 152L, 152R of the cartridge 100.

[Developer Space Control Unit]
Next, the separation mechanism of the image forming apparatus main body in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus M cut at the drive end surface of the cartridge 100. Figure 16 is an oblique view of the development separation control unit 195 as seen obliquely from above.

In this embodiment, the development separation control unit 195 engages with a part of the development unit 109 to control the separation and contact operation of the development roller 106 with respect to the photosensitive drum 104 of the development unit 109. The development separation control unit 195 is located below the image forming apparatus main body 170 as shown in FIG. 14.

Specifically, the development separation control unit 195 is disposed vertically below (below the direction of arrow Z2) the development input coupling portion 132a and the drum coupling member 143.

The developer spacing control unit 195 is disposed in the longitudinal direction (Y1, Y2 direction) of the photoconductor drum 104 of the intermediate transfer belt 12. That is, the developer spacing control unit 195 is disposed with the developer spacing control unit 195R on the driving side and the developer spacing control unit 195L on the non-driving side.

As described above, by arranging the development separation control unit 195 in the dead space of the image forming device main body 170, the main body can be made smaller.

The development separation control unit 195R has four separation control members 196R corresponding to the cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The four separation control members have approximately the same shape. The development separation control unit 195R is always fixed to the image forming apparatus main body. However, a control mechanism (not shown) allows the separation control members 196R to move in the W41 and W42 directions.

The development separation control unit 195L has four separation control members 196L corresponding to the cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The four separation control members have approximately the same shape. The development separation control unit 195L is always fixed to the image forming apparatus main body. However, a control mechanism (not shown) allows the separation control members 196L to move in the W41 and W42 directions.

In addition, in order for the development separation control unit 195 to engage with a part of the development unit 109 and control the separation and abutment operation of the development unit 109, a part of the development control unit 196 and a part of the development unit 109 must overlap in the vertical direction (Z1 and Z2 directions).

Therefore, after the developing unit 109 of the cartridge 100 is inserted in the X1 direction, in order to overlap in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2 directions) as described above, it is necessary to protrude a part of the developing unit (in this embodiment, the force application member 152).

However, if the developer separation control unit 195 itself is raised in order to engage it, as with the intermediate transfer unit 12 described above, there are problems such as an increased operating force for the linked front door 11 and a more complicated drive train.

One of the reasons for adopting a method in this embodiment in which the development separation control unit 195 is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 170 and a part of the development unit 109 (force application member 152) protrudes downward (Z2) within the image forming apparatus main body 170 is to address this issue. In addition, the mechanism for protruding the force application member 152 utilizes the previously described mechanisms of the memory element pressing unit 190 and cartridge pressing unit 191 as is, so there are no issues as previously described and increases in the cost of the apparatus itself are suppressed.

The entire developer separation control unit 195 is fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 170. However, a portion of it is movable in order to engage with the force application member 152 as described below and apply an operation so that the developer unit 109 is in a separated state or in contact with the photosensitive drum 104.

[Contact and Separation Operations of Development Unit]
The developing unit 109 is rotatably supported by the drum holding unit 108 of the cartridge 100, and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 can be brought into contact with and separated from the photosensitive drum 104. A detailed description will be given with reference to Figures 6 to 7 and Figures 15 to 18.

Figure 18 is a side view of the cartridge 100 mounted inside the image forming apparatus main body 170, as viewed from the driving side. For the sake of explanation, Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view in which a portion of the driving side cartridge cover member 116 is partially omitted along the partial cross-sectional line CS.

First, the abutment operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the separation control member 196R of this embodiment is movable in the directions of arrows W41 and W42. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, the cartridge 190 has a force application member 152R with an elongated hole 152Ra that engages with the boss 128K of the drive side bearing 126, and a separation retaining member 151R that is rotatable by the rotating boss 128c of the drive side bearing 126. Furthermore, the cartridge 100 has a separation spring 153R hooked on the separation retaining member 151R and the force application member 152R.

Before the cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming device 170, the force applying member 152R is pulled in the direction of arrow B3 by the spacing spring 153R against the spacing maintaining member 151R. This causes the engaging portion 152Rf of the force applying member 152R to be engaged with the engaged portion 126F of the drive side bearing 126 (Figure 7). As a result, the force applying member 152R is restricted from rotating around the boss 128K.

On the other hand, when the cartridge 100 is set in the image forming apparatus main body 170 and the front door 11 is closed (FIG. 1), the force applying member 152R is pressed in the direction of the arrow ZA by the cartridge pressing mechanisms 190 and 191. In this state, the separation control member 196R of the development control unit 196 and the force applying member 152R of the development unit 109 are positioned in an overlapping position in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2 directions). In this state, the force applying member 152R of the cartridge 100 is pressed in the direction of the arrow ZA and moves, thereby disengaging the engagement portion 152Rf of the force applying member 152R from the engaged portion 126F of the drive side bearing 126 (FIG. 18). As a result, the force applying member 152R is in a state in which it can rotate around the boss 128E.

When the separation control member 196R (FIG. 16) moves in the W42 direction, the first force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R comes into contact with the force receiving surface 152Rn of the force application member 152R, and the force application member 152R rotates in the BB direction around the force application member pivot axis HC as the center of rotation. As the force application member 152R rotates, the pressure surface 152Rr of the force application member 152R comes into contact with the pressed surface 151Re of the separation maintaining member 151R, causing the separation maintaining member 151R to rotate in the B2 direction. The separation maintaining member 151R is then rotated by the force application member 152R to a separation release position where the separation maintaining surface 151Rc of the separation maintaining member 151R and the abutment surface 116c of the driving side cartridge cover member 116 separate. This allows the developing unit 109 to rotate and move from the separated position to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact each other, as shown in FIG. 18(b).

Next, the separation operation will be described. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the second force application surface 196Rb comes into contact with the force receiving portion 152Rk of the force application member 152R, and the force application member 152R rotates in the direction of the arrow BA around the force application member swing axis HC. Then, since the first pressing surface 152Rq of the force application member 152R comes into contact with the first pressed surface 126c of the driving side bearing 126, the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position in the direction of the arrow V1 around the swing axis K. As a result, the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position toward the separation position by the separation control member 196R. Then, the developing unit 109 is rotated by the force application member 152R to the separation holding position where the separation holding surface 151Rc of the separation holding member 151R comes into contact with the contact surface 116c of the driving side cartridge cover member 116. As a result, a gap P1 is formed between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104, as shown in FIG. 15(a). As described above, the developing unit 109 can rotate and move from the contact position to the separation position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are separated.

The operation of the contact/separation mechanism located on the drive side of the cartridge 100 has been described above, but in this embodiment, the non-drive side also operates in conjunction with the drive side. That is, in the cartridge 100, the force application member 152L is pressed and moved in the direction of the arrow ZA, thereby disengaging the engagement portion 152Lf of the force application member 152L from the engaged portion 127F of the non-drive side bearing 127 (Figure 18). As a result, the force application member 152L is placed in a state in which it can rotate around the boss 127E.

When the separation control member 196L (FIG. 16) moves in the W42 direction, the first force application surface 196La of the separation control member 196L comes into contact with the force receiving surface 152Ln of the force application member 152L, and the force application member 152L rotates in the BB direction around the force application member pivot axis HC as the center of rotation. As the force application member 152L rotates, the pressure surface 152Lr of the force application member 152L comes into contact with the pressure receiving surface 151Le of the separation maintaining member 151L, causing the separation maintaining member 151L to rotate in the B2 direction. The separation maintaining member 151L is then rotated by the force application member 152L to a separation release position where the separation maintaining surface 151Lc of the separation maintaining member 151L and the contact surface 117c of the non-driven side cartridge cover member 117 separate. This allows the development unit 109 to rotate and move from the separated position to the contact position where the development roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 come into contact.

On the other hand, when the separation control member 196L moves in the W41 direction, the second force application surface 196Lb comes into contact with the force receiving portion 152Lk of the force application member 152L, and the force application member 152L rotates in the direction of the arrow BA around the force application member pivot axis HC. Then, because the first pressing surface 152Lq of the force application member 152L comes into contact with the first pressed surface 127c of the non-driven side bearing 127, the development unit 109 rotates from the contact position in the direction of the arrow V1 around the pivot axis K. As a result, the development unit 109 is moved from the contact position toward the separation position by the separation control member 196L. Then, the development unit 109 is rotated by the force application member 152L to the separation holding position where the separation holding surface 151Lc of the separation holding member 151L comes into contact with the contact surface 117c of the non-driven side cartridge cover member 117. This forms a gap P1 between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104. As described above, the developing unit 109 can rotate and move from the contact position to the separation position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are separated.

When the developing unit 109 is positioned at the separation position by the spacing member 151R, this occurs at approximately the same time as the developing unit 109 is positioned at the separation position by the spacing member 151L, and the same is true for the abutment position. The timing at which the spacing member 151R located on the drive side is positioned at the separation position and the timing at which the spacing member 151L located on the non-drive side is positioned at the separation position are each approximately simultaneous. Furthermore, the timing at which the spacing member 151R is positioned at the separation release position and the timing at which the spacing member 151L is positioned at the separation release position are each approximately simultaneous. Note that these timings may differ between the drive side and the non-drive side, but in order to shorten the time from when the user starts a print job to when the printed material is discharged, it is desirable that at least the timing at which they are positioned at the separation release position be simultaneous.

[Method of disassembling process means]
There may be a need to remanufacture the developing process means of the cartridge 100 as necessary. Here, a method of disassembling the process means, such as the developing roller 106, the toner transport roller 107, and the developing blade 130, for remanufacturing will be described.

The following describes how to remove the developing roller 106, the toner transport roller 107, and the developing blade 130 from the developing unit 109.

As shown in FIG. 6, the drive side end units 226, 227 attached to the longitudinal ends of the developing unit 109 are removed. First, the screws 145L, 145R fastening the developing frame 125 and the drive side end units 226, 227 are removed. Then, the drive side end units 226, 227 or the developing frame 125 are cut or destroyed, or the adhesive is melted or removed, and the developing frame 125 and the developing cover member 128 fixed at the adhesive portion are separated to remove the drive side end units 226, 227 from the developing frame 125.

By disassembling the drive side end unit 226 from the developing frame 125, it is possible to disassemble the drive side end unit 226 without taking it apart. In other words, the parts sandwiched between the drive side bearing 126 and the developing cover member 128 are removable in an integrated state by the adhesive boss 128S of the developing cover member 128 engaging with the adhesive hole 126S of the driving side bearing 126, and in some cases being glued together. Therefore, the drive side end unit 226 can be removed from the developing frame 125 by removing the drive side end unit 226 with the screw 145R and separating the developing frame 125 and the developing cover member 128, which are fixed by the adhesive portion, without unnecessarily disassembling.

Similarly, by disassembling the non-drive side end unit 227 from the developing frame 125, it is possible to disassemble it without taking the non-drive side end unit 227 apart. In other words, the force application member 152L and other components fixed to the non-drive side bearing 127 can be removed in an integrated state. Therefore, the drive side end unit 227 can be removed from the developing frame 125 by removing the drive side end unit 227 with the screw 145L and separating the developing frame 125 and the non-drive side bearing 127, which are fixed at the adhesive portion, without unnecessarily disassembling it.

Then, by disassembling the drive side end units 226, 227, it becomes possible to disassemble the developing roller 106, which is rotatably supported by the developing frame.

In this embodiment, both the drive side end units 226, 227 were disassembled, but even if only one of them is disassembled, it is possible to disassemble the developing roller 106, the toner transport roller 107, and the developing blade 130. The developing roller 106 and the toner transport roller 107 can be removed by pulling them out towards the disassembled developing separation unit. By disassembling the developing roller 106, the developing blade 130 can be disassembled by removing the screws that secure it to the developing frame 125 without interfering with the developing separation unit that is not disassembled.

As shown in FIG. 9, after disassembling the drive side end units 226, 227 and the developing roller 106, the toner transport roller 107 can be disassembled. The disassembly of the toner transport roller 107 and the developing blade 130 will be explained.

The developing blade 130 is fixed to the developing frame 125 by screws 130B1 and 130B2. Therefore, it can be disassembled by removing the screws 130B1 and 130B2. On the other hand, when disassembling the toner transport roller 107, it is necessary to disassemble the sealing members 259L and 259R and the toner transport bearing 258 from the developing frame 125. The sealing members 259L and 259R can be disassembled by pulling them outward from the shaft ends 107c and 107d in the longitudinal direction. When disassembling the toner transport bearing 258, it is easy to remove it by partially disassembling the end toner sealing member 256L attached to the developing frame 125 from the developing blade portion sealing member 257L side. When reproducing, the end toner sealing member 256R on the driving side can be attached so that it is in contact with the developing blade portion sealing member 257R, so that it can be reproduced without toner leakage. The toner transport roller 107 can then be removed from the developing frame 125 by pulling it out from the non-driven side.

By disassembling the developing roller 106, the toner storage roller 107, and the developing blade 130 from the developing frame 125, it is possible to clean the remaining toner from the opening 125K that communicates with the toner storage section 129 (see Figure 2) of the developing frame 125 and replenish with new toner.

In addition, even if the toner transport roller 107 and the developing blade 130 are not disassembled and only the developing roller 106 is disassembled while remaining attached to the developing frame 125, a part of the opening 125K communicating with the toner storage section 129 (see FIG. 2) is accessible, and toner cleaning and refilling are possible. Cleaning and toner refilling can be performed from the toner filling section other than the opening 125K, or by drilling a hole somewhere in the developing frame 125. The toner filling section has a hole in the center of the developing frame so that toner is first filled when the developing unit is new. After toner filling is completed, the toner filling cap 225 is put on and fixed to the developing frame by adhesive or other method. Toner cleaning and refilling are possible by removing the toner filling cap 225 of the toner filling section or drilling a hole.

If necessary, clean or replace the process means of the development unit with a new one, then reassemble it into a development unit and cartridge.

At this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, it is preferable to fix the adhesive parts of the drive side end units 226 and 227 that have been disassembled again. Specifically, it is preferable that the drive side end units 226 and 227 are configured such that the positioning bosses 128E and 127E and the rotation stopper bosses 126K and 127K are fitted to the developing frame 125 and fixed with the screws 145R and 145L. By doing so, it is possible to position and fix the parts such as the developing roller 106 with high precision even during reproduction. However, if the adhesive parts are not fixed, there is a risk that the vicinity of the adhesive parts may be vibrated during image formation or may tilt or float when assembled into a cartridge. If the adhesive parts are tilted or floated, the developing roller 106 and other parts may become misaligned, which may cause image banding or toner leakage during development.

In addition, in addition to the screws 145R and 145L, methods for re-fixing the drive side end units 226 and 227 and the developing frame 125 in place of the adhesive parts before they were destroyed or peeled off include re-gluing the broken parts, and drilling holes for the screws and fastening them.

When re-gluing, if the drive side end units 226, 227 or the developing frame 125 are to be reused, the adhesive parts should be cleaned thoroughly before gluing. If the adhesive strength is lost due to toner contamination or other reasons, and the adhesive cannot be fixed, the drive side end units 226, 227 or the developing frame 125 may be replaced with new ones. If the adhesive parts cannot be fixed properly or to allow time for the adhesive to harden, they may be fixed or reinforced using adhesive tape, etc.

The case of drilling a screw hole and fastening with a screw will be described with reference to FIG. 19, which is an oblique view of the assembly of the non-drive side end unit 227. The non-drive side end unit 227 and the developing frame 125 are fixed to the developing frame 125 by drilling a screw hole on the axis of the adhesive part. Here, a screw hole 127BS is drilled where the adhesive boss 127S (see FIG. 6) of the non-drive side bearing 127 was located, a screw hole 125BS is drilled in the developing frame 125, and the screws 245L are used for fastening. Similarly, when drilling a screw hole in the drive side end unit 226 and the developing frame 125 and fastening with a screw, a screw hole is drilled where the adhesive boss 128S (see FIG. 6) was located, a screw hole is drilled in the developing frame 125, and the screws are used for fastening. In addition, even if the boss portion that was broken off during disassembly remains on the developing frame 125 side, you can drill the screw hole 125BS in the same way, or clean the area by removing any broken material, and then insert a separate part with a screw hole for screw tightening to fix it.

After reproducing the development unit, the development unit is integrated with the cleaned or replaced photosensitive drum and charging roller to create a cartridge, which makes it possible to reproduce the cartridge.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Cartridge 103 Drum unit 104 Photosensitive drum 108 Drum holding unit 109 Developing unit 115 Drum frame 116 Driving side cartridge cover member 117 Non-driving side cartridge cover member 226 Driving side end unit 227 Non-driving side end unit

Claims (12)

A method for disassembling a development unit including a frame, a development roller extending in a first direction, and a first end unit and a second end unit fixed to the frame and rotatably supporting the development roller, the method comprising the steps of:
the first end unit is disposed on one end side of the frame body in the first direction, and includes a first bearing member that supports the developing roller, a first moving member that is movable relative to the first bearing member in a second direction intersecting the first direction , and a first biasing member that biases the first moving member;
the second end unit is disposed on the other end side of the frame in the first direction, and includes a second bearing member that supports the developing roller, a second moving member that is movable relative to the second bearing member in a third direction that intersects with the first direction , and a second biasing member that biases the second moving member ;
the first end unit includes a third moving member movable relative to the first bearing member, the first biasing member is connected to the first moving member and the third moving member,
the second end unit includes a fourth moving member movable relative to the second bearing member, the second biasing member is connected to the second moving member and the fourth moving member,
a bearing removing step of removing at least one of the first bearing member and the second bearing member from the frame;
a roller removing step of removing the developing roller from the developing unit;
having
13. A method for disassembling a development unit comprising the steps of: the first moving member is movable linearly relative to the first bearing member to a first permissible position in which rotation relative to the first bearing member is permitted, and a first retracted position retracted from the first permissible position,
2. The method for disassembling a developing unit according to claim 1, wherein the second movable member is movable in a linear manner relative to the second bearing member to a second permissible position in which rotation relative to the second bearing member is permitted, and to a second retracted position retracted from the second permissible position. 3. The method for disassembling a developing unit according to claim 2, wherein when said first moving member is in said first retracted position, said first moving member is restricted from rotating relative to said first bearing member. 4. The method for disassembling a developing unit according to claim 2, wherein the first biasing member biases the first moving member from the first allowable position toward the first retracted position. The first moving member is capable of contacting the third moving member, and the second moving member is capable of contacting the fourth moving member.
5. The method for disassembling a development unit according to claim 1, wherein the development unit is disposed on the support member. The third moving member is rotatable relative to the first bearing member, and the fourth moving member is rotatable relative to the second bearing member.
6. The method for disassembling a development unit according to claim 1, the bearing removing step includes a step of removing the first bearing member from the frame body,
the first end unit includes a cover portion attached to the first bearing member,
7. The method for disassembling a developing unit according to claim 1, wherein the first moving member is disposed between the cover portion and the first bearing member. The cover portion is welded or bonded to the frame body,
The method for dismantling a developing unit according to claim 7 , further comprising the step of destroying either the cover or the frame. 9. The method for disassembling a developing unit according to claim 7 , wherein the first bearing member is removed from the frame in a state where the first moving member is left behind on the first end unit. The second bearing member is welded or bonded to the frame body,
The method for dismantling a developing unit according to claim 7 , further comprising the step of destroying either the cover or the frame. the bearing removing step includes a step of removing the second bearing member from the frame body,
11. The method for disassembling a developing unit according to claim 10 , wherein the second bearing member includes a contact portion electrically connected to the developing roller. 12. The method for disassembling a developing unit according to claim 10 , wherein the second bearing member is removed from the frame in a state in which the second moving member is left behind on the second end unit.

Images