Developer cartridge assembly method

Abstract

A technique is provided that allows for easy installation of an elastic member onto a shaft capable of moving relative to a housing. First, a first cam (52) is installed onto one end of the shaft (51). Next, the shaft (51) with the first cam (52) installed is inserted into a through hole (15, 16) in the housing (10). Then, a clamp is brought into contact with the first cam (52) in a first direction from one end (511) of the shaft (51) toward the other end (512). In this state, an elastic member (56) is installed onto the other end (512) of the shaft (51). By bringing the clamp into contact with the first cam (52), the shaft (51) can be positioned in the first direction. Thus, the elastic member (56) can be easily installed onto the other end (512) of the shaft (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for assembling a developer cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, image forming apparatuses in the form of electronic photo printing, such as laser printers and LED printers, were known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying developer. Existing image forming apparatuses are described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a drawer. The drawer has a photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge is mounted relative to the drawer. When the developing cartridge is mounted in the drawer, the photosensitive drum is in contact with the developing roller.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-179128

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The image forming apparatus in Patent Document 1 temporarily pulls the developing cartridge away from the photosensitive drum to perform a separation operation. For this separation operation, the developing cartridge has a shaft, a first cam, a second cam, and a resilient member. The first cam is mounted on one end of the shaft. The second cam and the resilient member are mounted on the other end of the shaft. The shaft is movable relative to the housing of the developing cartridge.

[0008] During the manufacturing or recycling of the developing cartridge, it is considered to install a resilient member at the other end of the spindle after it has been installed into the housing. However, when installing the resilient member to the other end of the spindle, there is a concern that the spindle may move relative to the housing, making it difficult to install the resilient member to the other end of the spindle. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a technique for easily mounting an elastic component to a shaft that can move relative to a housing.

[0010] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] The first invention of this application is a method for assembling a developer cartridge, the developer cartridge comprising: a housing capable of containing developer and having a through hole extending in a first direction; a shaft extending in the first direction through the through hole and movable relative to the housing in the first direction; a first cam located at one end of the shaft in the first direction and movable relative to the housing in the first direction together with the shaft; and a second cam located at the other end of the shaft in the first direction and movable relative to the housing in the first direction together with the shaft. The assembly method includes: a) installing the first cam onto one end of the shaft; b) after step a) inserting the shaft with the first cam installed into the through hole; and c) after step b) installing the elastic member onto the other end of the shaft while the clamp is in contact with the first cam in the first direction from one end of the shaft toward the other end.

[0012] The second invention of this application is an assembly method of the first invention. The first cam has a first hole for insertion into the first end of the shaft. The developing cartridge also has a first retaining ring, which is installed on the first end of the shaft to prevent the first cam from dislodging from the first end of the shaft. Step a) includes: step a-1), inserting the first end of the shaft into the first hole; and step a-2), after step a-1), installing the first retaining ring onto the first end of the shaft while the first cam and the shaft are held by a retainer.

[0013] The third invention of this application is an assembly method of the first or second invention, wherein the developing cartridge further has a second retaining ring, which is installed at the other end of the shaft, and the assembly method further includes step d): after step c), with the clamp in contact with the first cam in the first direction, the second retaining ring is installed at the other end of the shaft.

[0014] The fourth invention of this application is an assembly method of the third invention, wherein the second retaining ring is located between the elastic member and the second cam in the first direction, and the assembly method further includes step e): after step d), the second cam is installed to the other end of the shaft.

[0015] The fifth invention of this application is an assembly method of the fourth invention, wherein the housing has a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the first outer surface being configured for the first cam and the second outer surface being configured for the second cam, the developing cartridge also having a gear cover fixed to the second outer surface, the gear cover having a stop surface opposite to the second cam in the first direction, wherein in step e), the second cam is mounted to the other end of the shaft and the gear cover is mounted to the second outer surface of the housing.

[0016] The sixth invention of this application is an assembly method of the fifth invention. The developing cartridge further comprises: a developing roller extending along the first direction; a first bearing fixed to the first outer surface of the housing and supporting one end of the developing roller in the first direction; and a second bearing fixed to the second outer surface of the housing and supporting the other end of the developing roller in the first direction. The assembly method further comprises the following steps: after steps a) to d), and before step e), installing the first bearing, the second bearing, and the developing roller to the housing.

[0017] The seventh invention of this application is an assembly method for any of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the shaft is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position in the first direction.

[0018] When the shaft is in the first position, the first cam is closer to the housing compared to when the shaft is in the second position.

[0019] In step c), with the shaft in the first position by means of the clamp, the elastic member is installed to the other end of the shaft.

[0020] The eighth invention of this application is an assembly method of any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the elastic component is a spring.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] According to the first to eighth inventions of this application, by bringing the clamp into contact with the first cam, the shaft can be positioned in a first direction. This allows the elastic member to be easily installed to the other end of the shaft.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the second invention of this application, the movement of the first cam and the shaft can be suppressed by using a retaining member. Therefore, the first retaining ring can be easily installed onto the shaft.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the third invention of this application, by contacting the clamp relative to the first cam, the shaft can be positioned in a first direction. This allows the second retaining ring to be easily installed to the other end of the shaft.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the fifth invention of this application, the second cam can be prevented from disengaging from the other end of the shaft by the stop surface of the gear cover.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the seventh invention of this application, when the shaft is in the first position, the length of the shaft protruding from the housing at the other end of the shaft becomes longer compared to when the shaft is in the second position. Therefore, the installation of the elastic member relative to the shaft becomes easier. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view of a drum unit and a developing chamber.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the developing chamber.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the developing chamber.

[0031] Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of the developing chamber.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the assembly sequence of the developing cartridge.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of changing the first cam.

[0034] Figure 8 This diagram shows the state in which the first cam is held in the retaining element.

[0035] Figure 9 This diagram shows the state in which the first cam and retaining ring are installed relative to the shaft.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the state in which the housing is held in the clamp.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the state in which the housing is held in the clamp.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of changing the developing roller. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Furthermore, the direction in which the shaft extends will be referred to as the "first direction". Additionally, the arrangement direction of the developing roller at one end of the housing and the other end of the housing will be referred to as the "second direction". The first direction and the second direction intersect each other (preferably orthogonal).

[0041] <1. Structure of the image forming apparatus>

[0042] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. This image forming apparatus 100 is a printer in the form of electronic photo printing. Examples of image forming apparatus 100 include laser printers and LED printers. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 has a main frame 101, a control unit 102, a drum unit 2, and four developing cartridges 1.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of drum unit 2 and developing cartridge 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drum unit 2 has a drum frame 91 and four photosensitive drums 92. Four developing cartridges 1 are mounted on the drum frame 91. That is, the drum unit 2 of this embodiment is a drawer capable of housing four developing cartridges 1. The drum unit 2, with the four developing cartridges 1 mounted, can be mounted on the main frame 101 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0044] Four developing cartridges 1 contain developing agents of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The developing agents are, for example, toner. The image forming apparatus 100 uses the developing agents supplied from the developing cartridges 1 to form an image on the surface of printing paper. However, the number of developing cartridges 1 installed in the drum unit 2 can be one to three, or even five or more.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, each of the four developing cartridges 1 has a memory 41. The memory 41 is a storage medium capable of reading and writing information. The memory 41 is, for example, an IC chip. When the drum unit 2, on which the four developing cartridges 1 are mounted, is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the memory 41 of each developing cartridge 1 is electrically connected to the control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0046] The control unit 102 includes a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 102 executes the printing process in the image forming apparatus 100 by means of the processor performing actions according to the program. Furthermore, the control unit 102 is capable of reading information from and writing information to the memory 41.

[0047] <2. About the developing box>

[0048] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a 3D view of developer cartridge 1. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of developer cartridge 1. (For example...) Figures 3-5 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, a gear unit 30, a memory assembly 40, and a separation unit 50.

[0049] The housing 10 is capable of containing developer. The housing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the housing 10 in a first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are separated from each other in the first direction. The housing 10 extends between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 in the first direction and also extends in a second direction.

[0050] A receiving chamber 13 is provided inside the housing 10. The developer is contained in the receiving chamber 13. In addition, the housing 10 has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the housing 10 in a second direction. The external space of the housing 10 communicates with the receiving chamber 13 through the opening 14.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 10 has a cover 18 on its first outer surface 11. The cover 18 is installed at a supply port located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The cover 18 blocks the supply port. When developer is supplied to the housing 10, the cover 18 is removed from the first outer surface 11. Then, developer is supplied to the receiving chamber 13 via the supply port.

[0052] The developing cartridge 1 has an agitator (not shown) located in the receiving chamber 13 of the housing 10. The agitator has blades. An agitator gear 33 of the gear section 30 is mounted at the end of the agitator in a first direction. Specifically, the agitator gear 33 is fixed to the end of the agitator in the first direction. When the agitator gear 33 rotates, the agitator rotates about an agitator shaft extending in the first direction. Then, the developer in the receiving chamber 13 is stirred by the rotation of the blades.

[0053] Additionally, the housing 10 has a first through hole 15, a groove 16, and a second through hole 17. The first through hole 15, groove 16, and second through hole 17 are located on the outer surface of the housing 10. The first through hole 15 is located at one end of the housing 10 in a first direction. The first through hole 15 penetrates a portion of the housing 10 along the first direction. The second through hole 17 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The second through hole 17 penetrates a portion of the housing 10 along the first direction. The groove 16 is located between the first through hole 15 and the second through hole 17. The groove 16 extends along the first direction on the outer surface of the housing 10.

[0054] The developing roller 20 is a roller capable of rotating about a developing axis extending in a first direction. The developing roller 20 is located at the opening 14 of the housing 10, that is, at one end of the housing 10 in a second direction. The developing roller 20 has a developing roller body 21 and a developing roller shaft 22. The developing roller body 21 is a cylindrical component extending in the first direction. The material of the developing roller body 21 is, for example, elastic rubber. The developing roller shaft 22 is a cylindrical component that passes through the developing roller body 21 and extends in the first direction. The developing roller body 21 is mounted relative to the developing roller shaft 22. Specifically, the developing roller body 21 is fixed relative to the developing roller shaft 22. The material of the developing roller shaft 22 is metal or a conductive resin.

[0055] The developing cartridge 1 has a first bearing 61 and a second bearing 62. The first bearing 61 is mounted on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Specifically, the first bearing 61 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The second bearing 62 is mounted on the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. Specifically, the second bearing 62 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. One end of the developing roller shaft 22 in a first direction is inserted into the first bearing 61. Thus, one end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction is supported so as to be rotatable about a developing axis extending in the first direction. The other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction is inserted into the second bearing 62. Thus, the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction is supported so as to be rotatable about a developing axis extending in the first direction.

[0056] Furthermore, the developing roller gear 34 of the gear unit 30 is mounted at the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction. Specifically, the developing roller gear 34 of the gear unit 30 is fixed to the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 34 rotates, the developing roller shaft 22 also rotates, and the developing roller body 21 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 22.

[0057] Alternatively, the developing roller shaft 22 may not extend through the developing roller body 21 in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 22 may extend from both ends of the developing roller body 21 in the first direction.

[0058] Additionally, the developing cartridge 1 has a supply roller 23. The supply roller 23 is located between the developing roller 20 and the agitator. The outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the supply roller 23 are in contact with each other. The developer from the receiving chamber 13 of the housing 10 is supplied to the developing roller 20 via the supply roller 23. Then, the developer from the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 92 of the drum unit 2. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller 20 to the photosensitive drum 92 according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Thus, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.

[0059] The gear section 30 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The gear section 30 includes a gear cover 31, a coupler 32, and a plurality of gears. The gear cover 31 is mounted on the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. Specifically, the gear cover 31 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The plurality of gears includes the aforementioned agitator gear 33 and developing roller gear 34. At least a portion of the plurality of gears is located in a first direction between the second outer surface 12 and the gear cover 31.

[0060] Coupler 32 protrudes from gear cover 31. When the developing cartridge 1, which is mounted on drum unit 2, is installed into image forming apparatus 100, the drive shaft of image forming apparatus 100 is connected to coupler 32. Then, rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to stirrer gear 33 and developing roller gear 34 via coupler 32.

[0061] Furthermore, the multiple gears in the gear section 30 can be gears that transmit rotational force through tooth meshing, or gears that transmit rotational force through friction. In this case, the outer circumferential surface of each gear can be made of rubber.

[0062] The gear cover 31 has a third through hole 36 and a stop surface 37. The third through hole 36 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in a first direction. The third through hole 36 is located between the second through hole 17 described above and the second cam 54 described later in the first direction. The stop surface 37 is opposite to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction. In addition, the stop surface 37 is opposite to the stop protrusion 543 of the second cam 54 described later in the first direction.

[0063] The memory assembly 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The memory assembly 40 has a memory 41 as a storage medium and a holder 42 for holding the memory 41. The memory 41 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 41 is located on the outer surface of the holder 42.

[0064] The memory 41 is capable of storing various information related to the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the memory 41 stores at least one of the following: the cumulative number of printed sheets using the developing roller 20, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 20, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed. This information indicates the lifespan of the developing cartridge 1. Additionally, the memory 41 may also store information such as the manufacturing number of the developing cartridge 1 and the applicable machine model. The memory 41 has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface is made of metal, which is a conductor.

[0065] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 has a retainer cover 19. The retainer cover 19 is mounted on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. More specifically, the retainer cover 19 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. A retainer 42 is mounted on the retainer cover 19. The retainer 42 is movable relative to the housing 10 and the retainer cover 19 in a second direction.

[0066] After the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100 in the state of being mounted on the drum unit 2, the developing cartridge 1 can be separated from the drum unit 2 by supplying a driving force from the image forming apparatus 100 to the developing cartridge 1. The separation action is the movement of the developing cartridge 1 relative to the drum unit 2 from a contact state where the developing roller 20 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 92 to a separation state where the developing roller 20 is separated from the photosensitive drum 92. For example, when performing monochrome printing in the image forming apparatus 100, the developing cartridges 1 for cyan, magenta, and yellow (excluding black) are separated. However, it is also possible for the black developing cartridge 1 to be separated.

[0067] The separation unit 50 is a mechanism for switching the developing cartridge 1 between the contact state and the separation state described above. For example... Figures 3-5 As shown, the separation unit 50 has a shaft 51, a first cam 52, a first retaining ring 53, a second cam 54, a second retaining ring 55, and a spring 56.

[0068] The shaft 51 is located on the outer surface of the housing 10. The shaft 51 extends along a first shaft A1 extending in a first direction. Specifically, the shaft 51 extends along a groove 16 in the housing 10 in the first direction. Additionally, the shaft 51 is inserted into a first through hole 15, a second through hole 17, and a third through hole 36. The shaft 51 is, for example, cylindrical. However, the shaft 51 can also be prismatic. The shaft 51 has one end 511 and another end 512. One end 511 is located at one end of the shaft 51 in the first direction. The other end 512 is located at the other end of the shaft 51 in the first direction. The shaft 51 is made of a metal, such as iron.

[0069] A first cam 52 is mounted on one end 511 of a shaft 51. Specifically, the first cam 52 has a first hole 521. The first hole 521 extends from the surface of the first cam 52 opposite to the second cam 54 in a first direction away from the second cam 54. One end 511 of the shaft 51 is inserted into the first hole 521. The first cam 52 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The material of the first cam 52 is, for example, resin.

[0070] The first cam 52 has a first inclined surface 522. The first inclined surface 522 is located on a portion of the circumferential surface of the first cam 52 centered on the first shaft A1. The first inclined surface 522 is inclined relative to a first direction. The first inclined surface 522 moves away from the second cam 54 in the first direction and away from the developing roller 20 in a second direction. That is, the first inclined surface 522 moves towards the shaft 51 radially relative to the first shaft A1 as it moves away from the other end 512 of the shaft 51 in the first direction.

[0071] The first retaining ring 53 is a part used to prevent the first cam 52 from disengaging from one end 511 of the shaft body 51. The first retaining ring 53 is a generally C-shaped plate. The shaft body 51 has an annular first groove 513 on the outer circumferential surface of one end 511 of the shaft body 51 (see reference). Figure 8 A first retaining ring 53 is mounted in the first groove 513. With the first cam 52 and the first retaining ring 53 mounted on the shaft 51, the first retaining ring 53 is located between one end of the first cam 52 in a first direction and the other end of the first cam 52 in a first direction. That is, the other end of the first cam 52 in a first direction is located closer to the other end 512 of the shaft 51 in the first direction than the first retaining ring 53 mounted in the first groove 513 of the shaft 51. Furthermore, the other end of the first cam 52 and the first retaining ring 53 are opposite each other in the first direction. This prevents the first cam 52 from disengaging from one end 511 of the shaft 51 along the first direction.

[0072] The second cam 54 is mounted on the other end 512 of the shaft 51. Specifically, the second cam 54 has a second hole 541. The second hole 541 extends from the surface of the second cam 54 opposite to the first cam 52 in a first direction away from the first cam 52. The other end 512 of the shaft 51 is inserted into the second hole 541. The second cam 54 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The second cam 54 is located closer to the other end 512 of the shaft 51 than the third through hole 36 of the gear cover 31. The material of the second cam 54 is, for example, resin.

[0073] The second cam 54 has a second inclined surface 542. The second inclined surface 542 is located on a portion of the circumferential surface of the second cam 54 centered on the first axis A1. The second inclined surface 542 is inclined relative to the first direction. The second inclined surface 542 moves away from the developing roller 20 in the second direction as it approaches the first cam 52 in the first direction. That is, the second inclined surface 542 approaches the shaft 51 radially relative to the first axis A1 as it approaches one end 511 of the shaft 51 in the first direction.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the second cam 54 has a stop protrusion 543. The stop protrusion 543 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the second cam 54 toward the shaft 51. The stop protrusion 543 and the stop surface 37 of the gear cover 31 are opposite each other in a first direction. In addition, the stop protrusion 543 and the stop surface 37 can contact each other in the first direction. This prevents the second cam 54 from disengaging from the other end 512 of the shaft 51 along the first direction.

[0075] The second retaining ring 55 is a component used to receive the pushing force of the spring 56. The second retaining ring 55 is located between the spring 56 and the second cam 54 in a first direction. The second retaining ring 55 is a generally C-shaped plate. The shaft 51 has an annular second groove 514 on the outer circumferential surface of its other end 512. The second retaining ring 55 is mounted in the second groove 514.

[0076] The shaft 51 is movable relative to the housing 10 in a first direction between a first position and a second position. The first cam 52, the first retaining ring 53, the second cam 54, and the second retaining ring 55 are movable relative to the housing 10 in the first direction together with the shaft 51. The first cam 52, when the shaft 51 is in the first position, is closer to the housing 10 in the first direction than the first cam 52, when the shaft 51 is in the second position. The second cam 54, when the shaft 51 is in the first position, is farther from the housing 10 in the first direction than the second cam 54, when the shaft 51 is in the second position. That is, the movement from the first position to the second position is a movement from the second cam 54 toward the first cam 52. The movement from the second position to the first position is a movement from the first cam 52 toward the second cam 54.

[0077] Spring 56 is an elastic component capable of stretching and contracting in a first direction. Spring 56 is mounted on the other end 512 of shaft 51. Spring 56 is located in the first direction between the second outer surface 12 of housing 10 and the second cam 54. More specifically, spring 56 is located in the first direction between the second outer surface 12 of housing 10 and the third through hole 36 of gear cover 31. One end of spring 56 in the first direction contacts the second outer surface 12 of housing 10. The other end of spring 56 in the first direction contacts the second retaining ring 55. Spring 56 in this embodiment is a helical spring. The other end 512 of shaft 51 is inserted into the inside of spring 56.

[0078] Spring 56 is capable of extending and retracting along a first direction between a first state and a second state. With shaft 51 in the first position, spring 56 is in the first state. With shaft 51 in the second position, spring 56 is in the second state. The length of spring 56 in the first direction in the first state is longer than the length of spring 56 in the first direction in the second state. Furthermore, with gear cover 31 and shaft 51 mounted on housing 10, and second cam 54, second retaining ring 55, and spring 56 mounted on shaft 51, spring 56 is compressed relative to its natural length in the first direction. Therefore, utilizing the rebound force of spring 56, shaft 51 is forced from the second position toward the first position.

[0079] <3. Regarding the separation action>

[0080] When the image forming apparatus 100 is performing a separation operation, a lever (not shown) protrudes from the main frame 101 toward the second cam 54 of the developing cartridge 1. As a result, the second cam 54 is pushed by the lever. The second cam 54 is pushed in a first direction toward the first cam 52. This causes the spring 56 to contract from a first state to a second state, and the shaft 51 to move from a first position to a second position.

[0081] At this time, the first inclined surface 522 of the first cam 52 contacts a portion of the drum frame 91 while moving along the first direction. Thus, the first cam 52 moves relative to the drum frame 91 in the second direction toward the direction away from the photosensitive drum 92. Similarly, the second inclined surface 542 of the second cam 54 contacts another portion of the drum frame 91 while moving along the first direction. Thus, the second cam 54 moves relative to the drum frame 91 in the second direction toward the direction away from the photosensitive drum 92.

[0082] The housing 10 and the developing roller 20, together with the shaft 51, the first cam 52 and the second cam 54, move in a second direction relative to the drum frame 91 toward the direction away from the photosensitive drum 92. As a result, the position of the developing cartridge 1 changes from a contact position where the developing roller 20 contacts the photosensitive drum 92 to a separation position where the developing roller 20 leaves the photosensitive drum 92.

[0083] <4. Assembly of the developing cartridge>

[0084] Next, the sequence of assembling the aforementioned developing cartridge 1 will be explained. The assembly of the developing cartridge 1 is performed during the manufacturing of the developing cartridge 1 or during the recycling of the developing cartridge 1. The recycling of the developing cartridge 1 involves inspecting the used developing cartridge 1, replacing the parts of the developing cartridge 1 as needed, and refilling the receiving chamber 13 of the developing cartridge 1 with developer to make the developing cartridge 1 reusable. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the recycling sequence as an example of the assembly of developer cartridge 1.

[0085] In the case of recycling, as an example of assembling the developer cartridge 1, the operator first removes the retainer cover 19 and the memory assembly 40 from the housing 10 (step S1). Then, the operator removes the memory 41 from the retainer 42 and installs a new memory 41 into the retainer 42. Next, the operator removes the cover 18 from the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 (step S2). Then, the operator draws the developer remaining in the receiving chamber 13 of the housing 10 to the outside of the housing 10 through the supply port (step S3).

[0086] Next, the operator removes the gear cover 31 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. Specifically, the operator removes the bolts securing the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 and the gear cover 31 from the housing 10 and the gear cover 31. Simultaneously, while removing the gear cover 31 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10, the operator removes the second cam 54 from the other end 512 of the shaft 51 and pulls the other end 512 of the shaft 51 out through the third through hole 36 of the gear cover 31 (step S4). Furthermore, the operator removes multiple gears from the gear section 30 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 (step S5).

[0087] Next, the operator determines whether the first cam 52 needs to be replaced (step S6). If the operator determines that the first cam 52 needs to be replaced (step S6: yes), the operator performs the replacement operation of the first cam 52 (step S7).

[0088] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of replacing the first cam 52. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when replacing the first cam 52, the operator first removes the shaft 51 with the first cam 52 installed from the housing 10 (step S71). Specifically, the operator moves the shaft 51 with the first cam 52 installed in a direction from the other end 512 of the shaft 51 toward one end 511 of the shaft 51. As a result, the operator pulls the shaft 51 out of the second through hole 17, the slot 16, and the first through hole 15 of the housing 10.

[0089] Next, the operator removes the first retaining ring 53 from one end 511 of the shaft 51. Then, the operator pulls one end 511 of the shaft 51 out of the first hole 521 of the first cam 52. Thus, the operator removes the used first cam 52 from the shaft 51 (step S72).

[0090] Next, the operator prepares a new first cam 52. Then, the operator holds the new first cam 52 in the retainer 71 (step S73). Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the state in which the first cam 52 is held in place by the retainer 71. (See diagram for example.) Figure 8 As shown, the retainer 71 has a first recess 711 capable of holding the first cam 52. The operator inserts the first cam 52 into the first recess 711. The outer surface of the first cam 52 contacts the inner surface of the retainer 71. Thus, movement of the first cam 52 relative to the retainer 71 is suppressed.

[0091] In this state, the operator inserts one end 511 of the shaft 51 into the first hole 521 of the first cam 52 (step S74). At this time, the movement of the first cam 52 is suppressed by the retaining member 71. Therefore, one end 511 of the shaft 51 can be easily inserted into the first hole 521 of the first cam 52.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the first cam 52 has a slit 523. The slit 523 is a through hole extending radially outward from the first hole 521 of the first cam 52 toward the shaft body 51. After step S74, with the first cam 52 and the shaft body 51 held by the retainer 71, the operator installs the first retaining ring 53 into the first groove 513 of one end 511 of the shaft body 51 via the slit 523 (step S75).

[0093] Figure 9 This diagram shows the state after step S75 is completed. In step S75, the movement of the first cam 52 and the shaft 51 is inhibited by the retaining member 71. Therefore, one end 511 of the shaft 51 is inhibited from disengaging from the first hole 521 of the first cam 52. Therefore, the operator can easily install the first retaining ring 53 into the first groove 513 of the shaft 51.

[0094] Then, the operator inserts the shaft 51 with the first cam 52 installed into the first through hole 15, the slot 16 and the second through hole 17 of the housing 10 (step S76). Thus, the shaft 51 with the first cam installed is installed into the housing 10.

[0095] Next, the operator holds the housing 10 in the clamp 72 (step S77). Figure 10 and Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the state in which the housing 10 is held in the clamp 72. (See diagram below.) Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the clamp 72 has a second recess 721 capable of holding the housing 10 and a third recess 722 capable of holding the other end 512 of the shaft 51. The operator inserts the housing 10 into the second recess 721 and inserts the other end 512 of the shaft 51 into the third recess 722. Thus, movement of the housing 10 and the shaft 51 relative to the clamp 72 is suppressed. Additionally, the first cam 52 contacts the inner surface 723 of the second recess 721 of the clamp 72.

[0096] In this state, the operator slightly lifts the other end 512 of the shaft 51 from the third recess 722 of the clamp 72 and installs the spring 56 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51 (step S78).

[0097] At this time, the inner surface 723 of the clamp 72 contacts the first cam 52 in a first direction. More specifically, the inner surface 723 of the clamp 72 contacts the first cam 52 in a direction from one end 511 of the shaft 51 toward the other end 512. Thus, the shaft 51 is positioned in a first position. The inner surface 723 of the clamp 72 prevents the shaft 51 from moving from the first position to a second position. Therefore, the operator can easily install the spring 56 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51.

[0098] Furthermore, when the shaft 51 is in the first position, the length of the shaft 51 protruding from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction is longer than the length of the shaft 51 protruding from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction when the shaft 51 is in the second position. Therefore, it is easier to install the spring 56 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51.

[0099] Next, while keeping the housing 10 in the clamp 72, the operator installs the second retaining ring 55 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51 (step S79). Specifically, while keeping the other end 512 of the shaft 51 inserted into the second recess 721 of the clamp 72, the operator installs the second retaining ring 55 into the second groove 514 of the shaft 51.

[0100] At this time, the inner surface 723 of the clamp 72 contacts the first cam 52 in a first direction. More specifically, the inner surface 723 of the clamp 72 contacts the first cam 52 in a direction from one end 511 of the shaft 51 toward the other end 512 of the shaft 51. Thus, the shaft 51 is positioned in a first position. The inner surface 723 of the clamp 72 prevents the shaft 51 from moving from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the operator can easily install the second retaining ring 55 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51.

[0101] Furthermore, when the shaft 51 is in the first position, the length of the shaft 51 protruding from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction is longer than the length of the shaft 51 protruding from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction when the shaft 51 is in the second position. Therefore, the second retaining ring 55 can be more easily installed to the other end 512 of the shaft 51.

[0102] Return to Figure 6 If, in step S6, the operator determines that the first cam 52 does not need to be replaced (step S6: No), or if the operation in step S7 has ended, the operator then determines whether the developing roller 20 needs to be replaced (step S8). If the operator determines that the developing roller 20 needs to be replaced (step S8: Yes), the operator performs the replacement operation for the developing roller 20 (step S9).

[0103] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of changing the developing roller 20. For example... Figure 12 As shown, when replacing the developing roller 20, the operator first removes the first bearing 61 and the second bearing 62 from the housing 10 (step S91). Specifically, the operator removes the first bearing 61 from the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 and pulls one end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction from the first bearing 61. Additionally, the operator removes the second bearing 62 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 and pulls the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction from the second bearing 62.

[0104] Next, the operator replaces the used developing roller 20 with a new developing roller 20 (step S92). Specifically, the operator removes the used developing roller 20 from the opening 14 of the housing 10 and installs the new developing roller 20 into the opening 14 of the housing 10.

[0105] Next, the operator installs the first bearing 61 and the second bearing 62 onto the housing 10 (step S93). Specifically, the operator inserts one end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction into the first bearing 61 and installs the first bearing 61 onto the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. More specifically, the operator inserts one end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction into the first bearing 61 and fixes the first bearing 61 to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Additionally, the operator inserts the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction into the second bearing 62 and installs the second bearing 62 onto the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. More specifically, the operator inserts the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction into the second bearing 62 and fixes the second bearing 62 to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10.

[0106] Return to Figure 6 If the operator determines in step S8 that the developing roller 20 does not need to be replaced (step S8: No), or if the operation in step S9 is completed, the operator then installs the plurality of gears of the gear unit 30 onto the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 (step S10).

[0107] Next, the operator installs the second cam 54 onto the other end 512 of the shaft 51 and installs the gear cover 31 onto the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 (step S11). Specifically, the operator inserts the other end 512 of the shaft 51, which is installed on the housing 10, into the third through hole 36 of the gear cover 31. Then, the operator inserts the other end 512 of the shaft 51 into the second hole 541 of the second cam 54. Then, the operator positions the stop protrusion 543 of the second cam 54 so that it is opposite to the stop surface 37 of the gear cover 31 in the first direction. Then, the operator secures the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 to the gear cover 31 with bolts.

[0108] The operator may also install the second cam 54, which was removed from the shaft 51 in step S4, onto the shaft 51 in step S11. Alternatively, if it is determined that the second cam 54 needs to be replaced, the operator may discard the second cam 54 removed from the shaft 51 in step S4 and install a new second cam 54 onto the shaft 51 in step S11.

[0109] Next, the operator fills the receiving chamber 13 inside the housing 10 with new developer through the supply port of the housing 10 (step S12). After the developer filling of the receiving chamber 13 is completed, the operator installs the cover 18 onto the supply port of the housing 10 (step S13). Then, the operator installs the retainer cover 19 and the memory assembly 40 onto the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 (step S14).

[0110] <5. Variations>

[0111] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0112] The operator may also replace the shaft 51 during the assembly of the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the operator may also replace the shaft 51 during the recycling of the developing cartridge 1. If it is determined that the shaft 51 needs to be replaced, the operator may discard the shaft 51 removed from the first cam 52 in step S72 and install a new shaft 51 onto the first cam 52 in step S74.

[0113] Alternatively, the operator can replace the gears of the gear section 30 during the assembly of the developing cartridge 1. More specifically, the operator can also replace the gears of the gear section 30 during the recycling of the developing cartridge 1. If the operator determines that a gear replacement is necessary, the gear removed from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in step S5 is discarded, and a new gear is installed onto the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in step S10.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the recycling of the developing cartridge 1 was described. The recycling of the developing cartridge 1 includes an assembly method that disassembles and reassembles a portion of the developing cartridge 1's parts. However, the developing cartridge 1 can also be assembled during its manufacture using the same method as the assembly method included in the recycling process described above.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a helical spring is used as the elastic component. However, other types of springs, such as leaf springs or torsion springs, can be used instead of helical springs. Additionally, other types of elastic components, such as rubber or sponge, can be used instead of springs.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drum unit 2 is a drawer capable of housing four developer cartridges 1. However, the drum unit can also be a drum housing capable of housing one developer cartridge.

[0117] Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined within a range that does not produce contradictions.

[0118] Symbol Explanation

[0119] 1. Developing box

[0120] 2 Drum Units

[0121] 10 housing

[0122] 15 First Through Hole

[0123] 16 slots

[0124] 17 Second Through Hole

[0125] 20 developing rollers

[0126] 30 Gear Section

[0127] 31 Gear Cover

[0128] 36 Third Through Hole

[0129] 40 memory components

[0130] 50 separation units

[0131] 51-axis body

[0132] 52 First Cam

[0133] 53 First lap

[0134] 54 Second Cam

[0135] 55 Second Gear

[0136] 56 springs

[0137] 61 First Bearing

[0138] 62 Second Bearing

[0139] 71 retainer

[0140] 72 clamps

[0141] 91 drum frame

[0142] 92 photosensitive drum

[0143] 100 Image Forming Apparatus

Claims

1. A method for assembling a developer cartridge, characterized in that, The developing cartridge has: A housing capable of containing developer and having a through hole extending in a first direction; A shaft that extends along the first direction through the through hole and is movable relative to the housing in the first direction; A first cam is located at one end of the shaft in the first direction and is movable relative to the housing in the first direction together with the shaft; A second cam is located at the other end of the shaft in the first direction and is movable relative to the housing in the first direction together with the shaft; as well as An elastic member is mounted at the other end of the shaft and located between the housing and the second cam, and is capable of extending and retracting along the first direction. The assembly method includes: Step a) is to install the first cam onto one end of the shaft; Step b), after step a), insert the shaft with the first cam installed into the through hole; as well as Step c), after step b), with the clamp in contact with the first cam in the first direction from one end of the shaft toward the other end, the elastic member is installed to the other end of the shaft.

2. The assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cam has a first hole for insertion into one end of the shaft. The developing cartridge also has a first retaining ring, which is mounted on one end of the shaft to prevent the first cam from disengaging from that end of the shaft. The process a) includes: Step a-1), inserting one end of the shaft into the first hole; and Step a-2): After step a-1), with the first cam and the shaft held in place by a retainer, the first retaining ring is installed to one end of the shaft.

3. The assembly method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also has a second retaining ring, which is mounted on the other end of the shaft. The assembly method further includes step d): after step c), with the clamp in contact with the first cam in the first direction, the second retaining ring is installed to the other end of the shaft.

4. The assembly method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second retaining ring is located between the elastic member and the second cam in the first direction. The assembly method further includes step e): after step d), the second cam is installed to the other end of the shaft.

5. The assembly method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing has a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the first outer surface being configured for the first cam and the second outer surface being configured for the second cam. The developing cartridge also has a gear cover, which is fixed to the second outer surface. The gear cover has a stop surface opposite to the second cam in the first direction. In step e), the second cam is mounted to the other end of the shaft, and the gear cover is mounted to the second outer surface of the housing.

6. The assembly method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The developing cartridge also features: A developing roller that extends along the first direction; A first bearing, fixed to the first outer surface of the housing, and supporting one end of the developing roller in the first direction; and A second bearing, fixed to the second outer surface of the housing, supports the other end of the developing roller in the first direction. The assembly method further includes the following steps: after steps a) to d) and before step e), the first bearing, the second bearing, and the developing roller are installed into the housing.

7. The assembly method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The shaft is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position in the first direction. When the shaft is in the first position, the first cam is closer to the housing compared to when the shaft is in the second position. In step c), with the shaft in the first position by means of the clamp, the elastic member is installed to the other end of the shaft.

8. The assembly method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The elastic component is a spring.

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