How to assemble a developing cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows easy attachment of an elastic member to a shaft movable with respect to a housing.SOLUTION: First, a first cam 52 is attached to one end of a shaft 51. Next, the shaft 51 attached with the first cam 52 is inserted into through holes 15, 16 of a housing 10. Subsequently, a jig is brought into contact with the first cam 52 in a first direction from one end 511 toward the other end 512 of the shaft 51. In this state, an elastic member 56 is attached to the other end 512 of the shaft 51. Bringing the jig into contact with the first cam 52 allows positioning of the shaft 51 in the first direction. Thus, the elastic member 56 can be easily attached to the other end 512 of the shaft 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a developer cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying developer. A conventional image forming apparatus is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus in Patent Document 1 has a drawer. The drawer has a photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge is attached to the drawer. When the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller come into contact with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-179128 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 performs a separation operation to temporarily separate the developer cartridge from the photosensitive drum. The developer cartridge has a shaft, a first cam, a second cam, and an elastic member for the separation operation. The first cam is attached to one end of the shaft. The second cam and the elastic member are attached to the other end of the shaft. The shaft is movable relative to the housing of the developer cartridge.

[0005] When manufacturing or recycling a developer cartridge, it is considered to attach an elastic member to the other end of the shaft after attaching the shaft to the housing. However, when attaching the elastic member to the other end of the shaft, since the shaft is movable relative to the housing of the developer cartridge, there is a risk that the shaft will move relative to the housing. This poses a problem that it is difficult to attach the elastic member to the other end of the shaft.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that allows an elastic member to be easily attached to a shaft that is movable relative to a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first disclosure of the present application is a method for assembling a developing cartridge, the developing cartridge including a housing capable of accommodating a developer, the housing having a through hole extending in a first direction, a shaft extending in the first direction through the through hole, the shaft being movable in the first direction relative to the housing, a first cam located at one end of the shaft in the first direction and movable together with the shaft in the first direction relative to the housing, a second cam located at the other end of the shaft in the first direction and movable together with the shaft in the first direction relative to the housing, the housing has an elastic member attached to the other end, the elastic member being located between the housing and the second cam and being expandable and contractible in the first direction, and the assembly method includes: a) a step of attaching the first cam to the one end of the shaft; b) after step a), inserting the shaft with the first cam attached into the through hole; and c) after step b), attaching the elastic member to the other end of the shaft with a jig in contact with the first cam in the first direction from the one end of the shaft to the other end.

[0008] A second disclosure of the present application is an assembly method of the first disclosure, wherein the first cam has a first hole into which the one end of the shaft is inserted, and the developing cartridge further has a first retaining ring attached to the one end of the shaft, the first retaining ring preventing the first cam from coming off the one end of the first shaft, and the step a) includes: a-1) a step of inserting the one end of the shaft into the first hole; and a-2) after the step a-1), a step of attaching the first retaining ring to the one end of the shaft while the first cam and the first shaft are held by a holder.

[0009] A third disclosure of the present application is an assembly method according to the first or second disclosure, wherein the developing cartridge further has a second retaining ring attached to the other end of the shaft, and the assembly method further includes the step of d) after step c), attaching the second retaining ring to the other end of the shaft while the jig is in contact with the first cam in the first direction.

[0010] A fourth disclosure of the present application is the assembly method of the third disclosure, wherein the second retaining ring is positioned between the elastic member and the second cam in the first direction, and the assembly method further includes e) a step of attaching the second cam to the other end of the shaft after step d).

[0011] A fifth disclosure of the present application is an assembly method according to the fourth disclosure, wherein the housing has a first outer surface on which the first cam is arranged and a second outer surface on which the second cam is arranged, the developing cartridge further has a gear cover fixed to the second outer surface, the gear cover has a stopper surface facing the second cam in the first direction, and step e) is characterized in that the second cam is attached to the other end of the shaft and the gear cover is attached to the second outer surface of the housing.

[0012] A sixth disclosure of the present application is an assembly method of the fifth disclosure, wherein the developing cartridge further has a developing roller extending in 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, and the assembly method is characterized in that it further includes a step of attaching the first bearing, the second bearing, and the developing roller to the housing after steps a) to d) and before step e).

[0013] A seventh disclosure of the present application is an assembly method according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, wherein the shaft is movable relative to the housing in the first direction between a first position and a second position, and when the shaft is in the first position, the first cam is closer to the housing than when the shaft is in the second position, and step c) is characterized in that the elastic member is attached to the other end of the shaft while the shaft is positioned at the first position by the jig.

[0014] An eighth disclosure of the present application is the assembly method according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, characterized in that the elastic member is a spring. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the first to eighth disclosures of the present application, the shaft can be positioned in the first direction by bringing the jig into contact with the first cam, which makes it possible to easily attach the elastic member to the other end of the shaft.

[0016] According to the second disclosure of the present application, the retainer can prevent the first cam and the first shaft from moving, which makes it easy to attach the first retaining ring to the shaft.

[0017] According to the third disclosure of the present application, the shaft can be positioned in the first direction by bringing a jig into contact with the first cam, which makes it easy to attach the second retaining ring to the other end of the shaft.

[0018] Also, according to the fifth disclosure of the present application, the stopper surface of the gear cover can prevent the second cam from coming off the other end of the shaft.

[0019] According to the seventh disclosure of the present 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 is longer than when the shaft is in the second position, which makes it easier to attach the elastic member to the shaft. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum unit and one developing cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for assembling the developing cartridge. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for replacing a first cam. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the first cam is held by a holder. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the first cam and the retaining ring have been completely attached to the shaft. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the housing is held by a jig. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the housing is held by a jig. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for replacing a developing roller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In the following description, the direction in which the shaft extends is referred to as the "first direction." The direction in which one end of the housing where the developing roller is located is aligned with the other end of the housing is referred to as the "second direction." The first and second directions intersect (preferably perpendicular to) each other.

[0023] <1. Configuration of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. This image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Examples of the image forming apparatus 100 include a laser printer and an LED printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has a main body frame 101, a control unit 102, a drum unit 2, and four developing cartridges 1.

[0024] 2 is a perspective view of the drum unit 2 and one developing cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drum unit 2 has a drum frame 91 and four photosensitive drums 92. The four developing cartridges 1 are attached to the drum frame 91. That is, the drum unit 2 of this embodiment is a drawer in which the four developing cartridges 1 can be attached. The drum unit 2 in which the four developing cartridges 1 are attached can be attached to a main body frame 101 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0025] The four developer cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The developers are, for example, toner. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the surface of a print sheet with the developers supplied from the developer cartridges 1. However, the number of developer cartridges 1 mounted in the drum unit 2 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0026] 1, each of the four developer cartridges 1 has a memory 41. The memory 41 is a storage medium from which information can be read and written. The memory 41 is, for example, an IC chip. When the drum unit 2 to which the four developer cartridges 1 are attached is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the memory 41 of each developer cartridge 1 is electrically connected to the control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0027] The control unit 102 has a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 102 executes the print process in the image forming apparatus 100 by the processor operating according to a program. The control unit 102 can also read information from the memory 41 and write information to the memory 41.

[0028] <2. About the developing cartridge> Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the developing cartridge 1. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, a gear portion 30, a memory assembly 40, and a separating unit 50.

[0029] The housing 10 is capable of containing a 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 the 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 spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The housing 10 extends in the first direction between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12, and also extends in the second direction.

[0030] A storage chamber 13 is provided inside the housing 10. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 13. The housing 10 also has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the second direction. The external space of the housing 10 and the storage chamber 13 communicate with each other via the opening 14.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 5, the housing 10 has a cap 18 on the first outer surface 11. The cap 18 is attached to a supply port located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The cap 18 closes the supply port. When supplying developer to the housing 10, the cap 18 is removed from the first outer surface 11. Then, the developer is supplied to the containing chamber 13 through the supply port.

[0032] The developing cartridge 1 has an agitator (not shown) located in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10. The agitator has a blade. The agitator gear 33 of the gear portion 30 is attached to an end of the agitator in the first direction. More specifically, the agitator gear 33 is fixed to an 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. The rotation of the blade agitates the developer in the storage chamber 13.

[0033] The housing 10 also has a first through hole 15, a groove 16, and a second through hole 17. The first through hole 15, the groove 16, and the 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 the first direction. The first through hole 15 penetrates a portion of the housing 10 in 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 in the first direction. The groove 16 is located between the first through hole 15 and the second through hole 17. The groove 16 extends in the first direction on the outer surface of the housing 10.

[0034] The developing roller 20 is a roller that can rotate about a development axis that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 20 is located in the opening 14 of the housing 10. That is, the developing roller 20 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the second direction. The developing roller 20 has a developing roller main body 21 and a developing roller shaft 22. The developing roller main body 21 is a cylindrical member that extends in the first direction. For example, rubber having elasticity is used as the material of the developing roller main body 21. The developing roller shaft 22 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller main body 21 and extends in the first direction. The developing roller main body 21 is attached to the developing roller shaft 22. More specifically, the developing roller main body 21 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 22. For the material of the developing roller shaft 22, a metal or a resin having electrical conductivity is used.

[0035] The developing cartridge 1 has a first bearing 61 and a second bearing 62. The first bearing 61 is attached to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. More specifically, the first bearing 61 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The second bearing 62 is attached to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. More 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 the first direction is inserted into the first bearing 61. As a result, one end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction is rotatably supported with respect to the developing shaft 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. As a result, the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction is rotatably supported with respect to the developing shaft extending in the first direction.

[0036] Further, the developing roller gear 34 of the gear portion 30 is attached to the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction. More specifically, the developing roller gear 34 of the gear portion 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 main body 21 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 22.

[0037] The developing roller shaft 22 does not have to penetrate the developing roller body 21 in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 22 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller body 21 in the first direction.

[0038] The developing cartridge 1 also 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 in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10 is supplied to the developing roller 20 via the supply roller 23. Then, the developer on 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. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.

[0039] The gear unit 30 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The gear unit 30 has a gear cover 31, a coupling 32, and a plurality of gears. The gear cover 31 is attached to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. More specifically, the gear cover 31 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The plurality of gears include the above-mentioned agitator gear 33 and developing roller gear 34. At least a portion of the plurality of gears is located between the second outer surface 12 and the gear cover 31 in the first direction.

[0040] The coupling 32 is exposed from the gear cover 31. When the developing cartridge 1 attached to the drum unit 2 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the coupling 32. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the agitator gear 33 and the developing roller gear 34 via the coupling 32.

[0041] The gears of the gear unit 30 may transmit a rotational force by meshing teeth or by friction. In this case, the outer circumferential surface of each gear may be made of rubber.

[0042] The gear cover 31 has a third through hole 36 and a stopper surface 37. The third through hole 36 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The third through hole 36 is located between the above-mentioned second through hole 17 and a second cam 54 described later in the first direction. The stopper surface 37 faces the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction. In addition, the stopper surface 37 faces a stopper protrusion 543 of the second cam 54 described later in the first direction.

[0043] The memory assembly 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The memory assembly 40 has a memory 41 which is a storage medium, and a holder 42 which holds 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.

[0044] The memory 41 can store various information related to the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the memory 41 stores at least one of the cumulative number of prints using the developing roller 20, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 20, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed. These pieces of information represent the lifespan of the developing cartridge 1. The memory 41 may also store information such as the serial number of the developing cartridge 1 and compatible models. The memory 41 has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface is made of metal, which is a conductor.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the developing cartridge 1 has a holder cover 19. The holder cover 19 is attached to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. More specifically, the holder cover 19 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The holder 42 is attached to the holder cover 19. The holder 42 is movable in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the holder cover 19.

[0046] After the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 while attached to the drum unit 2, a driving force is supplied from the image forming apparatus 100 to the developing cartridge 1, whereby the developing cartridge 1 can perform a separation operation with respect to the drum unit 2. The separation operation is an operation in which the developing cartridge 1 is moved with respect to the drum unit 2 from a contact state in which the developing roller 20 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 92 to a separation state in which the developing roller 20 is separated from the photosensitive drum 92. For example, when monochrome printing is performed in the image forming apparatus 100, the cyan, magenta, and yellow developing cartridges 1 other than black perform the separation operation. However, there may be cases in which only the black developing cartridge 1 performs the separation operation.

[0047] The spacing unit 50 is a mechanism for switching the developer cartridge 1 between the above-mentioned contact state and spacing state. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the spacing 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.

[0048] The shaft 51 is located on the outer surface of the housing 10. The shaft 51 extends along a first axis A1 extending in a first direction. Specifically, the shaft 51 extends in the first direction along the groove 16 of the housing 10. The shaft 51 is inserted into the first through hole 15, the second through hole 17, and the third through hole 36. The shaft 51 is, for example, cylindrical. However, the shaft 51 may be prismatic. The shaft 51 has one end 511 and the other end 512. The 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 material of the shaft 51 is, for example, a metal such as iron.

[0049] The first cam 52 is attached to one end 511 of the shaft 51. Specifically, the first cam 52 has a first hole 521. The first hole 521 extends in a first direction from a surface of the first cam 52 facing the second cam 54 toward a direction away from the second cam 54. The 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 first cam 52 is made of a material, for example, resin.

[0050] The first cam 52 has a first inclined surface 522. The first inclined surface 522 is located on a part of the circumferential surface of the first cam 52 centered on the first axis A1. The first inclined surface 522 is inclined with respect to the first direction. As the first inclined surface 522 moves away from the second cam 54 in the first direction, it moves away from the developing roller 20 in the second direction. That is, as the first inclined surface 522 moves away from the other end 512 of the shaft 51 in the first direction, it approaches the shaft 51 in the radial direction relative to the first axis A1.

[0051] The first retaining ring 53 is a component for preventing the first cam 52 from coming off the one end 511 of the shaft 51. The first retaining ring 53 is a substantially C-shaped plate. The shaft 51 has a first annular groove 513 (see FIG. 8) on the outer circumferential surface of the one end 511 of the shaft 51. The first retaining ring 53 is attached to the first groove 513. In a state in which the first cam 52 and the first retaining ring 53 are attached to the shaft 51, the first retaining ring 53 is located between the one end of the first cam 52 in the first direction and the other end of the first cam 52 in the first direction. That is, the other end of the first cam 52 in the first direction is located closer to the other end 512 of the shaft 51 in the first direction than the first retaining ring 53 attached to the first groove 513 of the shaft 51. The other end of the first cam 52 and the first retaining ring 53 face each other in the first direction. This prevents the first cam 52 from slipping off from the one end 511 of the shaft 51 in the first direction.

[0052] The second cam 54 is attached to the other end 512 of the shaft 51. Specifically, the second cam 54 has a second hole 541. The second hole 541 extends in the first direction from a surface of the second cam 54 facing the first cam 52 toward a 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, a resin.

[0053] The second cam 54 has a second inclined surface 542. The second inclined surface 542 is located on a part of the circumferential surface of the second cam 54 centered on the first axis A1. The second inclined surface 542 is inclined with respect to the first direction. As the second inclined surface 542 approaches the first cam 52 in the first direction, it moves away from the developing roller 20 in the second direction. That is, as the first inclined surface 522 approaches one end 511 of the shaft 51 in the first direction, it moves closer to the shaft 51 in the radial direction relative to the first axis A1.

[0054] 3, the second cam 54 has a stopper protrusion 543. The stopper protrusion 543 protrudes from the outer surface of the second cam 54 toward the outside in the radial direction of the shaft 51. The stopper protrusion 543 and the stopper surface 37 of the gear cover 31 face each other in the first direction. In addition, the stopper protrusion 543 and the stopper surface 37 can come into contact with each other in the first direction. This prevents the second cam 54 from slipping out of the other end 512 of the shaft 51 in the first direction.

[0055] The second retaining ring 55 is a component for receiving the pressing force of the spring 56. The second retaining ring 55 is located between the spring 56 and the second cam 54 in the first direction. The second retaining ring 55 is a substantially C-shaped plate. The shaft 51 has a second annular groove 514 on the outer circumferential surface of the other end 512 of the shaft 51. The second retaining ring 55 is attached to the second groove 514.

[0056] The shaft 51 is movable in the first direction between a first position and a second position relative to the housing 10. The first cam 52, the first retaining ring 53, the second cam 54, and the second retaining ring 55 are movable in the first direction relative to the housing 10 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 in a direction from the second cam 54 to the first cam 52. The movement from the second position to the first position is a movement in a direction from the first cam 52 to the second cam 54.

[0057] The spring 56 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the first direction. The spring 56 is attached to the other end 512 of the shaft 51. The spring 56 is located between the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 and the second cam 54 in the first direction. More specifically, the spring 56 is located between the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 and the third through hole 36 of the gear cover 31 in the first direction. One end of the spring 56 in the first direction contacts the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The other end of the spring 56 in the first direction contacts the second retaining ring 55. The spring 56 in this embodiment is a spiral coil spring. The other end 512 of the shaft 51 is inserted inside the spring 56.

[0058] The spring 56 can expand and contract in a first direction between a first state and a second state. When the shaft 51 is located at the first position, the spring 56 is in the first state. When the shaft 51 is located at the second position, the spring 56 is in the second state. The length of the spring 56 in the first direction in the first state is longer than the length of the spring 56 in the first direction in the second state. In addition, in a state in which the gear cover 31 and the shaft 51 are attached to the housing 10 and the second cam 54, the second retaining ring 55, and the spring 56 are attached to the shaft 51, the spring 56 is compressed in the first direction more than its natural length. Therefore, the repulsive force of the spring 56 urges the shaft 51 from the second position toward the first position.

[0059] <3. About the separation operation> When performing a separating operation, the image forming apparatus 100 protrudes a lever (not shown) from the main body frame 101 toward the second cam 54 of the developing cartridge 1. This causes the second cam 54 to be pressed by the lever. The second cam 54 is pressed in the first direction, in the direction from the second cam 54 toward the first cam 52. This causes the spring 56 to contract from the first state to the second state, and the shaft 51 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0060] At this time, the first inclined surface 522 of the first cam 52 moves in the first direction while contacting a portion of the drum frame 91. As a result, the first cam 52 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 91, away from the photosensitive drum 92. Similarly, the second inclined surface 542 of the second cam 54 moves in the first direction while contacting another portion of the drum frame 91. As a result, the second cam 54 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 91, away from the photosensitive drum 92.

[0061] The housing 10 and the developing roller 20, together with the shaft 51, the first cam 52, and the second cam 54, move in the second direction relative to the drum frame 91 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92. As a result, the position of the developing cartridge 1 switches from a contact position where the developing roller 20 contacts the photosensitive drum 92 to a separated position where the developing roller 20 is separated from the photosensitive drum 92.

[0062] <4. Assembling the Developing Cartridge> Next, a procedure for assembling the developer cartridge 1 will be described. The developer cartridge 1 is assembled when the developer cartridge 1 is manufactured or when the developer cartridge 1 is recycled. Recycling the developer cartridge 1 involves inspecting a used developer cartridge 1, replacing parts of the developer cartridge 1 as necessary, and refilling the developer in the storage chamber 13 of the developer cartridge 1 to make the developer cartridge 1 reusable. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a recycling procedure as an example of assembling the developer cartridge 1.

[0063] When performing recycling as an example of assembling the developer cartridge 1, the worker first removes the holder cover 19 and the memory assembly 40 from the housing 10 (step S1). Then, the worker removes the memory 41 from the holder 42 and attaches a new memory 41 to the holder 42. Next, the worker removes the cap 18 from the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 (step S2). Then, the worker sucks the developer remaining in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10 to the outside of the housing 10 through the supply port (step S3).

[0064] Next, the worker removes the gear cover 31 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. Specifically, the worker removes the bolts that fasten the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 and the gear cover 31 from the housing 10 and the gear cover 31. In addition, at the same time as removing the gear cover 31 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10, the worker removes the second cam 54 from the other end 512 of the shaft 51 and pulls out the other end 512 of the shaft 51 from the third through hole 36 of the gear cover 31 (step S4). In addition, the worker removes the multiple gears of the gear unit 30 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 (step S5).

[0065] Next, the worker determines whether or not it is necessary to replace the first cam 52 (Step S6). If the worker determines that it is necessary to replace the first cam 52 (Step S6: yes), the worker performs the replacement work of the first cam 52 (Step S7).

[0066] 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of the replacement work of the first cam 52. As shown in FIG. 7, when replacing the first cam 52, the worker first removes the shaft 51 with the first cam 52 attached from the housing 10 (step S71). Specifically, the worker moves the shaft 51 with the first cam 52 attached in a direction from the other end 512 of the shaft 51 toward the one end 511 of the shaft 51. In this way, the worker removes the shaft 51 from the second through-hole 17, the groove 16, and the first through-hole 15 of the housing 10.

[0067] Next, the worker removes the first retaining ring 53 from the one end 511 of the shaft 51. Then, the worker pulls out the one end 511 of the shaft 51 from the first hole 521 of the first cam 52. In this way, the worker removes the used first cam 52 from the shaft 51 (step S72).

[0068] Thereafter, the worker prepares a new first cam 52. Then, the worker causes the new first cam 52 to be held by the holder 71 (step S73). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state in which the first cam 52 is held by the holder 71. As shown in FIG. 8, the holder 71 has a first recess 711 capable of holding the first cam 52. The worker inserts the first cam 52 into the first recess 711. The outer surface of the first cam 52 comes into contact with the inner surface of the holder 71. This suppresses movement of the first cam 52 relative to the holder 71.

[0069] In this state, the worker 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 restricted by the holder 71. Therefore, the one end 511 of the shaft 51 can be easily inserted into the first hole 521 of the first cam 52.

[0070] 8, the first cam 52 has a slit 523. The slit 523 is a through hole extending from the first hole 521 of the first cam 52 toward the outside in the radial direction of the shaft 51. After step S74, the worker attaches the first retaining ring 53 to the first groove 513 of one end 511 of the shaft 51 through the slit 523 while holding the first cam 52 and the shaft 51 with the holder 71 (step S75).

[0071] 9 is a diagram showing a state after step S75 is completed. In step S75, the holder 71 prevents the first cam 52 and the shaft 51 from moving. This prevents the one end 511 of the shaft 51 from coming out of the first hole 521 of the first cam 52. This allows the worker to easily attach the first retaining ring 53 to the first groove 513 of the shaft 51.

[0072] Thereafter, the worker inserts the shaft 51 with the first cam 52 attached thereto into the first through-hole 15, the groove 16, and the second through-hole 17 of the housing 10 (step S76). As a result, the shaft 51 with the first cam attached thereto is attached to the housing 10.

[0073] Next, the worker holds the housing 10 in the jig 72 (step S77). FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing a state in which the housing 10 is held in the jig 72. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the jig 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 worker inserts the housing 10 into the second recess 721 and the other end 512 of the shaft 51 into the third recess 722. This suppresses movement of the housing 10 and the shaft 51 relative to the jig 72. In addition, the first cam 52 comes into contact with an inner surface 723 of the second recess 721 of the jig 72.

[0074] In this state, the worker slightly lifts the other end 512 of the shaft 51 from the third recess 722 of the jig 72, and attaches the spring 56 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51 (step S78).

[0075] At this time, the inner surface 723 of the jig 72 is in contact with the first cam 52 in the first direction. More specifically, the inner surface 723 of the jig 72 is in contact with the first cam 52 in the direction from one end 511 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51. This positions the shaft 51 at the first position. The inner surface 723 of the jig 72 prevents the shaft 51 from moving from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the worker can easily attach the spring 56 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51.

[0076] Furthermore, the length of shaft 51 protruding in the first direction from second outer surface 12 of housing 10 when shaft 51 is in the first position is longer than the length of shaft 51 protruding in the first direction from second outer surface 12 of housing 10 when shaft 51 is in the second position. Therefore, spring 56 can be attached to the other end 512 of shaft 51 more easily.

[0077] Next, with the housing 10 held by the jig 72, the worker attaches the second retaining ring 55 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51 (step S79). Specifically, with the other end 512 of the shaft 51 inserted in the second recess 721 of the jig 72, the worker attaches the second retaining ring 55 to the second groove 514 of the shaft 51.

[0078] At this time, the inner surface 723 of the jig 72 is in contact with the first cam 52 in the first direction. More specifically, the inner surface 723 of the jig 72 is in contact with the first cam 52 in the direction from one end 511 of the shaft 51 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51. As a result, the shaft 51 is positioned at the first position. The inner surface 723 of the jig 72 prevents the shaft 51 from moving from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the operator can easily attach the second retaining ring 55 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51.

[0079] Furthermore, the length of shaft 51 protruding in the first direction from second outer surface 12 of housing 10 when shaft 51 is in the first position is longer than the length of shaft 51 protruding in the first direction from second outer surface 12 of housing 10 when shaft 51 is in the second position. Therefore, second retaining ring 55 can be attached to the other end 512 of shaft 51 more easily.

[0080] Returning to Fig. 6, if the worker determines in step S6 that replacement of the first cam 52 is not necessary (step S6: no), or if the work in step S7 is completed, the worker then determines whether or not replacement of the developing roller 20 is necessary (step S8). If the worker determines that replacement of the developing roller 20 is necessary (step S8: yes), the worker performs the replacement work of the developing roller 20 (step S9).

[0081] 12 is a flow chart showing the flow of the replacement work of the developing roller 20. As shown in FIG. 12, when replacing the developing roller 20, the worker first removes the first bearing 61 and the second bearing 62 from the housing 10 (step S91). Specifically, the worker removes the first bearing 61 from the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10, and pulls out one end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction from the first bearing 61. The worker also removes the second bearing 62 from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10, and pulls out the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction from the second bearing 62.

[0082] Next, the worker replaces the used developing roller 20 with a new developing roller 20 (step S92). Specifically, the worker removes the used developing roller 20 from the opening 14 of the housing 10, and attaches the new developing roller 20 to the opening 14 of the housing 10.

[0083] After that, the worker attaches the first bearing 61 and the second bearing 62 to the housing 10 (step S93). Specifically, the worker inserts one end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction into the first bearing 61, and attaches the first bearing 61 to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. More specifically, the worker 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. In addition, the worker inserts the other end of the developing roller shaft 22 in the first direction into the second bearing 62, and attaches the second bearing 62 to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. More specifically, the worker 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.

[0084] Returning to Fig. 6, if the worker determines in step S8 that replacement of the developing roller 20 is not necessary (step S8: no), or if the work in step S8 is completed, the worker then attaches the multiple gears of the gear unit 30 to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 (step S10).

[0085] Next, the worker attaches the second cam 54 to the other end 512 of the shaft 51, and attaches the gear cover 31 to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 (step S11). Specifically, the worker inserts the other end 512 of the shaft 51 attached to the housing 10 into the third through hole 36 of the gear cover 31. After that, the worker inserts the other end 512 of the shaft 51 into the second hole 541 of the second cam 54. Then, the worker makes the stopper protrusion 543 of the second cam 54 face the stopper surface 37 of the gear cover 31 in the first direction. After that, the worker fixes the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 and the gear cover 31 with a bolt.

[0086] The worker may attach the second cam 54 removed from the shaft 51 in step S4 to the shaft 51 in step S10. Furthermore, if the worker determines that the second cam 54 needs to be replaced, the worker may discard the second cam 54 removed from the shaft 51 in step S4 and attach a new second cam 54 to the shaft 51 in step S10.

[0087] Thereafter, the worker fills new developer into the storage chamber 13 in the housing 10 through the supply port of the housing 10 (step S12). When filling of the storage chamber 13 with developer is completed, the worker attaches the cap 18 to the supply port of the housing 10 (step S13). Thereafter, the worker attaches the holder cover 19 and the memory assembly 40 to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 (step S14).

[0088] <5. Modifications> Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0089] The worker may replace the shaft 51 when assembling the developing cartridge 1. More specifically, the worker may replace the shaft 51 when recycling the developing cartridge 1. If the worker determines that it is necessary to replace the shaft 51, the worker may discard the shaft 51 removed from the first cam 52 in step S72, and attach a new shaft 51 to the first cam 52 in step S74.

[0090] Furthermore, the worker may replace the gear of the gear unit 30 when assembling the developing cartridge 1. More specifically, the worker may replace the gear of the gear unit 30 when recycling the developing cartridge 1. If the worker determines that the gear needs to be replaced, the worker may discard the gear removed from the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in step S5, and attach a new gear to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 in step S10.

[0091] Also, in the above embodiment, a description has been given of recycling of the developer cartridge 1. Recycling of the developer cartridge 1 includes an assembly method in which some parts of the developer cartridge 1 are disassembled and then reassembled. However, when the developer cartridge 1 is manufactured, the developer cartridge 1 may be assembled using the same assembly method as that included in the above recycling.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a coil spring is used as the elastic member. However, other types of springs such as leaf springs and torsion springs may be used instead of the coil springs. Also, other types of elastic members such as rubber and sponge may be used instead of the springs.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the drum unit 2 is a drawer capable of mounting four developing cartridges 1. However, the drum unit may be a drum cartridge capable of mounting one developing cartridge.

[0094] Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined as appropriate to the extent that no contradiction arises. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Developer cartridge 2 Drum Unit 10. Chassis 15 First through hole 16 groove 17 Second through hole 20 Developing roller 30 Gear section 31 Gear Cover 36 Third Through Hole 40 Memory Assembly 50 Separation unit 51 Shaft 52 First Cam 53 First retaining ring 54 2nd Cam 55 Second retaining ring 56 Spring 61 No. 1 bearing 62 No. 2 bearing 71 Holder 72 Jig 91 Drum Frame 92 Photoconductor drum 100 Image forming device

Claims

1. A method for assembling a developer cartridge, comprising the steps of: The developing cartridge is a housing capable of accommodating a developer, the housing having a through hole extending in a first direction; a shaft extending in the first direction through the through hole and movable in the first direction relative to the housing; a first cam located at one end of the shaft in the first direction and movable together with the shaft in the first direction relative to the housing; a second cam located at the other end of the shaft in the first direction and movable together with the shaft in the first direction relative to the housing; an elastic member attached to the other end of the shaft, the elastic member being located between the housing and the second cam and being expandable and contractible in the first direction; having The assembly method includes: a) attaching the first cam to the one end of the shaft; b) after step a), inserting the shaft with the first cam attached into the through hole; c) after step b), attaching the elastic member to the other end of the shaft in the first direction from the one end to the other end of the shaft while keeping a jig in contact with the first cam; An assembly method comprising:

2. 2. The assembly method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: the first cam has a first hole into which the one end of the shaft is inserted, The developing cartridge is a first retaining ring attached to the one end of the shaft, the first retaining ring preventing the first cam from slipping off the one end of the first shaft; and The step a) comprises: a-1) inserting the one end of the shaft into the first hole; a-2) after the step a-1), attaching the first retaining ring to the one end of the shaft while the first cam and the first shaft are held by a holder; An assembly method comprising:

3. The assembly method according to claim 1 or 2, The developing cartridge is a second retaining ring attached to the other end of the shaft; and The assembly method includes: d) after step c), attaching the second retaining ring to the other end of the shaft while the jig is in contact with the first cam in the first direction. The assembly method further comprises:

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

5. 5. The assembly method according to claim 4, further comprising the steps of: The housing includes: a first outer surface on which the first cam is disposed; and a second outer surface on which the second cam is disposed; and having The developing cartridge is A gear cover fixed to the second outer surface. and The gear cover is A stopper surface facing the second cam in the first direction having The assembly method, wherein step e) comprises attaching the second cam to the other end of the shaft and attaching the gear cover to the second outer surface of the housing.

6. 6. The assembly method according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: The developing cartridge is a developing roller extending in the first direction; a first bearing fixed to the first outer surface of the housing, the first bearing supporting one end of the developing roller in the first direction; a second bearing fixed to the second outer surface of the housing, the second bearing supporting the other end of the developing roller in the first direction; and The assembly method includes: a step of attaching the first bearing, the second bearing, and the developing roller to the housing after the steps a) to d) and before the step e). The assembly method further comprises:

7. The assembly method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the shaft is movable relative to the housing in the first direction between a first position and a second position; When the shaft is in the first position, the first cam is closer to the housing than when the shaft is in the second position; The assembly method, wherein step c) comprises attaching the elastic member to the other end of the shaft with the jig positioned so that the shaft is in the first position.

8. The assembly method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The assembly method according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a spring.

Images