How to recycle developer cartridges

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of easily fitting a holder cover in a state of holding an IC chip holder to a gear cover, in recycling of a developing cartridge.SOLUTION: A holder assembly 20 comprises: an IC chip 21; an IC chip holder 24 for holding the IC chip; and a holder cover 25 for holding the IC chip holder 24. After a new or recycled holder assembly 20 is fitted to a fixture 50, a gear cover 18 is fitted to the fixture 50. Then, by a first screw 253, the holder assembly 20 is fitted to the gear cover 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a developer cartridge (1) that can be attached to a drum cartridge (2). The developer cartridge (1) has an IC chip (18) that serves as a storage medium, an IC chip holder that holds the IC chip, and a holder cover that holds the IC chip holder. The IC chip (18) stores various information related to the developer cartridge (1) (for example, information related to the lifespan of components such as the developing roller (13)). The holder cover is fixed to a gear cover (152). The gear cover (152) is also fixed to the end of a casing (11) that can contain toner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-162749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, developer cartridges have been recycled in some cases from the perspective of environmental protection and sustainable resource utilization. When recycling developer cartridges, the developer cartridges are disassembled and maintenance such as replacement of developer cartridge parts or cleaning of developer cartridge parts is performed as appropriate. For example, when recycling developer cartridges, it is considered that the developer cartridge's IC chip, IC chip holder, and holder cover are replaced.

[0005] However, when an operator replaces the IC chip, IC chip holder, and holder cover of a developer cartridge, there is a risk that the IC chip holder may move relative to the holder cover. As a result, it may be difficult for the operator to secure the holder cover, while holding the IC chip holder, to the gear cover. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that makes it easier for operators to attach the holder cover, while holding the IC chip holder, to the gear cover when recycling developer cartridges.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that makes it easy to attach a holder cover that holds an IC chip holder to a gear cover when recycling a developing cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a first aspect is a method for recycling a developer cartridge including a housing capable of accommodating a developer, a gear cover located at one end of the housing in a first direction, a storage medium, a holder assembly including a storage medium holder that holds the storage medium, the storage medium holder being movable relative to the housing and the gear cover, and a holder cover that holds the storage medium holder, and a first screw that attaches the holder assembly to the gear cover, the method including a gear cover removing step of removing the gear cover from the housing with the holder assembly attached by the first screw, a screw removing step of removing the first screw from the gear cover after the gear cover removing step, and a holder assembly removing step of removing the holder assembly from the gear cover after the screw removing step. a first gear cover attaching step of attaching the gear cover to a jig to which another holder assembly different from the removed holder assembly is attached after the holder assembly removing step; a holder assembly attaching step of attaching the other holder assembly to the gear cover with the first screw after the first gear cover attaching step; and a second gear cover attaching step of attaching the gear cover to which the other holder assembly is attached with the first screw to the housing after the holder assembly attaching step, wherein in the first gear cover attaching step, while the other holder assembly is attached to the jig, movement of the storage medium holder of the other holder assembly relative to the jig and the holder cover of the other holder assembly is restricted.

[0008] The second aspect is a recycling method for a developer cartridge of the first aspect, wherein, in the first gear cover mounting process, when the other holder assembly is mounted on the jig, the storage medium holder of the other holder assembly is immovable relative to the jig and the holder cover of the other holder assembly.

[0009] A third aspect is a recycling method for a developing cartridge of the first or second aspect, wherein the other holder assembly has another storage medium different from the storage medium of the holder assembly, another storage medium holder that holds the storage medium, the other storage medium holder being different from the storage medium holder of the holder assembly, and another holder cover that holds the other storage medium holder, the other holder cover being different from the holder cover of the holder assembly, and in the first gear cover attachment process, the other storage medium holder is attached so as to be immovable relative to the jig.

[0010] A fourth aspect is a recycling method for a developing cartridge of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the jig has a first recess recessed in the first direction, and in the first gear cover mounting process, the other holder assembly is mounted in the first recess.

[0011] A fifth aspect is a recycling method for a developing cartridge of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the jig has a plurality of protrusions extending in the first direction, and in the first gear cover installation process, the outer surface of the gear cover comes into contact with the plurality of protrusions.

[0012] A sixth aspect is a recycling method for a developing cartridge of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the gear cover has a first screw hole into which the first screw can be inserted, and the holder cover has a second screw hole into which the first screw can be inserted, and in the holder assembly mounting process, the first screw is inserted into the first screw hole and the second screw hole from the inner surface of the gear cover in the first direction toward the outer surface of the gear cover in the first direction.

[0013] A seventh aspect is a method for recycling a developing cartridge of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the storage medium holder comprises a first holder that holds the storage medium, a second holder that is positioned away from the first holder in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and an elastic member that is positioned between the first holder and the second holder and is stretchable in the second direction, and the jig has a first inner surface and a second inner surface that is positioned away from the first inner surface in the second direction, and the first inner surface contacts one end of the first holder in the second direction, and the second inner surface contacts the other end of the first holder in the second direction.

[0014] An eighth aspect is the method for recycling a developer cartridge according to the seventh aspect, wherein the storage medium has an electrical contact surface, and in the first gear cover attaching step, the electrical contact surface is positioned away from the first inner surface.

[0015] A ninth aspect is a recycling method for a developer cartridge of the eighth aspect, wherein when the holder assembly is attached to the jig by the gear cover removal process, the other end of the second holder is positioned away from the jig in the second direction.

[0016] A tenth aspect is a method for recycling a developing cartridge including a housing capable of accommodating a developer, a gear cover located at one end of the housing in a first direction, a storage medium having an electrical contact surface, a storage medium holder for holding the storage medium, the storage medium holder being movable relative to the housing and the gear cover, and a holder cover for holding the storage medium holder, and a first screw for attaching the holder assembly to the gear cover, the method including: a first gear cover removal step of removing the gear cover from the housing with the holder assembly attached by the first screw; and after the first gear cover removal step, removing the holder assembly by the first screw. The method includes a first holder assembly mounting step of mounting the holder assembly attached to the gear cover to a jig, a screw removal step of removing the first screw from the gear cover after the first holder assembly mounting step, and a second gear cover removal step of removing the gear cover from the holder assembly while leaving the holder assembly in the jig after the screw removal step, wherein in the first holder assembly mounting step, while the holder assembly is attached to the jig, movement of the storage medium holder of the holder assembly relative to the jig and the holder cover of the holder assembly is restricted.

[0017] An 11th aspect is a recycling method for a developer cartridge of the 10th aspect, wherein the jig has a plurality of protrusions extending in the first direction, and during the first holder assembly mounting process, the outer surface of the gear cover comes into contact with the plurality of protrusions.

[0018] A twelfth aspect is a recycling method for a developing cartridge of the tenth or eleventh aspect, further including a first holder assembly removal step of removing the holder assembly from the jig after the screw removal step, a second holder assembly attachment step of attaching another holder assembly different from the removed holder assembly to the jig after the first holder assembly removal step, a gear cover attachment step of attaching the gear cover to the jig after the second holder assembly attachment step, and a third holder assembly attachment step of attaching the other holder assembly to the gear cover with the first screw after the gear cover attachment step.

[0019] A thirteenth aspect is a recycling method for a developer cartridge of the tenth or eleventh aspect, further including a first holder assembly removal step of removing the holder assembly from the jig after the screw removal step, a storage medium removal step of removing the storage medium from the storage medium holder after the first holder assembly removal step, a storage medium attachment step of attaching another storage medium different from the removed storage medium to the storage medium holder after the storage medium removal step, a second holder assembly attachment step of attaching the storage medium holder with the other storage medium attached and the holder cover to the jig after the storage medium attachment step, a gear cover attachment step of attaching the gear cover to the jig after the second holder assembly attachment step, and a holder cover attachment step of attaching the holder cover to the gear cover with the first screw after the gear cover attachment step.

[0020] A 14th aspect is a method for recycling a developer cartridge of any one of the 1st to 13th aspects, wherein the developer cartridge further comprises a developer roller rotatable about a developer roller axis extending in the first direction, and further includes a developer roller removal step of removing the developer roller from the housing after the first gear cover removal step, and a step of attaching another developer roller different from the removed developer roller to the housing after the developer roller removal step.

[0021] A 15th aspect is a method for recycling a developing cartridge of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the developing cartridge further comprises an agitator rotatable about an agitator shaft extending in the first direction, and an agitator gear rotatable about the agitator shaft together with the agitator, and further includes, after the first gear cover removal step, an agitator gear removal step of removing the agitator gear from the housing, and, after the agitator gear removal step, a step of attaching another agitator gear different from the removed agitator gear to the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the first aspect of the developer cartridge recycling method, when another holder assembly is attached to the jig, movement of the storage medium holder relative to the jig and the holder cover is restricted, so that the holder cover holding the storage medium holder can be easily attached to the gear cover.

[0023] According to the second aspect of the developer cartridge recycling method, when another holder assembly is attached to the jig, the storage medium holder cannot move relative to the jig and the holder cover, so that the holder cover holding the storage medium holder can be easily attached to the gear cover.

[0024] According to the third aspect of the developing cartridge recycling method, the other storage medium holder is attached so as to be immovable relative to the jig, so that a new storage medium holder can be easily attached to the gear cover.

[0025] According to the recycling method for a developing cartridge of the fourth aspect, the holder assembly is positioned in the first recess of the jig, so that the storage medium of the holder assembly can be protected.

[0026] According to the fifth aspect of the developing cartridge recycling method, the gear cover can be positioned by the plurality of protrusions, so that the holder assembly can be easily attached to the gear cover.

[0027] According to the sixth aspect of the developer cartridge recycling method, even if the fastening force of the first screw is reduced due to deformation of the second screw hole in the holder cover, the holder cover can be replaced. This reduces the number of times the storage medium holder needs to be replaced, thereby reducing the recycling cost of the developer cartridge.

[0028] According to the seventh aspect of the recycling method for a developer cartridge, when the holder assembly is attached to the jig, the first holder can be made immovable in the second direction.

[0029] According to the eighth aspect of the recycling method for a developer cartridge, it is possible to prevent the electrical contact surface of the storage medium from coming into contact with the first inner surface of the jig.

[0030] According to the recycling method for a developing cartridge of the ninth aspect, the holder assembly can be easily attached to the jig.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect of the developer cartridge recycling method, when another holder assembly is attached to the jig, movement of the storage medium holder relative to the jig and the holder cover is restricted, so that the holder cover holding the storage medium holder can be easily attached to the gear cover.

[0032] According to the recycling method for a developing cartridge of the eleventh aspect, the gear cover can be positioned by the plurality of protrusions, so that the holder assembly can be easily removed from the gear cover.

[0033] According to the recycling method for a developing cartridge of the thirteenth aspect, the storage medium can be replaced with another storage medium.

[0034] According to the recycling method for a developing cartridge of the fourteenth aspect, the developing roller can be replaced with a new developing roller.

[0035] According to the developing cartridge recycling method of the fifteenth aspect, the agitator gear can be replaced with a new agitator gear. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the developing cartridge according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a central cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the developing cartridge with the gear cover 18 removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an IC chip holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip holder taken along line AA in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the jig according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the jig taken along line BB in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the jig taken along line CC in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view showing a jig to which a holder assembly is attached. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the jig at the position of line DD shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view of the jig to which the gear cover and the holder assembly are attached. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the jig, the holder assembly, and the gear cover taken along line EE in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for recycling a developing cartridge using a jig. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the gear cover being removed from the holder assembly. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing how a new or recycled holder assembly is fixed to a gear cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the components described in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the dimensions and numbers of each part may be simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

[0038] <1. Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the developer cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a central cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the developer cartridge 10 with the gear cover 18 removed. FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing one end of the developer cartridge 10 in a first direction. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an IC chip holder 24 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip holder 24 taken along line AA in FIG. 6.

[0039] Hereinafter, the direction in which the developing roller axis A12 of the developing roller 12 in the developing cartridge 10 extends will be referred to as the "first direction." The direction intersecting the first electrical contact surface 213 provided in the developing cartridge 10 will be referred to as the "second direction." The direction in which the developing roller 12 and the first agitator 14 (FIG. 3) are aligned will be referred to as the "third direction." The first direction, second direction, and third direction intersect with each other, and more preferably are perpendicular to each other.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the developing cartridge 10 includes a housing 11, a developing roller 12, a supply roller 13, a first agitator 14, and a second agitator 15.

[0041] <Case 11> The housing 11 is capable of containing a developer. The developer is, for example, toner. The housing 11 extends in a first direction. The housing 11 has an opening 110 (FIG. 4). The opening 110 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the third direction. The housing 11 has a first handle 113. The first handle 113 is located at the other end of the housing 11 in the third direction. The housing 11 has a first outer surface 115 and a second outer surface 116. The first outer surface 115 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the second direction. The second outer surface 116 is located at the other end of the housing 11 in the second direction.

[0042] <Developing roller 12> The developing roller 12 is rotatable about the developing roller shaft A12 when the developing cartridge 10 is attached to the printer body. The developing roller shaft A12 extends in the first direction. The developing roller 12 is located in the opening 110. In other words, the developing roller 12 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the third direction. When the developing cartridge 10 is attached to the printer body, the developing roller 12 supplies the developer in the housing 11 to the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown).

[0043] The developing roller 12 has a developing roller body 121 and a developing roller shaft 122. The developing roller body 121 has a cylindrical shape extending in a first direction. The developing roller body 121 is made of, for example, conductive rubber.

[0044] The developing roller shaft 122 has a cylindrical shape extending along the developing roller axis A12. The developing roller shaft 122 is made of, for example, metal. The developing roller shaft 122 is located inside the developing roller main body 121 in the radial direction of the developing roller main body 121. The developing roller shaft 122 penetrates the developing roller main body 121 in the first direction. It is not essential that the developing roller shaft 122 penetrates the developing roller main body 121. The developing roller shaft 122 may be attached to both ends of the developing roller main body 121. The developing roller 12 is rotatable about the developing roller shaft 122.

[0045] <Supply roller 13> The supply roller 13 supplies the developer in the housing 11 to the surface of the developing roller 12. The supply roller 13 is located inside the housing 11. The supply roller 13 contacts the developing roller 12. The supply roller 13 is rotatable about a supply roller shaft. The supply roller shaft extends in a first direction.

[0046] 3, the supply roller 13 has a supply roller body 131 and a supply roller shaft 132. The supply roller body 131 has a cylindrical shape extending in a first direction. The supply roller body 131 is made of, for example, a conductive sponge. The supply roller body 131 comes into contact with the developing roller body 121.

[0047] <First agitator 14> The first agitator 14 is capable of agitating the developer. As shown in FIG. 3, the first agitator 14 is located within the housing 11. The first agitator 14 is rotatable about an agitator axis A14. The agitator axis A14 extends in a first direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the first agitator 14 has an agitator shaft 141 and a film 143.

[0048] The agitator shaft 141 extends along the agitator axis A14. The film 143 is connected to the agitator shaft 141. The agitator shaft 141 and the film 143 are rotatable about the agitator axis A14. The rotation of the film 143 agitates the developer in the housing 11. The film 143 is made of resin.

[0049] <Second agitator 15> The second agitator 15 is capable of agitating the developer. As shown in FIG. 3, the second agitator 15 is located within the housing 11. The second agitator 15 is located on the opposite side of the developing roller 12 from the first agitator 14 in the third direction. The second agitator 15 is rotatable about an agitator axis A15. The agitator axis A15 extends in the first direction. The second agitator 15 has an agitator shaft 151 and a film 153.

[0050] The agitator shaft 151 extends along the agitator axis A15. The film 153 is connected to the agitator shaft 151. The agitator shaft 151 and the film 153 are rotatable about the agitator axis A15. The rotation of the film 153 agitates the developer in the housing 11. The film 153 is made of, for example, resin.

[0051] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the developer cartridge 10 further includes a developer coupling 16, a developer roller gear 123, a supply roller gear 133, a first idle gear 171, a second idle gear 172, a third idle gear 173, a first agitator gear 145, a second agitator gear 155, a gear cover 18, and a holder assembly 20.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the development coupling 16 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The development coupling 16 is located between the development roller 12 and the first agitator 14 in the third direction. The development coupling 16 is rotatable about a coupling shaft A16. The coupling shaft A16 extends in the first direction. The development coupling 16 has a coupling portion 161 and a coupling gear 162. The coupling portion 161 and the coupling gear 162 may be integral with each other or may be separate bodies. The coupling portion 161 has a coupling hole recessed in the first direction.

[0053] The coupling portion 161 receives power from the printer main body (not shown) when the developer cartridge 10 is attached to the printer main body. The coupling portion 161 engages with a main body coupling (not shown) of the printer main body, and is thereby rotatable about a coupling axis A16 together with the main body coupling. The coupling portion 161 has a cylindrical shape that extends in a first direction. The coupling gear 162 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The coupling gear 162 is rotatable together with the coupling portion 161.

[0054] <Developing roller gear 123> 4, the developing roller gear 123 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The developing roller gear 123 is attached to the developing roller shaft 122 and is rotatable together with the developing roller shaft 122. The developing roller gear 123 meshes with the coupling gear 162.

[0055] <Supply roller gear 133> 4, the supply roller gear 133 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The supply roller gear 133 is attached to the supply roller shaft 132 and is rotatable together with the supply roller shaft 132. The supply roller gear 133 meshes with the coupling gear 162.

[0056] <1st Idle Gear 171> 4, the first idle gear 171 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The first idle gear 171 is located between the second idle gear 172 and the housing 11 in the first direction. The first idle gear 171 is rotatable about an idle axis A17 extending in the first direction. The first idle gear 171 meshes with the coupling gear 162.

[0057] <Second idle gear 172> As shown in FIG. 4, the second idle gear 172 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The second idle gear 172 is located farther from the housing 11 in the first direction than the first idle gear 171. The second idle gear 172 is located on the opposite side of the first idle gear 171 from the one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The diameter of the second idle gear 172 is smaller than the diameter of the first idle gear 171. The first idle gear 171 is rotatable together with the second idle gear 172 about an idle axis A17. The first idle gear 171 and the second idle gear 172 rotate integrally. The first idle gear 171 and the second idle gear may be integral or separate.

[0058] <Third Idle Gear 173> As shown in Fig. 4, the third idle gear 173 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The third idle gear 173 is located between a small diameter gear 149 (Fig. 5) of a first agitator gear 145 (described later) and a second agitator gear 155 in the third direction. The third idle gear 173 is rotatable about an idle axis A173. The third idle gear 173 meshes with the small diameter gear 149 of the first agitator gear 145.

[0059] <1st agitator gear 145> 4, the first agitator gear 145 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The first agitator gear 145 is attached to the agitator shaft 141 of the first agitator 14. The first agitator gear 145 is rotatable together with the first agitator 14 about the agitator axis A14.

[0060] The first agitator gear 145 has a large diameter gear 147 and a small diameter gear 149. The small diameter gear 149 has a smaller diameter than the large diameter gear 147. As shown in Fig. 5 , the small diameter gear 149 is located between the large diameter gear 147 and the housing 11 in the first direction. In other words, the large diameter gear 147 is located on the opposite side of the small diameter gear 149 from the housing 11 in the first direction.

[0061] <Second agitator gear 155> 4, the second agitator gear 155 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. The second agitator gear 155 is attached to the agitator shaft 151 of the second agitator 15. The second agitator gear 155 is rotatable about the agitator axis A15 together with the second agitator 15. The second agitator gear 155 meshes with the third idle gear 173.

[0062] <Gear Cover 18> 2 and 4, the gear cover 18 covers the coupling gear 162, the supply roller gear 133, the first idle gear 171, the second idle gear 172, the third idle gear 173, the first agitator gear 145, and the second agitator gear 155. The gear cover 18 does not need to cover all of the gears, and may cover only a portion of the gears. The gear cover 18 is attached to one end of the housing 11 in the first direction via screws or the like.

[0063] <Holder assembly 20> The holder assembly 20 has an IC chip 21, an IC chip holder 24, and a holder cover 25. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the holder assembly 20 is located at one end of the gear cover 18 in the first direction.

[0064] <ICチップ21> The IC chip 21 is an example of a "storage medium." As shown in FIG. 6, the IC chip 21 has a development memory 211, an IC substrate 212, and a first electrical contact surface 213. The development memory 211 stores various information related to the development cartridge 10. The development memory 211 stores, for example, ID information and lifespan information. The ID information is identification information for identifying each individual development cartridge 10. The ID information is specifically a serial number. The lifespan information includes, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the development roller 12, the cumulative number of pages printed using the development roller 12, and the cumulative number of dots.

[0065] The IC substrate 212 is located at one end in the second direction of the IC chip holder 24. The IC substrate 212 is a plate-shaped member.

[0066] The first electrical contact surface 213 is located at one end of the IC substrate 212 in the second direction. The first electrical contact surface 213 includes four thin plate-shaped electrodes. The first electrical contact surface 213 is electrically connected to the development memory 211. When the development cartridge 10 is attached to the printer body, the first electrical contact surface 213 is parallel to the third direction. The first electrical contact surface 213 is movable relative to the housing 11 in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0067] <ICチップホルダ24> The IC chip 24 is an example of a "storage medium holder." As shown in FIG. 1, the IC chip holder 24 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the IC chip holder 24 is located between the developing roller 12 and the first handle 113 in the third direction. As shown in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the IC chip holder 24 overlaps with the large diameter gear 147 in the first direction. That is, at least a portion of the IC chip holder 24 is located in the projection area of ​​the large diameter gear 147 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the IC chip holder 24 is located between the first outer surface 115 and the second outer surface 116 of the housing 11 in the second direction.

[0068] The IC chip holder 24 holds the first electrical contact surface 213 by holding the IC substrate 212. As shown in FIG. 6 , the IC chip holder 24 has a first outer surface 413 located at one end in the second direction. The first outer surface 413 has a recess into which the IC substrate 212 can be inserted. The IC substrate 212 is attached to the first outer surface 413 via, for example, an adhesive. The first outer surface 413 can hold the IC chip 21. In other words, the first outer surface 413 can hold the development memory 211 and the first electrical contact surface 213 by holding the IC chip 21.

[0069] <Holder cover 25> As shown in FIG. 1, the holder cover 25 is located at one end of the gear cover 18 in the first direction. The holder cover 25 has a generally rectangular cylindrical shape that, together with the gear cover 18, surrounds the periphery of the IC chip holder 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the holder cover 25 has a U-shape that surrounds one side of the IC chip holder 24 in the first direction, one side of the IC chip holder 24 in the third direction, and the other side of the IC chip holder 24 in the third direction. The holder cover 25 holds the IC chip holder 24. The IC chip holder 24 is movable relative to the holder cover 25 in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0070] 5, the holder cover 25 has a first plate portion 251. The first plate portion 251 is located on one side away from the gear cover 18 in the first direction. The IC chip holder 24 is located between the first plate portion 251 and the gear cover 18 in the first direction.

[0071] 5, the holder cover 25 is attached to the gear cover 18 by a first screw 253. The first screw 253 is inserted into the first screw hole 61 (FIG. 13) of the gear cover 18 and the second screw hole 62 (FIG. 11) of the holder cover 25 from the inner surface of the gear cover 18 in the first direction toward the outer surface of the gear cover 18 in the first direction. Note that the holder cover 25 may be attached to the gear cover 18 by two or more first screws 253.

[0072] 2 and 5, the holder cover 25 has a first through hole 254. As shown in FIG. 5, the gear cover 18 has a second through hole 255 and a third through hole 256. The first through hole 254 is located in the first plate portion 251. The first through hole 254 extends toward one side in the third direction and toward one side in the second direction. The second through hole 255 and the third through hole 256 may have the same shape as the first through hole 254 or may have a different shape.

[0073] The IC chip holder 24 is movable relative to the housing 11. The first electrical contact surface 213 held by the IC chip holder 24 is also movable relative to the housing 11. The IC chip holder 24 is movable relative to the gear cover 18.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6 , the IC chip holder 24 has a first boss 411, a second boss 412, and a third boss 417. The first boss 411, the second boss 412, and the third boss 417 extend in a first direction. The first boss 411 is located at one end of the IC chip holder 24 in the first direction. The second boss 412 and the third boss 417 are located at the other end of the IC chip holder 24 in the first direction. The third boss 417 is located away from the second boss 412 on one side in the second direction. In the second direction, the first boss 411 is located between the second boss 412 and the third boss 417.

[0075] The first boss 411 is inserted into the first through hole 254 with sufficient space. The second boss 412 is inserted into the second through hole 255 with sufficient space. The third boss 417 is inserted into the third through hole 256 with sufficient space. As shown in FIG. 2 , the size of the first through hole 254 in the second direction is larger than the size of the first boss 411 in the second direction. When the IC chip holder 24 moves in the second direction relative to the holder cover 25, the first boss 411 moves in the second direction inside the first through hole 254. The size of the second through hole 255 in the second direction is larger than the size of the second boss 412 in the second direction. When the IC chip holder 24 moves in the second direction relative to the holder cover 25, the second boss 412 moves in the second direction inside the second through hole 255.

[0076] 2, the first through hole 254 also extends in the third direction. The size of the first through hole 254 in the third direction is larger than the size of the first boss 411 in the third direction. When the IC chip holder 24 moves in the third direction relative to the holder cover 25, the first boss 411 moves in the third direction inside the first through hole 254. Because the first boss 411 can move in the third direction inside the first through hole 254, the IC chip holder 24 can move in the third direction relative to the housing 11.

[0077] First through hole 254 may be a recessed portion into which the end of first boss 411 can be inserted. Second through hole 255 may be a recessed portion into which the end of second boss 412 can be inserted. Third through hole 256 may be a recessed portion into which the end of third boss 417 can be inserted.

[0078] 6, the IC chip holder 24 has a holder groove 414. The holder groove 414 is located at one end of the IC chip holder 24 in the second direction. The IC chip holder 24 has a holder protrusion 415. The holder protrusion 415 is located away from the first outer surface 413 in the first direction. The holder groove 414 is located between the first outer surface 413 and the holder protrusion 415 in the first direction.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the IC chip holder 24 has a first holder 41 and a second holder 42. The second holder 42 is located on the other side of the first holder 41 in the second direction. The first outer surface 413 is located at one end of the first holder 41 in the second direction. The first holder 41 has a tubular portion 416. The tubular portion 416 is located at the other end of the first holder 41 in the second direction. The tubular portion 416 has a rectangular tubular shape extending in the second direction.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second holder 42 has a main body portion 421, a claw portion 422, a protrusion 423, and a protrusion 424. As shown in FIG. 7, the main body portion 421 extends in the second direction. The main body portion 421 has a rectangular cylindrical shape. The main body portion 421 has a bottom portion. The bottom portion is located on the other side of the main body portion 421 in the second direction. The main body portion 421 is inserted inside the tubular portion 416. The second holder 42 is movable in the second direction relative to the first holder 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the tip portion of the claw portion 422 is inserted into a through hole of the tubular portion 416 of the first holder 41. This prevents the second holder 42 from coming off the first holder 41.

[0081] The protrusions 423, 424 protrude from the other end of the main body 421 in the second direction toward the other side in the second direction. The protrusion 424 is located away from the protrusion 423 on the other side in the first direction. In other words, the protrusion 424 is located closer to one end of the IC chip 21 than the protrusion 423 in the first direction. The protrusion 424 is located closer to the gear cover 18 than the protrusion 423 in the first direction. The protrusion 423 has a curved surface 426. The protrusion 424 has a curved surface 427. The curved surface 427 is located on the other side in the first direction from the curved surface 426.

[0082] Curved surface 427 is located away from curved surface 426 on the other side in the first direction. In other words, curved surface 427 is located closer to one end of housing 11 than curved surface 426 in the first direction. Curved surface 427 is located closer to gear cover 18 than curved surface 426 in the first direction. Curved surfaces 426, 427 form second outer surface 425. Second outer surface 425 is located at the other end of IC chip holder 24 in the second direction. Second outer surface 425 has a holder groove 428. Holder groove 428 is located between curved surface 426 and curved surface 427 in the first direction.

[0083] <Elastic member 45> 6 and 7, the IC chip holder 24 has an elastic member 45. The elastic member 45 is located between the first holder 41 and the second holder 42 in the second direction. The elastic member 45 is located between the first outer surface 413 and the second outer surface 425. The elastic member 45 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0084] 7, the elastic member 45 is located inside the tubular portion 416 of the first holder 41 and inside the main body portion 421 of the second holder 42. One end of the elastic member 45 in the second direction is in contact with the first holder 41. The other end of the elastic member 45 in the second direction is in contact with the second holder 42.

[0085] The elastic member 45 is expandable and contractible in the second direction. As the elastic member 45 expands and contracts, the IC chip holder 24 expands and contracts in the second direction. When the IC chip holder 24 contracts in the second direction, the elastic member 45 contracts in the second direction. This generates an elastic force (restoring force). The elastic force of the elastic member 45 biases the second holder 42 in a direction (the other direction) away from the first holder 41 in the second direction.

[0086] When the developer cartridge 10 is attached to the printer body, the elastic force of the elastic member 45 allows the IC chip holder 24 to bring the first electrical contact surface 213 into good contact with the main body electrical contact of the printer body.

[0087] <About recycling developer cartridge 10> Fig. 8 is a side view of the jig 50 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the jig 50 taken along line BB in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the jig 50 taken along line CC in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the jig 50 to which the holder assembly 20 is attached. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the jig 50 taken along line DD in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a side view of the jig 50 to which the gear cover 18 and the holder assembly 20 are attached. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the jig 50, the holder assembly 20, and the gear cover 18 taken along line EE in Fig. 13.

[0088] The jig 50 is used in the process of removing the holder assembly 20 attached to the gear cover 18 from the gear cover 18, and in the process of attaching the holder assembly 20 to the gear cover 18. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 , the jig 50 includes a first recess 51 and a plurality of protrusions 53.

[0089] <First recess 51> The first recess 51 is recessed to one side in the first direction. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a single holder assembly 20 (for example, a new holder assembly 20) can be inserted into the first recess 51. Also, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, a holder assembly 20 attached to the gear cover 18 can be inserted into the first recess 51.

[0090] The first recess 51 has a first inner surface 511 and a second inner surface 512. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 , the second inner surface 512 is located away from the first inner surface 511 in the second direction. The second inner surface 512 is located away from the first inner surface 511 on the other side in the second direction. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , when the holder assembly 20 is located in the first recess 51, the first inner surface 511 contacts one end of the first holder 41 in the second direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 11 , the second inner surface 512 contacts the other end of the first holder 41 in the second direction. The contact of the first inner surface 511 and the second inner surface 512 with the first holder 41 suppresses movement of the first holder 41 in the second direction.

[0091] 11 , when the holder assembly 20 is positioned in the first recess 51, one end of the first holder 41 in the third direction and the other end of the first holder 41 in the third direction each come into contact with the inner surface of the first recess 51. This prevents the first holder 41 from moving in the third direction within the first recess 51.

[0092] 11, the inner surface of the first recess 51 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the holder cover 25. When the holder assembly 20 is positioned in the first recess 51, the outer peripheral surface of the holder cover 25 comes into contact with the inner surface of the first recess 51. This allows the holder cover 25 to be attached to the jig 50 so that it cannot move.

[0093] 12, when the holder assembly 20 is attached to the jig 50, the first electrical contact surface 213 held by the first holder 41 is positioned away from the first inner surface 511. This makes it possible to prevent the first electrical contact surface 213 from rubbing against the jig 50.

[0094] 11 and 12 , when the holder assembly 20 is attached to the jig 50, the second holder 42 is positioned away from the inner surface of the first recess 51 in the second direction. Since the second holder 42 is away from the jig 50 in the second direction, the holder assembly 20 can be easily attached to the jig 50.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 14, the jig 50 has a through hole 513. The through hole 513 penetrates the jig 50 in a first direction. The through hole 513 is located within the first recess 51. As shown in FIG. 14, when the holder assembly 20 is located within the first recess 51, the tip of the first boss 411 of the first holder 41 is located within the through hole 513. The inner diameter of the through hole 513 is larger than the outer diameter of the first boss 411. Therefore, contact of the first boss 411 with the jig 50 is suppressed.

[0096] <Protrusion 53> As shown in Fig. 8, the jig 50 has five protrusions 53. The five protrusions 53 extend in a first direction. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, when the gear cover 18 is attached to the jig 50, the outer circumferential surface of the gear cover 18 comes into contact with the five protrusions 53. The gear cover 18 comes into contact with the five protrusions 53, thereby positioning the gear cover 18 relative to the jig 50 in the second direction or the third direction. Furthermore, movement of the gear cover 18 relative to the jig 50 in the second direction or the third direction is suppressed.

[0097] Of the five protrusions 53, four of them have a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction. The contact surfaces of the four protrusions 53 that come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the gear cover 18 have curved surfaces. This makes it possible to prevent the gear cover 18 from being damaged when the outer peripheral surface of the gear cover 18 hits the contact surfaces of the four protrusions 53.

[0098] <Recycling procedure for developer cartridge 10> Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the recycling procedure for the developer cartridge 10 using the jig 50. The recycling procedure shown in Fig. 15 includes a procedure for replacing the holder assembly 20 (steps S12 to S17) and a procedure for replacing the gear and the developing roller 12 (steps S21 to S25).

[0099] When recycling the developer cartridge 10, first, the gear cover 18 is removed from the housing 11 of the developer cartridge 10 (step S11). For example, if the gear cover 18 is attached to the housing 11 via a screw, the gear cover 18 is removed from the housing 11 after the screw is removed.

[0100] After step S11, the gear cover 18 is attached to the jig 50 (step S12). More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the holder assembly 20 attached to the gear cover 18 is positioned in the first recess 51 of the jig 50. Within the first recess 51, one end of the first holder 41 of the holder assembly 20 contacts a first inner surface 511 of the first recess 51, and the other end of the first holder 41 contacts a second inner surface 512 (see FIG. 8 ) of the first recess 51. This prevents the first holder 41 from moving in the second direction relative to the jig 50. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the gear cover 18 contacts the five protrusions 53. This prevents the gear cover 18 from moving in the second direction relative to the jig 50.

[0101] After step S12, the holder assembly 20 is removed from the gear cover 18 (step S13). As shown in Fig. 13, the holder assembly 20 and the gear cover 18 are attached via a first screw 253. In step S12, the first screw 253 is removed, thereby removing the holder assembly 20 from the gear cover 18.

[0102] 13, the gear cover 18 has a first screw hole 61 into which a first screw 253 can be inserted. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 11, the holder cover 25 of the holder assembly 20 has a second screw hole 62 into which the first screw 253 can be inserted. When attaching the holder assembly 20 to the gear cover 18, the first screw 253 is inserted into the first screw hole 61 and the second screw hole 62 from the inner surface of the gear cover 18 in the first direction toward the outer surface in the first direction. The first screw 253 attaches the IC chip holder 24 to the gear cover 18 via the holder cover 25.

[0103] Even if the fastening force of the first screw 253 is reduced due to deformation of the second screw hole 62 of the holder cover 25 or the like, this can be addressed by replacing the holder cover 25. This reduces the number of times the IC chip holder 24 needs to be replaced, thereby reducing the cost of recycling the developer cartridge 10.

[0104] Furthermore, in step S12, the holder assembly 20 is positioned in the first recess 51 of the jig 50. Therefore, in step S13, when the holder assembly 20 is removed from the gear cover 18, it is possible to prevent the worker from touching the electrical contact surface 213 of the IC chip 21 of the holder assembly 20. Therefore, it is possible to protect the IC chip 21.

[0105] Furthermore, in step S12, since the holder assembly 20 is positioned in the first recess 51 of the jig 50, the gear cover 18 can be attached to the jig 50 even if the holder assembly 20 protrudes from the gear cover 18.

[0106] Furthermore, in step S12, the holder assembly 20 is attached to the jig 50, which prevents the first holder 41 and the gear cover 18 from moving relative to the jig 50. This allows the first screw 253 to be easily removed in step S13. This allows the gear cover 18 to be easily removed.

[0107] 16 is a perspective view showing the state in which the gear cover 18 is removed from the holder assembly 20. As shown in Fig. 16, after the first screw 253 is removed, the gear cover 18 is moved away from the jig 50 in the other first direction. As a result, the gear cover 18 is removed from the holder assembly 20 and the jig 50 while the holder assembly 20 is left in the first recess 51 of the jig 50.

[0108] Returning to FIG. 15, after step S13, the holder assembly 20 is removed from the first recess 51 of the jig 50 (step S14).

[0109] After step S14, the IC chip 21 held in the holder assembly 20 removed from the first recess 51 is replaced with a new or recycled IC chip 21 (step S15). The new IC chip 21 is a newly manufactured IC chip 21 that is unused. The recycled IC chip 21 is a second-hand IC chip 21, for example, an IC chip 21 in which the information stored in the development memory 211 has been updated. The holder assembly 20 in which the IC chip 21 has been replaced in step S15 is different from the holder assembly 20 removed from the gear cover 18 in step S13. The holder assembly 20 in which the IC chip 21 has been replaced is an example of "another holder assembly."

[0110] In step S15, IC chip holder 24 of holder assembly 20 may be replaced with a new or recycled IC chip holder 24. Also, holder cover 25 of holder assembly 20 may be replaced with a new or recycled holder cover 25. Furthermore, IC chip 21, IC chip holder 24, and holder cover 25 may be replaced with new or recycled products.

[0111] After step S15, the holder assembly 20 is positioned in the first recess 51 of the jig 50 (step S16). As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the holder assembly 20 is positioned in the first recess 51, one end of the first holder 41 contacts the first inner surface 511, and the other end of the first holder 41 contacts the second inner surface 512. This allows the IC chip holder 24 to be attached to the jig 50 so as to be immovable.

[0112] After step S16, the holder assembly 20 is attached to the gear cover 18 with the first screws 253 (step S17). FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing how a new or recycled holder assembly 20 is attached to the gear cover 18. As shown in FIG. 17, in step S17, the gear cover 18 is attached to the jig 50. At this time, the gear cover 18 is positioned on the other side of the holder assembly 20 in the first direction. Then, the holder assembly 20 is attached to the gear cover 18 with the first screws 253 on the inner surface of the gear cover 18.

[0113] In step S17, with the holder assembly 20 attached to the jig 50, the gear cover 18 is attached to the jig 50. Therefore, in step S18, when attaching the holder assembly 20 to the gear cover 18, it is possible to prevent an operator from touching the electrical contact surface 213 of the IC chip 21 of the holder assembly 20. Therefore, it is possible to protect the IC chip 21.

[0114] Furthermore, in step S17, the IC chip holder 24 of the holder assembly 20 is immovably attached to the jig 50, and the gear cover 18 is immovably attached to the jig 50. This allows the IC chip holder 24 and the holder cover 25 to be positioned relative to the gear cover 18. That is, the position of the first screw hole 61 of the gear cover 18 and the position of the second screw hole 62 of the holder cover 25 can be aligned. Therefore, the gear cover 18 and the holder assembly 20 can be easily attached by the first screw 253.

[0115] <Procedure for replacing the gear and developing roller 12> Returning to FIG. 15, after step S11, the gears are removed from the developer cartridge 10 (step S21). The gears include the developing roller gear 123, the supply roller gear 133, the first idle gear 171, the second idle gear 172, the third idle gear 173, the first agitator gear 145, and the second agitator gear 155. In step S21, the gears connected to the developing roller 12 are removed.

[0116] After step S21, the developing roller 12 is removed from the developing cartridge 10 (step S22). After step S22, maintenance is performed (step S23). Specifically, in step S23, the developing roller 12 is cleaned. Also, in step S23, the layer thickness regulating blade may be cleaned or replaced. The layer thickness regulating blade is a member for making the layer of toner adhering to the surface of the developing roller 12 uniform. Furthermore, in step S23, the toner seal may be replaced. The toner seal is a member that prevents toner from leaking from the housing 11 in an unused developing cartridge 10.

[0117] After step S23, the developing roller 12 is attached to the housing 11 (step S24). The developing roller 12 attached to the housing 11 may be the developing roller 12 removed in step S22 and cleaned in step S23. The developing roller 12 may also be a new or recycled developing roller 12.

[0118] After step S24, the gear is attached to the housing 11 (step S25). The gear attached in step S25 may be a new or recycled gear.

[0119] After step S17 and step S25, the gear cover 18 to which the holder assembly 20 is attached is attached to the housing 11 (step S18). With the above, recycling of the holder assembly 20 is completed.

[0120] As described above, the jig 50 is used in removing the holder assembly 20 (step S13) and in attaching the holder assembly 20 (step S17). This prevents the worker from touching the electrical contact surface 213 of the IC chip 21 of the holder assembly 20. Therefore, the IC chip 21 can be appropriately protected when the developer cartridge 10 is recycled.

[0121] <2. Variations> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0122] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first recess 51 has a bottom surface, but the first recess 51 may be a through-hole that does not have a bottom surface.

[0123] The number of protrusions 53 is not limited to five, but may be four or less, or six or more.

[0124] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all respects and does not limit the present disclosure. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The configurations described in the above embodiments and variations may be combined or omitted as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10 Developer cartridge 11. Housing 12 Developing roller 123 Developing roller gear 14 First agitator 145 1st agitator gear 18 Gear cover 20 Holder assembly 21 IC chip 213 First electrical contact surface 24 IC chip holder 25 Holder cover 253 First screw 41 First Holder 42 Second Holder 45 Elastic member 50 Jig 51 First recess 511 First inner surface 512 Second inner surface 53 Protrusion 61 First screw hole 62 Second screw hole A12 Developing roller shaft A14 Agitator shaft

Claims

1. a housing capable of accommodating a developer; a gear cover located at one end of the housing in a first direction; A storage medium; a storage medium holder that holds the storage medium and is movable relative to the housing and the gear cover; a holder assembly having a holder cover that holds the storage medium holder; a first screw for attaching the holder assembly to the gear cover, a gear cover removing step of removing the gear cover from the housing with the holder assembly attached by the first screw; a screw removing step of removing the first screw from the gear cover after the gear cover removing step; a holder assembly removing step of removing the holder assembly from the gear cover after the screw removing step; a first gear cover attaching step of attaching the gear cover to a jig to which another holder assembly different from the removed holder assembly is attached after the holder assembly removing step; a holder assembly attaching step of attaching the other holder assembly to the gear cover by the first screw after the first gear cover attaching step; a second gear cover attaching step of attaching the gear cover, to which the other holder assembly is attached by the first screw, to the housing after the holder assembly attaching step; Including, A method for recycling a developer cartridge, characterized in that, in the first gear cover installation process, when the other holder assembly is attached to the jig, the movement of the storage medium holder of the other holder assembly relative to the jig and the holder cover of the other holder assembly is restricted.

2. 2. A method for recycling a developing cartridge according to claim 1, comprising: A method for recycling a developer cartridge, characterized in that, in the first gear cover installation process, when the other holder assembly is attached to the jig, the storage medium holder of the other holder assembly is unable to move relative to the jig and the holder cover of the other holder assembly.

3. 3. A method for recycling the developing cartridge according to claim 1, comprising: The other holder assembly includes: a storage medium different from the storage medium of the holder assembly; another storage medium holder that holds the storage medium, the other storage medium holder being different from the storage medium holder of the holder assembly; a holder cover for holding the storage medium holder, the holder cover being different from the holder cover of the holder assembly; The method for recycling a developing cartridge, wherein in the first gear cover attaching step, the other storage medium holder is attached so as to be immovable relative to the jig.

4. A method for recycling the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: the jig has a first recess recessed in the first direction, A method for recycling a developer cartridge, wherein in the first gear cover attaching step, the other holder assembly is attached to the first recess.

5. A method for recycling the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: the jig has a plurality of protrusions extending in the first direction, The method for recycling a developer cartridge, wherein in the first gear cover attaching step, the outer peripheral surface of the gear cover comes into contact with the plurality of protrusions.

6. A method for recycling the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: the gear cover has a first screw hole into which the first screw can be inserted, the holder cover has a second screw hole into which the first screw can be inserted, A method for recycling a developer cartridge, characterized in that, in the holder assembly installation process, the first screw is inserted into the first screw hole and the second screw hole from the inner surface of the gear cover in the first direction toward the outer surface of the gear cover in the first direction.

7. A method for recycling the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: The storage medium holder includes: a first holder for holding the storage medium; a second holder positioned apart from the first holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an elastic member located between the first holder and the second holder, the elastic member being stretchable in the second direction; Equipped with The jig is A first inner surface; a second inner surface positioned apart from the first inner surface in the second direction; and the first inner surface contacts one end of the first holder in the second direction, a second inner surface contacting the other end of the first holder in the second direction;

8. 8. A method for recycling a developing cartridge according to claim 7, comprising: the storage medium has an electrical contact surface; A method for recycling a developer cartridge, wherein in the first gear cover attaching step, the electrical contact surface is positioned away from the first inner surface.

9. 9. A method for recycling a developing cartridge according to claim 8, comprising: A method for recycling a developer cartridge, characterized in that when the holder assembly is attached to the jig by the gear cover removal process, the other end of the second holder is positioned away from the jig in the second direction.

10. a housing capable of accommodating a developer; a gear cover located at one end of the housing in a first direction; a holder assembly including: a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; a storage medium holder that holds the storage medium, the storage medium holder being movable relative to the housing and the gear cover; and a holder cover that holds the storage medium holder; a first screw for attaching the holder assembly to the gear cover, a first gear cover removing step of removing the gear cover from the housing with the holder assembly attached by the first screw; a first holder assembly attaching step of attaching the holder assembly attached to the gear cover by the first screws to a jig after the first gear cover removing step; a screw removing step of removing the first screw from the gear cover after the first holder assembly attaching step; a second gear cover removing step of removing the gear cover from the holder assembly while leaving the holder assembly in the jig after the screw removing step; Including, A method for recycling a developer cartridge, characterized in that, in the first holder assembly mounting process, when the holder assembly is mounted on the jig, the storage medium holder of the holder assembly is restricted from moving relative to the jig and the holder cover of the holder assembly.

11. 11. A method for recycling a developing cartridge according to claim 10, comprising: the jig has a plurality of protrusions extending in the first direction, The method for recycling a developer cartridge, wherein in the first holder assembly attaching step, the outer peripheral surface of the gear cover comes into contact with the plurality of protrusions.

12. 12. A method for recycling a developing cartridge according to claim 10 or 11, comprising: a first holder assembly removing step of removing the holder assembly from the jig after the screw removing step; a second holder assembly attaching step of attaching another holder assembly different from the removed holder assembly to the jig after the first holder assembly removing step; a gear cover attaching step of attaching the gear cover to the jig after the second holder assembly attaching step; a third holder assembly attaching step of attaching the other holder assembly to the gear cover with the first screw after the gear cover attaching step; A method for recycling a developing cartridge, further comprising:

13. 12. A method for recycling a developing cartridge according to claim 10 or 11, comprising: a first holder assembly removing step of removing the holder assembly from the jig after the screw removing step; a storage medium removing step of removing the storage medium from the storage medium holder after the first holder assembly removing step; a storage medium mounting step of mounting another storage medium different from the removed storage medium into the storage medium holder after the storage medium removing step; a second holder assembly attaching step of attaching the storage medium holder with the other storage medium attached and the holder cover to the jig after the storage medium attaching step; a gear cover attaching step of attaching the gear cover to the jig after the second holder assembly attaching step; a holder cover attaching step of attaching the holder cover to the gear cover by the first screw after the gear cover attaching step; A method for recycling a developing cartridge, further comprising:

14. A method for recycling the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising: the developer cartridge further includes a developer roller rotatable about a developer roller shaft extending in the first direction, a developing roller removing step of removing the developing roller from the housing after the first gear cover removing step; The method for recycling a developer cartridge further comprises, after the step of removing the developing roller, a step of attaching a developing roller different from the removed developing roller to the casing.

15. A method for recycling the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 14, comprising: The developing cartridge is an agitator rotatable about an agitator shaft extending in the first direction; an agitator gear rotatable about the agitator shaft together with the agitator; an agitator gear removing step of removing the agitator gear from the housing after the first gear cover removing step; The method for recycling a developing cartridge further comprises, after the step of removing the agitator gear, a step of attaching another agitator gear different from the removed agitator gear to the housing.

Images