How to recycle developer cartridges

Abstract

To provide a method for recycling a developing cartridge with which it is possible to attach a lever cover to a housing while a lever is held to the outer surface of the housing.SOLUTION: First, a lever cover 60 is removed from a housing 10. Next, a developer is filled in the inside of the housing 10 via a filling opening. Thereafter, the lever cover 60 is attached to the housing 10. Then, a jig 900 is attached to the housing 10 and a lever 50 before the lever cover 60 is attached to the housing 10 at the least. The movement of the lever 50 with respect to the housing 10 is thereby restricted. It is thereby made possible to attach the lever cover 60 to the housing 10 while the lever 50 is held to the housing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the lever cover 60 can be attached to the housing 10 while the lever 50 is held to the outer surface of the housing 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming devices such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developer cartridge is used in the image forming device. A conventional developer cartridge is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. The developer cartridge in Patent Document 1 includes a lever that is movable relative to a housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-117386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The housing of the developer cartridge has a filling port for filling with developer and a cap that covers the filling port. When recycling a developer cartridge, the cap is first removed from the housing. Next, the developer remaining in the housing is sucked out and new developer is filled into the housing. After that, the cap is attached to the housing.

[0005] When a developing cartridge has a lever that can move relative to the housing, as in Patent Document 1, a lever cover is required to hold the lever relative to the housing. Also, it is conceivable to cover the cap with the lever cover to prevent the cap from being accidentally removed from the housing.

[0006] When the lever cover is designed to cover the cap, it is necessary to remove the lever cover when recycling the developer cartridge. However, when the lever cover is removed, the lever is no longer held in place by the housing. Furthermore, when attaching the lever cover to the housing, it is necessary to attach the lever cover while holding the lever against the outer surface of the housing.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for recycling a developing cartridge that allows a lever cover to be attached to the housing while the lever remains held on the outer surface of the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first disclosure of the present application is a method for recycling a developer cartridge detachably attached to a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, the developer cartridge including: a developer roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a housing capable of accommodating a developer, the housing having a filling port located at one end of the housing in the first direction; a lever located at the one end of the housing in the first direction, the lever being rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction relative to the housing when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge between a first position where the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum and a second position where the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; and a lever cover that covers a portion of the lever and at least a portion of the filling port, and the recycling method includes a jig attachment step of attaching a jig to the housing and the lever and restricting movement of the lever relative to the housing, a cover removal step of removing the lever cover from the housing, a filling step of filling developer into the housing through the filling port after the cover removal step, a cover attachment step of attaching the lever cover to the housing after the filling step, and a jig removal step of removing the jig from the housing and the lever after the cover attachment step, and is characterized in that the jig attachment step is performed at the latest before the cover attachment step.

[0009] A second disclosure of the present application is the recycling method of the first disclosure, characterized in that the jig attachment step is performed before the cover removal step.

[0010] The third disclosure of the present application is a recycling method according to the first or second disclosure, wherein the housing further includes a developing roller bearing located at one end of the housing in the first direction, which rotatably supports the developing roller, and the jig attachment process includes attaching the jig to the developing roller bearing.

[0011] The fourth disclosure of the present application is the recycling method of the third disclosure, characterized in that the developing roller bearing has a bearing protrusion protruding in the first direction, the jig has a bearing groove into which the bearing protrusion can be inserted, and in the jig mounting process, the bearing protrusion is inserted into the bearing groove.

[0012] The fifth disclosure of the present application is the recycling method of the fourth disclosure, characterized in that the lever has a lever protrusion that protrudes in the first direction, the jig has a lever hole into which the lever protrusion can be inserted, and in the jig attachment process, the lever protrusion is inserted into the lever hole.

[0013] A sixth disclosure of the present application is the recycling method of the fifth disclosure, characterized in that in the jig attachment step, the lever protrusion is press-fitted into the lever hole.

[0014] The seventh disclosure of the present application is a recycling method according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, characterized in that the housing has a housing contact surface that comes into contact with the lever when the jig is attached to the housing and the lever.

[0015] The eighth disclosure of the present application is a recycling method according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, characterized in that the jig has a jig contact surface that comes into contact with the lever when the jig is attached to the housing and the lever.

[0016] The ninth disclosure of the present application is a recycling method according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, characterized in that the jig has a guide surface that guides the lever cover when attaching the lever cover to the housing during the cover attachment process.

[0017] The tenth disclosure of the present application is the recycling method of the first disclosure, further comprising a lever removal process for removing the lever from the housing after the cover removal process and before the filling process, and a lever attachment process for attaching the lever to the housing after the filling process and before the cover attachment process, characterized in that the jig attachment process is performed after the lever attachment process and before the cover attachment process.

[0018] An eleventh disclosure of the present application is a recycling method according to any one of the first to tenth disclosures, wherein the housing further comprises a cap that covers the filling port, and the recycling method further comprises a cap removal process of removing the cap from the housing after the cover removal process and before the filling process, and a cap attachment process of attaching the cap to the housing after the filling process and before the cover attachment process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the first to eleventh disclosures of the present application, the lever cover is attached to the housing while the lever is held by the housing via a jig. This allows the lever cover to be attached to the housing while the lever remains held at one end of the housing in the first direction.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the second disclosure of the present application, the lever cover can be removed from the housing while the lever is held in the housing via the jig.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the sixth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the lever from rotating relative to the jig.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the seventh disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the lever from rotating relative to the jig.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the eighth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the lever from rotating relative to the jig.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the ninth disclosure of the present application, the guide surface of the jig can be used to easily position the lever cover relative to the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the developing cartridge as seen from the first outer surface side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view of the developing cartridge as seen from the second outer surface side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a recycling procedure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge with the jig attached thereto. [Figure 10] 10 is a view of the developing cartridge with the jig attached, viewed from the first outer surface side. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge with the lever cover removed. [Figure 12] 10 is a view of the developing cartridge with the lever cover removed, viewed from the first outer surface side. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the movable range of the first lever when no jig is attached. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a recycling procedure according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a recycling procedure according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] In the following description, the direction in which the developing roller 30 extends will be referred to as the "first direction." The direction in which one end of the casing 10 where the developing roller 30 is located is aligned with the other end of the casing 10 will be referred to as the "second direction." The first direction and the second direction intersect with each other. Preferably, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0028] <1. Structure of the developing cartridge> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1. FIG. 2 is a view of the developer cartridge 1 as viewed from the side of a first outer surface 11, which will be described later. Note that FIG. 2 also shows a photosensitive drum 100 of the drum cartridge. FIG. 3 is a view of the developer cartridge 1 as viewed from the side of a second outer surface 12, which will be described later. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge 1. Note that FIG. 4 shows a cross section perpendicular to the first direction. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the developer cartridge 1.

[0029] The developer cartridge 1 is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer. The developer cartridge 1 is detachably attached to a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum 100. The developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge and then installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0030] An image forming apparatus can be fitted with, for example, four developer cartridges 1. The four developer cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The developers are, for example, toner. The image forming apparatus forms an image on printing paper using the developers supplied from the developer cartridges 1. However, the number of developer cartridges 1 that can be fitted to the image forming apparatus may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the developing cartridge 1 includes a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a developing roller bearing 40, a first lever 50, a lever cover 60, a gear portion 70, a second lever 80, and a memory assembly 90.

[0032] The casing 10 is a housing capable of containing a developer. The casing 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 casing 10 in the first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the casing 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 casing 10 extends in the first direction and also in the second direction.

[0033] The casing 10 has a storage chamber 13. The storage chamber 13 is located inside the casing 10. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 13. The casing 10 also has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The external space of the casing 10 and the storage chamber 13 communicate with each other via the opening 14. The casing 10 may have a handle on the outer surface of the other end in the second direction.

[0034] The casing 10 also has a filling port 15. The filling port 15 is located on the first outer surface 11. That is, the filling port 15 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the first direction. The casing 10 also has a cap 16. The cap 16 is detachable from the filling port 15. When the cap 16 is attached to the filling port 15, it covers the filling port 15.

[0035] The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and a film 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along a first direction. The film 22 extends from the agitator shaft 21 toward the inner surface of the casing 10. That is, the film 22 extends radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. A portion of the agitator shaft 21 and the film 22 are located within the accommodation chamber 13 of the casing 10.

[0036] The end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction is fixed to an agitator gear included in the gear unit 70. When the agitator gear rotates, the agitator shaft 21 and the film 22 rotate about an agitator axis extending in the first direction. The rotation of the film 22 then agitates the developer in the containing chamber 13.

[0037] The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about a first axis extending in a first direction. The developing roller 30 is located in the opening 14 of the casing 10. In other words, the developing roller 30 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cartridge, the developing roller 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 100.

[0038] The developing roller 30 has a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller main body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction. The developing roller main body 31 is made of, for example, elastic rubber. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller main body 31 and extends in the first direction. The developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller shaft 32 is conductive. The developing roller shaft 32 is made of metal or conductive resin.

[0039] The developing roller shaft 32 does not have to penetrate the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 32 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction.

[0040] The developing roller bearing 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. That is, the developing roller bearing 40 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the developing roller bearing 40 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The developing roller bearing 40 is conductive. Specifically, the developing roller bearing 40 is made of a conductive resin.

[0041] The developing roller bearing 40 has a bearing hole 41. The bearing hole 41 penetrates the developing roller bearing 40 in the first direction. One end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is inserted into the bearing hole 41. This allows the developing roller shaft 32 to be rotatably supported by the developing roller bearing 40. Furthermore, one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction comes into contact with the developing roller bearing 40. This allows the developing roller bearing 40 to be electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 32.

[0042] When the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge 1 attached thereto is installed in an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus supplies a bias voltage to the developer roller shaft 32 via the developer roller bearing 40. Then, the developer is carried on the outer peripheral surface of the developer roller main body 31 due to the electrostatic force between the developer roller shaft 32 and the developer.

[0043] 2, the developing roller bearing 40 has a bearing protrusion 42. The bearing protrusion 42 protrudes in the first direction from one end face of the developing roller bearing 40 in the first direction. The bearing protrusion 42 protrudes in a direction away from the casing 10 in the first direction. The bearing protrusion 42 is located between the developing roller shaft 32 and the first lever 50 in the second direction.

[0044] The first lever 50 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. That is, the first lever 50 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the first direction. The first lever 50 is located away from the developing roller 30 in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the first lever 50 has one end 51, the other end 52, and a lever protrusion 53. The one end 51 and the other end 52 are spaced apart in the rotation direction around the lever protrusion 53. The one end 51 is closer to the bearing protrusion 42 than the other end 52. The lever protrusion 53 protrudes from the first lever 50 in the first direction. The lever protrusion 53 extends in a direction away from the casing 10. The lever protrusion 53 is cylindrical or columnar, with its center at a second axis extending in the first direction.

[0045] The first lever 50 is movable relative to the casing 10. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge, the lever protrusion 53 can come into contact with the frame of the drum cartridge. The first lever 50 is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the lever protrusion 53. In other words, when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge, the first lever 50 is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the second shaft relative to the casing 10.

[0046] The first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 has a housing contact surface 111. The housing contact surface 111 is located farther from the developing roller 30 in the second direction than the one end 51 of the first lever 50. The housing contact surface 111 also faces the one end 51 of the first lever 50 in the second direction. When the first lever 50 rotates about the lever protrusion 53, the one end 51 can come into contact with the housing contact surface 111.

[0047] The lever cover 60 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. That is, the lever cover 60 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the lever cover 60 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The lever cover 60 covers a portion of the first lever 50. That is, the portion of the first lever 50 is located between the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 and the lever cover 60. The lever cover 60 holds the first lever 50 in a state in which it can move relative to the casing 10.

[0048] However, the other end 52 of the first lever 50 protrudes in the first direction and away from the casing 10. The lever cover 60 is located between the other end 52 of the first lever 50 and the lever protrusion 53. The other end 52 of the first lever 50 and the lever protrusion 53 can each come into contact with the lever cover 60. This prevents the first lever 50 from being removed from the casing 10 and the lever cover 60.

[0049] Furthermore, the lever cover 60 covers the filling port 15 and the cap 16. The lever cover 60 and the cap 16 face each other in the first direction. This prevents the cap 16 from being removed from the casing 10. The lever cover 60 may cover the entire filling port 15 and the cap 16, or may cover only a portion of the filling port 15 and the cap 16. In other words, it is sufficient for the lever cover 60 to cover at least a portion of the filling port 15 and the cap 16.

[0050] The gear portion 70 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. That is, the gear portion 70 is located at the other end of the casing 10 in the first direction. The gear portion 70 has a gear cover 71, a coupling 72, and multiple gears. The gear cover 71, together with the casing 10, constitutes the housing of the developer cartridge 1. The gear cover 71 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. The multiple gears include an agitator gear fixed to the agitator shaft 21 and a developing roller gear fixed to the developing roller shaft 32. At least some of the multiple gears are located between the second outer surface 12 and the gear cover 71.

[0051] The coupling 72 is exposed from the gear cover 71. When the developer cartridge 1 attached to the drum cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is connected to the coupling 72. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the agitator gear and the developing roller gear via the coupling 72. Note that the multiple gears included in the gear unit 70 may transmit rotational force by meshing of teeth or by friction.

[0052] The second lever 80 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. That is, the second lever 80 is located at the other end of the casing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the second lever 80 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 71. As shown in FIG. 3 , the second lever 80 has one end 81 and the other end 82. The other end 82 is farther from the developing roller shaft 32 than the one end 81. Furthermore, the other end 82 is farther from the one end of the casing 10 in the second direction than the one end 81. The second lever 80 extends along the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 between the one end 81 and the other end 82.

[0053] The second lever 80 has a through hole 83. The through hole 83 penetrates one end 81 of the second lever 80 in the first direction. The through hole 83 has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface. The other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is inserted into the through hole 83. This makes the second lever 80 rotatable about the developing roller shaft 32 with respect to the casing 10. Specifically, the other end 82 of the second lever 80 is rotatable about the developing roller shaft 32 with respect to the one end 81.

[0054] After the developer cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus while attached to the drum cartridge, it can perform a separation operation by using a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus. The separation operation is an operation for temporarily separating the developer roller 30 from the photosensitive drum 100.

[0055] When performing the separating operation, the image forming apparatus presses the other end 52 of the first lever 50. This causes the first lever 50 to rotate about the lever protrusion 53 relative to the casing 10. The first lever 50 then rotates from the first position to the second position. This causes one end 51 of the first lever 50 to contact the housing contact surface 111 of the casing 10. The one end 51 of the first lever 50 then presses the housing contact surface 111 of the casing 10 in the second direction, in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 100. This causes the casing 10 to move in the second direction, in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 100. As a result, the developing roller 30 moves from a pressure contact position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) where it contacts the photosensitive drum 100 to a separated position (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2) where it is separated from the photosensitive drum 100.

[0056] Furthermore, when performing the separation operation, the image forming apparatus presses the cam of the drum cartridge. This causes the cam to rotate and come into contact with one end 81 of the second lever 80. The cam then presses the one end 81 of the second lever 80 in the second direction, away from the photosensitive drum 100. This causes the casing 10 to move in the second direction, away from the photosensitive drum 100. As a result, the developing roller 30 moves from a pressure contact position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 100 to a separation position where it is away from the photosensitive drum 100.

[0057] The memory assembly 90 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. That is, the memory assembly 90 is located at the other end of the casing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the memory assembly 90 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 71. The memory assembly 90 has a memory 91 which is a storage medium, a holder 92 which holds the memory 91, and a holder cover 93. The memory 91 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 91 is located on the outer surface of the holder 92.

[0058] The memory 91 can store various information related to the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the memory 91 stores at least one of the cumulative number of pages printed using the developing roller 30, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 30, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed. This information represents the lifespan of the developing cartridge 1. The memory 91 may also store information such as the serial number of the developing cartridge 1 and compatible models.

[0059] The memory 91 has an electrical contact surface 911. The electrical contact surface 911 is made of metal, which is a conductor. When the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge 1 installed is installed in an image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface 911 comes into contact with a terminal of the image forming apparatus.

[0060] The holder cover 93 is fixed to the outer surface of the gear cover 71. The holder 92 is located between the gear cover 71 and the holder cover 93. The holder 92 is held in a movable state relative to the casing 10, the gear cover 71, and the holder cover 93.

[0061] <2. Recycling of developing cartridges> Next, we will explain the procedure for recycling the above-mentioned developer cartridge 1. Recycling the developer cartridge 1 involves inspecting the used developer cartridge 1, refilling the developer in the storage chamber 13 of the developer cartridge 1, and replacing parts of the developer cartridge 1 as necessary, so that the developer cartridge 1 can be reused.

[0062] 6 and 7 are perspective views of a jig 900 used when recycling the developing cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS.

[0063] The bearing groove 901 is a groove into which the above-mentioned bearing protrusion 42 can be inserted. The bearing groove 901 is recessed in the second direction when the jig 900 is in use. Furthermore, the bearing groove 901 extends along the first direction when the jig 900 is in use. The lever hole 902 is a hole into which the above-mentioned lever protrusion 53 can be inserted. The lever hole 902 penetrates the jig 900 in the first direction when the jig 900 is in use. However, the lever hole 902 may also be a recess that is recessed in the first direction when the jig 900 is in use.

[0064] <2-1. First embodiment> First, the recycling procedure of the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the recycling procedure of the first embodiment.

[0065] When recycling the first embodiment, a worker first attaches the jig 900 to the casing 10 and the first lever 50 (step A1, jig attaching step). Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 with the jig 900 attached. Fig. 10 is a view of the developer cartridge 1 with the jig 900 attached, viewed from the first outer surface 11 side.

[0066] 9 and 10, in step A1, the bearing protrusion 42 of the developing roller bearing 40 is inserted into the bearing groove 901 of the jig 900. This allows the jig 900 to be attached to the casing 10 and the developing roller bearing 40. Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in step A1, the lever protrusion 53 of the first lever 50 is inserted into the lever hole 902 of the jig 900. This allows the first lever 50 to be attached to the jig 900. As a result, movement of the first lever 50 relative to the casing 10 is restricted. That is, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900.

[0067] The jig 900 also has a press-fit protrusion 903. The press-fit protrusion 903 protrudes from the edge of the bearing groove 901 toward the inside of the bearing groove 901. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , in step A1, the press-fit protrusion 903 comes into contact with the bearing protrusion 42. This causes the bearing protrusion 42 to be press-fitted into the bearing groove 901. As a result, the jig 900 is fixed to the casing 10 and the developing roller bearing 40.

[0068] In step A1, the lever protrusion 53 is press-fitted into the lever hole 902. This fixes the first lever 50 to the jig 900. Furthermore, rotation of the first lever 50 about the lever protrusion 53 relative to the jig 900 is suppressed.

[0069] 7 , the jig 900 has a jig contact surface 904. When the jig 900 is attached to the casing 10 and the first lever 50, the jig contact surface 904 faces the first lever 50. More specifically, the jig contact surface 904 faces a portion of the first lever 50 in the direction of rotation of the first lever 50 about the lever protrusion 53. When the jig 900 is attached to the casing 10 and the first lever 50, and the first lever 50 rotates about the lever protrusion 53, the first lever 50 comes into contact with the jig contact surface 904 or the housing contact surface 111 of the casing 10. This limits the range of rotation of the first lever 50 relative to the jig 900.

[0070] Next, the worker removes the lever cover 60 from the casing 10 (step A2, cover removal process). Specifically, the worker first removes the bolts that secure the lever cover 60 to the casing 10. Then, the worker removes the lever cover 60 from the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 with the lever cover 60 removed. FIG. 12 is a view of the developer cartridge 1 with the lever cover 60 removed, viewed from the first outer surface 11 side.

[0071] 11 and 12 , when the lever cover 60 is removed, the cap 16 of the filling port 15 is exposed. At this time, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, even when the lever cover 60 is removed, the first lever 50 remains held to the casing 10. Therefore, the worker can remove the lever cover 60 while the first lever 50 remains held to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0072] The worker inspects the removed first lever 50. Then, the worker prepares a new first lever 50, if necessary.

[0073] Next, the worker removes the cap 16 from the casing 10 (step A3, cap removal step). This opens the filling port 15. At this time, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the worker can remove the cap 16 while the first lever 50 remains held to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0074] The worker inspects the removed cap 16 and, if necessary, prepares a new cap 16.

[0075] Next, the worker sucks up the developer remaining in the storage chamber 13 of the casing 10 (step A4, suction step). Specifically, the worker inserts a suction device into the filling port 15 and sucks the developer in the storage chamber 13 into the suction device. This removes the developer from the storage chamber 13 of the casing 10. At this time, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the worker can perform the developer suction work while the first lever 50 remains held to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0076] Next, the worker fills new developer into the casing 10 (step A5, filling step). Specifically, the worker supplies the developer to the containing chamber 13 in the casing 10 through the filling port 15. At this time, the first lever 50 is held by the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the worker can perform the developer filling operation while the first lever 50 remains held by the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0077] Next, the worker attaches the cap 16 to the casing 10 (step A6, cap attaching step), thereby closing the filling port 15. Here, the cap 16 attached to the casing 10 may be the cap 16 removed in step A3, or may be a new cap 16.

[0078] When the cap 16 is attached, the developing cartridge 1 is in the state shown in Figures 11 and 12. At this time, the first lever 50 is held by the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the worker can attach the cap 16 while the first lever 50 remains held by the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0079] Next, the worker attaches the lever cover 60 to the casing 10 (step A7, cover attaching step). This places the developing cartridge 1 in the state shown in Figures 9 and 10. Here, the lever cover 60 attached to the casing 10 may be the lever cover 60 removed in step A2, or a new lever cover 60.

[0080] Specifically, the worker fixes the lever cover 60 to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 with a bolt. As a result, the cap 16 attached to the filling port 15 is covered with the lever cover 60. At this time, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the worker can perform the work of attaching the lever cover 60 while the first lever 50 remains held to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0081] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the movable range of the first lever 50 when the jig 900 is not attached. Note that the lever cover 60 is not shown in Fig. 13, but the movable range of the first lever 50 when the lever cover 60 is attached to the casing 10 is shown. When the jig 900 is not attached as in Fig. 13, the first lever 50 can move relative to the casing 10 even if the lever cover 60 is attached.

[0082] However, using the jig 900 makes it possible to restrict such movement of the first lever 50. When the lever cover 60 is attached in step A7, the position of the first lever 50 relative to the casing 10 has not changed since the lever cover 60 was removed in step A2. Therefore, the lever cover 60 can be attached to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 without coming into contact with the first lever 50.

[0083] 9 to 12, the jig 900 has a guide surface 905. When the jig 900 is attached to the casing 10 and the first lever 50, the guide surface 905 is located between the lever protrusion 53 and the other end 52 of the first lever 50. Furthermore, when the jig 900 is attached to the casing 10 and the first lever 50, the guide surface 905 is inclined with respect to the first direction. More specifically, when the jig 900 is attached to the casing 10 and the first lever 50, the guide surface 905 gradually approaches the other end 52 of the first lever 50 as it moves toward the casing 10 in the first direction.

[0084] In step A7, the worker brings lever cover 60 close to first outer surface 11 of casing 10 while bringing it into contact with guide surface 905. Then, guide surface 905 guides lever cover 60, so that lever cover 60 is easily positioned relative to casing 10. This makes it easy to attach lever cover 60 to casing 10.

[0085] Thereafter, the worker removes the jig 900 from the casing 10 and the first lever 50 (step A8, jig removal step). Specifically, the lever protrusion 53 of the first lever 50 is removed from the lever hole 902 of the jig 900. Also, the bearing protrusion 42 of the developing roller bearing 40 is removed from the bearing groove 901 of the jig 900. This completes the removal of the jig 900 from the casing 10 and the first lever 50.

[0086] <2-2. Second embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the recycling procedure of the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the recycling procedure of the second embodiment.

[0087] When recycling the second embodiment, the worker first removes the lever cover 60 from the casing 10 (step B1, cover removal process). Specifically, the worker first removes the bolts that secure the lever cover 60 to the casing 10. Then, the worker removes the lever cover 60 from the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. When the lever cover 60 is removed, the cap 16 of the filling port 15 is exposed. Furthermore, when the lever cover 60 is removed, the first lever 50 is no longer held by the lever cover 60.

[0088] The worker inspects the removed lever cover 60. Then, the worker prepares a new lever cover 60 if necessary.

[0089] Next, the worker removes the first lever 50 from the casing 10 (step B2, lever removing step). The worker inspects the removed first lever 50. Then, the worker prepares a new first lever 50, if necessary.

[0090] Next, the worker removes the cap 16 from the casing 10 (step B3, cap removal step). This opens the filling port 15. The worker inspects the removed cap 16. Then, the worker prepares a new cap 16, if necessary.

[0091] Next, the worker sucks up the developer remaining in the storage chamber 13 of the casing 10 (step B4, suction step). Specifically, the worker inserts a suction device into the filling port 15 and sucks the developer in the storage chamber 13 into the suction device. This removes the developer from the storage chamber 13 of the casing 10.

[0092] Next, the worker fills new developer into the casing 10 (step B5, filling step). Specifically, the worker supplies the developer into the containing chamber 13 in the casing 10 through the filling port 15.

[0093] Next, the worker attaches the cap 16 to the casing 10 (step B6, cap attaching step), thereby closing the filling port 15. Here, the cap 16 attached to the casing 10 may be the cap 16 removed in step B3, or may be a new cap 16.

[0094] Next, the worker attaches the first lever 50 to the casing 10 (step B7, lever attaching step). Specifically, the worker attaches the first lever 50 to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. Here, the first lever 50 attached to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 may be the first lever 50 removed in step B2, or may be a new first lever 50.

[0095] Next, the worker attaches the jig 900 to the casing 10 and the first lever 50 (step B8, jig attaching step), thereby bringing the developing cartridge 1 into the state shown in FIGS.

[0096] 11 and 12, in step B8, the bearing protrusion 42 of the developing roller bearing 40 is inserted into the bearing groove 901 of the jig 900. This completes the attachment of the jig 900 to the casing 10 and the developing roller bearing 40. Also, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in step B8, the lever protrusion 53 of the first lever 50 is inserted into the lever hole 902 of the jig 900. This completes the attachment of the first lever 50 to the jig 900. As a result, movement of the first lever 50 relative to the casing 10 is restricted. That is, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900.

[0097] 11 and 12, in step B8, the press-fit protrusion 903 comes into contact with the bearing protrusion 42. This causes the bearing protrusion 42 to be press-fitted into the bearing groove 901. As a result, the jig 900 is fixed to the casing 10 and the developing roller bearing 40. Also, in step B8, the lever protrusion 53 is press-fitted into the lever hole 902. This causes the first lever 50 to be fixed to the jig 900. Also, rotation of the first lever 50 about the lever protrusion 53 relative to the jig 900 is suppressed.

[0098] Furthermore, when the jig 900 is attached to the casing 10 and the first lever 50, if the first lever 50 rotates about the lever protrusion 53, the first lever 50 comes into contact with the jig contact surface 904 or the housing contact surface 111 of the casing 10. This limits the range of rotation of the first lever 50 relative to the jig 900.

[0099] Next, the worker attaches the lever cover 60 to the casing 10 (step B9, cover attaching step). This places the developing cartridge 1 in the state shown in Figures 9 and 10. Here, the lever cover 60 attached to the casing 10 may be the lever cover 60 removed in step B1, or a new lever cover 60.

[0100] Specifically, the worker fixes the lever cover 60 to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 with a bolt. As a result, the cap 16 attached to the filling port 15 is covered with the lever cover 60. At this time, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the worker can perform the work of attaching the lever cover 60 while the first lever 50 remains held to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0101] In step B9, the worker brings lever cover 60 close to first outer surface 11 of casing 10 while bringing it into contact with guide surface 905. Then, guide surface 905 guides lever cover 60, thereby easily positioning lever cover 60. This makes it easy to attach lever cover 60 to casing 10.

[0102] Thereafter, the worker removes the jig 900 from the casing 10 and the first lever 50 (step B10, jig removal step). Specifically, the lever protrusion 53 of the first lever 50 is removed from the lever hole 902 of the jig 900. Also, the bearing protrusion 42 of the developing roller bearing 40 is removed from the bearing groove 901 of the jig 900. This completes the removal of the jig 900 from the casing 10 and the first lever 50.

[0103] <2-3. Third embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the recycling procedure of the third embodiment. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the recycling procedure of the third embodiment.

[0104] When recycling the third embodiment, the worker first removes the lever cover 60 from the casing 10 (step C1, cover removal process). Specifically, the worker first removes the bolts that secure the lever cover 60 to the casing 10. Then, the worker removes the lever cover 60 from the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. When the lever cover 60 is removed, the cap 16 of the filling port 15 is exposed. Furthermore, when the lever cover 60 is removed, the first lever 50 is no longer held by the lever cover 60.

[0105] The worker inspects the removed lever cover 60. Then, the worker prepares a new lever cover 60 if necessary.

[0106] Next, the worker removes the first lever 50 from the casing 10 (step C2, lever removing step). The worker inspects the removed first lever 50. Then, the worker prepares a new first lever 50, if necessary.

[0107] Next, the worker removes the cap 16 from the casing 10 (step C3, cap removal step). This opens the filling port 15. The worker inspects the removed cap 16. Then, the worker prepares a new cap 16, if necessary.

[0108] Next, the worker sucks up the developer remaining in the storage chamber 13 of the casing 10 (step C4, suction step). Specifically, the worker inserts a suction device into the filling port 15 and sucks the developer in the storage chamber 13 into the suction device. This removes the developer from the storage chamber 13 of the casing 10.

[0109] Next, the worker removes the memory assembly 90 from the casing 10 (step C5, memory assembly removal process). Specifically, the worker first removes the bolts that secure the holder cover 93 to the gear cover 71. Then, the worker removes the holder cover 93 from the outer surface of the gear cover 71. Thereafter, the worker removes the holder 92 from the outer surface of the gear cover 71.

[0110] The worker inspects the removed memory assembly 90. Then, the worker rewrites the information in the memory 91 as necessary. Also, the worker replaces the memory 91 with a new memory 91 as necessary. Also, the worker prepares a new holder 92 or holder cover 93 as necessary.

[0111] Next, the worker removes the second lever 80 from the casing 10 (step C6, second lever removing step). Specifically, the worker removes the second lever 80 from the other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. The worker inspects the removed second lever 80. Then, the worker prepares a new second lever 80 as necessary.

[0112] Next, the worker removes the gear unit 70 from the casing 10 (step C7, gear unit removal step). Specifically, the worker first removes the bolts that secure the gear cover 71 to the casing 10. Then, the worker removes the gear cover 71 from the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. Thereafter, the worker removes the coupling 72 and the multiple gears from the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10.

[0113] The worker inspects the removed gear cover 71, the coupling 72, and the plurality of gears, and then, if necessary, prepares a new gear cover 71, the coupling 72, or the plurality of gears.

[0114] Next, the worker removes the developing roller bearing 40 from the casing 10 (step C8, developing roller bearing removal process). Specifically, the worker first removes the bolts that secure the developing roller bearing 40 to the casing 10. Then, the worker removes the developing roller bearing 40 from the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The worker inspects the removed developing roller bearing 40. Then, the worker prepares a new developing roller bearing 40, if necessary.

[0115] Next, the worker removes the developing roller 30 from the casing 10 (step C9, developing roller removing step). Specifically, the worker removes the developing roller 30 from the opening 14 of the casing 10. The worker inspects the removed developing roller 30. Then, the worker prepares a new developing roller 30, if necessary.

[0116] Next, the worker attaches the developing roller 30 to the casing 10 (step C10, developing roller attaching step). Specifically, the worker attaches the developing roller 30 to the opening 14 of the casing 10. Here, the developing roller 30 attached to the opening 14 of the casing 10 may be the developing roller 30 removed in step C9, or may be a new developing roller 30.

[0117] Next, the worker attaches the developing roller bearing 40 to the casing 10 (step C11, developing roller bearing attaching step). Specifically, the worker fixes the developing roller bearing 40 to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 with bolts. Here, the developing roller bearing 40 attached to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 may be the developing roller bearing 40 removed in step C8, or may be a new developing roller bearing 40.

[0118] Next, the worker attaches the gear unit 70 to the casing 10 (step C12, gear unit attaching step). Specifically, the worker first attaches a plurality of gears and couplings 72 to the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. Next, the worker attaches the gear cover 71 to the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. Thereafter, the worker fixes the gear cover 71 to the casing 10 with bolts.

[0119] Here, the multiple gears, couplings 72, and gear covers 71 attached to the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 may be the gears, couplings 72, and gear covers 71 removed in step C7, or may be new gears, couplings 72, and gear covers 71.

[0120] Next, the worker attaches the second lever 80 to the casing 10 (step C13, second lever attaching step). Specifically, the worker attaches the second lever 80 to the outer surface of the gear cover 71. Then, the worker attaches the second lever 80 to the other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. Here, the second lever 80 attached to the developing roller shaft 32 may be the second lever 80 removed in step C6, or may be a new second lever 80.

[0121] Next, the worker attaches the memory assembly 90 to the casing 10 (step C14, memory assembly attaching process). Specifically, the worker attaches the holder 92 to the outer surface of the gear cover 71. The worker also attaches the holder cover 93 to the outer surface of the gear cover 71. The worker then fixes the holder cover 93 to the gear cover 71 with bolts.

[0122] Here, the memory 91, holder 92, and holder cover 93 attached to the outer surface of the gear cover 71 may be the memory 91, holder 92, and holder cover 93 removed in step C5, or may be new memory 91, holder 92, and holder cover 93.

[0123] Next, the worker fills new developer into the casing 10 (step C15, filling step). Specifically, the worker supplies the developer into the containing chamber 13 in the casing 10 through the filling port 15.

[0124] Next, the worker attaches the cap 16 to the casing 10 (step C16, cap attaching step), thereby closing the filling port 15. Here, the cap 16 attached to the casing 10 may be the cap 16 removed in step C3, or may be a new cap 16.

[0125] Next, the worker attaches the first lever 50 to the casing 10 (step C17, lever attaching step). Specifically, the worker attaches the first lever 50 to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. Here, the first lever 50 attached to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 may be the first lever 50 removed in step C2, or may be a new first lever 50.

[0126] Next, the worker attaches the jig 900 to the casing 10 and the first lever 50 (step C18, jig attaching step), thereby bringing the developing cartridge 1 into the state shown in FIGS.

[0127] 11 and 12, in step C18, the bearing protrusion 42 of the developing roller bearing 40 is inserted into the bearing groove 901 of the jig 900. This completes the attachment of the jig 900 to the casing 10 and the developing roller bearing 40. Also, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in step C18, the lever protrusion 53 of the first lever 50 is inserted into the lever hole 902 of the jig 900. This completes the attachment of the first lever 50 to the jig 900. As a result, movement of the first lever 50 relative to the casing 10 is restricted. That is, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900.

[0128] 11 and 12, in step C18, the press-fit protrusion 903 comes into contact with the bearing protrusion 42. This causes the bearing protrusion 42 to be press-fitted into the bearing groove 901. As a result, the jig 900 is fixed to the casing 10 and the developing roller bearing 40. Also, in step C18, the lever protrusion 53 is press-fitted into the lever hole 902. This causes the first lever 50 to be fixed to the jig 900. Furthermore, rotation of the first lever 50 about the lever protrusion 53 relative to the jig 900 is suppressed.

[0129] Furthermore, when the jig 900 is attached to the casing 10 and the first lever 50, if the first lever 50 rotates about the lever protrusion 53, the first lever 50 comes into contact with the jig contact surface 904 or the housing contact surface 111 of the casing 10. This limits the range of rotation of the first lever 50 relative to the jig 900.

[0130] Next, the worker attaches the lever cover 60 to the casing 10 (step C19, cover attaching step). This places the developing cartridge 1 in the state shown in Figures 9 and 10. Here, the lever cover 60 attached to the casing 10 may be the lever cover 60 removed in step C1, or a new lever cover 60.

[0131] Specifically, the worker fixes the lever cover 60 to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 with a bolt. As a result, the cap 16 attached to the filling port 15 is covered with the lever cover 60. At this time, the first lever 50 is held to the casing 10 via the jig 900. Therefore, the worker can perform the work of attaching the lever cover 60 while the first lever 50 remains held to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0132] In step C19, the worker brings lever cover 60 close to first outer surface 11 of casing 10 while bringing it into contact with guide surface 905. Then, guide surface 905 guides lever cover 60, thereby easily positioning lever cover 60. This makes it easy to attach lever cover 60 to casing 10.

[0133] Thereafter, the worker removes the jig 900 from the casing 10 and the first lever 50 (step C20, jig removal step). Specifically, the lever protrusion 53 of the first lever 50 is removed from the lever hole 902 of the jig 900. Also, the bearing protrusion 42 of the developing roller bearing 40 is removed from the bearing groove 901 of the jig 900. This completes the removal of the jig 900 from the casing 10 and the first lever 50.

[0134] <3. Modifications> The developing cartridge 1 may be attached to a drum cartridge having one photosensitive drum or may be attached to a drum cartridge having multiple photosensitive drums. The developing cartridge 1 may also be attached directly to an image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 Developer cartridge 10 Casing 16 Cap 20 Agitator 30 Developing roller 40 Developing roller bearing 42 Bearing protrusion 50 First Lever 53 Lever protrusion 60 Lever cover 70 Gear section 80 Second Lever 90 Memory Assembly 100 Photosensitive drum 111 Housing contact surface 900 Jig 901 Bearing groove 902 Lever hole 903 Press-fit protrusion 904 Jig contact surface 905 Guide surface

Claims

1. A method for recycling a developing cartridge that is detachable from a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, comprising: The developing cartridge is a developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a housing capable of accommodating a developer, the housing having a filling port located at one end of the housing in the first direction; a lever located at the one end of the housing in the first direction, the lever being rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction with respect to the housing when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge between a first position where the developer roller contacts the photosensitive drum and a second position where the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; a lever cover located at the one end of the housing in the first direction, the lever cover covering a portion of the lever and covering at least a portion of the filling port; Equipped with The recycling method includes: a jig attachment step of attaching a jig to the housing and the lever to restrict movement of the lever relative to the housing; a cover removing step of removing the lever cover from the housing; a filling step of filling the housing with developer through the filling port after the cover removing step; a cover attaching step of attaching the lever cover to the housing after the filling step; a jig removing step of removing the jig from the housing and the lever after the cover attaching step; and The recycling method, wherein the jig attachment step is performed at the latest before the cover attachment step.

2. The recycling method according to claim 1, The recycling method is characterized in that the jig attachment step is performed before the cover removal step.

3. The recycling method according to claim 1 or claim 2, The housing includes: a developing roller bearing located at one end of the housing in the first direction, the developing roller bearing rotatably supporting the developing roller; Furthermore, The recycling method is characterized in that, in the jig attaching step, the jig is attached to the developing roller bearing.

4. The recycling method according to claim 3, The developing roller bearing is a bearing projection projecting in the first direction; and The jig is Bearing groove into which the bearing projection can be inserted and The recycling method, wherein the jig mounting step includes inserting the bearing protrusion into the bearing groove.

5. The recycling method according to claim 4, The lever is a lever protrusion protruding in the first direction and The jig is Lever hole into which the lever protrusion can be inserted and The recycling method, wherein the jig attaching step includes inserting the lever protrusion into the lever hole.

6. The recycling method according to claim 5, The recycling method, wherein the jig attaching step presses the lever protrusion into the lever hole.

7. The recycling method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The housing includes: a housing contact surface that comes into contact with the lever when the jig is attached to the housing and the lever; A recycling method comprising the steps of:

8. The recycling method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The jig is a jig contact surface that comes into contact with the lever when the jig is attached to the housing and the lever; A recycling method comprising the steps of:

9. The recycling method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The jig is a guide surface that guides the lever cover when the lever cover is attached to the housing in the cover attaching step; A recycling method comprising the steps of:

10. The recycling method according to claim 1, a lever removing step of removing the lever from the housing after the cover removing step and before the filling step; a lever attaching step of attaching the lever to the housing after the filling step and before the cover attaching step; and The recycling method, wherein the jig attaching step is performed after the lever attaching step and before the cover attaching step.

11. The recycling method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The housing further includes a cap for covering the filling port, The recycling method includes: a cap removal step of removing the cap from the housing after the cover removal step and before the filling step; a cap attaching step of attaching the cap to the housing after the filling step and before the cover attaching step; The recycling method further comprises:

Images