U.S. patent application number 11/181791 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-10 for recycling method, and image forming apparatus manufactured using recycling method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Funakoshi, Masahiro, Kato, Takayuki, Kikkawa, Naoya, Miyazawa, Hideaki, Saito, Masaaki, Shimizu, Akihiro, Takeuchi, Ikuo, Ubayashi, Shinsuke, Yamamoto, Yasuyoshi.
Application Number | 20050249520 11/181791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27347416 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050249520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamamoto, Yasuyoshi ; et
al. |
November 10, 2005 |
Recycling method, and image forming apparatus manufactured using
recycling method
Abstract
A recycling method in an apparatus having a part includes a part
removal step of removing a part from the apparatus, and a mounting
step of mounting to the apparatus a part having a specification
different from that of the removed part.
Inventors: |
Yamamoto, Yasuyoshi;
(Moriya-shi, JP) ; Funakoshi, Masahiro;
(Toride-shi, JP) ; Saito, Masaaki; (Tokyo, JP)
; Takeuchi, Ikuo; (Toride-shi, JP) ; Ubayashi,
Shinsuke; (Kashiwa-shi, JP) ; Kato, Takayuki;
(Kashiwa-shi, JP) ; Kikkawa, Naoya; (Toride-shi,
JP) ; Shimizu, Akihiro; (Kashiwa-shi, JP) ;
Miyazawa, Hideaki; (Abiko-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Assignee: |
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
27347416 |
Appl. No.: |
11/181791 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11181791 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
|
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|
10229234 |
Aug 28, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
399/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/00 20130101;
B09B 5/00 20130101; G03G 2215/00987 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/109 |
International
Class: |
G03G 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2001 |
JP |
2001-264585 |
Sep 11, 2001 |
JP |
2001- 274813 |
Dec 25, 2001 |
JP |
2001-390895 |
Claims
1. A recycling method in an apparatus having a part, comprising: a
part removal step of removing a part from said apparatus; a
mounting step of mounting to said apparatus a part having a
specification different from that of the removed part.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the part having the
different specification is mounted to a position at which the
removed part has been mounted.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the part having the
different specification is mounted to a position different from a
position at which the removed part is mounted.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the part has an engaging
portion for engagement with said apparatus, and said apparatus has
a hole portion for engagement with the engaging portion.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said apparatus has a
number of hole portions which is larger than a number which is
necessary to mount the part.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the part having the
different specification is mounted to a position different from a
position at which the removed part is mounted.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus after the
part having the different specification has a specification which
is different from a specification of said apparatus before the part
having the different specification is mounted.
8. A method according to claim 4, wherein the engaging portion is
provided at opposite ends of the part.
9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the engaging portions are
opposite end portions of a shaft member penetrating the part.
10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is an
image forming apparatus, and the part is a unit of a plurality of
units having different functions for image formation.
11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is an
image forming apparatus, and the part is a plate-like member
constituting a part of a frame of said image forming apparatus.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the specification of
the part of which is the plate-like is a shape thereof.
13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the frame has a side
plate member on which the plate-like member is fixed, and a
cross-sectional configuration of the side plate member has at least
one bent portion.
14. An image forming apparatus recycled by a method comprising: a
part removing step of removing a part from said image forming
apparatus; a mounting step of mounting to said apparatus a part
having a specification different from that of the removed part.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the part having the
different specification is mounted to a position at which the
removed part has been mounted.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the part having the
different specification is mounted to a position different from a
position at which the removed part is mounted.
17. A method according to claim 14, wherein the part has an
engaging portion for engagement with said apparatus, and said
apparatus has a hole portion for engagement with the engaging
portion.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said apparatus has a
number of hole portions which is larger than a number which is
necessary to mount the part.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the part having the
different specification is mounted to a position different from a
position at which the removed part is mounted.
20. A method according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus after
the part having the different specification has a specification
which is different from a specification of said apparatus before
the part having the different specification is mounted.
21. A method according to claim 17, wherein the engaging portion is
provided at opposite ends of the part.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the engaging portions
are opposite end portions of a shaft member penetrating the
part.
23. A method according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus is an
image forming apparatus, and the part is a unit of a plurality of
units having different functions for image information.
24. A method according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus is an
image forming apparatus, and the part is a plate-like member
constituting a part of a frame of said image forming apparatus.
25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the specification of
the part of which is the plate-like is a shape thereof.
26. A method according to claim 24, wherein the frame has a side
plate member on which the plate-like member is fixed, and a
cross-sectional configuration of the side plate member has at least
one bent portion.
27. An apparatus of a first type which is recyclable into an
apparatus of a second type, said apparatus of the first type
comprising: an image forming unit having a function of image
formation; and a supporting member for supporting said image
forming unit, said supporting member including a plurality of
supporting portions for supporting said image forming unit and a
supporting portion, different from said plurality of supporting
portions, for supporting an image forming unit of the apparatus of
the second type.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART
[0001] The present invention relates to a recycling method
(remanufacturing method: REM or RMF), in which products used in the
market place are recovered, disassembled, sorted, and reassembled
to manufacture products virtually identical to the original, or
products different from the original. In particular, it relates to
an image forming apparatus recycling method.
[0002] It has been a common practice for manufacturers to recover
their used products from the market place, due to environmental
concerns. The recovered used products were disassembled, and
sorted. The components which could be reused as they were, were
reused. Some of those which could not be reused as they were, were
used as the material for new products, or used as fuel, and the
others were dumped after being reduced in volume by pulverization,
burning, or the like.
[0003] In the past, however, the usage of the recycled products has
been limited to the remanufacture of the products identical to the
recovered products, or the products which are common in some
components with the recovered products. In other words, the number
of the recyclable products has been limited.
[0004] Further, recycling incurs the expense for recovery and
disassembly, as well as the expense for determining whether or not
the recovered used products are reusable. Thus, not all products
have been recycled; some of them have been discarded.
[0005] Further, the amount of recyclable products has been limited.
Therefore, the amount of recyclable products necessary to be
recovered for recycling has fluctuated. In other words, as the
amount of a shipment decreased, there was an excessive amount of
the recovered recyclable products, whereas as the amount of a
shipment increased, there was a shortage of the recovered
recyclable products (in other words, shortage of recovered reusable
components), forcing the manufacturers to use brand-new components
for the remanufacture of the recyclable products. In other words, a
fresh supply of recyclable components have been manufactured for
the purpose of remanufacture. Further, as the products of the next
generation come onto the market after the ending of the manufacture
of the preceding generation resulting from the drop in the prices
of the products of the preceding generation, the recovered
recyclable products of the preceding generation and/or the
components therefrom could not be used, ending up in the dump. In
addition, the processes used for recycling the recyclable products
of the preceding generation had to be modified for the recyclable
products of the new generation. This generational switch resulted
in additional waste products.
[0006] Some image forming apparatuses are made up of a plurality of
functional units necessary for image formation, and a frame to
which the plurality of functional units are attached. Therefore, as
long as the units and/or components therefrom are reused for
manufacturing such image forming apparatuses that are identical to
the image forming apparatuses from which they were extracted, they
were easy to recycle. However, the units and/or components
therefrom were not easy to recycle when it came to the matter of
reusing them to manufacture image forming apparatuses different in
specification from the image forming apparatuses from which they
were extracted, that is, image forming apparatuses different in
their external shape, portions of the frame to which they are
attached, combination in which they are assembled, and the like
matters. Thus, in the latter case, the units and/or components
which could not be reused had be discarded, reducing the ratio at
which the units and/or components from the recovered used image
forming apparatuses were recycled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
recycling method which makes it possible for a recovered component
to be reused not only for the remanufacture of an apparatus
identical in specification to the product from which the component
was extracted, but also for the manufacture of products different
in specification from the product from which the component was
extracted, and also, to provide an image forming apparatus which
can be remanufactured or manufactured using such a recycling
method.
[0008] According to one of the preferable embodiments of the
present invention for accomplishing the above described object, a
method for recycling an apparatus comprising a plurality of
components comprises: a component removing process for removing
certain components from a recovered apparatus; and a component
attaching process for attaching components different in
specification from those certain components removed from the
recovered apparatus, to the recovered apparatuses from which the
certain components were removed.
[0009] According to another preferable embodiment of the present
invention, an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of
components is recyclable through the following processes: a
component removing process for removing certain components from a
recovered apparatus; and a component attaching process for
attaching components different in specification from those certain
components removed from the recovered apparatus, to the recovered
apparatus from which those certain components were removed.
[0010] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of
the following description of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a chart for showing an image forming apparatus
recycling process.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing for showing Example 1 of a specification
modifying/manufacturing process.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing for showing Example 2 of a specification
modifying/manufacturing process.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a drawing for showing Example 3 of a specification
modifying/manufacturing process.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a drawing for showing the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a drawing for showing the second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a drawing for showing the third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a drawing for showing the fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a drawing for showing the fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a drawing for showing the sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a drawing for showing the seventh embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a drawing for showing the eighth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a drawing for showing the ninth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a drawing for showing the configuration of the
supporting member.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus
in the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus
in FIG. 15, from which the exterior panels were removed.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the image forming
apparatus, from which the exterior panels were removed, and the
front panel of the main frame of which is outlined by double-dot
chain lines in order to give the impression that the front plate is
transparent.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of only the main frame of the
image forming apparatus in FIG. 15.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the main frame recycled
from the image forming apparatus in FIG. 15, and the functional
units which are different in configuration and/or positioning from
those in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 15.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the main frame recycled
from the image forming apparatus in FIG. 15, and the functional
units different in configuration and/or positioning from those in
FIGS. 15 and 19.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus
comprising the main frame recycled from the image forming apparatus
in FIG. 15, and the functional units different in configuration
and/or positioning.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of another example of an image
forming apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a chart for an image forming apparatus recycling
method in accordance with the present invention. Designated by
referential codes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are: a recovering process; a
receiving process; a disassembling/cleansing process; a
sorting/examining process; a specification modifying/manufacturing
process; and a selling process, respectively.
[0034] The products recovered from users are processed in the
receiving process 2; they are subjected to a simple examination to
determine their specifications. For example, some of them are
classified as an M type: black-and-white analog copying
machine.
[0035] After being classified as the M type, they are transferred
to the disassembling/cleansing process 3, in which they are
disassembled into frames, units, components, and the like, and are
cleansed.
[0036] In the sorting/examining process 4, the frames, units,
components, and the like, disassembled from the recovered
apparatuses are checked for defects, and then, are sorted. Those
with problems are repaired for reuse.
[0037] Then, those restored to the state in which they can be
reused, are sent to the specification modifying/manufacturing
process 5.
[0038] In the specification modifying/manufacturing process 5,
their specifications are modified to specifications different from
the specifications which belonged to them when they were attached
to the original apparatuses. For example, the new specifications
are: specification A: high speed digital color copying machine;
specification B: medium speed digital color copying machine;
specification C: low speed digital color copying machine;
specification D: high speed digital black-and-white copying
machine; specification E: medium speed digital black-and-white
copying machine; specification F: low speed digital black-and-white
copying machine; and the like.
[0039] Incidentally, specification modification adds to the cost of
some of the aforementioned processes. Thus, the specifications may
be modified to increase the values of the apparatuses of the next
generation, so that the profitability can be secured by the value
added by the specification modification made in these processes, in
spite of the cost increases incurred by the specification
modification.
[0040] The modifying/manufacturing process 5 prevents the usage of
the recovered components from being limited to the remanufacturing
of products identical to the products from which the components
were recovered. In other words, the modifying/manufacturing process
5 makes it possible for the recovered components to be used for
apparatuses other than the apparatuses from which they were
extracted. Thus, even if the amount by which one of the various
models of apparatuses is manufactured fluctuates, the frames,
units, components, and the like from the recycled apparatuses of
this model can be used for the manufacturing of the other models,
stabilizing the recycling operation.
[0041] Also, with the provision of the modifying/manufacturing
process 5, even after the apparatuses of the new generation take
over the markets toward the end of the life cycle of the
apparatuses of the preceding generation, those recovered from the
apparatuses of the preceding generation can be used for the
manufacturing of the new generation, extending the service lives of
the components from recyclable apparatuses.
[0042] Further, the provision of the process 5 makes it unnecessary
for the other processes in the recycling method to be modified,
eliminating the waste traceable to product cycle.
[0043] The products manufactured through the specification
modifying/manufacturing process are sold to users (selling process
6).
[0044] FIGS. 2-4 show examples of the specification
modifying/manufacturing process.
[0045] [Example 1 of Specification Modifying/Manufacturing Process]
(FIG. 2)
[0046] In this example, a recovered image forming apparatus is
disassembled, and the components therefrom are sorted. Then, the
original front, back, and side plates are removed from the frame 1,
and front, back, and side plates 11, 12, and 13 different in
specification from the original plates removed from the frame 1 are
attached to the frame 1 to make the frame 1 reusable.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, designated by referential codes a, b,
and c are: bottom plate, front plate, and back plate, of the frame
1. Designated by referential codes d and e are top right stay and
bottom right stay, to which the front and rear plates b and c are
solidly fixed, whereas designated by referential codes f and g are
top left stay and bottom left stay, to which the front and back
plates b and c are solidly fixed. Designated by a referential code
h is a caster attached to the bottom plate a of the frame 1.
[0048] The recovered frame is modified in specification so that
after the modification, the recovered frame matches the
specification of an image forming apparatus of the next generation,
that is, the generation after the generation to which the image
forming apparatus from which the frame was removed belongs. After
the modification, the recovered frame is reused for manufacture of
an image forming apparatus of the next generation. Sometimes, the
recovered frame is modified in specification so that after the
modification, the recovered frame matches the specification of a
modified version of an image forming apparatus of the same
generation. After the modification, the recovered frame is reused
for the manufacture of a modified version of an image forming
apparatus of the same generation.
[0049] The component anchoring portion of the recovered frame 1, to
which a recovered and modified component, or a brand-new component,
is attached, may be the same as the component anchoring portion of
the recovered frame 1, from which the original component was
removed, or the frame 1 may be provided in advance with a plurality
of component anchoring portions, to which a component, which is the
same in function but is different in specification, can be
attached, so that the recovered and modified component, or a
brand-new component, which is substantially the same in function as
the original component but is different in specification, can be
readily attached to the recovered frame to manufacture a product
different in specification from the product from which the frame 1
was extracted. Further, a product may be designed so that the
modified version of a given original component of the product, or a
brand new component which replaces the given original component,
can be readily attached to the component anchoring portion of the
frame, from which the original component was removed, and that the
component anchoring portion of the frame to which the given
original component is attached is made different from the component
anchoring portions to which the components other than the given
component are attached.
[0050] [Example 2 of Specification Modifying/Manufacturing Process]
(FIG. 3)
[0051] In this example, a recovered image forming apparatus is
disassembled, and the components therefrom are sorted. Then, a
portion 14 of the frame 1 is processed by a laser to make the frame
1 reusable. In other words, the recovered frame 1 is modified in
specification by a laser in order to make the frame 1 reusable for
the manufacture of a product different in specification from the
product from which the frame 1 was removed.
[0052] That is, in order to make the frame 1 from a recovered image
forming apparatus of the preceding generation meet the
specification of an image forming apparatus of the next generation,
the portion 14 of the frame 1 of the recovered image forming
apparatus is processed so that the frame 1 from the recovered image
forming apparatus of the preceding generation can be used for the
manufacture of an image forming apparatus of the next generation,
or in order to make the frame 1 of the recovered image forming
apparatus of the current generation meet the specification of a
modified version of an image forming apparatus of the current
generation, the portion 14 of the frame is processed so that the
frame 1 from the recovered image forming apparatus can be used for
the manufacture of a modified version of an image forming apparatus
of the current generation.
[0053] [Example 3 of Specification Modifying/Manufacturing Process]
(FIG. 4)
[0054] In this example, in order to use a plurality of recovered
components to produce a component different in specification from
the plurality of components, the plurality of recovered components
are combined in a manner different from the manner in which they
were originally combined.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 4(a), the recovered waste toner container
2 can be cut into three pieces: main section 2a, left plate 2b, and
right plate 2b. Next, referring to FIG. 4(b), a main section 2a,
the right plate of which has been removed, and a main section 2a,
the left plate of which has been removed, are connected (gluing or
welding) by the edges of their openings created by the removal of
their side plates, to produce a waste toner container 2A different
in specification from an original waste toner container, that is, a
waste toner container larger in capacity.
[0056] As described above, this example is a method for using a
plurality of recovered components to produce a new component (2A)
different in specification from any of the recovered
components.
Embodiment 1
[0057] FIG. 5 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, referential codes 1, 2, and 3
stand for the bottom, front, and rear plates of the main frame of
an image forming apparatus or the like. Designated by referential
codes 4 and 5 are the top right stay of the main frame, to which
the front and rear plates 2 and 3 of the main frame are solidly
attached, and the bottom right stay of the main frame, to which the
front and rear plates of the main frame are solidly attached,
respectively. Designated by referential codes 6 and 7 are the top
left stay of the main frame, to which the front and rear plates 2
and 3 of the main frame are solidly attached, and the bottom left
stay of the main frame, to which the front and rear plate 2 and 3
of the main frame are solidly attached, respectively. Designated by
a referential code 8 is a caster attached to the bottom plate 1 of
the main frame.
[0058] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that in order to recycle the main frame of the
recovered image forming apparatus, the original front plate 2 of
the main frame is replaced with a front plate 9, which is partially
different from the original front plate 2; the portion 9a of the
replacement front plate 9 is different in configuration from the
portion 2a of the original front plate 2.
[0059] In this embodiment, the present invention was described with
reference to only the front plate 2 (9) of the main frame of an
image forming apparatus. However, replacement does not need to be
limited to the front plate 2 of the main frame. In other words,
replacing a single or plurality of the structural components of the
main frame other than the front plate 2, instead of, or as well as,
the front plate 2, is not discordant with the gist of the present
invention.
Embodiment 2
[0060] FIG. 6 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 5 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 5 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0061] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that the front plate 2 of the main frame is
partially modified. More specifically, for the purpose of recycling
the main frame of the image forming apparatus, the front plate 2 of
the main frame is processed to provide the portion 2a of the front
plate 2 with a rectangular hole identical to the rectangular hole
9a of the front plate 9 shown in FIG. 6.
[0062] A referential code 2a stands for the portion of the front
plate 2 before the front plate 2 is process for recycling, and the
referential code 9a stands for the rectangular hole identical to
the rectangular hole which will be cut through the portion 2a of
the front plate 2. Although in this embodiment, only a single
rectangular hole is cut through the portion 2a of the front plate
2, the number of the holes may be two or more, and the shape of the
hole may be different from that of the shape of the hole cut in
this embodiment. Further, the portion or portions of the main frame
which are modified for recycling may be those other than the front
plate 2. In other words, modifying a single or plurality of the
portions of the main frame other than the portion 2a of the front
plate 2 in this embodiment, instead of, or as well as, the portion
2a, is not discordant with the gist of the present invention.
Embodiment 2
[0063] FIG. 7 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 5 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 5 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0064] A referential code 10 stands for a flat plate which
constitutes a part of the front member 2 of the main frame.
Referential codes 12 and 13 stand for a couple of flat plates which
constitute the parts, one for one, of the rear member 13 of the
main frame.
[0065] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that in order to make the front plate 2 of the
recovered main frame recyclable, the flat member 10, which
constitutes a part of the front member 2 of the recovered main
frame, is replaced with a flat plate 11 which is partly different
in configuration from the flat member 10.
[0066] The portion 11a of the flat plate 11 which replaces the flat
plate 10 constituting a part of the front member 2 is different in
configuration from the portion 10a of the flat plate 10.
[0067] Although this embodiment of the present invention was
described with reference to the front member 2 of the main frame,
this embodiment is not intended to limit the application of the
present invention to the front member 2 of the main frame. In other
words, replacing a single, or plurality, of the members of the main
frame other than the front member 2, instead of, or as well as, the
front member 2, is not discordant with the gist of the present
invention.
Embodiment 4
[0068] FIG. 8 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 7 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 7 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0069] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that in order to recycle the front member 2 of the
recycled main frame, the flat plate 10 constituting a part of the
front member 2 is processed to provide it with a rectangular hole
identical to the rectangular hole 11a of the flat member 11 shown
in FIG. 8, partly modifying in configuration the flat plate 10 of
the front member 2 of the main frame prior to recycling.
[0070] Designated by a referential code 10a is a portion of the
flat plate 10 before it is processed, whereas designated by a
referential code 11a is the hole similar to the hole given to the
portion 10a of the flat plate 10 by the processing.
[0071] Although this embodiment was described with reference to the
addition of the rectangular hole 10a, it was not intended to limit
the scope of the present invention. In other words, the shape of
the hole may be different from the shape given in this embodiment,
and the number of the holes may be two or more. Further, the
modification does not need to be limited to the front member 2. In
other words, modifying the structural members of the main frame
other than the front member 2, instead of, or as well as, the front
member 2, is not discordant with the gist of the present
invention.
Embodiment 5
[0072] FIG. 9 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 7 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 7 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0073] Designated by referential codes 14 and 15 are positioning
pins for positioning a flat plate 12, which constitutes the rear
plate of the main frame, relative to the rear member 3 of the main
frame, whereas designated by referential codes 16 and 17 are holes
of the rear member 3 of the main frame, into which the positioning
pins 14 and 15 are fitted one for one.
[0074] Placing the positioning pins 14 and 15 on the rear member 3
side is not discordant with the gist of the present invention.
Embodiment 6
[0075] FIG. 10 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 5 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 5 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0076] In this embodiment, the distance L between the front and
rear members 2 and 3 of the main frame is determined by the stays 4
and 7 of the main frame; the distance L becomes fixed as the
lengthwise ends of stays 4 and 7 are placed in contact with the
inward surface 2c of the front member 2 and the inward surface 3c
of the rear member 3.
[0077] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that in order to recycle the main frame of a
recovered apparatus, the flat plate 2a constituting the front plate
of the main frame is replaced with a flat plate which is partly
different in configuration from the flat plate 2a, and further, the
replacement plate is attached to the front member 2 from the inward
surface 2c side of the front member 2, that is, the surface which
contributes to the fixing of the distance L between the front and
rear members 2 and 3.
[0078] With the provision of this structural arrangement, it is
possible to improve the level of the accuracy with which the
components attached to the front surface of the flat plate are
positioned relative to the rear member of the main frame.
[0079] The flat plate 2a constituting the front plate of the front
member of the main frame may be processed before, or after, its
attachment to the front member 2 of the main frame, or it may be
replaced with a component virtually identical in configuration to
the processed flat plate 2a.
[0080] Although this embodiment is described with reference to the
flat plate of the front member of the main frame, it is not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the flat
plate of the front member of the main frame. In other words,
modifying the components of the main frame other than the flat
plate of the front member of the main frame, instead of, or as well
as, the flat plate of the front member of the main frame, and
attaching them to the main frame from the side other than the side
from which the original components were attached to the main frame,
is not discordant with the gist of the present invention.
Embodiment 7
[0081] FIG. 11 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 9 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 9 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0082] Designated by a referential code 2a is a flat plate
constituting the front plate of the main frame, and designated by
referential codes 2d and 2e are supporting members which support
the flat plate 2a, or the front plate, of the main frame.
[0083] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that in order to recycle the main frame, the flat
plate 2a constituting the front plate of the main frame is replaced
with a flat plate which is partially different in configuration
from the flat plate 2a, and also that the supporting members 2d and
2e which constitute the front members, and to which the flat plate
2a is attached, are made roughly L-shaped in cross section.
[0084] Giving the front plate supporting members a roughly L-shaped
cross section improves the strength of the supporting members,
making it possible to reduce the amount of the material for the
supporting members while relying more on the supporting members,
for the main frame strength.
[0085] Although this embodiment is described with reference to the
front member of the main frame, it is not intended to limit the
scope of the present invention to the front member of the main
frame. In other words, replacing the original components of the
main frame other than the front member of the main frame, instead
of, or as well as, the front member of the main frame, with
components, which are partially different in configuration from the
originals, is not discordant with the gist of the present
invention.
Embodiment 8
[0086] FIG. 12 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 11 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 11 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0087] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that in order to recycle the main frame, the flat
plate 2a constituting the front plate of the main frame is replaced
with a flat plate which is partially different in configuration
from the flat plate 2a, and also that the supporting member 2d and
2e which constitute the front members, and to which the flat plate
2a is attached, are made roughly U-shaped in cross section.
[0088] Giving the front plate supporting members a roughly U-shaped
cross section improves the strength of the supporting members,
making it possible to reduce the amount of the material for the
supporting members while relying more on the supporting members,
for the strength of the main frame.
[0089] Although this embodiment is described with reference to the
front member of the main frame, it is not intended to limit the
scope of the present invention to the front member of the main
frame. In other words, replacing the original components of the
main frame other than the original front member of the main frame,
instead of, or as well as, the original front member of the main
frame with components which are partially different in
configuration from the originals, is not discordant with the gist
of the present invention.
Embodiment 9
[0090] FIG. 13 is a drawing which best shows the characteristics of
this embodiment. In the drawing, the structural components of the
main frame similar to those in FIG. 11 are given the same
referential codes as those given in FIG. 11 to avoid the repetition
of the same descriptions.
[0091] This embodiment is an example of a recycling method
characterized in that in order to recycle the main frame, the flat
plate 2a constituting the front plate of the main frame is replaced
with a flat plate which is partially different in configuration
from the flat plate 2a, and also that the supporting members 2d and
2e which constitute the front members, and to which the flat plate
2a is attached, are made hollow, and roughly square in cross
section.
[0092] Making the front plate supporting members hollow, and
roughly square in cross section, improves the strength of the
supporting members, making it possible to reduce the amount of the
material for the supporting members while relying more on the
supporting members, for the main frame strength.
[0093] As is evident from the above descriptions of the
seventh-ninth embodiments, bending the front plate supporting
members of the main frame at a single or plurality of lines
parallel to the lengthwise direction of the supporting members, so
that the cross sections of the supporting members have at least one
corner, increases the strength of the supporting members. For
example, in the case of the L-shaped cross section, the cross
sections of the supporting members have one corner, and in the case
of the U-shaped cross section, they have two corners. In the case
of the supporting members which are hollow and have the square
cross section, they have four corners.
[0094] Although this embodiment is described with reference to the
front member of the main frame, it is not intended to limit the
scope of the present invention to the front member of the main
frame. In other words, the components of the main frame, which are
bent as described above, may be those other than the front member
of the main frame, instead of, or as well as, the front member of
the main frame, and this is not discordant with the gist of the
present invention.
[0095] As for one of the configurations for the hollow supporting
members 2d and 2e in this embodiment, it may be the configuration
shown in FIG. 14, which is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent
Application 7-271131, or the like configurations.
[0096] FIG. 22 shows an example of an image forming apparatus
compatible with the above described recycling methods. The image
from an original delivered to the reading portion from the original
feeding apparatus 51 is read by the reading/exposing apparatus 42,
and is projected onto the peripheral surface of the photoconductive
drum 40 having been charged by the charging means 41, forming an
electrostatic latent image. The latent image is developed into a
toner image, by the developing means 43. The toner image is
transferred by the transferring means 44 onto the transfer medium
delivered from one of cassettes 47, 48, 49, and 50. The transferred
toner image is fixed to the transfer medium by the fixing means 46.
The transfer residual toner particles, that is, the toner particles
remaining on the peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 40
after the toner image transfer, are recovered by the cleaning means
45. The recovered transfer residual toner particles are conveyed to
the waste toner container 2 by the unshown waste toner conveying
means, and collected therein. The above described various means of
this image forming apparatus are supported by the main frame 1 of
the image forming apparatus.
Embodiment 10
[0097] FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional view of an image forming
apparatus, at a plane parallel to the front surface thereof,
manufactured in accordance with the present invention. This image
forming apparatus is an electrophotographic laser beam printer.
[0098] (1) General Structure of Image Forming Apparatus
[0099] In FIG. 15, a referential code 40 stands for the main
assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus for
forming an image on an image recording medium in the form of a
sheet. The main assembly contains the following functional devices
and units; some of them may be externally held by the main
assembly.
[0100] 1) Power source unit 10 for supplying the various portions
of the apparatus with electricity;
[0101] 2) Control unit 20 for electrically controlling the various
portions of the apparatus, for storing image formation data, and
for processing image formation data;
[0102] 3) Photoconductive drum holding toner cartridge unit 410
which contains a cylindrical photoconductive drum, the peripheral
surface of which changes in potential level as it is exposed to
light, and a transfer roller for transferring a toner image onto
the recording medium, in addition to the toner which visualizes
picture elements by adhering to the exposed portions of the
peripheral surface of the photoconductive member;
[0103] 4) Laser beam scanner unit 420 for scanning the peripheral
surface of the photoconductive drum with a beam of laser light
modulated with the image formation data;
[0104] 5) Paper cassette 460, in the form of a box, for holding in
layers a plurality of recording papers P as recording mediums;
[0105] 6) Sheet feeding unit 440 for conveying the recording papers
P from the paper cassette 460 while separating them one by one;
[0106] 7) Registration roller unit 400 for positioning the leading
edge of each recording paper P with reference to the toner image
before transferring the toner image onto the recording paper P;
[0107] 8) Fixing unit 430 for fixing the toner image having been
transferred onto the recording paper P, to the recording paper P
with the application of heat and pressure;
[0108] 9) Sheet discharging unit 450 for discharging the recording
paper P with the fixed toner image, out of the apparatus main
assembly; and
[0109] the like devices and/or units.
[0110] The image forming apparatus may be connected to a means
which enables the image forming apparatus to receive image
formation data from external apparatuses, a means which generates
image formation data by reading an original, or the like means, so
that the image forming apparatus is enabled to obtain image
formation data and process them. These means may be integral parts
of the image forming apparatus.
[0111] The paper cassette 460 comprises: a paper box 460; a holding
plate 462 for holding the recording papers P in layers; a spring
463 for keeping the holding plate 462 pressed upward in order to
keep the recording papers P on the holding plate 462 pressed
upward; a trailing edge regulating plate 464 for regulating the
position of the trailing edge, in terms of the recording paper
conveyance direction, of the recording paper P; an unshown lateral
edge regulating plate for regulating the position of the recording
paper P in terms of the direction perpendicular to the recording
paper conveyance direction; and the like. Further, the paper
cassette 460 is structured so that it can be pulled out of the
apparatus main assembly when replenishing the image forming
apparatus with recording papers P, or in the like situations, and
so that the lateral edge regulating plate (unshown) and the
trailing edge regulating plate 464 can be moved according to the
recording paper size.
[0112] The sheet feeding unit 440 of the paper cassette 460 is
provided with a separating pad 465, a sheet feeding roller 441, and
a conveying roller pair 442. The separating pad 465 has a high
coefficient of friction. The sheet feeding roller 441 separates the
topmost recording paper P in the paper box 460 from the rest of the
recording papers in the paper box 460, in coordination with the
separating pad 465, and feeds the recording paper P into the
apparatus main assembly. The conveying roller pair 442 conveys the
recording paper P toward the image forming portion of the apparatus
main assembly, as the recording paper P is delivered to the
conveying roller pair 442. The sheet feeding unit 440 is also
provided with a recording paper detecting means for detecting
whether or not a recording paper P is present on the recording
paper holding plate 462, a recording paper size detecting means for
detecting the size of the recording papers P in the paper box 460
and providing the apparatus main assembly with the detected
recording paper size, and the like means.
[0113] The registration roller unit 400 is provided with a
recording paper leading edge detection sensor 401 and a
registration roller pair 402. The recording paper leading edge
detection sensor 401 detects the leading and trailing edges of the
recording paper P as the recording paper P is passed by the sensor
401 one by one from the sheet feeding unit 440 of the paper
cassette after being separated from the rest of the recording
papers P in the paper box 460. The registration roller pair 401
positions the recording paper P so that the leading edge of the
recording paper P becomes perpendicular to the recording paper
conveyance direction, and then, conveys the recording paper P to
the image forming portion, in coordination with the timing with
which the trailing end of the preceding recording paper P was
detected by the recording paper leading edge detection sensor
401.
[0114] In an image forming operation, the following processes occur
in the toner cartridge unit 410 integrally comprising the
photoconductive drum 411. First the peripheral surface of the
photoconductive drum 411, as an electrostatic latent image bearing
member, is uniformly charged by the charging member 412. Then, the
charged peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 411 is
exposed to a scanning beam of laser light emitted from the laser
beam scanner unit 420 while being modulated with the image
formation data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is
formed on the photoconductive drum 411. Next, the toner as
developer is adhered to the electrostatic latent image on the
photoconductive drum 411 by the development sleeve 113 as a
developer bearing member. As a result, a toner image is formed on
the photoconductive drum 411. As the toner image is formed, a
recording paper P is passed through the contact area between the
peripheral surfaces of the photoconductive drum 411 and a transfer
roller 414 while being pinched by the photoconductive drum 411 and
transfer roller 414. While the recording paper P is passed through
the contact area, the toner image is transferred onto the surface
of the recording paper P in contact with the photoconductive drum
411. Thereafter, the recording paper P is conveyed toward the
fixing unit 430.
[0115] In the fixing unit 430, heat and pressure is applied to the
toner on the recording paper P by the pressure roller 432 and
fixing roller 431 containing a heater, as the recording paper P is
passed between the two rollers. As a result, the toner image is
fixed to the recording paper P.
[0116] The sheet discharging unit 450 is provided with a discharge
roller 451 for discharging the recording paper P with the fixed
image, out of the apparatus main assembly, and a sheet discharge
roller 452 which is rotated by the rotation of the discharge roller
451. Thus, the recording paper P, to which the toner image was
fixed in the fixing unit 430, is discharged into the recording
paper accumulating tray 47 (delivery tray) by the discharge rollers
451 and 452.
[0117] The delivery tray 471 is located on top of the image forming
apparatus main assembly 40. Therefore, a recording paper P begins
to be conveyed upward from the sheet feeding portion of the paper
cassette 460 located in the bottom portion of the apparatus main
assembly. Then, after an image is formed thereon, the recording
paper P is discharged upward. The direction indicated in FIG. 15 by
an arrow mark W is the direction in which a recording paper P is
discharged into the delivery tray 471.
[0118] Although not shown, the fixing unit 430, and the sheet
discharging unit 450 on the downstream side of the fixing unit 430,
are each provided with a detecting means for detecting whether or
not the leading and trailing ends of a recording paper P will have
passed within a predetermined length of time.
[0119] (2) Unit Supporting Structure
[0120] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus
in FIG. 15, from which exterior panels have been removed. FIG. 17
is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 16,
the front plate of which is outlined in the double-dot chain line,
giving the impression that the front plate was made transparent to
show the components behind the front plate. FIG. 18 is a
perspective view of only the main frame of the image forming
apparatus in FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0121] A referential code 500 stands for the main frame of the
image forming apparatus, and a referential code 501 stands for the
bottom plate of the main frame 500. A referential code 502 stands
for the rear plate perpendicular to the bottom plate 501, and a
referential code 503 stands for the front plate which is parallel
to the rear plate 502 and is perpendicular to the bottom plate 501.
There is a predetermined distance between the rear and front plates
502 and 503, A referential code 504 stands for the horizontal stay
which is located at the top of the main frame and connects the
front and rear plates 503 and 502.
[0122] The main frame 500 is a skeletal frame comprising at least
the above described plates 501-503 and stay 504, which are formed
as integral parts of the main frame, or discrete parts assembled to
form the main frame. This skeletal frame is referred to as the main
frame. Various units which constitute the internal organs of an
image forming apparatus, and the exterior panels, are attached to
this main frame to realize an image forming apparatus as a
merchandise.
[0123] The rear and front plates 502 and 503 of the main frame 500
are each provided with a plurality of holes. The holes of the
former correspond in position to those of the latter, one for one.
The shafts extended from, or put through, the above described units
are put through these holes to support the units by the rear and
front plates 502 and 503, in the predetermined positions between
the rear and front plates 502 and 503.
[0124] For example, referring to FIG. 17, the laser beam scanner
unit 420 is provided with shafts J1 and J2 as mounting/supporting
members which perpendicularly extend from the lengthwise end
surface of the unit 420 on the front side (perpendicular to the
front plate 503); although not shown, a plurality of shafts similar
to the shafts J1 and J2 perpendicularly extend from the lengthwise
end surface of the unit 420 on the rear side (perpendicular to the
rear plate 502). These shafts are put through the holes h1 and h2
of the front plate 503, and the holes h3 and h4 of the rear plate
502. As a result, the laser beam scanner unit 420 is supported in
the predetermined position in the main frame 500.
[0125] With the provision of the structural arrangements similar to
that for the laser beam scanner unit 420, the control unit 20,
registration roller unit 400, photoconductive drum holding toner
cartridge unit 410, fixing unit 430, paper feeding unit 440, paper
discharging unit 450, and the like are supported in the
predetermined positions in the main frame 500.
[0126] (3) Reuse of Apparatus Main Frame
[0127] Recovered used image forming apparatuses are disassembled
into the individual components, units, and the like, to be reused
to manufacture new image forming apparatuses. In the case of this
embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus frames 500 are
reused to manufacture "new" image forming apparatuses. Referring to
FIG. 18, the main frame 500 is one of the main frames obtained by
disassembling the recovered used image forming apparatuses. In this
main frame 500, a plurality of the aforementioned functional units
capable of performing, one for one, various functions necessary to
form an image on a recording medium, are supported in the
predetermined positions in the main frame 500, along with the
device other than the aforementioned units. Then, these units and
devices are wired, and the exterior panels are attached to the main
frame 500, completing an image forming apparatus as "new"
merchandise.
[0128] When originally manufacturing the main frame 500, the pair
of opposing lateral plates 502 and 503 of the main frame 500 are
provided with a greater number of unit supporting holes than the
minimum number of unit supporting holes necessary for supporting
the plurality of functional units of an image forming apparatus in
accordance with an original specification (first specification), to
make it easier to replace at least one of the plurality of units
attached to the recycled main frame 500, with a unit different from
the original unit, to place at least one of the plurality of units
in the position different from the original one, to add a single or
plurality of units different from the original ones, to add
components to the original units, or to perform the like
modification, when reusing the main frame 500 to manufacture an
image forming in accordance with a specification (second
specification) different from the first specification.
[0129] FIG. 19 shows an example of the reuse of the main frame 500.
In this case, an image forming apparatus in accordance with the
second specification is realized by placing a plurality of
functional units, some of which are different from the counterparts
in a recovered used image forming apparatus, that is, an image
forming apparatus in accordance with the first specification, in
the original positions, or the positions different from the
original positions. In FIG. 19, the front panel 503 is outlined
with double-dot chain lines, as shown in FIG. 17, giving the
impression that the front panel 503 is made transparent to show the
units behind the front panel 503.
[0130] In FIG. 19, a referential code 1020 stands for a control
unit B different from the control unit 20, and a referential code
1400 stands for a registration roller unit B different from the
registration roller unit 400. A referential code 1410 stands for a
photoconductive drum holding toner cartridge unit B different from
the photoconductive drum holding toner cartridge unit 410, and
referential code 1420 stands for a laser beam scanner unit B
different from the laser beam scanner unit 420. A referential code
1430 stands for a fixing unit B different from the fixing unit 430,
and a referential code 1440 stands for a sheet feeding unit B
different from the sheet feeding unit 440. A referential code 1450
stands for a sheet discharging unit B different from the sheet
discharging unit 450.
[0131] Further, the laser beam scanner unit B1420 is placed in a
position different from that of the laser beam scanner unit 420, in
the main frame 500, being supported by the holes of the rear plate
502, different from the holes h1 and h2 of the rear plate 502, and
the holes of the front plate 503, different from the holes h3 and
h4 of the front plate 503.
[0132] It should be noted here that all the new units attached to
the main frame recycled from the recovered image forming apparatus
in accordance with the first specification to manufacture an image
forming apparatus in accordance with the second specification, do
not need to be different in specification and/or positioning from
the original units which were attached to the main frame when the
main frame belonged to an image forming apparatus in accordance
with the first specification, and that the new units different in
specification and/or positioning from the original units and the
new units identical in specification and/or positioning to the
original units may be attached in an appropriate combination to the
main frame recycled from the recovered image forming apparatus.
[0133] FIG. 20 shows another example of the reuse of the main frame
500. In this case, in order to manufacture an image forming
apparatus in accordance with the second specification using the
main frame recycled from a recovered used image forming apparatus
in accordance with the first specification, a minimum of one of the
new units attached to the main frame 500 recycled from the
recovered used image forming apparatus is made different in
specification and/or positioning from the corresponding unit among
the original units which were attached to the recycled main frame
500, or a single or plurality of new units and/or components
different from any of the original units and/or components are
added to the list of the new units and/or components attached to
the recycled main frame 500 to manufacture an image forming
apparatus in accordance with the second specification.
[0134] In FIG. 20, a referential code 2020 stands for a control
unit C different from the control units 20 and B1020, and a
referential code 2400 stands for a registration roller unit C
different from the registration roller units 400 and B1400. A
referential code 2410 stands for a photoconductive drum holding
toner cartridge unit C different from the photoconductive drum
holding toner cartridges 410 and B1410, and referential code 2420
stands for a laser beam scanner unit C different from the laser
beam scanner units 420 and B1420. A referential code 2430 stands
for a fixing unit C different from the fixing units 430 and B1430,
and a referential code 2440 stands for a sheet feeding unit C
different from the sheet feeding units 440 and B1440. A referential
code 2450 stands for a sheet discharging unit C different from the
sheet discharging units 450 and B1450.
[0135] For example, the laser beam scanner unit 2420 is placed in
the position different from those of the laser beam scanner units
420 and B1420, in the main frame 500.
[0136] It should be noted here that all the new units attached to
the main frame recycled from the recovered image forming apparatus
in accordance with the first specification to manufacture an image
forming apparatus in accordance with the second specification, do
not need to be different in specification and/or positioning from
the original units which were attached to the main frame when the
main frame belonged to an image forming apparatus in accordance
with the first specification, and that the new units different in
specification and/or positioning from the original units and the
new units identical in specification and/or positioning to the
original units may be attached in an appropriate combination to the
main frame recycled from the recovered image forming apparatus.
[0137] FIG. 21 shows an image forming apparatus realized by
attaching new units different in specification and/or positioning
from those in the image forming apparatuses in FIGS. 15, 19, and 20
to the main frame recycled from the recovered used image forming
apparatus. This image forming apparatus is substantially different
in the paper conveyance path from the image forming apparatus in
FIG. 15. In order to clarify the difference, FIG. 21, a vertical
sectional view of the image forming apparatus, shows the positional
relationship among the functional units, in terms of the vertical
direction of the image forming apparatus. In the drawing, the main
frame is not shown.
[0138] In FIG. 21, a referential code 3400 stands for a
registration roller unit D different from the registration roller
units 400, B1400, and C2400. A referential code 3410 stands for a
photoconductive drum holding toner cartridge unit D different from
the photoconductive drum holding toner cartridge units 410, B1410,
and C2410, and referential code 3420 stands for a laser beam
scanner unit D different from the laser beam scanner units 420,
B1420, and C2420. A referential code 3430 stands for a fixing unit
D different from the fixing units 430, B1430, and C2430, and a
referential code 3440 stands for a sheet feeding unit D different
from the sheet feeding units 440, B1440, and C2440. A referential
code 3450 stands for a sheet discharging unit D different from the
sheet discharging units 450, B1450, and C2450, and a referential
code 3460 stands for an intermediary conveyer unit connecting the
photoconductive drum holding toner cartridge D3410 and fixing unit
3430. A referential code 3471 stands for a delivery tray in which
discharged recording papers are accumulated.
[0139] In the image forming apparatus in which functional units are
disposed as shown in FIG. 21, an image is formed on the recording
paper while the recording paper is virtually horizontally conveyed
after it begins to be conveyed from the sheet feeding portion.
After the image formation, the recording medium is further conveyed
in the same direction, that is, horizontally, and is horizontally
discharged from the apparatus main assembly. With the provision of
this structural arrangement, the recording medium can be discharged
into a lower position, with reference to the floor surface, than
the position into which the recording medium is discharged from the
image forming apparatus in which the functional units are disposed
as shown in FIG. 15. In other words, an image forming apparatus in
which the units are disposed as shown in FIG. 21 is advantageous in
that it is easier for a shorter person to use.
[0140] It should be also noted here that all the new units attached
to the main frame recycled from the recovered image forming
apparatus in accordance with the first specification to manufacture
an image forming apparatus in accordance with the second
specification, do not need to be different in specification and/or
positioning from the original units which were attached to the main
frame when the main frame belonged to an image forming apparatus in
accordance with the first specification, and that the new units
different in specification and/or positioning from the original
units and the new units identical in specification and/or
positioning to the original units may be attached in an appropriate
combination to the main frame recycled from the recovered image
forming apparatus.
[0141] As is evident from the above descriptions of the embodiments
of the present invention, the provision of the above described
structural arrangements makes it easier to replace a single or
plurality of the original units with a single or plurality of units
different from the original unit to modify the image forming
apparatus. For example, the original control unit can be easily
replaced to increase processing speed; the original laser beam
scanner unit can be easily replaced to increase resolution; the
original sheet feeding unit can be easily replaced to improve paper
separation performance; and/or the original fixing unit can be
easily replaced to reduce power consumption.
[0142] Further, the provision of the above described structural
arrangements makes it possible not only to replace a single or
plurality of current units with a single or plurality of units
different in function, performance, and/or positioning from the
current units, or to rearrange the current units, but also to add a
single or plurality of units new in function, to manufacture an
image forming apparatus different in specification from the
recovered used image forming apparatus from which the main frame
was recycled. For example, although the preceding embodiments of
the present invention were described with reference to an image
forming apparatus comprising a single photoconductive drum holding
monochromatic toner cartridge unit, this monochromatic image
forming apparatus can be remanufactured into a color image forming
apparatus, by the addition of a plurality of photoconductive drum
holding toner cartridge units different in toner color.
[0143] In order to realize the above described objects, the rear
and front plates 502 and 503 of the apparatus main frame 500 are
provided in advance with an excessive number of holes, that is, a
greater number of holes than the minimum number of holes necessary
for the manufacture of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 15, so
that the rear and front plate 502 and 503 are made compatible even
with units different in specification and/or positioning from those
in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 15.
[0144] While the invention has been described with reference to the
structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set
forth, and this application is intended to cover such modifications
or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *