Reconditioning method for process cartridge, process cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same

摘要

A remanufacturing method of a process cartridge (B) detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus includes disassembling the process cartridge (B) into a first frame (12) having a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer and a second frame (15) having a developer carrying member for carrying the developer supplied from the developer accommodating portion toward an image bearing member (9), thus exposing an opening of the first frame (12) for permitting movement of the developer from the first frame (12) to the second frame (13); removing residual which is resulted from a covering member having been used for sealing the opening and which remains around the opening, wherein the covering member has a sealing portion for sealing the opening and an extension for permitting the sealing portion to be torn with a part thereof remaining around the opening to open the opening, by pulling the extension, wherein the residual is a part of the sealing portion; mounting a fresh covering member to seal the opening; then supplying the developer accommodating portion with a fresh developer; and then engaging the first (12) and second frames (13) together.