Mechanically fastened cylindrical engaging member for use in an image forming apparatus

Claim 2

An image-bearing member for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said image-bearing member comprising: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer thereon; and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 3

An image-bearing member according to claim 1, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive layer comprises a photoconductive layer.

Claim 4

An image-bearing member according to claim 2, wherein said cylinder comprises an aluminum tube and is cut in length of a least 0.2 mm at a bent and cut part thereof.

Claim 5

An image-bearing member according to claim 2, wherein said plural parts of said cylinder are not covered by said electrophotographic photosensitive layer.

Claim 6

An image-bearing member according to claim 1, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at plural parts of an end brim thereof.

Claim 7

An image-bearing member according to claim 1, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at a plurality of radially symmetrical parts thereof.

Claim 8

An image-bearing member according to claim 1, wherein said terminal engaging member comprises a flange.

Claim 9

An image-bearing member according to claim 1, wherein said terminal engaging member has a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said image-bearing member.

Claim 10

A developing sleeve for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing sleeve comprising: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and including a developer-carrying surface; and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 11

A developing sleeve for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing sleeve comprising: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and including a developer-carrying surface; and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 12

A developing sleeve according to claim 9, wherein said cylinder comprises an aluminum tube.

Claim 13

A developing sleeve according to claim 9, wherein said cylinder is cut in a length of a least 0.2 mm at a bent and cut part thereof.

Claim 14

A developing sleeve according to claim 9, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at plural parts of an end brim thereof.

Claim 15

A developing sleeve according to claim 9, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at a plurality of radially symmetrical parts thereof.

Claim 16

A developing sleeve according to claim 9, wherein said terminal engaging member comprises a gear.

Claim 17

A developing sleeve according to claim 9, wherein said terminal engaging member comprises a flange.

Claim 18

A processing unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and process means for acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive member includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and an electrophotographic photosensitive layer disposed thereon; and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 19

A processing unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and process means for acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive member includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and an electrophotographic photosensitive layer disposed thereon; and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 20

A processing unit according to claim 16, wherein said cylinder comprises an aluminum tube and is cut in a length of at least 0.2 mm at a bent and cut part thereof.

Claim 21

A processing unit according to claim 16, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at plural parts of an end brim thereof.

Claim 22

A processing unit according to claim 16, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at a plurality of radially symmetrical parts thereof.

Claim 23

A processing unit according to claim 16, wherein said terminal engaging member comprises a gear.

Claim 24

A processing unit according to claim 16, wherein said terminal engaging member comprises a flange.

Claim 25

A processing unit according to claim 16, wherein said process means comprises charging means.

Claim 26

A processing unit according to claim 16, wherein said process means comprises developing means.

Claim 27

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; means for forming a latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member; means for developing the latent image; and means for transferring the developed image onto a transfer-receiving member, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive member comprises a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer thereon, and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts thereof project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 28

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; means for forming a latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member; means for developing the latent image; and means for transferring the developed image onto a transfer-receiving member, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive member comprises a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer thereon, and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts thereof project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 29

A processing unit, detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and developing means for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein said developing means includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having a developer-carrying surface; and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 30

A processing unit, detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and developing means for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein said developing means includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having a developer-carrying surface; and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 31

A processing unit according to claim 25, wherein said cylinder comprises an aluminum tube and is cut in a length of a least 0.2 mm at a bent and cut part thereof.

Claim 32

A processing unit according to claim 25, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at plural parts of an end brim thereof.

Claim 33

A processing unit according to claim 25, wherein said cylinder is bent and cut at a plurality of radially symmetrical parts thereof.

Claim 34

A processing unit according to claim 25, wherein said terminal engaging member comprises a gear.

Claim 35

A processing unit according to claim 25, wherein said terminal engaging member comprises a flange.

Claim 36

A processing unit according to claims 25, further comprising charging means.

Claim 37

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; latent image-forming means for forming a latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing the latent image; and means for transferring the developed image onto a transfer-receiving member, wherein said developing means comprises a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having a developer-carrying surface, and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 38

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; latent image-forming means for forming a latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing the latent image; and means for transferring the developed image onto a transfer-receiving member, wherein said developing means comprises a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having a developer-carrying surface, and a resinous terminal engaging member, including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 39

An electrophotographic photosensitive drum for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said photosensitive drum comprising: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by said electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 40

An electrophotographic photosensitive drum for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said photosensitive drum comprising: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by said electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 41

A photosensitive drum according to claim 33, wherein said at least one open end of said cylinder is cut in a length of at least 0.4 mm.

Claim 42

A photosensitive drum according to claim 33, wherein said at least one open end of said cylinder is cut in a length of at least 0.4 mm.

Claim 43

A photosensitive drum according to claim 33, wherein said recesses are rectangular, circular, arced or triangular.

Claim 44

A photosensitive drum according to claim 36, wherein said recesses have a width of at least 1.0 mm and a height of at least 0.5 mm.

Claim 45

A photosensitive drum according to claim 33, wherein said cylinder comprises aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.

Claim 46

A photosensitive drum according to claim 34, wherein said end region has a length of at least 1.0 mm in a longitudinal direction of said cylinder.

Claim 47

A photosensitive drum according to claim 33, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive layer comprises a photoconductive layer.

Claim 48

A photosensitive drum according to claim 40, wherein said cylinder comprises aluminium and the photoconductive layer is disposed on the peripheral surface of said cylinder.

Claim 49

A processing unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and process means for acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by the electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 50

A processing unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and process means for acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by the electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 51

A processing unit according to claim 42, wherein said process means comprises cleaning means for removing residual toner on a peripheral surface of said electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Claim 52

A processing unit according to claim 42, wherein said process means comprises charging means for charging said electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Claim 53

A processing unit according to claim 42, wherein said process means comprises developing means for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Claim 54

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: mounting means for detachably mounting a processing unit thereto; and conveying means for conveying the recording medium, wherein said processing unit includes: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and process means for acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by said electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 55

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: mounting means for detachably mounting a processing unit thereto; and conveying means for conveying the recording medium, wherein said processing unit includes: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and process means for acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by said electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 56

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; means for forming a latent image on said photosensitive drum; developing means for developing the latent image formed on said photosensitive drum to form a developed image on said photosensitive drum; and transfer means for transferring the developed image formed on said photosensitive drum to the recording medium, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by said electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 57

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; means for forming a latent image on said photosensitive drum; developing means for developing the latent image formed on said photosensitive drum to form a developed image on said photosensitive drum; and transfer means for transferring the developed image formed on said photosensitive drum to the recording medium, wherein said electrophotographic photosensitive drum includes: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm and having an electrophotographic photosensitive layer on a peripheral surface thereof; and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions, and said cylinder being provided with an end region not covered by said electrophotographic photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface thereof adjacent to said at least one open end to which said terminal engaging member is fastened.

Claim 58

A developing sleeve for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing sleeve comprising: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm; and p1 a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 59

A developing sleeve for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing sleeve comprising: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm; and p1 a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 60

A developing sleeve according to claim 48, wherein said at least one open end of said cylinder is cut in a length of at least 0.2 mm.

Claim 61

A developing sleeve according to claim 48, wherein said recesses are rectangular, circular, arced or triangular.

Claim 62

A developing sleeve according to claim 50, wherein said recesses have a width of at least 1.0 mm and a height of at least 0.5 mm.

Claim 63

A developing sleeve according to claim 48, wherein said cylinder comprises aluminum, copper or stainless steel.

Claim 64

A processing unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said developing means includes a developing sleeve including: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm, and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head; and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said developing sleeve, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 65

A processing unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said processing unit comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; developing means for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said developing means includes a developing sleeve including: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm, and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head; and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said developing sleeve, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 66

A processing unit according to claim 53, further comprising cleaning means for removing residual toner on a peripheral surface of said electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Claim 67

A processing unit according to claim 53, further comprising charging means for charging said electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Claim 68

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: mounting means for detachably mounting a processing unit thereto; and conveying means for conveying the recording medium, wherein said processing unit includes: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and developing means for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said developing means includes a developing sleeve including: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm, and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head; and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said developing sleeve, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 69

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: mounting means for detachably mounting a processing unit thereto; and conveying means for conveying the recording medium, wherein said processing unit includes: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and developing means for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein said developing means includes a developing sleeve including: a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm, and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head; and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said developing sleeve, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 70

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; means for forming a latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum; developing means for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum to form a developed image on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and transfer means for transferring the developed image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the recording medium, wherein said developing means includes: a developing sleeve comprising a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm, and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head; and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said developing sleeve, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.

Claim 71

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, said image forming apparatus comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; means for forming a latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum; developing means for developing the latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum to form a developed image on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and transfer means for transferring the developed image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum to the recording medium, wherein said developing means includes: a developing sleeve comprising a metallic cylinder having a wall thickness of 0.3-1.5 mm, and a resinous terminal engaging member including a head which has a plurality of discrete recesses, each recess having a contour, positioned circumferentially around a periphery of said head; and a gear for receiving a drive force for rotating said developing sleeve, said terminal engaging member being inserted into, and being fastened to, at least one open end of said cylinder by bending and cutting said at least one open end of said cylinder, at discontinuous plural parts thereof, such that said plural parts project into said recesses and are intimately attached to said recesses so as to conform with said contours of said recesses, each of said plural parts thereby fixing a relative position between said cylinder and said terminal engaging member in both axial and rotational directions.