Patent ID: 7024131
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A method of assembling a process cartridge that is detachably attachable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said method comprising: (a) a developing blade attaching step of attaching a developing blade for regulating a developer on a developing roller, to a supporting frame after attaching magnetic seal members to both longitudinal ends of the supporting frame, the magnetic seal members preventing the developer from leaking at both ends of the developing roller; (b) a step of provisionally positioning and installing the supporting frame onto a developing frame; (c) a step of positioning the magnetic seal members by a first end cover and a second end cover when attaching the first end cover and the second end cover to the supporting frame to attach the developing roller to the supporting frame, the first end cover rotatably supporting one end of the developing roller, the second end cover rotatably supporting the other end of the developing roller; (d) a supporting frame attaching step of rotatably connecting the supporting frame to the developing frame by attaching a fixing pin; (e) a first cover connecting step of positioning and fixing a drum frame and one of the developing frame and a developer frame by a first cover member on one longitudinal end side of the process cartridge; and (f) a second cover connecting step of positioning and fixing the drum frame and one of the developing frame and the developer frame by a second cover member on the other longitudinal end side of the process cartridge.