Patent ID: 8041259
Filing Date: 2011-10-18
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A conductive member, comprising: a conductive supporting member, provided facing an image bearing member and including a continuous or discontinuous fixing groove provided in the vicinity of each of both ends of the conductive supporting member in a peripheral direction thereof; an electrical resistance adjusting layer, formed on the conductive supporting member and including a step portion including at least one step disposed in the vicinity of each of the both ends of the electrical resistance adjusting member; and cap-shape gap retainers each provided to the step portion, the gap retainers each including a cylinder portion configured to contact at least one surface of the step portion and an end plate including a hole in a substantially center thereof through which the conductive supporting member is inserted, the end plate configured to contact at least one surface of the step portion and fit into the fixing groove, wherein each gap retainer is fitted into the step portion such that a difference in height relative to a circumferential surface of the electric resistant adjusting layer is formed in a circumferential surface of the gap retainer so as to form a predetermined gap between a circumferential surface of the image bearing member and the circumferential surface of the electrical resistance adjusting layer.