Patent ID: 6266503
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum mounting method for mounting an electrophoto graphic photosensitive drum to a frame of a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said method comprising:(a) a first inserting step of inserting a first drum shaft provided at one end of said electrophotographic photosensitive drum into a first frame hole provided in a first projected portion which is projected in a direction crossing with a longitudinal direction of a frame of said process cartridge at one longitudinal end of the frame, said first drum shaft having a driving force receiving portion for receiving, from the main assembly, a driving force for rotating said electrophotographic photosensitive drum;(b) a facing step of facing, while said first drum shaft is inserted into the first frame hole, the other end of said electrophotographic photosensitive drum to a second projected portion projected from said frame in a direction crossing with the longitudinal direction of said frame at the other longitudinal end of the frame, by moving the other end of said electrophotographic photosensitive drum;(c) a second inserting step of inserting a second drum shaft provided on a second cover at the other end into a second frame hole provided in a projected portion at the other end of said frame and then into a drum hole formed at the other end of said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, from an outside of the second frame hole;(d) a bearing member engaging step of fitting a bearing hole of a bearing member around the first drum shaft, and engaging the bearing member with the first frame hole;(e) a first cover coupling process of fitting a first hole formed in a first cover provided at one end around said first drum shaft, and then connecting the first cover to said frame; and(f) a second cover coupling process of connecting said second cover to said frame.