Patent ID: 6249661
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A device for supporting an image carrier included in an image forming apparatus and implemented as a photoconductive drum, said device comprising:a shaft supporting said photoconductive drum at an axis of said photoconductive drum;a pair of flanges respectively affixed to opposite ends of said photoconductive drum, and each being formed with a bearing hole at a center thereof, said shaft extending throughout said bearing hole to allow said each flange to slide thereon;a pair of locking members formed in the shaft at opposite ends of said shaft, and each comprising flat surfaces facing each other and formed by cutting away part of a periphery of the end of said shaft in parallel planes at opposite sides of the axis, and round surfaces facing each other and formed by the other part of said periphery;a pair of shaft support members of respectively holding said pair of locking members, and each comprising an opening dimensioned to pass respective flat surfaces of the shaft when the shaft is oriented so that the parallel planes are perpendicular to the opening and to block the round surfaces when the shaft is oriented with the parallel surfaces parallel to the opening, and a circular hole communicated to said opening for engaging with said round surfaces of said respective locking member upon passing of the flat surfaces through the opening, anda pair of knob members respectively provided on the opposite ends of said shaft.