JP2000280348A - Cylindrical member, electrophotographic photoreceptor drum and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a sufficient binding force between a cylinder and an end engaging member by making the end engaging member of a resin and providing a protrusion to be engaged with the end engaging member on the end part inner face of the cylinder and inserting the end engaging member into the end of the cylinder while applying an ultrasonic wave to the end engaging member. SOLUTION: A tool 23 is inserted into the end part inner face of a cylinder 7d and a punch 23a is opened by moving a shaft 23b forward when the tip of the punch 23a comes to a flange fitting position, and the tip is actuated toward the end part inner face of the cylinder 7d. When the punch 23a penetrates to a specified position, the end part inner face of the cylinder 7d is reamed by the punch 23a and the wall on the opposite side is swollen to form a protrusion part 7f. The flange is made of a resin as a material, and is chucked onto a horn and further, is inserted into the end part inner face of the cylinder 7d while an ultrasonic wave is applied. Thus it is possible to obtain the cylindrical member which is of high precision and shows a high binding force.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a cylindrical member, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process cartridge using the same.

Here, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is mounted on a process cartridge and used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is formed by using an electrophotographic image forming method. Is to form an image on a recording medium. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, electrophotographic copying machines, electrophotographic printers (laser beam printers, LED printers, etc.),
It includes a facsimile machine, a word processor and the like.

[0003] A process cartridge includes a process unit including at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit and a cleaning unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, which are integrated into a cartridge. It is to be attached detachably.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is used as an image forming apparatus. A process cartridge system that can be attached to and detached from the forming apparatus main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the device does not depend on a serviceman,
Since the operation can be performed by the user himself, the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, the process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

[0005] The above-mentioned process cartridge includes:
Various cylindrical members such as an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing sleeve, and a charging roller are employed, and these are connected to a driving device of the apparatus main body.

For example, regarding an electrophotographic photosensitive drum,
To give an example, conventionally, various methods have been considered to rotationally drive the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. As one of the methods, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-65049, a pin is fixedly mounted on the side of a gear provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, and this pin is mounted on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum side. And rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum by fitting into a concave portion formed on a side surface of the gear. Another method is, as described in JP-A-63-4252, a method of rotating an electrophotographic photosensitive drum by fitting it with a bevel gear provided on the image forming apparatus main body side. is there.

In order to rotate the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the process cartridge by such a method, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is provided at both ends of a cylinder having an outer surface coated with a photosensitive conductive material. An end engaging member such as a drum gear or a drum flange for rotating the photosensitive drum is bonded with an adhesive or press-fitted to join the cylinder and the end engaging member (drum flange or drum gear). I was letting it.

Conventionally, as a method of connecting a cylinder (so-called cylindrical base) for an electrophotographic photosensitive member and an end engaging member (flange or the like), an adhesive is applied to a flange fitting portion of the cylinder. A method of bonding the two (see JP-A-4-9311), or a method in which a flange having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder and having a radial metal plate is pressed into the cylinder and the metal plate of the flange is pressed into the cylindrical flange. There is known a method of cutting into a fitting portion and joining (see JP-A-4-356090).

[0009]

However, these conventional methods have the following disadvantages. That is, in the former method of bonding with an adhesive, due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the material forming the cylinder and the resinous flange, the bonding force is reduced under a cold environment stress, and problems such as gear disengagement occur. Fearful,
In order to ensure high adhesive strength, it is necessary to select a flange material with good adhesiveness, so there are restrictions on the material used, and depending on the type of adhesive,
Since it takes time for the adhesive to completely cure, it is necessary to secure storage space and control the storage environment, which may increase the production cost, and furthermore, the solvent in the adhesive In order to prevent workers' health problems due to volatilization, it is necessary to provide local exhaust equipment,
There are problems such as high equipment costs.

Further, the latter method in which the flange provided with the radial metal plate is press-fitted into the cylinder can solve the drawback in the case of bonding by the adhesive (the former), but the metal plate is attached to the cylindrical base. This causes mechanical deformation (especially deformation of roundness) on the inner surface of the end of the cylinder due to the bite, which may cause image quality defects due to that, and that sufficient bonding force cannot be obtained. There are drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical member having a structure capable of obtaining a sufficient coupling force between a cylinder and an end engaging member, and a cylindrical member having the structure. An object of the present invention is to provide various members for electrophotography, such as an electrophotographic photoreceptor drum and a developing sleeve, and a process cartridge including the electrophotographic photoreceptor and process means.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the connection between the cylinder and the end engaging member so that a high-quality image can be obtained more than ever before, and to improve the use for electrophotography and the like. The object is to provide a cylindrical member and a process cartridge to be used.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical member and a process cartridge for use in electrophotography and the like having a coupling structure capable of significantly improving productivity and a coupling structure realizing high-precision coupling. To provide.

[0014]

Therefore, in the present invention,
A cylindrical member having an end engaging member fitted and mounted on at least one end of a cylinder, wherein the end engaging member is made of a resin, and the cylinder has an end inner surface on an inner surface of the end. A protrusion for engaging with the engaging member is provided, and the end engaging member is ultrasonically welded to the protrusion by inserting the end engaging member into the end of the cylinder while applying ultrasonic waves. .

In this case, as an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the cylinder is made of a plastic metal material, and that the end engaging member is a synthetic resin molded product.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. Is composed of a cylinder having a photosensitive layer on the outer surface thereof, and a cylindrical member having a drum flange fitted and mounted as an end engaging member at at least one end of the cylinder, wherein the drum flange is made of resin. In addition, the cylinder is provided with a projection that engages with the drum flange on the inner surface of the end, and the drum flange is inserted into the end of the cylinder while applying ultrasonic waves to the projection, It is characterized by ultrasonic welding.

In this case, the material of the cylinder is any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, ferro-alloy, and copper alloy, and the drum flange is an integrally molded product, and the material is polyacetal, polyacetal, Any of polycarbonate, polyamide and polyethylene containing tetrafluoroethylene is effective as an embodiment.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a process means for acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a process detachable from an apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium. A cartridge, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum comprises a cylinder having a photosensitive layer on an outer surface, and a cylindrical member having at least one end of the cylinder fitted and fitted with a drum flange as an end engaging member. And the drum flange is made of resin,
In addition, the cylinder is provided with a projection on the inner surface of the end portion that engages with the drum flange. By inserting the drum flange into the end of the cylinder while applying ultrasonic waves, the projection is superposed on the projection. It is characterized by sonic welding.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The cylindrical member shown here is applied to an electrophotographic photosensitive drum. FIG. 1 shows a step of providing a projection on the inner surface of the end of the cylinder of the cylindrical member. Reference numeral 7d denotes a cylinder made of an aluminum alloy, and reference numeral 23 denotes a cylinder.
Is a projection forming tool for providing a projection on the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d.

As shown in FIG. 1 (2), the projection forming tool 23 has a punch 23a at its tip, and the punch 23a is mounted on the shaft 2 inside the projection forming tool 23.
It is structured to be opened and closed by the stroke of 3b.

First, the tool 23 is inserted into the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d. When the tip of the punch 23a reaches the flange fitting position, the shaft 23b is advanced, and during the advance stroke, the punch 23a is moved. It is opened and its tip is directed toward the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d, and operates as shown by the arrow. As a result, the tip of the punch 23a bites into the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d, and the state shown in FIG.

As described above, when the punch 23a enters the predetermined position, the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d is hollowed out by the punch 23a, and the flesh rises to the opposite side to form a projection 7f. You. The projections 7f are provided at several places in the circumferential direction in the cylinder. As shown in the figure, at least two projections are provided. Is more preferable in relation to That is, as the number of the protrusions 7f increases, the welding strength with the flange 25 increases, and a higher bonding force can be maintained. Further, the position at which the projection 7f is provided may be freely set by selecting an appropriate position on the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 2 (c). Of course, it is also possible to arbitrarily set two places, four places, and eight places.

Next, the shape of the projection 7f will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In order to form the projection 7f, a certain cylinder thickness t is required. According to a study based on the practice of the present inventors, the thickness of the cylinder is at least 0.5 mm or more, preferably 0.8 mm or more, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more. That is, as the thickness of the cylinder 7d is larger, it is possible to form a deeper and larger projection 7f, and the strength of the cylinder when the projection 7f is formed is higher.
This is because it becomes difficult to deform. Further, according to the above-described examination results, the height h of the protrusion 7f is preferably equal to or less than １ ／ of the thickness t.

Next, a process of ultrasonically welding the flange 25 as an end engaging member to the cylinder 7d will be described with reference to FIG. The material of the flange 25 used in the present invention is a resin, specifically, a polyacetal resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyamide resin, a polyarylate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polyphenylene oxide resin, Various synthetic resin materials such as polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, ABS resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyurethane resin, melamine resin, polyimide resin, and urea resin are exemplified.

On the other hand, examples of the material of the cylinder 7d include various metal materials such as aluminum and aluminum alloy, copper and copper alloy, and iron.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flange 25 is chucked to the horn and inserted into the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d while applying ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic welding conditions at this time are as follows.

Weld time: 0.5 seconds Hold time: 0.5 seconds Lowering speed: 50 mm / sec. Oscillation frequency: 20 kHz Output: 1600 W
d, and then a protrusion 7f on the inner surface of the end of the cylinder 7d
When the contact is made, the micro-vibration causes heat generation and melting. As a result, the fitting portion of the flange 25 is inserted while melting at the location of the projection 7f, and is welded so as to envelop the projection 7f. You. In this way, the step of connecting the flange 25 to the cylinder 7d is completed.

The periphery of the welded protruding portion 7f is closely adhered to the welded portion of the flange 25, whereupon the ultrasonic wave is stopped. When the hold time is reached, the solidified by natural cooling, and the flange 25 and the cylinder 7d are joined together. Are firmly connected. Here, since the flange 25 is welded tightly so as to cover the entire projection 7f, the flange 25 has a stable and strong coupling force even in two directions of the rotation direction and the pull-out direction of the flange 25.

As described above, according to the present invention, a protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the end of the metal cylinder, and a resin flange is inserted into the protrusion while applying ultrasonic waves thereto.
The flange is welded to the protruding portion, and a strong connection can be made.

Therefore, it is not necessary to apply an adhesive to the inner surface of the end of the cylinder or to cut and bend the end of the cylinder as in the prior art, and insert the flange while applying ultrasonic waves. The flange can be firmly connected to the cylinder by a very simple connecting method.

Further, according to the present invention, as in the prior art,
Since the press-fitting does not maintain the bonding force with the flange, there is no fear of swelling or deformation due to the press-fitting, so that it is possible to provide a cylindrical member with extremely high precision bonding. As a result, it is possible to easily provide an electrophotographic photosensitive drum that can achieve high definition and high image quality without pitch unevenness, a process cartridge including the same, and the like.

In the connecting means according to the present invention, there is no need to particularly limit the material of the end engaging member (flange). This is because the ultrasonic welding conditions (weld time, hold time, amplitude, output, etc.) can be selected to the optimum welding conditions according to the characteristics of various materials, and the range of application is wide.

Next, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process cartridge to which the cylindrical member according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

In the following description, the short direction of the process cartridge B is a direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 13, and coincides with the transport direction of the recording medium. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B is a direction that intersects with the direction in which the process cartridge B is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 13, is parallel to the surface of the recording medium, and intersects with the transport direction of the recording medium. is there. Further, the left and right of the process cartridge are right or left when the recording medium is viewed from above in the transport direction of the recording medium.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) to which the cylindrical member shown in the above-described embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 6 is an external perspective view thereof. 7 to 12 are drawings relating to a process cartridge in which the cylindrical member is applied as an electrophotographic photosensitive drum. 7 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge, FIG. 8 is an external perspective view schematically showing the external appearance, FIG. 9 is a right side view thereof, FIG. 10 is a left side view thereof, and FIG.
1 is a perspective view of the process cartridge as seen from above, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the process cartridge as seen from above with the process cartridge turned over. Also,
In the following description, the upper surface of the process cartridge B is a surface located above when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 13, and the lower surface is a surface located below.

(Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus A and Process Cartridge B) First, a laser beam printer A as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam printer A forms an image on a recording medium (for example, recording paper, OHP sheet, cloth, etc.) by an electrophotographic image forming process. Then, a toner image is formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as photosensitive drum 7). More specifically, the photosensitive drum 7 is
Then, the photosensitive drum 7 is irradiated with a laser beam corresponding to the image information of the optical means to form a latent image corresponding to the image information on the photosensitive drum 7, and the latent image is developed. The toner image is formed by the developing means.

Then, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image,
The recording medium (paper) 2 set in the paper feed cassette 3a is reversed and transported by the pickup roller 3b, transport rollers 3c and 3d, and the registration roller 3e. Next, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to a transfer roller 4 provided in the process cartridge B as a transfer unit.
Thereafter, the recording medium 2 having received the transfer of the toner image is conveyed to the fixing unit 5 by the conveyance guide 3f. The fixing unit 5 has a driving roller 5c and a fixing roller 5b containing a heater 5a. And both rollers 5b, 5c
Heat and pressure are applied to the recording medium 2 passing therethrough to fix the transferred toner image. Next, the recording medium 2 is conveyed by discharge rollers 3g, 3h, and 3i, and is discharged to a discharge tray 6 through a reversing path 3j. The discharge tray 6 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 13 of the image forming apparatus A. Also, here, the swingable flapper 3k
Is operated, and the reverse path 3j is driven by the discharge roller pair 3m.
The recording medium 2 can also be ejected without passing through.

In this embodiment, the pickup roller 3b, transport rollers 3c and 3d, registration roller 3
e, a conveyance guide 3f, a pair of discharge rollers 3g, 3h, 3i and a pair of discharge rollers 3m constitute a conveyance unit.

On the other hand, the process cartridge B is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 12, the photosensitive drum 7 having the photosensitive layer 7b is rotated, and the surface thereof is charged with a charging roller 8 serving as a charging unit.
It is uniformly charged by applying a voltage to. Next, a laser beam corresponding to the image information from the optical system 1 is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure opening 1e to form a latent image. Then, the latent image is developed by the developing unit 10 using toner. That is, the charging roller 8 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 7,
Is charged.

The developing means 10 supplies toner to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7 to develop the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7. The optical system 1 includes a laser diode 1a, a polygon mirror 1b, a lens 1c, a reflection mirror 1d, and the like.

Here, the developing means 10 sends out the toner in the toner container 10A to the developing roller 10d by the rotation of the toner sending member 10b. Then, while the developing roller 10d is rotated, a toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d by the developing blade 10e, and the toner is supplied to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 7. Further, the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image, thereby forming a toner image and visualizing the toner image.

Here, the developing blade 10e regulates the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 10d and applies a triboelectric charge. A toner stirring member 10f for circulating the toner in the developing chamber is rotatably mounted near the developing roller 10d.

A voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2. 7 is removed. Here, the cleaning means 11 includes an elastic cleaning blade 11a in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, whereby the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is scraped off and collected in the waste toner reservoir 11b.

The process cartridge B includes a toner frame 1 having a toner container 10A for storing toner.
2a and a developing frame 12b for holding a developing means 10 such as a developing roller 10d. The photosensitive drum 7, a cleaning means 11 such as a cleaning blade 11a, and a cleaning frame 12c to which a charging roller 8 is attached are connected to form a unit. Therefore, this process cartridge B
Is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 13 by an operator.

The process cartridge B has an exposure opening 1e for irradiating the photosensitive drum 7 with light corresponding to image information, and a transfer opening 12n for facing the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2. Is provided. More specifically, the exposure opening 1e is provided in the cleaning frame 12c, and the transfer opening 12n is provided between the developing frame 12b and the cleaning frame 12c.

Next, the structure of the housing of the process cartridge B according to this embodiment will be described. That is, the process cartridge B has a housing in which the toner frame 12a and the developing frame 12b are connected, and the cleaning frame 12c is rotatably connected to the toner frame 12a and the developing frame 12b. 7, a charging roller 8, a developing means 10 and a cleaning means 11 are housed in a cartridge. Then, the process cartridge B is transferred to a cartridge mounting unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body 13.
It is attached detachably. (Structure of Housing of Process Cartridge B) As described above, the process cartridge B according to this embodiment forms a housing by combining the toner frame 12a, the developing frame 12b, and the cleaning frame 12c. Next, the configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, the toner frame 12a
, A toner feeding member 10b is rotatably mounted. Further, a developing roller 10d is provided on the developing frame 12b.
Further, a developing blade 10e is mounted, and a toner stirring member 10f for circulating the toner in the developing chamber is rotatably mounted near the developing roller 10d. As shown in FIG. 7, the developing frame 12b is opposed to the developing roller 10d in a longitudinal direction of the developing roller 10d.
The antenna rod 10h is attached substantially in parallel with.
Then, the toner frame 12a and the developing frame 12b are ultrasonically welded to form a developing unit D as an integrated second frame.

When the process cartridge B is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 13, a drum shutter member for covering the photosensitive drum 7 and exposing it to light for a long time or protecting it from contact with foreign matter. 48
Are attached to the toner developing unit.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 16, each member of the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8 and the cleaning means 11 is attached to the cleaning frame 12c, and a cleaning unit as a first frame is provided. C.

The developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are rotatably connected to each other by a round pin-shaped connecting member 22. Thus, the process cartridge B is configured. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the longitudinal direction of the developing frame 12b (the developing roller 10d
At the tip of the arm portion 19 formed on both sides (in the axial direction), a round turning hole 19a is provided in parallel with the developing roller 10d.

On the other hand, at two locations on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 12c, there are provided recesses 21 into which the arm 19 enters. This recess 21 has an arm 19
Into the cleaning member 12c.
By press-fitting into the mounting hole 12c5, fitting into the turning hole 19a of the arm portion 19, and further press-fitting into the inner hole 12c5, the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are connected to the connecting member 22. Around the center.

At this time, by being inserted into a dowel (not shown) standing upright at the root of the arm 19, the attached compression coil spring 22a is moved to the recess 2 of the cleaning frame 12c.
1 by pressing the developing frame 12b downward by the compression coil spring 22a.
The developing roller 10d is reliably pressed against the photosensitive drum 7. The upper wall of the concave portion 21 of the cleaning frame 12c is inclined so that the compression coil spring 22a gradually increases its compression force from the non-compression state to the compression state when the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are assembled. Is attached.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, when spacer rollers 10i having a diameter larger than that of the developing roller 10d are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 10d, these rollers 10i
Is pressed against the photosensitive drum 7, and the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 10d face each other at a constant interval (about 300 μm). Therefore, the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are rotatable with respect to each other about the coupling member 22, and the elastic force of the compression coil spring 22a causes the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 10d to rotate. Can be maintained in a predetermined state. (Configuration of Guide Means of Process Cartridge B)
With reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a guide means for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body 13 will be described. 13 is a perspective view of the left side when viewed in the direction (arrow X) in which the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 13 (when viewed from the developing unit D), and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the right side thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, guide means are provided on both side surfaces of the cleaning frame 12c as guides for attaching and detaching the process cartridge B to and from the apparatus main body 13. The guide means includes cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL as guide members for positioning.
And detent guides 9bR and 9bL as guide members, which are attitude holding means at the time of attachment / detachment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cylindrical guide 9aR is a hollow cylindrical member, the detent guide 9bR is integrally formed with the cylindrical guide 9aR, and the cylindrical guide 9aR is formed.
And protrude substantially radially from the circumference of. The cylindrical guide 9aR has a mounting flange 9aR.
1 are provided integrally. Thus, the cylindrical guide 9aR, the detent guide 9aR, the mounting flange 9a
The right guide member 9R having R1 is fixed by inserting the small screw 9aR2 into the cleaning frame 12c through the small screw hole of the mounting flange 9aR1. The detent guide 9bR of the right guide member 9R fixed to the cleaning frame 12c is
It is arranged on the side surface of the developing frame 12b so as to extend to the side of the developing holder 41 fixed to 2c.

As shown in FIG. 10, a hole 9k1 of the cleaning frame 12c is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 7a2 of the drum shaft 7a.
Are fitted. This is further fitted to a positioning pin 9c protruding from the side surface of the cleaning frame 12c to stop rotation, and is screwed outward (to the paper surface) with a flat flange 29 fixed to the cleaning frame 12c with small screws 9d. The cylindrical guide 9aL protrudes toward the front (in a direction perpendicular to the front side). Inside the flange 29, a fixed drum shaft 7a rotatably supporting the spur gear 25b fitted on the photosensitive drum 7 is provided.
The cylindrical guide 9aL and the drum shaft 7a are coaxial. The flange 29, the cylindrical guide 9aL, and the drum shaft 7a are integrally or integrally made of a metal material, for example, an iron material.

As shown in FIG. 10, the cylindrical guide 9aL
At a distance from the cleaning guide 12aL, an elongate anti-rotation guide 9bL is formed integrally with the cleaning frame 12c so as to protrude laterally from the cleaning frame 12c substantially in the radial direction of the cylindrical guide 9aL. Further, in a portion where the detent guide 9bL interferes with the flange 29, the flange 29 is cut out, and the detent guide 9bL is cut out.
The height protruding to the side is determined by the top surface of the detent guide 9bL.
It almost matches with the top surface of.

The detent guide 9bL extends to the side of the developing roller bearing box 9v fixed to the developing frame 12b. As described above, the left guide member 9L includes the metal cylindrical guide 9aL and the synthetic resin detent guide 9L.
bL and separate from each other.

Next, the upper surface 9i of the cleaning unit C
Will be described. Here, the upper surface is a surface located above when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 13.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the upper surface 9i of the cleaning unit C
The right-hand end 9p and the left-hand end 9q in a direction orthogonal to the process cartridge mounting direction are each provided with a regulating contact portion 9j.
Is provided. The restriction contact portion 9j defines the position of the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 13. That is, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 13, the regulating contact portion 9 j is attached to the fixed member 26 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) provided on the image forming apparatus main body 13.
Are brought into contact with each other to define the rotational position of the process cartridge B about the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL.

Next, guide means on the image forming apparatus main body 13 side will be described. When the cover 14 of the image forming apparatus main body 13 is turned counterclockwise in FIG. 5 about its axis 14a, the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 13 is opened and closed, and the mounting portion of the process cartridge B is moved to the position shown in FIG. , FIG.
Looks like 4. As shown in FIG. 7, the left side and the right side of the inner wall on the left and right sides of the image forming apparatus main body 13 as viewed in the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge B are shown in FIG. Members 15 (15R, 15L) are provided, respectively.

As described above, the guide members 15a, 1b are respectively provided on the guide members 15 obliquely so as to fall forward in the insertion direction of the process cartridge B as viewed from the arrow X.
5c and the cylindrical guides 9a of the process cartridge B by being connected to the guide portions 15a and 15c, respectively.
R, 9aL is a non-circular positioning groove U groove 15 into which is fitted.
b and 15d. These U grooves 15b, 15
In the case of d, the lower peripheral wall has an anti-circular shape, and the U grooves 15b, 15
The center of d is the cylindrical guide 9 of the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 13.
It does not coincide with the center line connecting the centers of aR and 9aL. That is,
The cylindrical guide 9aL just fits into the U groove 15b,
The position of the photosensitive drum 7 on the side opposite to the driving side is determined.
When the cylindrical guide 9aR is fitted into the cylindrical guide 9d,
aR is simply supported, and the centering action of the shaft
It comes away from the U groove 15d.

The width of each of the guide portions 15a and 15c is such that the cylindrical guide 9a can be seen from the attaching / detaching direction of the process cartridge B.
R and 9aL have a width that allows loose fit. In addition, the detent guides 9bR and 9bL each having a narrower width than the diameter of the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL fit loosely, respectively, but the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL and the detent guides 9bR and 9bL are By the guide parts 15a and 15c,
The rotation of the process cartridge B is restricted, and the process cartridge B is mounted while maintaining a certain range of posture. When the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 13, the cylindrical guide 9a of the process cartridge B is provided.
R and 9aL fit into the positioning grooves 15b and 15d of the guide members 9R and 9L, respectively, and the regulating contact portions 9j at the left and right ends of the cleaning frame 12c of the process cartridge B are fixed to the fixed members 26 of the apparatus main body 13. Abut.

In the above-described process cartridge B, if the center line between the center line connecting the centers of the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL and the developing unit D is kept horizontal, the developing unit D side is cleaned. The weight distribution is such that a larger moment is generated than the unit C side. To attach the process cartridge B to the image forming apparatus main body 13, the toner frame 12
a, grip the respective ribs 47a on the concave side 47 side and the lower side with one hand, insert the cylindrical guides 9aR, 9aL into the guide sections 15a, 15c of the cartridge mounting section of the image forming apparatus main body 13, respectively. When viewed from the insertion direction, the process cartridge B is lowered forward, and the detent guides 9bR, 9bL are inserted into the guide portions 15a, 15c of the image forming apparatus main body 13.

At this time, the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL of the process cartridge B, the detent guides 9bR and 9bL
Is advanced to the back side along the guide portions 15a and 15c of the image forming apparatus main body 13, and when the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL of the process cartridge B reach the positioning grooves 15b and 15d of the image forming apparatus main body 13, Guide 9aR,
9aL is seated at the position of the positioning grooves 15b and 15d by the gravity of the process cartridge B. Since the center line connecting the centers of the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL is the center line of the photosensitive drum 7, the position adjustment of the photosensitive drum 7 is roughly determined with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 13.

In this state, the fixed member 26 of the image forming apparatus main body 13 and the regulating contact portion 9 of the process cartridge B are
There is a slight gap with j. Here, when the hand holding the process cartridge B is released, the process cartridge B is lowered with respect to the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL, the developing unit D is lowered, and the cleaning unit C is raised. The regulating contact portion 9j of B contacts the fixed member 26 of the image forming apparatus main body 13. Thus, the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 13. Then, open / close cover 14
Is closed clockwise in FIG. 5 around its axis 14a.

Removing the process cartridge B from the apparatus main body 13 is the reverse of the above. Opening the open / close cover 14 of the image forming apparatus main body 13 and holding the upper and lower ribs 47a forming the handle of the process cartridge B with the hands Hang and lift. Then, the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL of the process cartridge B are aligned with the positioning grooves 15 of the apparatus main body 13.
Rotating around b and 15d, the regulation contact portion 9j of the process cartridge B separates from the fixing member 26 of the apparatus main body 13. When the process cartridge B is further pulled, the cylindrical guides 9aR and 9aL escape from the upper positioning grooves 15b and 15d, and are fixed to the apparatus main body 13 by the guide member 15a.
When the process cartridge B is lifted as it is after moving to the guide portions 15a and 15c of R and 15L, the cylindrical guide portions 9aR and 9aL of the process cartridge B and the detent guides 9bR and 9bL become the guide portions 15a and 9b of the apparatus body 13. 15c, the process cartridge B moves upward, whereby the attitude of the process cartridge B is regulated, and the process cartridge B is taken out to the apparatus main body 13 without hitting other parts of the apparatus main body 13.

As shown in FIG. 16, a spur gear 25b is provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 7 opposite to the bevel gear 16a in the axial direction. This spur gear 25b
When the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 13, the driving force for rotating the transfer roller 4 by engaging with a coaxial gear (not shown) with the transfer roller 4 provided on the apparatus main body 13 is This is transmitted from the process cartridge B. (Shaft Coupling and Drive Structure) Next, the image forming apparatus main body 13
The structure of the shaft coupling device, which is a drive transmission mechanism from the drive to the process cartridge B, will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, a cartridge-side shaft coupling member is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 7 attached to the process cartridge B. This shaft coupling member has a coupling flange 17 (cylindrical shape) provided on a drum flange 16 fixed to one end of the photoconductor drum 7. 17a are formed. Further, the coupling convex shaft 17 is fitted to the bearing 24 and functions as a drum rotation shaft.

In this embodiment, the gear flange 16, the coupling convex shaft 17 and the convex portion 17a are provided integrally. The gear flange 16 is integrally provided with a bevel gear 16a for transmitting a driving force to the developing roller 10d inside the process cartridge B. Therefore, the drum flange 16 is an integrally molded product having a fitting portion 16b to the drum cylinder 7d, a helical gear 16a, a coupling convex shaft 17 and a convex portion 17a,
It is a driving force transmitting component having a function of transmitting driving force.

A concave portion 18 fitted with the convex portion 17a
a is a hole whose cross section is substantially triangular and which is gradually twisted in the axial direction. The recess 18a rotates integrally with the large gear 34 provided on the apparatus main body 13. Therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 13, and the projection 17 a and the recess 18 a provided on the apparatus main body 13 are fitted to each other, so that the recess 18 a
When the rotational force is transmitted to the convex portion 17a, the ridge line of the convex portion 17a and each inner surface of the concave portion 18a abut equally.
The axes coincide with each other. Further, since the concave portion 18a is gradually twisted in the axial direction, a force acts in a direction in which the concave portion 18a draws the convex portion 17a, and the end face of the convex portion 17a contacts the bottom surface of the concave portion 18a. Therefore, the convex portion 17
The axial position and the radial position of the photosensitive drum 7 integrated with a in the image forming apparatus main body 13 are stably determined.

The other end of the photosensitive drum 7 has
The drum flange 25 is fixed. A spur gear 25b is formed integrally with the drum flange 25 (see FIG. 15). The drum flange 25 is rotatably fitted to the drum shaft 7a integral with the flange 29 fixed to the cleaning frame 12c.

When the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body 13, the cylindrical guide 9aL concentric with the drum shaft 7a fits into the U groove 15d of the apparatus main body 13, is positioned, and is connected to the drum flange 25. The integrally formed spur gear 25b meshes with a gear (not shown) that transmits a driving force to the transfer roller 4.

Further, around the convex portion 17a of the coupling convex shaft 17 in the process cartridge B, the convex shaft 17
A hollow cylindrical boss 24a concentric with the boss 24a is provided on the cleaning frame 12c (see FIGS. 8 and 15).

The boss 24a allows the coupling convex portion 17a to be used when the process cartridge B is attached or detached.
Is protected, and is protected from damage and deformation due to external force. Therefore, it is possible to prevent rattling and vibration during coupling driving due to damage to the projection 17a.

For the drum flanges 16 and 25, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polyamide and polybutylene terephthalate are used.
However, other materials may be appropriately selected.

In this embodiment, the drum flange 25 is fitted to the drum shaft 7a provided on the cleaning frame 12c (see FIG. 15), and the drum bearing 24 mounted on the cleaning frame 12c is provided.
The photosensitive drum 7 is attached to the cleaning frame 12c of the process cartridge B in a state where the coupling convex shaft 17 is fitted to the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 7. Then, the photosensitive drum 7 rotates around the coupling convex shaft 17 and the drum shaft 7a.

The large gear 34 on the side of the apparatus body 13 is formed by a bevel gear, which is driven by a small bevel gear 20 fixed to the shaft 30a of the motor 30 shown in FIG. It has teeth having an inclined direction and an angle so as to generate a thrust which, when transmitted, moves the coupling concave shaft 18 toward the convex shaft 17. Thereby, when the motor 30 is driven during image formation, the coupling concave shaft 18 moves in the direction of the convex shaft 17 by the thrust, and the engagement between the concave portion 18 and the convex portion 17a is assisted.

Here, a configuration is used in which the convex portion 17a is fitted to the concave portion 18a in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing cover 14 (the description is omitted).

(Embodiment 1) Some embodiments of the present invention will be described below. First, an aluminum drawing cylinder manufactured by Kobe Steel Co., Ltd. (product name: H63S, fitting inner diameter: φ62)
mm, wall thickness: 1.5 mm, length: 365 mm) on the inner surface of an aluminum cylinder at a position 5 mm from the end by a method as shown in FIG.
Protrusions having a width of 0.6 mm were provided at two locations in the circumferential direction to face each other.

An aqueous ammonia solution of casein (casein 11.2) was placed on the aluminum drawing cylinder thus obtained.
g, 1 g of 28% ammonia water and 222 ml of water) by a dip coating method, and dried, and a coating amount of 1.0 g / m
^Two undercoat layers were formed.

Next, 1 part by weight of aluminum chloride phthalocyanine, 1 part by weight of butyral resin (trade name: Eslec BM-2: manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.), and 30 parts by weight of isopropyl alcohol were mixed with a ball mill disperser. Time, dispersed. This dispersion was applied on the previously formed undercoat layer by a dip coating method, and dried to form a charge generation layer. At this time, the film thickness was 0.3 μm.

Further, 1 part by weight of a hydrazone compound, 1 part by weight of a polysulfone resin (trade name: P1700, manufactured by Union Carbide Co., Ltd.) and 6 parts by weight of monochlorobenzene were mixed and stirred and dissolved by a stirrer. . This liquid was applied on the charge generation layer by a dip coating method and dried to form a charge transport layer having a thickness of 12 μm, thereby producing the photoreceptor 1 shown in FIG.

A drum gear 2 was prepared by injection molding a polyacetal resin (trade name: “DURACON M90-02”, a copolymer manufactured by Polyplastics Co., Ltd.). The outer diameter of the fitting portion of the drum gear 2 is φ62.30 m.
m, the length of the fitting portion was 10 mm.

The molding conditions were as follows. That is, nozzle temperature: 200 ° C., cylinder temperature: tip 1
80 ° C, middle 170 ° C, rear 160 ° C, injection pressure: 8
00 kg / cm ² , mold temperature: mold 60 ° C, core 60
° C.

The drum flange thus formed is
The horn of the ultrasonic welding device was chucked and ultrasonically welded to the drum cylinder under the following conditions. That is, the weld time is 0.5 seconds, the hold time is 0.5 seconds, the trigger force is 80 N, the air pressure is 200 kPa, the down load is 50 mm / sec, and the amplitude is 20 kHz.

In order to examine the deformation around the flange joint of the photosensitive drum obtained in this way, the position of about 50 mm from the end of the cylinder was measured at intervals of 1 mm, and the roundness of the cylinder was measured. The measurement was performed using a measuring instrument (manufactured by Mitutoyo, RA-600). As a result, the roundness (cylindricity) of the cylinder is 8μ.
m.

The photosensitive drum thus obtained was used as a Canon laser beam printer (trade name: LBP-S).
X), and the process cartridge is placed in a high-temperature, high-humidity layer (specifically, a temperature of 32.5
(C, 85% relative humidity) for 48 hours, and in the same environment, the process cartridge was installed in the laser beam printer main body, and 10,000 images were intermittently displayed.

After image output, the photosensitive drum was removed from the process cartridge, and it was checked whether the joint between the gear or the flange and the cylinder was affected by looseness, looseness, or separation due to durability. A good image was obtained without any influences such as looseness, looseness, and disengagement at the joint portion of the gear or flange, and no problem such as pitch unevenness and fog due to the drum on the image. Further, the photosensitive drum after the endurance was fixed, and the breaking torque was measured with a commercially available torque gauge. As a result, the photosensitive drum was broken at 101 kg · cm.

Example 2 A photosensitive drum was manufactured under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the number of protrusions provided on the inner surface of the cylinder was changed to four in Example 1. Measurement and evaluation were performed. As a result, the same result as in Example 1 was obtained. The breaking torque strength at that time was 124
kg · cm and the cylindricity of the end of the cylinder was 8 μm.

Example 3 A photosensitive drum was manufactured under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that the number of protrusions provided on the inner surface of the cylinder was changed to eight in Example 1. Measurement and evaluation were performed. As a result, the same result as in Example 1 was obtained. The breaking torque strength at that time was 156.
kg · cm, and the cylindricity of the cylindrical end was 9 μm.

(Comparative Example 1) In this example, the drum gear produced in Example 1 was used as an instant adhesive (trade name "Aron Alpha 432FTW", Toa Gosei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).
08g), a temperature of 32.5 ° C and a relative humidity of 8
The instant adhesive was completely cured by being left in a 5% environment for 48 hours. The obtained photosensitive drum was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the gear came off when the number of endurances was about 500. Observation of the bond failure portion at this time revealed that bond failure occurred at the interface between the drum gear and the adhesive. The breaking torque at this time is 55 kg-
cm and the cylindricity of the end of the cylinder was 8 μm.

(Comparative Example 2) Here, a polyacetal resin (trade name: "Duracon M90-02", a copolymer manufactured by Polyplastics Co., Ltd.) was injection-molded.
A drum gear was made. The outer diameter of the fitting part of the drum gear was φ63.00 mm, and the length of the fitting part was 10 mm. The molding conditions at this time were as follows. That is, the nozzle temperature is 200 ° C., the cylinder temperature is 180 ° C. at the tip, 170 ° C. at the middle, 160 ° C. at the rear, the injection pressure is 800 kg / cm ² , the mold temperature is 60 ° C., and the core is 60 ° C.

The thus-obtained drum flange was pressed into the photosensitive drum produced in Example 1 to produce a photosensitive drum. The cylindricity of the obtained photosensitive drum was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the cylindricity of the cylindrical end was 37 μm. This is due to the fact that the cylindricity was deteriorated because the vicinity of the end portion was greatly expanded by press fitting.

Thereafter, similarly, as a result of the evaluation of the durability image, a slight slight density unevenness in the drum cycle was found on the image. Furthermore, after image output, the photosensitive drum was removed from the process cartridge, and the joint between the gear flange and the cylinder was checked for any effects such as backlash, looseness, and separation due to durability. I couldn't.

Further, the photosensitive drum after the endurance was fixed, and the breaking torque strength of the flange was measured with a commercially available torque gauge. As a result, it was 93 kg · cm.

The results of the above Examples and Comparative Examples are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0097]

[Table 1]

[0098]

The present invention has been described above.
The cylindrical member has the following effects. (1) A cylindrical member having an end engaging member at at least one end of a cylinder, wherein a projection is provided on an inner surface of an end to be fitted with the end engaging member of the cylinder, and a resin end engaging member is provided. While applying ultrasonic waves, by inserting into the cylinder, the end engagement member is engaged with the protrusion, and by ultrasonic welding,
A cylindrical member having high precision and high bonding force can be provided. (2) By using this cylindrical member, in an image forming apparatus, for example, in an electrophotographic photosensitive drum or the like, since it is a coupling that does not deform the outer surface of the cylinder, it has a high degree of cylindricity; It is possible to provide a very high-definition image having no effect on the behavior of the spacer rollers and free from image defects such as pitch unevenness. (3) Also, unlike the conventional bonding method, the bonding time can be shortened without requiring a complete curing time of the adhesive.
This is advantageous in cost. (4) Naturally, since no adhesive is used, there is no need for quality control, a drying step after bonding, a storage space, and the like, which is excellent in terms of management and economy. (5) Since the coupling torque does not depend on the material of the end engaging member, the material can be freely selected depending on the purpose and application.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a process of forming a protrusion on an inner surface of a cylinder according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cylindrical member provided with a projection on the inner surface of the cylinder according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is also a longitudinal sectional view.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a process of ultrasonically welding the end engaging member to the cylinder in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a general transfer type electrophotographic apparatus using a photosensitive drum according to the present invention.

6 is an external perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the process cartridge.

8 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 7 as viewed from the upper right side.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a left side view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 7;

11 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 7 as viewed from the upper left side.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view showing the lower left side of the process cartridge shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main body.

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main body.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a photosensitive drum and a driving device thereof.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cleaning unit.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a developing unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List A Image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) B Process cartridge X1, X2 Rotation center 1 Optical system 1a Laser diode 1b Polygon mirror 1c Lens 1d Reflection mirror 1e Exposure opening 2 Recording medium 3 Transport means 3a Paper feed cassette 3b Pickup roller 3c Transport Roller pair 3d Transport roller pair 3e Registration roller pair 3f Transport guide 3g, 3h, 3i Discharge roller pair 3j Inversion path 3k Flapper 3m Discharge roller 4 Transfer roller 5 Fixing means 5a Heater 5b Fixing roller 5c Drive roller 6 Discharge tray 7 Photosensitive drum 7a Drum shaft 7b Photosensitive layer 7c Intermediate part 7d Drum cylinder (cylindrical) 7e End face 7f Projection 8 Charging roller 9aR1 Mounting flange 9aR2 Small screw 9aR, 9aL Cylindrical guide 9bR, 9bL Non-rotating guide c Positioning pin 9d Small screw 9i Upper surface 9j Restricting contact part 9k1 hole 9L Left guide member 9p Right end 9q Left end 9R Right guide member 9v Developing roller bearing box 10 Developing means 10a Toner container 10b Toner feed member 10c Fixed magnet 10d Developing roller 10e Developing blade 10f Toner stirring member 10h Antenna rod 10i Spacer roller 11 Cleaning means 11a Cleaning blade 12a Toner frame 12a2 Lower frame 12a3 Boss 12b Developing frame 12b1 Dowel 12c Cleaning frame 12c5 Attachment hole 12n Transfer opening portion 13a Device abutment 13a Opening / closing cover 14a Shaft 15, 15L, 15R Guide member 15a, 15c Guide portion 15b, 15d U groove 17 Coupling convex shaft 17a Convex portion 7a1 End face 18 Coupling recess 18a Recess 18a1 Bottom 19 Arm 19a Rotating hole 20 Small gear 21 Recess 22 Coupling member 22a Compression coil spring 23 Projection forming tool 23a Punch 23b Shaft 24 Bearing 24a Boss 24b End 25 Drum flange 25a Spur gear 26 Fixed member 29 Flange 30 Motor 30a Shaft 34 Large gear

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued from the front page F term (reference) 2H035 CA07 CB03 2H068 AA52 AA54 BB04 BB25 BB28 BB40 CA32 CA43 CA48 EA07 4F211 AA04 AA16 AA23 AA29 AD03 AD05 AD12 AD25 AG03 AG08 AG23 AH33 TA06 TC07 TC11 TD02 TN14

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A cylindrical member having an end engaging member fitted and attached to at least one end of a cylinder, wherein the end engaging member is made of resin, and the cylinder has an inner end surface. A projection that engages with the end engaging member is provided, and the end engaging member is ultrasonically welded to the projection by inserting the end engaging member into the end of the cylinder while applying ultrasonic waves. A cylindrical member characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The cylindrical member according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder is made of a plastic metal material. 3. The cylindrical member according to claim 1, wherein the end engaging member is a synthetic resin molded product. 4. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and process means for acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.
The electrophotographic photoreceptor drum comprises a cylinder having a photosensitive layer on an outer surface, and a cylindrical member having at least one end of the cylinder fitted and fitted with a drum flange as an end engaging member. Is made of resin, and the cylinder is provided with a projection on the inner surface of an end portion thereof for engaging with the drum flange, and the drum flange is inserted into the end of the cylinder while applying ultrasonic waves. An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, wherein the projection is ultrasonically welded. 5. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum according to claim 4, wherein the material of the cylinder is any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, ferro-alloy, and copper alloy. 6. The drum flange according to claim 4, wherein the drum flange is an integrally molded product, and the material thereof is any one of polyacetal, polycarbonate containing polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide, and polyethylene. The electrophotographic photosensitive drum according to the above. 7. A process cartridge comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and process means acting on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said process cartridge being detachable from an apparatus body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium. A drum having a photosensitive layer on the outer surface thereof,
At least one end of the cylinder is constituted by a cylindrical member fitted and fitted with a drum flange as an end engaging member, the drum flange is made of resin, and the cylinder has an end inner surface, A process cartridge, wherein a projection is provided for engaging with the drum flange, and the drum flange is inserted into the end of the cylinder while applying ultrasonic waves, thereby being ultrasonically welded to the projection. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the material of the cylinder is any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, ferromagnetic alloy, and copper alloy. 9. The drum flange is an integrally molded product, and the material of the drum flange is any one of polyacetal, polycarbonate containing polytetrafluoroethylene, polyamide, and polyethylene. 9. The process cartridge according to 8.