Cylindrical structure, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

摘要

A cylindrical structure is formed by a cylinder and a terminal engaging member, such as a gear or a flange for rotating the cylinder. The inner surface of the cylinder is processed for a socket joint. The engaging member has a head inserted to the cylinder and a plurality of recesses adjacent to the head, and is fastened to at least one end of the cylinder by bending and cutting the cylinder, at plural parts thereof, into the recesses of the cylinder. The engaging member is preferably equipped with a helical gear. The cylindrical structure is characterized by the joint between the cylinder and the terminal engaging member, which joint can be formed securely in a simple manner and at a high accuracy. The cylindrical structure may be embodied, e.g., as a photosensitive drum or a developing sleeve for electrophotography.