Author: claimsbot

I claim:

1. A product comprising a first pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist and a second pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a muscarinic antagonist, wherein said product is a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use of said first composition and said second composition.
2. The product of claim 1 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist in said first composition is non-selective.
3. The product of claim 1 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist in said first composition is selective for 1 receptors.
4. The product of claim 3 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist in said first composition is selected from the group consisting of 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline, doxazosin, tetrazosin, abanoquil, prazosin, and indoramin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
5. The product of claim 1 wherein said muscarinic antagonist in said second composition is non-selective.
6. The product of claim 1 wherein said muscarinic antagonist in said second composition is selective for M3 receptors.
7. The product of claim 1 wherein said muscarinic antagonist in said second composition is selected from the group consisting of darifenacin, tolterodine and oxybutynin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
8. The product of claim 1 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
9. The product of claim 1 wherein said first composition comprises doxazosin and said second composition comprises darifenacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either thereof.
10. The product of claim 1 wherein said first composition comprises 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline and said second composition comprises darifenacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either thereof.
11. A medicament comprising an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist in combination with a muscarinic antagonist.
12. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is non-selective.
13. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is selective for 1 receptors.
14. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is selected from the group consisting of 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline, doxazosin, tetrazosin, abanoquil, prazosin, and indoramin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
15. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is non-selective.
16. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is selective for M3 receptors.
17. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is selected from the group consisting of darifenacin, tolterodine and oxybutynin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
18. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
19. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is doxazosin and said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of either thereof.
20. The medicament of claim 11 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline and said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of either thereof.
21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, a muscarinic antagonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
22. The composition of claim 21 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is non-selective or selective for 1 receptors.
23. The composition of claim 21 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is selected from the group consisting of 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline, doxazosin, tetrazosin, abanoquil, prazosin, and indoramin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
24. The composition of claim 21 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is non-selective or selective for M3 receptors.
25. The composition of claim 21 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is selected from the group consisting of darifenacin, tolterodine and oxybutynin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
26. The composition of claim 21 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
27. The composition of claim 21 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is doxazosin and said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of either thereof.
28. The composition of claim 21 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline and said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of either thereof.
29. A method for treating the lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign hyperplasia in mammals comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist in combination with a muscarinic antagonist.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist and said muscarinic antagonist is administered simultaneously.
31. The method of claim 29 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist and said muscarinic antagonist is administered separately.
32. The method of claim 29 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist and said muscarinic antagonist is administered sequentially.
33. The method of claim 29 wherein the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is non-selective or selective for 1 receptors.
34. The method of claim 29 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is selected from the group consisting of 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline, doxazosin, tetrazosin, abanoquil, prazosin, and indoramin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
35. The method of claim 29 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is non-selective or selective for M3 receptors.
36. The method of claim 29 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is selected from the group consisting of darifenacin, tolterodine and oxybutynin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
37. The method of claim 29 wherein said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
38. The method of claim 29 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is doxazosin and said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of either thereof.
39. The method of claim 29 wherein said alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist is 4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline and said muscarinic antagonist is darifenacin, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of either thereof.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A process cartridge comprising:
a rotary member having an axis L1, the rotary member being rotatable about the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the rotary member, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first portion in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the rotary member, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the rotary member,
wherein the second end portion comprises a pair of projections, each projection including a tip, and
wherein, if a first plane is defined as a plane in which the tips of the projections moved when the coupling member moves between the first position and the second position, and a second plane is defined as a plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and contains the axis L1, then the projections are positioned on opposite sides of the second plane when the coupling member is in the first position, and the projections are positioned on the same side of the second plane when the coupling member is in the second position.
2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second end portion has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the rotary member.
3. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
4. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
5. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the first end portion includes substantially a spherical portion.
7. The process cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the first end portion further includes a projected portion projected from the spherical portion.
8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the rotary member has a flange at one end that is coaxial with the axis L1, and
wherein the flange has a hollow portion, and the first end portion of the coupling member is in the hollow portion of the flange.
9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, the first end portion of the coupling member is supported by the hollow portion.
10. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a casing in which the rotary member is rotatably mounted.
11. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the casing includes a contact portion capable of contacting the coupling member to position the coupling member at the second position.
12. The process cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the casing comprises a guide portion capable of guiding the coupling member toward the second position.
13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the guide portion projects substantially in the same direction as the axis L1 and is disposed in proximity to the coupling member.
14. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein each projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
15. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
16. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
17. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
18. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rotary member is a photosensitive drum.
19. A process cartridge comprising:
a rotary member having an axis L1, the rotary member being rotatable about the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the rotary member, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the rotary member, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the rotary member,
wherein the second end portion comprises a pair of projections, each projection including a tip, and
wherein, if a first plane is defined as a plane that includes both the axis L1 and the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the second position, and a second plane is defined as a plane that includes the axis L1 and is perpendicular to the first plane,
then when the coupling member is in the first position and the tips of the projections are in the first plane, and the projections are positioned on opposite sides of the second plane, and when the coupling member is in the second position and the tips of the projections are in the first plane, the projections are on the same side of the second plane.
20. The process cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the second end portion has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the rotary member.
21. The process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
22. The process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
23. The process cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
24. The process cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the first end portion includes substantially a spherical portion.
25. The process cartridge according to claim 24, wherein the first end portion further includes a projected portion projected from the spherical portion.
26. The process cartridge to claim 25, wherein the rotary member has a flange at one end that is coaxial with the axis L1, and wherein the flange has a hollow portion, and the first end portion end in the hollow portion of the flange.
27. The process cartridge according to claim 26, the first end portion is supported by the hollow portion.
28. The process cartridge according to claim 19, further comprising a casing in which the rotary member is rotatably mounted.
29. The process cartridge according to claims 19, wherein the casing includes a contact portion capable of contacting the coupling member to position the coupling member at the second position.
30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the casing comprises a guide portion capable of guiding the coupling member toward the second position.
31. The process cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the guide portion projects substantially in the same direction as the axis L1 and is disposed in proximity to the coupling member.
32. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein each projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
33. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
34. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
35. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
36. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the rotary member is photosensitive drum.
37. An image forming apparatus comprising:
a process cartridge including:
a rotary member having an axis L1, the rotary member being rotable about the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member (i) a first end portion connected to the rotary member (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the rotary member, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the rotary member,
wherein the second end portion comprises a pair of projections, each projection including a tip, and
wherein, if a first plane is defined as plane in which the tips of the projections move when the coupling member moves between the first position and the second position, and a second plane is defined as a plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and contains the axis L1, then the projections are positioned on opposite sides of the second plane when the coupling member is in the first position, and the projections are positioned on the same side of the second plane when the coupling member is in the second position;

a driving motor;
a driving shaft engageable with the second end portion of the coupling member of the process cartridge and having a rotational axis L3;
a guide portion configured to guide insertion of the process cartridge into the image forming apparatus along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L3 of the driving shaft; and
an urging member movable between an urging position and a retracted position retracted from the urging position,
wherein, when the process cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the coupling member is included toward the driving shaft by being urged by an elastic force of the urging member restoring to the urging position after being temporarily retracted to the retracted position by being contacted by the coupling member.
38. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein the maximum angle of inclination of the coupling member is limited by contact between the coupling member and the flange.
39. The drum unit according to claim 38, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
40. The drum unit according to claim 39, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion of the coupling member is engageable with the flange via a bearing.
41. The drum unit according to claim 39, wherein the maximum angle of inclination of axis L2 with respect to axis L1 is at least 35 degrees.
42. The drum unit according to claim 39, wherein the force receiving portion has at least one pair of projections extending substantially in the same direction as axis L2 away from the connecting portion, each projection having a tip that is a surface of the projection farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, and wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is substantially the same distance from the photosensitive drum.
43. The drum unit according to claim 39, wherein the force receiving portion of the coupling member has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having a semi-spherical shape with an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
44. The drum unit according to claim 43, wherein, if the distance along the axis L2 between a portion of the recess closest to the photosensitive drum and a plane that touches the tips of the projections is defined as distance D, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position the tip of one projection moves at least about the distance D closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position.
45. The drum unit according to claim 44, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of axis L1, and
wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, the tip of the one projection moves the distance D through a combination of linear movement and inclining of the coupling member.
46. The drum unit according to claim 45, wherein the drum unit further comprises a spring for biasing the coupling member away from the photosensitive drum along the axis L1.
47. The drum unit according to claim 39, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
48. The drum unit according to claim 38, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
49. The drum unit according to claim 38, wherein the flange at least partially surrounds the coupling member.
50. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a shaft provided at an end of the photosensitive drum, the shaft being coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the shaft, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein the maximum angle of inclination the coupling member is limited by contact between the coupling member and a portion of the drum unit other than the shaft.
51. The drum unit according to claim 50, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
52. The drum unit according to claim 51, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion of the coupling member is engageable with the shaft via a pin.
53. The drum unit according to claim 51, wherein the maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is at least 35 degrees.
54. The drum unit according to claim 51, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
55. The drum unit according to claim 51, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
56. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is not coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein the maximum movement of the coupling member is limited by contact between the coupling member and the flange.
57. The drum unit according to claim 56, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
58. The drum unit according to claim 57, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion of the coupling member is engageable with the flange via a bearing.
59. The drum unit according to claim 57, wherein the maximum angle of inclination of axis L2 with respect to axis L1 is at least 35 degrees.
60. The drum unit according to claim 57, wherein the force receiving portion has at least one pair of projections extending substantially in the same direction as axis L2 away from the connecting portion, each projection having a tip that is a surface of the projection farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, and wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is substantially the same distance from the photosensitive drum.
61. The drum unit according to claim 57, wherein the force receiving portion of the coupling member has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
62. The drum unit according to claim 61, wherein, if the distance along the axis L2 between a portion of the recess closest to the photosensitive drum and a plane that touches the tips of the projections is defined as distance D, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position the tip of one projection moves at least about the distance D closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position.
63. The drum unit according to claim 62, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of axis L1, and
wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, the tip of the one projection moves the distance D through a combination of linear movement and inclining of the coupling member.
64. The drum unit according to claim 63, further comprises a spring for biasing the coupling member away from the photosensitive drum along the axis L1.
65. The drum unit according to claim 61, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
66. The drum unit according to claim 61, wherein the recess has a rotationally symmetric shape.
67. The drum unit according to claim 61, wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is at least 35 degrees.
68. The drum unit according to claim 61, wherein the coupling member is formed from at least one of a resin material, a fiber-reinforced resin material, and a metallic material.
69. The drum unit according to claim 61, wherein, for at least a part of the rotational force transmitting portion, a maximum distance from an outermost surface of the rotational force transmitting portion to an opposite outermost surface of the rotational force transmitting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is greater than a maximum dimension of the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular of the axis L2.
70. The drum unit according to claim 61, wherein the tip of each projection is defined by at least two slanted surfaces.
71. The drum unit according to claim 57, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
72. The drum unit according to claim 57, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
73. The drum unit according to claim 57, wherein the flange at least partially surrounds the coupling member.
74. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at an end of the photosensitive member; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the force receiving portion has at least one pair of projections extending substantially in the same direction as axis L2 away from the connecting portion, each projection having a tip defined by at least one slanted surface and being a part of the projection farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is substantially the same distance from the photosensitive drum.
75. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the force receiving portion of the coupling member has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having a semi-spherical shape with an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
76. The drum unit according to claim 75, wherein, if the distance along the axis L2 between a portion of the recess closest to the photosensitive drum and a plane that touches the tips of the projections is defined as distance D, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position the tip of one projection moves at least about the distance D closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of the axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position.
77. The drum unit according to claim 76, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis L1, and
wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, the tip of the one projection moves the distance D through a combination of linear movement and inclining of the coupling member.
78. The drum unit according to claim 77, further comprises a spring for biasing the coupling member away from the photosensitive drum along the axis L1.
79. The drum unit according to claim 75, wherein the recess has a rotationally symmetric shape.
80. The drum unit according to claim 75, wherein the recess is coaxial with the axis L2.
81. The drum unit according to claim 75, wherein the recess includes an inner surface that forms an angle of about 60 degrees with respect to the axis L2.
82. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
83. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis L1.
84. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
85. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected with each other.
86. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the tip of each projection is defined by the at least one slanted surface and a surface perpendicular to the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
87. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein a diameter of an imaginary circle tangent to an inner surface of each of the projections is about 10 mm.
88. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein a maximum dimension of the force receiving portion is about 15 mm.
89. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein a maximum outer diameter of the force receiving portion is about 15 mm.
90. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the force receiving portion has at least one pair of projections extending substantially in the same direction as axis L2 away from the connecting portion, and wherein a diameter of an imaginary circle tangent to the inner surface of each of the projections is about 10 mm.
91. The drum unit according to claim 74, wherein the coupling member is formed from at least one of a resin material, a fiber-reinforced resin material, and a metallic material.
92. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at an end of the photosensitive member; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined to be not coaxial with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein the force receiving portion of the coupling member comprises (i) a surface on a side of the force receiving portion opposite the connecting portion, with the surface including an opening to a recess, with the recess being coaxial with the axis L2, diverging away from the photosensitive drum, and with the recess having a rotationally symmetric shape, and (ii) at least one pair of projections extending from the surface.
93. The drum unit according to claim 92, wherein the recess has a conical shape.
94. The drum unit according to claim 92, wherein the recess has a semi-spherical shape.
95. The drum unit according to claim 92, wherein the force receiving portion has at least one pair of projections extending substantially in the same direction as the axis L2 away from the connecting portion, each projection having a tip that is a surface of the projection farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is substantially the same distance from the photosensitive drum.
96. The drum unit according to claim 95, wherein, if the distance along the axis L2 between a portion of the recess closest to the photosensitive drum and a plane that touches the tips of the projections is defined as distance D, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position the tip of one projection moves at least about the distance D closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of the axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position.
97. The drum unit according to claim 96, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis L1, and
Wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, the tip of the one projection moves the distance D through a combination of linear movement and inclining of the coupling member.
98. The drum unit according to claim 97, further comprises a spring for biasing the coupling member away from the photosensitive drum along the axis L1.
99. The drum unit according to 95, wherein a diameter of an imaginary circle that is tangent to the inner surface of each or the projections is greater than a maximum dimension of the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2.
100. The drum unit according to claim 92, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1 .
101. The drum unit according to claim 92, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of axis L1 .
102. The drum unit according to claim 92, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
103. The drum unit according to claim 92, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
104. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the photosensitive drum, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is pivotable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the force receiving portion comprises at least one pair of projections extending substantially in the same direction as the axis L2 away from the connecting portion, each projection having the same length L and having a tip that is a surface of the projection farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein, when the coupling member pivots from the first position to the second position, the tip of one projection moves at least about the distance L closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of the axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position.
105. The drum unit according to claim 104, wherein the force receiving portion of the coupling member has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having with an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
106. The drum unit according to claim 104, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of the axis L1, and
wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, the tip of the one projection moves the distance L through a combination of linear movement and inclining of the coupling member.
107. The drum unit according to claim 106, further comprises a spring for biasing the coupling member away from the photosensitive drum along the axis L1.
108. The drum unit according to claim 104, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
109. The drum unit according to claim 104, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
110. The drum unit according to claim 104, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
111. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2 and engageable with the flange, the coupling member comprising (i) a first portion that is relatively nearer to the photosensitive drum, (ii) a second portion, at least part of the second portion having a maximum dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is greater than a maximum dimension of the first portion in the direction perpendicular to the axis L2, and (iii) a third portion comprising at least one pair of projections extending from the second portion substantially in the same direction as the axis L2 and away from the photosensitive drum,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein a diameter of the second portion increases through at least part of the second portion as the distance from the first portion increases.
112. The drum unit according to claim 111, wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 when the coupling member is inclined is limited by contact between the first portion of the coupling member and the flange.
113. The drum unit according to claim 111, wherein an outer surface of the second portion of the coupling member has a conical shape.
114. The drum unit according to claim 111, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
115. The drum unit according to claim 114, wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is at least 35 degrees.
116. The drum unit according to claim 111, wherein the second portion of the coupling member has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
117. The drum unit according to claim 111, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the coupling member are integrally formed.
118. The drum unit according to claim 111, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
119. An image forming apparatus comprising:
a drum unit including:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and wherein the maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 when the coupling member is inclined is limited by contact between the coupling member and the flange;

a driving motor;
a driving shaft engageable with the rotational force receiving portion of the coupling member of the drum unit and having a rotational axis L3;
a guide portion configured to guide insertion of the drum unit into the image forming apparatus along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L3 of the driving shaft; and
an urging member movable between an urging position and a retracted position retracted from the urging position,
wherein, when the drum unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the coupling member is inclined toward the driving shaft by being urged by an elastic force of the urging member restoring to the urging position after being temporarily retracted to the retracted position by being contacted by the coupling member.
120. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion between the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises at least one projection, and
wherein the projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
121. The drum unit according to claim 120, wherein the overhanging surface of the projection extends in a circumferential direction of the coupling member.
122. The drum unit according to claim 120, wherein the overhanging surface of the projection overhangs a portion of the second end portion that is adjacent to the projection in a circumferential direction of the coupling member.
123. The drum unit according to claim 120, wherein the second end portion has a surface on the opposite side of the second end portion from the connecting portion, with the projection extending from the surface of the second end portion, and with the overhanging surface of the projection overhanging a portion of the surface of the second end portion.
124. The drum unit according to claim 120, wherein the second end portion comprises two projections, with each projection including a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
125. The drum unit according to claim 120, wherein the overhanging surface of the projection does not overhang another portion of the projection.
126. The drum unit according to claim 120, wherein the second end portion includes a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the axis L2, and
wherein the overhanging surface of the projection overhangs a portion of the surface of the second end portion.
127. The drum unit according to claim 126, wherein the overhanging surface of the projection extends from the surface of the second end portion.
128. The drum unit according to claim 126, wherein a plane including the overhanging surface of the projection is inclined relative to the axis L2.
129. The drum unit according to claim 126, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
130. The process cartridge according to claim 126, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
131. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion between the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion has a surface on the opposite side of the second end portion from the connecting portion, with at least one projection extending from the surface, and
wherein the projection includes a surface that extends in a circumferential direction of the coupling member, with at least a portion of the surface of the projection forming an acute angle with respect to the surface of the second end portion.
132. The drum unit according to claim 131, wherein the surface of the second end portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis L2, and
wherein the acute angle portion of the surface of the projection extends from the surface of the second end portion.
133. The drum unit according to claim 131, wherein a plane including the acute angle of the projection is inclined relative to the axis L2.
134. The drum unit according to claim 131, wherein the second end portion comprises two projections, with each projection including a surface at least a portion of which forms an acute angle with respect to the surface of the second end portion.
135. The drum unit according to claim 131, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
136. The drum unit according to claim 131, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
137. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion between the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises at least one projection, and
wherein the projection is formed so as to provide a notch in a circumferential direction of the coupling member.
138. The drum unit according to claim 137, wherein the notch is formed between the projection and a surface of the second end portion adjacent to the projection.
139. The drum unit according to claim 137, wherein the second end portion has a surface on the opposite side of the second end portion from the connecting portion, with the projection extending from the surface of the second end portion, and
wherein the notch is formed between the projection and the surface of the second end portion.
140. The drum unit according to claim 137, wherein a plane including the portion of the projection forming the notch is inclined relative to the axis L2.
141. The drum unit according to claim 137, wherein the second end portion comprises two projections, with each projection forming a notch in a circumferential direction of the coupling member.
142. The drum unit according to claim 137, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
143. The drum unit according to claim 137, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
144. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion between the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion includes at least one projection, and
wherein the projection includes a side surface inclined relative to the axis L2 and in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the second end portion.
145. The drum unit according to claim 144, wherein the second end portion has a surface on the opposite side of the second end portion from the connecting portion, with the inclined surface of the projection extending from the surface of the second end portion.
146. The drum unit according to claim 144, wherein the second end portion comprises two projections, with each projection including a side surface that is inclined relative to the axis L2 and in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the second end portion.
147. The drum unit according to claim 144, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
148. The drum unit according to claim 144, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
149. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is pivotable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises at least one projection, and
wherein, if the distance along the axis L2 between a plane that is perpendicular to the axis L2 and positioned at the transition between the connecting portion and the second end portion and a plane that is perpendicular to the axis L2 and touches a tip of the projection is defined as D, when the coupling member pivots from the first position to the second position the tip of the projection moves at least about the distance D closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of the axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position.
150. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein the second end portion comprises a surface on a side opposite the connecting portion, with the surface having an opening to a recess, with the projection extending from the surface, and wherein the distance from the portion of the recess closest to the photosensitive drum and the tip of the projection is about D.
151. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
152. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
153. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
154. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein, for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
155. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein the second end portion comprises two projections, and the second end portion comprises an opening to a recess, with the opening facing away from the connecting portion.
156. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein the coupling member is connected to the photosensitive drum by a flange.
157. The drum unit according to claim 156, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
158. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the photosensitive drum.
159. The drum unit according to claim 149, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, an angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
160. A drum unit for a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises at least one pair of projections,
wherein, if the distance along the axis L2 between a first plane that is perpendicular to the axis L2 and positioned at the transition between the connecting portion and the second end portion and a second plane that is perpendicular to the axis L2 and touches a tip of one of the projections is defined as D, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position the tip of the projection moves at least about the distance D closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of the axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein, if a third plane is defined as containing the axis L1 and being perpendicular to a line passing through both projections when the coupling member is in the first position, the pair of projections are positioned on opposite sides of the third plane when the coupling member is in the first position, and the pair of projections are positioned on the same side of the third plane when the coupling member is in the second position.
161. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein the second end portion comprises a surface on a side opposite the connecting portion, with the surface having an opening to a recess, and with the projection extending from the surface, and
wherein the distance from the portion of the recess closest to the photosensitive drum and the tip of the projection is about D.
162. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
163. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
164. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
165. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein, for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
166. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
167. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
168. The drum unit according to claim 160, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, an angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
169. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a shaft having an end extending from the photosensitive drum; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the shaft, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion has at least one projection extending substantially in the same direction as the axis L2 away from the connecting portion,
wherein the projection has a length L as measured in the direction of axis L2,
wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, a tip of the projection moves at least about the distance L closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of the axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, the projection is farther from the photosensitive drum than the end of the shaft is from the photosensitive drum.
170. The drum unit according to claim 169, wherein the shaft is connected to a flange, and the flange is connected to the photosensitive drum.
171. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
172. The drum unit according claim 171, wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 is about 35 degrees.
173. The drum unit according to claim 171, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
174. The drum unit according to claim 171, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
175. The drum unit according to claim 171, wherein, for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
176. The drum unit according to claim 171, wherein the second end portion comprises a projection, and the second end portion comprises an opening to a recess, with the opening facing away from the connecting portion.
177. The drum unit according to claim 171, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
178. The drum unit according to claim 171, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
179. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion between the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein, for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
180. The drum unit according to claim 179, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
181. The drum unit according to claim 179, wherein the second end portion comprises a projection, and the second end portion comprises an opening to a recess, with the opening facing away from the connecting portion.
182. The drum unit according to claim 181, wherein the recess includes a surface that is slanted with respect to the axis L2.
183. The drum unit according to claim 181, wherein the surface of the recess forms an angle of about 60 degrees with respect to the axis L2.
184. The drum unit according to claim 181, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
185. The drum unit according to claim 181, wherein the recess has a rotationally symmetric shape.
186. The drum unit according to claim 179, wherein an outer perimeter of a cross-section taken through the second end portion is circular.
187. The drum unit according to claim 179, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
188. The drum unit according to claim 179, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
189. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2, and
wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the first end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
190. The drum unit according to claim 189, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
191. The drum unit according to claim 189, wherein, for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
192. The drum unit according to claim 189, wherein the second end portion comprises a projection, and the second end portion comprises an opening to a recess, with the opening facing away from the connecting portion.
193. The drum unit according to claim 192, wherein the recess includes a surface that is slanted with respect to the axis L2.
194. The drum unit according to claim 193, wherein the surface of the recess forms an angle of about 60 degrees with respect to the axis L2.
195. The drum unit according to claim 192, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
196. The drum unit according to claim 192, wherein the recess has a rotationally symmetric shape.
197. The drum unit according to claim 189, wherein an outer perimeter of a cross-section taken through the second end portion is circular.
198. The drum unit according to claim 189, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
199. The drum unit according to claim 189, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
200. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises (i) a surface on a side opposite the connecting portion, the surface having an opening to a recess, and (ii) at least one pair of projections, with each projection having a tip that is the part of the projection that is farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein the complete projections are farther from the first end portion than a portion of the recess that is closest to the first end portion in the direction of the axis L2 of the coupling member,
wherein at least one of the projections includes a surface that is slanted with respect to the axis L2, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is substantially the same distance from the photosensitive drum.
201. The drum unit according to claim 200, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
202. The drum unit according to claim 200, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
203. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises (i) a surface on a side opposite the connecting portion, the surface having an opening to a recess, and (ii) at least one pair of projections, with each projection having a tip that is the part of the projection that is farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position,
wherein at least part of the projections is farther from the first end portion than the surface having the opening,
wherein at least one of the projections includes a surface that is slanted with respect to the axis L2, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the first position, the tip of each projection is substantially the same distance from the photosensitive drum.
204. The drum unit according to claim 203, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
205. The drum unit according to claim 203, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
206. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2 and engageable with the flange, the coupling member comprising (i) a first portion, (ii) a second portion that is farther from the photosensitive drum than the first portion, and (iii) a third portion comprising at least one pair of projections extending from the second portion substantially in the same direction as the axis L2 and away from the photosensitive drum,
wherein a diameter of an imaginary circle that is tangent to a surface of each of the projections that faces the axis L2 is greater than a maximum dimension of the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2, and
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.
207. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein an outer surface of the second portion of the coupling member has a conical shape.
208. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
209. The drum unit according to claim 208, wherein a maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is at least 35 degrees.
210. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein the second portion of the coupling member has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
211. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the coupling member are integrally formed.
212. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the coupling member are separate parts connected together.
213. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein the coupling member comprises a fourth portion, disposed at an opposite side of the first portion of the coupling member than the second portion of the coupling member, and
wherein the coupling member is engageable with the flange via the fourth portion of the coupling member.
214. The drum unit according to claim 213, wherein the fourth portion of the coupling member has a maximum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is greater than the maximum outer dimension of the second portion of the coupling member.
215. The drum unit according to claim 214, wherein the fourth portion of the coupling member has a minimum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is smaller than the maximum outer dimension of the second portion of the coupling member.
216. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein an outer perimeter of a cross-section taken through the second portion is circular.
217. The drum unit according to claim 206, wherein an outer perimeter of a cross-section taken through the second portion is non-circular.
218. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the force receiving portion comprises a pair of projections extending substantially in the same direction as the axis L2 away from the connecting portion, the pair of projections each projection having the same length L and having a tip that is a surface of the projection farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position,
wherein, in the first position, the projections are positioned on opposite sides of a plane containing the axis L1, with the plane being perpendicular to a line passing through both projections, and, in the second position, the projections are positioned on the same side of the plane.
219. The drum unit according to claim 218, wherein the force receiving portion of the coupling member has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
220. The drum unit according to claim 219, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
221. The drum unit according to claim 218, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
222. The drum unit according to claim 218, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
223. The drum unit according to claim 218, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
224. The drum unit according to claim 218, wherein the force receiving portion comprises a plurality of pairs of projections.
225. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, an angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
226. The drum unit according claim 225, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, an angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 35 degrees.
227. The drum unit according to claim 225, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
228. The drum unit according to claim 227, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
229. The drum unit according to claim 225, wherein, for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
230. The drum unit according to claim 225, wherein the second end portion comprises a projection, and the second end portion comprises an opening to a recess, with the opening facing away from the connecting portion.
231. The drum unit according to claim 230, wherein the projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
232. The drum unit according to claim 225, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
233. The drum unit according to claim 232, wherein the flange has a hollow portion, and at least part of the first end portion of the coupling member is in the hollow portion of the flange.
234. The drum unit according to claim 233, the first end portion of the coupling member is supported by the hollow portion.
235. The drum unit according to claim 225, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
236. The drum unit according to claim 225, wherein the first end portion of the coupling member has a maximum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is greater than the maximum outer dimension of the connecting portion of the coupling member.
237. The drum unit according to claim 236, wherein the first end portion of the coupling member has a minimum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is smaller than the maximum outer dimension of the connecting portion of the coupling member.
238. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a shaft having an end extending from the photosensitive drum; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the shaft, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion has at least one projection,
wherein the projection has a length L as measured in the direction of axis L2,
wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, a tip of the projection moves at least about the distance L closer to the photosensitive drum, as measured in the direction of the axis L1, than when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, the projection is farther from the photosensitive drum than the end of the shaft is from the photosensitive drum.
239. The drum unit according to claim 238, wherein the shaft is connected to a flange, and the flange is connected to the photosensitive drum.
240. The drum unit according to claim 238, wherein the second end portion comprises a surface on a side opposite the connecting portion, with the surface having an opening to a recess, with the projection extending from the surface.
241. The drum unit according to claim 238, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
242. The drum unit according to claim 241, wherein the connecting portion includes substantially a shaft along the axis L2.
243. The drum unit according to claim 238, wherein for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
244. The drum unit according to claim 238, wherein the coupling member is linearly movable toward the photosensitive drum in the direction of axis L1, and
wherein, when the coupling member moves from the first position to the second position, the tip of the one projection moves the distance L through a combination of linear movement and inclining of the coupling member.
245. The drum unit according to claim 244, further comprising a spring for biasing the coupling member away from the photosensitive drum along the axis L1.
246. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2 and engageable with the flange, the coupling member comprising (i) a first portion, (ii) a second portion that is farther from the photosensitive drum than the first portion, and (iii) a third portion comprising at least one pair of projections extending from the second portion, with each of the projections including a facing portion that faces the axis L2,
wherein the third portion of the coupling member is open between the facing portions, wherein a diameter of an imaginary circle that is tangent to the facing portions of the projections is greater than a maximum dimension of the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2, and
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.
247. The drum unit according claim 246, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, an angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees.
248. The drum unit according claim 247, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, an angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 35 degrees.
249. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the first portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
250. The drum unit according to claim 249, wherein the first portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
251. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein, for at least part of the second portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the first portion increases.
252. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein the second portion comprises an opening to a recess, with the opening facing away from the first portion.
253. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
254. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein the coupling member comprises a fourth portion, disposed at an opposite side of the first portion of the coupling member than the second portion of the coupling member, wherein the flange has a hollow portion, and at least part of the fourth portion of the coupling member is in the hollow portion of the flange.
255. The drum unit according to claim 254, wherein the part of the fourth portion of the coupling member is supported by the hollow portion.
256. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
257. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein each projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second portion.
258. The drum unit according to claim 246, wherein the coupling member comprises a fourth portion, disposed at an opposite side of the first portion of the coupling member than the second portion of the coupling member, wherein the coupling member is engageable with the flange via the fourth portion of the coupling member.
259. The drum unit according to claim 258, wherein the fourth portion of the coupling member has a maximum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is greater than the maximum outer dimension of the first portion of the coupling member.
260. The drum unit according to claim 259, wherein the fourth portion of the coupling member has a minimum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is smaller than the maximum outer dimension of the first portion of the coupling member.
261. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis LI;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis LI of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the rotational force receiving portion comprises (i) a surface on a side opposite the connecting portion, with the surface having an opening to a recess, and (ii) at least one pair of projections, with each projection having a tip that is the part of the projection that is farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, wherein at least part of the projections is farther from the rotational force transmitting portion than the surface having the opening, and
wherein a surface of the rotational force receiving portion that defines the recess is slanted with respect to the axis L2.
262. The drum unit according to claim 261, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
263. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis LI;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis LI of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the rotational force receiving portion comprises at least one pair of projections, with each projection having a tip that is a surface of the projection farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position, and
wherein, in the first position, the projections are positioned on opposite sides of a plane containing the axis L1, with the plane being perpendicular to a line passing through both projections, and, in the second position, the projections are positioned on the same side of the plane.
264. The drum unit according to claim 263, wherein the rotational force receiving portion of the coupling member has a recess, with the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
265. The drum unit according to claim 263, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
266. The drum unit according to claim 263, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
267. The drum unit according to claim 263, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
268. The drum unit according to claim 263, wherein the rotational force transmitting portion, the rotational force receiving portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
269. The drum unit according to claim 263, wherein the rotational force receiving portion comprises a plurality of pairs of projections.
270. An image forming apparatus comprising:
a drum unit including:
a photosensitive drum having an axis LI;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a rotational force transmitting portion engageable with the flange, (ii) a rotational force receiving portion, and (iii) a connecting portion that connects the rotational force receiving portion to the rotational force transmitting portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis LI of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the rotational force receiving portion comprises (i) a surface on a side opposite the connecting portion, with the surface having an opening to a recess, and (ii) at least one pair of projections, with each projection having a tip that is the part of the projection that is farthest from the photosensitive drum when the coupling member is in the first position,
wherein at least part of the projections is farther from the rotational force transmitting portion than the surface having the opening, and
wherein a surface of the rotational force receiving portion that defines the recess is slanted with respect to the axis L2;

a driving motor;
a driving shaft engageable with the rotational force receiving portion of the coupling member of the drum unit and having a rotational axis L3;
a guide portion configured to guide insertion of the drum unit into the image forming apparatus along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L3 of the driving shaft; and
an urging member movable between an urging position and a retracted position retracted from the urging position,
wherein, when the drum unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the coupling member is inclined toward the driving shaft by being urged by an elastic force of the urging member restoring to the urging position after being temporarily retracted to the retracted position by being contacted by the coupling member.
271. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and
wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined at least about 20 degrees with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
272. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, the axis L2 of the coupling member is not greater than about 60 degrees with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position.
273. The drum unit according claim 272, wherein, when the coupling member is in the second position, an angle of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 is about 35 degrees.
274. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
275. The drum unit according to claim 274, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
276. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein, for at least part of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the connecting portion increases.
277. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein the second end portion comprises a projection, and the second end portion comprises an opening to a recess, with the opening facing away from the connecting portion.
278. The drum unit according to claim 277, the projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
279. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein the coupling member is connected to the flange by a bearing.
280. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein the flange has a hollow portion, and at least part of the first end portion of the coupling member is in the hollow portion of the flange.
281. The drum unit according to claim 280, wherein the first end portion of the coupling member is supported by the hollow portion.
282. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein the coupling member is connected to a shaft of the flange.
283. The drum unit according to claim 271, wherein the first end portion of the coupling member has a maximum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is greater than the maximum outer dimension of the connecting portion of the coupling member.
284. The drum unit according to claim 283, wherein the first end portion of the coupling member has a minimum outer dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis L2 that is smaller than the maximum outer dimension of the connecting portion of the coupling member.
285. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises a pair of projections, each projection including a tip, and
wherein, if a first plane is defined as a plane in which the tips of the projections move when the coupling member moves between the first position and the second position, and a second plane is defined as a plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and contains the axis L1, then the projections are positioned on opposite sides of the second plane when the coupling member is in the first position, and the projections are positioned on the same side of the second plane when the coupling member is in the second position.
286. The drum unit according to claim 285, wherein the second end portion has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
287. The drum unit according to claim 286, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
288. The drum unit according to claim 286, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
289. The drum unit according to claim 288, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
290. The drum unit according to claim 289, wherein the first end portion includes substantially a spherical portion.
291. The drum unit according to claim 290, wherein the first end portion further includes a projected portion projected from the spherical portion.
292. The drum unit according to claim 291, wherein the flange has a hollow portion, and the first end portion of the coupling member is in the hollow portion of the flange.
293. The drum unit according to claim 292, the first end portion of the coupling member is supported by the hollow portion.
294. The drum unit according to claim 285, wherein each projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
295. The drum unit according to claim 285, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
296. The drum unit according to claim 285, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
297. The drum unit according to claim 285, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
298. A drum unit usable in a process cartridge, the drum unit comprising:
a photosensitive drum having an axis L1;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises a pair of projections, each projection including a tip, and
wherein, if a first plane is defined as a plane that includes both the axis L1 and the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the second position, and a second plane is defined as a plane that includes the axis L1 and is perpendicular to the first plane, then when the coupling member is in the first position and the tips of the projections are in the first plane, the projections are positioned on opposite sides of the second plane, and when the coupling member is in the second position and the tips of the projections are in the first plane, the projections are on the same side of the second plane.
299. The drum unit according to claim 298, wherein the second end portion has a recess, the recess being coaxial with the axis L2 and having an opening facing away from the photosensitive drum.
300. The drum unit according to claim 299, wherein the recess has one of a semi-spherical shape and a conical shape.
301. The drum unit according to claim 299, wherein a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 is less than a maximum distance from the axis L2 to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the axis L2.
302. The drum unit according to claim 301, wherein the connecting portion comprises a shaft along the axis L2.
303. The drum unit according to claim 302, wherein the first end portion includes substantially a spherical portion.
304. The drum unit according to claim 303, wherein the first end portion further includes a projected portion projected from the spherical portion.
305. The drum unit according to claim 304, wherein the photosensitive drum has a flange at one end that is coaxial with the axis L1, and wherein the flange has a hollow portion, and the first end portion is in the hollow portion of the flange.
306. The drum unit according to claim 305, wherein the first end portion is supported by the hollow portion.
307. The drum unit according to claim 298, wherein each projection includes a surface at least a portion of which overhangs a portion of the second end portion.
308. The drum unit according to claim 298, wherein the coupling member can be inclined in substantially any direction with respect to the axis L1.
309. The drum unit according to claim 298, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed.
310. The drum unit according to claim 298, wherein the first end portion, the second end portion, and the connecting portion are separate parts connected together.
311. An image forming apparatus comprising:
a drum unit including:
a photosensitive drum having an axis LI;
a flange provided at one end of the photosensitive drum that is coaxial with the axis L1; and
a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
wherein the coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum,
wherein the second end portion comprises a pair of projections, each projection including a tip, and
wherein, if a first plane is defined as a plane in which the tips of the projections move when the coupling member moves between the first position and the second position, and a second plane is defined as a plane that is perpendicular to the first plane and contains the axis L1, then the projections are positioned on opposite sides of the second plane when the coupling member is in the first position, and the projections are positioned on the same side of the second plane when the coupling member is in the second position;

a driving motor;
a driving shaft engageable with the second end portion of the coupling member of the drum unit and having a rotational axis L3;
a guide portion configured to guide insertion of the drum unit into the image forming apparatus along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis L3 of the driving shaft; and
an urging member movable between an urging position and a retracted position retracted from the urging position,
wherein, when the drum unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the coupling member is inclined toward the driving shaft by being urged by an elastic force of the urging member restoring to the urging position after being temporarily retracted to the retracted position by being contacted by the coupling member.

1. A tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating piece, comprising:
a base having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and opposing side edges;
a pair of vibrating arms extending in a longitudinal direction from the distal edge;
respective excitation electrodes situated on the vibrating arms;
extraction electrodes situated on the base and connected to respective excitation electrodes: and
connecting terminals connected to respective extraction electrodes and comprising a eutectic alloy, wherein
the excitation electrodes, extraction electrodes, and connecting terminals comprise (i) a first metal layer consisting of a metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ni, Ti, Al, and W, (ii) an oxide layer of an oxidized form of the metal of the first metal layer, (iii) a foundation layer consisting of a metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ni, Ti, Al, and W formed on the oxide layer, and (iv) a second metal layer consisting of a metal selected from the group consisting of Au and Ag formed on the foundation layer, wherein a portion of the second metal layer is removed at designated loci on the extraction electrodes so that the second metal layer on the excitation electrode and the second metal layer on the connecting terminals are not formed as one connected metal film.
2. A piezoelectric device, comprising;
a piezoelectric vibrating piece as recited in claim 1;
an outer frame surrounding the base and vibrating arms:
a lid bonded to a first major surface of the outer frame; and
a package base bonded to a second major surface of the outer frame.
3. The vibrating piece of claim 1, further comprising:
a respective supporting arm extending, outboard of each vibrating arm, from each side edge of the base; and
an outer frame surrounding the base, vibrating arms, and supporting arms, wherein
the supporting arms are connected to the outer frame, and
the extraction electrodes are formed on the respective supporting arms and the outer frame, and the connecting terminals are formed on the outer frame.
4. A piezoelectric device, comprising;
a piezoelectric vibrating piece as recited in claim 3;
an outer frame surrounding the base and vibrating arms;
a lid bonded to a first major surface of the outer frame; and
a package base bonded to a second major surface of the outer frame.
5. The vibrating piece of claim 1, wherein the second metal layer is removed at the connecting terminals.
6. A piezoelectric device, comprising;
a piezoelectric vibrating piece as recited in claim 5;
an outer frame surrounding the base and vibrating arms;
a lid bonded to a first major surface of the outer frame; and
a package base bonded to a second major surface of the outer frame.
7. A tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating piece, comprising:
a base having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and opposing side edges;
a pair of vibrating arms extending in a longitudinal direction from the distal edge;
respective excitation electrodes situated on the vibrating arms;
respective extraction electrodes situated on the base and connected to the excitation electrodes; and
connecting terminals electrically connected to respective extraction electrodes and being situated on the base, the supporting arms, and the outer frame; wherein
the excitation electrodes, extraction electrodes, and connecting terminals comprise (i) a first metal layer consisting of a metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ni, Ti, Al, and W, (ii) an oxide layer of an oxidized form of the metal of the first metal layer, (iii) a foundation layer consisting of a metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ni, Ti, Al, and W formed on the oxide layer, and (iv) a second metal layer consisting of a metal selected from the group consisting of Au and Ag formed on the foundation layer, wherein a portion of the second metal layer is removed at the connecting terminals and at loci on the extraction electrodes adjacent the connecting terminals, so that the second metal layer on the excitation electrodes and the second metal layer on the connecting terminals are not formed as a single connected metal film.
8. A piezoelectric device, comprising;
a piezoelectric vibrating piece as recited in claim 7;
an outer frame surrounding the base and vibrating arms;
a lid bonded to a first surface of the outer frame; and
a package base bonded to a second major surface of the outer frame.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. A urinal coaster for placement of a beverage container on an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal, the coaster comprising:
a planar section sized and shaped to fit on the upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal; and
means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture, whereby the beverage container is placed on a top surface of the planar section.
2. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the planar section is substantially circular and sized to accommodate the beverage container.
3. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes an attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture.
4. The urinal coaster of claim 4 wherein the attachment section is constructed of an elastomeric material.
5. The urinal coaster of claim 4 wherein the attachment section includes an advertisement located on an outer surface of the attachment section.
6. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes applying an adhesive to a bottom surface of the planar section and positioning the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture.
7. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes attaching an attachment section around the upper portion of the plumbing fixture in clamshell fashion.
8. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the planar section includes a rim extending upwardly from the planar section, whereby the beverage container is positioned within an interior portion of the rim.
9. The urinal coaster of claim 8 wherein the rim includes an advertisement located to an outer surface of the rim.
10. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the planar section includes an advertisement.
11. A urinal coaster for placement of a beverage container on an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal, the coaster comprising:
a planar section sized and shaped to fit on the upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal; and
an attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture to affix the planar section to the plumbing fixture, whereby the beverage container is placed on a top surface of the planar section.
12. A placement system for positioning a beverage container on a urinal, the beverage container comprising:
a urinal having a plumbing fixture;
a planar section sized and shaped to fit on an upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal; and
an attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture to affix the planar section to the plumbing fixture, whereby the beverage container is placed on a top surface of the planar section.
13. The placement system of claim 12 wherein the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes a hex-shaped nut located on a top of the upper portion of the plumbing fixture, whereby the planar section is positioned on the hex-shaped nut.
14. The placement system of claim 12 wherein the plumbing fixture includes a sensor for sensing the presence of an individual located in front of the urinal; and
wherein the attachment section is shaped to allow the sensor to operate properly.