JP2832788B

A photosensitive drum earthing mechanism includes an engaging clutch having a drive-side clutch member and a drum-side clutch member. The drum-side clutch member is fixed to an image carrier in a photosensitive drum and is connectable in a circumferential direction to the drive-side clutch member. The clutch members transmit torque to the image carrier. A conducting portion provided with the drum-side clutch member electrically connects the image carrier to a conductive portion of the drive-side clutch member. This conducting portion is disposed on an inner peripheral end of the image carrier and has a connecting projection which passes through the drum-side clutch member to engage engaging claws of the clutch members so that the connecting projection is electrically connected in the circumferential direction with the drive-side clutch member. The drum-side clutch member may include a flange portion made of an insulating material which is mounted on an inner periphery of the conductive image carrier and an engaging portion made of a conductive material which is electrically and mechanically connectable to a claw of the drive-side clutch member. A supporting pin made of metal may be used to align the drum-side clutch member and the drive-side clutch member. This supporting pin may rotatably slide contact the drive-side clutch member.