Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging method comprises a first process for charging an electrically insulating layer formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum, and a second process for image-exposing the charged insulating layer to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. The first process includes a first step for bringing a pliable contactor having a specific electric resistance of 10.sup.8 .OMEGA..multidot.cm in contact with the insulating layer, and a second step for impressing a voltage on the contactor in contact with the insulating layer by means of an electrode having a specific resistance lower 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 .OMEGA..multidot.cm. Thus the insulating layer is charged.

Abstract: A clam-shell type image-forming device such as photocopying or facsimile machine has an upper unit and a lower unit hinged to each other at one side. Access to internal parts, such as the photosensitive member, is gained by unlocking the two units from each other and rotating the upper unit upward. A subframe is included within the upper unit and contains the photosensitive member. When the upper unit is opened, the subframe may be lowered to position the photosensitive member for easy inspection and removal.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum in an electrostatic copying apparatus includes a drum body and a photosensitive layer provided around the outer peripheral surface of the drum body, a supporting mechanism for rotatably and detachably supporting the photosensitive drum, and peripheral devices which are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum at a contact force of 50 g. The drum body is formed of a thin metal tubular body of which the strength per unit length is 2.4 Kg/mm or less, whereby the drum body when it has been removed from the supporting mechanism may be crushed by foot.

Abstract: A case for an electrostatic copying apparatus includes a lower casing section and an upper casing section swingably pivoted on one end of the lower casing section. A support mechanism is attached to the upper casing secton for detachably supporting a photosensitive drum. A guide mechanism is attached to the lower casing section, and extends between a first position under the support mechanism and a second position at the other end of the lower casing section. The guide mechanism directs the removed drum from the first position to the second position as the drum is removed, and directs the drum to from the second position to the first position as the drum is inserted.