Patent ID: 9335730
Filing Date: 2016-05-10
CPC Classification: G03G

Claim Text:
1. A process cartridge attachable/detachable to/from an apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a photosensitive unit having a photosensitive drum; a development unit having a development roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum; and force giving members configured to give a force to the photosensitive unit and the development unit in a direction in which the photosensitive drum and the development roller approach each other, the process cartridge being configured such that the photosensitive unit and the development unit are coupled with each other at both ends in a direction parallel to a rotational center axis line of the photosensitive drum, wherein the photosensitive unit and the development unit are coupled with each other by a link member rotatably supported on the photosensitive unit and rotatably supported also on the development unit at one end in the direction parallel to the rotational center axis line, wherein guide units are provided at one end of the photosensitive unit and at one end of the development unit, which are separated from each other when an external force does not work on the process cartridge, and wherein when the process cartridge is subjected to an impact in a direction in which the development roller approaches the photosensitive drum, the guide units are brought into contact with each other while the development unit rotates relative to the link member, and are configured to guide the development unit in a direction in which the development roller separates from the photosensitive drum.