Patent ID: 7269377
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming a toner image on a recording material, comprising: a first unit including at least a photosensitive member capable of bearing an electrostatic image thereon; a second unit including at least a developing device which develops the electrostatic image on said photosensitive member with toner; and a connector which separably connects said first unit and said second unit with each other, and which permits integral mounting and demounting of said first and second units and said connector relative to the image forming apparatus, and wherein said first unit is a consumable, replaceable part whose life is substantially shorter than the image forming apparatus so as to require replacement thereof before the image forming apparatus has reached the end of its life, wherein said first unit is replaceable by separation thereof from said second unit outside the image forming apparatus, and said second unit has approximately the same life as the image forming apparatus.