Patent ID: 6078764
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:a cartridge frame;an electrophotographic photosensitive member;process means actable on said photosensitive member;a shutter for covering a portion of said photosensitive member which is otherwise exposed;a shutter supporting member for supporting said shutter on said cartridge frame, for movement between a protecting position for covering said photosensitive member to protect it and a retracted position for permitting said photosensitive member to be exposed;a force receiving portion for receiving, when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, a force for moving said shutter from said protecting position to said retracted position and for urging said shutter supporting member longitudinally inwardly of said process cartridge, wherein said force receiving portion is contactable to the main assembly when said process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; anda stopper for limiting movement of said shutter supporting member beyond a predetermined distance to prevent said shutter from disengaging from said cartridge frame, when said shutter supporting member moves longitudinally inwardly with respect said process cartridge.