Patent ID: 9008545
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a process cartridge comprising: an optical head for irradiating the photosensitive drum with light based on image data; a developing device for causing the toner to adhere on the surface of the photosensitive drum in accordance with the charging state; and conveying means for conveying a recording medium; wherein the process cartridge further comprises a frame having two groove portions in which respective end portions of the charger in a longitudinal direction are fitted to removably mount the charger to the frame, only one of the groove portions having a side wall provided with a contact for feeding power to one of the discharge wires of the charger when any one of the end portions of the charger is fitted in the one of the groove portions; wherein the charger and the frame of the process cartridge are configured so that in a first position of the charger relative to the frame, one of the end portions of the charger is fitted in the one of the groove portions of the frame and the contact feeds power to only one of the two discharge wires, and so that in a second position of the charger differing by 180 degrees relative to the first position, the other of the end portions of the charger is fitted in the one of the groove portions of the frame and the contact feeds power to only the other of the discharge wires; wherein the one of the end portions of the charger has an opening portion for bringing a connector plate connected to the one of the discharge wires into contact with the contact of the one of the groove portions; wherein the another of the end portions of the charger has another opening portion for bringing another connector plate connected to the other of the discharge wires into contact with the contact of the one of the groove portions; and wherein the charger comprises a metal frame, a grid mounted on the metal frame and configured to be positioned opposite to the photosensitive drum, and two wire fixing portions each having two grooves extending along a substantial center in a width direction of the grid, the one of the discharge wires being fitted in one of the two grooves of each of the wire fixing portions, and the other of the discharge wires being fitted in the other of the two grooves of each of the wire fixing portions so that the two discharge wires are arranged parallel to one another along the substantial center in the width direction of the grid.