Patent ID: 6236822
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A shutter to be used in a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for protecting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum provided in said process cartridge, the shutter comprising:(a) a protective portion to be mounted on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum along the longitudinal direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum for protecting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, when said shutter is mounted on the process cartridge;(b) outward protruding portions provided at one end and the other end of said protective portion in the longitudinal direction thereof so as to protrude from the surface thereof positioned outside when said shutter is mounted on the process cartridge, said outward protruding portions being positioned outside an image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the longitudinal direction of said protective portion; and(c) inward protruding portions provided at one end and the other end of said protective portion in the longitudinal direction thereof so as to protrude from the surface thereof positioned inside when said shutter is mounted on the process cartridge.