Abstract:
An image forming apparatus has a movable member including a first shaft, a second shaft, a main assembly electrical contact, and a second contact portion for being contacted by the first contact portion when a cartridge is mounted to the apparatus. There is also a first guide portion, for guiding the first shaft such that the movable member is rendered movable in the inserting direction by the second contact portion being pushed by the first contact portion when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, and a second guide portion for guiding the second shaft by the second contact portion being pushed by the first contact portion when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, such that the movable member is rotated about the first shaft in a direction of electrically connecting the main assembly electrical contact to the cartridge electrical contact.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART 
     The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and a cartridge removably mountable in an image forming apparatus. 
     Here, an “image forming apparatus” includes an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile apparatus, an electrophotographic word processor, etc. 
     A “process cartridge” means a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging means, and a developing means or cleaning means, are integrally disposed, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an image forming apparatus. It also means a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and at least one among a charging means, a developing means, and a cleaning means are integrally disposed, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an image forming apparatus. Further, it is a cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and at lease a developing means, are integrally provided, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of the main assembly of an image forming apparatus. 
     In the field of image forming apparatus of the type using an electrophotographic image formation process, long employed has been a process cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and one or more means for processing the electrophotographic photosensitive member, are integrally disposed. The process cartridge system makes it possible for a user to maintain an electrophotographic image forming apparatus without the help from a service person. Thus, it can drastically improve an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in terms of operational efficiency. Thus, it is widely used in the field of an image forming apparatus. 
     Japanese Laid-open Patent Application H09-179476 proposes a technology related to a process cartridge system, such as those described above. More specifically, according to one of the preferred embodiments of that Japanese Laid-open patent application, a process cartridge is provided with a storage means, such as an IC memory or the like, for storing the information which is to be transmitted to the main assembly of an image forming apparatus. Thus, as this process cartridge is mounted into the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, information can be exchanged between the process cartridge and the main assembly, so that the control portion of the main assembly can have communicated to it information on the condition of the process cartridge. Further, such information as the lot number of the cartridge, the characteristics of the image forming apparatus, the characteristics of the processing means, etc., is registered in the memory of the storage means of the process cartridge. Not only does the availability of this type of information make it easier to maintain the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, and/or a process cartridge, but also, make it possible for the control portion to control the image formation process according to the information stored in the storage means, ensuring that an image is formed under the optimal condition. 
     As for the means for establishing electrical connection between the storage means of a process cartridge and the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, it has been proposed in Japanese Patent 3809375 to employ a movable member as the means for establishing the electrical connection. More specifically, according to that Japanese patent, the electrical contacts of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus are held by the movable member. During the insertion of the process cartridge into the main assembly, the movable member comes into contact with a part of the process cartridge, and is moved by the cartridge in such a manner that the electrical contacts held by the movable member come into contact with the electrical contacts on the process cartridge. In other words, in the case of this patent, the movable member, with which the electrical contacts on the main assembly side are held, is correctly positioned relatively to the process cartridge by the direct contact between the movable member and process cartridge. Thus, the electrical contacts held by the movable member properly align with the electrical contacts on the process cartridge. Therefore, it is said to ensure that reliable electrical connection is made between the process cartridge and movable member. 
     In the above described case where the movable member in accordance with the prior art is employed, the image forming apparatus is designed in a manner that the electrical contacts of the process cartridge and those of the main assembly come into contact with each other while the process cartridge is still being moved into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. That is, the electrical contacts of the process cartridge make contact with those of the main assembly before the process cartridge is moved into its final position in the main assembly. Thus, as the process cartridge is inserted further into the main assembly after the occurrence of contact between the electrical contacts on the process cartridge and the counterparts on the movable member, the point of contact between each of the electrical contacts on the process cartridge and the counterpart on the movable member shifts in the direction in which the cartridge is being inserted. In other words, the locus of the point of contact between each of the electrical contacts on the process cartridge and the counterpart on the movable member is rather long, making it necessary for the electrical contacts on the process cartridge to be substantially longer than necessary for the establishment of electrical connection between the electrical contacts on the process cartridge and the counterparts on the movable member. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus, the primary object of the present invention is to reduce in size the electrical contacts of a process cartridge by shortening the locus of the point of contact between each of electrical contacts of the process cartridge and the counterpart of the main assembly of an image forming apparatus. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a main assembly of the apparatus to which is mountable a cartridge having a storing element for storing information, a cartridge electrical contact electrically connected with the storing element, and a first contact portion, said image forming apparatus comprising a movable member including a first shaft, a second shaft, a main assembly electrical contact for electrical connection with the cartridge electrical contact when said cartridge is set to the main assembly of said apparatus, and a second contact portion for being contacted, when said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus, by the first contact portion to receive a force in an inserting direction in which said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus; a first guide portion, rotatably supporting said first shaft, for guiding said first shaft such that the movable member is rendered movable in the inserting direction by said second contact portion being pushed by the first contact portion when said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus; and a second guide portion for guiding said second shaft by said second contact portion being pushed by the first contact portion when said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus, such that movable member is rotated about said first shaft in a direction of electrically connecting said main assembly electrical contact to said cartridge electrical contact. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a main assembly of the apparatus to which is mountable a cartridge having a storing element for storing information, a cartridge electrical contact electrically connected with the storing element, and a first contact portion, comprising a movable member including a shaft, a main assembly electrical contact for electrical connection with said cartridge electrical contact when said cartridge is set to the main assembly of said apparatus, a second contact portion for being contacted, when said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus, by the first contact portion to receive a force in an inserting direction in which said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus; a guide portion, rotatably supporting said shaft, for guiding said shaft such that movable member is rendered movable in the inserting direction by said second contact portion being pushed by the first contact portion when said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus; a link rotatably supporting said movable member to rotate said movable member by said second contact portion being pushed by the first contact portion when said cartridge is mounted to said main assembly of the apparatus, such that movable member is rotated about said shaft in a direction of electrically connecting said main assembly electrical contact to said cartridge electrical contact. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, wherein said image forming apparatus includes a movable member having, a shaft, a main assembly electrical contact and an apparatus contact portion, a guide portion, rotatably supporting the shaft, for guiding the shaft such that movable member is rendered movable; wherein the movable member is supported so as to be rotatable about the shaft by the apparatus contact portion to be contacted being pushed, said cartridge comprising a storing element for storing information; a cartridge electrical contact electrically connected with said storing element; a first contact portion for causing the shaft to be guided by the guide portion to electrically connect the main assembly electrical contact to said cartridge electrical contact, by moving the movable member by contacting to the portion to be contacted when said cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of the apparatus of the image forming apparatus. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the general structure of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view of the image forming apparatus, in the first preferred embodiment, the cover of which is open. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view of the process cartridge in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of the movable member unit in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5(   a )- 5 ( d ) are schematic drawings for showing the movements of the movable member in the first preferred embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of the process cartridge in the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the movable member unit in the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) are schematic drawings for showing the movements of the movable member in the second preferred embodiment. 
         FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) are schematic plan views of the movable member and process cartridge, in the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing their relationship. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view of the movable member unit in the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11(   a )- 11 ( c ) are schematic drawings for showing the movements of the movable member in the third preferred embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. However, the measurements, materials, shapes of the structural components, and the positional relationship among the structural components, in the following preferred embodiments of the present invention, are to be modified as necessary or as fit, according to the structure of an apparatus to which the present invention is applied, or various conditions under which the apparatus will be operated. That is, the following preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention in scope, unless specifically noted. 
     Embodiment 1 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the image forming apparatus in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, referring to  FIG. 1 , the process cartridge in this embodiment, and the image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is removably mountable, will be described. Then, the storage means of the process cartridge, and the means for establishing an electrical connection between the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and a process cartridge will be described. Incidentally, this preferred embodiment will be described with reference to an electrophotographic laser beam printer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the main assembly  1  of the image forming apparatus has an optical system  14  (scanner) and an electrophotographic photosensitive member  16 , which is in the form of a drum (which hereafter may be referred to simply as photosensitive drum). As for the operation of the image forming apparatus, first, it forms a latent image on the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum by scanning the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum with the beam of laser light projected by the optical system while being modulated in accordance with the information of an image to be formed, and then, develops the latent image with the use of developer, into a visible image, that is, an image formed of developer. 
     The main assembly  1  has also a recording medium cassette  3 , in which recording mediums  2 , for example, sheets of recording paper, sheets for an OHP, sheets of fabric, etc., are stored. The recording mediums  2  are fed from the cassette  3  into the main assembly one by one by a pickup roller  4  and a pair of conveyance rollers  5   a  and  5   b , and then, is conveyed further through the main assembly  1  by a pair of conveyance rollers  6   a  and  6   b , and a pair of registration rollers  7   a  and  7   b , in synchronism with the formation of the abovementioned visible image (formed of developer). Then, the visible image is transferred onto the recording medium  2  by applying voltage to a transfer roller  15 , as an image transferring means, with which the apparatus main assembly  1  is provided. After the transfer of the visible image onto the recording medium  2 , the recording medium  2  is conveyed to an image fixing means while being guided by a guiding plate  8 . The fixing means  9  is made up of a driver roller  9   a , and a fixation roller  9   b  having an internal heater. As the recording medium  2  is conveyed through the fixing means  9 , heat and pressure is applied to the recording medium  2  and the visible image (unfixed image formed of developer) on the recording medium  2 . As a result, the visible image becomes fixed to the recording medium  2 . After the fixation of the visible image to the recording medium  2 , the recording medium  2  is conveyed further, and is discharged into an external delivery tray  13 , by a pair of discharge rollers  10   a  and  10   b , a pair of discharge rollers  11   a  and  11   b , and a pair of discharge rollers  12   a  and  12 . 
     The process cartridge  100  has a photosensitive drum  16  and a minimum of one processing means. Processing means may be one or more of charging means for charging an electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing means for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, cleaning means for removing the developer remaining on the peripheral surface of an electrophotographic photosensitive member, etc. (unshown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the process cartridge  100  is in its image forming position, that is, the position in which it can form images. The apparatus main assembly  1  is provided with a movable member unit  200  having a movable member. When the process cartridge  100  is in its image forming position in the apparatus main assembly  1 , the movable member unit  200  is on the top side of the process cartridge  100 , and also, the electrical contacts of the apparatus main assembly  1  are in contact with those of the process cartridge  100 . 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 2 , the method for mounting the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1  will be described.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the process cartridge compartment of the apparatus main assembly  1 , the cover  20  of which is open. 
     As will be evident from  FIG. 2 , each of the left (which is not shown) and right walls of the cartridge compartment of the apparatus main assembly  1  is provided with a cartridge guide  30 . The cartridge guide  30  has a pair of guiding portions  30   a  and  30   b , which guide a process cartridge  100  while the cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 , and a cartridge positioning portion  30   c  for correctly positioning the process cartridge  100  for image formation in the apparatus main assembly  1 . The cartridge positioning portion  30   c  is in connection to the guiding portion  30   a.    
     The operation for mounting the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1  is as follows: First, the cartridge cover  20  ( FIG. 1 ) is to be opened, and the process cartridge  100  is to be inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 . As the process cartridge  100  is inserted, it is regulated in its movement by the guiding portions  30   a  and  30   b , and a pair of positioning bosses  100   a  which project from the lengthwise ends of the process cartridge  100  one for one. Since the process cartridge  100  is guided by the cartridge guides  30 , it enters the apparatus main assembly  1  in the direction indicated by an arrow mark M 1  in  FIG. 2 . The process cartridge  100  is moved inward of the apparatus main assembly  1  until the abovementioned pair of positioning bosses  100   a  fit into the cartridge positioning portions  30   c  of the apparatus main assembly  1 , that is, until it is correctly positioned in its image forming position. Then, the cartridge cover  20  is closed to complete the operation for mounting the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 . 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 3 , the storage means and movable member contacting portion of the process cartridge  100 , will be described. 
     The storage means  110  is on the top surface of the cartridge frame  101  of the process cartridge  100 . The storage means  110  has a memory chip (unshown), which is a storage element, such as a RAM or ROM, for storing information. The memory chip is on the back surface of the storage means  110 . The storage means  110  has also a pair of electrical contacts  112 , that is, the electrical contacts on the cartridge side, which are on the top surface of the storage means  110 . Incidentally, some storage means  110  have two sets of electrical contacts. The information necessary for the process cartridge  100  is stored in advance in the memory chip. After the mounting of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 , information is exchanged between the process cartridge  100  and apparatus main assembly  1 . More specifically, information such as the condition, usage history, etc., of the process cartridge  100  is sent to the control chip (controlling means) of the apparatus main assembly  1  to be used for image formation, and also, to display the condition of the process cartridge  100 , and the like information, to an operator (user). The memory chip is of such a type that is writable even when it is in use, and therefore, the abovementioned information or the like can be written into the memory chip as necessary. As for the examples of the information to be stored in the memory chip, there are the lot number of the process cartridge  100 , initial values set for the process cartridge  100 , history of the usage of the process cartridge  100 , properties of the image forming apparatus, properties of the processing means, etc. 
     The electrical contacts  112  of the process cartridge  100  is connected to the electrical contacts of the apparatus main assembly  1  to make it possible for the information in the memory chip to be read by the apparatus main assembly  100 , and also, for information to be written in the memory chip. They are made of a plate of phosphor bronze, and are plated with gold. 
     The process cartridge  100  is provided with two contacting portions  120  and  130 , which correctly position the movable member of the apparatus main assembly relative to the process cartridge  100  by coming into contact with the movable member. The movable member contacting portions  120  and  130  (which hereafter may be referred to simply as contacting portions  120  and  130 ) are on the top surface of the cartridge frame  101 . The arrow mark M 1  in  FIG. 3  indicates the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 . In terms of the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted, the first contacting portion  120 , which is in the form of a piece of round shaft, is on the upstream side relative to the electrical contacts  112 . The first contacting portion  120  comes into contact with the movable member  220  (which will be described later) of the apparatus main assembly  1 , and causes the movable member  220  to slide and rotate. Also in terms of the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 , the second contacting portion  130 , which is flat, is on the downstream relative to the first contacting portion  120 . The second contacting portion  130  is the contacting portion with which the movable member  220  comes into contact by being pushed by the first contacting portion  120 . 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 4 , the movable member unit  200  of the apparatus main assembly  1 , which includes the movable member  220 , will be described in detail.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the movable member unit  200  when it is on standby (when process cartridge  100  is not in apparatus main assembly  1 ). 
     The movable member  220  has a pair of electrical contacts  250 , which come into contact with the pair of electrical contacts  112  of the abovementioned storage means  110 . The electrical contacts  250  connect with the control chip on the back side of the memory chip through lead wires (unshown). As the pair of electrical contacts  250  come into contact with the pair of electrical contacts  112 , one for one, of the storage means  110 , the control chip of the apparatus main assembly  1  communicates with the memory chip of the process cartridge  100  to obtain information such as the lot number of the process cartridge  100 , properties of the image forming apparatus P, properties of the processing means, etc. 
     Further, the movable member  220  has a first positioning portion  221 , a pair of second positioning portions  225 , a pair of regulating shafts  222  (first shafts), and a pair of pressure catching shafts  223  (second shafts), in addition to the abovementioned pair of electrical contacts  250 . The first positioning portion  221  is the positioning portion of the movable member, with which the movable member contacting first portion  120  of the process cartridge come into contact. It has a pair of slanted surfaces for guiding the first contacting portion  120  of the process cartridge  100 . Next, each of the abovementioned portions of the movable member  220  will be described in detail. 
     The first positioning portion  221  is at the center of the upstream end of the movable member  220  in terms of the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted. It is positioned so that it comes into contact, and engages, with the first contacting portion  120  of the process cartridge  100 . The first positioning portion  221  controls the positional relationship between the process cartridge  100  and movable member  220  in terms of the cartridge insertion direction (indicated by arrow mark M 1  in  FIG. 3 ), and also, in terms of the width direction of the process cartridge  100 , that is, the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction. The guiding surfaces  221   a  of the first positioning portion  221  guides the first contacting portion  120  during the insertion of the process cartridge  100 . 
     The pair of second positioning portions  225  are for correctly positioning the movable member  220  in terms of its rotational direction of the movable member  220  by coming into contact with the movable member contacting second portion  130  of the process cartridge  100  after the first contacting portion  120  comes into contact with the first positioning portion  221 . 
     The abovementioned regulating shafts  222  and pressure catching shafts  223  of the movable member  220  are supported by the lateral walls of the movable member  220 . More specifically, each of the regulating shafts  222  is supported by the apparatus main assembly  1  in such a manner that it is allowed to slide and rotate relative to the apparatus main assembly  1 . Further, each of the pressure catching shafts  223  is supported by the apparatus main assembly  1  in such a manner that it is allowed to slide relative to the apparatus main assembly  1 , and also, that as it slides, it causes the movable member  220  to rotate about the regulating shafts  222 . The regulating shaft  222  and pressure catching shaft  223  are in engagement with the slide regulating grooves  211  and rotation regulating grooves  212 , respectively, with which the movable member movement regulating frame  210 , which will be described later, is provided. 
     The movable member movement regulating frame  210  (which hereafter may be referred to simply as movement regulating frame  210 ) is a part of the apparatus main assembly  1 , and supports the movable member  220  in such a manner that the movable member  220  is allowed to slide and rotate. Each of the lateral walls of the movable member movement regulating frame  210  are provided with the slide regulating hole  211  (first guiding portion) and slide-and-rotation regulating hole  212  (second guiding portion), supporting thereby the regulating shaft  222  and pressure catching shaft  223 . More specifically, the slide regulating hole  211  supports the regulating shaft  222  in such a manner that the regulating shaft  222  is allowed to rotationally move, and also, that the movable member  220  is allowed to slide in the direction parallel to the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 . The slide-and-rotation regulating hole  212  guides the pressure catching shaft  223  in such a manner that the movable member  220  is allowed to rotate about the rotational regulating shafts  222  toward the process cartridge  100 . Further, the movable member movement regulating frame  210  is provided with a pair of pressing members  230  and a pair of compression springs  240 , which are on both sides of the movement regulating frame  210 , one for one, as are the pressure catching shafts  223 , in terms of the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the movable member  220  is in its standby position, in which it is not under the pressure from the pair of pressing members  230  and pair of compression springs  240 . Further, the movable member unit  200  is provided with a pair of springs  224  for moving the movable member  220  from the normal position in which the movable member  220  remains when the process cartridge  100  is in its image forming position in the apparatus main assembly  1 , back into the standby position. 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 5(   a )- 5 ( d ), the movements of the movable member  220 , which occur during the insertion of the process cartridge  100 , will be described. 
       FIG. 5(   a ) shows the movable member position in which the movable member  220  remains on standby before the insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 . When the movable member  220  is in this position, it is not in contact with the process cartridge  100 . As the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 , it is guided in the direction indicated by the arrow mark M 1  by the pair of guiding members  30  ( FIG. 20) . 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 5(   b ), as the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 , the movable member contacting first portion  120  of the process cartridge  100  comes into contact with the first positioning portion  221  ( FIG. 4)  of the movable member  220 . Then, as the process cartridge  100  is inserted further into the apparatus main assembly  1 , the first contacting portion  120  is guided by the slanted guiding surfaces  221   a  ( FIG. 4 ) of the first positioning portion  221 , and comes into contact with the first positioning portion  221 , correctly positioning the movable member  220  relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of the direction parallel to the axial line of the photosensitive drum  16  (widthwise direction of process cartridge  100 ). In addition, the first positioning portion  221  is moved by the force applied thereto by the movable member contacting first portion  120  of the process cartridge  100 , being thereby correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  also in terms of the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction. 
     As a result, the movable member  220  becomes correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of both the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction, and the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100 . Even though the process cartridge  100  is inserted further into the apparatus main assembly  1 , the positional relationship between the process cartridge  100  and movable member  220  does not change from this point on. 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 5(   b ) and  5 ( c ), interaction of the process cartridge  100  and movable member  220  as the process cartridge  100  is inserted further into the apparatus main assembly  1  after the occurrence of the contact between the process cartridge  100  and movable member  220  will be described. After the movable member contacting first portion  120  comes into contact with the movable member  220 , the movable member  220  is pushed by the first contacting portion  120 . As a result, each of the regulating shafts  222  is moved by the movable member  220 . Since the movement of the regulating shaft  222  is regulated by the pair of regulating shaft movement regulating holes  211 . Thus, the regulating shaft  222  moves in the direction indicated by an arrow mark M 2 . At the same time, each of the pressure catching shafts  223  is pushed by the movable member  220 . Since the movements of the pressure catching shafts  223  are regulated by the pair of pressure catching shaft movement regulating holes  212 . Thus, each of the pressure catching shafts  223  is moved in the direction indicated by an arrow mark M 3 . As a result, the movable member  220  is rotationally moved about the regulating shafts  220 , toward the storage means  110  of the process cartridge  100 . 
     As the pressure catching shafts  223  reach the position shown in  FIG. 5(   c ), they come into contact with the pair of pressing members  230 , beginning to be pressed toward the process cartridge  100  by the pair of compression springs  240 . 
       FIG. 5(   d ) shows the normal process cartridge position in the apparatus main assembly  1 . The movable member  220  having approached the storage means  110  while being rotationally moved about the regulating shafts  222  has come into contact with the second contacting portions  130  of the process cartridge  100 , by its second positioning portions  225 , being thereby correctly positioned in terms of the direction of its rotational movement. 
     As the movable member  220  is rotationally moved as described above, the pair of electrical contacts  250 , that is, the electrical contacts on the main assembly side, approaches the storage means  110 , together with the movable member  220 . The pairs of electrical contacts on the main assembly side come into contact with the pair of electrical contacts on the process cartridge side, while being rotationally moved about the regulating shafts  222 . Thus, the locus of the point of contact between each of the electrical contacts of the process cartridge  100  and the counterpart of the movable member  220  in terms of the direction indicated by the arrow mark M 1  coincides with the local of the electrical contacts themselves. Therefore, each of the electrical contacts  112  ( FIG. 3 ) of the storage means  110  may be very small in the area by which it comes into contact, and remains in contact, with the counterpart of the movable member  220 . 
     Further, the pair of second positioning portions  225  come into contact with the second contacting portions  130  just to stop the rotation of the movable member  220 . Thus, there is virtually no friction between the second positioning portions  225  and second contacting portion  130 . Moreover, the movable member  220  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  (electrical contacts of process cartridge) in the adjacencies of the regulating shafts  222 , about which the movable member  220  is rotated, in terms of both the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction, and the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction. Therefore, the friction between the movable member  220  and process cartridge  100  is very small, making it unnecessary to employ strong springs to apply pressure to the terminal  112 . 
     As described above, the movable member contacting first portion  120  of the process cartridge  100  engages with the first positioning portion  221  of the movable member  220  during the insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1  to correctly position the movable member  220  relatively to the process cartridge  100  in terms of the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction. Then, the movable member  220  is pushed by the movable member contacting first portion  120 . As a result, the movable member  220  begins to rotationally move toward the process cartridge  100  while sliding in the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction. Then, the second positioning portions  225  of the movable member  220  come into contact with the second contacting portions  130  of the process cartridge  100 , correctly positioning the movable member  220  in terms of the direction of the rotational movement of the movable member  220 , and also, establishing electrical connection between the storage means  110  and the pair of electrical contacts  250  of the movable member  220 , that is, the electrical contacts of the apparatus main assembly  1 . 
     That is, the above described setup makes it possible to significantly reduce in length the locus of the point of contact between each of the electrical contacts of the storage means  110  and the counterpart of the apparatus main assembly  1  (movable member  220 ), making it therefore possible to significantly reduce the size of the electrical contacts  112 . This is possible because the movable member  220  comes directly in contact with the process cartridge  100 , and therefore, the movable member  220  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100 , compared to a conventional setup. Further, in terms of the direction in which the movable member  220  is slidably moved relative to the process cartridge  100 , the movable member  220  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  by the regulating shaft  222 , which functions as the rotational axle for the movable member  220 . Therefore, the effect of the compression springs  240  upon the movable member  220  is small. Therefore, the friction between the movable member  220  and process cartridge  100  is very small. Moreover, even if the electrical contacts are plated with gold to establish reliable electrical connection, the cost for the plating is significantly smaller than that in accordance with the prior art, because the electrical contacts are significantly smaller than those in accordance with the prior art, because the electrical contacts of the process cartridge  100  in this embodiment is significantly smaller than those in accordance with the prior art. 
     Embodiment 2 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 6-9 , the image forming apparatus P in the second preferred embodiment will be described. In terms of the shape of the movable member of the apparatus main assembly, and the shape of the process cartridge, the image forming apparatus P in this embodiment is similar to the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. Thus, only the structural features of the image forming apparatus P in this embodiment, which are different from the counterparts of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment, will be described; the structural features of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment, which are similar to the counterparts in the first embodiment, will not be described. Further, the components of the image forming apparatus P in this embodiment, which are the same as the counterparts in the first embodiment, will be given the same referential codes, one for one, as those given to the counterparts. 
     In this embodiment, the movable member contacting first portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  has three pairs of positioning portions, that is, a pair of positioning portions  140   a , a pair of positioning portions  140   b , and a pair of positioning portions  140   c . In terms of the direction crossing with the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly, one of the two positioning portions of each pair is on one end of the first contacting portion  140 , and the other is on the other end. Further, the regulating shafts (first shafts) double as the first positioning portions  322  of the movable member. More specifically, each end of the regulating shaft extends beyond the corresponding lateral wall of the movable member movement regulating frame  210 , functioning as the first positioning portion  322 . In other words, there are two first positioning portions  322 , which are on one side of the movable member, and the other, one for one, in terms of the direction parallel to the axial line of the regulating shaft. Next, this setup will be described in detail. 
     First, referring to  FIG. 6 , the shape of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  in this embodiment, which is different from that in the first embodiment, will be described. The shape of the second contacting portion  130  and the shape of the electrical contacts  112  of the cartridge  100 , are the same as the counterparts in the first embodiment. 
     In terms of the cartridge insertion direction, the positioning portions  140   a ,  140   b , and  140   c  of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  are on the upstream side relative to the electrical contacts  112  of the storage means  110 . In terms of the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, the three pairs of positioning portions of the first contacting portion  140  are on one side of the electrical contacts  112  and the other, one for one. The pair of positioning portions  140   a  of the first contacting portion  140  are used to correctly position the electrical contacts  250  of the apparatus main assembly in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100 . The pair of portion  140   b  of the first contacting portion  140  are used for correctly positioning the electrical contacts  250  of the apparatus main assembly  1  in terms of the cartridge insertion direction. The pair of positioning portions  140   c  of the first contacting portion  140  are used for guiding the movable member  320  in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100  during the insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 7 , the structure of the movable member unit  300  of the apparatus main assembly  1 , which includes the movable member  320 , will be described in detail.  FIG. 7  shows the movable member unit  300 , which is on standby, that is, the state of the unit  300  before the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 . 
     The movable member  320  is provided with a pair of first positioning portions  322 , one of which is one side of the movable member  320 , and the other of which is on the other side of the movable member  320 , in terms of the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction. Each of the pair of first positioning portions  322  is positioned in such a manner that as the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly, it engages with the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100 . The two first positioning portions  322  correctly position the movable member  320  relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of both the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction (indicated by arrow mark M 1  in  FIG. 6 ) and the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction (indicated by arrow mark M 1  in  FIG. 6 ). The first positioning portions  322  are the lengthwise extensions of the first shaft which is supported by the apparatus main assembly  1  (movable member movement regulating frame  210 ) in such a manner that it is allowed to slide as well as rotate relative to the apparatus main assembly  1  (movable member movement regulating frame  210 ). 
     In terms of the direction indicated by the arrow mark M 1 , that is, the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction, the movable member  320  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  by the peripheral surfaces of the pair of first positioning portions  322 , and the pair of positioning portions  140   a  of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100 . In terms of the direction crossing with the direction indicated by the arrow mark M 1 , the movable member  320  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  by the end surfaces  322   a  of the pair of first positioning portions  322  and the pair of positioning portions  140   b  of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100 . 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ), the movements of the movable member  320 , which occur during the insertion of the process cartridge  100 , will be described. 
       FIG. 8(   a ) shows the pair of first positioning portions  140   a  of the first contacting portion  140 , and the pair of first positioning portions  322  of the movable member  320  right after the former have come into contact with the latter during the insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 . At this point in time during the insertion of the process cartridge  100 , the pair of first positioning portions  140   a  of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  are in contact with the peripheral surfaces of the pair of first positioning portions  320  of the movable member  320 , and therefore, the movable member  320  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of the direction indicated by the arrow mark M 1 . At the same time, the pair of positioning portions  140   b  ( FIG. 6)  of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  come into contact with the end portions (end surfaces) of the first positioning portions  322 , and therefore, the movable member  320  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100 , in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100  (direction crossing with direction indicated by arrow mark M 1 ). Although  FIG. 8  shows only one side of the movable member  320 , the movements of the movable member  320 , which occur on the other side of the movable member  320  during the cartridge insertion, are the same as those described above. 
     In other words, the movable member  320  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of both the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction indicated by the arrow mark direction M 1 , and the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, as the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the position shown in  FIG. 8(   a ). During the further insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 , the positional relationship between the process cartridge  100  and movable member  320  does not change. 
     The movements of the movable member  320  in this embodiment, which occur after it comes into contact with the process cartridge  100 , are the same as the movements of the movable member  220  in the first embodiment, which occur after the movable member  220  comes into contact with the process cartridge  100 . To describe briefly, the movable member  320  slides in the cartridge insertion direction, and then, rotates about the first positioning portions  322 , as which the first regulating shafts double, toward the storage means  110 , while sliding in the cartridge insertion direction, by being pushed by the first contacting portion  140 . Then, the pair of second positioning portions  325  come into contact with the second contacting portion  130  of the process cartridge  100 , whereby the movable member  320  is correctly positioned in terms of its rotational direction, as shown in  FIG. 8(   b ). 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ), the movements of the movable member  320  in this embodiment, which characterize this embodiment, will be described.  FIG. 9(   a ) is a schematic plan view of the movable member unit  200  and process cartridge  100 , in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, as seen from their top side, showing their relationship during the insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 . In this case, the process cartridge  100  is slightly tilted (roughly two degrees) relative to the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 . This slight tilting of the process cartridge  100  is unavoidable because of the presence of a gap between the wall of the cartridge compartment of the apparatus main assembly  1 , and the process cartridge  100 , in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100 . The amount of the angle of the tilting of the process cartridge  100  is likely to be greater during the initial stage of the insertion. 
     In terms of the cartridge insertion direction, the movable member  220  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  by the first contacting portion  120  of the process cartridge  100 . That is, it is only by the center portion of the process cartridge that is the movable member  220  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of the cartridge insertion direction. Thus, the movable member  220  moves in parallel to the movable member movement regulating frame  210 . When the movable member  220  is in the position shown in  FIG. 9(   a ), it has begun to move while remaining tilted roughly 2 degrees relative to the process cartridge  100 . 
       FIG. 9(   b ) is a schematic plan view of the cartridge  100  and movable member unit  300 , in the second preferred embodiment, as seen from their top side, showing their relationship during the insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 . In this case, the movable member  320  has been positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  only by the two positioning portions  140   a  of first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  in terms of the cartridge insertion direction, and therefore, it is moving, while remaining tilted roughly two degrees as is the process cartridge  100 , which will be evident from the drawing. 
       FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) show the gaps between the moving members  220  and  320  and the movable member movement regulating frame  210 , respectively. If the angle of the process cartridge  100  in  FIG. 9(   a ) and the angle of the process cartridge  100  in  FIG. 9(   b ) are the same, the abovementioned gap in the first embodiment is 1.5 mm, where as the gap in the second embodiment is 2.4 mm. That is, there is 0.9 mm of difference between the positional deviation of the movable members  220  and that of the movable member  320  in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100 . The storage means  110  and the electrical contacts  250  of the apparatus main assembly  1  are near the downstream end of the movable members  220  and  320 . Therefore, even in the adjacencies of the point of contact between the electrical contacts of the storage means  110  and the electrical contacts  250  of the apparatus main assembly  1 , the amount of the positional deviation of the movable member  220  in the first embodiment, in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100 , is larger by roughly 0.9 mm than that of the movable member  320  in the second embodiment. 
     By the time the process cartridge  100  is moved into its normal image forming position in the apparatus main assembly  1 , the angle of the process cartridge  100  becomes zero, and so does the positional deviation. However, during the cartridge insertion, the angle does not become zero. The contact between the storage means  110  and the electrical contacts  250  of the apparatus main assembly  1  begins while the process cartridge  100  is being inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 . Thus, in the case of the first embodiment, the electrical contacts of the storage means  110  has to be made greater in the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100  by the abovementioned positional deviation of its movable member  220 . In the case of the second embodiment, however, this is unnecessary because the angle of the movable member  320  conforms to the angle of the process cartridge  100 . 
     As described above, the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  is provided with two positioning portions  140   a , which are at the lengthwise ends of the first contacting portion  140 , one for one, in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100 , and the first positioning portion  322  of the movable member  320  is provided two positioning portions  322   a , which are the lengthwise end surfaces, one for one, of the regulating shafts, in terms of the widthwise direction of the process cartridge  100 . Thus, the movable member  320  having the electrical contacts  250  of the apparatus main assembly  1  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100 , in terms of both the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 , and the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, even while the process cartridge  100  is being inserted. In addition, during the cartridge insertion, the movable member  320  remains tilted at the same angle as the process cartridge  100 , making it therefore possible to reduce in dimension the electrical contacts  112  of the storage means  110  not only in terms of the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction, but also, the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, that is, the widthwise direction of the electrical contacts  112 . That is, this embodiment can further reduce in size the electrical contacts  112  compared to the first embodiment. 
     Embodiment 3 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the image forming apparatus P in the third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. The process cartridge  100  in this embodiment is the same in shape and structure as that in the second embodiment described above. The components of the image forming apparatus P in this embodiment, which are the same as the counterparts in the first and second embodiments, are given the same referential codes, and will not be described. 
     First, referring to  FIG. 10 , the movable member unit  400  in this embodiment, which includes the movable member  420 , will be described in detail regarding its structure.  FIG. 10  shows the movable member  420  which is reacting to the push from the process cartridge  100  during the insertion of the process cartridge  100  into the apparatus main assembly  1 . 
     The movable member  420  has a pair of first positioning portions  422 , a pair of second positioning portions  425 , and a pair of linking member supporting portions  426 . One of the two first positioning portions  422  is on one side of the movable member  420 , and the other is on the other side. They are positioned in such a manner that as the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 , they engage with the two positioning portions of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100 . The first positioning portion  422  correctly positions the movable member  420  relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of both the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction (indicated by arrow mark M 1  in  FIG. 11 ), and the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction. More specifically, the first positioning portions  422  are the end portions of regulating shafts, one for one, which are supported by the movable member movement regulating frame  410  of the movable member unit  400  in such a manner that it is allowed to rotate, and also, linearly move, relative to the apparatus main assembly  1  (regulating frame  410 ). That is, the first positioning portions  422  are the two lengthwise ends, one for one, of the regulating shafts. More specifically, the regulating shafts, the lengthwise ends of which are the two first positioning portions  422 , are fitted in a pair of regulating shaft movement regulating grooves  411 , with which the two lateral walls of the movable member movement regulating frame  410  are provided one for one, and which are for regulating the direction in which the movable member  420  is linearly moved relative to the apparatus main assembly  1 . 
     The position of the movable member  420  relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction indicated by the arrow mark M 1  is set by the combination of the peripheral surfaces of the two first positioning portions  422  and the two positioning portions  140   a  of the first contacting portions  140  of the process cartridge  100 . The position of the movable member  420  in terms of the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction indicated by the arrow mark M 1  is set by the combination of the two first positioning portions  422  (end surfaces  422   a  of regulating shafts) and the two positioning portions  140   b  of the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100 . 
     Further, the movable member unit  400  has a pair of linking members  440 , which act upon the abovementioned linking member supporting points  420  in such a direction that the movable member  420  rotates about the first positioning portions  422  (regulating shafts) toward the storage means  110 . 
     Each linking member  440  has an arm portion  460 , a slidably movable portion  450 , and a compression spring  470 . 
     The arm portion  460  is rotatably attached to the apparatus main assembly  1  by one of its lengthwise ends (first end); it is fitted around a shaft, with which the movable member movement regulating frame  410  is provided. The other end (second end) of the arm portion  460  is provided with a slidably movable member  450 , which is enabled to slide along the linking member  440 . The slidable movable member  450  is kept pressured by the compression spring  470 , which is fitted around the arm portion  460 , in the direction to move away from one of the lengthwise ends of the arm portion  460 , by which the linking member  440  is attached to the movable member movement regulating frame  410 . The compression spring  470  is the member for keeping the slidably movable member  450  pressured toward the second end of the arm portion  460 . The arm portion  460  is provided with a stopper (unshown), and the slidably movable portion  450  is kept pressed upon the stopper of the arm portion  460 , remaining stationary relative to the arm portion  460 , by being pressured by the compression spring  470 . This structural arrangement makes it possible for the slidably movable portion  450 , compression spring  470 , and arm portion  460  to rotate together while remaining engaged with each other. 
     The slidably movable portion  450  is provided with a pair of short shafts  450   a , which project from the lateral surfaces of the slidably movable portion  450 , one for one. Each of the linking member supporting portions  426  of the movable member  420  is rotatably fitted around the corresponding shaft  450   a  of the slidably movable portion  450 . 
     That is, the movable member  420 , and three other portions, that is, the arm portion supporting portion  415 , linking member supporting portion  460 , and first positioning portion  422 , make up a linkage. Thus, the locus of the movable member  420  is set by this linkage. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 11 , the locus (movement) of the movable member  420  and the movement of the linkage will be described. 
       FIG. 11(   a ) is a schematic drawing for showing the process cartridge  100  and the movable member  420  at the moment when the first contacting portion  140   a  of the process cartridge  100  has just come into contact with the first positioning portions  422  of the movable member  420 . At this point during the insertion of the process cartridge  100 , the positioning of the movable member  420  relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of both the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction, and the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, has just ended, as described above. When the process cartridge  100  and movable member  420  are in the state shown in  FIG. 11(   a ), the slidably movable portion  450  is not pressed upon the stopper (unshown). The movable member  420  is being pressed in the direction indicated by an arrow mark M 6  by the pressure applied by the compression spring  470  through the slidably movable portion  450 , and the first positioning portion  422  is in contact with the upstream end (in terms of cartridge insertion direction) of the movable member movement regulating hole  411  of the regulating frame  410 , which is for controlling the moving direction of the first positioning portion  422 . The movable member  420  remains on standby in this state shown in  FIG. 11(   a ). That is, in this embodiment, the movable member  420  is moved into its standby position by the force generated by the compression springs  470 , as described above. Therefore, this embodiment does not require such springs as those in the preceding embodiments described above, which are dedicated to the returning of the movable members  220  and  320  to their standby positions, are not necessary in the case of this embodiment. 
       FIG. 11(   b ) is a schematic drawing for showing the process cartridge  100  and the movable member  420  at the moment when the first contacting portion  140   a  of the process cartridge  100  has begun to be made to slide in the movable member movement regulating hole  411  in the direction indicated by an arrow mark M 5 , by the further insertion of the process cartridge  100 . As is evident from the drawing, the movable member  420  has begun to be rotated about the first positioning portion  422  in the direction indicated by an arrow mark R 2  by the linkage, with which the movable member  420  is attached to the movable member movement regulating frame  410  while remaining in contact with the linking member  440 . Then as the process cartridge  100  is inserted further, the slidably movable portion  450  of the linking member  440  slides in the direction indicated by the arrow mark M 6  until it comes into contact with the stopper. 
     Then, as the process cartridge  100  is inserted even further, the second positioning portion  425  of the movable member  420  comes into contact with the second contacting portion  130  of the process cartridge  100 , whereby the movable member  420  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100  in terms of its rotational direction of the movable member  420 . 
       FIG. 11(   c ) is a schematic drawing of the process cartridge  100  and movable member  420  after the process cartridge  100  has been moved into the normal image forming position in the apparatus main assembly  1 . When the process cartridge  100  is in the position shown in  FIG. 11(   c ), the slidably movable portion  450  has been moved in the direction indicated by an arrow mark M 7  by being pushed by the movable member  420 . As a result, the movable member  420  is under the pressure (reactive force) generated by the compression spring  470  in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow mark M 7 , being thereby kept pressed toward the process cartridge  100 . Therefore, it is ensured that satisfactory electrical connection is maintained between the storage means  110  and the electrical contacts of the apparatus main assembly  1 . 
     As described above, also in this embodiment, the first contacting portion  140  of the process cartridge  100  is provided with two positioning portions  140   a , which are at the ends, one for one, of the first contacting portion  140  in terms of the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, and the movable member  420  is provided with two first positioning portions  422   a , which are at the ends of the movable member  420  in terms of the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction. Thus, the movable member  420  having the electrical contacts  250  of the apparatus main assembly  1  is correctly positioned relative to the process cartridge  100 , in terms of both the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 , and the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, even while the process cartridge  100  is being inserted into the apparatus main assembly  1 . In addition, during the cartridge insertion, the movable member  420  is allowed to remain tilted at the same angle as the process cartridge  100 , making it therefore possible to reduce in dimension the electrical contacts  112  of the storage means  110  not only in terms of the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction, but also, the direction crossing with the cartridge insertion direction, that is, the widthwise direction of the electrical contacts  112 . That is, this embodiment can further reduce in size the electrical contacts  112  compared to the preceding embodiments. 
     Further, in this embodiment, the movement of the movable member is controlled by the linkage which is made up of the movable member and the three other portions as described above. Therefore, the movable member unit does not require the springs for keeping the movable member in its standby position. Thus, this embodiment can further reduce the amount of load to which the process cartridge is subjected. 
     Further, the first positioning portion  422  of the movable member  420  is provided with two positioning portions, which are at the ends of the first positioning portion  422 , one for one, in terms of the direction crossing with the direction in which the process cartridge  100  is inserted into the apparatus main assembly  100 . This setup, however, is not intended to limit the present invention in scope. For example, the first positioning portion  422  may be provided only one positioning portion as is the first positioning portion  222  in the first embodiment. That is, even if the first positioning portion  422  is provided with only one positioning portion proper, which is located at the center of the first positioning portion  422  in terms of the widthwise direction of the first positioning portion, the electrical contacts of the process cartridge can be reduced in size by reducing the length of the locus of the point of contact between each of the electrical contact of the movable member and the counterpart of the process cartridge. 
     According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce in size the electrical contacts of a process cartridge by reducing in length the locus of the point of contact between each of the electrical contacts of the cartridge, and the corresponding electrical contact of the main assembly of an image forming apparatus. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth, and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 
     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 024968/2008 and 001983/2009 filed Feb. 5, 2008 and Jan. 7, 2009, respectively, which are hereby incorporated by reference.