Abstract: A plurality of process cartridges are detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus along a substantially vertical line. The cartridges each have an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, process means actable on the drum, and a drum shutter movable between first and second positions. The apparatus includes mounting portions for detachably mounting the cartridges, an opening for permitting passage of the cartridges into the apparatus, a covering member for covering the opening, and a pressing member for moving the shutter to the second position thereof when the covering member moves from an open position to a closed position. An angle of rotation of the shutter rotated from the first to the second position in the bottommost cartridge is larger than an angle of rotation of the shutter rotated from the first position to the second position in another one of said process cartridges.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, the process cartridge being transportable with the electrophotographic image forming apparatus while being set in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge including a frame; an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; process means actable on the photosensitive drum; a protection shutter movable between an exposing position for opening an opening provided in the frame to expose the photosensitive drum, and a protecting position for closing the opening to protect the photosensitive drum; and a protecting member for interposing between the photosensitive drum and a transfer roller, provided in the main assembly, for transferring a toner image onto the recording material, upon transportation of the process cartridge set in the main assembly together with the main assembly, wherein the protecting member is mounted on the frame to

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus main body for containing sheets in the inside thereof includes: a first cover and a second cover which are openable and closable; and a detecting sensor for detecting an opening and closing of the first cover. The detecting sensor does not detect closing of the first cover when the first cover is closed in a state in which the second cover is opened and detects closing of the first cover when the first cover is closed in a state in which the second cover is closed.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; process means actable on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a cartridge frame; a drum shutter movable between a close position in which the drum shutter covers an exposed portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum which is exposed through the cartridge frame and an open position in which drum shutter is retracted from the close position to expose the portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the drum shutter having a first shutter portion rotatably supported on the cartridge frame and a second rotatably supported on the cartridge frame, wherein in the close position, the first shutter portion covers an upstream side of the exposed portion with respect to an opening direction in which the drum shutter moves from the close position to the open position, and the second shutter portion covers a

Abstract: An image bearing member unit includes an image bearing member on which a toner image is formed, and a support member supporting the image bearing member such that the image bearing member protrudes through an opening formed in the support member. The image bearing member unit is drawn out of and put into a main body of an image forming apparatus. The image bearing member unit further includes a shutter for covering and uncovering the image bearing member protruding through the opening formed in the support member.

Abstract: A housing assembly includes a housing having an access opening and a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover generally covers the access opening and an open position wherein the cover generally does not cover the access opening. The assembly further includes a protrusion located on one of the housing or the cover, and a track located on the other one of the housing or the cover. The protrusion is slidably received in the track, and the track forms a generally closed loop shape such that the protrusion slides in the track when the cover is moved between the open and the closed positions. Additionally ramps may be provided on portions of the track to provide user feed back and to inhibit reverse motion of the protrusion.

Abstract: When a space holding member for holding a photosensitive drum and a developing roller in a spaced-apart state act on a process cartridge main body, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are held in the spaced-apart state, and when the holding member is acting on a process cartridge, a storing medium provided in the process cartridge and the communication member of the storing medium are covered and hidden by the holding member. By the above-described construction, the spacing-apart of the developing roller and the protection of the storing medium can be effected by a member, and an improvement in usability and the curtailment of the number of parts can be achieved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a process cartridge that includes a first protective member which is attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge and holds a photoconductor drum 2a and a development roller 2b spacially, and a second protective member which is attached to a rotational shaft end of the photoconductor drum 2a and prevents rotation of the photoconductor drum 2a.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, at least one process device for acting on the drum, a cartridge frame holding the drum and the process device and exposing a portion of the drum, a shutter member provided for movement between a position to protect and a position to permit exposure the of the drum, and a shutter opening and closing link mechanism for moving the shutter member in operative association with the opening and closing operation of an openable and closable door when the process cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A drum cover or protector includes features that allow it to be used with substantially any xerographic device cartridge designed to be used in a xerographic device adapted to handle standard paper sizes. The drum protector may be secured to the cartridge in a protecting position. In this position, the protector covers the drum and blocks objects from coming into contact with the drum surface. The drum protector also includes an arrangement that prevents any critical part of the drum surface from coming into contact with the cover itself.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus main body for containing sheets in the inside thereof includes: a first cover and a second cover which are openable and closable; and a detecting sensor for detecting an opening and closing of the first cover. The detecting sensor does not detect closing of the first cover when the first cover is closed in a state in which the second cover is opened and detects closing of the first cover when the first cover is closed in a state in which the second cover is closed.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum protecting device for use in a color electrophotographic printer is provided. The printer, in which developing device cartridges of various colors including photosensitive drums and developing rollers are installed, and a printing path contacting the photosensitive drums is formed, includes a photosensitive drum protecting device that simultaneously exposes or protects each of the photosensitive drums. All of the photosensitive drums disposed at front end portions of the developing device cartridges are covered by just one photosensitive drum protecting device. Thus, the complexity of the printer is reduced and the printer can be made more compact.

Abstract: An image carrier unit, including a housing, an image carrier, and an opening configured to expose a portion of the image carrier. A seal member is configured to removably cover the opening of the housing, the seal member being made of a softer material than a material of the image carrier.

Abstract: A process cartridge including a flexible member capable of taking a protection position in which the flexible member protects an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a retraction position in which the flexible member retracts from the protection position, a support member having a support portion on which the flexible member is supported, provided pivotably on a cartridge frame and adapted to move the flexible member from the protection position to the retraction position, and a regulating member provided on the flexible member so as to regulate the positions of creases which occur on the flexible member in accordance with a pivotal movement of the support member, and which extend in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the member of an electrophotographic photosensitive member, the flexible member being folded on the creases and moved to the retraction position.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably attachable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller developing an electrostatic latent image on the drum, a movable drum shutter for protecting the drum, a first frame body rotatably supporting the drum, a second frame body swingably coupled to the first frame body and rotatably supporting the developing roller, an optical path provided between the first frame body and the second frame body for passing light from the main body to the drum, and supporting portions swingably supporting the drum shutter provided on one end and on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first frame body, the supporting portions being disposed between the first frame body and the second frame body and on the outside of the optical path in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, at least one process device for acting on the drum, a cartridge frame holding the drum and the process device and exposing a portion of the drum, a shutter member provided for movement between a position to protect and a position to permit exposure the of the drum, and a shutter opening and closing link mechanism for moving the shutter member in operative association with the opening and closing operation of an openable and closable door when the process cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: The spacing member includes: a spacing portion for spacing an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a charging roller when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge; a stopper portion for preventing a shutter member from retracting from a protection position for covering an exposure portion, when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge; and a protective portion for covering a positioning portion, which positions the process cartridge in an apparatus body when the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus body, when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge. Thus, it is possible to reliably keep the spaced state between the photosensitive drum and the charging roller.

Abstract: A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part (1) and a toner part (5) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller (7) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum (3) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover (50), when closed, brings a spring (62) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus on which a process cartridge having a memory device having a cartridge electrical contact is detachably mountable has an openable and closable cover, a main body positioning portion for positioning a positioning member provided on the process cartridge to thereby position the process cartridge relative to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the process cartridge is to be mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a main body electrical contact portion electrically connected to the cartridge electrical contact portion, and a moving member for making the main body electrical contact portion movable in operative association with the opening and closing operation of the openable and closable cover.

Abstract: The present invention includes a removable cover used to isolate a photoconductor drum from at least one other component in a toner cartridge. The photoconductor drum includes a cylinder coated with a photoconductive substance. Another embodiment includes a method of reducing electrostatic charges on the photoconductor drum including the steps of isolating the photoconductor drum from other components in a toner cartridge with a removable cover, removing the removable cover prior to insertion of the toner cartridge into an image device and inserting the toner cartridge into the image device.

Abstract: An image carrier unit, including a housing, an image carrier, and an opening configured to expose a portion of the image carrier. A seal member is configured to removably cover the opening of the housing, the seal member being made of a softer material than a material of the image carrier.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically opening the cover of an ink-jet printer using a solenoid driving device, which responds to an electrical signal sent from a controller unit because the unit detected either a paper jam or that the ink cartridge is depleted. The new mechanism for automatically opening a printer cover allows the user to remove jammed paper or to replace the spent ink cartridge with greater speed and efficiency. This device has the advantages of being economical for use in ink-jet printers and employs a simple design which minimizes the need for repair and simplifies the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer bearing member, and a developer container for containing a developer. The developer container includes a developer containing portion, a partition member dividing an interior of the developer containing portion into a plurality of rooms, and a cover for covering the developer containing portion, wherein the partition member is molded integrally with the cover. The partition member is disposed in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the developer bearing member and extended to form a gap between the partition member and a bottom surface of the developer containing portion throughout an entire length of the developer containing portion in a longitudinal direction of the developer bearing member. The developer containing portion includes a rib disposed in a direction intersecting the partition member and wherein the partition member includes a groove disposed in a direction so as to avoid intersecting the rib.

Abstract: An image bearing member unit includes an image bearing member on which a toner image is formed, and a support member supporting the image bearing member such that the image bearing member protrudes through an opening formed in the support member. The image bearing member unit is drawn out of and put into a main body of an image forming apparatus. The image bearing member unit further includes a shutter for covering and uncovering the image bearing member protruding through the opening formed in the support member.

Abstract: A process cartridge including a flexible member capable of taking a protection position in which the flexible member protects an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a retraction position in which the flexible member retracts from the protection position, a support member having a support portion on which the flexible member is supported, provided pivotably on a cartridge frame and adapted to move the flexible member from the protection position to the retraction position, and a regulating member provided on the flexible member so as to regulate the positions of creases which occur on the flexible member in accordance with a pivotal movement of the support member, and which extend in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the member of an electrophotographic photosensitive member, the flexible member being folded on the creases and moved to the retraction position.

Abstract: The spacing member comprises: a spacing portion for spacing an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a charging roller when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge; a stopper portion for preventing a shutter member from retracting from a protection position for covering an exposure portion, when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge; and a protective portion for covering a positioning portion, which positions the process cartridge in an apparatus body when the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus body, when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge. Thus, it is possible to reliably keep the spaced state between the photosensitive drum and the charging roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process cartridge mounting mechanism for mounting a process cartridge to a mounting position in a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge mounting mechanism includes an openable cover mounted to the main assembly. The cover is opened and closed when the cartridge is mounted to or demounted from the main assembly. The mechanism also includes a first main assembly side guide, which is provided in the main assembly and which is movable in interrelation with opening and closing operation of the cover; a second main assembly side guide, which is movable in interrelation with opening and closing operation of the cover; a first cartridge guide, provided in the cartridge at one longitudinal end of a cartridge frame, for guiding the cartridge toward the mounting position; and a second cartridge guide, provided in the cartridge at one longitudinal end of a cartridge frame, for guiding the cartridge toward the mounting position.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably attachable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic sensitive drum; a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic sensitive drum; a drum shutter movable between a protecting position for protecting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a retracting position for retracting from the protecting position; a first frame body for rotatably supporting the electrophotographic sensitive drum; a second frame body for rotatably supporting the developing roller, the second frame body being swingably coupled to the first frame body; an optical path provided between the first frame body and the second frame body for passing light to which the electrophotographic sensitive drum is exposed, the light being irradiated from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; and supporting portions for swingably supporting the drum shutter provided on one end and on

Abstract: The present invention includes a removable cover used to isolate a photoconductor drum from at least one other component in a toner cartridge. The photoconductor drum includes a cylinder coated with a photoconductive substance. Another embodiment includes a method of reducing electrostatic charges on the photoconductor drum including the steps of isolating the photoconductor drum from other components in a toner cartridge with a removable cover, removing the removable cover prior to insertion of the toner cartridge into an image device and inserting the toner cartridge into the image device.

Abstract: A process cartridge, which is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body, includes: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a process member acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a rotation fulcrum portion which constitutes a supported portion of the process cartridge, the supported portion being supported by the image forming apparatus main body when attached to the image forming apparatus main body and which is parallel to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and an abutting portion which is spaced apart from the rotation fulcrum portion and which moves when the process cartridge is rotated around the rotation fulcrum portion when the process cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus main body to thereby enable a laser beam shielding mechanism provided in the image forming apparatus main body.

Abstract: A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part (1) and a toner part (5) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller (7) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum (3) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover (50), when closed, brings a spring (62) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.

Abstract: A wrong insertion preventing mechanism of simple construction is realized without requiring any sensor for discriminating the incompatibility of a process cartridge to the main body of an image forming apparatus. When an improper cartridge which does not match in function with the main body of the apparatus is wrongly inserted, a cam portion for opening and closing a shutter comes into engagement with a wrong insertion preventing engagement portion in the opening portion of the main body of the apparatus and the shutter is opened, whereby the wrong insertion of the cartridge is blocked. In the case of a proper cartridge, it is inserted without the shutter being opened in the opening portion of the main body of the apparatus, and with the operation of closing an openable and closable member, the cartridge is inserted into the inner part of the main body of the apparatus together with a moving guide and the shutter is opened at a proper position.

Abstract: A wrong insertion preventing mechanism of simple construction is realized without requiring any sensor for discriminating the incompatibility of a process cartridge to the main body of an image forming apparatus. When an improper cartridge which does not match in function with the main body of the apparatus is wrongly inserted, a cam portion for opening and closing a shutter comes into engagement with a wrong insertion preventing engagement portion in the opening portion of the main body of the apparatus and the shutter is opened, whereby the wrong insertion of the cartridge is blocked. In the case of a proper cartridge, it is inserted without the shutter being opened in the opening portion of the main body of the apparatus, and with the operation of closing an openable and closable member, the cartridge is inserted into the inner part of the main body of the apparatus together with a moving guide and the shutter is opened at a proper position.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an image forming apparatus having a cartridge mounting portion for mounting the process cartridge thereon and an openable and closable door disposed in proximity to the cartridge mounting portion has an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, at least one process device for acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a cartridge frame holding the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the process device and exposing a portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a shutter member provided for movement between a protection position in which it protects an exposed portion in which a portion of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is exposed out of the cartridge frame and a retraction position in which it is downwardly retracted from the protection position to expose the electrophotographic photosensitive drum out of the cartridge frame, and a shutter opening and closing link mechanism for moving the shutter member in

Abstract: A shutter device for protecting a photosensitive rotary drum includes a drum cover, at least one torsion spring, a press button, and a compression spring. The drum cover has a fixed end pivotally connected to a predetermined location of a process cartridge, a free end shielded on an exposed portion of said drum and an inside surface formed with a hook, and the torsion spring is arranged on said fixed end of the drum cover. The press button is received in a room of a side of the process cartridge, and the compression spring is positioned between a protruded rod formed inside said press button and a sleeve disposed on said room. Furthermore, the present invention has a better protection for the photosensitive rotary drum, and in the meanwhile, can be as a switch of an exposure window of the process cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a main body, a cover for opening and closing a portion of the main body, a laser scanning unit for irradiating a laser light on a photosensitive drum disposed at a developing device, a exposing hole which is formed at a side of the developing device to exposing a surface of the photosensitive drum to the light from the laser scanning unit and a protecting plate for covering the exposing hole to protect the exposing hole from-external light when the cover is opened, thereby preventing the photosensitive drum to be exposed to natural light and maintaining the photosensitive drum in an optimum operational state.

Abstract: A process unit for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a carrying handle, a photosensitive member, a process device and a moveable cover connected to the process unit and shielding an area of the periphery of the photosensitive member. The cover is designed to retract from its shielding position for the process unit and is installed into the body of the image forming apparatus. Retraction of the cover is preferably caused by the action of grasping the handle.

Abstract: Conventionally, an electrophotography image forming apparatus by means of an electrophotography image forming process has a process cartridge which integrates the electrophotography photosensitive body and process means into a cartridge which can be detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus. In order to obtain a fine image in that kind of image forming apparatus, it is necessary that the process cartridge is mounted accurately at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus and interface portions of various electrical contacts and driving transmission part are accurately connected. For improvement, process cartridges having well mountability are provided.

Abstract: A process unit for use in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprises a carrying handle, a photosensitive member, a process means and a moveable cover connected to the process unit and shielding an area of the periphery of the photosensitive member. The cover is designed to retract from its shielding position for the process unit and is installed into the body of the image forming apparatus. Retraction of the cover is preferably caused by the action of grasping the handle.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes (a) a developing unit for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with a developer; (b) a charging unit for supporting a charging member for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the charging unit being rotatable in a first rotational direction about a rotational center relative to the developing unit in which the charging member moves toward the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and in a second rotational direction about the rotational center in which the charging member moves away from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Abstract: The invention provides a photosensitive member cartridge, that has, for example, a case including a bottom wall, an upper wall, and side walls. A photosensitive drum and a transfer roller are rotatably disposed in a space surrounded by the bottom wall, the upper wall, and the side walls. The bottom wall extends below the transfer roller. A developer cartridge, having a developing roller, is set on the extending portion of the bottom wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for protecting a print cartridge that eliminates an adhesive strip. The print cartridge protector uses a hook shaped end inserted into a slot defined by the print cartridge to keep the print cartridge protector in engagement with the print cartridge. The opposite end may be held in place by another hook shaped end or a loop inserted in another end of the print cartridge.

Abstract: This invention relates to shutter to be used in a process cartridge detachably mountable to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and protects an electrophotographic photosensitive drum provided in the process cartridge.

Abstract: A push-in mechanism for mounting a process cartridge in a mounting position provided in the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the process cartridge integrally includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process device acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the mechanism including: a) a moving device for contacting the process cartridge and moving the process cartridge to the mounting position in response to a closing operation of an openable cover provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the openable cover can be opened or closed with respect to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and is to be opened for mounting or detaching the process cartridge to or from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; and b) a separation device for separating the moving device from the process cartridge after the process cartridge is moved to the mounting position.

Abstract: A shutter member used for a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes: a shutter part for partly covering an electrophotographic photosensitive drum of the process cartridge when mounted to the process cartridge; a supporting member with its distant end attached to a frame of the process cartridge for supporting the shutter part on the process cartridge; and first and second attachment parts provided at the shutter part for attaching the supporting member. The first attachment part and the second attachment part differ in attachment direction for attaching the supporting member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member to form a toner image thereupon. A transfer device is positioned adjacent to the image bearing member to transfer the toner image formed on a surface of the image bearing member onto a surface of a recording medium. A cleaning device cleans the surface of the image bearing member by removing remaining toner on the surface of the image bearing member after the toner image has been transferred onto the recording medium. A fixing device is provided in an upper part of the image forming apparatus to fix the toner image transferred onto the surface of the recording medium when the recording medium passes through the fixing device. An open/close member is rotatably supported by a main body of the image forming apparatus and opens and closes a recording medium conveying path between the transfer device and the fixing device.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable within an image forming system, includes an image bearing member, a process device for processing the image bearing member, a housing for supporting the image bearing member and the process device, and a cover shiftable between a protecting position where the image bearing member is protected and a retard position where the cover is retarded from the protecting position. The cover is spaced apart between 20-50 mm from the housing at least in the retard position. An image forming system includes mounting equipment for mounting such a process cartridge, an airflow generator for generating an airflow passing through between the housing and the cover, a transfer mechanism for transferring a developed image formed on the image bearing member onto a recording medium, and a conveying mechanism for conveying the recording medium.

Abstract: A supply cartridge contains at least two types of consumable material which are exhausted substantially at the same time over a course of ordinary image reproduction, and the supply cartridge lacks any substantial replacement part so that the supply cartridge replacement wastes no residual life of replacement hardware parts.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a removably mounted process unit containing a photosensitive member and process units. A movable cover is connected to the process unit and shields an area of a periphery of the photosensitive member. The movable cover is caused to retract from its shielding position in response to rotational movement of the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a cartridge frame; an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a process device actable on the photosensitive member; a shutter for covering a portion of the photosensitive member which is otherwise exposed; a shutter supporting member for supporting the shutter on the cartridge frame, for movement between a protecting position for covering the photosensitive member to protect it and a retracted position for permitting the photosensitive member to be exposed; a force receiving portion for receiving, when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, a force for urging the shutter supporting member longitudinally inwardly of the process cartridge, wherein the force receiving portion is contactable to the main assembly when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; and a stopper for limiting movement of the shutter supporting member beyond