Abstract: A developer accommodating unit for accommodating a developer, including: a flexible container, provided with an opening for permitting discharge of the developer, for accommodating the developer; a sealing member for sealing the opening; and a frame, including a first frame and a second frame, for accommodating the flexible container in a space formed by mounting the first frame to the second frame and for accommodating the developer discharged through the opening of the flexible container when the opening is unsealed. The flexible container is deformed adjacent to longitudinal end portions thereof in a mounting direction of the first frame toward the second frame.

Abstract: Provided is a developer container that accommodates developer, including: a first frame that has a recessed portion; and a second frame that has a first protruding portion, wherein the first frame and the second frame are joined by a first adhering portion in which the recessed portion and the first protruding portion are welded together, and a second adhering portion in which a second protruding portion and a flat portion are welded together, the recessed portion having a positioning inner side face that performs positioning of the first frame and the second frame within a recessed portion. Also provided are a method to manufacture a developer container, a developing apparatus having the developer container, a cleaning apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A developer accommodating unit for accommodating a developer, including: a flexible container, provided with an opening for permitting discharge of the developer, for accommodating the developer; a sealing member for sealing the opening; and a frame, including a first frame and a second frame, for accommodating the flexible container in a space formed by mounting the first frame to the second frame and for accommodating the developer discharged through the opening of the flexible container when the opening is unsealed. The flexible container is deformed adjacent to longitudinal end portions thereof in a mounting direction of the first frame toward the second frame.

Abstract: Provided is a developer container that accommodates developer, including: a first frame that has a recessed portion; and a second frame that has a first protruding portion, wherein the first frame and the second frame are joined by a first adhering portion in which the recessed portion and the first protruding portion are welded together, and a second adhering portion in which a second protruding portion and a flat portion are welded together, the recessed portion having a positioning inner side face that performs positioning of the first frame and the second frame within a recessed portion. Also provided are a method to manufacture a developer container, a developing apparatus having the developer container, a cleaning apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes a coupling member engageable with a rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force. The coupling member is capable of taking a rotational force transmitting angular position for transmitting the rotational force, a pre-engagement angular position in which the coupling member is inclined away from the axis from the rotational force transmitting angular position, and a disengaging angular position in which the coupling member is inclined away from the axis from the rotational force transmitting angular position.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes a coupling member provided at an axial end portion of a photosensitive drum and rotatable about a coupling axis thereof so as to transmit a driving force to the photosensitive drum. The coupling member is capable of inclining relative to the photosensitive drum so that the coupling axis inclines relative to a drum axis, with the coupling member having a first end portion connected to the photosensitive drum, a second end portion, and a connecting portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. A maximum distance from the coupling axis to an outermost surface of the connecting portion along a line perpendicular to the coupling axis is less than a maximum distance from the coupling axis to an outermost surface of the second end portion along a line perpendicular to the coupling axis.

Abstract: A process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a coupling member. The coupling member is capable of inclining relative to the photosensitive drum such that the coupling axis inclines relative to the drum axis. A regulating portion surrounds the coupling member so as to confine the range of inclination of the coupling member. The regulating portion is provided with a recess that recesses in a direction away from the drum axis and away from the developing roller. An angle between the coupling axis and the drum axis is larger when at least a part of the coupling member is in the recess than when the coupling member contacts another portion of the regulating portion.

Abstract: A process cartridge usable with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes i) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis and having a photosensitive layer at its peripheral surface; ii) process means actable on the drum; iii) a coupling member for receiving an external force for rotating the drum, wherein the coupling member is capable of taking a first angular position for transmitting the external force to the drum, a second angular position inclined away from the axis of the drum from the first angular position, and a third angular position away from the axis of the drum from the first angle position; and iv) a regulating portion for regulating an inclination angle of the coupling member such that downward inclination angle of the coupling member is smaller than an inclination angle of the coupling member when the coupling member is at the second angular position.

Abstract: A process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, and a coupling member. The coupling member is capable of inclining relative to the photosensitive drum such that the coupling axis inclines relative to the drum axis. A regulating portion surrounds the coupling member so as to confine the range of inclination of the coupling member. The regulating portion is provided with a recess that recesses in a direction away from the drum axis and away from the developing roller. An angle between the coupling axis and the drum axis is larger when at least a part of the coupling member is in the recess than when the coupling member contacts another portion of the regulating portion.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a driving shaft having a rotational force applying portion by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the driving shaft. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a coupler engageable with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force for rotating the drum and taking transmitting, pre-engagement, and disengaging positions, and a regulator regulating an inclination angle of the coupler. During cartridge mounting, the coupler moves from the pre-engagement to the transmitting position to oppose the driving shaft, and during cartridge dismounting, the coupler moves from the transmitting to the disengaging position to disengage from the driving shaft.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a driving shaft having a rotational force applying portion by moving in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the driving shaft. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a coupler engageable with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force for rotating the drum and taking transmitting, pre-engagement, and disengaging positions, and a regulator regulating an inclination angle of the coupler. During cartridge mounting, the coupler moves from the pre-engagement to the transmitting position to oppose the driving shaft, and during cartridge dismounting, the coupler moves from the transmitting to the disengaging position to disengage from the driving shaft.

Abstract: A process cartridge usable with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes i) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis and having a photosensitive layer at its peripheral surface; ii) process means actable on the drum; iii) a coupling member for receiving an external force for rotating the drum, wherein the coupling member is capable of taking a first angular position for transmitting the external force to the drum, a second angular position inclined away from the axis of the drum from the first angular position, and a third angular position away from the axis of the drum from the first angle position; and iv) a regulating portion for regulating an inclination angle of the coupling member such that downward inclination angle of the coupling member is smaller than an inclination angle of the coupling member when the coupling member is at the second angular position.