Abstract: An assembling method of a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes a. preparing a drum frame to which an electrophotographic photosensitive drum is mounted; b. preparing a developing frame having a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and also having a developing device mounted thereto, for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, using toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion; c. engaging a portion of the drum frame and a portion of the developing frame; d. coupling a coupling member with a portion where the drum frame and the developing frame are engaged to couple the drum frame and developing frame, wherein the drum frame and the developing frame are rotatable relative to each other about the coupling member; e.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by that a first frame for containing developer used with a developing operation, a second frame for supporting a developing means for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member, and a third frame for supporting the image bearing member are made of the same material.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising a photosensitive member, a developing means for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, a first frame containing the developing means; and a second frame coupled with the first frame, the second frame including a developer containing portion for containing a developer to be supplied to the developing means to develop the latent image, wherein the second frame is a selected one of plural secondary frames engageable with the first frame and having different developer containing capacities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process cartridge mountable to an image forming apparatus, comprising an image bearing member, charger device for charging the image bearing member, a first conductive member for electrically earthing the image bearing member, and a second conductive member for applying an AC voltage to the charger device. The first and second conductive members are arranged at positions near both axial ends of the image bearing member, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process cartridge mountable to an image forming apparatus, comprises an image bearing member, a conductive member arranged at one axial end of the image bearing member to contact with an electric contact of the image forming apparatus, thereby electrically earthing the image bearing member, and an opening member abutted against a laser light path blocking means of the image forming apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus, thereby opening a laser light path. The opening member is arranged at the other axial end of the image bearing member remote from the conductive member.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a first frame in which a toner containing unit for containing toner used for a developing operation and a charger unit are mounted, and a second frame which can be engaged by and disengaged from the first frame, and in which an image bearing member, a developing unit and cleaning unit are mounted. With this arrangement, the assembling ability and disassembling ability are improved remarkably, and the process cartridge is suitable for the re-cycling to contribute to the protection of the earth-environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process cartridge mountable to an image forming apparatus, comprising an image bearing member, process means acting on the image bearing member, and a plurality of frames for constituting a housing for the image bearing member and the process means. A projection is provided along an abutment portion of one of the frames to be welded.

Abstract: An elastic regulating member for regulating thickness of a layer of developer conveyed to a developing station by a rotatable developing sleeve is abutted against the developing sleeve. At a toner return inlet of a container associated with the developing sleeve, a flexible sheet for preventing the developer in the container from leaking through the toner return inlet is abutted against the developing sleeve along a longitudinal direction thereof. Side seals are abutted against both longitudinal end portions of the developing sleeve to prevent the developer from leaking through such longitudinal end portions. Both longitudinal end portions of the flexible sheet are overlapped with sheet supporting surfaces formed on extensions of the side seals without any clearance. Further, the both longitudinal end portions of the flexible sheet are abutted against the developing sleeve at areas outwardly of both ends of the elastic regulating member.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by that a first frame for containing developer used with a developing operation, a second frame for supporting a developing means for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member, and a third frame for supporting the image bearing member are made of the same material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process cartridge mountable to an image forming apparatus, comprising a frame, an image bearing member, process means acting on the image bearing member, and a gripper for gripping the process cartridge. The gripper portion is provided on said frame at a position offset from a longitudinal center of the process cartridge toward a position where the frame is subjected to a greater mounting resistance generated by engagement between the process cartridge and a member on the main body, when the process cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning apparatus for removing adhered matter from a member to be cleaned. The apparatus includes a cleaning device abutted against the member to be cleaned and adapted to remove the adhered matter from the member to be cleaned. In addition, the apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving the adhered matter removed from the member to be cleaned, a guide member for directing the removed matter to the receiving unit, an adhesive member for adhering the guide member to the receiving unit, and an end seal member provided on the guide member at an end portion. The adhesive member protrudes from a longitudinal end edge of the guide member.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus includes a device contributable for forming an image; a developer accommodator; and a sealing member between the image forming device and the developer accommodator, wherein the sealing member is provided by injecting a liquid material which becomes an elastomer when it is solidified.