Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus

A process cartridge comprising:

• an electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising a charge generating layer, a charge transporting layer, and a protection layer laminated on a support in the stated order,
• wherein the protection layer comprises a binder resin and particles, and
• wherein when an average thickness of the protection layer in a site free of the particles is represented by T and a volume-average particle diameter of the particles is represented by Dm in a cross-section of the protection layer, the following formula (a) is satisfied,
• Dm>T Formula (a)
• and wherein when a universal hardness of the charge transporting layer is represented by H1 and a universal hardness of the protection layer is represented by H2, the following formula (b) is satisfied,
• H1>H2 Formula (b);
• and
• at least one unit selected from the group consisting of:
• a charging unit;
• a developing unit;
• and a cleaning unit,
• the process cartridge integrally supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the at least one unit and being detachably attachable onto a main body of an electrophotographic apparatus.

An electrophotographic apparatus comprising:

• an electrophotographic photosensitive member comprising a charge generating layer, a charge transporting layer, and a protection layer laminated on a support in the stated order,
• wherein the protection layer comprises a binder resin and particles, and
• wherein when an average thickness of the protection layer in a site free of the particles is represented by T and a volume-average particle diameter of the particles is represented by Dm in a cross-section of the protection layer, the following formula (a) is satisfied,
• Dm>T Formula (a)
• and wherein when a universal hardness of the charge transporting layer is represented by H1 and a universal hardness of the protection layer is represented by H2, the following formula (b) is satisfied,
• H1>H2 Formula (b);
• and
• at least one unit selected from the group consisting of:
• a charging unit;
• an exposing unit;
• a developing unit;
• and a transfer unit.