# US 2022/0035307 A1 · Process cartridge and image forming apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2022/0035307 A1 - Document ID: US20220035307A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/299,353 - Filed: 2019-12-26 - Published: 2022-02-03 - Earliest claimed: 2018-12-28 - Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha - Applicants: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha - Inventors: Hiroyuki Munetsugu; Ryota Shibuya; Goshi Ozaki - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20220035307A1 ## CPC - G03G 21/1814: {Details of parts of process cartridge, e.g. for charging, transfer, cleaning, developing (G03G21/1835 takes precedence)} - G03G 21/1825: {Pivotable subunit connection} - G03G 21/185: {the process cartridge being mounted parallel to the axis of the photosensitive member} - G03G 21/1885: {position of the memory; memory housings; electrodes} - G03G 15/0863: {provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. an electronic memory} - G03G 21/1821: {means for connecting the different parts of the process cartridge, e.g. attachment, positioning of parts with each other, pressure/distance regulation (G03G21/1825 takes precedence)} - G03G: ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY ## Abstract A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum unit including a photosensitive drum, and a first and second positioning portions Configured to position the photosensitive drum unit relative to the main assembly; and a developing unit connected with the photosensitive drum unit, the developing unit including a developing roller, a storing means having a contact surface electrically connectable with a main assembly contact of the main assembly to communicate with the main assembly. As seen in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a first line segment connecting the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion with each other and a first linear line passing through the contact surface and perpendicular to the contact surface crosses with each other. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum unit including a photosensitive drum and a first and second positioning portions configured to position the photosensitive drum unit relative to the main assembly; and a developing unit connected to the photosensitive drum unit, the developing unit including a developing roller and a storing means having a contact surface electrically connectable with a main assembly contact of the main assembly to communicate with the main assembly, wherein, as seen in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a line segment connecting the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion with each other and a linear line passing through the contact surface and perpendicular to the contact surface cross each other. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the line segment is a first line segment, and wherein, as seen in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a second line segment connecting the storing means and a connecting portion between the photosensitive drum unit and the developing unit crosses the first line segment. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the linear line is a first linear line, and wherein, as seen in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a second linear line passing through a connecting portion between the photosensitive drum unit and the developing unit and parallel to the first linear line crosses the line segment. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) A process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the linear line is a first linear line, and wherein, as seen in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a second linear line passing through a connecting portion between the photosensitive drum unit and the developing unit and parallel to the first linear line crosses the line segment. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the linear line is a first linear line, and wherein, as seen in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a second linear line passing through a center of the photosensitive drum and a center of the developing roller, the first line segment, and the first linear line constitutes form a triangle in which an angle formed between the second linear line and the first linear line is an acute angle. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) A process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the linear line is a first linear line, and wherein, as seen in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a second linear line passing through a center of the photosensitive drum and a center of the developing roller, the first line segment, and the first linear line form a triangle in which an angle formed between the second linear line and the first linear line is an acute angle. ### Claim 7 (depends on 3) A process cartridge according to claim 3, wherein, as seen in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a third linear line passing through a center of the photosensitive drum and a center of the developing roller, the first line segment, and the first linear line form a triangle in which an angle formed between the third linear line and the first linear line is an acute angle. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing roller is movable to and away from the photosensitive drum. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first positioning portion is capable of being guided by a first guiding rail provided in the main assembly, and the second positioning portion is capable of being guided by a second guiding rail provided in the main assembly, and wherein the process cartridge is positioned relative to the main assembly in the apparatus by the first positioning portion contacting the first guiding rail and the second positioning portion contacting the second guiding rail. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) An image forming apparatus comprising: a process cartridge according to claim 1; and an exposure device configured to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum.