AU746772B2 - Coupling member, process cartridge and assembling method of process cartridge - Google Patents

Description

S&F Ref: 413108D1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

.c

S

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku Tokyo 146 Japan Akira Suzuki, Hiroomi Matsuzaki, Shigeo Miyabe, Kazuo Chadani Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 Coupling Member, Process Cartridge and Assembling Method of Process Cartridge The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845c -1- COUPLING MEMBER, PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND ASSEMBLING METHOD OF PROCESS CARTRIDGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART The present invention relates to a coupling member, a process cartridge and an assembling method of a process cartridge.

Here, the process cartridge may be a cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main 10 assembly of an image forming apparatus and which contains as a unit an electrophotographic photosensitive member and developing means. The process cartridge may be a cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image 15 forming apparatus and which contains as a unit at .e least charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member and cleaning means for removing residual developer from the electrophotographic photosensitive member, as well as the developing means.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus means an apparatus using an electrophotographic image formation type process to form an image on a recording medium. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include electrophotographic copying machine, electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED 11 -2printer or the like), facsimile device and word processor.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or laser beam printer includes a photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is subjected to known processes including charging, exposure and development processes to form a toner image thereon, and the image thus formed is 10 transferred onto a recording material such as a transfer sheet. Thereafter, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum is removed by a cleaning device.

In the field of such an electrophotographic S. 15 image forming apparatus, a process cartridge type is e.

widely used, since the type is advantageous in the downsizing and easy maintenance. The process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus by a user and contains as a unit an electrophotographic photosensitive member or drum and at least one of process means such as charging means, developing means, cleaning means or the like.

A process cartridge comprising frames which are coupled with a coupling member, is known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a coupling member for coupling a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a second frame for supporting a developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, said coupling member comprising: a base, a shaft mounting portion provided in said base to support a shaft fixed to said base for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame, wherein the shaft provides a center of rotation of said first and second frames relative to each other, an urging portion provided in said base, for urging to said second frame, a resilient member for applying a resilient force between said first frame and said second frame, and a fixed portion provided in said base, for fixing said base to said first frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a coupling member for coupling a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a cleaning member for removing toner remaining on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum therefrom, a charging roller for charging said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a second frame for supporting a developing S 20 roller for developing a latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said coupling member comprising: a base having a flat portion and an extension extending from a lateral edge of said flat portion in a longitudinal direction of said flat portion; a shaft for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame; a shaft mounting portion provided in said extension to support a shaft So- fixed to said base, for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame, wherein ooo.

said shaft mounting portion is projected from said extension in a direction crossing with a longitudinal direction of said extension, and is cylindrical in shape, and an end of said shaft is mounted to an inner surface of the cylindrical shaft mounting portion; S 30 a coil spring for applying resilient force between said first frame and 00 said second frame; an urging portion, provided in said flat portion, for urging, to said second frame, said coil spring for applying a resilient force between the first frame and RA the second frame, wherein said urging portion has a first projected portion projected from [R:LIBE]03610.doc:mxl said base inclinedly toward said shaft mounting portion, and a second projected portion provided at a free end portion of said first projected portion, wherein the outer shapes of said first projected portion and second projected portion are circular as seen in a projecting direction, and said second projected portion has an outer diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of said first projected portion, and wherein said coil spring is mounted to a circular portion of said second projected portion; and a claw for fixing said base to said first frame, wherein said claw is projected from said flat portion inclinedly toward said shaft mounting portion, and is substantially parallel with the shaft mounting portion, wherein an end of the claw is directed toward said urging portion, and said flat portion is fixed to said first frame by resilient engagement of said claw with said first frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member; a first frame supporting said electrophotographic photosensitive member; a second frame supporting said developing member; and a coupling member coupling said first frame and said second frame, said coupling member being as earlier disclosed.

S: In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed an assembling method for a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: S• a first step of supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member on a first frame; a second step of supporting a developing member for developing a "latent image formed on the photosensitive member, on a second frame; and 30 a third step of coupling said first frame and said second frame by a coupling member, which includes: a base; a shaft for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame relative to each other; [RA:LBE]03610.doc:txl 4a a shaft mounting portion provided in said base for mounting said shaft, wherein one end of said shaft is mounted to said shaft mounting portion; a resilient member for applying a resilient force between said first frame and a second frame; an urging portion, provided in said base, for urging said resilient member to said second frame, wherein said resilient member is mounted to said urging portion; and a fixed portion, provided in said base, for fixing said base to said first frame, wherein said base is fixed to said first frame at a fixed portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a coupling member for coupling a cleaning frame to a developing device frame of a process cartridge detachably mountable on and insertable into the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, said coupling member comprising: a compression coil spring; a shaft portion for rotatably coupling the developing device frame and the cleaning frame, wherein said shaft portion has a cylindrical shape, a fixing member to which said compression coil spring and said shaft portion are attached, said fixing member including: side portion in the form of a plate, said side portion being provided parallel with 20 and adjacent to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning Sframe when said coupling member couples said developing device frame and said S"cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises an extension portion comprising: circular second shaft portion; and "i ~retainer portion, wherein said retainer portion is engageable with a retaining groove on the cleaning frame so that said fixing member is retained and correctly i positioned in the longitudinal direction; and an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially L- 30 shaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on a recessed seat provided at an upstream corner as seen from an inserting direction of the process cartridge, at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the cleaning frame is in the form of a [R:\LUBE]03610.doc:mx 4b plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a stepped dowel comprising: a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and a small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is pressfitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled and said coupling member couples the cleaning frame and the developing device frame; and a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be S 20 fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion; wherein said second shaft portion supports said shaft portion and supports one of opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device frame, wherein said shaft portion is positioned at the center of said second shaft portion; oo"wherein said shaft portion is configured and positioned to engage an outer i through hole in a side portion of the cleaning frame and a hole in an arm portion of the developing device frame when said coupling member couples the developing device 30 frame and the cleaning frame, and wherein the end surface of said second shaft portion is configured and positioned to abut an outer side surface of the arm portion when said shaft portion couples said fixing member, the developing device frame and the cleaning frame by engaging the outer through hole in the side portion of the cleaning frame and the hole 'L \in the arm portion.

[R:.IBE]03610.doc: xI 4c In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a coupling member for coupling a cleaning frame to a developing device frame of a process cartridge detachably mountable on and insertable into a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, said coupling member comprising: a compression coil spring; a shaft portion for rotatably coupling the developing device frame and the cleaning frame, wherein said shaft portion has a cylindrical shape, a fixing member to which said compression coil spring and said shaft portion are mounted, said fixing member including: a side portion in the form of a plate, the side portion being provided parallel with and adjacent to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame when said coupling member couples said developing device frame and said cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises an extension portion comprising a circular second shaft portion; and an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially Lshaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on a recessed seat provided at an upstream corner as seen from an inserting direction of the process 20 cartridge, at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the frame is in the form of a plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: .a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a stepped dowel comprising: a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing 30 member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends S: substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and a small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is press- G fitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of [R:ALIBE]03610.doc:mxi 4d said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled and said coupling member couples the cleaning frame and the developing device frame; and a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion, wherein said second shaft portion supports said shaft portion and supports one of opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device frame, wherein said shaft portion is positioned at the center of said second shaft portion; wherein said shaft portion is configured and positioned to engage an outer through hole in a side portion of the cleaning frame and a hole in an arm portion of the developing device frame when said coupling member couples the developing device frame and the cleaning frame, and wherein the end surface of said second shaft portion is configured and positioned to abut an outer side surface of the arm portion when said shaft portion couples said fixing member, the developing device frame and the cleaning frame 20 by engaging the outer through hole in the side portion of the cleaning frame and the hole *o in the arm portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a process cartridge detachably insertable in an inserting direction to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, said cartridge comprising: a cleaning frame supporting a photosensitive drum and a cleaning device positioned and configured to clean said photosensitive drum, said cleaning frame including vertical side surfaces, said cleaning frame further including a recessed seat provided at an upstream corner as seen from the inserting direction of the process S: cartridge, at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame; 30 a developing device frame supporting a developing device, wherein said developing device frame comprises an arm portion projected toward the cleaning frame at each longitudinal end of said developing device frame when said cleaning frame and said developing device frame are coupled to one another; and [R:\LIBE]03610.doc:mxl 4etwo coupling members positioned and configured to couple said cleaning frame and said developing device frame, each of said coupling members comprising: a compression coil spring; a shaft portion for rotatably coupling said developing device frame and said s cleaning frame, wherein said shaft portion has a cylindrical shape; and a fixing member supporting said compression coil spring and said shaft portion, wherein said fixing member comprises: a side portion in the form of a plate extending substantially vertically when the coupling member is mounted, the side portion being provided parallel with and adjacent to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises: an extension portion comprising: a circular second shaft portion; and a retainer portion, wherein said retainer portion is engageable with a retaining groove in said cleaning frame so that said fixing member is retained and correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction; an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially Lshaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on the recessed seat provided at the upstream corner at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the frame is in the form of a plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the .°•upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting .i said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a stepped dowel comprising: 0.0 a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position S 30 of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing S. member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and [R-LIBE]03610.doc:mxl 4fa small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is pressfitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled by coupling said cleaning frame and said developing device frame with said coupling member; a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of lo said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion, wherein the other of said fixing members comprises: a side portion in the form of a plate extending substantially vertically when the Is coupling member is mounted, the side portion being provided parallel with and adjacent to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises an extension portion, wherein said extension comprises a circular second shaft portion; and an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a o longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially Lshaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on the recessed seat provided at the upstream comer at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the frame is in the form of a plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the :upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting .said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a stepped dowel comprising: o 30 a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends \L1BE]03610.doc:mxl 4g substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and a small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is pressfitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled by coupling said cleaning frame and said developing device frame with said coupling member; a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion, wherein each second shaft portion supports one of said shaft portions and supports one of opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device frame, wherein said shaft portion is positioned at the center of said second shaft portion, wherein each arm portion of said developing device frame has a hole therein for receiving one of said shaft portions, wherein said cleaning frame further comprises: a recess at each longitudinal end of said cleaning frame, wherein each recess engages one of said arm portions projected toward the cleaning frame at one of opposite S*o longitudinal ends of said developing device frame; S"a side portion at each longitudinal end of said cleaning frame, each side portion being provided with an outer through hole engageable with one of said second shaft portions; an upper surface comprising: recessed seat provided at an upstream comer of each of left and right ends of said upper surface as seen from the inserting direction of the process cartridge, wherein the bottom surface of said recessed seat includes a hole for receiving said compression S: 30 coil spring; a retaining groove provided at one longitudinal side of said upper surface for receiving said retainer portion; and Rtwo middle walls, each parallel to said side portions and each having an inner RAthrough hole therein for engaging one of said shaft portions when said shaft portions are ;3 through hole therein for engaging one of said shaft portions when said shaft portions are [R:\LIBE]03610,doc:mxi 4h inserted into said outer through hole of said side portion of said cleaning frame and said arm-portion hole of said developing device frame, and each having an inner wall for abutting one of said developing-device-portion arm portions when each of said arm portions is inserted into one of said recesses, wherein the end surface of each of said second shaft portions abuts an outer side surface of one of said arm portions when each of said shaft portions couples said fixing member, said developing device frame, and said cleaning frame by engaging said outer through hole in said side portion of said cleaning frame and said hole in said arm portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a laser beam printer loaded with a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a process cartridge; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a frame coupling in the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating assembling of the process cartridge; Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating assembling of the process cartridge; Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an assembling state of a process cartridge; Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a relation of a cleaning frame and a i: a a *o a a a [R:\LIBE]036 0.doc:xi coupling member of a process cartridge.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a coupling member.

Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a frame connecting portion of a process cartridge.

Figure 10 shows a coupling member, wherein is a bottom view, is a side view, and is a front view.

Figure 11 shows a right-hand side coupling 10 member, wherein is a bottom view, is a side view, and is a front view.

Figure 12 is a perspective example of the Embodiment 1.

Figure 13 is a perspective side coupling member according to a of Embodiment 1.

Figure 14 is a perspective side coupling member according to a of Embodiment 1.

Figure 15 is a perspective hand side coupling member according example of the Embodiment i.

Figure 16 is a perspective hand side coupling member according example of the Embodiment 1.

view of a modified view of a left modified example view of a left modified example view of a rightto a modified view of a rightto a modified Figure 17 shows a left side coupling member.

Figure 18 shows a right-hand side coupling member.

Figure 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of a coupling member according to Embodiment 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A process cartridge and an image forming apparatus using the process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

10 General arrangement of a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus loaded with the same> The general arrangement of the image forming apparatus will be first described. Figure 1 is a sectional illustration of a laser beam printer loaded 15 *with a process cartridge, as an exemplary image forming apparatus Figure 2 is a sectional illustration of a process cartridge.

In this laser beam printer, as shown in Figure 1, an electrophotographic photosensitive member of a drum configuration is exposed to a laser beam based on an image information supplied from an optical system 1 so that latent image is formed on the photosensitive member, and the latent image is developed with toner into a toner image. In synchronism with the formation of the toner image, a recording material 2 (recording sheet or the like) is fed by transporting means 3. The toner image formed -7on the photosensitive drum by an image formation station in a process cartridge B is transferred onto the recording material 2 by transferring means 4.

The recording material 2 is fed to a fixing means where the transferred toner image is fixed, and is discharged to a discharging portion 6.

In the process cartridge B constituting the image formation station, the photosensitive drum 7 1 functioning as an image bearing member is rotated, and 10 the surface thereof is charged uniformly by charging means 8, as shown in Figure 2. The light image from eeeee an optical system 1 is projected to a photosensitive drum 7 through an exposure opening 9 so that latent imageis formed, and the latent image is developed 15 into a visualized toner image. After the toner image is transferred onto the recording material 2 by the transferring means 4, the remaining toner is removed from the photosensitive drum 7 by the cleaning means 11.

The process cartridge B comprises a first frame (cleaning frame 13) including the photosensitive drum 7, the cleaning means 11 and the like, and a second frame(toner developing device frame) including a toner container and a developing roller. The frames are coupled by coupling members which will be described hereinafter.

The description will be made as to structures of each part of the image forming apparatus A and the process cartridge B.

<Image forming apparatus> Various parts of the image forming apparatus A will be described.

(Optical system) The optical system 1 projects a light image of image information read out of an external device, onto the photosensitive drum 7. As shown in Figure 10 1, a laser diode la, a polygonal mirror lb, an imaging o lens lc and a reflection mirror id constituting the optical system are contained in a housing.

S. When an image signal is supplied from an external device, the laser diode la emits a laser beam 15 in accordance with the image signal, and the laser beam is directed to the polygonal mirror lb. The polygonal mirror Ib is rotated at a high speed by a scanner motor directly connected thereto, and the image light reflected by the polygonal mirror lb is projected onto the photosensitive drum 7 through the imaging lens lc and the reflection mirror id, thus exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 selectively.

(Recording material feeding means) The feeding means 3 for feeding the recording material 2 will be described. The recording material 2 can be fed manually, or fed automatically from a -9cassette. In the manual feeding structure, as shown in Figure i, the recording material 2 is set in a sheet feeding tray 3h, and the image formation is started. Then, the recording material 2 is fed into the main assembly 15 of the apparatus by a pick-up roller 3i from the sheet feeding tray 3h. The recording material is fed one by one by a pair of separation rollers 3j, and the leading edge of the i.

recording material 2 abuts the pair of the registration rollers 3d. The registration rollers are then rotated in synchronism with the image forming *e Co operation to feed the recording material 2 into .between the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer oloe roller 4. The toner image is transferred onto the 15 recording material 2 between the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer roller 4. The recording material 2, after the image transfer, is fed into the fixing means *e S. 5 through a feeding path 3e, and the toner image is

C.

fixed on the recording material 2 by the fixing means 5. The recording material is discharged out to the discharging portion 6 by a pair of discharging roller 3f and 3g. A guiding member 3k is provided between the rollers to guide the recording material 2.

On the other hand, as a structure for feeding the recording material from the cassette, there is provided a mounting portion for a sheet feeding cassette 3a at a bottom portion in the main assembly of the apparatus as shown in Figure i. When the recording material 2 is not fed manually, the recording material 2 is picked up from the cassette 3a loaded in the mounting portion by a pick-up roller 3b and is fed by a feeding roller 3c one by one to the registration rollers. After that recording material is fed in the same manner as with the recording material manually fed.

.4 4.

e "4o (Transferring means) too.

44 10 The transferring means 4 functions to transfer the toner image onto the recording material 2 from the photosensitive drum 7, and the transferring means 4 of this embodiment includes a transfer roller •oo 4. Thus, the recording material 2 is pressed onto 15 the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge B by the transfer roller 4. The transfer roller 4 is supplied with a voltage having a polarity opposite t o.

from that of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7, so that toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 7 onto the recording material 2.

(Fixing means) The fixing means 5 functions to fix the toner image which has been transferred onto the recording material 2 by voltage application to the transfer roller 4. As shown in Figure i, it comprises a driving roller 5a and a fixing roller 5b press- -11contacted to and driven by the driving roller 5a, the fixing roller 5b including therein a heat generating member. When the recording material 2 having the transferred toner image is passed through a nip between the driving roller 5a and the fixing roller the recording material 2 is pressed by the rollers 5b, and is heated by the heat generation in the fixing roller 5b. By this, the toner image is fixed o on the recording material 2.

.61. 10 <Process cartridge e* In the process cartridge B of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7 having the photosensitive layer is rotated, and the surface 15 thereof is uniformly charged by voltage application to the charging roller 8 (charging means). After the surface is charged, it is exposed to the light image supplied from the optical system 1, through the exposure opening 9, so that latent image is formed, and the latent image is developed by the developing device The developing device 10 feeds the toner from a toner accommodating portion 10a by a first rotatable feeding member 10bl and a second feeding member 10b2.

A developing roller 10d which is a developing roller containing therein a fixed magnet 10c is rotated, and a toner layer having triboelectric charge provided by -12a developing blade 10e is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10d. The toner is transited onto the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image so that visualized toner image is formed.

After the toner image is transferred onto the recording material 2 by the application of the voltage of the opposite polarity to the transfer roller 4, the residual toner is removed from the photosensitive drum 7 by the cleaning means 11. More particularly, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is scrapped off by a cleaning blade lla, and the removed toner is received by a receptor sheet llb and is collected in a residual toner accommodating portion llc. At a contact portion between the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer roller 4, the cartridge frame has an opening, which can be closed by a drum shutter 28. The drum shutter 28 has a quadric link mechanism having a fixed portion which is the cartridge frame, and the drum shutter 28 is supported by a link 29 and other links (arms not shown).

The elements such as the photosensitive drum 7 is contained in a cartridge frame constituted by coupling a toner developing device frame comprising as a unit a developing device frame 12, cap 12c and a toner accommodating portion 10a and a toner frame welded together, and a cleaning frame 13. The cartridge is detachably mountable relative to the -13cartridge mounting means in the main assembly 15 of the apparatus.

More particularly, the cleaning frame 13 and the developing device frame 12 are rotatably coupled by a shaft portion 20, and a compression coil spring 26 is disposed compressed between the cleaning frame 13 and the developing device frame 12. By the weight of the toner developing device frame and the spring S.force of the compression coil spring 26, a spacer 10 roller having a diameter larger than the developing roller 10d (unshown) and provided at each of the ends of the developing roller 10d, is press-contacted to the photosensitive drum 7 to define a developing gap.

The cleaning frame 13 and the developing device frame 12-are of plastic resin material. The plastic resin material may include polystyrene, ABS resin material(acrylonitrile/ butadiene/ styrene copolymer resin material), polycarbonate, polyethylene and polypropylene.

Mounting-and-demounting structure of the process cartridge The description will be made as to the structure for mounting and demounting of the process cartridge B relative to the image forming apparatus A.

When the process cartridge B is mounted or demounted, an openable member 14 is opened. When the openable member 14 as the cartridge mounting means is -14rotated about the shaft 14a to open it, guide rails 15b in the form of aprons are seen at both of the lateral side of the cartridge mounting space.

Corresponding to the guide rails 15a, guide portions are provided at both of the ends of the process cartridge B along the guide rails 15a, The guide portions are projected at symmetrical positions (in the direction of the cartridge frame), and include a boss 16a as a first guide portion and a 10 rib 16b as a second guide portion, as shown in Figures i, 3. The opposite longitudinal end has the same guiding portion, although not shown. The boss 16a part is disposed on an extension line of the rotation S.shaft of the photosensitive drum 7, and the rib 16b is above the boss 16a. At the center of the boss 16a, *an end of the drum shaft for supporting the photosensitive drum 7 is exposed outwardly to function as a grounding contact (unshown) of a cartridge.

With this structure, when the process cartridge B is to be mounted, it is slid below the optical system 1 of the apparatus so that boss 16a and the rib 16b move along the guide rails 15a, When the process cartridge B is inserted, the contact surface 18a adjacent each of the opposite ends of the leading end portion of the cleaning frame 13 is abutted to the abutment member 18b provided in the main assembly 15 of the apparatus. Then the process cartridge B is rotated in the direction of arrow a, so that boss 16a of the process cartridge B falls in the recess 15a1 formed at a terminal end portion of the guide rail 15a. By this, a drum gear (unshown) fixed to an end of the photosensitive drum 7 is brought into meshing engagement with a driving gear(unshown) of the main assembly 15, so that driving force becomes transmittable from the main assembly to the process cartridge B. Before the process cartridge B is mounted in this manner, a projected portion of a link 29 supporting a drum shutter 28 is blocked from entering so as to open the drum shutter 28.

When the process cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly 15 of the apparatus, one end of the lever 17b of the urging means 17 journaled to the main assembly 15 pushes the upper surface at the right side of the boss 16a in Figure 1. The other end of the lever 17b which is journaled at its middle portion on the main assembly 15a of the apparatus by a pin 17a, is urged by a tension coil spring 17c so that lever 17b is urged for the clockwise rotation. The rotation of the lever 17b by the coil spring 17c is limited by the stopper 17b.

When the openable member 14 is closed, it is urged downwardly by the compression coil spring 21b of the urging means 21 provided on the openable member 14, and an upper portion of the process cartridge B at -16the trailing side, with respect to the mounting direction, is pressed by the pin 21a supported for vertical movement. Thus, the process cartridge B is correctly positioned in the main assembly Referring to Figures 3-10, the description will be made as to a coupling structure between the cleaning frame 13 (the first frame) supporting the photosensitive drum and the developing device frame 12 (the second frame) supporting the developing roller 10d. The developing device frame 12 is coupled with S" the toner frame, and is integral with the toner frame.

Figures 3, 4 are exploded perspective views before the first frame and the second frame are coupled with the coupling member. Figures 5, 6 are perspective views after the first frame and the second frame are coupled by the coupling member. In Figures 5 and 6, only a part of the developing device frame 12 is indicated by chain lines.

Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of a connecting portion between the first frame and the second frame. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a coupling member alone. Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connecting or coupling portion between the first frame and the second frame.

Figures 10 and 11 show the coupling member. As shown in Figure 8, the coupling member 54 includes a compression coil spring 26 for urging the developing -17roller 10d toward the photosensitive drum 7 and a spring supporting portion 55e for supporting the compression coil spring 26. It further includes a shaft portion 20 for rotatably coupling the fixing member 55, the developing device frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13, and includes a second shaft portion 55d for supporting the shaft portion 20 and for supporting opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device frame 12. It further includes a 10 hole 55f for fixing the fixing member 55 which is a main body of the coupling member 54 to the cleaning frame 13, and a retainer portion 55b provided in the fixing member 55 to retain the coupling member 54.

The configuration of the coupling member 54 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the fixing :member 55 has a side portion 55a in the form of a plate extending substantially vertically when the coupling member is mounted, and the side portion is provided parallel with and adjacent to a vertical side surfaces 13a of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame 13. An upper portion 55g is extended from the side portion 55a and is bent longitudinally inwardly. It has a substantially horizontal plate-like shape. The section taken along a longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and side portion 55a is substantially L-shaped.

The upper portion 55g has a shape and dimensions -18snugly fitting on the recessed seat 13c provided at an upstream corner as seen from an inserting direction of the process cartridge B, at each of left and right ends of the upper surface 13b of the cleaning frame 13. The upper portion 55g of the fixing member has a longitudinal edge line between slightly bent "first upper portion 55gi and second upper portion 55g2. For conformity with this configuration, the o bottom surface of the recessed seat 13c of the frame 13 has a first bottom surface 13dl and a second bottom surface 13d2. The portion providing the bottom surfaces 13d1 and 13d2 is in the form of a plate.

The depth of the recess 13c of the cleaning frame 13 and the thickness of the upper portion 55g of the fixing member 55 are substantially the same. The side portion 55a of the fixing member 55 has a portion 55a1 extended in the inserting direction of the process cartridge B when it is mounted to the cartridge frame. The extension 55a1 is provided with a circular second shaft portion 55d directed longitudinally inwardly of the cleaning frame 13. A retainer portion 55b is provided at the bottom of the extension 55a1. The retainer portion 55b is slightly offset longitudinally outwardly beyond the side portion 55a. The retainer portion 55b is engaged with a retaining groove 13e dug down between the side surface 13a of the cleaning frame 13 and the upper -19surface of the rib 16b, so that fixing member 55 is retained and correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction. The second upper portion 55g2 of the fixing member 55 is provided with a through hole for a small screw 56.

As shown in Figures 7, 8, the lower surface *OoO.

of the upper portion 55g of the fixing member 55 of .the coupling member 54 is provided with a projection functioning as a spring supporting portion 55e for fastening the compression coil spring 26. The spring "..supporting portion 55e is a stepped dowel including a large diameter portion 55ei providing a seat for the spring, and a small diameter portion 55e2 around which the compression coil spring 26 is press-fitted. The axis of the spring supporting portion 55e is aligned with a center line of the compression coil spring 26 press-fitted around the small diameter portion 55e2, and the center line is perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion 12bl of the developing device frame 12 shown in Figure 3 when the compression coil spring 26 is press-fitted, in the state after the process cartridge is assembled. The hole portion and the spring supporting portion 55e have their centers in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The spring supporting portion 55e is disposed between the hole portion 55f and the shaft portion The shaft portion 20 is cylindrical and has its axis extending in the longitudinal direction, and is at the center of the second shaft portion When the coupling member 54 is mounted in the manner described above, the shaft portion 20 is extended longitudinally and horizontally, and the 00 compression coil spring 26 extends vertically, in the g.".state wherein the process cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly 15. Thus, the shaft portion 20 and 0ee the compression coil spring 26 are crossed with each .other without crossing point.

~As shown in Figure 3, the cleaning frame 13 is provided at each of the longitudinal ends with a 0**0 .recess 13m for engagement with an arm portion 12bl projected toward the cleaning frame 13 at each of the longitudinal ends of the developing device frame 12.

The side portion 13a of the cleaning frame 13 is provided with an outer through hole 13f toward the recess 13m, for engagement with the second shaft portion 55d of the coupling member 54. The first bottom surface 13dl of the recessed seat 13c is provided with a round hole 13g for receiving the compression coil spring 26. The round hole 13g is disposed right above the middle of the arm portion 12bl in the state when the arm portion 12bl is in the recess 13m.

As shown in Figure 9, a middle wall 13h is -21provided and is parallel with the side surface 13a of the cleaning frame 13, and the recess 13m is defined by the middle wall 13h and the side surface 13a therebetween. From the middle wall 13h, a circular boss 13i is projected outwardly, and the boss 13i has, at its center, an inner through-hole 13j for e** engagement with the shaft portion 20. The end S. surface of the boss 13i functions as an abutment 13k *teS for correct positioning.

S 10 As shown in Figure 9, the outer surface of the retainer portion 55b is in contact with the outer side surface 13el of the retaining groove 13e, in the state when the retainer portion 55b of the

L&

o0 coupling member 54 is engaged with the retaining groove 13e provided at each side of the cleaning frame 13. As shown in Figure 9, the end surface of the

S.

second shaft portion 55d functions as an abutment 55b2 relative to the side surface of the outside of the arm portion 12bl. The other abutment surface 13k of cleaning frame 13 is contacted to the inside surface of the arm portion 12bl. Thus, the developing device frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13 are correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction. At the other longitudinal end (opposite from the end shown in Figure there may be a gap between the arm portion 12bl and the abutment surface 55b2 and/or 13k.

The description will be made as to the -22assembling of the cleaning frame 13 and the developing device frame 12 having the above-described structure.

The developing device frame 12 supports a developing roller 10d containing therein a fixed magnet 10c and a developing blade 10e or the like. The developing member 12 is coupled with a toner accommodating portion 10a having a welded cap 12c, and the toner accommodating portion lOa contains toner, thus constituting a developing unit.

10 The cleaning frame 13 supports the charging roller 8, the cleaning blade lla, the receptor sheet llb, the photosensitive drum 7 or the like, thus constituting a cleaning unit.

When an arm portion 12bl of the developing device frame 12 is inserted into the recess 13m of the cleaning frame 13 to abut the bottom of the recess 13m, the hole 12b2 formed at the center of the semicircular free end of the arm portion 12bl is slightly beyond the position at which it is exactly aligned with the inner through-hole 13j, but they are generally aligned.

As shown in Figure 4, the shaft portion 20 of the coupling member 54 is aligned with the longitudinal direction, and the beveled end of the shaft portion 20 is faced to the outer through-hole 13f. The hole 55f side is raised such that free end of the compression coil spring 26 in the free state is -23above the recessed seat 13c of the cleaning frame 13, and the shaft portion 20 is inserted through the outer through-hole 13f and is engaged into the hole 12b2 of the arm portion 12bl. Immediately after the insertion into the inner through-hole 13j, the second shaft portion 55d enters the outer through-hole 13f.

With further insertion, the abutment surface 55b2 of the second shaft portion 55d urges the outer surface o of the arm portion 12bl to move the arm portion 12bl and therefore the developing unit toward the right, so that inner surface of the arm portion 12b1 abuts the surface 13k of the cleaning frame 13. Here, the coupling member 54 is rotated about the shaft portion and the second shaft portion 55d. Then, the compression coil spring 26 enters the round hole 13g, so that end of the compression coil spring 26 (resilient member) abuts the arm portion 12bl of the developing device frame 12, as shown in Figure 5 by an arrow. With further rotation of the coupling member 54, the compression coil spring 26 is compressed, and the developing device frame 12 is rotated about the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion the spacer rollers of the developing roller are abutted to the photosensitive drum 7. As shown in Figure 6, when the upper portion 55g of the frame coupling member 54 is pressed, the upper portion is seated on the recessed seat 13c of the cleaning -24frame 13. Here, while the upper portion is kept pressed toward the recessed seat 13c, the small screw 56 is threaded into the screw 13n through the hole so that fixing member 55 of the frame coupling member 54 is fixed to the cleaning frame 13. When the fixing member 55 of the coupling member 54 is pressed to the recessed seat 13c of the cleaning frame 13 against the spring force of the compression coil spring 26, a retainer portion 55b in the form of a rib is engaged with the retaining groove 13e.

The compression coil spring 26 may be inserted into the round hole 13g rather than mounting it to the coupling member 54.

In the disassembling operation, the small S 15 screw 56 is dismounted while the upper portion 55g of the fixing member 55 is kept pressed. Then, the pressing force is reduced, and the compression coil spring 26 spring back to rotate the coupling member 54 upwardly about the firstshaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 55d. After the compression coil spring 26 expands to its free length, the fixing member 55 is raised, and then the coupling member 54 rises by rotation about the shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 55d, so that compression coil spring 26 extends beyond the round hole 13g of the seat portion 13c of the cleaning frame 13. When the coupling member 54 is pulled outwardly in the longitudinal direction, the second shaft portion is removed from the outer through-hole 13f, and then the first shaft portion 20 is removed from the inner through-hole 13j and the hole 12b2 of the arm portion 12bl. As a result, the cleaning frame 13 and the developing device frame 12 are released from each other so that arm portion 12b1 can be pulled out from S: the recess 13m of the cleaning frame 13.

Figure 12 shows an example in which the 1 0 coupling member 54 is mounted to the cleaning frame 13 oooee: using a snap fit mechanism. Figures 13-16 are S. perspective views of the coupling member of this example, and Figures 17, 18 are three side views thereof. At an end of the coupling member 54 which is opposite from the end having the shaft portion an inverse claw 55c is provided extending from the end of the upper portion 55g, and the correspondingly, a non-circular hole 13p in which the inverse claw 55c is to be snap-fitted is formed in the recessed seat 13c of the cleaning frame 13.

The assembling method is the same as with the foregoing embodiment, except that at the last stage, the upper portion 55g is pushed toward the seat portion 13c by rotation about the shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 55d, so that leading edge of the inverse claw 55c flexes toward the shaft portion by the edge defining the non-circular hole 13p.

-26- When the inverse claw 55c is completely received by the non-circular hole 13p, the inverse claw spring-backs to be locked on the edge defining the non-circular hole 13p.

According to this embodiment, the assembling operation is easy and accurate, since the shaft member of the frame coupling member having the compression coil spring is inserted through the outer throughhole(opening) of the first frame, the hole(opening) of 10 the second frame and the inner through-hole(opening) of the first frame, while the first frame and the second frame are abutted to each other; and the compression coil spring is compressed by rotation about the shaft portion, and the fixing member is 15 threaded by a screw or-is snap-fitted to the first frame.

In the foregoing embodiments and the o• embodiments which will be described hereinafter, the first frame is provided with a recess, and the second frame is provided with a projected portion(arm portion 12bl), and the projected portion is inserted into the recess, but the relation may be opposite. More particularly, the cleaning frame(first frame) may be provided with an arm portion as the projected portion, and the arm portion is inserted into a recess formed in the developing device frame(second frame), so that frames are coupled with each other by the above- -27described frame coupling member.

In the restraining portion of the coupling member is provided at a bottom portion, but it may be located otherwise. More particularly, a restraining member in the form of a dowel may be provided on the longitudinally inner bottom surface of the upper portion or the like, and the seat portion may be provided with a hole which receives the restraining member when the shaft portion is inserted into the 10 openings of the frames and the frame coupling member Sa rotates toward the first frame.

Other examples of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion 55d are: the fixing member 55, the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 55d are integrally formed.

the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 55d are integrally formed, and the integral member is insert-molded with the fixing member.

the shaft portion is in the form of one rod without the step, and the outer through-hole 13f has the same diameter as the hole 12bl of the arm portion and as the inner hole 13j.

In this example, when the second shaft portion 55d has a diameter larger than that of the first shaft portion 20, the arm portion 12bl of the -28developing device frame 12 is sandwiched by the end surface of the second shaft portion 55d and the abutment surface 13k of the boss projecting into the recess 13 of the cleaning frame 13. By doing so, the longitudinal positional relation between the cleaning frame 13 and the developing device frame 12, is assured in the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 2 Referring to Figure 13, Embodiment 2 will be 10 described. Figure 13 is a schematic sectional view of the coupling member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same reference numerals as in the foregoing embodiment are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted for simplicity. In Embodiment i, the positioning shaft portion 20 is integral with the fixing member 55, but they may be separate members. In Embodiment 2, the first shaft portion can be inserted into the second shaft portion. Moreparticularly, the second shaft portion 155d of the fixing member 155 is provided at the center with a hole portion 155b snugly fitted with the shaft member 120. The shaft member 120 is projected from the side surface 13a of the cleaning frame 13 in the assembled state, and the projection height thereof is b.

The arm portion 12bl of the developing device -29frame 12 is inserted into the recess 13m of the cleaning frame 13, and thereafter, is inserted through the outer through-hole 13f, so that shaft member 120 is inserted through the hole 12b2 of the arm portion 12bl and the inner through-hole 13j of the inner wall recess 13m of the cleaning frame 13, as shown in Figure 13. Here, the hole portion 155b and the shaft member 120 are aligned with each other, while the compression coil spring 26 is place at a level higher than the seat portion 13c of the cleaning frame 13, and then, the fixing member 155 is moved horizontally toward the shaft member 120. Then, the hole portion 155b is first engaged with the shaft member 120. With further insertion of the fixing member 155, the second shaft portion 155d is inserted into the outer throughhole 13f, and the end surface of the second shaft portion 155d pushes the arm portion 12bl so that arm portion 12bl which is abutted to the surface 13k provided faced to the recess 13m of the cleaning frame 13.

The subsequent assembling operation is the same as with Embodiment i.

The projection length b of the shaft member 120 from the side surface 13a of the cleaning frame 13 during the assembling operation, is larger than zero and therefore, the hole portion 155b is engaged with the shaft member 120, and immediately thereafter, the second shaft portion 155d (outer diameter) is engaged with the external through-hole 13f of the cleaning frame 13. Therefore, the assembling operativity is maintained. Additionally, the same as Embodiment 1 applies with respect to the improvement in the productivity of the cleaning frame 13 and the retaining effect for the shaft member. The insertion molding is not necessary, since they are separate member, and therefore, the productivity is improved.

(specific Embodiment 1) A first specific embodiment is shown in Figures 10, 11. Figure 10 shows a leftside coupling member 54, and Figure 11 shows a right-hand side coupling member 54. In Figure 10, the total 15 length L1 of the left side coupling member 54 is and preferably, approx. 57.8mm. The total length L2 in the axial direction at the position of the shaft portion 20 is 25mm-40mm, and preferably, approx. 33.3mm. The diameter d of the shaft portion 20 is 3mm-5mm, and preferably, approx. 4mm. In Figure 10, the height H is 5mm-20mm, and preferably, approx. 12.5mm. The free length of the compression coil spring 26 is 15mm-20mm, and preferably, is approx. 17mm, and the outer diameter thereof is 3mm-5mm, and preferably, approx. 4mm. In Figure 11, the total length L1 of the right-hand side frame coupling member 54 is 50mm-65mm, and -31preferably approx. 56.5mm. The total length L2 in the axial direction at the position of the shaft portion 20 is 25mm-40mm, and preferably, approx. 27.4 mm. The diameter d of the shaft portion 20 is 3mm- 5mm, and preferably, approx. 4mm. In Figure 11, the height H is approx. 24mm. The spring specifications of the compression coil springs 26 at the left and right sides are the same. The distance L3 between the shaft portion 20 and the screw bore 10 is 39mm-53mm, and preferably, approx. 45mm (both at the left and right sides).

The fixing member 55 which is the main body of the coupling member 54 is of synthetic resin material; the shaft portion 20 is of stainless steel 15 or plated steel material; and the compression coil spring 26 is of a wire material of spring steel.

(Specific Embodiment 2) A second specific embodiment is shown in Figures 17, 18. Figure 17 shows a left side coupling member 54, and Figure 18 shows a right-hand side coupling member 54. In Figure 17, the total length L1 of the left side coupling member 54 is and preferably, approx. 57.8mm. The total length L2 in the axial direction at the position of the shaft portion 20 is 25mm-40mm, and preferably, approx. 33.3mm. The diameter d of the shaft portion is 3mm-5mm, and preferably, approx. 4mm. In -32- Figure 17, the height H is 5mm-20mm, and preferably, approx. 12.5mm.

The distance between the claw 55c and the urging portion 55e is 10mm-20mm, and preferably approx. 15.6mm. The distance between the shaft and the claw 55c is 45mm-55mm, and preferably, approx.

50.6mm. The inclination angle 8 of the urging portion 55e is 600-80 0 and preferably, approx. 700.

The total length L1 of the right-hand side 10 coupling member 54 is 50mm-65mm, and preferably, approx. 56.5mm. The total length L2 in the axial direction at the position of the shaft portion 20 is 25mm-40mm, and preferably, approx. 27.4 mm. The diameter d of the shaft portion 20 is 3mm-5mm, and 15 preferably, approx. 4mm. In Figure 17, the height H is 5mm-20mm, and preferably, approx. 12.5mm.

The distance between the claw 55c and the urging portion 55e is 10mm-20mm, and preferably approx. 15.6mm. The distance between the shaft and the claw 55c is 45mm-55mm, and preferably, approx.

50.6mm. The inclination angle 8 of the urging portion 55e is 600-80 0 and preferably, approx. 700 The coupling member described in the foregoing is summarized as follows. The process cartridge is assembled using the coupling member.

A coupling member 54) for coupling a first frame(e.g. Cleaning frame 13) for supporting an -33electrophotographic photosensitive member(e.g.

Electrophotographic photosensitive drum 7) and a second frame(e.g. Developing device frame 12) for supporting a developing member(e.g. Developing roller 10d) for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, said coupling member (54) comprising: i a base(e.g. Fixing member a shaft mounting portion(e.g. Second 10 shaft portion 55d) provided in said base to mount a shaft(e.g. Shaft portion 20) for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame; an urging portion(e.g. Spring supporting portion 55e), provided in said base, for urging, to 15 said second frame, a resilient member (e.g.

.p Compression coil spring 26) for applying a resilient force between said first frame and said second frame; a fixed portion (inverse claw 55c, hole for small screw), in said base, for fixing said base to said first frame.

Said urging portion will suffice if it urges the elastic member to the second frame, and is not necessarily have an elastic member; Said urging portion has a first projected portion(e.g. Large diameter portion 55el) projected from said base inclinedly toward said shaft mounting portion, and a second projected portion(e.g. Small -34diameter portion 55e2) provided at a free end portion of said first projected portion, wherein said first projected portion and second projected portion are circular in outer shapes as seen in a projecting direction, and said second projected portion has an outer diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of said first projected portion, and wherein said elastic member is mountable to a circular portion of said second projected portion; The urging portion is not necessarily projected from the base, but is an elastic member bonded by a bonding agent to a flat portion of a concave of a base; Said first Projected portion is provided with a rib (55k) for regulating a position of said first 0 00 projected portion relative to said first frame when said base is fixed to said first frame. The rib is 00 extended substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said first projected portion, and is projected fro a circular outer surface of said first projected portion.

One end of a coil spring as the elastic member is mounted to the circular portion of said second projected portion.

Said shaft mounting portion is projected from said base in a direction crossing with a longitudinal direction of said base, and is cylindrical in shape, and said shaft is mountable to an inner surface of said cylindrical.

One end of a metal rod as said shaft is mounted to an inner surface of said cylindrical portion.

Said fixed portion is a screw bore(e.g. A hole 55f for a small screw), and said base is fixed to te said first frame by fastening a screw to said first frame through said screw bore.

e:e 10 Said fixed portion is a claw(e.g. inverse claw 55c), and said claw is resiliently engaged with said first frame so that base is fixed to said first 00"frame.

Said claw is projected from said base 15 inclinedly toward said urging portion, and is substantially parallel with the projected portion of said urging portion, wherein an end of the claw is directed toward said urging portion, and to said projected portion a coil spring as said elastic member is mountable.

Said shaft mounting portion, said urging portion and said fixed portion are provided in this order in a direction from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of said base.

By doing so, the fixed portion is located more remote from said shaft than said urging portion.

Therefore, the force imparted to said fixed portion is -36smaller than an elastic force of said elastic member imparted to said urging portion. Accordingly, the mechanical strength required for the fixed portion is smaller. The force for pressing said fixed portion against the elastic force of said elastic member when the base is fixed to the first frame, can be reduced.

Said base has a flat portion(e.g. Upper portion Of and an extension (55al) extended from a lateral end of said flat portion in a longitudinal direction of said a 10 flat portion, and said urging portion and said fixed portion are provided to said flat portion, and said shaft mounting portion is provided on said extension.

The extension is provided with a position regulating portion(e.g. Retainer portion 55b) for 15 regulating aposition of said extension relative to said first frame by engagement with a groove of said first frame.

The developing roller (10d) as said developing member and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are urged toward each other by the elastic force of said resilient member through a spacer-roller.

Said shaft is of metal, and said base, said shaft mounting portion, said urging portion and said fixedportion are of plastic resin material and are integrally formed.

When said coupling member is mounted to said -37first frame, a shaft mounted to said shaft mounting portion is engaged in a hole formed in said first frame, and by rotating said base toward said first frame about the shaft, said claw is engaged with said first frame, and said coupling member is fixed to said first frame by said shaft and said claw.

The process cartridge is assembled through the following assembling process.

An assembling method for a process cartridge 10 detachably mountable to a main assembly of an oooe• electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of: age.

a first step of supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member on a first frame; 4 a second step of supporting a developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, on a second frame; a third step of coupling said first frame and said second frame by a coupling member, which includes: a base; a shaft for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame relative to each other; a shaft mounting portion, provided in said base, for mounting said shaft, wherein one end of said shaft is mounted to said shaft mounting portion; -38an elastic member for applying a resilient force between said first frame and a second frame; an urging portion, provided in said base, for urging said elastic member to said second frame, wherein said elastic member is mounted to said urging portion; s a fixed portion, provided in said base, for fixing said base to said first frame, wherein said base is fixed to said first frame at a fixed portion; wherein said third step including: engaging a shaft mounted to said shaft mounting portion into a hole formed in said first frame; to rotating said base toward said first frame about a shaft engaged in said hole; said third step further including: fixing said base to said first frame by threading a screw to said first frame through a screw bore as said fixed portion; said third step further including: fixing said base to said first frame by resilient engagement of a claw as said fixed portion with said first frame.

As described in the foregoing, according to embodiments of the present invention, there are provided a coupling member, a process cartridge and a process cartridge wherein assembling operativity is improved.

o• •:i •o *•g .*o :ooooo *o• oo*e* [R:\LIBOO]05076.doc:iad -39- Furthermore, there is provided a coupling member capable of easily coupling a first frame supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a second frame for supporting a developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, a process cartridge, an assembling method of the process cartridge using such a coupling member.

While the embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims.

a e e [R:\LIB00105076.doc:iad

Claims (18)

1. A coupling member for coupling a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a second frame for supporting a s developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, said coupling member comprising: a base, a shaft mounting portion provided in said base to support a shaft fixed to said base for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame, wherein the shaft provides a center of rotation of said first and second frames relative to each other, an urging portion provided in said base, for urging to said second frame, a resilient member for applying a resilient force between said first frame and said second frame, and a fixed portion provided in said base, for fixing said base to said first frame.

2. A coupling member according to claim 1, wherein said urging portion has a first projected portion projected from said base inclinedly toward said shaft mounting portion, and a second projected portion provided at a free end portion of said first projected portion, wherein the outer shapes of said first projected portion and second projected S portion are circular as seen in a projecting directidn, and said second projected portion has .00 0: 'an outer diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of said first projected portion, and wherein said resilient member is an elastic member and is mountable to a circular S"portion of said second projected portion. S..

3. A coupling member according to claim 2, wherein said first projected portion is o• provided with a rib for regulating a position of said first projected portion relative to said first frame when said base is fixed to said first frame, and wherein the rib is extended substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said first projected portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said first projected portion.

4. A coupling member according to claim 2 or 3, wherein one end of a coil spring as said elastic member is mounted to the circular portion of said second projected portion. [R:ALIBE]03610.doc:mxI -41 A coupling member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixed portion is a screw bore, and said base can be fixed to said first frame by threading a screw to said first frame through said screw bore.

6. A coupling member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said fixed portion is a claw, and said claw is resiliently engageable with said first frame so that said base can be fixed to said first frame.

7. A coupling member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said resilient lo member is a coil spring.

8. A coupling member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shaft mounting portion, said urging portion and said fixed portion are provided in this order in a direction from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of said base.

9. A coupling member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the developing member comprises a developing roller, wherein said developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be urged toward each other by the resilient force of said resilient member through a spacer roller.

10. A coupling member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shaft mounting portion, said urging portion and said fixed portion are made of plastic resin material and are integrally formed. St• 25 11. A coupling member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: said base includes a flat portion and an extension extending from a lateral edge of said flat portion in a longitudinal direction of said flat portion, and said shaft mounting *S se portion is provided in said extension, ~said shaft mounting portion being projected from said extension in a direction S crossing with a longitudinal direction of said extension, is cylindrical in shape, and an end of the shaft is mountable to an inner surface of the cylindrical shaft mounting portion, and S" said urging portion is provided in said flat portion. [R:LIBE]03610.doc:mxI 42

12. A coupling member according to claim 6, wherein said claw is projected from said base inclinedly toward said urging portion, and is substantially parallel with the projected portion of said urging portion.

13. A coupling member according to claim 6, wherein when said coupling member is mounted to said first frame, a shaft mounted to said shaft mounting portion is engageable in a hole formed in said first frame, and by rotating said base toward said first frame about the shaft, said claw is engaged with said first frame, and said coupling member is fixed to said first frame by said shaft and said claw. I0

14. A coupling member according to claim 11, wherein said shaft mounting portion, said urging portion and said fixed portion are provided in this order in a direction from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of said base.

15. A coupling member according to claim 11, wherein the extension is provided with a position regulating portion for regulating a position of said extension relative to said first frame by engagement with a groove of said first frame.

16. A coupling member according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising said shaft. 0* Oc .00. 0

17. A coupling member according to claim 16, wherein one end of a metal rod as said shaft is mounted to an inner surface of the cylindrical shaft mounting portion. 9000 0 0 *ba0s0 9

18. A coupling member for coupling a first frame for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a cleaning member for removing toner •00 remaining on said electrophotographic photosensitive drum therefrom, a charging roller it 0 @se for charging said electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a second frame for "0 supporting a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on said O 0 electrophotographic photosensitive drum, said coupling member comprising: a base having a flat portion and an extension extending from a lateral edge of said flat portion in a longitudinal direction of said flat portion; a shaft for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame; [R:\LIBE]0361 O.doc:mxl

43- a shaft mounting portion provided in said extension to support a shaft fixed to said base, for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame, wherein said shaft mounting portion is projected from said extension in a direction crossing with a longitudinal direction of said extension, and is cylindrical in shape, and an end of said shaft is mounted to an inner surface of the cylindrical shaft mounting portion; a coil spring for applying resilient force between said first frame and said second frame; an urging portion, provided in said flat portion, for urging, to said second frame, said coil spring for applying a resilient force between the first frame and io the second frame, wherein said urging portion has a first projected portion projected from said base inclinedly toward said shaft mounting portion, and a second projected portion provided at a free end portion of said first projected portion, wherein the outer shapes of said first projected portion and second projected portion are circular as seen in a projecting direction, and said second projected portion has an outer diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of said first projected portion, and wherein said coil spring is mounted to a circular portion of said second projected portion; and a claw for fixing said base to said first frame, wherein said claw is projected from said flat portion inclinedly toward said shaft mounting portion, and is :substantially parallel with the shaft mounting portion, wherein an end of the claw is 20 directed toward said urging portion, and said flat portion is fixed to said first frame by o. resilient engagement of said claw with said first frame. 19. A coupling member according to claim 18, wherein said first projected portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position of said first projected portion relative to said 25 first frame when said base is fixed to said first frame. 20. A coupling member according to claim 18 or 19, wherein said shaft mounting a portion, said urging portion and said claw are provided in this order in a direction from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of said base. a• 21. A coupling member according to any one of claims 18 20, wherein the extension is provided with a position regulating portion for regulating a position of said extension relative to said first frame by engagement with a groove of said first frame. [R:\LIBE)03610.doc:mxl -44- 22. A coupling member according to any one of claims 18 21, wherein the developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are urged toward each other by the resilient force of said coil spring through a spacer-roller. 23. A coupling member according to any one of claims 18 22, wherein when said coupling member is mounted to said first frame, said shaft mounted to said shaft mounting portion is engaged in a hole formed in said first frame, and by rotating said base toward said first frame about the shaft, said claw is engaged with said first frame, and said coupling member is fixed to said first frame by said shaft and said claw. I0 24. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member; a first frame supporting said electrophotographic photosensitive member; a second frame supporting said developing member; and a coupling member coupling said first frame and said second frame, said 20 coupling member being as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. 25. An assembling method for a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main •assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said method comprising the steps of: 25 a first step of supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member on a first frame; a second step of supporting a developing member for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive member, on a second frame; and a third step of coupling said first frame and said second frame by a S 30 coupling member, which includes: a base; a shaft for rotatably coupling said first frame and said second frame relative to each other; [R:\LIBE]03610.doc:mxl a shaft mounting portion provided in said base for mounting said shaft, wherein one end of said shaft is mounted to said shaft mounting portion; a resilient member for applying a resilient force between said first frame and a second frame; an urging portion, provided in said base, for urging said resilient member to said second frame, wherein said resilient member is mounted to said urging portion; and a fixed portion, provided in said base, for fixing said base to said first frame, wherein said base is fixed to said first frame at a fixed portion. 26. A method according to claim 25, wherein said third step includes the steps of: engaging said shaft mounted to said shaft mounting portion into a hole formed in said first frame; and rotating said base toward said first frame about a shaft engaged in said hole. 27. A method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein said third step further includes the step of: fixing said base to said first frame by threading a screw to said first frame through a screw bore as said fixed portion. 28. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein said third step further includes the step of: •fixing said base to said first frame by resilient engagement of a claw as said fixed portion with said first frame. g 29. A coupling member for coupling a cleaning frame to a developing device frame of a process cartridge detachably mountable on and insertable into the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, said coupling member comprising: i: o •a compression coil spring; 30 a shaft portion for rotatably coupling the developing device frame and the cleaning frame, wherein said shaft portion has a cylindrical shape, a fixing member to which said compression coil spring and said shaft portion are attached, said fixing member including: [R:ALIBE]03610.doc:mxl

46- side portion in the form of a plate, said side portion being provided parallel with and adjacent to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame when said coupling member couples said developing device frame and said cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises an extension portion comprising: circular second shaft portion; and retainer portion, wherein said retainer portion is engageable with a retaining groove on the cleaning frame so that said fixing member is retained and correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction; and an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially L- shaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on a recessed seat provided at an upstream corner as seen from an inserting direction of the process cartridge, at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the cleaning frame is in the form of a plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a S 20 stepped dowel comprising: a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position "of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends 25 substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and a small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is press- fitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of .said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled and said coupling member couples the cleaning frame and the developing device frame; and [R:\LIBE]03610.doc:mx -47- a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion; wherein said second shaft portion supports said shaft portion and supports one of opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device frame, wherein said shaft portion is positioned at the center of said second shaft portion; wherein said shaft portion is configured and positioned to engage an outer lo through hole in a side portion of the cleaning frame and a hole in an arm portion of the developing device frame when said coupling member couples the developing device frame and the cleaning frame, and wherein the end surface of said second shaft portion is configured and positioned to abut an outer side surface of the arm portion when said shaft portion couples said fixing member, the developing device frame and the cleaning frame by engaging the outer through hole in the side portion of the cleaning frame and the hole in the arm portion. A coupling member for coupling a cleaning frame to a developing device frame of a process cartridge detachably mountable on and insertable into a main assembly of an 20 image forming apparatus, said coupling member comprising: a compression coil spring; a shaft portion for rotatably coupling the developing device frame and the cleaning frame, wherein said shaft portion has a cylindrical shape, a fixing member to which said compression coil spring and said shaft portion are mounted, said fixing 25 member including: a side portion in the form of a plate, the side portion being provided parallel with and adjacent to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame when said coupling member couples said developing device frame and said cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises an extension portion comprising a circular second shaft portion; and an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially L- shaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on a recessed [R:\LIBE]036 O.doc:xl -48- seat provided at an upstream corner as seen from an inserting direction of the process cartridge, at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the frame is in the form of a plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a stepped dowel comprising: a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil lo spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and a small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is press- fitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said 20 small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled and said coupling member couples the cleaning frame and the developing device frame; and a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be i fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is 25 substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion, wherein said second shaft portion supports said shaft portion and supports one of opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device frame, wherein said shaft portion is positioned at the center of said second shaft portion; wherein said shaft portion is configured and positioned to engage an outer through hole in a side portion of the cleaning frame and a hole in an arm portion of the developing device frame when said coupling member couples the developing device frame and the cleaning frame, and wherein the end surface of said second shaft portion is jAbq configured and positioned to abut an outer side surface of the arm portion when said shaft [R:\LIBE]036 -49- portion couples said fixing member, the developing device frame and the cleaning frame by engaging the outer through hole in the side portion of the cleaning frame and the hole in the arm portion. 31. A process cartridge detachably insertable in an inserting direction to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, said cartridge comprising: a cleaning frame supporting a photosensitive drum and a cleaning device positioned and configured to clean said photosensitive drum, said cleaning frame including vertical side surfaces, said cleaning frame further including a recessed seat lo provided at an upstream comer as seen from the inserting direction of the process cartridge, at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame; a developing device frame supporting a developing device, wherein said developing device frame comprises an arm portion projected toward the cleaning frame at each longitudinal end of said developing device frame when said cleaning frame and said developing device frame are coupled to one another; and two coupling members positioned and configured to couple said cleaning frame and said developing device frame, each of said coupling members comprising: a compression coil spring; a shaft portion for rotatably coupling said developing device frame and said 20 cleaning frame, wherein said shaft portion has a cylindrical shape; and a fixing member supporting said compression coil spring and said shaft portion, wherein said fixing member comprises: i .a side portion in the form of a plate extending substantially vertically when the coupling member is mounted, the side portion being provided parallel with and adjacent 25 to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises: an extension portion comprising: a circular second shaft portion; and a retainer portion, wherein said retainer portion is engageable with a retaining groove in said cleaning frame so that said fixing member is retained and correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction; an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially L- [R:\LIBEJ036I10.doc:mxl shaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on the recessed seat provided at the upstream corner at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the frame is in the form of a plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: *a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a stepped dowel comprising: a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and a small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is press- fitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the I :developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled by coupling said cleaning frame and said developing device frame with said coupling member; a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is S 25 substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion, wherein the other of said fixing members comprises: .a side portion in the form of a plate extending substantially vertically when the coupling member is mounted, the side portion being provided parallel with and adjacent to vertical side surfaces of each of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame, wherein said side portion comprises an extension portion, wherein said extension comprises a circular second shaft portion; and an upper portion extending from said side portion and being bent inwardly and 'L having a substantially horizontal plate-like shape, wherein a section taken along a [RI\IBE]03610.doc:x -51 longitudinal and vertical plane of the upper portion and the side portion is substantially L- shaped, wherein said upper portion has a shape and dimensions to snugly fit on the recessed seat provided at the upstream comer at each of left and right ends of the upper surface of the cleaning frame, wherein the bottom surface of the recessed seat of the frame is in the form of a plate, wherein the depth of the recess and the thickness of the upper portion are substantially the same, wherein said upper portion comprises: a spring-supporting projection comprising a spring supporting portion supporting said compression coil spring, wherein said spring-supporting projection is in the form of a stepped dowel comprising: a large diameter portion configured to provide a seat for said compression coil spring, wherein said large diameter portion is provided with a rib for regulating a position of said large diameter portion relative to said developing device frame when said fixing member is fixed to said developing device frame, and wherein the rib extends substantially parallel with a projecting direction of said large diameter portion, and is projected from a circular outer surface of said large diameter portion; and a small diameter portion around which said compression coil spring is press- fitted, wherein the axis of said spring supporting portion is aligned with a center line of said compression coil spring press fitted around said small diameter portion, wherein the i: center line is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the arm portion of the 20 developing device frame when the said compression coil spring is press-fitted around said small diameter portion after said process cartridge is assembled by coupling said cleaning frame and said developing device frame with said coupling member; a claw engageable with one of said frames so that said fixing member can be fixed to said one of said frames, wherein said claw projects from said upper portion of 25 said fixing member inclinedly toward said spring-supporting projection and is substantially parallel to said spring-supporting portion, wherein an end of said claw is directed toward said spring-supporting portion, wherein each second shaft portion 0 supports one of said shaft portions and supports one of opposite longitudinal ends of the developing device frame, wherein said shaft portion is positioned at the center of said 30 second shaft portion, wherein each arm portion of said developing device frame has a hole therein for receiving one of said shaft portions, wherein said cleaning frame further comprises: [R:\LIBE]03610 IOdoc:mx -52- a recess at each longitudinal end of said cleaning frame, wherein each recess engages one of said arm portions projected toward the cleaning frame at one of opposite longitudinal ends of said developing device frame; a side portion at each longitudinal end of said cleaning frame, each side portion being provided with an outer through hole engageable with one of said second shaft portions; an upper surface comprising: a recessed seat provided at an upstream comer of each of left and right ends of said upper surface as seen from the inserting direction of the process cartridge, wherein the bottom surface of said recessed seat includes a hole for receiving said compression coil spring; a retaining groove provided at one longitudinal side of said upper surface for receiving said retainer portion; and two middle walls, each parallel to said side portions and each having an inner Is through hole therein for engaging one of said shaft portions when said shaft portions are inserted into said outer through hole of said side portion of said cleaning frame and said arm-portion hole of said developing device frame, and each having an inner wall for abutting one of said developing-device-portion arm portions when each of said arm portions is inserted into one of said recesses, wherein the end surface of each of said S 20 second shaft portions abuts an outer side surface of one of said arm portions when each of o. said shaft portions couples said fixing member, said developing device frame, and said cleaning frame by engaging said outer through hole in said side portion of said cleaning frame and said hole in said arm portion. 25 32. A coupling member substantially as described herein in relation to any one embodiment with reference to the drawings. o• *oo* 33. A process cartridge substantially as described herein in relation to any one embodiment with reference to the drawings. embodiment with reference to the drawings. o• S [R:\LIBE]03610.doc:mxl 53 34. An assembly method substantially as described herein in relation to any one embodiment with reference to the drawings. DATED this Twenty-fifth Day of February, 2002 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON 0I 0* S .0.0 (R \LIBE]03 6 1 Odoc: ml