US Patent 6968142 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus

A process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of an image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, at least one process device for acting on the drum, a cartridge frame holding the drum and the process device and exposing a portion of the drum, a shutter member provided for movement between a position to protect and a position to permit exposure the of the drum, and a shutter opening and closing link mechanism for moving the shutter member in operative association with the opening and closing operation of an openable and closable door when the process cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus.