FIELD: physics.
SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a process cartridge, an electrophotographic imaging device in which the process cartridge can be installed with possibility of replacement thereof, and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit. The process cartridge (B) for use in the main unit of the imaging device, wherein the main unit includes a drive shaft (180), and the process cartridge can be removed from the main unit in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft (180), wherein the process cartridge includes: i) a photosensitive drum (107) capable of turning about its axis; ii) a process means (108, 110) capable of acting on the drum; iii) a connecting element (150), capable of engaging the drive shaft in order to turn the drum (107), wherein the connecting element is capable of occupying an angular transmission position for transmitting a rotary force to the drum (107) and an angular engagement position where the connecting element is deviated from the axis of the drum (107) from the angular transmission position, wherein when removing the process cartridge (B) from the main unit in the direction perpendicular the axis of the drum (107), the connecting element (150) is displaced from the angular transmission position to the angular engagement position.
EFFECT: design of a process cartridge capable of smoothly rotating the photosensitive drum by installation thereof in the main unit, which is not fitted with a mechanism for moving the connecting element on the side of the main unit in the direction of its axial line in order to transmit a rotary force to the photosensitive drum through an operation for opening and closing the cover of the main unit; as well as a photosensitive drum unit used in the process cartridge, and an electrophotographic imaging device in which the process cartridge can be installed and from which said cartridge can be removed.
145 cl, 112 dwg
