Patent attributes
A process cartridge includes: a first unit including a photosensitive drum; a second unit, including a process member, movable to a spaced position and to a close position; and a spacer member for holding the second unit at the spaced position. The spacer member includes a contact portion for holding the second unit at the spaced position and includes a portion-to-be-phase-determined for preventing rotation of the spacer member by being engaged with a phase-determining portion provided in the second unit. The spacer member is rotated, by receiving a force from the drum at the contact portion when the drum is rotated, against a force with which the phase-determining portion determines a rotational position of the spacer member, and eliminates a contact state of the contact portion with the drum to permit movement of the second unit from the spaced position to the close position.
