Arrangement for switching developing unit to developing position and release position

Abstract

A process cartridge includes: a photoconductive unit; a developing unit coupled to the photoconductive unit and pivotable to a developing position and a release position; and an elastic member that biases the developing unit toward the developing position. The nip control member is switchable to a nip separation position in which the developing unit is maintained at the release position and a nip formation position which allows the developing unit to pivot to the developing position. The switching member switches the nip control member from the nip separation position to the nip formation position when the developing roller of the developing unit rotates in the image formation direction. When the nip control member is switched from the nip formation position to the nip separation position, the rotational power control member prevents or reduces rotational power transmission between the switching member and the developing roller.

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