Abstract: A process cartridge includes a developing cartridge, drum cartridge, and end member. The developing cartridge and drum cartridge include first and second driving force receiving units, respectively. The second receiving unit is disposed on the same side on which the first receiving unit in an axis direction of photosensitive drum. A developing frame is movable within a prescribed distance in the axis direction relative to a photosensitive drum frame. The photosensitive drum is movable in the axis direction relative to the drum frame within a predetermined distance. The end member includes a drum contact surface, developing frame contact surface, and external member contact surface. When the first and second receiving units are in a predetermined state, a photosensitive drum contacts to the drum contact surface, the developing frame contacts to the developing frame contact surface, the external member contact surface contacts to an external member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photoconductor drums; a plurality of exposure members; a drum supporting member having a pair of side walls disposed opposite to each other in an axial direction of the photoconductor drum and configured to support the photoconductor drums and the exposure members between the side walls; a belt disposed below and opposite to the photoconductor drums; a pair of guide members configured to support the drum supporting member while allowing rectilinear movement of the drum supporting member; and a main body circuit board provided in the main body and connected to the exposure members via a cable. The main body circuit board is arranged above the drum supporting member.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes an image bearing member unit configured to rotatably support an image bearing member, and a developing unit configured to rotatably support a developer bearing member. The developing unit includes a first supported portion configured to be swingably supported with respect to the image bearing member unit, a second supported portion provided configured to be swingably and slidably supported with respect to the image bearing member unit, and a regulated portion configured to be capable of contacting a regulating portion provided on the image bearing member unit. The regulating portion regulates the developing unit from moving in a slide direction of the second supported portion, by contacting the regulated portion, when the image bearing member and the developer bearing member rotate while contacting to each other.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a main cartridge configured to be attachable to an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus, and a sub cartridge configured to be attachable to the main cartridge, wherein the main cartridge includes a moving member configured to be capable of moving between a first position for preventing, by the moving member contacting the apparatus body, the main cartridge from entering the inside of the apparatus body and a second position for allowing the main cartridge to enter the inside of the apparatus body, and a regulation member capable of moving between a regulation position for locking the moving member at the first position and an allowable position for allowing the moving member to move to the second position, and wherein the regulation member moves to the allowable position by attaching the sub cartridge to the main cartridge.

Abstract: A process unit includes a drum frame supporting a photoconductor drum and a development frame supporting a development roller. The development cartridge is swingably supported by the drum frame at a coupling joint provided at a first side of the development frame and a support portion provided at a second side of the development frame. A center of rotation of the development roller is located in a position shifted from a line segment connecting a center of rotation of the coupling joint and a center of rotation of the photoconductor drum to an upstream side with respect to a direction of rotation of the coupling joint as viewed in an axial direction of the development roller, such that the development roller is pressed against the photoconductor drum by the action of the rotatory force received by the coupling joint.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: a main casing of an image forming apparatus; a plurality of types of developing cartridges including first and second developing cartridges; and a plurality of types of image carrier cartridges including first and second image carrier cartridges each capable of accommodating selected one of the developing cartridges. The first developing cartridge includes a first cover member. The second developing cartridge includes a second cover member different from the first cover member. The first image carrier cartridge includes a first engaging portion engageable with the first cover member, and a first restriction portion. The second image carrier cartridge includes a second engaging portion engageable with the second cover member. The first restriction portion is configured to restrict the second cover member from engaging the first engaging portion.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a cartridge including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the cartridge containing a developer for effecting development and including a force receiving portion, wherein the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; and an urging member for urging the cartridge; wherein by mounting the cartridge, the force receiving portion receives a force from the urging member to urge the developing roller to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a drum supporting member integrally supports a plurality of photosensitive drums. A moving member detachably supports the drum support member. The moving member moves between a mounted position, in which the moving member is mounted in a main body of the image forming apparatus, and a pulled-out position, in which the moving member is pulled out of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A belt is disposed above the moving member and is capable of contacting with the plurality of photosensitive drums when the moving member is disposed in the mounted position. The drum supporting member is detached upward from the moving member when the moving member is in the pulled-out position. The drum supporting member rotatably supports each of the photosensitive drums.

Abstract: A developing unit and image formation device in which a developer carrier is reliably pressed towards and separated from an image carrier is described. A separation and pressing mechanism is provided for separating and pressing the developer carriers of developing cartridges installed in a drum unit onto image carriers. This separation and pressing mechanism has a pair of direct cam members. Each direct cam member has a release action portion that engages with the releasing projection of a developing cartridge when the developer carrier is to be separated from the image carrier. Each direct cam member may also have a pressing action portion that engages with the pressing projection of the developing cartridges when the developer carrier is to be pressed onto the image carrier.

Abstract: A process unit includes a photosensitive unit, a developer unit, a first urging member, and a second urging member. The first urging member urges the developer unit with a first urging force when the developer unit is in a contact position where a developing member contacts a photosensitive drum. The first urging member urges the developer unit with a second urging force greater than the first urging force when the developer unit is in a separated position where the developing member is separated from the photosensitive drum. The second urging member urges the developer unit with a third urging force smaller than the first urging force when the developer unit is in the contact position. The second urging member urges the developer unit with a fourth urging force smaller than the third urging force when the developer unit is moved from the separated position to the contact position.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes: a developer cartridge; and a photosensitive-member cartridge. A casing of the photosensitive-member cartridge includes: a photosensitive-member accommodating portion; and a cartridge-accommodating portion disposed next to the photosensitive-member accommodating portion in a first direction. The cartridge-accommodating portion includes a first wall and a first portion. The first wall extends in the first direction and confronts the developer cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first wall has a first end and a second end positioned farther away from the photosensitive-member accommodating portion in the first direction than the first end from the photosensitive-member accommodating portion. The first portion extends from the second end in the second direction and protrudes further than the developer cartridge in the second direction.

Abstract: A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus detachably mounts cartridges and includes a support supporting a cartridge, movable between inside and outside positions, an outer wall having an opening through which the support passes through when moving between the inside and outside positions, and a guide supporting the support to linearly move between the inside and outside positions so that when the support is in the outside position, the guide supports the support so that a downstream side thereof is pivotable downwardly about an upstream side of the support with respect to a movement direction to the outside position from the inside position. In this state, the cartridge is mounted to the support from above the support and is dismounted upwardly of the support.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cartridge for accommodating developer includes a detected member configured to be detected by an external first sensor, and a drive-force transmission member configured to transmit a drive force to the detected member upon receipt of the drive force from outside. The detected member is configured to rotate in a first direction about a first rotational axis extending in an axial direction. The detected member includes: a receiving part configured to contact the drive-force transmission member to receive the drive force therefrom; and a first detected part. A portion of the first detected part and a portion of the receiving part are arranged at the same position as each other in the axial direction.

Abstract: A drum unit is provided, which includes a frame configured such that a development cartridge including a pressed portion is detachably attached thereto, and a pressing member. The development cartridge is movable between a pressed state where the pressed portion is pressed by the pressing member when attached to the frame and a released state where the pressed portion is released from pressing of the pressing member when the development cartridge is attached to the frame. The pressing member includes a pressing section that contacts and presses the pressed portion when the development cartridge is in the pressed state, and a restriction section configured to, when the development cartridge is in the pressing state, restrict movement of the pressed portion in a released direction, in which the pressed portion moves when the development cartridge moves from the pressing state to the released state.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes: a photosensitive member unit having a photosensitive member; a developing unit detachably mountable on the photosensitive member unit and having a developing roller; a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when the developing unit is mounted on the photosensitive member unit, the movable member at the first position permitting the photosensitive member and the developing roller to be in contact with each other and the movable member at the second position permitting the photosensitive member and the developing roller to be in separation from each other; and a covering member configured to cover the photosensitive member, the movable member being at the second position in a state where the covering member covers the photosensitive member.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a drum supporting member integrally supports a plurality of photosensitive drums. A moving member detachably supports the drum support member. The moving member moves between a mounted position, in which the moving member is mounted in a main body of the image forming apparatus, and a pulled-out position, in which the moving member is pulled out of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A belt is disposed above the moving member and is capable of contacting with the plurality of photosensitive drums when the moving member is disposed in the mounted position. The drum supporting member is detached upward from the moving member when the moving member is in the pulled-out position. The drum supporting member rotatably supports each of the photosensitive drums.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus including a door 10 openable with respect to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, a drum cartridge 8 detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus main assembly, and detachably mountable developing cartridges 4k-4y provided above the drum cartridge 8, wherein the door 10 includes a positioning urging portion 26 contacting the developing cartridges in a state in which the door 10 is closed, the door 10 includes drum cartridge mounting and demounting guides 28R and 28L for regulating the drum cartridge 8 so as to pass along a non-interference path with the positioning urging portion 26 in contact to the drum cartridge 8 when the drum cartridge 8 is demounted from the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus may include a body frame; a developer cartridge; a toner cartridge mounted in the body frame to be detachable, and is configured to move to a first location where the toner cartridge starts to connect to the developer cartridge to supply toner and to a second location where the connection is completed; at least one first location regulating member provided in the developer cartridge and regulating a relative location of the toner cartridge with respect to the developer cartridge when the toner cartridge is located in the first location; and at least one second location regulating member provided in the body frame and regulating a relative location of the toner cartridge with respect to the developer cartridge so that the toner cartridge is spaced apart from the at least one first location regulating member when the toner cartridge is located in the second location.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning frame member, a developer bearing member, a development frame member, a flexible sheet member, and a protection member. The electrophotographic photosensitive member forms an electrostatic latent image. The cleaning frame member supports the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The developer bearing member develops the electrostatic latent image using a developer. The development frame member supports the developer bearing member. The flexible sheet member is fixed onto a seating surface with one end side thereof and contacts the developer bearing member with the other end thereof, for preventing leaking of a developer from between the developer bearing member and the development frame member. The protection member is attached to the cleaning frame member, for protecting the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Abstract: The photosensitive member cartridge includes: a photosensitive member; a mounting portion; and a shaft. The photosensitive member has an axis extending in an axial direction. The mounting portion is configured to accommodate a developing cartridge therein. The shaft extends in the axial direction. The shaft includes: a first abutment portion configured to be abuttable on the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion; and a positioned portion configured to be subjected to positioning with respect to a main casing of an image forming apparatus when the photosensitive member cartridge is mounted in the main casing of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: When the acute angle between a normal line, oriented outward from a blade abutting portion of a photosensitive member over which a cleaning blade remains abutted before separation of the surface of the photosensitive member from the cleaning blade, and a horizontal plane, passing through the origin of the normal line, is expressed as a positive value when the normal line lies above the horizontal plane and expressed as a negative value when the normal line lies below the horizontal plane; an imaging unit frame so supports a photosensitive module that the photosensitive member can rotate to a specific rotational position having a greater angle than the angle at the time of separation of the surface of the photosensitive member from the cleaning blade. Until the photosensitive member rotates from a normal rotational position to the specific rotational position, the photosensitive module cannot be removed from the imaging unit frame.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes an image carrying member cartridge and a developing cartridge. The image carrying member cartridge includes a first handle. The developing cartridge includes a second handle. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the image carrying member cartridge, a one edge of the first handle is located at substantially the same position as a one edge of the second handle in a direction, and the second handle is spaced apart from the first handle.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes: a drum cartridge including a photoconductor; a development cartridge configured to be detachably attached to the drum cartridge and including a developer carrying member for supplying developer to the photoconductor; a locking member provided on the drum cartridge and configured to be switchable between a locking position in which the development cartridge attached to the drum cartridge is in a locked state and restrained from being moved in a removing direction in which the development cartridge is removed from the drum cartridge and a lifting position in which the locked state is released and the development cartridge is movable in the removing direction, and a retaining member configured to retain the development cartridge which has been moved from the locked state in the removing direction by switching the locking member from the locking position to the lifting position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is configured to electro-photographically form an image and includes a main body frame which includes a side wall, an outer cover which covers an outer face of the main body frame, a high-voltage board which includes a high-voltage generator circuit configured to generate a high voltage and supply an electric power to a device requiring a high-voltage power source, and a main board which includes a main control circuit configured to perform a control on an image forming process of the image forming apparatus. In a side region which is formed by the side wall of the main body frame and the outer cover, the high-voltage board and the main board are disposed along the side wall to overlap with each other at least partially, and the high-voltage board is disposed on an outer side relative to the main board.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a developing roller for contacting the electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The developing cartridge also includes a force receiving portion, projected in an axial direction of the developing roller, for receiving a force for spacing the developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a first engagement portion and a rotatably supported image bearing body. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the image bearing body. A second unit includes a second engagement portion and a rotatably supported developer material bearing body. The developer bearing body develops the electrostatic latent image with a developer material into a developer image. The second unit is coupled to the first unit such that the first engagement portion engages the second engagement portion. A plurality of urging members that are mounted in a vicinity of one end of an axis of rotation of developer material bearing body, and urge the first unit and the second unit in directions such that the image bearing body and the developer material bearing body are urged against each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a developer container to contain a developer therein and a developer supply port; an image forming unit to form an image with the developer from the developer container and including a developer intake port; an openable/closable upper cover configured to cover an upper part of the developer container in a closed state and take out the developer container in an open state; an openable/closable retention cover to hold the developer container and configured to allow the image forming unit to be removed when the retention cover is opened; a coupling device to secure a coupled state of the developer supply port of the developer container with the developer intake port of the image forming unit when the upper cover is in a closed state; and a disconnection preventer to prevent the developer container from disconnecting from the retention cover when the upper cover is opened.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a main assembly and a cartridge including a process device actable on an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The process cartridge is detachably mountable relative to the main assembly, with the cartridge including a first unit and a second unit pivotably connected with the first unit. An opening is provided in the main assembly of the apparatus for permitting mounting and demounting of the cartridge. An openable member is provided in the main assembly of the apparatus for openably closing the opening. An exposure device is provided on the openable member for exposing the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A first positioning portion is provided in the main assembly. The exposure device is provided with a second positioning portion for positioning between the exposure device and the second unit of the cartridge by engagement with the cartridge by closing the openable member.

Abstract: A main cartridge attachable and detachable to and from an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium is provided. The main cartridge include a process device configured to act on a photosensitive member, a grip portion configured to be held by a user, and an attachment unit to attach a sub cartridge containing developer along the longitudinal direction of the main cartridge. In the longitudinal direction, the center position of the grip portion is disposed at the upstream side in the attachment direction of the sub cartridge from the center position of the main cartridge.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably installable in an image forming apparatus including a first sub-unit to hold an image carrier, a second sub-unit to hold a developer bearing member, a first positioning member to position first ends of the image carrier and the developer bearing member in a longitudinal direction, respectively, and a second positioning member to position second ends of the image carrier and the developer bearing member opposite the first ends in the longitudinal direction, respectively. The second sub-unit has a protruding portion protruding outward to a first end of the second sub-unit beyond the first positioning member in the longitudinal direction. An opposing surface of the protruding portion provided to face the first positioning member is dimensioned to conform to a cross-section of the first positioning member perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a container storage that is installed on a toner container and stores first information relating to a use amount of a toner in the toner container and stores second information relating to a use amount of an image holding portion, which is a component not including the toner container and including at least an image holding body from among components installed in a cartridge; a housing storage that stores at least the second information and remains in the housing when the cartridge is removed from a housing; and an information write unit that writes the second information stored in the housing storage into the container storage if the first information stored in the container storage indicates that the toner in the toner container is unused and the second information stored in the container storage indicates that the image holding portion is used.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes a driving source configured to supply a rotational driving force in a predetermined direction, a particular developing unit having a developing roller and accommodating particular color developer, a first gear configured to receive the driving force of the driving source, a second gear configured to transmit the driving force to the developing roller, a particular intermediate gear configured to be engaged with the first and the second gears. A rotational center of the particular intermediate gear is arranged on an upstream side in a moving direction of teeth of the second gear, and a translation member is configured to linearly move between a first position where the particular intermediate gear engages with the first and second gears, and a second position where the particular intermediate gear disengages from the particular intermediate gear.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller configured to rotate about an first axis extending in a first direction, the developing roller having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction; a case including a first wall disposed at the first side of the developing roller and a second wall disposed at the second side of the developing roller; an arm configured to be supported by the first wall of the case and configured to swing between a first posture and a second posture about an second axis extending the first direction, the arm including a first protrusion projecting from the arm in the first direction.

Abstract: An image forming device including a casing having a front wall formed with a first opening and an upper wall continuous to the front wall and formed with a second opening. The first and second openings together form a single opening. The device further includes a door for covering the single opening, a belt unit, and a guide member. The belt unit includes first and second rollers, and a conveyer belt. The drawer is configured to accommodate a plurality of cartridges. The guide member is configured to movably guide the drawer. The first roller is disposed nearer to the single opening than the second roller to the single opening. In a state where the door is opened and the drawer is inside the casing, one of the plurality of cartridges closest to the door is detachably attachable to the drawer through the single opening.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a developing unit; and a casing. The developing unit includes a developing agent bearing member having an axis defining a first side and a second side in an axial direction. The casing supports the photosensitive drum and the developing unit. The casing has an opening at a position corresponding to the first side. The developing unit is detachable from and attachable to the casing through the opening. The developing unit is movable selectively to one of a proximity position, a separated position, and a pivoted position where the developing agent bearing member is pivotally moved about a portion of the developing agent bearing member at the second side from the separated position in a direction away from the photosensitive drum. The developing unit is detachable from and attachable to the casing along the axial direction in a state where the developing unit is at the pivoted position.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir to permit toner from the reservoir to pass out of the housing. A first leg and a second leg each project from a bottom portion of the housing to limit the side-to-side travel of the toner cartridge during insertion into the image forming device. Wing guides are positioned on opposite side surfaces of the housing. A stop extends from each wing guide to limit the forward travel of the toner cartridge in the image forming device. Rounded projections extending from the bottom surfaces of the wing guides define contact points to control the vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a frame for supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developer roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with a developer, and a developer supplying roller for supplying the developer to the developing roller. The process cartridge also includes first and second portions-to-be-positioned on ends of the cartridge, and a portion-to-be urged for receiving an elastic force. A developer supplying roller bias contact is provided exposed at an end side of the process cartridge for receiving a supplying roller bias voltage to be supplied to the developer side supplying roller, with the cartridge side developer supplying roller bias facing obliquely downward.

Abstract: A developer cartridge includes: a first rotary body having at least one detected part; and a second rotary body. The first rotary body is configured to rotate between a first position, in which a transmission part is disposed opposite the second rotary body, and a second position, in which a non-transmission part is disposed opposite the second rotary body. The first rotary body includes a contacted part. A photosensitive body cartridge includes a moving member. When the moving member is in a third position, the moving member contacts the contacted part of the first rotary body disposed in the second position, causing the first rotary body to rotate to the first position. Thereafter, in association with rotation of the first rotary body, the moving member moves to a fourth position, in which the moving member is unable to contact the contacted part.

Abstract: A photosensitive member unit includes: a first image forming unit including a first photosensitive member rotatable on a first axis line; and a second image forming unit including a second photosensitive member rotatable on a second axis line parallel with the first axis line and disposed in parallel with the first image forming unit at a first side in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the first and second axis lines. The first image forming unit includes a charger and a cartridge containing portion. The charger includes: a charging member; a cleaning member for cleaning the charging member; and an operating member for operating the cleaning member. The operating member is inoperable when the developing cartridge is installed in the cartridge containing portion, and is exposed to be operable in the cartridge containing portion when the developing cartridge is removed from the cartridge containing portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a drum unit which holds photosensitive drums in parallel, a developing cartridge which is detachably mounted in the drum unit, a translation member which is provided in the apparatus body to be movable linearly, a shaft which is provided on the tandem photosensitive drum unit for each developing cartridge; and a pivoting member which is rotatably supported by the shaft. The pivoting member includes an abutting portion which is provided on one side to abut the translation member, a pressing portion which is provided on the other side, and is configured to press a predetermined portion of the developing cartridge in a direction in which the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; and a spring portion which applies a biasing force in a direction in which the pressing portion is separated from the predetermined portion.

Abstract: A unit mounting and dismounting mechanism includes a unit mountable in and dismountable from an apparatus body, an engaging portion provided in one of the apparatus body and the unit, a pressing member provided in the other of the apparatus body and the unit, the pressing member engaging with the engaging portion and pressing the unit against the apparatus body with a biasing force of a biasing member in a mounting direction of the unit when the unit is mounted in the apparatus body, and a release member provided in the unit, the release member being operated in a direction different from a dismounting direction of the unit from the apparatus body so as to move the pressing member against the biasing force of the biasing member in a direction to release pressing.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a detachably-mounted cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive member, first and second portions-to-be-regulated for regulating rotation of the cartridge when a driving force receiving portion receives a driving force, and a transfer member for transferring a developer image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member onto a toner image receiving member. A supporting member is movable between an inside position which is in a main assembly of the apparatus and an outer portion, and a contacting and spacing member is movable relative to the supporting member. In addition, a first regulating portion permits movement of the supporting member between the outer position and the inside position, and a second regulating portion regulates rotation of the cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge detachably installable in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a main reference portion receiver to receive a main reference portion provided to the process cartridge, a sub-reference portion receiver to receive a sub-reference portion provided to the process cartridge, and a pressing mechanism to press the process cartridge to cause the main reference portion to contact the main reference portion receiver upon installation of the process cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The pressing mechanism presses the process cartridge in a direction angled with respect to a line connecting a center of the main reference portion with a contact position where the pressing mechanism contacts the process cartridge.

Abstract: A developing unit detachably mountable in a photosensitive member unit including a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formable, a pressing member, and a positioning portion includes: a developing unit frame; a developing roller; and a directing portion. The developing roller is rotatably supported to the developing unit frame, and configured to supply developing agent to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member. The directing portion is fixed to the developing unit frame for directing the developing unit frame to a predetermined orientation and for fixing a position of the developer unit frame. The directing portion includes: a pressed portion configured to receive a pressure force from the pressing member for moving the developing roller toward the photosensitive member; and a positioned portion abuttable on the positioning portion for positioning the developing unit relative to the photosensitive member unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a main assembly; a movable member movable, while supporting a cartridge including at least one of an image bearing member on which a latent image is to be formed and developing means for developing with a developer the latent image formed on the image bearing member, between an outside position in which the cartridge is located outside the main assembly and an inside position in which the cartridge is located inside the main assembly; and a cartridge displacing member for displacing the cartridge with respect to the movable member in a demounting direction in which the cartridge is demountable from the movable member in a state in which the movable member is located at the outside position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photoconductor drums; a plurality of exposure members; a drum supporting member having a pair of side walls disposed opposite to each other in an axial direction of the photoconductor drum and configured to support the photoconductor drums and the exposure members between the side walls; a belt disposed below and opposite to the photoconductor drums; a pair of guide members configured to support the drum supporting member while allowing rectilinear movement of the drum supporting member; and a main body circuit board provided in the main body and connected to the exposure members via a cable. The main body circuit board is arranged above the drum supporting member.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes an organic photo conductor, an OPC frame part to support the organic photo conductor, a developing roller to develop a latent image formed on the organic photo conductor by supplying a developer, a developing roller frame part to support the developing roller, a developer storing part to store the developer and provided with a supplying opening through which the developer is supplied to the developing roller, a spacer removably interposed between the OPC frame part and the developing roller frame part and spacing the OPC frame part from the developing roller frame part such that the organic photo conductor and the developing roller do not contact each other, a leakage preventer removably attached to and sealing the supplying opening, and a connecting part to connect the spacer with the leakage preventer. Thus, the spacer and the leakage preventer are capable of being removed simultaneously.