Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To further develop a prior art cartridge. [Solution] A cartridge includes a holding movable between a first position for stably holding a second unit in a spaced position by a first unit and a second position, and a contact force receiving portion capable of receiving a contact force for moving the holding portion from the first position toward the second position to move the second unit to a developing position, when the second unit is in the spaced position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body provided with a mounting portion and an interference member, and a toner cartridge inserted into the mounting portion. The toner cartridge includes a housing containing toner, a coupling portion, a front cover coupled to one end of the housing via the coupling portion, and a switching member to weaken a coupling force of the coupling portion by interfering with the interference member when the toner cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus reads a document mounted on a document positioning section by using an image reading section, and forms an image of the document on a sheet by using an image forming section. The sheet subjected to the image formation processing is mounted on a discharge tray via a discharge section. The image forming apparatus includes an operation unit that has a touch panel and that protrudes from a front portion of the image reading section, and a power button that is a hardware button provided on a back side of the operation unit and on a front portion of the image reading section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge and a main body into which the cartridge is removably installed. The cartridge includes a first unit and a second unit that is movably connected to the first unit. The main body includes a rotating member, a supporting member disposed at a position away from the rotating member, and a swingable member that is pivotally movable about the supporting member and configured to be moved by the rotating member. The swingable member is movable between a first position at which the swingable member is in contact with the second unit and a second position at which the swingable member is retracted from the first position. Installation and removal of the cartridge into and from the main body is enabled in a state where the swingable member is at the first position and is supported by the rotating member.

Abstract: A toner container includes a toner discharge port and a shutter to open and close the toner discharge port. The shutter includes a shutter main portion and shutter deforming portions. Each of the shutter deforming portions includes a stopper and a stopper releaser. The stopper contacts a contact portion of the toner container to restrict a movement of the shutter in an opening direction. The stopper releaser receives an external force from below to displace the stopper upward to release a contact state of the stopper with the contact portion. The stopper releaser of one of the shutter deforming portions releases the contact state with the contact portion independently of another of the shutter deforming portions. When the contact state of the stopper with the contact portion is released in all of the shutter deforming portions, restriction of the movement of the shutter in the opening direction is released.

Abstract: An image formation unit according to an embodiment may include: a main body that holds an image carrier; and a shutter unit including first and second shutter members rotatably held with respect to the main body, wherein the shutter unit transits between an opened state where the first and second shutter members are unfolded, a closed state where the first and second shutter members are folded, and an intermediate state between the opened and closed states; a guide member supported by the main body and configured to regulate a movement of the second shutter member in a direction away from the image carrier while abutting on a first abutting portion of the second shutter member when transiting between the closed and opened states; and a holding member configured to abut on a second abutting portion of the second shutter member so as to hold the intermediate state.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes: a main casing; a drawer movable in a first direction relative to the main casing; a process cartridge detachably mountable on the drawer; and a toner cartridge. The drawer includes a first drawer side plate and a second drawer side plate spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction. The process cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in the second direction when the process cartridge is mounted on the drawer; and a developing device for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum. When the process cartridge is mounted on the drawer and the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge, the toner cartridge has a length in the second direction greater than a distance in the second direction between the first drawer side plate and the second drawer side plate.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes an image carrier, a body, a shutter unit, a first guiding portion, and a holding portion. The body holds the image carrier with a portion of the image carrying surface being exposed. The shutter unit includes first and second shutter members. The first shutter member is held by the body, being pivotable about a first rotational axis relative to the body, and includes a first inner surface. The second shutter member is held by the first shutter member, being pivotable about a second rotational axis relative to the first shutter member, and includes a second inner surface and first and second contact portions. The shutter unit is shiftable between a closed state and an open state. The closed state is a state extended with the image carrying surface being covered. The open state is a state with the image carrying surface being exposed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a main body casing, a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge. The main body casing has an opening and a slot extending in from the opening toward an inside of the main body casing along a first direction. The drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are attached to the slot. The main body casing includes a drum guide groove configured to guide movement of the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a drum protrusion configured to be engaged with the drum guide groove. A width of the drum guide groove in the second direction is decreased toward the inside of the main body casing from the opening.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus cover, first and second exposure units, and an orientation setting mechanism. The apparatus cover opens or closes by pivoting about a rotation fulcrum with respect to an apparatus body. The first exposure unit is disposed at a first position, on an inner surface, spaced apart from the rotation fulcrum. The second exposure unit is disposed at a second position, on the inner surface, closer than the first position to the rotation fulcrum. The orientation setting mechanism sets an orientation of the first exposure unit to a first direction approaching the apparatus body in a closed state. The orientation setting mechanism sets it to a second direction further away than the first direction from the rotation fulcrum and sets the orientation of the second exposure unit to a third direction between the first and second directions when the opening angle is a first angle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body having a rotation supporting point, a first rotating member rotatably supported by the rotation supporting point, a second rotating member arranged between the apparatus main body and the first rotating member and rotatably supported by the rotation supporting point, a photosensitive unit holding member holding a photosensitive unit and slidably supported by the second rotating member, a first engagement part that engages with the photosensitive unit holding member, and a second engagement part that engages with the apparatus main body.

Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism includes an opening and closing door that is rotatably supported to be movable between a closed position where an opening of an apparatus body is covered and an opened position where the opening is opened, a link member provided in the apparatus body and rotatably supported by a rotary shaft, a guide member having a first guide surface that moves while being in contact with the link member in a case where the opening and closing door moves to the closed position and a second guide surface that moves while being in contact with the link member in a case where the opening and closing door moves to the opened position, and a switching member that guides the link member from the first guide surface to the second guide surface, in which the switching member includes a root portion and an arm extending from the root portion to an opposite side to the apparatus body, and a first rotational moment toward the first guide surface using the root portion as an axis is applied to the arm.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first apparatus body, a first drum cartridge, a first guide portion, a lock unit, and a first erroneous insertion blocking portion. The lock unit is configured to lock a first cover member with the first apparatus body if the first drum cartridge with the first cover member is inserted by a first distance from a first insertion slot portion by being guided by the first guide portion. The first erroneous insertion blocking portion is configured to permit the first drum cartridge to be inserted into the first apparatus body and to block a second drum cartridge, functionally different from the first drum cartridge, to be inserted into the first apparatus body in a range exceeding a third distance shorter than a first distance from the first insertion slot portion.

Abstract: A developing device that is useable with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive drum. The developing device also includes a coupling member for transmitting a rotating force to the developing roller.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including a casing and a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum having a circumferential surface which includes a first area and a second area; a first cover which pivotally moves between a first closed position where the first cover covers the first area of the photosensitive drum and a first open position where the first area is exposed; and a second cover which pivotally moves between a second closed position where the second cover covers the second area of the photosensitive drum and a second open position where the second area is exposed. A direction in which the second cover pivotally moves from the second closed position to the second open position is opposite to a direction in which the first cover pivotally moves from the first closed position to the first open position.

Abstract: A rotating force transmitting part for an electrophotographic photosensitive drum for a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a driving shaft, to be driven by a motor, having the rotating force applying portion, and wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is dismountable from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a direction substantial perpendicular with an axial direction of the driving shaft, the rotating force transmitting part includes a coupling member engageable with the rotational force applying portion to receive a rotational force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the state in which electrophotographic photosensitive drum is mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the coupling member being capable of taking a rotational force transmitting angular position for transmitt

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly, a rotatable image bearing member, and a cartridge detachably mountable to the main assembly, the cartridge including a rotatable developer carrying member. A first swingable member is provided in the main assembly, engages with one end of the cartridge in an axial direction of the developer carrying member when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, and swings integrally with the cartridge, and a second swingable member is provided in the main assembly, engages with the other end of the cartridge in the axial direction of the developer carrying member when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, and swings integrally with the cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming unit mountable to an image forming apparatus includes a main assembly including an image bearing drum and insertable into the apparatus; a cover portion engaging with the main assembly of the unit to cover the drum; an inserting portion provided on the cover portion for insertion into the apparatus; a movable locking portion for locking the cover portion with the apparatus; and a moving mechanism for moving the locking portion to a locking position after the cover portion is mounted to the apparatus, and the main assembly of the unit is inserted into the apparatus by a predetermined amount from an insertion starting position, and for moving the locking portion from the locking position an unlocking position before completion of mounting of the main assembly of the unit to the apparatus.

Abstract: A process unit has an image carrying unit having an image carrying member configured to be rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, and a developing agent removing member, a developing unit having a developing agent carrying member configured to be rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a waste developing agent collecting unit configured to collect the developing agent removed by the removing member from the image carrying member. The waste developing agent collecting unit is arranged on one side in the first direction with respect to the developing unit such that the waste developing agent collecting unit faces the developing unit, and the developing unit is connected to the waste developing agent collecting unit such that the developing unit being movable in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the waste developing agent collecting unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly; an door openable and closable relative to the main assembly; a flexible connecting member connecting the door with the main assembly, the connecting member being slidable at least relative to one of the main assembly and the door, wherein the connecting member slides with opening of the door relative to the main assembly; a sliding member swingably supported by the main assembly or the door and slidable relative to the connecting member which slides. When the door is opened, the connecting member contacts, while sliding, a part of the sliding member on one side with respect to a center of swing to press the sliding member, so that the other side with respect to the center of swing of the sliding member urges the connecting member to an urged portion to retard the sliding movement of the connecting member.

Abstract: A drum cartridge attachable to and detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus includes a cleaning frame, a photosensitive drum rotatably supported by the cleaning frame, and an opening provided in the cleaning frame and configured to expose the photosensitive drum. In a factory default state of the drum cartridge, handling caution information is printed in at least part of a region of a surface of the photosensitive drum, the region being exposed from the opening.

Abstract: A drum supporting member, which is usable with an image forming apparatus, includes a photosensitive drum and a mounting portion for detachably mounting a developing cartridge. The drum mounting portion also includes a contacting member contactable with the developing cartridge, with contacting member being movable between a first position and a second position. When the contacting member is in the first position, the contacting member contacts the developing cartridge with a developing roller of the developing cartridge being placed in a third position contacting the photosensitive drum. When the contacting member is in the second position, the contacting member contacts the developing cartridge with the developing cartridge being placed in a fourth position in which the developing cartridge is dismountable from the drum supporting member.

Abstract: A fixing device includes: a heat unit extending in an axial direction and comprising a heater, the heat unit having a central region in the axial direction and an end region outside of the central region; an opponent member to face the heat unit; and a cover positioned opposite to the opponent member with respect to the heat unit. The cover has: a central cover portion positioned to face the central region and spaced away from the central region by a reference distance; and a side cover portion positioned to face the end region and movable between a first position providing a first distance from the heat unit and a second position providing a second distance from the heat unit, the first distance being not more than the reference distance, and the second distance being greater than the reference distance.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing device, a transfer portion, a feeding portion, a main body frame, a fixing device, a discharge portion, a recording-medium conveyance path, an opening/closing member, a cover sheet, a cover moving mechanism, and a cooling portion. The main body frame is arranged above the image carrier. The fixing device is attached to the main body frame. Along with opening/closing of the opening/closing member, the cover moving mechanism causes the cover sheet to reciprocate between a protection position for covering a part of the image carrier on a side of the recording-medium conveyance path and a retraction position between the image carrier and the main body frame. At the retraction position, a passage for an air flow between the cooling portion and the fixing device is blocked by the cover sheet contacting the main body frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body and a cartridge attached to the main body. The cartridge includes: a casing extending in a longitudinal direction; a photosensitive drum extending in the longitudinal direction; and a separating member that is detachably attached to the casing. The photosensitive drum has a peripheral surface and is positioned in confrontation with the endless belt as a result of attachment of the cartridge to the main body. The separating member is attached to the casing and separates the photosensitive drum from the endless belt when the main body is packaged while the cartridge is attached to the main body. The separating member includes first and second end portions disposed on both end portions of the casing, and a connecting portion connecting the first and second end portions and is configured to cover the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing device for post-processing of a recording sheet ejected from an image forming device in an ejection direction, the sheet post-processing device including: a first tray on which the recording sheet is placed after ejection; a push-out member that pushes out, in a push-out direction different from the ejection direction, the recording sheet placed on the first tray; and a guide member adjacent to an ejection direction downstream end of the first tray, the guide member supporting a portion of the recording sheet that protrudes from the first tray in the ejection direction. The guide member includes a resistive force reduction unit that reduces a resistive force that occurs due to contact between the guide member and the recording sheet, the resistive force hindering the pushing out of the recording sheet when the push-out member pushes out the recording sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a light-emitting unit which emits light to an image bearing member which bears a developer image and that detects presence or absence of a developer container storing developer or a shape of the developer container on the basis of the number of electrons discharged from or received by the image bearing member when the light-emitting unit emits the light.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing; a process cartridge; and a protective member. The process cartridge is detachably attached to the housing and includes a drum unit; and a developing unit. The drum unit includes a photosensitive member. The developing unit includes a developing roller; and a first wall. The developing roller defines a first axis extending in an axial direction and is configured to rotate about the first axix. The first wall has a first surface; and a second surface opposite thereto. The first surface extends in the axial direction and faces the developing roller. The protective member is detachably attached to the process cartridge and includes a spacer. The drum unit includes a second wall. The second wall has a third surface. The third surface extends in the axial direction and faces the second surface. The spacer is disposed between the second surface and the third surface.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a casing; a developer carrier; and a receiving member. The casing includes a support portion. The receiving member receives a drive force from an external drive source to transmit the drive force to the developer carrier. The receiving member has a cylindrical configuration. The support portion rotatably supports the receiving member. The receiving member includes: a receiving portion; a transmission portion; and a fitting portion. The receiving portion has an outer edge in a radial direction of the receiving member. The transmission portion defines an outer circumferential edge of the receiving member. The fitting portion is positioned inward of the transmission portion in the radial direction and fitted with the support portion. The outer edge of the receiving portion is positioned inward of the transmission portion in the radial direction and outward of the fitting portion in the radial direction.

Abstract: An image carrier unit includes an engage mechanism configured to attach a protection cover slidably to a unit casing in a rotational axis direction of an image carrier. The engage mechanism includes first and second engage mechanisms. The first engage mechanism includes a first engage portion provided at a first end portion in a width direction orthogonal to the rotational axis direction of the protection cover and a first engaged portion provided in the unit casing and engaged with the first engage portion, and is configured such that the first engage portion engages with the first engaged portion in orientation to one side in the width direction. The second engage mechanism is also configured such that a second engage portion engages with a second engaged portion in orientation to the one side in the width direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that can prevent a protection cover from being detached from an apparatus main body when the attaching of a process cartridge is completed, with a simple structure includes a biasing portion that can bias the process cartridge. The biasing portion applies biasing force in such a manner that a distal end portion of the protection cover is sandwiched between the apparatus main body and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. This structure can prevent the protection cover from being detached from the apparatus main body at a time when the attaching of the process cartridge is completed.

Abstract: A toner conveying device includes a first communication opening, a toner supply opening, a toner conveyance passage, an opening/closing member, and a moving member. The first communication opening communicates with a toner discharge outlet formed in a toner case in a state where the toner case is attached to a predetermined attachment position, the toner case including an operation portion. The toner conveyance passage connects the first communication opening to the toner supply opening. The opening/closing member moves between a closing position and an opening position. When the opening/closing member is at the closing position, the toner supply opening is closed, and when the opening/closing member is at the opening position, the toner supply opening is opened. The moving member is dislocated in conjunction with an operation of the operation portion in such a way as to move the opening/closing member from the closing position to the opening position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion to which one of a plurality of kinds of cartridges having different configurations is mountable, a fan device for cooling the cartridges mounted to the mounting portion with air flow provided thereby, and a changing device for changing a state of the air flow in accordance with the configuration of the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion. The changing device includes a contact member contactable to the cartridge mounted to the mounting portion, and the contact member is displaceable in accordance with a configuration of the mounted cartridge to change the state of air flow.

Abstract: In an image forming device, a process cartridge is detachably insertable in a process frame. The developing coupling is provided in the one end of the developing unit for transmitting an external rotation force to the developing unit. The developing coupling has: a rotation axis; and a drum shutter to be pivotally moved between a first position at which the drum shutter covers the photosensitive drum and a second position at which the drum shutter does not cover the photosensitive drum. A shutter portion covering the part of the photosensitive drum at the first position. The shutter portion is in direct confrontation with the developing unit at the second position. When the process cartridge is inserted in the process frame, the drum shutter is positioned at the second position whereas when the process cartridge is not inserted in the process frame, the drum shutter is positioned at the first position.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes an outlet port positioned on the front of a housing for transferring toner from a reservoir to a developer unit. The toner cartridge includes an engagement member having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The first engagement surface is positioned proximate the rear of the housing to receive an actuation force from an actuation feature of an image forming device. The second engagement surface is positioned proximate the front of the housing below the outlet port to engage a shutter on an inlet port of the developer unit. The engagement member is movable from a first position to a second position upon receiving the actuation force. As the engagement member moves from the first position to the second position, the second engagement surface protrudes from the front of the housing to engage the shutter of the developer unit.

Abstract: A cleaning device for an image forming apparatus includes a cleaning member that removes residual developer that remains on a image carrier, a rotary conveying member that conveys the removed residual developer toward a predetermined direction, and a housing that contains the rotary conveying member. The housing includes a support member that supports the cleaning member; and a protective member that has an inner wall which opposes outer periphery of the rotary conveying member and partially covers the rotary conveying member. The protective member is made of a resin molding material to which a filler is not added.

Abstract: A cartridge may include a conveyor roller extending along a rotational axis and a bearing member for rotatably supporting the conveyor roller. The conveyor roller may include a larger-diameter portion for conveying a sheet, and a smaller-diameter portion. The bearing member may rotatably support the smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller, and engage the housing. In one or more arrangements, the entire smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller may be located at a more outward position, relative to a midpoint of the larger-diameter portion, than a portion of the bearing member supporting the smaller-diameter portion of the conveyor roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a body frame including an opening; a cover configured to rotate between an open position where the cover opens the opening and a closed position where the cover closes the opening and including a base end portion rotatably supported by the body frame and a distal end portion; an exposure member supported by the cover and configured to swing when the cover is rotated from the closed position to the open position; a cable configured to transmit current to the exposure member; and a metal plate fixed to the cover and having a through-hole through which the cable extends, the metal plate including, a main body part, and a conduction part protruding, toward the exposure member, from the main body part adjacent to the through-hole at the distal end side of the cover.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a manual operating unit, at least a part of which being exposed to an outside of the apparatus body and a part of which included inside the apparatus body being exposed to the outside by manually operating from the outside, a condensation part to which moist air in the apparatus body contacts to dew-condense to a water droplet, and a recovery container part containing the water droplet generated by the condensation part and being disposed on an inner surface of the manual operating unit included inside the apparatus body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that can prevent a protection cover from being detached from an apparatus main body when the attaching of a process cartridge is completed, with a simple structure includes a biasing portion that can bias the process cartridge. The biasing portion applies biasing force in such a manner that a distal end portion of the protection cover is sandwiched between the apparatus main body and the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. This structure can prevent the protection cover from being detached from the apparatus main body at a time when the attaching of the process cartridge is completed.

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: A developing device that attaches/detaches to/from a main body of an image forming apparatus includes a first frame that supports a photosensitive member, a second frame that supports a developing roller, and a connecting bracket in which a fixed supporter couples to a side portion of the first frame, a flexible supporter that couples to a side portion of the second frame, and an elastic arm connecting the fixed supporter and the flexible supporter to each other to provide an elastic force that may elastically bias the developing roller toward the photosensitive member, are integrally formed.

Abstract: An image carrier unit includes an engage mechanism configured to attach a protection cover slidably to a unit casing in a rotational axis direction of an image carrier. The engage mechanism includes first and second engage mechanisms. The first engage mechanism includes a first engage portion provided at a first end portion in a width direction orthogonal to the rotational axis direction of the protection cover and a first engaged portion provided in the unit casing and engaged with the first engage portion, and is configured such that the first engage portion engages with the first engaged portion in orientation to one side in the width direction. The second engage mechanism is also configured such that a second engage portion engages with a second engaged portion in orientation to the one side in the width direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a rotary member which rotates with respect to an apparatus main body between a first position and a second position; and a buffering member connected to the apparatus main body and the rotary member for buffering an impact attributable to the rotation of the rotary member. The buffering member includes: a hollow member; a movable member moveable between an evacuation position and an advance position; and a slide member provided to the movable member and contactable with an inner circumferential surface of the hollow member. The slide member is deformable such that a first pressure on the hollow member when the rotary member rotates from the first position to the second position is larger than a second pressure on the hollow member when the rotary member rotates from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: In an image forming device, a drawer moves between an accommodated position in which the drawer is accommodated in an accommodation space of a main casing of the image forming device and a pull-out position in which at least part of the drawer is outside the accommodation space. Cartridges are detachably attachable to the drawer. A moving member is provided at the drawer, and moves between a first position and a second position. A stop member provided in the main casing prevents the drawer from moving to the accommodated position when the drawer is on its way to the accommodated position from the pull-out position while the moving member is at the first position, and permits the drawer to move to the accommodated position when the drawer is on its way to the accommodated position from the pull-out position while the moving member is at the second position.

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: A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a frame having an opening for exposing the image bearing member; a movable shutter member movable between a closing position for closing the opening and an open position for opening the opening; and a holding portion for abutting to the shutter member to hold the shutter member at the closing position, wherein the shutter member is elastically deformable to ride over the holding portion to permit the shutter member to move from the closing position to the open position.

Abstract: A developer cartridge is detachably mounted to a main apparatus, and includes a storage portion storing a developer, an ejection opening for ejecting the developer from the storage portion, and a first opening-and-closing member for opening and closing the ejection opening. The first opening-and-closing member is able to take a first position where the first opening-and-closing member opens the ejection opening and causes the developer cartridge to be fixed to the main apparatus, a second position where the first opening-and-closing member closes the ejection opening and makes the developer cartridge detachable from the main apparatus, and a third position where the first opening-and-closing member closes the ejection opening and causes the developer cartridge to be fixed to the main apparatus.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus detachably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus, includes a rotatable image bearing member on which a latent image is to be formed; charging means for contacting said image bearing member to charge a surface of said image bearing member; a frame supporting said image bearing member and said charging means; a covering member, demountably mounted to said frame, for protecting the surface of said image bearing member; and a spacer member including a spacing portion, movably provided on said covering member, for entering between said image bearing member and said charging means to space them therebetween, and a retaining portion, contacting said covering member when said spacing portion is not between said image bearing member and said charging means, for preventing said spacer member from disengaging from said covering member.

Abstract: An image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an access door manually movable between a closed position and an open position. A carriage is mounted on an inner portion of the access door. A first roll is rotatably mounted to the carriage and forms a nip with a second member positioned in the interior of the housing when the access door is closed. The first roll is spaced away from the second member when the access door is open. The carriage is free to move relative to the access door and is biased away from the access door toward the second member. A clamping assembly is configured to clamp the first roll against the second member to form the nip as the access door is closed and unclamp the first roll from the second member as the access door is opened.