Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a holding member having a plurality of photosensitive drums and configured to hold a plurality of toner cartridges in a detachable manner. The holding member is coupled to an apparatus body in a tiltable manner between a storage position where the holding member is disposed in the apparatus body substantially horizontally and a replacement position where the holding member is raised from the apparatus body substantially vertically. A top cover supports a plurality of light source arrays in association with the photosensitive drums and is coupled to the apparatus body in a tiltable manner between a closed position where the light source arrays are positioned with respect to photosensitive drums and an open position where the light source arrays are withdrawn from the photosensitive drums. The top cover tilts in a different direction from a direction that the holding member tilts.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of easily performing exchange in a process cartridge with a new cartridge and performing removal of a jammed sheet without detachment of a drawer from a casing. The drawer detachably holds a plurality of process cartridges, and is movable in frontward/rearward direction to one of an operable position where each photosensitive drum is in direct confrontation with a conveyer belt, a cartridge exchangeable position where all of the cartridges are positioned out of the casing, and a jammed sheet processing position ahead of the cartridge exchangeable position for removing a jammed sheet. A regulation mechanism is provided for selectively regulating the movement of the drawer dependent on detachment of a rearmost process cartridge from the drawer.

Abstract: A cover opening and closing unit for an image forming apparatus, includes a cover removably mounted to a main body of the image forming apparatus mounting therein a developer cartridge, a developing unit, a transferring unit and a waste-developer receptacle, and a locking device fixing the cover to the main body of image forming apparatus. The locking device is released from the main body only after the waste-developer receptacle is removed from the main body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member and a main body with an internal conveyance path for conveying a transfer material. An opening/closing member is attached to the main body and is displaceable between a closed position and an opened position where the conveyance path is exposed. A cover is set to cover a part of the image bearing member facing the conveyance path when the opening/closing member is open and is retracted from the conveyance path when the opening/closing member is closed. A moving mechanism slides the cover. Front and rear frames are held movably by the moving mechanism and are attached respectively to front and rear edges of the cover in a sliding direction. A tension applying mechanism acts on the frames to apply tension to the cover in the sliding direction during a sliding movement of the cover.

Abstract: A developer cartridge has: a first body having an opening; a memory unit that has a contact terminal, the memory unit is provided at the first body; and a second body that covers the first body, the second body having a exposure hole; wherein the second body and the first body are movable relative to each other, the second body is able to open and close the opening by a relative movement with regard to the first body, and wherein the contact terminal of the memory faces to outside of the developer cartridge through the exposure hole when the second body is positioned at a first position in which the opening is opened, and the contact terminal of the memory unit is covered with the second body when the second body is positioned at a second position and the opening is closed by the second body.

Abstract: A developer cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus and contains developer, the developer cartridge includes: a first body that has an opening for supplying the developer; a second body that covers the first body, the second body having a conductive portion that can transmit electricity; and a memory unit that is disposed between the first body and the second body, the memory unit can be connected to a terminal of the image forming apparatus through the conductive portion of the second body, wherein the second body and the first body are movable relative to each other, the second body is able to open and close the opening by a relative movement with regard to the first body.

Abstract: A cartridge according to one aspect of the invention is detachably attachable to a main body including a first terminal. The cartridge comprises: a case; a memory device configured to store information concerning the cartridge; a cover member configured to cover a part of the case and movably supported on the case to allow a relative movement to the case; and a second terminal provided at the cover member and electrically connected to the memory device. In a state where the cartridge is attached to the main body, the second terminal contacts with the first terminal of the main body.

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.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing roller, two units, a movable member, and a cover. The roller can contact the photosensitive member to develop an image formed thereon. One unit supports the photosensitive member with a part thereof exposed. The other unit supports the roller and moves between positions for contacting the roller and the photosensitive member with each other and spacing these elements from each other. The movable member moves the roller-supporting unit between the contact and spaced positions. The cover covers the exposed part and engages the movable member to regulate movement thereof with the developing unit positioned in the spaced position.

Abstract: A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus including: an opening in a main body; a door opening and closing the opening; a first tray movable between an inside position and an outside position through the opening while removably supporting drum cartridges having photosensitive drums; a second tray movable between the inside position and the outside position through the opening while removably supporting developing cartridges having developing rollers; a transfer member to which toner images are transferred from the photosensitive drums; and a positioning member, which releases, when the door is opened, an engagement between engaging portions of the developing cartridges and engaged portions of the drum cartridges to hold the developing cartridges so that the second tray can be pulled out, and which engages, when the door is closed, the engaging portion with the engaged portion to position the developing cartridges for image formation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes first and second image forming units having, respectively, first and second image bearing members, detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The apparatus also includes a transfer device transferring toner images formed on the first and second image bearing members onto a transfer medium, an opening through which the first and second image forming units are passable during mounting and demounting operations, an openable member, and a guide for guiding, during mounting and demounting, the first and/or second image forming units when the openable member is in the open position. At least a part of the guide enters a space between the first and second image forming units when the openable member is in the close position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a cover opening of an image forming apparatus and a method and apparatus for controlling the supply of power to the image forming apparatus by detecting cover opening are provided. A detection is made as to whether first and second covers for the image forming apparatus are both closed. A verification is made as to whether memory information of a predetermined memory placed in the first cover is detected, if at least any one of the first and second covers is open. A determination is made that the second cover is open, if the memory information is detected. Accordingly, a user can know which cover is open among covers provided in the image forming apparatus by using one switching element. In addition, since a circuit used for detecting cover opening can be implemented with low cost, maintenance of the circuit can be promptly carried out.

Abstract: An image forming assembly includes a photoreceptor assembly that includes a photoreceptor, and an accommodating container that accommodates at least the photoreceptor and holds the photoreceptor with a part of the photoreceptor being exposed; a developing assembly that includes a developing member, and a developer container that accommodates at least the developer member and holds the developing member so as to position the developing member at a portion opposed to the photoreceptor; a connecting mechanism that connects the photoreceptor assembly to the developing assembly so that a distance between the photoreceptor and the developing member is changeable; a protection member that covers and protects the exposed portion of the photoreceptor; and guide members that are respectively provided on the accommodating container and the developer container, and that detachably guide the protection member with the protection member lying astride the two assemblies.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a tray, which is able to be drawn out of the apparatus and on which a plurality of cartridges of different sizes can be mounted. A cartridge, being the largest in size among a plurality of process cartridges, is detachably arranged at a location at which it is first exposed to outside when a cartridge tray is drawn out. A developer storage portion of the largest cartridge has the largest capacity and stores a developer of a black color.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image forming apparatus including a main body; a developing unit detachably mounted on the main body and having a photoconductive medium; and a cover pivotably mounted on the main body to cover and support an outer end of the developing unit. The cover may comprises a latch engaged with the main body by one end thereof so that the cover supports the developing unit. A member that supports a shaft of the photoconductive medium may also be included. Because the member operates in association with the latch, opening and closing of the cover may be facilitated, accordingly also facilitating separation of the developing unit from the main body.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a drum, first and second guidable portions guidable by first and second guides when the cartridge enters or advances in the main assembly, first and second regulatable portions provided at leading and trailing sides of the cartridge with respect to the advancing direction and regulated by a first main assembly regulator when the process is advancing in the main assembly, first and second positionable portions to be positioned at first and main assembly second positioners, respectively, by the urging force of a main assembly urging member after the first and second regulatable portions pass the first and second regulators, respectively. The cartridge is mounted to the main assembly with the first and second positionable portions at the first and second positioners, respectively, by the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a photosensitive drum, a charged wire which long extends in a shaft direction of the photosensitive drum and charges the photosensitive drum by electric discharge, a frame disposed so as to surround the charged wire, the frame in which a cover side opening is formed in the side opposite to the photosensitive drum with respect to the charged wire, and a cover member disposed so as to cover the cover side opening while forming a blow path in communication with the cover side opening between the frame and the cover member. The cover member moves along the charged wire and is constructed extractably from a side surface of the frame and also a cleaning member for cleaning the charged wire is disposed.

Abstract: A process cartridge, an image forming apparatus having the cartridge, and a method for mounting and dismounting the process cartridge in and from an image forming apparatus body are provided. The process cartridge includes at least one photosensitive body on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a developing member for developing the electrostatic latent image, and a housing receiving and supporting at least one photosensitive body and the developing member. The housing includes first and second guide outwardly extending protrusions on a first surface and a second opposite surface of the housing in order to position the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus body, and a mount and dismount supporting part formed on a third surface to rotate the housing to mount and dismount the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a holding member and a supporting member coupled to the holding member. The holding member includes photosensitive drums and is configured to hold toner cartridges disposed in association with the photosensitive drums in a detachable manner and to move between a storage position in which the holding member is accommodated in the apparatus body and a replacement position. The supporting member is configured to support light source arrays in association with the photosensitive drums, to cover the holding member, to move between a retaining position where the light source arrays are positioned relative to the photosensitive drums and a withdrawn position where the light source arrays are withdrawn from the photosensitive drums, and to move to the withdrawn position in a different direction than the direction in which the holding member is moved to the replacement position.

Abstract: A developer cartridge includes a cartridge cabinet that accommodates developer and includes an opening for enabling communication between an inside of the cartridge cabinet and an outside of the cartridge cabinet, a shutter that opens and closes the opening, and a cover that is arranged outside the cartridge cabinet and is movable between a closed position for closing the opening and an opened position for opening the opening, the opened position being located lower than the closed position, wherein the cover is movable such that a first end of the cover is in intimate contact with the cartridge cabinet while a second end of the cover is separated from the cartridge cabinet, the first end being farthest from the opening in the cover located in the opened position, and the second end being nearest to the opening in the cover located in the opened position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes an opening provided to a main assembly of the apparatus; a first openable member movable between a closed position in which a first portion of the opening is closed and an open position in which the first portion of the opening is opened; a second openable member movable between a closed position in which a second portion of the opening is closed and an open position in which the second portion of the opening is opened; and a movable member, movable between a set position inside the main assembly and an outward position in which the movable member having passed through the first portion of the opening is located at an outermost position in a movable range of the movable member, capable of supporting a plurality of cartridges, side by side, each 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

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body that includes an image forming unit forming an image; a switching mechanism that switches a state of members between a contacting state and a non-contacting state, the members related to image formation by the image forming unit in the apparatus body; a covering unit that is supported in the apparatus body so as to be freely opened and closed, and that covers a part of the apparatus body when being closed; and a connection unit that is provided to the covering unit, that is not connected to the switching mechanism when the covering unit is opened while being connected to the switching member when the covering unit is closed, and that causes the switching mechanism to operate in conjunction with an operation by an operator any one of to open and to close the covering unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image with an image forming section includes: a casing in which the image forming section is arranged; a cover which is displaceably attached to the casing; a first elastic portion which is elastically deformable, and which is provided on one of the casing and the cover, the first elastic portion having an engage-objective portion which is engageable with an engaging portion provided on the other of the casing and the cover; and a second elastic portion which is elastically deformable, and which applies, to the first elastic portion, a force in a direction returning the first elastic portion to an original state when the first elastic portion is deformed.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a cylindrical image carrier, a developing roller, a process case, and a cover removably fitted to the process case. The image carrier and the developing roller are relatively movable in the process case between a contact position in which the image carrier contacts the developing roller and a separated position in which the image carrier is separated from the developing roller. A releasing member is provided at the cover. The releasing member can be interposed into a released position between an end portion of the image carrier and an end portion of the developing roller. In a state in which the cover is fitted to the process case and covers the image carrier, the releasing member is movable from an unreleased position, in which the contact between the image carrier and the developing roller is not released, to a released position.

Abstract: An image-forming machine includes a photosensitive material drum, a developer mounted on a machine body so as to move in a direction to approach, and separate away from, the photosensitive material drum along guide means arranged in the machine body, and a protection cover that opens and closes a portion of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive material drum. The protection cover is supported by the machine body so as to rotate between a closed position and an opened position. An arm member is rotatably arranged in the machine body being drive-coupled to the protection cover so as to open and close the protection cover. An end of the arm member is so positioned as to be present on a locus of motion of the developer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having removable/replaceable process cartridges is provided. One of the removable/replaceable process cartridges may be removed/replaced from a panel which is different than a panel from which the other removable/replaceable process cartridges may be removed/replaced. One of the removable/replaceable process cartridges may be associated with an exposure device which is only used to expose a portion of that process cartridge while the other removable/replaceable process cartridges may be associated with at least one other exposure device. An image forming apparatus may include two or more different types of exposure devices (e.g., laser based, light emitting diode based, etc.). An image forming apparatus may include a plurality of guide members for guiding portions of an exposure device arranged on a panel of the image forming apparatus such that when the door or panel is arranged on the image forming apparatus, the exposure device is guided into position by the guide members.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a process frame that is removably installed into the main body; and a process cartridge that is detachably installed in the process frame; the process cartridge including: a photosensitive member; and a shutter member that is configured to be movable between a closed position where the photosensitive member is covered and an open position where the photosensitive member is exposed, wherein the shutter member moves from the closed position to the open position as the process frame is operated to be installed into the main body.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes an image bearing member; a frame; process means contactable to and actable on the image bearing member; a covering member detachably mounted to the frame to protect a surface of the image bearing member; and a spacing portion provided on the covering member and inserted between the image bearing member and the process means to space the image bearing member and the process means from each other, the spacing portion being movable relative to the covering member while being interposed between the image bearing member and the process means when the covering member is removed from the frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus employs a device that detects the opening and closing of covers. Two covers are pivotally mounted to a body of the image forming apparatus, each of the two covers being movable either to its opening position to open with respect to the image forming apparatus or to its closing position to close with respect to the image forming apparatus. A movable member is positioned at a first position when both the two covers are at their opening positions. A micro switch detects whether the two covers are closed or opened with respect to the image forming apparatus. When one of the two covers has moved to its closing position causing the movable member to move to a second position and the other of the two covers is at its closing position, the detector detects that the two covers are closed.

Abstract: A drum cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which apparatus including a main assembly, and a supporting member, swingably mounted to the main assembly, for supporting a plurality of developing devices and for bring the developing devices sequentially to a developing position by rotation thereof, the apparatus comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member drum; and a detachable spacer member for moving the supporting member away from the electrophotographic photosensitive member drum by contacting to the supporting member when the drum cartridge is mounted to the main assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a carriage on which a head is removably mounted, a cover on the carriage configured to be movable to a first position where the head is fixed to the carriage and to a second position where the head can be removed from the carriage, and a lever configured to press the head mounted on the carriage by rotating with the cover pushed by a part of the cover when the cover is moved from the first position to the second position, wherein a rotational axis of the lever and a rotational axis of the cover are coaxial with each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to perform printing and an initializing process, a casing formed with an opening and accommodating the image forming unit, a cover configured to open and close the opening, a detecting unit configured to detect whether the cover is in an opened state or a closed state, a measuring unit configured to measure an opening degree of the cover in the opened state, and a controller configured to control, when the detecting unit detects that the cover is changed from the closed state to the open sate and returned to the closed state, an initializing process of the image forming unit according to the opening degree of the cover in the opened state.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a cover opening/closing structure includes a first cover and a second cover which are rotatably attached to a main body. A rotation locus of an end part of the second cover interferes with a rotation locus of an end part of the first cover. At least one of the first cover and the second cover includes an operating surface which, when the second cover is rotated from a closed position toward an open position in a half-opened state of the first cover in which the end part of the first cover interferes with the rotation locus of the end part of the second cover, receives a pressing force in a direction causing the first cover to become either one of an open position and a closed position by the end part of the first cover contacting the end part of the second cover.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, an apparatus body, a door, a sheet conveyance unit, and a positioning device. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet. The image forming unit is disposed in the apparatus body. The door is provided in the apparatus body so as to be openable and closable. The sheet conveyance unit conveys the sheet to the image forming unit. The sheet conveyance unit is provided in the door. The positioning device positions the door in relation to the apparatus body in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The positioning device performs positioning of the door in the vicinity of the image forming unit.

Abstract: A member for performing separation holding of a developing roller of a process cartridge is provided at a position opposite from a photosensitive drum with respect to a swing center. A detachably mountable protective cover is mounted to the process cartridge and a projection of the protective cover is inserted between the photosensitive drum and a developing device frame which supports the developing roller. The projection of the protective cover is inserted in a non-contact state with the photosensitive drum and the developing device frame.

Abstract: A printer cartridge comprising a photosensitive body being in contact with a charging roller and a developing roller, the printer cartridge including a first member interposed between the charging roller and the photosensitive body; and a second member connected to the first member and interposed between the developing roller and the photosensitive body. Thus, aspects of the present invention provide a printer cartridge, in which problems due to contact between rollers while being circulated on the market are prevented.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member to and away from the photoconductor The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm comprising one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm comprising: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a casing, a photosensitive unit removably mountable in the casing, and a protective member. The photosensitive unit includes a plurality of photosensitive members. The protective member is removably attached to the photosensitive unit and includes: a covering plate which opposes the plurality of photosensitive members to cover the plurality of photosensitive members when protecting the photosensitive members; a written part arranged on the covering plate, and including operation information related to the image forming apparatus written thereon; and a support part which supports the photosensitive unit so that the photosensitive members and the covering plate are separated by an interval when protecting the photosensitive members.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a housing including a photosensitive member and having an opening at an upper portion of the housing; an upper cover connected to the housing at one end of the upper cover via a hinge and configured to move between an opened state and a closed state; an exposure unit supported by the upper cover and configured to face the photosensitive member when the upper cover is in the closed state; and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism is releasable by lifting the upper cover so that the upper cover becomes to the opened state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus body including a driving force transmitting portion and a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes a housing, a photosensitive drum disposed in the housing, a first bearing rotatably supporting an axial end portion of the photosensitive drum, a driving force input portion, which is provided on the axial end portion of the photosensitive drum and is configured to engage the driving force transmitting portion in order to drive the photosensitive drum by a driving force transmitted from the driving force transmitting portion when the driving force transmitting portion is pressed against the driving force input portion, and a second bearing, which rotatably supports the other axial end of the photosensitive drum, and which comprises a first contact portion which contacts the image forming apparatus body when the driving force transmitting portion is pressed against the driving force input portion.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a drum unit containing the drum, a developing unit containing the roller and being movable so the roller contacts and is spaced from the drum, and a first force receiver receiving a force from a main-assembly first force applier by movement of a door from open to closed positions when mounting the cartridge and a second force receiver movable from a stand-by position by movement of the first force receiver by a force received from the first force applier. The second force receiver takes a projected position receiving a force from the second force applier to move the developing unit so the roller moves out of contact with the drum, the projected position being higher than the stand-by position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operations-unit angle adjusting device having an operations unit supported so as to freely move in a vertical direction and an adjusting mechanism that changes the vertical angle of the operations unit. The adjusting mechanism has a shaft part that supports the operations unit so as to freely move in the vertical direction, an operating lever that is supported so as to freely move in the vertical direction, and an opening/closing piece that operates simultaneously with vertical movements of the operating lever to perform an opening/closing operation. The opening/closing piece has an engaging part that is engaged with an engaged part provided in the apparatus main body to restrict vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is closed and that is disengaged from the engaged part to allow the vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is opened.

Abstract: A protective cover that includes: a cover body detachably mounted on a process cartridge to protect at least an outwardly exposed part of an electro-photographic photoreceptor; a guide part that is provided on the cover body to guide the process cartridge in a longitudinal direction of the electro-photographic photoreceptor; and a position locking part that is provided at a forward end of the cover body in a direction that the process cartridge is inserted into an image forming apparatus wherein the cover body is positioned and locked to the image forming apparatus to be irremovable and forming a locked state during an installation of the process cartridge into the image forming apparatus, and the locked state is released after the installation is complete.

Abstract: Developing cartridges for use in image forming apparatuses having an image carrier, include: (a) a case; (b) a developer carrier supported by the case (for holding developer thereon); and (c) a conductive member engaged with or provided on the case and being electrically connected to the developer carrier. The case may be configured to allow the developer carrier to be pressed against the image carrier at a designated pressing position in a pressing direction, and the conductive member may be configured to be supplied with electrical potential while being pressed by an electrical connection member in a direction parallel to the pressing direction. Alternatively, in some structures, the conductive member may be configured to be supplied with electrical potential while being pressed by an electrical connection member in a direction parallel to a line extending from the designated pressing position to a developer carrier and image carrier contacting position.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, a shutter having a rotation axis shaft which opens and closes to selectively enable access to the photosensitive drum, and a coupler, wherein a linear motion thereof causes a rotational motion of the shutter about the rotation axis shaft. The coupler is coupled to a rotation axis shaft of the shutter and is capable of changing a straight line motion to a rotational motion in a narrow space. In an image forming apparatus equipped with the photosensitive drum unit of the invention, a pressing unit mounted at a support frame of the photosensitive drum unit is pressably engageable with the coupler.

Abstract: A protection cover includes a cover base that covers and protects an external exposure portion of a photosensitive member and that comes into contact with an image forming apparatus housing body to movably guide a process cartridge; an extrusion member that is disposed in the cover base on a side opposite to an insertion direction of the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus housing body and that moves in the insertion direction of the process cartridge to extrude the process cartridge from the cover base; and a restriction portion that is disposed in the extrusion member to restrict the process cartridge in the cover base in a state where the process cartridge is located in the cover base and to release the process cartridge from the cover base in a state where the process cartridge is inserted and mounted to the image forming apparatus housing body.

Abstract: The present invention provides the image forming apparatus for successively performing information communication between an attaching part and the main body of the image forming apparatus. The communication-end antenna section 11 is provided in the toner supplying holder-containing section 3 in the main body of the image forming apparatus, so as to face the IC tag in the toner supplying holder 2. The toner supplying holder-containing section 3 is covered with the electromagnetic shield material 7.

Abstract: An imaging cartridge has a process unit and a toner box unit formed by integrating a new toner box and a waste toner box. The toner box unit is attachable to and detachable from the process unit. Shutters which open and close a connecting section between the new toner box and a developing device included in the process unit can be opened by manual operation when the toner box unit is attached to the process unit. Shutters and which open and close a connecting section between a cleaning device included in the process unit and the waste toner box are opened when the imaging cartridge is in the process of being moved to a prescribed position in an apparatus body.

Abstract: A medium supply device includes a placing portion for placing a medium; a medium supply unit for picking up at least one medium urged against the medium supply unit from the placing portion; a cover member disposed to be movable; and a regulating member attached to the cover member for separating the placing portion from the medium supply unit when the cover member moves.

Abstract: A process cartridge unit and an image forming apparatus having the same. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, a process cartridge unit removably mounted in the main body, an opening provided in the main body to permit the process cartridge unit to be installed or removed, and a cover rotatably mounted to the main body so as to expose or shield the opening. The process cartridge unit includes a container to store a developer and at least one knob coupled to the container. When the cover is closed, the knob is folded by the cover, and when the cover is opened, the knob is unfolded. Accordingly, since the position of the knob is changed, a mounting space of the process cartridge unit can be decreased, and a user can easily grasp the knob.