Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit, comprising a first image bearing member, detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; a second image forming unit, comprising a second image bearing member, detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly; a transfer device for transferring a toner image formed on the first image bearing member and a toner image formed on the second image bearing member onto a transfer medium; an opening through which the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit are passable during mounting and demounting operations; an openable member movable to an open position and a close position; and a guide portion for guiding at least one of the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit to be mounted in and demounted from the apparatus main assembly when the openable member is located in the open position.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a body casing having on upper surface thereof a paper ejection tray on which a sheet of paper ejected after formation of an image is stacked; a side cover capable of opening and closing a side surface of the body casing on the downstream side in the direction of ejection of the sheet of paper so as to cover the side surface of the body casing; and an extension tray being attached to an upper portion of the side cover. The extension tray is capable of extending to the downstream side in the direction of ejection of the sheet of paper with respect to the paper ejection tray so as to support an end portion of the sheet of paper.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detachable-body mounted member, a detachable body and a sealing portion. The detachable-body mounted member includes a first opening and a first opening-and-closing member that opens and closes the first opening. The detachable body includes a second opening and a second opening-and-closing member. When the detachable body is attached, the second opening allows developer to flow into the first opening. The second opening-and-closing member opens and closes the second opening. When the detachable body is being attached or detached, the sealing portion seals a gap between (i) a front end face of the second opening forming member and (ii) a rear end face of the first opening-and-closing member.

Abstract: A mounting relief portion for mounting a duplex unit on an image forming apparatus main body is provided in an exterior cover pivotally movably provided on the image forming apparatus main body, and capable of opening and closing a sheet conveying path for conveying a sheet fixed by a fixing device, and this mounting relief portion is shaped so as not to contact with a protrusion of the duplex unit mounted on the image forming apparatus main body when the exterior cover is opened.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a box-shaped apparatus main body internally including an image forming assembly and a sheet feeding assembly, an apparatus front cover located on the front surface of the apparatus main body and having a plurality of unit cover members that can be opened forward and are vertically arranged one above the other, and grips provided on the respective cover members and used to open the unit cover members. The apparatus front cover has a rectangular shape when the front surface of the apparatus main body is viewed from front, and includes a projecting flat surface projecting forward from the peripheral edges of the apparatus front cover and inclined surfaces formed to extend from the left, right and upper sides of the projecting flat surface toward the peripheral edges of the apparatus front cover. The grips are vertically arranged on the projecting flat surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first opening and closing device provided in an apparatus body and openable and closable with respect to the apparatus body, an operating member operable by a user to open the first opening and closing device, a first recess for receiving the hand of the user and to permit the hand to contact and operate the operating member to open the first opening and closing device, and a second recess for receiving the hand of the user and to permit the hand to contact and operate the operating member to open the first opening and closing device when the hand of the user is inserted thereinto. The second recess is located at a position different from the first recess.

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: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a drum unit having an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; and a developing unit rotatably connected with the drum unit at a center of rotation, the developing unit including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with a developer, a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer, a supply opening, extending in an axial direction of the developing roller, for supplying the developer to the developing roller from the developer accommodating portion; wherein the rotation axis is within a width of the sealing member as seen in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sealing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a sheet conveyor and a main body that houses the image forming unit and the sheet conveyor. An operating unit is mounted to a front cover that can move between a closed position to cover an anterior side of the main body and an open position to expose a part of the main body. A retention mechanism retains the front cover at the closed position. The retention mechanism has a lock and a release. The lock is supported by one of the apparatus main body and the front cover and is selectively engageable with and detachable from the other. The release releases engagement of the lock, and is installed posterior to the operating unit in a region facing a back surface as viewed from an opening and closing direction of the front cover.

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: An image forming device is obtained in which a carrying member provided at an openable/closable door can accurately be positioned to a photoconductive drum. A printer includes a housing having an openable/closable door, a drum as a photoconductive drum for image formation, a guide member, and a transfer roll. The drum is arranged inside the housing at a part adjacent to the door. The guide member has a fixed relative position to the drum. The transfer roll is provided at the door and arranged to be adjacent to the drum when the door is in a closed state. A guide convex portion and a guide groove of the guide member are formed as a position determining portion for determining the position of the transfer roll such that the relative position of the transfer roll to the guide member is fixed when the door is in a closed state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a case comprising an opening for feeding a recording sheet into an interior of the case; a cover comprising an actuator unit, the cover capable of being moved between a closed state in which the cover closes the opening, and an open state in which the cover is displaced forward in a conveying direction of the recording sheet so as to open the opening to the interior of the case, and the actuator unit indicating a displacement of the cover; and a detection unit which detects whether the cover is in the open state or the closed state based on the displacement of the actuator.

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: An image forming apparatus and a cartridge for use therewith are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a main body; a cartridge that stores a developer; and a supporting member that receives the cartridge, the supporting member being rotatably supported by the main body. The supporting member pivots between a reception position at which the cartridge is received into the main body and an exposure position at which the cartridge is exposed from the main body. The cartridge includes an inner chassis; an outer chassis comprising a shutter member; a first protrusion provided at one of the inner and outer chassis; and a second protrusion provided at the other chassis, wherein the first and second protrusions engage with the image forming apparatus, such that one is moved and the other is regulated, based on a position of the cartridge with respect to the image forming apparatus.

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: 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 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 process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, an exposing unit, a developing unit, an intermediate transfer unit, and a cleaning unit, arranged opposite to each other along a rotating direction of the photosensitive drum in an enclosure that has an opening opposite to a developing roller of the developing unit. An extended line connecting a tangent line to an outer circumference of the developing roller and a wall of a first end of the enclosure in an axial direction of the developing roller does not intersect with a wall of a second end of the enclosure.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a photosensitive body, a developing unit which is disposed in parallel with the photosensitive body to develop the photosensitive body by toner, a cleaning unit to clean waste toner attached to the photosensitive body, a charging unit to charge the photosensitive body, and a supporting casing which comprises an accommodating main body having a first opening through which at least two components of the photosensitive body, the developing unit, the cleaning unit and the charging unit can pass in common, and a supporting unit to support the components accommodated inside the accommodating main body.

Abstract: An image forming includes a main body, an exposing unit, a process cartridge, and a positioning unit. The exposing unit is stationarily fixed to the main body and includes an exposing member. The process cartridge is attachable to an attaching portion provided on at least one of the main body and the exposing unit, and includes a photosensitive drum. The positioning unit positions the process cartridge with respect to the exposing unit so that the photosensitive drum faces the exposing member in a first direction when the process cartridge is attached to the attaching portion, allowing the photosensitive drum to be exposed by the exposing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to prevent damage to an opening/closing member when external force is applied in a direction perpendicular to a direction where a scanner unit is opened or closed with respect to an image forming unit.

Abstract: An activation mechanism for a shutter (12) of a process cartridge has a spacer arm (18) with a contact projection (34); a lever arm (20) with a contact tab (38); biasing means (26) for biasing the shutter (12) in a closed position; and biasing means (46 for biasing the lever arm (209 toward the contact projection (34). When force is applied to a first side (56) of the contact tab (38), the lever arm (20) moves in a first direction (A), engaging the contact projection (34) of the spacer arm (18) and thus moving the shutter (12) to an open position. If a force is applied to the opposite side (58) of the contact tab (38) (eg, during incorrect insertion of the process cartridge), the lever arm (20) rotates in a second direction (B), and may move into a recess (32) of the spacer arm (18).

Abstract: A process cartridge including: a photosensitive drum; a photosensitive unit rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum; and a protecting cover mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, for protecting the photosensitive drum exposed outside of the photosensitive unit, the protecting cover including: a guide portion for guiding the process cartridge to an inside of the apparatus main body along a longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum; a positioned portion provided at a leading end of the protecting cover so as to be abutted against a positioning portion of the apparatus main body, for positioning the protecting cover in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction; and an engaged portion provided at the leading end so as to be engaged with an engaging portion of the apparatus main body, for regulating coming off of the protecting cover from the apparatus main body to an upstream side in the insertion direction.

Abstract: When the user inserts an insertion end portion of an image forming unit covered with a protective cover into an attachment opening on an apparatus main unit along with a buffer sheet and a blackout sheet, the insertion end portion of an exterior cover sheet touches an exterior wall near the attachment opening for the image forming unit on the apparatus main unit. Thereby, the insertion operation of the image forming unit stops and one end of the image forming unit is held supported on the wall inside the opening.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a waste bin and hopper designed for the elimination of non-essential parts between the waste bin and the hopper via an enhanced interconnection between the waste bin and the hopper, improved drive dogs and cluster gear assembly to facilitate complete engagement with the printer drive mechanism, an improved door to protect the photoconductive drum from light, and improved electrical contacts between the doctor bar, toner adder roller and developer roller.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including: upper and lower unit cases; a stand member having first and second end portions, the first end portion attached to one of the upper unit case and the lower unit case; a guide member attached to the other of the upper unit case and the lower unit case in a manner that the guide member is positioned at a first position during a closing motion and is positioned at a second position during an opening motion, the guide member guiding the second end portion of the stand member; and a constraint portion disposed on the other of the upper unit case and the lower unit case, the constraint portion providing a frictional resistance on at least one of the guide member and the second end portion of the stand member when the guide member is at the first position.

Abstract: A developer cartridge including a frame, a developer housing section, a developer supplying section, and at least one projecting portion is provided. The frame includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a third side wall. The developer housing section houses a developer and the developer supplying section supplies the developer to a photosensitive member and houses a developer carrying member that extends in the width direction and is rotatably supported by the first side wall and the second side wall. The at least one projecting portion is located above the developer carrying member and extends from the frame beyond the back end substantially in the length direction, and the at least one projecting portion is provided integrally on the frame.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes an image bearing unit, a developing unit, and first and second positioning members. The image bearing unit includes a photoconductor, and a photoconductor case accommodating the photoconductor. The developing unit detachably combined with the image bearing unit includes a developer case containing a developer, a developing roller carrying the developer. The first and second positioning members are respectively disposed at each side of the photoconductor case and the developer case when the photoconductor case and the developer case are attached in combination, and is configured to position the developing roller and the photoconductor so as to regulate a gap formed between the developing roller and the photoconductor to a predetermined distance.

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 open-close apparatus includes: a first member movably provided with respect to an apparatus main body; a second member movable with respect to the first member, and movably provided with respect to the apparatus main body; and a limiting section, provided between the first and second members, that limits a moving speed of the first and second members.

Abstract: A developing cartridge including: a developing part having a developer bearing member; a developer container which is constituted by coupling a container body having an opening part and a developer supplying port, and a lid member for closing the opening part, and which houses developer therein; and a developer stirring member which stirs the developer inside this developer container and supplies the developer to the developer bearing member, wherein the shape and the capacity of the developer container are changed by changing the shape of the lid member.

Abstract: A process cartridge 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 for rotatably supporting the drum, first and second portions to be positioned relative to the main assembly, a rotatable developing unit, and first and second portions to be supported on first and second supporting portions to permit a rotation of the developing unit in the crossing direction when the process cartridge is set in the main assembly of the apparatus, and a driving force receiving member, rotatably supported on an outer surface of the second portion to be supported, for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller from a driving force transmission member provided in the main assembly when the process cartridge is set in the main assembly of the apparatus.

Abstract: A two part cartridge having a photoconductor part (1) and a toner part (5) having no force biasing element on either part. The two parts fit together so that a developer roller (7) in the toner part contacts a photoconductor drum (3) in the other part. When the two parts are installed in a printer the cover (50), when closed, brings a spring (62) into contact with one side of the toner part while the frame (F) of the printer blocks movement away from the cover. An advantage of the two part cartridge is that the toner part can be replaced without replacing the photoconductor part. Members on the cartridge for force biasing are avoided and the need for training or skill to latch the parts together is avoided.

Abstract: A cover (4) adapted for protecting a photosensitive member (2) of a process cartridge (1), the cover (4) comprising a filter (5) adapted to capture airborne particles from air flowing around or through the cover (4). Preferably, the filter (5) takes the form of a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, or “HEPA”, which contains micron sized pores for capturing the very smallest airborne particles.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an apparatus main body provided with an image forming portion for forming an image, an opening formed in the apparatus main body, an openable and closable cover for opening and closing the opening, and provided with a first cover pivotably provided in the apparatus main body, and a second cover pivotably provided on the first cover, and an image reading device provided above the opening for reading the image of an original, and when the first cover is pivotably moved in a direction to open the opening relative to the apparatus main body, the second cover is pivotably moved to the opening side relative to the first cover, and when the openable and closable cover has opened the opening, the openable and closable cover maintains a state in which it has opened the opening.

Abstract: A developing unit and an electro-photographic image forming apparatus having the same are provid. The developing unit includes a housing and a photosensitive medium, which has an end exposed to the outer side of the housing and that is rotatably mounted on the housing. A photosensitive medium shutter shields the exposed part of the photosensitive medium when a door is opened and exposes the exposed part of the photosensitive medium to the outside when the door is closed. The photosensitive medium shutter includes a first shielding plate that is moved between a first location where the exposed part is shielded and a second location where the exposed part is exposed to the outside of the housing. A second shielding plate is spread at the first location with respect to the first shielding plate and is overlapped with the first shielding plate at the second location.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly forms an image on recording material. The cartridge is transportable with the apparatus while being set therein. The cartridge includes a frame, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process device actable on the drum, a shutter movable between an exposing and protecting positions for respectively opening an opening provided in the frame to expose the drum, and closing the opening to protect the drum, and a protecting member interposable between the drum and a transfer roller, provided in the main assembly, for transferring a toner image onto the recording material, upon transportation of the cartridge set in the main assembly together with the main assembly. The protecting member mounts on the frame to cover the shutter. The shutter is movable from the protecting to the exposing positions in interrelation with mounting the cartridge to the main assembly.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes: a mainframe; a photoreceptor; an exposing unit that exposes a surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image; and a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying a charged developer on the surface of the photoreceptor having the electrostatic latent image formed thereon. The photoreceptor is loadable in and unloadable from the mainframe separately from the developing unit.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a process unit having a photoconductive drum that is inserted and removed with respect to a device main body from a front side thereof in an axial direction of the photoconductive drum. The device main body includes a transfer roller that nips printing paper with the photoconductive drum and transfers a toner image on a surface of the photoconductive drum onto the printing paper. A transfer guide supports the transfer roller and is capable of being slanted in a direction in which the transfer roller and the photoconductive drum make contact with one another and separate from one another. An elastic member urges the transfer roller in a direction to make contact with the photoconductive drum. An operation member slants the transfer guide against an urging force of the elastic member by an operation from the front side of the device main body.

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: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developing roller contactable to the electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; a photosensitive member unit supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a part of the electrophotographic photosensitive member exposed; a developing unit supporting the developing roller and movable relative to the photosensitive member unit between a contact position for contacting the developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive member with each other to develop the electrostatic latent image and a spaced position for spacing the developing roller and the electrophotographic photosensitive member from each other; a movable member for moving the developing unit between the contact position and the spaced position; and a protection cov

Abstract: An image-forming machine comprising a photosensitive material drum, a developer mounted on a machine body 4 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 4, 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 cove 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: A photosensitive unit for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive medium, and a frame supporting the photosensitive medium. A cover covers an exposed portion of an outer circumference of the photosensitive medium that is not covered by the frame. Additionally, the image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive medium on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. Developing units develop the electrostatic latent image into visible images by supplying developers onto the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive medium. The visible image is transferred onto a transfer medium. A photosensitive unit includes the photosensitive medium, a frame supporting the photosensitive medium, and a cover covering an exposed portion of an outer circumference of the photosensitive medium that is not covered by the frame.

Abstract: A fitting protecting apparatus of a developer cartridge includes a housing storing liquid developer. The housing has at least one connection fitting connected to an outside corresponding connection fitting. A cover part is movably disposed between a first position of sealing the connection fitting to prevent exposure and a second position of opening the connection fitting to provide access thereto. The cover part is disposed in the housing. An operation part moves the cover part between the first and second positions. When a developer cartridge is taken out of a main body of an image forming apparatus or while being stored, the connection fitting connected to the outside corresponding connection fitting is covered, thereby preventing developer exposure through the connection fitting, pollution of the connection fitting by alien substances, such as dust, and damage of the connection fitting by external collisions.

Abstract: A developing cartridge of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a housing, a photosensitive medium disposed in the housing, a developing unit which mixes a bi-component developing agent including carrier and toner and supplies the bi-component developing agent to form a toner image onto a surface of the photosensitive medium, and a recycle pipe which transports the discarded toner that was not transferred from the photosensitive medium to a medium to a toner container for reuse, wherein a magnet is attached onto the recycle pipe to prevent the back flow of the bi-component developing agent when a user carries the developing cartridge. A photosensitive medium cover protects the photosensitive medium of the developing cartridge and includes a sheet which is detachably attached to the housing and prevents the exposure of the photosensitive medium, and a magnet which is detachably attached to the recycle pipe to prevent the back flow of the bi-component developing agent.

Abstract: A cartridge for a printing device includes first and second portions coupled to one another and capable of moving relative to each other, one or more rollers situated at the first portion, a photoconductor situated at the second portion, and a lock mechanism. The rollers are in contact with the photoconductor in a first position of the first and the second portions. The lock mechanism maintains the first and the second portions in a second position in which the rollers are separated from the photoconductor.

Abstract: A color laser printer includes chargers for charging the photosensitive drums as an image carrier on which a toner image for each print color is formed. Each charger is supported by a frame member provided rotatably around a central axis of a photosensitive drum. When a closing door is moved from a closed position where an opening portion is closed to an opened position where the opening portion is opened, the frame member is moved in conjunction with the operation, from a first position where the charger charges the photosensitive drum to a second position where a part of the opening portion in the photosensitive drum is covered.

Abstract: A photoconductive drum device is inserted into and removed from an image forming device main body, horizontally from a side of the image forming device main body. The photoconductive drum device includes a frame, a photoconductive drum and a cover. The photoconductive drum is supported rotatably on the frame under a state in which a part of an outer circumferential surface of the photoconductive drum is exposed. The cover is supported on the frame in a manner capable of swinging. In response to an insertion of the photoconductive drum device into the image forming device main body, the cover swings to an opened position so as not to block off a light path an exposure ray irradiated toward the exposed part of the photoconductive drum. In response to a removal of the photoconductive drum device from the image forming device main body, the cover swings to a closed position to cover the exposed part of the photoconductive drum.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a housing having a photosensitive medium, and a protective cover movable between a first position where the protective cover covers the photosensitive medium and a second position where a part of the photosensitive medium is exposed. A guide unit guides the protective cover to prevent exceeding a range occupied by the housing when the protective cover is moved to the first and second positions.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for repairing or remanufacturing a toner cartridge which includes a drum shutter and a toner cartridge body. The drum shutter includes a flexible covering portion attached to both an arm element and the toner cartridge body. The flexible covering portion is removed from the arm element and the toner cartridge. A replacement flexible covering portion is secured to the arm element. The replacement flexible covering portion is attached to the toner cartridge body.