Abstract: An image forming device has a cartridge accommodating portion in which a combined unit of a first cartridge and a second cartridge can be loaded. The first cartridge is provided with a pressing member movable between a first position and a second position and is in the first position when the second cartridge is removed from the first cartridge, and in the second position when the second cartridge is perfectly combined with the first cartridge. A moving member is supported on the main casing of the image forming device to be movable between a third position and a fourth position, and is in the third position when the combined unit is unloaded from the main casing and in the fourth position when the combined unit is loaded in the main casing. The pressing member disposed in the second position presses the moving member to move to the fourth position. A position detector is provided on the main casing and is configured to perform position detection of the moving member.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a main casing, a cartridge accommodating portion, a detection unit and a determination unit. The cartridge accommodating portion is configured to detachably accommodate a first cartridge and a second cartridge that is able to be detachably combined with the first cartridge, the first cartridge being provided with a pressing member movable between a first position and a second position, the pressing member being in the first position when the second cartridge is removed from the first cartridge, the pressing member being in the second position when the second cartridge is combined with the first cartridge. The detection unit is provided on the main casing and is configured to perform non-contact position detection of the pressing member. The determination unit is configured not to start image forming operations until the detection unit detects that the pressing member is in the second position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming apparatus main body including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a detachable main body sheet feeding tray that holds the sheet and a sheet feeding unit that feeds the sheet from the main body sheet feeding tray toward the image forming unit; an optional sheet feeding device that is capable of being added on a lower side of the main body sheet feeding tray and feeds the sheet toward the image forming unit, the optional sheet feeding device having a first detector that detects whether or not the main body sheet feeding tray is attached to a proper position; and a controller that controls operations of the image forming apparatus main body and the optional sheet feeding device based on a detection result of the first detector.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming station for forming an image, a display unit for displaying specified information, a mode changing section for switching a mode of the image forming apparatus between a first mode for waiting on standby with first power consumption and a second mode for waiting on standby with second power consumption lower than the first power consumption, a determining section for determining whether or not an image can be formed after the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode, a starting section for starting the display unit when the determining section determines that no image can be formed, and a notifying section for displaying on the display unit information to the effect that no image can be formed.

Abstract: In a color laser printer, four toner cartridges are juxtaposed in a straight line in a process unit. When the process unit is withdrawn from the laser printer to a position at which the toner cartridge nearest the front of the laser printer can be removed, an out-of-toner sensor farthest from the front of the laser printer from among four out-of-toner sensors turns on. Side surfaces of a unit-accommodating section constituting the process unit block detection light from the other three out-of-toner sensors so that these out-of-toner sensors remain off. Since the farthest out-of-toner sensor switches from off to on, the CPU determines that the process unit has been withdrawn to a position at which the nearest toner cartridge can be removed.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a device body, an image forming unit provided in the device body to form an image on a recording medium, a carrying unit detachably attached to the device body so as to carry a recording medium on a carrying route, a first detecting unit provided on the carrying route to output a detection signal that varies depending on whether there is a recording medium being carried, the first detecting unit including a movable portion that influences the detection signal depending on a location thereof, a displacing unit that changes the location of the movable portion depending on whether the carrying unit is attached to the device body, and a determining unit that determines based upon the detection signal of the first detecting unit whether there is a recording medium being carried and whether the carrying unit is attached to the device body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a developer storage container can be detachably mounted, includes: a reception unit arranged to receive information from the developer storage container; a first temperature detection unit provided in an inside of the image forming apparatus and arranged to detect a temperature of the inside of the image forming apparatus; a cooling unit arranged to cool the inside of the image forming apparatus; and a control unit arranged to determine on the basis of the received information whether second temperature detection unit is provided to the developer storage container, control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection result of the first temperature detection unit when the second temperature detection unit is not provided, and control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection results of the first and second temperature detection units when the second temperature detection unit is provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with an image forming section which forms an toner image on a transported sheet; a fixing section which includes a heat source and fixes the toner image on the sheet; a coupling unit which electrically couples the image forming apparatus main unit and the fixing equipment to each other; and a circuit which detects the temperatures of various portions of the fixing equipment, controls the energization condition to the heat source depending on the temperature detection results and stops the energization of the heat source if a temperature beyond a predetermined temperature range is detected by either the first or second temperature detection element, if the coupling unit is disconnected, or if the second temperature detection element is broken.

Abstract: A controller includes: a detection unit that detects that a housing unit housing a recording medium has been inserted into an insertion slot for inserting the housing unit; a prediction unit that predicts a vibratory excitation time at which vibrations will occur based on a time detected by the detection unit; a determination unit that determines whether the vibrations will occur based on the vibratory excitation time during a period when an image-forming unit is forming an image on a recording medium supplied from a different supply source for recording media from the housing unit inserted into the insertion slot; and a control unit that controls the image-forming unit to prevent image formation if the determination unit determines that the vibrations will occur during a period when the image-forming unit is forming an image on the recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a device body, a cartridge detachably attached to the device body so as to accommodate material which includes one of consumable material and waste material, a sensor configured to emit and receive sensing light and give a detection value corresponding to an amount of the material in the cartridge which amount is detected based upon an intensity of the sensing light received thereby, a received light changing member configured to change the intensity of the sensing light received by the sensor, and a judging unit configured to judge based upon a change of the detection value given by the sensor whether the cartridge is a new one.

Abstract: A toner cartridge comprises a toner cartridge main body which houses toner, a discharging opening which supplies the toner housed in the toner cartridge main body to an image forming apparatus, a shutter which opens the discharging opening when the toner cartridge main body is inserted in the image forming apparatus and closes the discharging opening when the toner cartridge main body is removed from the image forming apparatus, and a notifying member which includes a first protrusion provided in the toner cartridge main body, to show that the toner cartridge main body is set in the image forming apparatus by temporary engaging with a second protrusion provided in the image forming apparatus at the same time when the shutter completes the opening of the discharging opening, when the toner cartridge main body is inserted in the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a main body with a casing and performs an image forming operation. A sheet receiving surface constitutes part of the casing and can receive a sheet discharged after an image forming process is performed. A window is provided on the sheet receiving surface for enabling part of the interior of the main body to be seen. An auxiliary tray is attached to the sheet receiving surface and is displaceable between an unfolded position to auxiliary support a discharged sheet and an accommodated position to be accommodated in the sheet receiving surface. The window is at a bottom of a recess formed by recessing a part of the sheet receiving surface. The auxiliary tray is accommodated in the recess when at the accommodated position and includes a transparent portion for ensuring visibility of the window.

Abstract: A toner container includes a longitudinal container body, a held portion, and an electric component. The longitudinal container body has a first end and a second end distal to the first end in a length direction of the container body. The held portion is attached to the first end of the container body and configured to be detachably attached to the toner-container holder. The held portion includes a toner outlet for discharging the toner. The electric component electrically communicates with a component in the main body to detect whether the toner container is operatively set in the toner-container holder. The electric component is attached to the held portion such that when the held portion is attached to the toner-container holder the electric component is located above the toner outlet with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: A fuser roller system, utilized with electrographic or xerographic copying or printing devices, multiple fuser rollers, each of which includes a machine readable device (MRD) having identification data. The system also includes at least one MRD reader and at least one computer having a database of fuser rollers. The system facilitates use of custom fuser rollers by determining what type of fuser roller is appropriate to run a print job. Then it is determined whether an appropriate fuser roller is installed in the copying or printing device. If an appropriate fuser roller is installed in the copying or printing device, the print job is directed to the device. If an appropriate fuser roller is not installed in the copying or printing device, the appropriate fuser roller is identified using the identification data stored in the MRD and installed in the device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is able to be connected to at least one developer supplier, at least one pull-up resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one connection line between the at least one developer supplier and the MUX, and a central processing unit (CPU) which detects a connection signal from the at least one pullup resistor and the at least one connection line, and determines whether an initial developer supplier is mounted according to the value of the connection signal.

Abstract: In the image forming apparatus, a developing bias in a developing unit is supplied from a drive electrode on the main body side of the apparatus to an electrode member as a DEV output. A detect electrode is also in contact with the electrode member from the apparatus main body side, while the electric potential of the detect electrode is input to a control part through an A/D converter. The control part, based on the electric potential, controls the DEV output so that the electric potential can coincide with a desired electric potential, and when the electric potential is less than a given value, the control part judges that an abnormal condition such as poor contact has occurred.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, having: a rotary developing unit, to and from which a plurality of developing cartridges storing developers are attached and detached and which moves one of the attached developing cartridges to a developing position by being rotated around a rotation axis; a drive motor that rotates the rotary developing unit; and a controller that controls a torque of the drive motor in response to a condition of the developing cartridges to be attached to the rotary developing unit or a condition of the rotary developing unit.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a developing unit for magenta contains magenta-type toner for pseudo full-color image forming whose chromaticity point is shifted closer to yellow hue on a chromaticity diagram, in comparison with genuine-magenta toner for full-color image forming, and likewise, a developing unit for cyan contains cyan-type toner for the pseudo full-color image forming whose chromaticity point is shifted closer to yellow hue on the chromaticity diagram, in comparison with genuine-cyan toner for the full-color image forming.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting the position of a developing unit mounted in an image forming apparatus are provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including an image forming engine for performing image forming operation, at least one RFID tag storing attribute information, a fit-in member detachably mounted in the apparatus body, the fit-in member being fitted with the RFID tag, an RFID tag interface through which the attribute information is read out from the RFID tag, a controller for controlling the image forming engine according to the attribute information read out through the RFID tag interface, and a mode switcher for switching the image forming apparatus from image forming mode which enables execution of the image forming operation to maintenance mode which enables execution of maintenance operation. The mode switcher enables a transfer from the image forming mode to the maintenance mode if maintenance mode startup information is detected from the attribute information read out through the RFID tag interface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus at least includes: a component, detachable from the image forming apparatus, including a driven portion; first and second detectors configured to detect an installation of the component in the image forming apparatus and driving of the driven portion, respectively; an indicator device configured to communicate information to a user; and a controller to control the indicator device. In a circumstance in which neither an occurrence of installation nor driving of the driven portion are detected, the controller outputs a first notification requesting a proper installation of the component when a first count of occurrences of the first notification or a second count of occurrences of cancellation of the first notification is less than first and second reference values, respectively, and a second notification requesting repair when the first count or the second count equals the first and second reference values, respectively.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing a time before an image formation operation is started after toner bottle replacement. When a toner sensor detects that toner is out, and further a door sensor detects that there is a possibility that a toner bottle has been replaced, a toner replenishment rate is calculated from the rotational speed of a motor for rotating the toner bottle, and timing in which image formation is to be resumed is determined based on the toner replenishment rate.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus main body; a development device that develops a latent image formed in an image retainer with toner; a toner cartridge that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body and that contains toner supplied to the development device; and a controller that switches and controls a first print mode wherein printing is carried out in a state where the toner cartridge is not attached to the image forming apparatus main body and a second print mode wherein printing is carried out in a state where the toner cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is capable of minimizing the increase in the capacity of a non-volatile memory provided in the wireless tag and of minimizing the increase in the time required for reading data. A sub unit such as a lid includes a wireless tag therein is detachably attached to an accommodating section such as a main body of the electronic apparatus. A reader-and-writer unit is housed in the accommodating section. When the sub unit is positioned in place in the accommodating section, the reader-and-writer unit communicates with the wireless tag to read data from the wireless tag and write data into the wireless tag. An anticipation signal generator provides an anticipation signal to the reader-and-writer unit when communication between the wireless tag and the reader-and-writer unit is anticipated to fail. The reader-and-writer unit is prevented from communicating with the wireless tag in accordance with the anticipation signal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: a rotary unit having a plurality of development devices provided around a rotary shaft, the development device including a constituent unit, wherein the plurality of the development devices move to a development position where the development devices sequentially oppose an image carrier by rotation of the rotary unit, and the development device in the development position develops an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier, a state detection unit that is disposed at a position above a circumference of the rotary unit, the position being different from the development position and that detects at least one of a state of the development devices and a state of the constituent unit of the development devices; and a rotation control unit that controls the rotary unit so as to perform rotation of the rotary unit for sequentially moving the development devices to the development position and rotation of the rotary unit for sequentially moving the development devices t

Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of substantially prolonging the service live of each component part and preventing the degradation of apparatus specifications before and after parts interchange work by the user. A controller of the image forming apparatus detects a component part requiring interchange from among the component parts based on wear ratios of the respective component parts. The controller determines whether or not to interchange the component part requiring interchange with another component part, based on the wear ratios of the respective component parts and usage rate of the respective component positions. When it is determined that the component part requiring interchange should be interchanged with another component part, the image forming apparatus issues a parts interchange notification.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. In the image forming apparatus, a contact portion that contacts a detection gear of a development cartridge and to which information about the development cartridge is transmitted is positioned inside of a path for attachment and detachment of a process cartridge. At both times of attachment and detachment of the process cartridge to and from a main unit casing, when the process cartridge contacts the contact portion, the contact portion can be swayed in a single direction while a pivot extending in a direction parallel to the direction of attachment and detachment of the process cartridge is taken as a fulcrum for swaying action.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has: a photosensitive cartridge; a development cartridge detachably mounted to the photosensitive cartridge; a main body in which the photosensitive cartridge is detachably mounted; a first sensor; a second sensor; and a control unit. Where the second sensor is brought into a second state after being temporarily brought into a first state, it is determined that the development cartridge is a new one. Where the second sensor is in the first state and the first sensor receives light within a predetermined period of time, it is determined that both the development cartridge and the photosensitive cartridge are not mounted Where the second sensor is in the first state, and the first sensor does not continuously receive the light for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that the photosensitive cartridge is mounted and the development cartridge is not mounted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to the invention includes an auxiliary power supply configured to detachably mountable on the image forming apparatus, a fixing device including a main heater heated by a commercial power supply and an auxiliary heater heated by the auxiliary power supply, a detector that detects mounting and detachment of the auxiliary power supply, and a control unit that performs control to carry out, when the mounting of the auxiliary power supply is detected by the detector, continuous printing of sheets at printing speed higher than printing speed at the time when the auxiliary power supply is not mounted. According to the image forming apparatus according to the invention, the image forming apparatus is capable of operating without deteriorating power use efficiency during continuous printing at normal speed and, on the other hand, can secure stable fixing performance even when the speed of the continuous printing is increased.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has: an image forming unit which is configured to scan a laser beam in a main scanning direction to expose a photosensitive member, and which forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member to form an image; a process cartridge that is detachably mounted within the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge holding the photosensitive member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and configured to develop the electrostatic latent image by supplying toner to the electrostatic image; and an origin detection unit that is provided on the process cartridge in a position lying within a range of an optical path of the laser beam and out of a range of an optical path of the laser beam for forming the electrostatic latent image, the origin detection unit configured to detect an origin of the laser beam for scanning and exposing.

Abstract: A developing cartridge that includes: a developer container that contains a developer; a developer carrier that carries the developer; an agitation member that includes a rotary shaft, agitates the developer in the developer container and supplies the developer to the developer carrier; a drive member that is provided at one end of the rotary shaft and transmits a driving force to the rotary shaft; and a detected portion that is provided at the other end of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a position detection circuit which detects the registration error amount between a recording medium conveyance unit and an image forming unit positioned by a positioning mechanism, on the basis of reading of a reference pattern arranged on either unit, and a controller which calculates a correction amount on the basis of the detected registration error amount and controls the operation timings of the image forming unit and recording medium conveyance unit in accordance with the correction amount.

Abstract: A developing cartridge usable with an image forming apparatus includes a housing having a developing member, a developer storing portion storing developer supplied to the developing member, and a mounting portion allowing at least one developer cartridge storing supplementary developer to be detachably mounted. Printing operations can be performed using the developer available in the developer-storing portion even in the absence of a developer cartridge.

Abstract: The presence of a photoconductor drum in a laser printer may be determined by making electrical measurements without directly sensing drum presence. In some embodiments, this may be done without using any added printer components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control power supplied to a paper transfer belt (PTB) unit and a laser scanning unit (LSU) included in an image forming device includes the PTB unit to transfer a developed latent image onto a printing medium, the LSU to scan light onto a photosensitive medium, a first controller to control power supplied to the PTB unit and the LSU, and a connection unit to connect the PTB unit to the first controller, wherein the first controller controls the power supplied to the LSU according to a connection state of the connection unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus adapted for a smooth mounting/dismounting of a process unit and for the reduction of wasteful power consumption is provided. Unless a new image signal is applied after completion of an image forming operation, the apparatus starts a clocking operation by an internal timer (Step S101). If the apparatus is left standstill for a predetermined length of time (Step S102), a sleep process (Step S103) is executed to shift the apparatus to a power save mode to consume less power. When an outside cover is opened (Step S105), on the other hand, the apparatus is shifted to a replacement operation mode (Step S106) in which only the rotation of a development rotary is permitted. However, if the apparatus is left with the outside cover opened (Step S108), the sleep process is executed.

Abstract: Several different apparatuses are provided that can be configured to detect whether a developing cartridge, an image carrier cartridge, and a process cartridge are installed in an image forming apparatus. A shielding member is configured to move between a blocking position where the shielding member blocks light emitted from a detector provided in the main body frame of an image forming apparatus and an unblocking position where the shielding member does not block the light emitted from the detector. The shielding member is in the blocking position when the developing cartridge is removed from an image carrier cartridge and in the unblocking position when the developing cartridge is installed in the image carrier cartridge. Also, an installation detecting device may be provided to determine whether an image carrier cartridge and a developing cartridge are installed in the main body frame based on the amount of the light received by a detector.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, in which a consumption article can be attached to and detached from a main body, has a device that makes an access to a memory provided on the consumption article, a device that determines whether or not an access failure has occurred during the access to the memory, and a device that switches over between warning levels according to the address of the memory where the access failure has occurred or an attribute concerning write and read where the access failure has occurred.

Abstract: A cartridge-information detecting device including: an optical sensor for detecting information about a cartridge which stores ink and is removably mounted on a cartridge mount, the information including specific information indicating that the cartridge is in a state of being mounted on or removed from the cartridge mount; and a controller including a timer which measures time and configured to execute a control for changing an operational mode of the optical sensor, wherein the controller permits the optical sensor to operate in a constant operational mode in which the information about the cartridge is constantly detected through the optical sensor until the timer has measured a predetermined time from a timing at which the detection of information about the cartridge becomes to be allowed, and wherein the controller permits the optical sensor to operate in an intermittent operational mode in which only the specific information is intermittently detected through the optical sensor, after the predetermined

Abstract: A positioning mechanism for positioning a developing apparatus is disclosed. The positioning mechanism includes a base. A guide slot is formed on the base for guiding the developing apparatus to slide inside the base in a first direction. The base includes a first end and a second end. The lock mechanism further includes a positioning roller disposed on a first side of the guide slot for pressing the developing apparatus when the developing apparatus is inserted inside the base completely so that a first end of the developing apparatus contacts against the first end of the base and a second end of the developing apparatus contacts against the second end of the base.

Abstract: A portion of a replaceable component of an imaging device is selectively deformed or melted.

Abstract: In a case where a qualified cartridge is not mounted, a toner supply controller stops driving of a toner supply motor. A controller calculates the toner density in a toner tank in accordance with a detection signal of a TC sensor to determine whether the toner density is within an allowable range. In a case where the toner density is out of the allowable range, the toner supply controller allows the toner supply motor to start driving. After that, in a case where the toner density in the toner tank becomes high, a cartridge mounting status determining section determines that a non-qualified cartridge is mounted. On the other hand, in a case where the toner density in the toner tank does not change or becomes lower, the cartridge mounting status determining section determines that the cartridge is not yet mounted.

Abstract: A recording apparatus including a movable carriage, wherein a plurality of mounting positions are arranged in a moving direction of the carriage, a light receiving portion capable of receiving light emitted by a light emitting portion of a plurality of liquid containers, a determining means for determining whether a correct liquid container is mounted at a mounting position based on a light receiving amount received by the light receiving portion, and a specifying means for specifying an incorrectly mounted liquid container based on the light receiving amount received by the light receiving portion, wherein the specifying means stops the carriage such that any mounting position with the incorrectly mounted liquid container is opposite the light receiving portion, and wherein if a plurality of liquid containers are determined to be incorrectly mounted, the light emitting portion of the incorrectly mounted liquid containers emit light in a specific order.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a developer storage container can be detachably mounted, includes: a reception unit arranged to receive information from the developer storage container; a first temperature detection unit provided in an inside of the image forming apparatus and arranged to detect a temperature of the inside of the image forming apparatus; a cooling unit arranged to cool the inside of the image forming apparatus; and a control unit arranged to determine on the basis of the received information whether second temperature detection unit is provided to the developer storage container, control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection result of the first temperature detection unit when the second temperature detection unit is not provided, and control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection results of the first and second temperature detection units when the second temperature detection unit is provided.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a body, a developer cartridge, a first detecting unit, a second detecting unit and a controller. The developer cartridge accommodates developer therein and is detachable from the body. The developer cartridge includes an information member disposed, when the developer cartridge is mounted on the body, in at least one of a first position and a second position different from the first position in accordance with information with respect to the developer cartridge. The first detecting unit detects that the information member is disposed at the first position. The second detecting unit detects that the information member is disposed at the second position. The controller determines the information with respect to the developer cartridge based on the detecting result of at least one of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit.

Abstract: A system, method, and article for sending secured data to an image forming device at a remote location. The secured data is unique to the image forming device or a specific class of image forming devices. The secured data is compared to data stored at the image forming device for verifying the identity of the image forming device. If the identity of the image forming device is verified, a setting adjustment of the image forming device is initiated based on the secured data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotary unit that has a rotary shaft, and a plurality of development devices each of which has a constituent unit, the development devices provided around the rotary shaft; and a plurality of state detection units that detects at least one of states of the development devices and states of the constituent unit; wherein the rotary unit is rotated so that the development devices sequentially pass a development position facing a photosensitive member; wherein when any of the development devices is located at the development position, the development device makes an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member visible; and wherein each of the state detection units detects at least one of the development devices and the states of the constituent unit during a single stop of rotation of the rotary unit.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method for identifying a container, or communication information about a container using a slot in the container as an antenna. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. The container includes an outer wall forming rim and a slot between the rim edge and the outer wall that is circular and continues without boundaries. The wireless communication device is coupled to the slot to provide the slot antenna for communications. An impedance matching network is additionally provided to make the operating frequency of the slot substantially the same as the operating frequency of the wireless communication device. Alternatively, shorting posts may be placed in the slot to define boundaries of the slot to match the operating frequency of the slot to the operating frequency of the antenna. Multiple feed points may be provided between the wireless communication device and the slot.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided with a developer collecting device which collects developer removed from an image bearing member and an intermediate transfer body by a cleaning section. The developer collecting device comprises a positioning frame for determining a mounting position of the image bearing member onto an image forming apparatus main body; a waste developer container detachably mounted on the positioning frame 4, for accommodating waste developer collected by the cleaning section; and an integrated container detection section for detecting whether or not the waste developer container is mounted on the positioning frame and whether or not the waste developer container is filled up with the waste developer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a toner cartridge supporting member which is movable between (i) an insertion position indicating that the toner cartridge is in the predetermined position and (ii) a draw-out position indicating that the toner cartridge is drawn out from the predetermined position; a detection device which detects a movement of the toner cartridge supporting member in a direction pointing from the insertion position toward the draw-out position; an information storage device which is provided in the toner cartridge; a connector which is provided so as to be detached from or fitted to the information storage device so as to be movable in a moving direction of the toner cartridge supporting member; and an information processing device which is capable of communicating with the information storage device via the connector and which carries out a communication stop process for causing a communication between the information processing device and the information storage device to be stopped wh