Abstract: In a configuration with a plurality of developing units, an influx of air into one developing unit from another developing unit can be blocked with a simple configuration. An operation section for a developing unit that is not in operation rotates a developer roll in the reverse direction to move developer accumulated on a pickoff pole, and fills a clearance formed between a housing and the developer roll with the developer so that the air flow of the developing unit that is not in operation is blocked. Accordingly, even if a difference in pressure between a developing unit that is in operation and a developing unit that is not in operation occurs, an air flow from the developing unit in operation to the developing unit not in operation is not apt to be formed, and an influx of air into the developing unit that is not in operation is blocked.

Abstract: The image forming unit 100 includes a photosensitive drum 11, a rotary developing device 30, and a rotation speed control device 70. Electrostatic latent images are formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The rotary developing device 30 includes a plurality of developing apparatuses 13 having a developing roller 14 disposed in opposition to the photosensitive drum 11, and a distance regulating collar 73 that regulates the distance between the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 14. The rotation speed control device 70 includes a rotation speed control device 71 that controls the rotation speed of the rotary developing device 30 so that for a predetermined period of time until the developing apparatus 13 reaches the developing position the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 11 and the movement speed in the circumferential direction of the distance regulating collar 73 are equal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; a plurality of development devices attachable to and detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus, a motor; and a drive transmission member. Each development device includes a development roller for forming a toner image on a surface of the photosensitive member. The motor is rotatable forward and backward, for driving the development roller. The drive transmission member is disposed between the motor and the development roller. The drive transmission member includes a plurality of gears, a plurality of shafts and a plurality of one-way clutches. An air gap is provided in at least one engagement portion where the gears engage with the shafts.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: plural photosensitive members aligned in a first direction; plural developing units for the photosensitive members, respectively, each of the developing units including a developer supplier, and a housing which holds the developer supplier; a translation member which moves the developing units between a contact position in which the developer suppliers contact the photosensitive members and a separated position in which the developer suppliers are separated from the photosensitive members by a linear reciprocating movement in the first direction; plural memory chips provided on the housings of the developing units, respectively; plural contacts provided on the translation member, each of the contacts configured to contact the corresponding memory chips; and a wiring provided on the translation member and electrically connected to each of the contacts.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus for printing a desired image.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods for transitioning between color printing and black-only printing in an image forming device. A cartridge is moved between a first position in which color printing may occur and a second position in which black-only printing may occur. In the first position, a color developer unit may be in contact with a color photoconductor unit. The color developer unit may be spaced from the color photoconductor unit in the second position. During the transition, a voltage supplied to the cartridge and a speed of a drive motor driving the cartridge may be adjusted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detaching and pressing mechanism for releasing developing rollers of developer cartridges mounted in a drum unit from photosensitive drums and pressing the developing rollers on the photosensitive drums. The detaching and pressing mechanism includes a pair of translation cam members, intermediate members provided on the translation cam members, cam holders for holding the translation cam members in such a manner as to be linearly movable in an anteroposterior direction, and a synchronous movement mechanism for allowing the pair of translation cam members to linearly move in synchronization.

Abstract: A multi-pass type color image forming apparatus. The multi-pass type color image forming apparatus includes an indicating member which is provided at a camshaft and has a plurality of indicating portions, a sensing part which detects the plurality of indicating portions, and a control unit which receives a signal from the sensing part when the indicating member passes by the sensing part by the rotation of the camshaft, and determines a home position by a rotational position of the camshaft when a signal pattern from a sequence of signals from the sensing part corresponds with a preset reference pattern. Accordingly, the home position of the camshaft can be determined in a short amount of time regardless of the slip between the cams and the push caps, so that the warm up time can be shortened and the generation time of noise caused by the contact between the cams and the push caps can be minimized.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body; a plurality of image carrying members; a plurality of developing members; a translation member that reciprocates in a straight line in a direction in which the image carrying members are aligned to move the developing members between an engagement position where the developing members are brought into contact with the image carrying members and a disengagement position where the developing members are disengaged from the image carrying members; and a force imparting mechanism, when at least one of the developing members is moved from the disengagement position to the engagement position by a movement of the translation member in a first direction, the force imparting mechanism imparting a force that includes a force component directed to a second direction opposite to the first direction into the translation member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detaching and pressing mechanism for releasing developing rollers of developer cartridges mounted in a drum unit from photosensitive drums and pressing the developing rollers on the photosensitive drums. The detaching and pressing mechanism includes a pair of translation cam members, intermediate members provided on the translation cam members, cam holders for holding the translation cam members in such a manner as to be linearly movable in an anteroposterior direction, and a synchronous movement mechanism for allowing the pair of translation cam members to linearly move in synchroniztion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods to position a developer member relative to a photoconductive member in an image forming device. One embodiment includes an elongated lift plate positioned in proximity to a photoconductive member. An elongated opening may be positioned within the lift plate. The opening may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be positioned farther from the photoconductive member than the second section. A positioning member may be positioned within the opening, and be operatively connected to the developer member. A hold down may bias the positioning member towards an edge of the opening. The lift plate may be longitudinally movable between a first position with the positioning member in the first section of the opening that positions the developer member away from the photoconductive member, and a second position with the positioning member in the second section that positions the developer member against the photoconductive member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable developing device incorporating first developer units, a second developer unit disposed outside the rotatable developing device, a photoconductor on which a toner image can be formed by contact of each of the first and second developer units, and a driving motor for rotating the rotatable developing device. A first value of angular acceleration of the rotatable developing device when development performed by a first one of the first developer units proceeds to development performed by the second developer unit and a second value thereof when the development performed by the second developer unit proceeds to development performed by a second one of the first developer units are set to be smaller than a third value thereof when development performed by the second one of the first developer units proceeds to development performed by a next one of the first developer units.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure describe a multi-pass printer having a photoreceptor device mounted on an axis, a developer that is arranged adjacent to the photoreceptor device and is moving between a first portion and a second position, and a camming mechanism mounted on the axis that acts upon the developer to urge the developer between the firs and second positions. The camming mechanism can further include a camming disc that is mounted to rotate about the axis. The camming disc can also have an outer periphery edge having a first portion defined by a first radius and a second portion defined by a second radius. The camming mechanism can also have a developer roll spacing cam having an effective radius that maintains a spacing between the developer and the photoreceptor drum.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that inhibits malfunctions therein via control such that respective developing devices change positions at predetermined timings. In a color laser printer, a first position is a position on a photosensitive drum facing a developing roller established when a developing roller moves to a developing position. A second position is a position on a photosensitive drum facing another developing roller when the developing roller moves to a developing position. First and second corresponding portions are portions on the conveying belt respectively corresponding to the first and second positions. The timing for moving the first developing roller and the second developing roller is controlled via a control apparatus and actuator such that a distance between the first corresponding portion and the second corresponding portion is less than a reference distance determined when the first developing roller and the second developing roller simultaneously approach the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a method of detecting a home position error are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing units, a cam shaft, and a plurality of cams that are formed on the cam shaft to correspond to the respective developing units. A power transmitting element is installed between the plurality of developing units and the plurality of cams and selectively transmits a rotational force of a driving source to the plurality of developing units according to a rotational phase of the cam shaft. An indicating element is installed on the cam shaft and includes a plurality of indicating units. A sensor senses the plurality of indicating units. A home position error is detected each time when the indicating units pass through the sensor.

Abstract: In an image-forming device including an image-carrying member, a developer-carrying member, and a casing having an inner space in which developer is accommodated and the developer-carrying member is supported, both a pushing force and a separating force are not applied to the casing so that the thickness of the casing does not need to be increased. The casing is formed with a pair of first protruding parts each having an end that protrudes outward along the axial direction of the developer-carrying member, and a pair of second protruding parts each having an end that protrudes farther outward than the corresponding end of the first protruding part. The first protruding parts serve as operating parts operated by a pressing member, and the second protruding parts serve as operating parts operated by a separating member.

Abstract: A power restricting device for a developing device of an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus with the same are disclosed. The power restricting device for a developing device of an image forming apparatus includes a driving section with at least one rotational member which is rotated by a power supplied from an external source. The rotational member is movable between a coupled position where it couples with a developing roller and an uncoupled position where it is not coupled with a developing roller. A rotational shaft includes at least one cam which makes the rotational member move between the coupled position and an uncoupled position. A shaft driving section rotates the rotational shaft in one direction. The cam is provided with a cam surface with a first section.

Abstract: An improved image forming apparatus comprises a first developing unit comprising a photosensitive body. Also provided is a second developing unit including a developing roller which is moveably installed so that the developing roller selectively contacts the photosensitive body. A pressing member selectively presses the second developing unit. The developing roller contacts the photosensitive body during a developing process and separates from the photosensitive body after the developing process is finished.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of developing units, a cam shaft, and a plurality of cams disposed on the cam shaft corresponding to the respective developing units. A power transmitting device disposed between the developing units and the cams selectively transmits rotational force from a driving source to the plurality of developing units.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller controlling a movement of a moving member to successively move a plurality of developing devices to a developing position in an image forming operation. A moving distance in at least one moving operation is different from a moving distance in other moving operations. A controller performs at least one moving operation and other moving operations during a transfer operation by a primary transferring device. The controller controls a moving speed of the moving member so that a relative position of a trailing edge of an image forming region on the image bearing member with respect to the developing position is controlled for the at least one moving operation and the other moving operations and so that the moving speed is uniform when the moving member performs a developer supplying operation in a non-image forming operation.

Abstract: A high developing voltage supply apparatus includes solenoid power switches, and a high developing voltage driver selectively outputting a solenoid driving signal to close one of the solenoid power switches to electrically close a corresponding mechanical contact, applying a high developing voltage to one of color development rollers corresponding to the mechanical contact closed and Kased on an image to be printed. A high developing voltage supply supplies the high developing voltage to developing roll shafts of the other color development rollers to stabilize potentials of the developing roll shafts, or, in the alternative, the high developing voltage supply apparatus may include a voltage supply supplying a self-biased voltage to the other color development rollers using the high developing voltage formed with a DC voltage VDC and an AC voltage VAC superimposed.

Abstract: A voltage switch for connecting a power supply with a plurality of development units in sequence, and an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus using the voltage switch. In the voltage switch, a first terminal is arranged on a circuit board and is connected to the power supply, and a plurality of second terminals are arranged in a circle on the circuit board and are connected with the plurality of development units, respectively. A rotor is rotatably coupled with the circuit board of the switch and is provided with a lead, such that as the rotor rotates about the circle, the first terminal can be electrically connected with the plurality of second terminals in sequence.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body; a photosensitive member on which a latent image is formed; a cartridge detachably attached to the main body and accommodates a developing agent therein; a developing roller provided at the cartridge, the developing roller being movable between a first position where the latent image is developed and a second position where development is not performed; a support shaft that rotatably supports the developing roller; and a separation member that moves the developing roller from the first position to the second position by engagement with the support shaft.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member bearing latent images; a developing unit including plural developing devices developing the latent images with developers to form visual images, each developing device including a developer bearing member bearing the developer to develop the latent image, and a developer thickness controlling member contacting the developer bearing member to control the thickness of a developer layer on the developer bearing member; and a driving device including at least one driving source, a forward rotation driving member rotated by the driving source to drive the developer bearing members to forwardly rotate to develop the latent images, and a reverse rotation driving member rotated by the driving source to drive the developer bearing members to reversely rotate when the developing operation is not performed, wherein the forward rotation driving member and the reverse rotation driving member can operate at the same time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a plurality of developing devices for developing electrostatic images formed on the image bearing member with developers, the developing devices including respective developer carrying members for carrying respective developers; moving means for moving a selected one of the developing devices to an operative position, wherein each of the developer carrying members is movable selectively to be in contact with or spaced from the image bearing member at the operative position; wherein the apparatus is operable in a first image formation mode in which an image is formed using the plurality of developing devices and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed using one of the plurality of developing devices, and wherein the developer carrying member which is at the operative position in the first image formation mode is capable of being spaced from the image bearing member by a first distance during non-developing-operation, and the develop

Abstract: The invention provides an imaging system wherein toners of two or more colors are used to form toner images and the toner images are successively used to form a color image on a recording material. The imaging system can form an image with high transfer efficiency. An electrostatic latent image is formed on an image carrier. Using developing units for two or more colors, images are formed. Then, the images are successively transferred onto an intermediate transfer medium at a transfer voltage fed from a constant-voltage power supply. The developing units are located such that development occurs in descending toner work function order.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a plurality of developing devices for developing electrostatic images formed on the image bearing member with developers, the developing devices including respective developer carrying members for carrying respective developers; moving devices for moving a selected one of the developing devices to an operative position, wherein each of the developer carrying members is movable selectively to be in contact with or spaced from the image bearing member at the operative position. The apparatus is operable in a first image formation mode in which an image is formed using the plurality of developing devices and a second image formation mode in which an image is formed using one of the plurality of developing devices. The developer carrying member which is at the operative position in the first image formation mode is capable of being spaced from the image bearing member by a first distance during non-developing-operation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: an image bearing member on a surface of which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developing device which contains a developer and which has a rotatable developer carrying member, which abuts against the surface of the image bearing member, and a storage device storing information on image formation history, the developing device being adapted to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image bearing member as the developer carrying member carries the developer to the electrostatic latent image; a moving mechanism which moves the developing device to one of a first position where development is performed and a second position where development is not performed; and a control device which controls, based upon the information on image formation history stored in the storage device, an operation for giving a charge to the developer according to a lapsed time from a finish time of image formation, in a state in which the developing device is move

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a high voltage to a plurality of developer units has a high voltage source generating the high voltage, and a voltage switching unit including a plurality of switching elements provided between the plurality of developer units and the high voltage source to sequentially supply the voltage from the high voltage source to the plurality of developer units. The high voltage source supplies one voltage of a predetermined voltage level to the respective switching elements. The voltage switching unit has a plurality of high voltage distributing portions branching the voltage supplied to the switching elements into one or more voltages of differing voltage levels, and supplying the branch voltages and the initially supplied voltage to the respective developer units. A number of wiring harnesses or patterned connection lines, and contact-points and noise from the high voltage are reduced.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a plurality of developing devices for developing an electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member, and a rotary member holding the plurality of developing devices and rotated in a route including a developing position, the rotary member selectively positioning any one of the developing devices at the developing position. Each of the plurality of developing devices has a plurality of developer carrying members carrying a developer thereon and carrying the developer to the image bearing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a plurality of developing devices for developing an electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member, a rotary member holding the plurality of developing devices and rotated in a route including a developing position, the rotary member selectively positioning any one of the developing devices at the developing position, each of the plurality of developing devices having a first developer carrying member and a second developer carrying member for carrying a developer thereon and carrying it to the image bearing member, and a holding member holding the first developer carrying member and the second developer carrying member and pivotally movably provided.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive medium and developers in a fixed position, each having a developing gap with respect to the photosensitive medium to consecutively develop an image with color toners.

Abstract: A contact shock dampening and development nip forming apparatus for developers includes a unit to dampen a contact shock and to form a development nip installed on both ends of a developing roller to be disposed between a photosensitive body and the developing roller. Accordingly, the contact shock dampening and development nip forming apparatus absorbs shocks applied to the photosensitive body from the developing roller upon changing the developers, to thereby protect the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive body and extend the lifespan of the photosensitive body. The apparatus also maintains a thickness of the development nip to thereby obtain a steady image quality, even though the developing roller and/or the photosensitive body may be formed of solid substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a developing apparatus comprisinga developing container for containing a developing agent and rotatable first and second developing members provided at the developing container as to face an image carrier for developing an electrostatic image formed on the image carrier. The first developing member is secured to the developing container to keep a gap to the image carrier and the second developing member has keeping members at both ends in a longitudinal direction thereof to keep a gap to the image carrier.

Abstract: A multi-color imaging apparatus that can support a plurality of color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-devices includes a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit. The disengagement unit can selectively disengage a selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device depending on whether the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device is required to generate an image. In one example the imaging apparatus can also include a processor and a computer readable memory device. In this example a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengage program can be stored in the memory device. The program is executable by the processor to allow the rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit to selectively disengage the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device.

Abstract: A developing device includes a toner supplying roller, a developing roller for transferring the one-component toner to a developing position by performing a developing rotation in an image forming operation and moving away from the developing position, a sealing member arranged in a vicinity of the developing roller, and a toner layer regulating roller arranged in contact with the developing roller. The toner layer regulating roller locks a rotating operation in the image forming operation, regulates the one-component toner which adheres on a surface of the developing roller into a thin layer, and freely follows the developing roller in a non-image forming operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and disconnecting a developing bias power supply in an image forming system. A plurality of developers are operated in sequence to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive body in a predetermined color. An electro-magnetic clutch, which corresponds to each of the developers, connects and disconnects driving of each of the developers. A deceleration gear assembly is rotated according to a rotation of a gear of the developer connected to the electro-magnetic clutch. A connection unit, which is driven by the deceleration gear assembly, rotates and connects/disconnects the developing bias power supply to/from each of the developers.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming portions, and a first switching device and a second switching device that act on a plurality of clutch devices. The second switching device communicates with the first switching device and operates in association with an operation of the first switching device. This makes it possible to simplify the construction of the image forming apparatus and to suppress reduction of the service life of an image bearing member.

Abstract: A rotating force transmitting apparatus includes: a first and a second transmitting devices for transmitting rotating forces to a first and a second rotary members, wherein the first and the second transmitting devices include a first and a second clutches for intermittently transmitting the rotating forces; a common driving device for imparting the rotating forces to the first and the second transmitting devices, wherein the second clutch can be switched from the turned-off state thereof to the turned-on state thereof for rotating the second rotary member when the first rotary member is rotating with the first clutch being turned on; and a permitting device for permitting the transmission of a rotating force only in a normal rotational direction of the driving device to the first transmitting device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus suppresses several kinds of inconveniences caused by unnecessary contact of a belt-formed member with opposing members and drives the belt-formed member accurately even when the belt-formed member separated from a part of a plurality of opposing members. In an image forming apparatus having a belt-formed member supported by a plurality of supporting rollers and a plurality of opposing members located side by side in a line to oppose and contact the belt-formed member, a pivot mechanism is employed to temporarily separate the belt-formed member from a part of the opposing members for color image formation. The image forming apparatus also includes a tension roller dive mechanism to increase a relative distance between the tension roller and other supporting rollers to suppress a decrease in a tension of the belt-formed member during the above-described separation of the belt-formed member from the plurality of opposing members.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing devices each including a developer carrying member for carrying a developer to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member, and a developer regulating member for regulating the developer carried on the developer carrying member; common voltage applying means for applying a common voltage to the plurality of develop our regulating members, wherein a first one of the developer carrying members is rotating, and a second one of the developer carrying members is not rotating, a potential difference between the second developer carrying member and the common voltage is smaller than a voltage difference between the first developer carrying member and the common voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a color image using electrophotography includes a photosensitive drum on which a predetermined electrostatic latent image is formed, a plurality of developing units including a developing roller supplying toner to a surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and pressure cams sequentially or selectively pressing corresponding ones of the developing units toward the photosensitive drum when the electrostatic latent image is developed. A bracket slide disposed in the apparatus uses tension springs to generate the same normal force in a predetermined range regardless of relative positions of the developing units, and the same normal force are applied to the photosensitive drum from the respective developing rollers while reducing a shock occurring when the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus has photo conductor drums, and upstream developing rollers and downstream developing rollers that are brought into contact with respective photo conductor drums based on a changeover. The developing rollers develop latent images into visual images. A time required to change over a developing unit from one developing unit to the other developing unit is set as follows. A changeover time T2 from the downstream developing rollers to the upstream developing rollers respectively is set shorter than a changeover time T1 from the upstream developing rollers to the downstream developing rollers.

Abstract: A multi-color imaging apparatus that can support a plurality of color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-devices includes a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit. The disengagement unit can selectively disengage a selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device depending on whether the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device is required to generate an image. In one example the imaging apparatus can also include a processor and a computer readable memory device. In this example a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengage program can be stored in the memory device. The program is executable by the processor to allow the rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit to selectively disengage the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor medium, an exposing unit, a plurality of developer units, and a power supply. The exposing unit scans light onto the photoreceptor drum to form a latent electrostatic image. The plurality of developer units include developer rollers supplying toner to the latent electrostatic image to develop the latent electrostatic image into a toner image. Each developer unit contains toner of a different color, and the developer units are arranged around the photoreceptor medium so that the developer rollers are separated by a development gap from the photoreceptor medium. The power supply selectively applies a first bias allowing toner to be supplied through the development gap to the photoreceptor medium on which the latent electrostatic image is formed and a second bias preventing toner from passing through the development gap.

Abstract: A method for forming an image in an electrophotographic printer. The method includes the steps of rotating a developing roller at the same linear velocity as that of a photosensitive medium in a state where the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive medium, moving a developer so that the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive medium, and changing the linear velocity of the developing roller to be faster than that of the photosensitive medium after contact and proceeding with the developing process, rotating the developing roller at the same linear velocity as that of the photosensitive medium after completing the developing process, and moving the developer so that the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: A color electrophotographic apparatus eliminates necessity of mechanism for urging the developer from the front side. The developer is placed away from a photo conductor. On both sides of the developer, mutually cooperated gears are provided. One of the gear meshes with a drive gear with a clutch for driving the developer. The other gear is meshed with a brake gear coupled with a brake mechanism whose brake function can be turned On and OFF by an electric signal. The drive gear is arranged to urge the developer onto the photo conductor by rotation thereof. When the gear of the developer rotates, the brake gear is arranged at a position to urge the developer onto the photo conductor. The torque to start slippage of the brake is set at a value to be greater than a force of a spring pushing back the developer.

Abstract: A developing apparatus of an electrophotographic printer for developing an image on a photoreceptive drum includes a disc rotating independently of the photoreceptive drum at both sides of the photoreceptive drum and having at least one cam groove formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof. A developing unit includes a housing containing developer and a developing roller supported by both sidewalls of the housing and having a shaft contacting the outer circumferential surface of the disc. An elastic member is provided at a rear surface of the housing and presses the developing apparatus toward the photoreceptive drum. Thus, since the disc having at least one cam groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface and rotates independently of the photoreceptive drum, the developing roller can be detached from the photoreceptive drum at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a first frame; a second frame coupled with the first frame for rotation about a shaft; an electrophotographic photosensitive drum provided in the first frame; a developing member, provided in the second frame, for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with a developer; a developing member, provided in the second frame, for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with a developer; an elastic member for applying an elastic force between the first frame and the second frame to urge the developing member to the photosensitive drum; a force receiving portion, provided downstream of the shaft with respect to a mounting direction in which the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, for receiving a force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to keep the developing member

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive medium and developers in a fixed position, each having a developing gap with respect to the photosensitive medium to consecutively develop an image with color toners.