Abstract: A recording medium supplied from any one of paper supply units is printed by an image forming section, and then, the image-formed recording medium is transported via a transport path which is formed along a vertical direction, and thereafter is ejected to an ejection unit which is provided at an upper portion of an image forming apparatus main body. While a developing apparatus of a process cartridge owns a developer storage space, a latent image writing position “P” of an image carrier optically written by an optical writing apparatus is located lower than at least a portion of this developer storage space, and a space defined between the paper supply unit 1 8a and the optical writing apparatus is made small.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a latent image forming unit for forming a latent image on an image carrying body and a developing unit for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrying body by using a developer. In the image forming apparatus, for the developing unit, a developer replenishment box is communicatively connected to a developing housing in which a developer is contained, and the developer replenishment box is disposed in an upstream of a latent image writing position P on the image carrying body. The developer replenishment box is contained in a process cartridge.

Abstract: A first developer storage unit 116a is provided under a horizontal line which is extended from a latent image writing position “P” where a latent image is written in an image carrier 44, and a developer-storing housing unit 70 is provided above the horizontal line extended from the latent image writing position of the image carrier. Since a stirring/transporting member is rotatably supported in a stirring/transporting member hole 115a which is formed in this developer-storing housing unit 70, a second developer storage unit is constructed.

Abstract: A recording medium printed out by an image forming section 14 is ejected to an ejection unit 16 provided at an upper portion of an image forming apparatus 10. This ejection unit 16 owns an inclination portion 52 which is obliquely formed and has both a lower edge and an upper edge. At least a portion of a developer storage space 70 is arranged in an area “A” which is surrounded by this inclination portion 52, a horizontal plane extended from the lower edge of the inclination portion 52, and also, a vertical plane extended from the upper edge of the inclination portion 52.

Abstract: A first developer storage unit 116a is provided under a horizontal line which is extended from a latent image writing position “P” where a latent image is written in an image carrier 44, and a developer-storing housing unit 70 is provided above the horizontal line extended from the latent image writing position of the image carrier. Since a stirring/transporting member is rotatably supported in a stirring/transporting member hole 115a which is formed in this developer-storing housing unit 70, a second developer storage unit is constructed.

Abstract: A developer storage space into which developer is stored is segmented into a first developer storage portion 116a arranged at an upper portion of this developer storage space, and a second developer storage portion 116b arranged at a lower portion thereof, while sandwiching therebetween a window portion 120 which constitutes an optical scanning path. This first developer storage portion 116a is communicated with the second developer storage portion 116b via developer paths 122a and 122b, which are provided at both sides of the window portion 120. The developer derived from the first developer storage unit 116a is conducted to the developer paths 122a and 122b by the first stirring/transporting member 124, and then, is supplied to the second developer storage portion 116b through the developer paths 122a and 122b, and furthermore, is uniformly transported by the second stirring/transporting member 130 also to a central portion of a developing unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a latent image forming unit for forming a latent image on an image carrying body and a developing unit for visualizing the latent image formed on the image carrying body by using a developer. In the image forming apparatus, for the developing unit, a developer replenishment box is communicatively connected to a developing housing in which a developer is contained, and the developer replenishment box is disposed in an upstream of a latent image writing position P on the image carrying body. The developer replenishment box is contained in a process cartridge.

Abstract: A paper path for guiding and transporting sheets of paper in an image former such as a printer or a photocopier which forms an image on both sides of the sheet of paper. The paper path has three channels: an image forming channel, a paper discharging channel, and a paper reversing channel. At the point where all three channels merge, a paper gate is provided for both guiding sheets of paper and signaling the presence of paper at the point where the three channels merge. The top surface of a paper tray containing unused sheets of paper is part of the paper reversing channel. When paper passes over the top surface of the paper tray, a roller momentarily stops the motion of the paper to prevent skew. A claw connected to the paper tray separates paper with an image formed on one side from paper in the tray. Guides provided over the claw prevent paper jams.