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: 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 container holding device that engages with a toner container having a first opening to supply toner to a developing device is provided. The toner container holding device includes a container holder that detachably holds the toner container and has a second opening at a position coinciding with the first opening, and a hopper frame that stores the toner received from the toner container. A first seal member if provided between the toner container and the container holder, when the toner container is engaged with the container holder. A second seal member is provided between the container holder and the hopper frame. The container holder has an opening portion spaced from the first and second seal members.

Abstract: A toner container holding device that engages with a toner container having a first opening to supply toner to a developing device is provided. The toner container holding device includes a container holder that detachably holds the toner container and has a second opening at a position coinciding with the first opening, and a hopper frame that stores the toner received from the toner container. A first seal member if provided between the toner container and the container holder, when the toner container is engaged with the container holder. A second seal member is provided between the container holder and the hopper frame. The container holder has an opening portion spaced from the first and second seal members.

Abstract: A process cartridge of the present invention is separable into a first unit 105 including a photosensitive roller 108 and a second unit 106 including a development roller 109. The second unit 106 is provided with an operation member 320 which is capable of moving in a unit inserting/drawing out direction. When the operation member is thrust in the unit inserting direction, the second unit 106 is pressed against the first unit 105. When the operation member is pulled to the unit drawing out direction, the pressing of the second unit 106 against the first unit 105 is released.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with elements for use in image formation as expendable supplies; with a detachable replacement unit 108 having a movement 205 which can move from a first position to a second position but which once it moves to the second position, is prohibited from returning to the first position, having a moving member that serves to move the movement 205 from the first position to the second position, and having a drive mechanism that causes the moving member to move the movement 205 in conjunction with the drive of the elements; with a sensor 703 which detects a position of the movement 205; and with a controller which judges whether the replacement unit 108 is a new one or not on the basis of the result of detection of the sensor 703 anterior and posterior to the drive of the drive mechanism.