Abstract: A recording apparatus which includes a bottom plate constituting a bottom portion of the recording apparatus, a first unit fixed to the bottom plate and contributable to a recording operation of the recording apparatus, a second unit fixed to the bottom plate and contributable to the recording operation, and a third unit which is elongated and is contributable to the recording operation and which is fixed adjacent its one longitudinal end to the first unit and is fixed adjacent its other end to the second unit is arranged in such a manner that the mechanical strength of the whole assembly of the recording apparatus is increased. This is done without requiring additional structural members by having functional parts provide structural support for the apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning device for an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine wherein the cleaning device is usable for removing toner from a photosensitive member. The cleaning device is effective to provide a solution to the problem caused by the toner particles and other foreign matter gripped between the cleaning member and the photosensitive member. According to this invention, the problems are solved by controlling the manner of bringing the cleaning member into contact with the photosensitive member and/or the manner of bringing the same out of contact.