Abstract: Provided is a processing cartridge detachably installed in an imaging device. The processing cartridge includes a first unit and a second unit, and a movable assembly coupled to and receive force from the force applying portion. When the processing cartridge is assembled to the imaging device, the first t and second units can be switched between states of approaching and separating. The movable assembly comprises an installing part and an acting part movable relative to and connectable with each other. The movable assembly is installed in the processing cartridge by the installing part, the acting part is coupled to the force applying portion and receives force from the force applying portion, to force the first and second units to switch between the two states. The acting part is retractable relative to the installing part and comprises an acting block and a guide block guided by the installing part.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a coupling member for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum. A movable member is provided movable relative to a frame and a rotatable portion is supported by the movable member and rotatable relative to the movable member. A regulating member is movable between a regulating position for regulating movement of the movable member by contacting the rotatable portion and a non-regulating position where the regulating member does not regulate the movable member. A position of an end portion of the movable member in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum changes relative to the frame by movement of the movable member between a first position and a second position, and the end portion of the movable member is closer to the coupling member in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum when the movable member is in the second position than when the movable member is in the first position.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller; a casing having an outer surface; a first shaft rotatable about a rotational axis; a first arm; and a cam. The first arm and the cam extend radially outward from an outer periphery of the first shaft and pivotally movable along with rotation of the first shaft. The cam has: one end connected to the first shaft; another end positioned farther from the rotational axis than the one end is farther from the rotational axis; and a pressure contact surface inclined so as to approach the outer surface of the casing as extending from the one end toward the another end. When a pressing force is applied to the pressure contact surface, the first arm pivotally moves from a first position to a second position along with: pivotal movement of the cam; and the rotation of the first shaft.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first latch-receiving shelf is positioned on a first longitudinal end of the housing and a second latch-receiving shelf is positioned on a second longitudinal end of the housing. Contact surfaces on top portions of the first and second latch-receiving shelves are positioned to contact corresponding first and second latches in an image forming device. The contact surface of the first latch-receiving shelf is positioned lower than a first rotational axis of a first drive coupler of the toner cartridge and higher than a second drive coupler of the toner cartridge. The contact surface of the second latch-receiving shelf is positioned lower than at least a portion of a first electrical contact of the toner cartridge and higher than at least a portion of a second electrical contact of the toner cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, having a photosensitive drum assembly, an exposure head, and a bearing, is provided. The photosensitive drum assembly includes a photosensitive drum and a flange disposed at an end of the photosensitive drum in an axial direction of an axis of the photosensitive drum. The flange contacts an inner surface of the photosensitive drum. The exposure head includes a plurality of light emitters aligned along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a lens array focusing light from the light emitters on the photosensitive drum, and a head frame to support the light emitters and the lens array. The bearing has a first contact face to contact the exposure head to define a distance between the lens array and the photosensitive drum along a direction of an optical axis of the light.

Abstract: A drum cartridge includes: a drum frame to which a developing cartridge including a storage medium having an electrical contact surface is detachably attachable; a photosensitive drum; a transfer roller; and a conveying roller. The drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction and positioned at one end portion of the frame in a second direction. The transfer roller is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction and in contact with the drum. The conveying roller is rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction and separated from the transfer roller in the second direction. A first opening of the frame is positioned between the transfer roller and the conveying roller in the second direction. The electrical contact surface is exposed to an outside through the first opening in a case where the developing cartridge is attached to the frame.

Abstract: A rotating body to be inserted with a shaft includes a holding portion on an end portion of the rotating body to hold the rotating body on the shaft. The holding portion includes a hook to be elastically deformable and detachably hook on a recess of an end portion of the shaft. The holding portion is rotatingly movable, with elastic deformation of the hook, over a convex portion of the shaft that is outside the recess in an axial direction of the shaft.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image forming stations including respective electrophotographic photosensitive drums; an image transfer belt contactable to the drums; image transfer rollers, contactable to the transfer belt to urge the belt to the drums for transferring the toner images from the drums onto the belt, the rollers being provided with respective rotational shafts about an axis of which the rollers are rotatable; and a slidable member slidable in a direction in which the stations are arranged to retract the rollers away from the corresponding drums, the slidable member being provided with inclined surfaces contactable to the shafts, the inclined surfaces being disposed at such positions that the rollers are retracted from respective drums sequentially with the movement of the slidable member in the direction.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop image formed on the drum, the developing roller being capable of contacting to and spacing from the drum; an urging force receiving portion configured to receive, from a main assembly side urging member, an urging force for spacing the developing roller from the drum; a cartridge side drive transmission member capable of the coupling with a main assembly side drive transmission member and configured to receive, from the main assembly side drive transmission member, a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and a decoupling member capable of urging the cartridge side drive transmission member by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission member from the main assembly side drive transmission member.

Abstract: A component separator system for use with an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a first replaceable unit and a second replaceable unit for use in the image forming device. The second replaceable unit is manually separable from the first replaceable unit. The first replaceable unit is mateable with the second replaceable unit in an operative position of the first replaceable unit relative to the second replaceable unit with a first imaging component of the first replaceable unit in operative contact with a second imaging component of the second replaceable unit. Engagement of a first engagement member of the first replaceable unit with a second engagement member of the second replaceable unit retains the first replaceable unit in a storage position relative to the second replaceable unit with the first imaging component spaced away from the second imaging component.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.

Abstract: Movement and/or urging of a developer carrying memer is carried out with high precision. A cartridge that is mountable to an apparatus main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge includes a developing roller; a frame supporting the developing roller; a movable part movably supported by the frame and movable to a first position and to a second position relative to the frame; and an elastic part provided between the frame and the movable part to urge the movable part. The movable part includes a first force receiving part that receives force from the apparatus main assembly, in a direction of moving from the first position to the second position, and a second force receiving part that receives force from the apparatus main assembly, in a direction of moving from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A first replaceable unit is provided for use with a second replaceable unit in an electrophotographic image forming device. The first replaceable unit includes a latch movable between a latching position for latching the first replaceable unit to the second replaceable unit and an unlatching position for permitting the first replaceable unit to separate from the second replaceable unit. The latch is positioned to contact a latch catch on the second replaceable unit in order to prevent the first replaceable unit from separating from the second replaceable unit when the first replaceable unit is mated with the second replaceable unit and the latch is in the latching position. The latch includes a cam follower surface for contacting a camming surface on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit to cause the latch to move toward the latching or unlatching position.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one embodiment includes a body having a reservoir for storing toner and a rotatable developer roll mounted on the body and in fluid communication with the reservoir. A portion of an outer surface of the developer roll is exposed along a front of the body for supplying toner from the reservoir to a corresponding photoconductive drum on an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit in an operative position of the toner cartridge relative to the imaging unit. A first engagement member positioned on a rear of the body is configured to engage a corresponding second engagement member on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit to retain the toner cartridge in a storage position of the toner cartridge relative to the imaging unit with the developer roll spaced away from the photoconductive drum.

Abstract: A support assembly is disclosed. The support assembly may comprise a component to interact with a photoconductive imaging unit, the component being rotatable relative to the photoconductive imaging unit. The support assembly may comprise an air bearing positioned adjacent to a surface of the photoconductive imaging unit, the air bearing to generate a cushion of gas to support the component at a defined distance from the photoconductive imaging unit. A method and a print apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop image formed on the drum, the developing roller being capable of contacting to and spacing from the drum; an urging force receiving portion configured to receive, from a main assembly side urging member, an urging force for spacing the developing roller from the drum; a cartridge side drive transmission member capable of the coupling with a main assembly side drive transmission member and configured to receive, from the main assembly side drive transmission member, a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and a decoupling member capable of urging the cartridge side drive transmission member by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission member from the main assembly side drive transmission member.

Abstract: A development cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a photoconductive unit including a photoconductive drum, a developing unit including a developing roller having a rotation shaft and coupled to the photoconductive unit to be rotatable to a release position where the developing roller is separated from the photoconductive drum, and to a development position where the developing roller contacts the photoconductive drum, and a coupler located between and couplable to the rotation shaft of the developing roller and a rotational power transmission member. When the coupler is coupled to the rotational power transmission member, the coupler is selectively rotatable in a first rotation direction or a second rotation direction by a rotational force from the rotational power transmission member. When the coupler is rotated in the first rotation direction and then in the second rotation direction, transmission of the rotational force to the developing roller is partially interrupted.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.

Abstract: In a cartridge, a housing has a developer accommodating portion and includes a first side wall and a second side wall. A coupling member is disposed at a position opposite to the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall. A detection body is disposed at a position opposite to the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall. A first driving force transmission member is positioned at the same side with the coupling member with respect to the first side wall, and transmits driving force from the coupling member to a rotating member. A second driving force transmission member is positioned at the same side with the detection body with respect to the second side wall, and transmits driving force from the rotating member to the detection body.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop image formed on the drum, the developing roller being capable of contacting to and spacing from the drum; an urging force receiving portion configured to receive, from a main assembly side urging member, an urging force for spacing the developing roller from the drum; a cartridge side drive transmission member capable of the coupling with a main assembly side drive transmission member and configured to receive, from the main assembly side drive transmission member, a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and a decoupling member capable of urging the cartridge side drive transmission member by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission member from the main assembly side drive transmission member.

Abstract: An example printing system for printing liquid ink has a developer device to transfer ink to an image plate of the printing system. The developer device has an ink inlet to receive ink from an ink reservoir of the printing system; a developer roller to transfer ink to the image plate, a motor to rotate the developer roller, and an ink sensor to detect arrival of ink at the developer device. The printing system is configured to start the motor in response to the ink sensor detecting arrival of ink at the developer device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body housing, a drawer, a drum cartridge, an exposure device, developing cartridge, a transfer roller, and a fixing device. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and is attachable to and detachable from a first supporting position on the drawer. The developing cartridge is attachable to and detachable from a second supporting position on the drawer and includes a developing roller. The drawer includes a first guide. The drum cartridge includes a second guide. In a state where the drum cartridge is attached to the first supporting position on the drawer, the first guide of the drawer and the second guide of the drum cartridge forms a developing cartridge guide configured to guide the developing cartridge toward the second supporting position on the drawer.

Abstract: A developer cartridge includes a developing roller, a housing, an electrode, a gear, and a hook. The developing roller is rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction. The housing extends in the first direction and is configured to store toner therein. The electrode is positioned at an outer surface of the housing in the first direction and extends in the first direction. The gear is rotatable about the electrode. The hook is positioned opposite to the developing roller relative to the gear in a second direction and is movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a drawer and a main body. The drawer includes a frame holding a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction and a drawer-side connector including a drawer-side electrical contact part. The main body includes: a housing including a main body-side electrical contact part; a shaft extending in the first direction; a unit removably insertable to the housing; and a connection member. One end in a third direction intersecting with the first and second directions of the unit is fitted to the housing and the other end is supported to the shaft via the connection member. The main body-side connector is supported to the unit. The drawer-side electrical contact part and the main body-side electrical contact part are interconnected when the drawer is accommodated.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example includes first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the toner cartridge, respectively, for positioning the toner cartridge. The first and second alignment guides define a pivot axis about which the toner cartridge is pivotable relative to an imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. An engagement member is positioned on a rear of the toner cartridge for receiving a bias force for biasing the toner cartridge about the pivot axis when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit. The engagement member is positioned next to the bottom of the housing. The engagement member includes an angled contact surface that faces upward and rearward for contacting a corresponding hold-down on the imaging unit when the toner cartridge is installed on the imaging unit.

Abstract: A static eliminating device includes a light guide body formed in a bar shape and attached to a drum frame, and a light source. The light source is arranged at one end side in a longitudinal direction of the light guide body. The light guide body includes a plurality of reflection parts and an attachment part. The plurality of reflection parts is arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction within a range at the other end side from a start position spaced a predetermined distance from one end in the longitudinal direction. The attachment part is arranged between one end in the longitudinal direction and the start position to act as a start point of thermal deformation in the longitudinal direction. The attachment part is composed of two protrusions to interpose an edge of a positioning hole provided in the drum frame at one end side in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Provided is a cartridge that includes a photosensitive member unit, a development unit that moves with respect to the photosensitive member unit so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, a regulating member that is movable between a regulating position at which the regulating member contacts the photosensitive member unit and the development unit to regulate movement of the development unit from the first position to the second position and a nonregulating position at which movement of the development unit is not regulated, and an urging member that urges the regulating member to move the regulating member from the nonregulating position to the regulating position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic image forming method includes a casing having a front wall to which an opening is formed and a rear wall facing the front wall, a photosensitive drum located close to the front wall, a support member configured to support the photosensitive drum. The support member is slidably movable between an accommodated position a drawn position at which the photosensitive drum is drawn out of the casing through the opening. The image forming apparatus further includes a sheet tray, a feeding roller configured to feed the plurality of sheets supported by the sheet tray, a first conveying guide arranged between the support member and the sheet tray to face the support member, and a second conveying guide formed to the support member at a position facing the first conveying guide to guide the sheet inserted through the opening.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a casing; a developing roller; a shaft extending in a first direction; a first inclined surface; a second inclined surface; an elastic member; and a first protrusion. The shaft is movable in the first direction relative to the casing and the developing roller, and is movable in the second direction together with the same. The first inclined surface is positioned at one end portion of the shaft, while the second inclined surface is positioned at another end portion of the shaft. The first and second inclined surfaces are inclined relative to the first direction. The first protrusion is movable in the first direction together with the second inclined surface. The shaft is movable from a first position to a second position when the second inclined surface receives a pressing force directed in a direction from the another end portion to the one end portion.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a rotatable photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller configured to develop image formed on the drum, the developing roller being capable of contacting to and spacing from the drum; an urging force receiving portion configured to receive, from a main assembly side urging member, an urging force for spacing the developing roller from the drum; a cartridge side drive transmission member capable of the coupling with a main assembly side drive transmission member and configured to receive, from the main assembly side drive transmission member, a rotational force for rotating the developing roller; and a decoupling member capable of urging the cartridge side drive transmission member by the urging force received by the urging force receiving portion to decouple the cartridge side drive transmission member from the main assembly side drive transmission member.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housing having first and second alignment guides that extend outward from a first side and a second side of the housing, respectively, and that run along a front-to-rear dimension of the housing. Third and fourth alignment guides extend outward from the first side of the housing. The third alignment guide is spaced toward the front of the housing from the fourth alignment guide. Bottom surfaces of the third and fourth alignment guides are unobstructed to sit on top of a corresponding guide surface in an image forming device to control a vertical position of the toner cartridge in the image forming device. The bottom surfaces of the third and fourth alignment guides are aligned with each other in a vertical dimension of the housing and are positioned higher than the first and second alignment guides.

Abstract: A process unit includes a drum frame supporting a photoconductor drum and a development frame supporting a development roller. The development cartridge is swingably supported by the drum frame at a coupling joint provided at a first side of the development frame and a support portion provided at a second side of the development frame. A center of rotation of the development roller is located in a position shifted from a line segment connecting a center of rotation of the coupling joint and a center of rotation of the photoconductor drum to an upstream side with respect to a direction of rotation of the coupling joint as viewed in an axial direction of the development roller, such that the development roller is pressed against the photoconductor drum by the action of the rotatory force received by the coupling joint.

Abstract: A drum cartridge includes: a drum frame to which a developing cartridge including a storage medium having an electrical contact surface is detachably attachable; a photosensitive drum; a transfer roller; and a conveying roller. The drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction and positioned at one end portion of the frame in a second direction. The transfer roller is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction and in contact with the drum. The conveying roller is rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction and separated from the transfer roller in the second direction. A first opening of the frame is positioned between the transfer roller and the conveying roller in the second direction. The electrical contact surface is exposed to an outside through the first opening in a case where the developing cartridge is attached to the frame.

Abstract: A drum cartridge includes: a drum frame to which a developing cartridge including a storage medium having an electrical contact surface is detachably attachable; a photosensitive drum; a transfer roller; and a conveying roller. The drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction and positioned at one end portion of the frame in a second direction. The transfer roller is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction and in contact with the drum. The conveying roller is rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction and separated from the transfer roller in the second direction. A first opening of the frame is positioned between the transfer roller and the conveying roller in the second direction. The electrical contact surface is exposed to an outside through the first opening in a case where the developing cartridge is attached to the frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly and a cartridge including at least an image bearing member. The apparatus further includes a tray drawable from the main assembly, wherein the cartridge is mountable to and dismountable from the tray in one direction and an opposite direction, respectively; and a light emission unit provided in the tray and including a plurality of light emission elements arranged in an axial direction of the image bearing member to form a latent image on the image bearing member. The cartridge is capable of being inserted into the tray by moving it in the one direction, in response to which the light emission unit is moved in a direction crossing with the one direction to outside of a movement range of insertion of the cartridge.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum is rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction. A frame includes a first side plate located at first end in the first direction and a second side plate spaced from the first side plate in the first direction. The frame rotatably supports the photosensitive drum between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction. The frame holds a developer cartridge. A lock lever is pivotable about a pivot axis extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The lock lever is movable between a lock position at which the developer cartridge is locked on the frame and a release position at which the developer cartridge is unlocked from the frame.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a particular direction. A frame rotatably supports the photosensitive drum. A developing roller is rotatable according to driving force about a second axis extending in the particular direction. A surface of the developing roller contacts a surface of the photosensitive drum through toner. A resistance generating member generates a resistance torque TQ1 serving as resistance between the frame and photosensitive drum in a case where the photosensitive drum rotates relative to the frame. In a case where the developing roller rotates according to the driving force in a state where the surface of the developing roller contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum through toner, the resistance torque TQ1 is smaller than a torque TQ2 that causes the photosensitive drum to rotate due to friction between the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: An apparatus main body includes a drum guide configured to guide installation of a drum cartridge into the apparatus main body and a developing guide configured to guide installation of a developing cartridge into the apparatus main body. A downstream end of the developing guide is located farther away from an opening than a downstream end of the drum guide is. The drum cartridge includes a first handle located inside the apparatus main body in a state where the drum cartridge is installed in the apparatus main body. The developing cartridge includes a second handle located inside the apparatus main body in a state where the developing cartridge is installed in the apparatus main body. The handle cover is located between the opening and the first handle to cover the first handle, in a state where the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are installed in the apparatus main body.

Abstract: A photosensitive member unit includes a photosensitive member, a transfer roller, a mounting portion capable of mounting a development unit including a development roller, a first gear and a second gear each provided at one end of the photosensitive member in an axial direction of the photosensitive member, and a third gear provided at one end of the transfer roller in an axial direction of the photosensitive member and configured to engage with the second gear. The first gear, the second gear, and the third gear are helical gears. A direction in which helical teeth of the first gear are inclined is opposite to a direction in which helical teeth of the second gear are inclined, and the direction in which the helical teeth of the first gear are inclined matches a direction in which helical teeth of the third gear are inclined.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an openable-closable member, an image carrier, a cover sheet, and a cover moving mechanism. The openable-closable member is arranged in an open position where it keeps a recording medium conveying passage open and in a closed position where it keeps the recording medium conveying passage closed. The cover sheet is reciprocatable between a protection position where it covers the recording medium conveying passage side of the image carrier and a retracted position where it is retracted from the recording medium conveying passage. The cover moving mechanism moves the cover sheet to the retracted position or to the protection position by opening and closing the openable-closable member. Drawing out the cover sheet in the protection position to the recording medium conveying passage side causes the cover sheet to be arranged in a recording medium removal position.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes: a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum; and a toner cartridge which is mountable on the drum cartridge and stores toner, wherein the drum cartridge includes: a cleaner configured to collect waste toner on the photosensitive drum; a waste toner conveyance tube configured to convey the waste toner collected by the cleaner; and a developing unit which includes a developing roller configured to supply toner to the photosensitive drum and is swingable about a swing axis with respect to the photosensitive drum, and wherein the toner cartridge has a waste toner storing chamber for storing the waste toner conveyed by the waste toner conveyance tube.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit that prints an image on a transfer medium, a conveying unit that conveys the transfer medium, a storage unit that stores a target color profile and a transfer medium profile; and a control unit that controls the storage unit and the image forming unit, and the control unit enables printing of a test chart at the image forming unit based on the target color profile and has a color adjustment function of, when receiving colorimetric data obtained by measuring color of the test chart, comparing the colorimetric data with data of a target chart based on the target color profile and enabling color adjustment of the image forming unit based on a comparison result, and, when obtaining a result after the color adjustment, storing information relating to the result after the color adjustment in association with a transfer medium profile.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body casing, a pressing member, a process cartridge, and a drawer. The body casing includes a positioning member. The pressing member is disposed inside the body casing. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. The drawer is configured to support the process cartridge and to move, in a sliding direction orthogonal to an axis direction of the photosensitive drum, between an inside position that is a position inside the body casing and an outside position that is a position outside the body casing. The process cartridge includes an engagement portion and a spring. The engagement portion is configured to be positioned by the positioning member. The spring is configured to be pressed by the pressing member such that the engagement portion is pressed toward the positioning member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image forming stations including respective electrophotographic photosensitive drums; an image transfer belt contactable to the drums; image transfer rollers, contactable to the transfer belt to urge the belt to the drums for transferring the toner images from the drums onto the belt, the rollers being provided with respective rotational shafts about an axis of which the rollers are rotatable; and a slidable member slidable in a direction in which the stations are arranged to retract the rollers away from the corresponding drums, the slidable member being provided with inclined surfaces contactable to the shafts, the inclined surfaces being disposed at such positions that the rollers are retracted from respective drums sequentially with the movement of the slidable member in the direction.

Abstract: A photosensitive member cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus for forming an image, includes a frame; a photosensitive drum on which and which is provided in the frame; a transfer member for transferring an image formed on the drum onto the sheet; a mounting portion for detachably mounting a developing cartridge including a developer carrying member onto the drum and a memory for storing information; a first electrical contact provided on the frame and electrically connectable with a main assembly electrical contact provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; and a second electrical contact provided on the frame for electrically connecting the memory and the first electrical contact portion with each other when the developing cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of manufacturing a cartridge by using a cartridge having a rotator, a frame that supports the rotator, an elastic member that is provided in a concave portion formed in the frame along a rotation axis direction of the rotator, and a sheet member that has one end fixed to the elastic member and the other end abutting on the rotator along the rotation axis direction of the rotator, and the manufacturing method includes: detaching the rotator from the frame; detaching the sheet member from the frame; detaching the elastic member from the frame; and attaching another sheet member to the frame via an adhesive member that is attached to an adhesive member attachment portion formed in the concave portion of the frame.

Abstract: A powder container includes a storing chamber that stores powder, a discharge path extending through a wall of the storing chamber and from which the powder is discharged, an inner wall that forms an inner surface of the wall and has an opening communicating with the discharge path, an outer wall that forms an outer surface of the wall and has an opening communicating with the discharge path, and an opening-and-closing member provided between the inner wall and the outer wall and that opens and closes the discharge path while moving along the inner wall and the outer wall.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including a process cartridge and a main body with an opening and a cartridge supporter is provided. The process cartridge includes a drum cartridge; a toner cartridge attachable to the drum cartridge; and a switching member switchable states in the process cartridge between a first state, wherein detachment of the toner cartridge is restricted, and a second state, wherein the toner cartridge is released from the restriction. The cartridge supporter is movable between a first position, wherein the cartridge supporter supports the process cartridge to be placed entirely in an inner space in the main body on an inner side of the opening, and a second position, wherein the cartridge supporter supports the process cartridge to be at least partly placed outside the inner space. When the cartridge supporter is in the second position, the switching member is at least partly placed outside the inner space.

Abstract: A printer 100 includes a housing, an image forming unit 120H, a body unit 150, positioning mechanisms and a lock lever 50. The positioning mechanism includes a unit biasing spring and a biasing projection, and positions the image forming unit 120H by biasing the image forming unit 120H mounted at a first position in the housing. The lock lever 50 is pivotably provided on the image forming unit 120H. The lock lever 50 can change the posture thereof between a first posture for locking the image forming unit 120H at the first position and a second posture for unlocking the image forming unit 120H and allowing the image forming unit 120H to be removed from the housing.

Abstract: A discharging member includes an electrically conductive knit fabric, a support member, and a first magnet member. The conductive knit fabric is knitted into a cylindrical shape with use of yarn formed by twisting together a plurality of metal fibers. The support member is cylindrical shaped and inserted in the conductive knit fabric. The first magnet member is placed inside the support member. With the conductive knit fabric grounded or with a voltage applied to the conductive knit fabric, the discharging member is placed in noncontact with a discharged member in such a fashion that the first magnet member is opposed to the discharged member with the support member and the conductive knit fabric interposed therebetween.