Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising a pair of stationary side walls arranged in an image forming apparatus body and a plurality of photosensitive drum units supported between the stationary side walls. Each photosensitive drum unit comprises a drum-holding frame for holding a photosensitive drum, a head-holding frame for holding an LED head, and a pressing means for pressing the head-holding frame from one side toward the other side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprises: an image formation apparatus main body; plural image formation units being provided detachably in the image formation apparatus main body, each of the image formation units including an image carrier and an exposure device that applies light to the image carrier for writing a latent image onto the image carrier; and a positioning section that positions the exposure device of each of the image formation units relative to the image formation apparatus main body.

Abstract: An image forming assembly includes a photoreceptor assembly that includes a photoreceptor, and an accommodating container that accommodates at least the photoreceptor and holds the photoreceptor with a part of the photoreceptor being exposed; a developing assembly that includes a developing member, and a developer container that accommodates at least the developer member and holds the developing member so as to position the developing member at a portion opposed to the photoreceptor; a connecting mechanism that connects the photoreceptor assembly to the developing assembly so that a distance between the photoreceptor and the developing member is changeable; a protection member that covers and protects the exposed portion of the photoreceptor; and guide members that are respectively provided on the accommodating container and the developer container, and that detachably guide the protection member with the protection member lying astride the two assemblies.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a developing unit including an OPC (organic photoconductor), a cleaning member disposed at a cleaning position in a predetermined radial direction of the OPC to clean the OPC, and a frame on which the OPC and the cleaning member are mounted. The method includes mounting the OPC on the frame to rotate in a predetermined operating direction, and mounting the cleaning member on the frame so that the cleaning member is moved toward and disposed at the cleaning position in a direction that is substantially the same as the operating direction of the OPC in a vicinity of the cleaning position.

Abstract: A charger has a charging wire that extends in the axial direction and that has one end and another end. The charger is configured to charge the image-bearing member. A cleaning member is movable in the axial direction for cleaning the charging wire. The cleaning member is movable between a first position located on the one end and a second position located on the another end. A removal-restricting portion is movable between the first position and the second position. A developer cartridge is detachably mounted on the image-bearing member cartridge. The removal-restricting portion prevents the developer cartridge from being removed from the image-bearing member cartridge when the cleaning member is in the first position, and allows the developer cartridge to be removed from the image-bearing member cartridge when the cleaning member is in the second position.

Abstract: A system that provides a compact and functional image forming device that can securely supply a driving force to the developing cartridge is described. A developing cartridge is described that can be mounted to the image forming device in an insertable/removable manner. A passive coupling gear and cylinder externally project in the width direction of the collar member allowing secure supply of a driving force through connection of the passive coupling gear to the coupling input shaft. In addition, the amount of movement of the coupling input shaft to connect with the passive coupling gear can be minimized, thereby allowing for a miniaturization of the color laser printer. Furthermore, in addition to the original function, the function of being guided by the left guiding groove for the passive coupling gear and the function of being guided by the right groove for the cylinder can be added.

Abstract: When a developer cartridge is mounted together with a drum unit in a main body casing, a detection gear is rotated by driving of a motor, and an abutment projection of the detection gear is brought into abutment against a lever of a drum subunit to move the lever. The movement of the lever is detected by an optical sensor. A CPU judges information on the developer cartridge on the basis of the results of the detection by the optical sensor. Therefore, the information on the developer cartridge can be judged with a simple construction at reduced costs. Further, the developer cartridge can be mounted in the main body casing in spaced relation, so that the design flexibility is increased.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; an image forming unit including a plurality of photosensitive drums on which electrostatic latent images are formed, respectively; a sheet storing unit detachably attached to the main body and configured to store a recording sheet, and the sheet storing unit being disposed in a first space defined in the main body when the sheet storing unit is attached to the main body; and a belt unit disposed between the plurality of photosensitive drums and the sheet storing unit and including a belt opposing the plurality of photosensitive drums. The belt unit is detachable from the main body through the first space in a state in which at least a part of the sheet storing unit is positioned outside the main body.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes an image bearing member, a developing device developing an electrostatic image formed on the member with a developer, a first receiver receiving a driving force rotating the member from a first transmitter of the main assembly, a second receiver receiving a driving force driving the developing device from a second transmitter of the main assembly. The first receiver and the transmitter are engaged with each other with play in a mounting and demounting direction of the process cartridge, when the driving force is inputted from the first transmitter to the first receiver. When the driving force is inputted from the second transmitter to the second receiver, a part of the process cartridge is urged toward a positioning portion for positioning of the process cartridge relative to the main assembly.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which can be switched between states in which a developing roller is attached to an image carrier body by applying a pressing force to a developing cartridge and a state in which the developing roller can be released from attachment from the image carrier body. When an operation part of a toner cartridge is arranged at an installation position a pressing force can be applied to a developing cartridge by protruding parts fitting with spring parts, and a developing roller can be attached to a photoconductor drum by the applied pressure. When the operation part is arranged at a removal position, the fitting can be undone, causing the applied pressure to be released.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a drum, first and second guidable portions guidable by first and second guides when the cartridge enters or advances in the main assembly, first and second regulatable portions provided at leading and trailing sides of the cartridge with respect to the advancing direction and regulated by a first main assembly regulator when the process is advancing in the main assembly, first and second positionable portions to be positioned at first and main assembly second positioners, respectively, by the urging force of a main assembly urging member after the first and second regulatable portions pass the first and second regulators, respectively. The cartridge is mounted to the main assembly with the first and second positionable portions at the first and second positioners, respectively, by the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: The invention provides a photosensitive member cartridge, that has, for example, a case including a bottom wall, an upper wall, and side walls. A photosensitive drum and a transfer roller are rotatably disposed in a space surrounded by the bottom wall, the upper wall, and the side walls. The bottom wall extends below the transfer roller. A developer cartridge, having a developing roller, is set on the extending portion of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes a photosensitive cartridge and a developing cartridge. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller, an input gear, a transmission gear, and a supporting cover. The input gear includes a contact portion, an outer circumferential wall, and a gear portion. The contact portion is in contact with a coupling member to receive the driving force. The outer circumferential wall and the gear portion rotate about a rotational axis defining an axial direction when the contact portion receives the driving force. The outer circumferential wall has a curved surface whose center of radius of a curvature is coincident with the rotational axis. The transmission gear is meshingly engaged with the gear portion to transmit the driving force from the input gear to the developing roller. The supporting cover covers the curved surface of the outer circumferential wall to rotatably support the outer circumferential wall.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably is mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus of an image forming apparatus including an urging member and a positioning portion. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum; a positionable portion positioning the cartridge by engaging the positioning portion when the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus; first and second urgable portions being urged respectively, by first and second urging portions of the urging member to urge the positionable portion to the positioning portion during cartridge mounting; and an electrical contact, provided between the first and second urgable portions with respect to a horizontal direction crossing an axis of the drum, for connecting electrically to an electrical contact portion in the urging member, when the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus.

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: A multifunction apparatus is provided with a printer unit having a discharge tray disposed on a top face thereof and a scanner unit disposed on the image recording unit with a space being defined between the image reading unit and the discharge tray. The scanner unit has a casing. The casing is provided in the printer unit rotatably about a rear side of the apparatus in such a fashion as to open a front side of the apparatus. The casing has a recessed part formed at a position of a bottom plate thereof and corresponding to the discharge tray. Thus, a recording sheet removal opening opened on a front side of the apparatus is formed. A reinforcing portion recessed in such a fashion as to be swollen toward an internal space of the casing is formed on the bottom plate having the recessed part.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame.

Abstract: A plurality of process cartridges are installed and removed in a lateral direction of an image forming device main body. A conveying belt unit in the device main body includes a conveying belt that upwardly conveys a sheet on which an image is to be formed and a frame that supports an entraining roller at which the conveying belt is entrained. The image forming device includes a guide that guides the plurality of process cartridges to their installed positions in the device main body. The plurality of process cartridges correspond to respective toners of a plurality of colors. Each of the process cartridges includes a housing that supports a photosensitive drum which rotates in a predetermined direction. Each of the process cartridges also includes a handle having the same color as that of the frame of the conveying belt unit and which is formed integrally with the housing.

Abstract: A process cartridge, an image forming apparatus having the cartridge, and a method for mounting and dismounting the process cartridge in and from an image forming apparatus body are provided. The process cartridge includes at least one photosensitive body on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a developing member for developing the electrostatic latent image, and a housing receiving and supporting at least one photosensitive body and the developing member. The housing includes first and second guide outwardly extending protrusions on a first surface and a second opposite surface of the housing in order to position the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus body, and a mount and dismount supporting part formed on a third surface to rotate the housing to mount and dismount the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a holding member and a supporting member coupled to the holding member. The holding member includes photosensitive drums and is configured to hold toner cartridges disposed in association with the photosensitive drums in a detachable manner and to move between a storage position in which the holding member is accommodated in the apparatus body and a replacement position. The supporting member is configured to support light source arrays in association with the photosensitive drums, to cover the holding member, to move between a retaining position where the light source arrays are positioned relative to the photosensitive drums and a withdrawn position where the light source arrays are withdrawn from the photosensitive drums, and to move to the withdrawn position in a different direction than the direction in which the holding member is moved to the replacement position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus may include an apparatus body, and a photosensitive-member unit slidably attached the apparatus body and retaining a plurality of photosensitive members. The apparatus body includes side wall portions opposing each other with a unit receiving section sandwiched therebetween, and a plurality of apparatus-body-side electrode members provided on the side wall portions, and each urged inward in an opposing direction of the side wall portions. The photosensitive-member unit includes a plurality of unit-side electrode members each protruding outward in the opposite direction and a guide path comprising a flat surface formed in a flat shape so that each of the apparatus-body-side electrode members slidably contacts to the flat surface during attachment of the photosensitive-member unit with respect to the unit receiving section, and that each of the apparatus-body-side electrode members slidably contacted maintains a constant inward and outward position in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A handle for a toner cartridge may include an opening and be constructed of elastically deformable materials. The handle may deform when inside of an image forming device to provide at least some force to press an image carrier against a developer carrier.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is usable with a process cartridge having a photosensitive member. The apparatus includes a transfer member contactable to the photosensitive member to transfer a toner image from the photosensitive member thereonto, a tray carrying the cartridge and movable between a contact position where the photosensitive member contacts the transfer member and a spaced position spaced from the transfer member, a supporting member supporting the tray for movement parallel with a tangent line between the photosensitive member and the transfer member between a first position positioning the tray at the contact position and a second position retracted from the first position away from the transfer member in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the photosensitive-member axial direction and to the tangent line to position the tray at the spaced position; and engageable and engaging portions engageable with each other. The engaging portion regulates movement of the tray.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a body frame and a slide frame. The slide frame is configured to be pulled out from the body frame along a sliding direction. A plurality of image forming cartridges is detachably mounted on the slide frame. A plurality of electrode members is mounted on the slide frame and aligned along the sliding direction so as to correspond to the image forming cartridges. A body-side contact portion of each of the electrode members protrudes towards the body frame. A cartridge-side contact portion of the electrode member protrudes towards the image forming cartridge. The image forming cartridge is connected to the body via the corresponding electrode member when the slide frame mounting the image forming cartridges is inserted to the body frame.

Abstract: A process cartridge including a main frame including a first side wall and a second side wall, and an image carrying member supported by the first side wall and the second side wall in a manner that permits the image carrying member to rotate. The image carrying member is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When viewed from the first side wall side or the second side wall side, the image carrying member is concealed by the first side wall or the second side wall in the retracted position. When viewed from the first side wall side or the second side wall side, at least a portion of the image carrying member extends beyond a periphery of the first side wall or the second side wall in the extended position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit having a developer accepting part accepting supplied developer and a developer supply unit having a developer supply part supplying the developer to the developer accepting part, wherein the developer accepting part is provided near one end in the longitudinal direction of the image forming unit, the developer supply unit is provided near one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer supply unit, and the image forming unit and the developer supply unit are arranged in a position where one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer supply unit is nearly orthogonal to the image forming unit near one end in the longitudinal direction of the image forming unit.

Abstract: In a developing cartridge, the contact plate of the electrode member is disposed to contact the developing bias terminal within a plane of projection when a driven coupling part is projected in a first direction. A first axis line, which is an axis of the developing roller shaft, and a second axis line, which is an axis of the input gear, are disposed in parallel and equidistant in the front-rear direction. A part of the contact plate is disposed on the second axis line. A first line connecting an axis about which the input gear rotates and the developing roller shaft and a second line connecting the contact plate and the developing roller shaft are disposed parallel to each other. The distance between the first axis line and the second axis line equals the distance between the first axis line and the contact plate.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, the apparatus, includes (a) a plurality of mounting portions for detachably mounting process cartridges, respectively, the process cartridges each including, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer for use by the developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image, a developer supply opening for supplying the developer to the developing roller from the developer accommodating portion, a sealing member for unsealably sealing the developer supply opening, and unsealing means for unsealing the developer supply opening by removing the sealing member from the developer supply opening; (b) a motor; and (c) driving force transmitting means for selectively transmitting a driving f

Abstract: The pressed area mounted on the developer cartridge case is pressed towards a developer cartridge pressing direction. The developer roller and the photosensitive drum are in contact at a contact position. Electric potential is supplied to the developer cartridge when the electrical connection protrusion connected electrically to the developer roller rotation drive axis and the electrical connection part mounted on the outside of the developer cartridge are pushed together in the electrical connection pressing direction. Here, the electrical connection pressing direction is semi-orthogonal to the pressing action line that connects the pressing position and the contact position. Furthermore, the electrical connection protrusion crosses the pressing action line.

Abstract: A reassembled laser printer toner cartridge and method of manufacture including a cartridge seal assembly in which the remains of an OEM laser printer toner cartridge's toner hopper pull seal strip(s) is left in position, or a substitute conductive strip is put in the same position to simulate the OEM pull seal strip(s) if the OEM strips have been damaged or are missing in order to enable a repaired or remanufactured cartridge to cooperate with the printer in detecting measuring and displaying the amount of toner consumed from the cartridge and shut the printer down, once the toner cartridge is empty, and a toner cartridge hopper foam seal strip assembly that covers the remnants of the OEM seal strips and provides a seal to prevent leakage of toner from the re-filled toner cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming device capable of attaching and detaching a process cartridge to and from a frame without moving an LED array when a door is open. The process cartridge includes a first casing supporting a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, and a second casing pivotally movably connected to the first casing and supporting a charger. The second casing is pivotally movable between a first position in which the charger is positioned close to the LED array for image forming operation, and a second position in which the charger is remote from the LED array in accordance with push-in and pull-out movement of the first casing relative to the frame.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes a process unit including image carrier holder units arranged in one direction and held in the process unit and developing cartridges provided in correspondence with the image carrier holder units and configured to be removably mounted in the image carrier holder units. Each image carrier holder unit includes an image carrier, a charger configured to charge the image carrier, a pair of side frames disposed to hold the image carrier therebetween, a center frame disposed between the side frames, the center frame being configured to support the charger, and a first support portion disposed on the center frame. Each developing cartridge includes a developer frame, a developer carrier provided in the developer frame, and a supported portion provided in the developer frame and configured to face the center frame when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image carrier holder unit.

Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a main frame including a photosensitive medium, and a charging member frame including a charging member to charge the photosensitive medium and detachably disposed at the main frame. The main frame includes a plurality of frame reference grooves, and the charging member frame includes a plurality of frame reference projections to be inserted into the plurality of frame reference grooves of the main frame.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes an image carrier, a developing device, a first casing for supporting the image carrier, and a second casing for supporting the developing device. The first casing and the second casing are freely combined in a rotatable manner as coupling pins are inserted into first insertion holes formed in the first casing and a second insertion hole formed in the second casing. An engaging means, by which the coupling pin is press-fit into the first insertion hole, and the coupling pin is kept from being press-fit into the first casing and the second casing after being pre-fit, is disposed in at least one of the first casing and the second casing, and the coupling pin.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably attached to an image forming apparatus includes a first subunit, a second subunit, a first positioning member, and a second positioning member. The first subunit accommodates a photoconductor therein. The second subunit accommodates a developer applicator therein. The photoconductor and the developer applicator are arranged substantially parallel to each other to define a development gap therebetween. The first positioning member is fastened to both the first and second subunits to position ends of the photoconductor and the developer applicator on a first side of the respective subunits. The second positioning member is fastened to only one of the first and second subunits to position ends of the photoconductor and the developer applicator on a second side of the respective subunits opposite to the first side. An image forming apparatus employing such a process cartridge is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: an apparatus body; a first unit which can be pulled/pushed from/to the body along a first direction and which includes at least a part of an image forming section for forming an image and/or of a sheet transporting section for transporting a sheet onto which the formed image is transferred, and; a second unit which can be pulled/pushed from/to the first unit along a second direction in a state where the first unit is pulled from the body, the second direction being different from the first direction; and a housing permitting mechanism for permitting the first unit to be pushed into the body by a predetermined operation, the housing permitting mechanism being provided for at least one of the body and the first unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes process units arranged in a predetermined direction to form a process-unit row, each having a photosensitive body and a developer container; a casing accommodating the process units and having a cover opening and closing an opening formed at one side in the predetermined direction, and an exposure member exposing the photosensitive body, and having a laser source, a deflector, and an optical element, and the exposure member is arranged facing the developer container of each process unit in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction. The process units are detachable from the casing, through the opening of the casing, and the developer container of one process unit arranged at one end of the process-unit row has a protruding portion protruding toward the exposure member to overlap with the exposure member in the orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A process unit is described. The process unit may include a unit main body being detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body and having a developer carrier for supplying a developing agent to an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a toner box being detachably mountable to the unit main body and accommodating the developing agent, a pivoting member pivotably disposed at the unit main body, and a contacting member disposed at the pivoting member and contacting with the toner box from a downstream side in a detaching direction of the toner box from the unit main body.

Abstract: A process unit is described. The process unit may include a unit main body being detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body and including a first grasp portion, and a developer carrier for supplying a developing agent to an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a toner box being detachably mountable to the unit main body and including a second grasp portion, and a developing agent accommodating section for accommodating the developing agent, wherein at least one of the first grasp portion and the second grasp portion can move toward a direction toward which a distance between the first grasp portion and the second grasp portion narrows.

Abstract: A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which includes a rotating force applying portion. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a first frame unit supporting the drum, a second frame unit supporting the roller and swingably connected with the first frame unit, a coupling, mounted to the drum, for receiving a rotating force for rotating the drum from the rotating force applying portion when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly,first, second and third cartridge side portions to be positioned engageable respectively with first, second and third main assembly side positioning portions provided in the main assembly to regulate movement of the first frame unit in a longitudinal direction of the drum or to position the drum in a radial direction when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, and first unit side and drum side regulating portions.

Abstract: A plurality of chambers are adapted to accommodate a plurality of cartridges each containing toner to be used for printing. A mode changer is operable to change an operation mode of the printing apparatus in accordance with a combination of respective colors of toner in the cartridges accommodated in the chambers. A first detector is operable to detect a residual amount of toner in each of the cartridges. A second detector is operable to detect the respective colors of toner in the cartridges when the operation mode is changed. A controller is operable to generate an image data including a plurality of first identifiers each indicative of the residual amount of toner in one of the cartridges and a plurality of second identifiers each indicative of one of the colors of toner and associated with one of the first identifiers. A display is adapted to display the image data.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes; a drum; a first housing provided around the drum; a second housing provided around the first housing; a temporarily tacking section that temporarily tacks two members selected out of three members of the drum, the first housing and the second housing; and a supporting member that fixes each position of the drum, the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which a drum unit or a developing unit can be individually replaced, and the efficiency of an operation of providing the developing unit with developer or of an operation of removing the developer from the developing unit can be improved includes a supplying roller including a magnetic roller and a developing sleeve arranged on an outer circumference of the magnetic roller. A fixing member is attached to an axial portion of the magnetic roller. The supplying roller can be removably attached to a side of a photoconductive drum by the fixing member, and at the same time, a pole position of the magnetic roller relative to the photoconductive drum can be fixed.

Abstract: A belt unit is provided with pressure-receiving parts, and a photosensitive unit is provided with pressing parts that applies pressing force to the pressure-receiving parts when the photosensitive unit is inserted to a main body of an image forming device along a guide groove formed in the main body. The pressing force applied to the pressure-receiving parts presses the belt unit toward a regular mounting position in the main body, so that the mounting of the belt unit is completed at the same time the mounting of the photosensitive unit is completed.

Abstract: A process cartridge is disclosed which is detachably mounted on an apparatus for forming an image using toner, and which has a process cartridge housing. The process cartridge housing includes: a smoothed surface portion including an inner face and an outer face; at least one protruding portion formed on the smoothed surface portion so as to protrude therefrom; and a structure having a surface configured for physically facilitation removal of the toner form the process cartridge housing, once attached thereto.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has: a photosensitive cartridge; a development cartridge detachably mounted to the photosensitive cartridge; a main body in which the photosensitive cartridge is detachably mounted; a first sensor; a second sensor; and a control unit. Where the second sensor is brought into a second state after being temporarily brought into a first state, it is determined that the development cartridge is a new one. Where the second sensor is in the first state and the first sensor receives light within a predetermined period of time, it is determined that both the development cartridge and the photosensitive cartridge are not mounted Where the second sensor is in the first state, and the first sensor does not continuously receive the light for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that the photosensitive cartridge is mounted and the development cartridge is not mounted.

Abstract: An image developing apparatus includes an upper case; a lower case disposed on a lower side of the upper case, and internally housing a developing agent, and having an opening. A photoconductive drum is disposed on the upper case for forming an electrostatic latent image on a surface thereof. A charging roller is disposed on one side of an outer circumference of the photoconductive drum for charging the photoconductive drum. A developing roller having one part is exposed through the opening of the lower case to cooperate with the photoconductive drum for developing the electrostatic latent image. A scattering preventing unit disposed between the photoconductive drum and the developing roller, to prevent scattering of the developing agent supplied by the developing roller. The scattering preventing unit includes a blocking curtain which covers a part of the opening and having one side in contact with the outer circumference of the photoconductive drum.

Abstract: A photosensitive unit is described. A photosensitive unit may include a developer cartridge including a developing agent carrier and a casing for supporting the developer carrier; a photosensitive body disposed so that the developing agent carrier is brought into contact therewith by pressing; and a cartridge attaching portion to which the developer cartridge is detachably attached. The casing includes an elastic member, a pressing member for pressing the elastic member so that the developing agent carrier is pressed toward the photosensitive body, and a fitting member provided on the pressing member. The cartridge attaching portion includes a fit portion which is fitted by the fitting member so that the pressing member presses the elastic member toward the developing agent carrier for maintaining the pressing state of the pressing member to the elastic member by the fitting.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a magnet facing between a first separating magnetic pole and a second separating magnetic pole on an outer wall of a case. By the rotation of a developing sleeve, a blocking brush is formed between an inner wall of a supply part and the developing sleeve, and an air entering the case is prevented from entering a carrying part.

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.