Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a development cartridge, a toner cartridge, and a controller. The development cartridge includes a development roller, a development chamber, and a development memory. The toner cartridge includes a case in which toner is stored, a toner supply unit configured to supply toner from the case into the development chamber, and a toner memory. The controller stores, in the development memory, information regarding a cumulative received toner amount and a cumulative toner consumption amount. The controller subtracts the cumulative toner consumption amount from the cumulative received toner amount to find a difference, and causes the toner supply unit to supply a first predetermined amount of toner into the development chamber when the difference is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value. The controller stores, in the toner memory, information regarding the cumulative supplied toner amount.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes: a casing extending in a first direction; a toner conveying unit; a first cover; a shutter; a memory; and an electrical contact surface electrically connected to the memory. The casing includes a first toner accommodating portion having an opening. The first cover and the shutter are positioned at one end portion of the first toner accommodating portion in the first direction. The first cover has a discharge opening. The shutter has a shutter opening and a first protrusion extending in the first direction and positioned farther from the one end portion of the first toner accommodating portion than the first cover is in the first direction. When the toner cartridge is mounted to a developing device, the first protrusion is fixed in position relative to the developing device and the casing is pivotable together with the first cover relative to the developing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a storage container in which toner is stored, a replenishment port configured to allow replenishment of toner from the replenishment container outside the image forming apparatus to the storage container therethrough, a replenishment restriction portion, a drive source configured to supply a driving force, and a drive transmission portion configured to take a first operation state, in which the drive transmission portion transmits the driving force of the drive source to the replenishment restriction portion to switch the replenishment restriction portion between a restricting state and an allowing state, and a second operation state, in which the drive transmission portion transmits the driving force of the drive source to a toner conveyance portion to cause the toner conveyance portion to convey toner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge and a controller. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charger and a drum cartridge memory storing a life count value and discharge history information. The controller includes a voltage applying circuit, and an abnormal discharge detection circuit. In a case where the abnormal discharge detection circuit detects an abnormal discharge, the controller does not permit printing in a case where the life count value is equal to or more than a first reference value and a number of abnormal discharges which is included in the discharge history information read from the drum cartridge memory is equal to or more than a particular threshold value, or permits printing in a case where the life count value is equal to or more than the first reference value and the number of abnormal discharges is less than the particular threshold value.

Abstract: An encoder receives a concatenated encoder input block d, splits d into an outer code input array a, and encodes a using outer codes to generate an outer code output array b. The encoder generates, from b, a concatenated code output array x using a layered polarization adjusted convolutional (LPAC) code. A decoder counts layers and carries out an inner decoding operation for a layered polarization adjusted convolutional (LPAC) code to generate an inner decoder decision {tilde over (b)}i from a concatenated decoder input array y and a cumulative decision feedback ({circumflex over (b)}1, {circumflex over (b)}2, . . . , {circumflex over (b)}i?1).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a housing; a photoconductor; a developing unit configured to form a developer image on the photoconductor; a developer cartridge storing developer, the cartridge being removably mountable on the housing, a supplier configured to supply the developer from the developer cartridge to the developing unit; and a controller configured to execute a first printing process of forming a developer image by use of the developer supplied from the developer cartridge, when the developer cartridge is being mounted on the housing, and a second printing process of forming a developer image by use of the developer remaining in the developing unit, when a usage amount of the developing unit is not less than a predetermined value and the developer cartridge is not being mounted on the housing, wherein the controller does not execute the second printing process when the usage amount is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.

Abstract: A sheet discharge device includes a sheet discharge portion, a sheet loading portion, and a stopper mechanism. The stopper mechanism includes a first stopper supported pivotably to a first retraction position and a first restriction position, a second stopper that is movable to a first position at which the second stopper is housed along a downstream end part of the sheet loading portion and a second position apart from the first position to a downstream side in a sheet discharge direction and is supported pivotably to a second retraction position and a second restriction position, and a link mechanism connecting the first stopper to the second stopper. When the second stopper is disposed at the first position, the first stopper is disposed at the first restriction position, and when the second stopper is disposed at the second position, the first stopper is disposed at the first retraction position.

Abstract: A drum cartridge includes: a drum frame to which a developing cartridge is attachable; a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction; a memory having an electrical contact surface; and a resilient member positioned between the electrical contact surface and the drum frame. The resilient member is configured to expand and compress in a second direction crossing the electrical contact surface between a first state and a second state, the resilient member having a shorter length in the second state than in the first state. A distance between the drum frame and the electrical contact surface in the second direction when the resilient member is in the second state is smaller than a distance between the drum frame and the electrical contact surface in the second direction when the resilient member is in the first state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing cartridge, a drum cartridge, a casing, a connector, and a controller. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a drum cartridge memory, a charger, and a cleaner. The charger is configured to charge the photosensitive drum and including a wire and a grid electrode. The cleaner is configured to clean the wire. The connector is configured to be electrically connected to the drum cartridge memory. Information is writable to the drum memory through the connector. The detection circuit board is configured to detect a state of discharge of the charger. The controller is configured to perform: determining whether or not the state of discharge detected by the detection circuit board is abnormal; and writing, in the drum cartridge memory, information representing occurrence of the abnormal discharge through the connector in a case where occurrence of the abnormal discharge is determined.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including: a housing; a photoconductor; a developing unit configured to form a developer image on the photoconductor; a developer cartridge storing developer, the cartridge being removably mountable on the housing, a supplier configured to supply the developer from the developer cartridge to the developing unit; and a controller configured to execute a first printing process of forming a developer image by use of the developer supplied from the developer cartridge, when the developer cartridge is being mounted on the housing, and a second printing process of forming a developer image by use of the developer remaining in the developing unit, when a usage amount of the developing unit is not less than a predetermined value and the developer cartridge is not being mounted on the housing, wherein the controller does not execute the second printing process when the usage amount is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a display, a consumable cartridge and a controller. The consumable cartridge is attached to the apparatus body. The consumable cartridge includes a housing and a consumable product memory. The housing accommodates consumable material therein for use in image formation. The consumable product memory stores a first flag. The first flag indicates whether consumable material information indicating that an amount of the consumable material is reduced to a level equal to or less than a first threshold value is displayed or not displayed on the display. The controller is configured to execute a first display process for determining whether the consumable material information is displayed on the display in accordance with indication of the first flag stored in the consumable product memory.

Abstract: A cartridge removably attachable to an image forming apparatus, including a resin-made casing, a planar memory chip configured to store information to be outputted to the image forming apparatus, a recess portion provided on an outer surface of the casing to fit the memory chip, and a regulating portion formed integrally with the casing and provided to project out of the outer surface of the casing in a direction intersecting with a surface of the memory chip to regulate a move of the memory chip in the direction intersecting with the surface of the memory chip, wherein the memory chip is attached to the recess portion in a condition of displaceable within the recess portion in a posture substantially surrounded by side wall of the recess portion.

Abstract: A toner cartridge according to one example embodiment includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet is positioned on a front of the toner cartridge for exiting toner from the toner cartridge. First, second and third electrical contacts are positioned on a first side of the toner cartridge for contacting corresponding first, second and third electrical contacts in an image forming device. Each of the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge is electrically connected to a respective imaging component positioned on the toner cartridge. The first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge are positioned such that an imaginary line that angles downward in a direction from a rear of the toner cartridge toward the front of the toner cartridge passes through the first, second and third electrical contacts of the toner cartridge.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises an image forming section configured to form an image using a toner supplied from a toner cartridge; a remaining amount acquisition section configured to acquire a remaining amount of the toner in the toner cartridge; a determining section configured to determine whether or not the toner cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition; and a deciding section configured to decide a toner cartridge to be subjected to determination processing by the determining section based on the remaining amount.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus operable in conjunction with a cartridge having a memory and a terminal, which is electrically connected with the memory and arranged on a downward face of the cartridge, is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a housing having an opening, a controller, and a supporter to support the cartridge at an attachment position. The supporter includes a guiding portion to guide the cartridge there-along and a memory electrode electrically connected with the controller. The guiding portion guides the cartridge being attached to the attachment position to descend as the cartridge approaches from the opening to the attachment position. The memory electrode protrudes upward at a position lower than the terminal on the cartridge and has a height to contact the terminal to electrically connect the controller with the memory when the cartridge is at the attachment position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member; a charging member configured to electrically charge the photosensitive member; a developing device configured to form a toner image by supplying toner to the photosensitive member; a transfer member configured to transfer the toner image from the photosensitive member onto a toner image receiving member; a cleaning member provided in contact with the photosensitive member and configured to remove the toner remaining on a surface of the photosensitive member after transfer; and a controller configured to carry out a process for notifying information on a lifetime of the charging member, on the basis of use amount information on a use amount of the charging member and contact pressure information on contact pressure applied by the cleaning member to the photosensitive member.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for use with an image forming apparatus includes a memory storing identification data of the toner cartridge and parameter information including image formation process parameters dependent on toner characteristic or ambient conditions. A transceiver unit communicates with the image forming apparatus to send the process parameter information stored in the memory to the image forming apparatus when the identification data is authentic.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a development device, a toner container which includes data indicating whether the toner container is an installation toner container or a replacement toner container and a memory storing the value of a remaining amount related item, a supply portion, a read/write portion which performs the reading and writing of the memory and a control portion which reduces the present value of the remaining amount related item according to the number of sheets printed. When in a state where installation has already been performed, the installation toner container is attached, the control portion stores, in the memory, a value based on the remaining amount of toner before the installation.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developing device, a gap retaining member and a control unit. The control unit decreases a potential difference according to an increase in the drive amounts of the image bearing member and the developer bearing member. The decrease is based on a difference according to an increase in at least one of the drive amounts of the image bearing member and the developer bearing member. The control unit is also configured to determine whether to execute a mode based on information about at least one of the driving amounts of the image bearing member and the developer bearing member from when the developing device is initially installed or the developing device is replaced.

Abstract: A device management apparatus connected to a plurality of devices via a network includes a collecting unit that receives usage data indicating a status of use of each of the devices from each of the devices and that stores the received usage data in a storage device, and a common data acquiring unit that acquires common data that is common to the devices from the usage data of each of the devices stored in the storage device.

Abstract: Provided is a decolorizable toner including a binder resin and colorant particles which contain a color developable compound, a color developing agent, and a decolorizing agent, and have a capsule structure coated with an outer shell, wherein the binder resin is contained in an amount of 60 to 80% by mass with respect to the total amount of the toner components.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating high quality communications in an image forming device by providing a mechanism that fixes a position of an electronically readable/writable memory module, such as a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM) for a rotatable customer replaceable unit (CRU), with respect to a CRUM reader in the image forming device. A ring-like mounting device is non-fixedly attached to the CRU in a manner that limits axial relative movement between the ring-like mounting device and the CRU along a rotating axis of the CRU. The non-fixed attachment of the ring-like mounting device to the CRU is effected in such a manner so as not to inhibit relative rotational movement. In operation, a projection from the ring-like mounting device stops rotation of the ring-like mounting device, and therefore the CRUM mounted thereon, with respect to the image forming device structure, and specifically the CRUM reader.

Abstract: A replaceable printer component includes a memory device and a communication link. The memory device includes a memory and a circuit configured to atomically update data stored in the memory. The communication link is configured to communicatively link the memory device to a printer controller when the replaceable printer component is installed in a printing system. The circuit is configured to receive a write request including data, a data length, and an address from the printer controller; copy the data length of data stored at the address to a backup area of the memory; store the data length and the address in the memory; set a write state stored in the memory to a first state; update the data length of data stored at the address with the received data; and set the write state stored in the memory to a second state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, comprising: a rear side plate disposed at the rear side of the main body; and a driving unit mounted on the rear side plate, driving a first driven member and a second driven member of the image forming apparatus, the driving unit including a first frame attached to the rear plate, facing the rear side plate; a second frame attached to the first frame, facing the first plate; a first driving source mounted on the first frame, driving the first driven member; a second driving source mounted on the second frame, driving the second driven member; a first gear train, disposed between the first and second frames, transmitting driving force of the first driving source to the first driven member; and a second gear train, disposed between the first and second frames, transmitting driving force of the second driving source to the second driven member.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes an image formation apparatus body, and a replacement member detachably provided in the image formation apparatus body and configured to be used for image formation. The replacement member includes a first storage to store a life determination value used in life determination of the replacement member. The image formation apparatus body includes a connection section configured to be connected to the first storage of the replacement member, and a controller configured to operate in: a first processing mode of accessing the first storage of the replacement member to acquire the life determination value and managing the life of the replacement member based on the acquired life determination value; and a second processing mode of managing the life of the replacement member such that the quality of image formation using the replacement member is not lower than that obtained through operation in the first processing mode.

Abstract: One of two replaceable components is selectively detachably attached to an apparatus. A first component includes first information that includes first lifetime indicative of a lifetime of the first component and is used for managing usage of the first component. A second component includes second information for managing usage of the second component. A controller determines, based on one of the first and second lifetimes, whether the apparatus should operate. The controller drives the apparatus to operate based on the first lifetime if a read/write section successfully reads the first lifetime from one of the first and second components that has been attached to the apparatus. The controller drives the apparatus to operate based on the second lifetime if the read/write section fails to read the first lifetime from one of the first and second components that has been attached to the apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: photosensitive members; charging devices to which a common charging power source applies a charging voltage to charge the photosensitive members; an exposure device configured to expose the photosensitive members; developing devices to form developer images on the photosensitive members; a transfer device to transfer the developer images onto a transfer medium; and a control portion configured to set a lower limit value of the charging voltage for each photosensitive member, apply the charging voltage having a magnitude not less than any lower limit value from the charging power source to the charging devices, control the output of the laser power for each photosensitive member individually, and set, based on the image density of the developer image transferred onto the transfer medium earlier, the lower limit value for a photosensitive member on which a developer image to be transferred onto the transfer medium later is formed.

Abstract: Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an application unit that applies to a holding unit a voltage that generates a potential difference between the holding unit and a photoconductor member such that a toner image is developed on the photoconductor member. The potential difference causes toner included in a two-component developer, held by the holding unit, to be transferred from the holding unit to the photoconductor member. A controller controls the application unit, subsequent to an expiration of an image quality assurance period throughout which a predetermined image quality is assured, such that the potential of the holding unit is decreased according to a decrease of a thickness of a photosensitive film.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for employing a customer replaceable unit (CRU) to modify its own installation type when installed in an image forming device, including an image forming device operated under a managed service contract. A database centric CRU inventory control architecture is provided for managing image forming device information through interactive communication with CRU monitoring modules (CRUMs) associated with CRUs installed in many and widely deployed image forming devices. The disclosed systems and methods make use of the CRUMs embedded in CRUs offered by a manufacturer or supplier along with a device management application offered by the manufacturer for on-site use by a customer to implement an inventory tracking and control system that reduces inventory overhead.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus and development cartridge are provided. The apparatus including a separating member mounted in a development cartridge. The separating member includes a development nip separating portion and a charging nip separating portion respectively separating a development nip and a charging nip when the development cartridge is mounted in a mounting portion of a photoreceptor cartridge mounted in a body.

Abstract: A lubricant applicator includes a block of lubricant, a supply member contactable against the block of lubricant to scrape the block of lubricant, and a lubricant gauge including a first electrode and a second electrode. The lubricant gauge is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to detect whether an amount of lubricant remaining is less than a threshold value based on establishment of electrical continuity between the first electrode and the second electrode. One of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a projection projecting toward the other one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method for restoring an imaging cartridge chip, applicable in the technical field of imaging. In the process of restoring the imaging cartridge chip, a laser beam is used at least to unseal a location where a functional interface is on a storage device comprised in the imaging cartridge chip, or at least to scratch open or to drill open packaging material at the location where the functional interface is, then restore data is written into the storage device via the functional interface and a read/write interface. This results in the repair of the imaging cartridge chip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus that is to be detachably attached by a detachable unit, wherein the detachable unit includes a unit side connector that fits a main body side connector disposed in a main body of the image forming apparatus by an attaching operation for attaching the detachable unit to the main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein one of the detachable unit and the main body of the image forming apparatus includes a concave portion extended in an attaching direction in which the detachable unit is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and wherein the other one of the detachable unit and the main body of the image forming apparatus includes a convex portion disposed at a position corresponding to the concave portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including a moving member configured to support a first process cartridge and move the first process cartridge to a position for forming an image, and a detection unit configured to detect a state of a second process cartridge, in which the moving member holds the detection unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording sheet storage unit for storing recording sheets substantially in an upright position, an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording sheet conveyed from the recording sheet storage unit, and a recording sheet receiving unit for storing the recording sheet conveyed from the image forming unit substantially in an upright position. In this image forming apparatus, a paper conveyance passage extends upward from a lower portion of the recording sheet storage unit toward the recording sheet receiving unit. The image forming unit positioned on the paper conveyance passage comprises a fixing device and a developer unit at least including a developer carrier, and the fixing device is arranged above the developer unit. Further, a developer receptacle for storing developer that is supplied to the image forming unit is arranged adjacent to one longitudinal end of the developer carrier.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes an image forming part forming an image, and a developer containing part containing a developer, removably installed to the image forming part, and supplying the developer to the image forming part. The image forming part includes a first memory part storing first usage information indicating usage information of the image forming part and second usage information indicating usage information of the developer in the image forming part.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information storage device and an image forming cartridge for an image forming apparatus. The information storage device comprises at least two communication interfaces, at least two storage units, a detection unit, a first control unit and a second control unit, wherein the communication interfaces are configured to connect with a controller in the image forming apparatus and establish an information communication path between the first control unit and the controller in the case of being connected with the controller; the storage units and the communication interfaces are arranged corresponding to each other; the detection unit is connected with each foregoing communication interface; the first control unit and the second control unit are respectively connected with each foregoing storage unit and the detection unit. By adoption of the information storage device, the quality of executing the task of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a plurality of cartridges each of which includes a photoconductor and a charger configured to charge the photoconductor is detachably installable in a main body housing. Chargers are connected in parallel to a voltage application unit configured to apply a voltage to the chargers. A cartridge installation determination unit is configured to determine whether or not each of the cartridges is installed. Control over the voltage application unit exercised by a controller includes a constant-voltage control and a constant-current control. The controller is configured to execute the constant-voltage control upon startup of an initial operation for preparation of printing and to switch from the constant-voltage control to the constant-current control if the cartridge installation determination unit determines that all the cartridges are installed.

Abstract: An information storage device installed in a removable device configured to be removably installed in an image forming apparatus body, includes: an information storage unit that stores information communicated between the image forming apparatus body and the removable device; a terminal that comes in contact with a body side terminal; and a substrate that holds the information storage unit and the terminal and includes a hole configured to be engaged with a protruding section installed in the image forming apparatus body. The terminal includes a plurality of terminals each including one of a plurality of metallic plates arranged in a transverse direction thereof. An earth terminal, which comes in contact with a body side earth terminal formed in the protruding section, is formed in the hole. The hole is disposed at a position sandwiched between two metallic plates among the plurality of metallic plates.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a container storage that is installed on a toner container and stores first information relating to a use amount of a toner in the toner container and stores second information relating to a use amount of an image holding portion, which is a component not including the toner container and including at least an image holding body from among components installed in a cartridge; a housing storage that stores at least the second information and remains in the housing when the cartridge is removed from a housing; and an information write unit that writes the second information stored in the housing storage into the container storage if the first information stored in the container storage indicates that the toner in the toner container is unused and the second information stored in the container storage indicates that the image holding portion is used.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a cartridge has a cartridge side electrode. A main casing has a main casing side electrode. The cartridge includes a moving member that allows the main casing side electrode to be located at a connection position when the moving member is at a first position, to be located at a disconnection position when the moving member is at a second position, and to be located at the connection position when the moving member is at a third position. A determining unit determines that the cartridge's state is new if the determining unit detects that the main casing side electrode is electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode, then the main casing side electrode is electrically disconnected from the cartridge side electrode temporarily, and then the main casing side electrode is again electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode.

Abstract: An imaging device provided with a latent image carrying body rotatably disposed to carry a latent image, a developing unit that develops the latent image carried on the carrying body by using a developer containing toner at least, and a duct disposed downstream of the developing unit and having a wall with an upstream suction port and a downstream suction port formed. An air flow path is formed by a surface of the latent image carrying body and a surface of the duct wall, between the upstream suction port and the downstream suction port. A gap of the air flow path is wider at the downstream side than at the upstream side with respect to the rotational direction of the latent image carrying body.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a process unit includes a process section present around an image bearing member, attached and detached to and from a body, including a rotating section, and configured to apply an image forming process to the image bearing member, a moving section present on a shaft of the rotating section and configured to slide to a first position close to the rotating section and a second position away from the rotating section, and a positioning section present between the rotating section and the moving section and configured to move following the rotating section and hold the moving section in the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An image forming system includes at least one toner cartridge, an image forming unit, and a cartridge life determination module. The toner cartridge may include toner and at least one component. The image forming unit may selectively form an image in one of a low coverage mode and a high coverage mode such that a greater amount of the toner is used in the high coverage mode than the low coverage mode in a formation of the respective image. The cartridge life determination module may determine an amount of remaining life of the toner, an amount of remaining life of the at least one component, and an effective amount of remaining life of the at least one toner cartridge based on the amount of remaining life of the toner and the amount of remaining life of the at least one component.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a detachably-mounted cartridge including a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer and an operation member, a remaining amount detector for detecting a remaining amount of developer in the developer accommodating portion, an operation amount detector for detecting a cumulative operation amount of the operation member, and a setting device for setting timing of subsequent remaining amount detection of the remaining amount detector. The remaining amount detector provides a remaining amount ratio of the developer remainder to a maximum accommodation capacity of the developer accommodating portion, and the operation amount detector provides an operation amount ratio of a remaining operation amount until the end of the service life from the detection of the cumulative operation amount to a total operation amount until the end of the service life from an initial state of the operation member.

Abstract: A cartridge including: a housing including a first side wall and a second side wall which are opposed to each other; a driving input member provided to the first side wall and is configured to rotate; and a first rotary member provided at an outer side of the first side wall and is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis in response to a rotational driving force from the driving input member, wherein the first rotary member includes a protrusion protruding to the outer side, wherein the first rotary member is configured to be moved relative to the first side wall in a direction along the first rotational axis, and wherein an end portion of the first rotary member at an opposite side of the first side wall is configured to be displaced in a direction crossing the first rotational axis.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an information rewrite unit that rewrites information stored in a storage if an empty detector detects that a toner container is empty and the toner container is at least allowed to be released, and then if the empty detector detects that the toner container is not empty.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an operation panel has, as a configuration of the operation panel, a display portion including a function to display environmental label information of the image forming apparatus. The environmental label information includes information on a type of greenhouse effect gases (CO2) and a total emission amount of the greenhouse effect gases in a life cycle of the image forming apparatus. On the display portion, there is provided a selective display portion for displaying an environmental label as list display or thumbnail display, as well as selectively displaying detailed information of the environmental label according to the environmental label.