Abstract: An image formation apparatus is provided, to which developing devices, each having an opening, and developer cartridges for respectively supplying a developing agent to the openings of the developing devices are mountable. The apparatus includes: developing device shutters, each configured to open and close a respective one of the openings of the developing devices mounted to the apparatus; and a link mechanism configured to move the developing device shutters in linking with each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for transporting a recording medium on which an image is formed includes a guide plate. The guide plate guides the recording medium to a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus and includes a flexible sheet member and a rigid holding member. The rigid holding member holds the flexible sheet member such that the flexible sheet member projects from a front end of the rigid holding member. The projecting portion of the flexible sheet member includes at least three flexible sub-portions having a different bend-stiffness per unit area from each other, and the bend-stiffness per unit area is reduced toward a downstream side in a sheet guide direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of obviating a defective image ascribable to image transfer and an image forming unit therefor are disclosed. A nonconductive sheet member is affixed to the surface of a conductive sheet member which will face a paper or similar recording medium, and protects the paper from the influence of a bias applied to the conductive sheet member. The paper is therefore free from a charge different in polarity from a transfer bias, so that toner is prevented from scattering toward the paper.