Patent ID: 6347195
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: B41J,G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus main body, a cartridge detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and a discriminating unit which discriminates mechanical compatibility between the cartridge and the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the discriminating unit comprises:a first discriminating unit which discriminates the mechanical compatibility by defining a positional relation between a fitting portion provided at a predetermined position at a side of the cartridge and a fitted portion provided at a predetermined position at a side of the image forming apparatus main body on a fitting surface in a loaded state according to characteristics of the cartridge and characteristics of the image forming apparatus main body; and a second discriminating unit which discriminates the mechanical compatibility by defining a positional relation between the fitting portion and the fitted portion in the loaded state in a fitting direction according to the characteristics of the cartridge and the characteristics of the image forming apparatus main body.