Patent ID: 6549731
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A image forming apparatus comprising:a latent image holding body on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developing device developing said electrostatic latent image to produce a visible developed toner image, said developing device being detachably loaded in said image forming apparatus; a transfer device transferring said developed toner image onto a printing medium; a fixing device for fixing said transferred image; a main body of said image forming apparatus incorporating at least said latent image holding body; an engaging member mounted on one of said main body of said image forming apparatus and said developing device, identifying a kind of the developing device; an engagement receptacle member mounted on the other of said main body of said image forming apparatus and said developing device, said engagement receptacle member being engageable with said engaging member when said developing device loaded in said image forming apparatus is other than a predetermined kind of developing device; and an electrical signal relaying member to be opened and closed by said engaging member during operation of said developing device.