Abstract:
The present invention provides an imaging cartridge in which a handle, which is used for mounting the imaging cartridge to either one of two image forming apparatuses in which the attachment/detachment directions of the imaging cartridge are different, does not obstruct the mounting operation of the imaging cartridge to the other image forming apparatus. The imaging cartridge can be attached to or detached from a main body of a first image forming apparatus in a first direction, while can be attached to or detached from a main body of a second image forming apparatus in a second direction that is different from the first direction by 90 degrees. The imaging cartridge includes a pair of handles gripped upon attaching or detaching the imaging cartridge to or from the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction. The handle of the pair of handles, which is positioned at the far side when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the second image forming apparatus, is made of a movable handle that moves so as not to hinder the attaching or detaching operation.

Description:
[0001]    This application is based on application No. 2008-41417 filed in Japan on Feb. 22, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an imaging cartridge for a copier, facsimile, printer, multifunction peripheral, or the like, and an image forming apparatus provided with the same. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Arts 
         [0005]    As information apparatuses, there have conventionally been a printer that is a monofunction product that is connected to a personal computer or the like for only printing data, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that is a multi-functional product capable of scanning a document and copying a document in addition to the printing function. A printer-based MFP has recently been put on the market as a product that can handle A4-size sheet. In this type of the MFP, the sheet feeding direction (the sheet feeding direction from a sheet feed cassette or a manual sheet feed device) is the front-to-rear direction with respect to the front face of the apparatus. This is achieved under the consideration in which the exchange of an imaging cartridge that is consumable goods, replenishment of printing sheet, and jamming process can be performed only by an access from the front face, like the printer. Therefore, this configuration provides advantages such that the operability is excellent, the printer that is the base is less changed, and the imaging cartridge can be shared between the printer and the MFP. 
         [0006]    However, considering that the MPF is provided with an option device such as a finisher or the like, a user can easily operate the MPF under the condition that the sheet feeding direction is set to the side-to-side direction with respect to the front face of the apparatus. With this configuration, the front face of the base printer is located at the right side (or left side) at the MFP, so that the replenishment of sheets or exchange of an imaging cartridge should be performed from the right side of the apparatus, which deteriorates the operability. Accordingly, it is required that the replenishment of sheets or exchange of an imaging cartridge is performed from the front face of the MFP, i.e., from the left side of the base printer, which needs a large-scale change in the structure of the main body of the apparatus or the imaging cartridge. 
         [0007]    Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2005-4178 discloses a process cartridge (synonymous with the imaging cartridge in the present specification) having a grip portion that is gripped when it is mounted to a first image forming apparatus and a mounting section to which a grip member is mounted, the grip member being gripped when it is mounted to a second image forming apparatus into which a process cartridge is inserted from the direction different from the direction in the case of the first image forming apparatus. However, in this process cartridge, the grip member should be added when it is used for the second image forming apparatus after it is used for the first image forming apparatus. Therefore, the management of the component and mounting manner are troublesome. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention aims to provide an imaging cartridge in which a handle, which is used for mounting the imaging cartridge to either one of two image forming apparatuses in which the attachment/detachment directions of the imaging cartridge to the respective image forming apparatuses are different, does not obstruct the mounting operation of the imaging cartridge to the other image forming apparatus, and to provide an image forming apparatus provided with the imaging cartridge. 
         [0009]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an imaging cartridge that can be attached and detached within a minimum required space, even if the imaging cartridge is mounted to either one of two image forming apparatuses in which the attachment/detachment directions of the imaging cartridge to the respective image forming apparatuses are different, and to provide an image forming apparatus provided with the imaging cartridge. 
         [0010]    In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, an imaging cartridge that can be attached to or detached from a main body of an image forming apparatus, and that has components required for an image formation and a casing, the cartridge being capable of being attached to or detached from a main body of a first image forming apparatus in a first direction, and being capable of being attached to or detached from a main body of a second image forming apparatus in a second direction that is different from the first direction by 90 degrees, and the cartridge including a pair of handles that are gripped when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction, wherein the handle of the pair of handles positioned at the far side when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction is made of a movable handle that moves in order not to hinder the attaching or detaching operation. 
         [0011]    The term “imaging unit” here means a unit required for an image formation, such as a photoreceptor, developing roller, or the like. The term “imaging cartridge” here means the one having an imaging unit and detachably mounted to a main body of an image forming apparatus. 
         [0012]    In the imaging cartridge having the aforesaid configuration, the handle composed of a movable handle that is gripped when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction is movable when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction. Therefore, the handle does not hinder the attaching or detaching operation. Further, it is unnecessary to increase the opening portion of the second image forming apparatus in order to insert or draw the handle when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction, whereby the attaching or detaching operation can be performed within a minimum required space. 
         [0013]    The movable handle is mounted so as to be slidable on a guide rail formed to be parallel to the second direction of the casing, and when the imaging cartridge is attached to the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction, the movable handle is brought into contact with an edge portion of an opening portion at the main body and remains at the edge portion, by which only the casing is inserted into the main body. 
         [0014]    In this case, the movable handle is brought into contact with the handle at the opposite side when the imaging cartridge is attached to the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction. Also, the movable handle has a pivot portion at its leading end, wherein when the imaging cartridge is attached to the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction, the pivot portion of the movable handle abuts against the main body to be folded. 
         [0015]    The movable handle includes a positioning projection that is engaged with a hole formed on the second image forming apparatus, and an engagement hole with which a latch formed on the second image forming apparatus is engaged, when the imaging cartridge is attached to the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction. 
         [0016]    With this configuration, the movable handle can be stabilized when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction, whereby the attaching or detaching operation can be facilitated. When the imaging cartridge is removed from the second image forming apparatus, the movable member is returned to the original position. Therefore, a user does not have to manually return the movable member. 
         [0017]    The movable handle is pivotably mounted to the casing, and when the imaging cartridge is attached to the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction, the movable handle pivots through the abutment against the main body of the second image forming apparatus, by which the movable handle is engaged with the guide rail mounted to the main body so as to slide thereon. 
         [0018]    In the imaging cartridge having the aforesaid configuration, the movable handle serves as a guide member that is slidably engaged with a guide rail of the main body of the second image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide another guide member separately, thereby simplifying the configuration. 
         [0019]    The movable handle is slidably provided so as to project from the casing or so as to approach the casing, and when the imaging cartridge is attached to the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction, the movable handle is pressed by the main body of the second image forming apparatus, and slides along a guide receiving portion formed on the main body to be inserted into the main body. 
         [0020]    In the imaging cartridge having the aforesaid configuration, when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction, the movable member serving as the handle upon attaching or detaching the imaging cartridge to or from the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction is withdrawn into the main body. Therefore, it is unnecessary to increase the opening portion of the first image forming apparatus in order to insert or draw the handle when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction, whereby the attaching or detaching operation can be performed within a minimum required space. 
         [0021]    The imaging cartridge is made by integrally forming at least two or more of a photosensitive unit including a photoreceptor and a charging device, a developing unit at least including a developing roller and a developing device, a toner hopper that accommodates new toner, and a waste toner bottle that accommodates waste toner. 
         [0022]    According to the present invention, the handle composed of the movable handle gripped when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the first image forming apparatus in the first direction is movable when the imaging cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the second image forming apparatus in the second direction. Therefore, the handle does not hinder the attaching or detaching operation. Further, it is unnecessary to increase the opening portion of the second image forming apparatus in order to insert or draw the handle, whereby the attaching or detaching operation can be performed within a minimum required space. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an imaging cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2A  is a plan view of the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2B  is a sectional view taken along a line I-I in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2C  is a front view; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the first image forming apparatus; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 1  is being attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a second image forming apparatus; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge is being attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge is attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge is attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an imaging cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a partially enlarged perspective view of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 9  is being attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 9  is being attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is a partially enlarged perspective view of the second image forming apparatus shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is a plan view sequentially showing the operation of a movable handle when the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 9  is being attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an imaging cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 16A  is a plan view of the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 16B  is a side view thereof; 
           [0045]      FIG. 16C  is a front view thereof; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 15  is being attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 15  is attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 15  is attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 15  is being attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 15  is attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0051]      FIG. 22  is a sectional view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 15  is attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0052]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an imaging cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 24A  is a plan view of the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 24B  is a side view thereof; 
           [0055]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 23  is being attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0056]      FIG. 26  is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 23  is attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0057]      FIG. 27  is a sectional view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 23  is attached to the first image forming apparatus in the first direction; 
           [0058]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view showing the state in which the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 23  is being attached to the second image forming apparatus in the second direction; 
           [0059]      FIG. 29  is a sectional view of a printer that is a more specific first image forming apparatus provided with the imaging unit according to the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 30  is a sectional view of a base printer of an MFP that is a more specific second image forming apparatus provided with the imaging unit according to the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 31  is a sectional view of another printer that is a more specific first image forming apparatus provided with the imaging unit according to the present invention; and 
           [0062]      FIG. 32  is a sectional view of a base printer of another MFP that is a more specific second image forming apparatus provided with the imaging unit according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0063]    The present invention will be explained with reference to the appended drawings. 
       First Embodiment  
       [0064]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show an imaging cartridge  1 A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This imaging cartridge  1 A is configured such that units required for an image formation are housed in a rectangular box-like casing  1 , and one of the units required for the image formation is exposed at one end in the horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The exposed unit is a photoreceptor  2  in the present embodiment and other embodiments described later, but the exposed unit may be a developing roller in the case of a developing cartridge, may be a cleaning blade in the case of a cleaning cartridge, or may be a toner transport roller or the like in the case of a new toner box or a waste toner box. 
         [0065]    A first left guide  3   a  and a first right guide  3   b  are projectedly provided at both end faces of the imaging cartridge  1 A in the longitudinal direction. The first left guide  3   a  and the first right guide  3   b  are formed into a rectangular plate, and extend in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge  1 A. A grip portion  4  is provided to lift from the upper surface of the first left guide  3   a.    
         [0066]    A second guide  5  is projectedly provided at the end portion opposite to the photoreceptor  2  in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge  1 A, and a guide rail  6  is formed at the upper surface of the end portion at the side of the photoreceptor  2 . The second guide  5  is formed into a rectangular plate, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge  1 A. The guide rail  6  is made of a side-face groove  6   a  extending in the longitudinal direction at the end face of the imaging cartridge  1 A and an upper-face groove  6   b  extending in the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge  1 A at the upper surface. 
         [0067]    A fixed handle  8  and a movable handle  9 , which are used for inserting the imaging cartridge into a first image forming apparatus in a first inserting direction S 1 , are provided at both ends of the guide rail  6 . The fixed handle  8  is provided at the near side of a second inserting direction S 2  to a second image forming apparatus. The movable handle  9  is provided at the far side in the second inserting direction S 2  to the second image forming apparatus. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the movable handle  9  has a horizontal projection  10  that is slidably engaged with the side-face groove  6   a  of the guide rail  6 , and a vertical projection  11  that is slidably engaged with the upper-face groove  6   b  of the guide rail  6 . These projections  10  and  11  are slidable in the longitudinal direction along the side-face groove  6   a  and the upper-face groove  6   b  of the guide rail  6 . A positioning projecting portion  12  that is fitted to a hole  24  formed on the main body  15   a  of the later-described second image forming apparatus  15  is provided to the side face of the movable handle  9 , while an engagement hole  13  with which a latch  25  mounted to the main body  15   a  of the second image forming apparatus is engaged is formed on the upper surface thereof. 
         [0068]    The imaging cartridge  1 A thus configured can be attached to or detached from a main body  14   a  of the first image forming apparatus  14  and the main body  15   a  of the second image forming apparatus  15  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 . 
         [0069]    The first image forming apparatus  14  shown in  FIG. 3  is a printer, wherein the right side in  FIG. 3  is a front face. The printer has an opening portion  16  at the front face, and four imaging cartridges  1 A can be attached to or detached from the opening portion  16  in the first direction S 1  that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging unit  1 A. The main body  14   a  of the first image forming apparatus  14  is provided with guide receiving portions  17 , which have a reversed C shape in its section for supporting the first left and right guides  3   a  and  3   b  of the imaging cartridge  1 A, are formed at the right and left walls of the opening portion  16  so as to extend in the first direction S 1 . Further, an engagement groove  18  that has a reversed C shape in its section and with which the second guide  5  of the imaging cartridge  1 A is engaged is formed at the far wall of the opening portion  16  so as to continuous with the guide receiving portions  17 . 
         [0070]    When the imaging cartridge  1 A is inserted into the main body  14   a  of the first image forming apparatus  14  in the first direction S, the fixed handle  8  and the movable handle  9  are gripped to insert the first left and right guides  3   a  and  3   b  into the guide receiving portions  17 . When the guides  3   a  and  3   b  are slid along the guide receiving portions  17 , the first left and right guides  3   a  and  3   b  are supported by the guide receiving portions  17 , and the second guide  5  is engaged with the engagement groove  18  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , whereby the imaging cartridge  1 A is attached to the first image forming apparatus  14 . On the other hand, when the imaging cartridge  1 A is removed, a user may draw out the imaging cartridge  1 A as gripping the fixed handle  8  and the movable handle  9 . 
         [0071]    The second image forming apparatus  15  shown in  FIG. 6  is a base printer of an MFP to which a document reading device  19  or a sorter  20  is attached, wherein the front-left side in  FIG. 6  is a front face. It has an opening portion  21  at its front face, and four imaging cartridges  1 A can be attached to or detached from the opening portion  21  in the second direction S 2 , which is different from the first direction in  FIG. 3  by 90 degrees, i.e., in the direction along the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor  2 . 
         [0072]    The main body  15   a  of the second image forming apparatus  15  is provided with a guide receiving portion  22 , which has a reversed C shape in its section for supporting the second guide  5  of the imaging cartridge  1 A, is formed at the left wall of the opening portion  21  so as to extend in the second direction S 2 . Formed at the right edge of the opening portion  21  is a concave portion  23  into which the leading end portion of the movable handle  9  at the imaging cartridge  1 A is fitted, and a hole  24  into which the positioning projecting portion  12  of the movable handle  9  is fitted is formed at the bottom of the concave portion  23 . A latch  25  that is engaged with the engagement hole  13  of the movable handle  9  is provided at the upper edge of the opening portion  21 . The latch  25  is biased so as to downwardly project by means of a spring  26  as shown in  FIG. 8 . An engagement groove  27  that has a reversed C shape in its section and with which the first right guide  3   b  of the imaging cartridge  1 A is engaged is formed at the far wall of the opening portion  21  so as to be continuous with the guide receiving portion  22 . 
         [0073]    The guide receiving portion  22  and the engagement groove  27  of the second image forming apparatus  15  are configured to have the shape same as that of the engagement groove  18  and the guide receiving portions  17  of the first image forming apparatus  11 , so that they are shared. 
         [0074]    In order to insert the imaging cartridge  1 A into the main body  15   a  of the second image forming apparatus  15  in the second direction S 2 , the first left guide  3   a  is gripped, the second guide  5  is inserted into the guide receiving portion  22 , and the movable handle  9  is fitted into the concave portion  23  of the main body  15   a.  Thus, the positioning projecting portion  12  of the movable handle  9  is fitted into the hole  24  at the main body  15   a,  so that the latch  25  is engaged with the engagement hole  13  of the movable handle  9  as shown in  FIG. 8 . As a result, the movable handle  9  is supported by the edge portion of the opening portion  21  at the main body  15   a.  Therefore, even if the imaging cartridge  1 A is forcibly pushed into the main body  15   a,  the movable handle  9  remains at the edge portion of the opening portion  21  at the main body  15   a.  The imaging cartridge  1 A is inserted with the guide receiving portion  22  of the main body  15   a  and the movable handle  9  defined as a guide. When the sliding operation of the imaging cartridge  1 A is completed, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the second guide  5  is supported by the guide receiving portion  22 , the fixed handle  8  is brought into contact with the movable handle  9 , and the first right guide  3   b  is engaged with the engagement groove  27 , whereby the imaging cartridge  1 A is mounted to the second image forming apparatus  15 . On the other hand, when the imaging cartridge  1 A is removed, a user may grip the first left guide  3   a  to draw the imaging cartridge  1 A. In this case, since the latch  25  is engaged with the engagement hole  13 , the movable handle  9  remains at this position, and when the imaging cartridge  1 A is removed, the engagement is canceled, so that the movable handle  9  is returned to the position before the insertion. 
       Second Embodiment  
       [0075]    The other embodiments of the present invention will be explained next. In the following explanation, like numerals refer to like parts, and the explanation thereof is omitted. 
         [0076]      FIG. 9  shows an imaging cartridge  1 B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The imaging cartridge  1 B is the same as the imaging cartridge  1 A shown in  FIG. 1  except that a movable handle  9 ′ is made of a fixed portion  29  and a pivot portion  30 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the fixed portion  29  of the movable handle  9 ′ has the positioning projecting portion  12  and the engagement hole  13 . The positioning projecting portion  12  projects from the upper face of the fixed portion  29  in the longitudinal outward direction of the imaging cartridge  1 B. The engagement hole  13  is formed on a projecting member  31  extending in the longitudinal inward direction from the upper face of the fixed portion  29 . The movable portion  30  of the movable handle  9 ′ is pivotably attached to the fixed portion  29  by a pin  32 , and biased by a spring  33  in order to stand still in the right-angled direction in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0077]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first image forming apparatus  14  to which the imaging cartridge  1 B is attached is the same as that in the first embodiment. Further, as shown in FIGS.  12  and  13 , the second image forming apparatus  34  has the latch  25  and the hole  24  at the edge portion of the opening portion  21 , like the first embodiment, but the shape of the edge portion of the opening portion  21  is different from the first embodiment. Specifically, the concave portion  23  at the opening portion  21  is deeper than the concave portion  23  of the second image forming apparatus in the first embodiment. Formed at the right end of the edge portion of the opening portion  21  is a slope  35  that is in contact with the pivot portion  30  of the movable handle  9 ′ of the imaging cartridge  1 B and guides the pivot portion  30  to pivot. A groove  36  through which the positioning projecting portion  12  of the movable handle  9 ′ passes is formed on the upper edge face of the opening portion  21 . 
         [0078]    The operation for attaching and detaching the imaging cartridge  1 B to and from the main body  14   a  of the first image forming apparatus  14  is the same as that in the first embodiment as shown in  FIG. 11 , so that the explanation is omitted. The operation for attaching and detaching the imaging cartridge  1 B to and from the second image forming apparatus  34  will be explained below. 
         [0079]    In order to insert the imaging cartridge  1 B into the main body  34   a  of the second image forming apparatus  34 , the first left guide  3   a  is gripped and the second guide  5  is inserted into the guide receiving portion  22  as shown in  FIG. 12 , and then, the movable handle  9 ′ is fitted into the concave portion  23  at the main body as shown in  FIG. 14A . When the imaging cartridge  1 B is pushed, the pivot portion  30  of the movable handle  9 ′ is brought into contact with the bottom of the concave portion  23  so as to pivot about the pin  32  against the biasing force of the spring  33 , so that the pivot portion is folded as guided by the slope  35 . Thus, the positioning projecting portion  12  of the movable handle  9 ′ is fitted into the hole  24  of the main body  34   a,  and the latch  25  is engaged with the engagement hole  13  of the movable handle  9 ′. As a result, since the movable handle  9 ′ is supported by the edge portion of the opening portion  21  of the main body  34   a,  the movable handle  9 ′ remains at the edge portion of the opening portion  21  of the main body  34   a  as shown in  FIG. 14D , even if the imaging cartridge  1 B is pushed into the main body  34   a.  The imaging cartridge  1 B is inserted into the main body  34   a  with the guide receiving portion  22  and the movable handle  9 ′ as a guide. After the sliding operation of the imaging cartridge  1 B is completed, the second guide  5  is supported by the guide receiving portion  22 , the fixed handle  8  is brought into contact with the movable handle  9 ′, and the first right guide  3   b  is engaged with the engagement groove  27 , whereby the imaging cartridge  1 B is mounted. On the contrary, in order to remove the imaging cartridge  1 B, a user may draw the imaging cartridge  1 B by gripping the grip portion  4  of the first left guide  3   a.  The pivot portion  30  is returned to the original position due to the biasing force of the spring  33 . 
       Third Embodiment  
       [0080]      FIG. 15  shows an imaging cartridge  1 C according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This imaging cartridge  1 C is configured such that units required for an image formation are housed in a rectangular box-like casing  37 , and a photoreceptor  2  is exposed at the lower end in the vertical direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. 
         [0081]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , a first left guide  38   a  and a first right guide  38   b  are projectedly provided at both end faces of the imaging cartridge LC in the longitudinal direction. The first left guide  38   a  and the first right guide  38   b  are formed into a rectangular plate-like shape, and extend in the vertical direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge  1 C. 
         [0082]    A second left guide  39   a  and a second right guide  39   b  are projectedly provided at the upper end face of the imaging cartridge  1 C at the side opposite to the photoreceptor  2  in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge  1 C. The second left guide  39   a  and the second right guide  39   b  are respectively formed to have a reversed L shape in their section, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the imaging cartridge  1 C. 
         [0083]    A fixed handle  40  and a movable handle  41 , which are used for inserting the imaging cartridge  1 C into the first image forming apparatus in the first inserting direction S 1 , are provided at both ends of the second left guide  39   a  and the second right guide  39   b.  The fixed handle  40  is provided at the near side in the second inserting direction S 2  to the second image forming apparatus. The movable handle  41  is provided at the far side in the second inserting direction S 2  to the second image forming apparatus. The movable handle  41  is mounted to a pair of projecting portions  42  so as to be pivotable through a pin  43 , and biased by a spring  44  in order to stand still in the right-angled direction in the longitudinal direction. A third guide  45  whose section is formed into a T shape is formed at the side face of the movable handle  40 . 
         [0084]    The imaging cartridge  1 C thus configured can be attached to or detached from a main body  46   a  of a first image forming apparatus  46  and a main body  47   a  of a second image forming apparatus  47  as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 20 . 
         [0085]    The first image forming apparatus  46  shown in  FIG. 17  is a printer. The first image forming apparatus  46  has an opening portion  48  at its upper face, wherein four imaging cartridges  1 C can be attached to or detached from the opening portion  48  in the first direction S 1  that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the imaging unit  1 C. Grooves  49  that receive the first left and right guides  38   a  and  38   b  of the imaging cartridge  1 C are formed to the main body  46   a  of the first image forming apparatus  46  so as to extend in the first direction S 1 . 
         [0086]    In order to insert the imaging cartridge  1 C into the main body  46   a  of the first image forming apparatus  46  in the first direction S 1 , the fixed handle  40  and the movable handle  41  are gripped to insert the first left and right guides  38   a  and  38   b  into the grooves  49 . When the guides  38   a  and  38   b  are slid along the grooves  49 , the first left and right guides  38   a  and  38   b  are supported by the grooves  49 , as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , whereby the imaging cartridge  1 C is attached to the first image forming apparatus  46 . On the other hand, when the imaging cartridge  1 C is removed, a user may draw out the imaging cartridge  1 C as gripping the fixed handle  40  and the movable handle  41 . 
         [0087]    The second image forming apparatus  47  shown in  FIG. 20  is a base printer of an MFP to which a document reading device  19  or a sorter  20  is attached. It has an opening portion  50  at its front face, and four imaging cartridges  1 C can be attached to or detached from the opening portion  50  in the second direction S 2 , which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the imaging unit  1 C. A pair of guide receiving portions  51  that are engaged with the second left and right guides  39   a  and  39   b  of the imaging cartridge  1 C are formed at the upper edge of the opening portion  50 . A slope  52  that tilts downwardly from the upper edge of the opening portion  50  toward the far side is formed between the guide receiving portions  51 . A horizontal guide bar  53  is mounted from the lower end of the slope  52  toward the wall at the far side. A groove  54  whose section is formed into a T shape and with which the third guide of the imaging cartridge  1 C having the T-shaped section is engaged for slide is formed at the lower face of the guide bar  53 . 
         [0088]    In order to attach the imaging cartridge  1 C, the first left guide  38   a  and the fixed handle  40  are gripped with the movable handle  41  facing the opening portion  50 , and the pin  43  of the movable handle  41  is placed onto the guide receiving portion  51  to push the imaging cartridge  1 C. With this operation, the movable handle  41  is brought into contact with the slope  52 , so that the movable handle  41  pivots about the pin  43  against the biasing force of the spring  44  so as to be folded as guided by the slope  52 . Thus, the third guide  45  of the movable handle  41  is engaged with the groove  54  of the guide bar  53 . As a result, when the imaging cartridge  1 C is further pushed, the imaging cartridge  1 C is inserted into the main body  47   a  with the third guide  45  of the movable handle  41  sliding along the groove  54  of the guide bar  53 . The second left and right guides  39   a  and  39   b  are engaged with the guide receiving portions  51  to slide. After the sliding operation of the imaging cartridge  1 C is completed, the second left and right guides  39   a  and  39   b  are supported by the guide receiving portions  51 , and the third guide  45  of the movable handle  41  is engaged with the guide bar  53 , whereby the imaging cartridge  1 C is mounted as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . On the other hand, in order to remove the imaging cartridge  1 C, a user may draw the imaging cartridge  1 C as gripping the first left guide  38   a  and the fixed handle  40 . The movable handle  41  is returned to the original position due to the biasing force of the spring  44 . 
       Fourth Embodiment  
       [0089]      FIGS. 23 and 24  show an imaging cartridge  1 D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The imaging cartridge  1 D is the same as the imaging cartridge  1 A in the first embodiment except that the first left guide  3   a ′ is made movable. A tubular portion  55  is formed at one end of the first left guide  3   a ′. The tubular portion  55  is fitted into the shaft of the photoreceptor  2 , and a stopper  56  prevents the tubular portion  55  from slipping out. An extended guide member  57  bent into an L shape is provided at the other end of the first left guide  3   a ′. This guide member  57  is inserted into a gap between a rib  58  provided at the upper face of the second guide  5  and the casing  1 . A grip portion  59  is formed on the upper face of the first left guide  3   a ′ in order that a user easily puts his/her fingers thereon when the first left guide  3   a ′ is used as a handle. The first left guide  3   a ′ is biased in the direction apart from the casing  1  in the direction parallel to the second direction S 2  by a spring  60  mounted to the shaft of the photoreceptor  2  between the tubular portion  55  and the casing  1  and a spring  61  mounted in the vicinity of the guide member  57  between the first left guide  3   a ′ and the casing  1 . 
         [0090]    The imaging cartridge  1 D thus configured can be attached to or detached from the main body  11   a  of the first image forming apparatus  11  and the main body  12   a  of the second image forming apparatus  12  as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 28 . 
         [0091]    The first image forming apparatus  11  shown in  FIG. 25  is the same as the first image forming apparatus  11  in the first embodiment except that a bent portion  62 , which is bent outwardly, is provided at the inlet of the guide receiving portion  14  at the left side in order to readily accept the first left guide of the imaging cartridge  1 D. 
         [0092]    In order to insert the imaging cartridge  1 D into the main body  11   a  of the first image forming apparatus  11  in the first direction S 1 , the fixed handle  8  and the movable handle  9  are gripped to insert the first left and right guides  3   a ′ and  3   b  into the guide receiving members  17 . When the guides  3   a ′ and  3   b  are slid along the guide receiving members  17 , the first left and right guides  3   a ′ and  3   b  are supported by the guide receiving members  17 , and the second guide  5  is engaged with the engagement groove  18 , whereby the imaging cartridge  1 D is attached to the first image forming apparatus  11 . As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the first left guide  3   a ′ retreats toward the end face of the casing  1  in the direction perpendicular to the inserting direction against the biasing force of the springs  60  and  61 , as it is inserted into the guide receiving portion  17 . On the other hand, when the imaging cartridge  1 D is removed, a user may draw out the imaging cartridge  1 D as gripping the fixed handle  8  and the movable handle  9 . The first left guide  3   a ′ is returned to the original position due to the biasing force of the springs  60  and  61 . 
         [0093]    The second image forming apparatus shown in  FIG. 28  is the same as the first image forming apparatus  15  in the first embodiment. 
         [0094]    Like the case of the imaging cartridge  1 A in the first embodiment, in order to insert the imaging cartridge  1 D into the main body  15   a  of the second image forming apparatus  15  in the second direction S 2 , the first left guide  3   a ′ is gripped, the second guide  5  is inserted into the guide receiving portion  22 , and the movable handle  9  is fitted into the concave portion  23  of the main body. Since the first left guide  3   a ′ is apart from the casing  1  of the imaging cartridge  1 D by the springs  60  and  61 , it is easily gripped as a handle. On the other hand, in order to remove the imaging cartridge  1 D, a user may draw out the imaging cartridge  1 D as gripping the first left guide  3   a′.    
       First Embodiment of First Image Forming Apparatus 
       [0095]      FIG. 29  shows a printer  101 , which is a more specific first image forming apparatus provided with the imaging cartridge  102  according to the present invention. This printer  101  is a tandem-type color laser printer in which four imaging cartridges  102 Y,  102 M,  102 C, and  102 K of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are arranged in the vertical direction. Each of the imaging cartridges  102  has any one of external structures (guide, handle, etc.) of the aforesaid imaging cartridges  1 A,  1 B and  1 C, although not shown. Each of the imaging cartridges  102  is composed of a charging device  104  and a developing device  105 , a new toner box  106 , a cleaning device  107 , and a waste toner box  108 , which are arranged around a cylindrical photoreceptor  103  that is rotatably provided. In the imaging cartridge  102 , the charging device  104  applies charges onto the photoreceptor  103 , an electrostatic latent image is formed by an exposure device  109  on the basis of an image signal, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device  104 . The developed toner image is transferred onto a sheet transported from a sheet feeding unit  111  between a transfer belt  110  and the photoreceptor  103  through a timing roller  112 . The toner remaining onto the photoreceptor  103  after the transfer is collected into the waste toner box  108  by the cleaning device  107 . The sheet having the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed to a fixing unit  113 , where the toner image is fixed, and then, the sheet is discharged to a sheet tray  114 . 
         [0096]    The right side in  FIG. 29  is the front face of the printer  101 . This printer  101  is configured such that a sheet is supplied in the frontward direction from the sheet feeding unit  111 , as viewed from the front face, conveyed in the vertical direction, and discharged in the rearward direction. The sheet feeding unit  111  can be attached or detached from the front face. When a door at the front face is opened, the transfer belt  110  is separated from the imaging cartridge  102  with the door. Accordingly, the imaging cartridge  102  can be attached or detached in the first direction S 1  (in the side-to-side direction in the figure). 
       First Embodiment of Second Image Forming Apparatus  
       [0097]      FIG. 30  shows an MFP  201 , which is a more specific second image forming apparatus provided with the imaging cartridge according to the present invention. The MFP  201  is provided with a document reading device  202 , and a sorter  203 . The front surface of  FIG. 30  is defined as the front face of the MFP  201 . The sheet feeding unit  111  can be attached or detached from the front face. When the door at the front face is opened, the imaging cartridge  102  can be attached or detached in the second direction S 2  (in the front-to-back direction of the figure). 
       Second Embodiment of First Image Forming Apparatus  
       [0098]      FIG. 31  shows a printer  301  that is a more specific first image forming apparatus provided with the imaging cartridge  302  according to the present invention. This printer  301  is a tandem-type color laser printer in which four imaging cartridges  302  ( 302 Y,  302 M,  302 C, and  302 K) are arranged in the horizontal direction. The structure of each of the imaging cartridges  302  is the same as that of the imaging cartridge shown in  FIG. 29 , and has the external structure (guide, handle, etc.) of the aforesaid imaging cartridges  1 D. Further, the printer  301  includes an exposure device  309 , a transfer belt  310 , a sheet feeding unit  311 , a timing roller  312 , a fixing unit  313 , and a sheet tray  314 , like the printer  101  shown in  FIG. 29 , although the arrangement thereof is different. 
         [0099]    The right side in  FIG. 31  is the front face of the printer  301 . This printer  301  is configured such that a sheet is supplied in the frontward direction from the sheet feeding unit  311 , as viewed from the front face, conveyed in the vertical direction, and discharged in the rearward direction. The sheet feeding unit  311  can be attached or detached from the front face. When a door at the front face is opened, the exposure device  109  is separated from the imaging cartridge  302  with the door. Accordingly, the imaging cartridge  302  can be attached or detached in the first direction S 1  (in the vertical direction in the figure). 
       Second Embodiment of Second Image Forming Apparatus  
       [0100]      FIG. 32  shows an MFP  401  that is a more specific second image forming apparatus provided with the imaging unit  302  according to the present invention. The MFP  401  is provided with a document reading device  402 , and a sorter  403 . The front surface of  FIG. 32  is defined as the front face of the MFP  401  The sheet feeding unit  311  can be attached or detached from the front face. When the door at the front face is opened, the imaging cartridge  302  can be attached or detached in the second direction S 2  (in the front-to-back direction of the figure). 
         [0101]    In the aforesaid embodiments, the imaging cartridges  102  and  302  may be configured as follows. Specifically, the photoreceptor  103 , charging device  104 , developing device  105 , new toner box  106 , cleaning device  107 , and waste toner box  108  are optionally combined to form a cartridge, wherein each cartridge can be attached or detached. 
         [0102]    Although the present invention has been fully described by way of the examples with reference to the accompanying drawing, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications otherwise depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein.