Abstract:
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided for forming an image on a recording material, to which a unit is detachably mountable. The apparatus is transportable with the unit mounted thereto. The apparatus includes (i) a movable member; (ii) a main assembly electrical contact provided on the movable member; (iii) a mounting member demountably mounting the unit; (iv) a unit mounted to the mounting member. The unit has a unit electrical contact electrically contactable to the main assembly electrical contact during image formation on the recording material; and (v) a separating member for separating the main assembly electrical contact and the unit electrical contact from each other by contacting the movable member and the unit to provide a gap between the main assembly electrical contact and the unit electrical contact when the apparatus is transported with the unit mounted to the apparatus.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART 
   The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus transportable with units mounted therein, and an electrical contact spacing member used in such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 
   In the field of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (which hereinafter will be referred to simply as image forming apparatus) which forms an image on a recording medium with the use of one of the electrophotographic image formation processes, a cartridge (unit) system has been employed, according to which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a single or plurality of processing means, which act on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, are integrally disposed in a cartridge (unitized) to make it possible for them to be removably mountable in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Also according to this cartridge system, an image forming apparatus can be maintained by the user himself, without relying on a service person, drastically improving the image forming apparatus in operability. Thus, the cartridge system is widely in use in the field of an image forming apparatus. 
   In an image forming apparatus such as the one described above, voltage must be applied to the charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member (which hereinafter will be referred to simply as photosensitive drum), the developing means, etc. 
   Therefore, as a cartridge is mounted into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the electrical contacts on the main assembly side of the image forming apparatus become electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the cartridge side, and voltage is applied from the apparatus main assembly to the cartridge. 
   In recent years, various products, which employ a cartridge with a memory (storage element) for storing various service data and process data, have been realized. For example, an image forming apparatus which employs such a memory has been substantially improved in image quality, cartridge maintenance, etc., based on the data stored in the memory thereof. In the case of such an image forming apparatus, as the electrical contacts on the main assembly side become electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the memory of a process cartridge, data are exchanged between the apparatus main assembly and the memory. 
   As described above, an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge therefor are provided with various electrical contacts. Therefore, generally, when transporting an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge therefor are individually wrapped, that is, the process cartridge is not mounted in the apparatus main assembly, in order to prevent the electrical contacts from being frictionally worn or deformed. More specifically, the individually wrapped apparatus main assembly and cartridge are placed in the same box for transportation. Thus, the shipment box for such a packaging method is substantially greater in size than a shipment box for transporting an image forming apparatus with a process cartridge mounted therein, increasing thereby the transportation cost. 
   Thus, a jig for making it possible to wrap an image forming apparatus, with an individually wrapped toner cartridge disposed in the sheet storage space in which sheets of a recording medium conveyed from the image formation station are to be stored, has been proposed (Japanese Laid-open Patent Application 2003-327293). 
   According to the abovementioned prior art, however, a wrapping material, which makes it possible to fit a cartridge in the sheet storage portion of an image forming apparatus, is necessary. Further, this art is not applicable to an image forming apparatus which discharges a sheet upward, and an image forming apparatus, the sheet storage space of which is smaller than the toner cartridge therefor. 
   The present invention was made in consideration of the above described prior art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The primary object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a unit and a separating member wherein the image forming apparatus can be transported without damaging the electrical contacts on the main assembly side of the image forming apparatus and those on the unit side, while keeping a unit mounted in the main assembly, and also, to provide an electrical contact spacing member. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a unit and a spacing member in which the unit can be kept mounted while preventing the electrical contacts on the main assembly as well as unit sides from being deformed or frictionally worn while the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported, and an electrical contact spacing member. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a unit, a separating member and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus higher in the efficiency with which the main assembly thereof, and a unit therefor, are transported than an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in accordance with the prior art, and an electrical contact spacing member. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a unit and a spacing member in which the spacing member is used for keeping the electrical contacts on the main assembly side of the apparatus separated from the electrical contacts on the unit side when transporting the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, with the unit mounted in the apparatus main assembly, and is smaller than a spacing member in accordance with the prior art, and an electrical contact spacing member. 
   According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a unit is detachably mountable, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transportable with the unit mounted thereto, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising (i) a movable member; (ii) a main assembly electrical contact provided on the movable member; (iii) a mounting member for demountably mounting the unit; (iv) a unit mounted to the mounting member, wherein the unit has a unit electrical contact electrically contactable to the main assembly electrical contact in an image forming operation for forming the image on the recording material; and (v) a separating member for separating the main assembly electrical contact and the unit electrical contact from each other by contacting the movable member and the unit to provide a gap between the main assembly electrical contact and the unit electrical contact when the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported with the unit mounted to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separating member usable when an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported with a unit mounted thereto, wherein the unit has a unit electrical contact and is detachably mountable to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is capable of forming an image on a recording material and has a main assembly electrical contact contactable to the unit electrical contact in an image forming operation for forming an image on the recording material with the unit mounted to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the improvement residing in that: the separating member is effective to separate the main assembly electrical contact and the unit electrical contact by providing a gap between the main assembly electrical contact and the unit electrical contact by contacting to the unit and to a movable member, when the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported with the unit is mounted to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the movable member is provided in the main assembly of the apparatus and supports the main assembly electrical contact. 
   These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the memory tag attachment portion of the process cartridge, and its adjacencies, in the first embodiment of the present invention, at the time of mounting the electrical contact spacing member. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic sectional view of the memory tag attachment portion of the cartridge P, its adjacencies, and electrical contact spacing member  9 , in the first embodiment of the present invention, after the mounting of the cartridge P fitted with the spacing member  9  into the apparatus main assembly E. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention, (which is laser beam printer), showing the general structure thereof. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic sectional view of the removably mountable process cartridge and the electrical contacts thereof in the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the general structures thereof. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention, the door D, as a hinged member of which, is open for mounting or dismounting of the cartridge P. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of the process cartridge mounting means of the apparatus main assembly E in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is also a schematic perspective view of the process cartridge mounting means of the apparatus main assembly E in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view of the process cartridge in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is also a schematic perspective view of the process cartridge in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a drawing showing the track which the process cartridge in the first embodiment of the present invention follows when it is inserted or extracted. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the memory tag attachment portion of the process cartridge, and its adjacencies, in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the connector attachment portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and its adjacencies, in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic sectional view of the contact area between the process cartridge and the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and its adjacencies, in the first embodiment of the present invention, after the mounting of the process cartridge into the main assembly. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the connector attachment portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, fitted with the electrical contact spacing member, and its adjacencies, in the second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is also a perspective view of the connector attachment portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, fitted with the electrical contact spacing member, and its adjacencies, in the second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic sectional view of the contact area between the process cartridge and the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, fitted with the electrical contact spacing member, and its adjacencies, in the second embodiment of the present invention, after the mounting of the process cartridge into the main assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Incidentally, the sizes, materials, shapes, and functions of the structural components, and the positional relationships among the structural components, in the following embodiments of the present invention, are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, unless specifically noted. Further, once a given structural component is described, it will be the same in material, shape, etc., throughout this document, unless specifically noted. 
   [Embodiment 1] 
   Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
   (Structures of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus and Process Cartridge) 
   First, referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge as a unit is removably mountable, and the process cartridge removably mountable in the main assembly, will be described regarding the general structures thereof. 
     FIG. 3  is a schematic sectional view of the laser beam printer, as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, in this embodiment, showing the general structure thereof.  FIG. 4  is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge removably mountable in the laser beam printer, and the electrical contacts of the cartridge, showing the general structures thereof. 
   First, the general structure of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and the general structure of the process cartridge, will be described, following the flow of a sheet of recording medium S in the main assembly. The laser beam printer E (which hereinafter will be referred to as apparatus main assembly) forms an image with the use of an electrophotographic method. More specifically, the sheet S of recording medium is conveyed by conveying means  112 – 114  to an image formation station, in which an image formed of toner is transferred onto the sheet S of recording medium. Then, the sheet S of recording medium is conveyed to a fixing means  3 , in which the image formed of toner is fixed to the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is discharged into the delivery station. 
   More specifically, in the bottom portion of the apparatus main assembly E, there is mounted a cassette  111 , in which sheets S of recording medium are stored in layers. The sheets S in the cassette  111  are sequentially moved out, one by one, from the cassette  111 , starting from the first sheet on the top side, by a conveyance roller  112  which rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Then, the sheets S of recording medium are sequentially sent to the image formation station  3  by pairs of conveyance rollers  113  and  114 . 
   In the image formation station  2 , a beam of laser light is projected, while being modulated with image formation data, from a laser scanner  121  onto the peripheral surface of the rotating photosensitive drum  151 . As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  151 . This electrostatic latent image is developed by a development roller  157  and toner as developer, in the process cartridge P (which hereinafter will be referred simply as cartridge P). 
   The image developed by the development roller  157  is transferred by a transfer roller  124  from the photosensitive drum  151  onto the sheet S of recording medium. Then, the sheet S is conveyed to the fixation station  3 , through which the sheet S is conveyed while being subjected to the fixation process. Thereafter, the sheet S is discharged by the pair of conveyance rollers  133  into the delivery station. 
   An electrical component portion  4  shown in  FIG. 3  has an electrical power source for the apparatus, and a control circuit for controlling the apparatus. 
   The cartridge P comprises: the rotatably supported photosensitive drum  151 ; and a charge roller  152  as a charging means for uniformly charging the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  151  by applying voltage to the peripheral surface thereof. 
   The voltage generated in the electrical component portion  4  of the apparatus main assembly E is supplied to the charge roller  152  through the electrical contact  125  on the main assembly side, and the electrical contact  153  (for charge voltage) on the cartridge side. Next, a beam of laser light is projected, while being modulated with image formation data, from the laser scanner  121 , onto the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  151 , forming thereby a latent image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  151 . This latent image is developed by the development roller  157  and toner. 
   To describe in even more detail, the charge roller  152  is placed in contact with the photosensitive drum  151  to charge the photosensitive drum  151 . It is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum  151 . 
   The toner in a toner container  154  is sent into the development chamber  156  by the rotation of the stirring member  155 . As the development roller  157 , in the hollow of which a magnetic roller (stationary magnet) is stationarily disposed, is rotated in the development chamber  156 , a uniform layer of frictionally charged toner is formed on the peripheral surface of the development roller  157  by the development blade  158 . The toner on the peripheral surface of the development roller  157  is transferred onto the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  151  in the pattern of the latent image, by applying voltage to the development roller  157 . As a result, the latent image is developed; it is developed into an image formed of toner. The voltage to be applied to the development roller  157  is supplied from the electrical component portion  4  to the development roller  157  through the electrical contact  126  (for development) on the main assembly side, and the electrical contact  165  (for development) of the cartridge P. 
   Not only does the development blade  158  regulate the thickness in which toner is layered on the peripheral surface of the development roller  157 , but also, it gives the toner triboelectric charge. 
   After the transfer of the toner image onto the sheet S of recording medium by the transfer roller  124 , the photosensitive drum  151  is cleared of the toner remaining thereon (residual toner), by the cleaning means, and is used for the following image formation process. The cleaning means is provided with an elastic cleaning blade  159 , which is disposed in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  151 . The elastic cleaning blade  159  scrapes down the residual toner on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  151 , and collects the removed residual toner into the waste toner bin  160 . 
   The cartridge P is provided with a memory tag  6  as an information storage medium, which is attached to one of the surfaces of the cartridge P. The main assembly of the image forming apparatus is provided with a connector  7 , which is provided with the electrical contacts  72  (first electrical contacts). The memory tag  6  is to be electrically connected to these electrical contacts  72  to allow the memory tag  6  to communicate with the apparatus main assembly E. 
   When the cartridge P is out of the apparatus main assembly E, the drum shutter  161  of the cartridge P remains shut for drum protection. As the cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E, the drum shutter  161  opens, and remains open while the cartridge P is in the apparatus main assembly E ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
   Next, the frame of the process cartridge P will be described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , the photosensitive drum  151 , the charge roller  152 , and the cleaning blade  159  are integrally attached to the drum frame  162 , which is one of the sub-frames of the cartridge frame, constituting a photosensitive drum unit  100 . 
   As for the development unit  200 , it is made up of: the toner container  154  which stores toner; development roller  157 ; development blade  158 ; and developing means frame  164  which supports the development roller  157  and the development blade  158 . 
   The photosensitive drum unit  100  and developing means unit  200  are connected to each other with the use of pins (unshown) so that they are enabled to pivot about the pins relative to each other. 
   (Structure for Mounting or Dismounting Process Cartridge, and Structure of Process Cartridge Compartment) 
   Next, referring to  FIGS. 5–10 , the guides for guiding the cartridge P when mounting or dismounting the process cartridge P, and the structure of the cartridge compartment, will be described. 
     FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the door D, as a hinged member of which, is open for mounting or dismounting of the cartridge P.  FIGS. 6 and 7  are schematic perspective views of the process cartridge mounting means of the apparatus main assembly E.  FIGS. 8 and 9  are schematic perspective views of the process cartridge.  FIG. 10  is a drawing showing the track which the process cartridge follows when it is mounted or removed. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a user is to open the door D as a hinged member of the apparatus main assembly E so that the cartridge P can be removably mounted into the cartridge compartment  300  of the apparatus main assembly E. 
   First, the guiding members, etc., with which the cartridge P is provided, will be described. Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the cartridge P is provided with cartridge guiding portions, more specifically, a pair of roughly cylindrical portions  190  and  192 , which are on the end surfaces of the cartridge P, one for one, in terms of the lengthwise direction of the cartridge P. The cartridge P is also provided with a pair of mechanical contact portions  191  and  193  for regulating the rotation of the cartridge P which occurs as the cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E. The mechanical contact portions  191  and  193  are on the lengthwise end surfaces of the cartridge P, being located roughly at the top edges thereof, one for one. 
   Next, the guiding members with which the apparatus main assembly E is provided will be described. The guiding means on the main assembly side is made up of guiding members  181 – 189 . The guiding members  181  and  186  have surfaces  181   a  and  186   a , respectively, which are slanted relative to the direction in which cartridge P is mounted. Further, the guiding members  181  and  186  are continuous with the guiding members  185  and  189 , respectively, having a recessively curved surface. As the cartridge P is inserted into the apparatus main assembly E, it is guided inward of the apparatus main assembly E, with the roughly cylindrical portions  192  and  190  of the cartridge P guided by the guiding members  181  and  186 , respectively, of the main assembly E. 
   As for the guiding members  182 ,  183 , and  187 , they have surfaces  182   a ,  183   a , and  187   a , respectively, which also are slanted relative to the abovementioned cartridge insertion direction. Thus, as the cartridge P is inserted into the apparatus main assembly E, the cartridge P is guided inward of the apparatus main assembly E, with the abovementioned mechanical contact portions  193  of the cartridge P guided by the slanted surfaces  182   a  and  183   a , and the mechanical contact portion  191  guided by the slanted surface  187   a . The drum shutter  161  opens or closes as a cylindrical portion  194  of the cartridge P is guided by the guiding members  182  and  184 . 
   Next, referring to  FIG. 10 , the track which the cartridge P follows as it is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E or removed therefrom, will be described. When mounting the cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E, the cartridge P is to be inserted into the apparatus main assembly A in the roughly horizontal direction. Initially, that is, while the leading end of the cartridge P is in the adjacency of the upstream end of the cartridge compartment, the cartridge P remains roughly horizontal. Eventually, the cartridge P is tilted in the direction intersecting the aforementioned cartridge insertion direction, while being inserted into the its final position from above the transfer roller  124 . After the successful completion of the mounting of the cartridge P, the cylindrical portion  190  of the cartridge P is pressed on the guiding member  189  by a cartridge pressing spring  188 . 
   In this embodiment, the apparatus main assembly E is packaged in the shipment box, with the cartridge P remaining mounted in the apparatus main assembly E, to be delivered to an end user. 
   (Structure of Memory Tag and Structure of Connector on Main Assembly Side) 
   Next, referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  11 ,  12 , and  13 , the structure of the memory tag, and the structure of the connector on the main assembly side, will be described. First, the structure of the memory tag will be described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , the cartridge P is provided with the memory tag  6 , which is in the form of a piece of plate and is attached to one of the surfaces of the drum frame  162 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , the memory tag  6  comprises: a storage portion  61 ; electrical contacts  62  (second electrical contacts) on the unit side; mechanical contact portions  63 ; and a substructural plate (print substrate) on which the preceding components are disposed. 
   The storage portion  61  is located in the middle of the print substrate, and the storage element (unshown) of the storage portion  61  is protected with a protective layer of resin. The electrical contacts  62  are disposed on the same surface of the print substrate as the storage portion, one on each side of the storage portion  61 , and being aligned in the direction parallel to the lengthwise direction. The mechanical contact portions  63  are where the mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector  7 , as a member for supporting the electrical contacts on the main assembly side, make contact, one for one. The connector  7  will be described later. Also referring to  FIG. 11 , the mechanical contact portions  63  with which the mechanical contact portions  71  make contact are disposed next to the outward side of the electrical contacts  62 , one for one, in terms of the lengthwise direction, and are aligned in the direction parallel to the lengthwise direction. The storage element stores the information regarding the cartridge P. 
   Referring to  FIG. 13 , the connector  7  is provided with the electrical contacts  72  (first electrical contacts) formed of an electrical conductive substance (for example, metal). The electrical contacts  72  generate contact pressure by being elastically deformed. Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the amount by which the electrical contacts  72  flex is kept constant by the contact between the mechanical contact portions  71  and mechanical contact portions  63 , one for one. Therefore, the contact pressure between the electrical contacts  62  of the memory tag  6  and the electrical contacts  72  on the main assembly side are kept constant, and therefore, the electrical conduction between the memory tag  6  and the apparatus main assembly E remains stable. 
   Next, the structural arrangement for attaching the memory tag  6  to the cartridge P will be described. One of the longer edges of the memory tag  6  is provided with a recess  6   a , the location of which is between the two electrical contacts  62  in terms of the lengthwise direction. As for the cartridge P, it is provided with a rib  68   a  as a memory tag positioning portion, which extends in the direction which will be perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the memory tag  6  after the attachment of the memory tag to the cartridge P. When attaching the memory tag  6  to the cartridge P, the rib  68   a  is to be engaged with the recess  6   a , so that the memory tag  6  (groove  6   a ) is precisely positioned relative to the cartridge P in terms of the lengthwise direction of the memory tag  6 . As for the positioning of the memory tag  6  in terms of the widthwise direction, the memory tag  6  is precisely positioned relative to the cartridge P by placing the memory tag  6  in contact with the memory tag positioning portions  6   b  of the cartridge P. 
   Next, the structure of the portion of the drum frame  162  to which the memory tag  6  is attached, and the adjacencies thereof, will be described. The frame  162  is provided with a positioning portion  67  for precisely positioning the connector holder  8  (which will be described later) with which the apparatus main assembly E is provided. Further, the frame  162  is provided with mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a , which are located next to the memory tag attachment portion  68  in terms of the lengthwise direction. The mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  are for preventing the electrical contacts  72  from coming into contact with the portions other than the electrical contacts  62  during the mounting of the cartridge P. 
   Next, the structure of the connector  7  of the apparatus main assembly E will be described. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the connector  7  is provided with the electrical contacts  72  (first electrical contacts), which are formed of an electrical conductive substance (for example, metal) and generate contact pressure by being elastically deformed. There are provided one to two electrical contacts  72  per electrical contact  62  of the memory tag  6 . The apparatus main assembly E is also provided with mechanical contact portions  71 , which come into contact with the aforementioned mechanical contact portions  63  of the memory tag  6 . The mechanical contact portions  71  are located in the outward adjacencies of the electrical contacts  72  in terms of the lengthwise direction of the cartridge P. To the opposite end of each electrical contact  72  from the end thereof, by which the electrical contact  72  is placed in contact with the corresponding electrical contact  62  of memory tag  6 , a lead wire is connected, which is connected to the control portion (unshown) of the apparatus main assembly E. 
   The connector holder  8 , which is a movable member, has: a rotational shaft  81 ; a connector attachment portion  82 ; a positioning portion  83  for precisely positioning the connector  7  in terms of the lengthwise direction; a rotation control portion  80 ; and guiding ribs  84  and  85  for preventing the electrical contacts  72  from coming into contact with the portions (of process cartridge frame) other than the electrical contacts  62  of the memory tag  6  during the mounting or dismounting of the cartridge P. 
   The connector  7 , which is a supporting member, is solidly attached to the connector holder  8  with the use of a snap-fitting means  86 , screws (unshown), or the like. The connector holder  8  is rotatably supported by the rotational shaft  81  as described above. The rotational shaft  81  is borne by bearing portions  87 , being allowed to slide relative to the cartridge P in the lengthwise direction (indicated by arrow mark A). The bearing portions  87  are attached to the apparatus main assembly E. Further, the holder  8  is kept under the pressure generated by a spring (unshown) in the direction indicated by an arrow mark B, and its rotation control portion  80  is in contact with the apparatus main assembly E, controlling thereby the rotation of the holder  8 . 
   (Movement of Memory Tag) 
   Next, the process through which the connector  7  and memory tag  6  come into contact with each other during the mounting of the cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E will be described, sequentially following the steps through which the cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E. 
   The holder  8  is enabled to move in the aforementioned lengthwise direction (arrow A direction) as described above. Thus, as the cartridge P is inserted into the apparatus main assembly E, the positioning portion  83  of the holder  8 , enters, and engages with, the positioning portion  67  of the cartridge frame  162 , which is for precisely positioning the connector holder  8  of the apparatus main assembly E in terms of the lengthwise direction. As a result, the connector  7  is precisely positioned in terms of the lengthwise direction. 
   As the cartridge P is further inserted, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  of the memory tag  6  come into contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85  of the holder  8 . At the moment of this contact, the electrical contacts- 72  and mechanical contact portions  71  have yet to come into contact with the memory tag  6 , nor yet with the cartridge frame  162  which is holding the memory tag  6 . Then, the cartridge P is further inserted, with the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  remaining in contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85 . As the cartridge P is further inserted, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  slide off from the guiding ribs  84  and  85  immediately before the cartridge P is moved into the predetermined position in the apparatus main assembly E. As a result, the clearance providing portions  65   b  and  66   b , which extend rearward from the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  in terms of the cartridge insertion direction, oppose the guiding ribs  84  and  85 , becoming thereby separated from the cartridge frame  162 , and at the same time, the mechanical contact portions  63  come into contact with the mechanical contact portions  71 , one for one. Consequently, an electrical connection is established between the electrical contacts  62  of the memory tag  6  and the electrical contacts  72 , and the predetermined amount of contact pressure is generated, and maintained thereafter, between the electrical contacts  62  and electrical contact  72 , one for one. 
   (Structure of Electrical Contact Spacing Member and Functions Thereof During Mounting of Process Cartridge) 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the electrical contact spacing member (which hereinafter will be referred to simply as the spacing member) for keeping the electrical contacts  62  isolated from the electrical contacts  72  of the apparatus main assembly E in order to prevent the former from coming into contact with the latter, while the cartridge P is in the apparatus main assembly E, will be described regarding its structure, and also, the function of the spacing member during the mounting of the cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E will be described. 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the memory tag attachment portion of the cartridge P, its adjacencies, and spacing member  9 , after the mounting of the spacing member  9 .  FIG. 2  is a schematic sectional view of the tag attachment portion of the cartridge P, its adjacencies, and spacing member  9 , after the mounting of the cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E, with the cartridge P (memory tag  6 ) fitted with the spacing member  9 . 
   First, the spacing member attachment portion  68  and the spacing member  9  will be described regarding their structures. The cartridge frame  162  is provided with the spacing member attachment portions  68 ,  69   a , and  69   b , to which the spacing member  9  is to be attached ( FIG. 11 ). These spacing member attachment portions  68  and  69  ( 69   a , and  69   b ) are positioned so that they align in the direction parallel to the cartridge insertion direction X, in  FIG. 2 . 
   The spacing member  9  is provided with an engaging portion  91  by which the spacing member  9  is removably attachable to the frame  162 . It also has electrical contact spacing portions  93  (which hereinafter will be referred to simply as the spacing portions), which are mechanical contact portions for keeping the distance between the connector holder  8  and cartridge P greater while the apparatus main assembly E is transported than when the apparatus main assembly E is in use (during image formation). 
   In this embodiment, the spacing member  9  is also provided with engaging portions  92   a  and  92   b , which are located on the opposite side of the spacing portions  93  from the engaging portion  91  which can be engaged with, or disengaged from, the drum frame  162 . The engaging portions  92   a  and  92   b  can also be engaged with, or disengaged from, the drum frame  162 . 
   As the spacing member  9  is attached to the cartridge P, the spacing portions  93  cover the mechanical contact portions  63  of the memory tag  6  shown in  FIG. 11 , and is placed in contact with the mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector holder  8 . The mechanical contact portions  71  are provided to ensure that the contact pressure between the electrical contacts  62  of the memory tag  6  and the electrical contacts  72  on the main assembly side remains at the predetermined value during the use of the apparatus main assembly E. With the cartridge P fitted with the spacing member  9 , the spacing member  9  regulates the position of the connector holder  8  relative to the cartridge P. Therefore, the electrical contacts  62  are prevented from coming into contact with the electrical contacts  72 . In other words, a certain amount of gap is maintained between the electrical contacts  62  and electrical contacts  72  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Therefore, even if the cartridge P is left mounted in the apparatus main assembly E when the apparatus main assembly E is transported, the electrical contacts  72  and electrical contacts  62  are prevented from being damaged (for example, being deformed, frictionally worn, or the like). 
   Further, the spacing member  9  is provided with holes  95  and a handle portion  94 , which is also called a tab portion. The holes  95  are surrounded by the corresponding engaging portions  91 ,  92   a , and  92   b , and the spacing portions  93 . The holes  95  correspond in position to the electrical contacts  62 , one for one, enabling the spacing member  9  to keep the electrical contacts  62  separated from the electrical contacts  72 , without coming into contact with the electrical contacts  72  of the connector  7 . In other words, providing the spacing member  9  with the holes  95  makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the spacing member  9 , and also, to simplify the shape of the spacing member  9 . Therefore, it can reduce the cost of the spacing member  9 . 
   As for the removal of the spacing member  9 , the spacing member  9  is to be rotated by the tab portion  94  about the engaging portion  92  in the direction indicated by an arrow mark Z, which is roughly perpendicular to the cartridge insertion direction indicated by an arrow mark X or cartridge removal direction indicated by an arrow mark Y. Since the tab portion  94  is located a certain distance away from the engaging portions  92   a  and  92   b , the spacing member  9  can be easily removed from the frame  162  by the above described action. 
   Next, the relationship among the connector  7 , the memory tag  6 , and the spacing member  9  will be described, sequentially following the steps through which the cartridge P fitted with the spacing member  9  is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E. 
   As the cartridge P is inserted into the apparatus main assembly E, first, the positioning portion  83  of the connector holder  8  enters, and engages with, the positioning portion  67  of the drum frame  162 , precisely positioning the connector holder  8  in terms of the lengthwise direction of the connector  7  (arrow A direction in  FIG. 12 ). 
   Then, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  of the cartridge P come into contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85  of the apparatus main assembly E. At the moment of this contact, the electrical contacts  72  and mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector  7  have yet to come into contact with the memory tag  6 , the cartridge frame  162  which is holding the memory tag  6 , and the spacing member  9 . Then, the cartridge P is further inserted, with the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  remaining in contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85 . As the cartridge P is further inserted, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  slide off from the guiding ribs  84  and  85  immediately before the cartridge P is moved into the predetermined position in the apparatus main assembly E. As a result, the clearance providing portions  65   b  and  66   b , which extend rearward from the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  in terms of the cartridge insertion direction, oppose the guiding ribs  84  and  85 . 
   At the same time, the mechanical contact portions  71  come into contact with the spacing portions  93 , keeping the electrical contacts  72  separated from the electrical contacts  62 . Consequently, the electrical contacts  72  are prevented thereafter from coming into contact with the electrical contacts  62 . 
   As the mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector  7  come into contact with the spacing portions  93  of the spacing member  9 , and press thereupon, a force F 1  is applied to the spacing member  9  in the direction opposite to the cartridge insertion direction. However, as described above, the spacing member  9  is engaged with the spacing member attachment portion of the drum frame  162  so that it will not disengage from the spacing member attachment portion, in the direction intersecting to the cartridge insertion direction or cartridge removal direction. Therefore, even though the spacing member  9  is subjected to the force F 1 , it does not disengage from the spacing member attachment portion of frame  162 . 
   In other words, the engaging portions  92  ( 92   a  and  92   b ) located on the leading end of the cartridge P in terms of the cartridge insertion direction X are pressed upon the drum frame  162  as the cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E. Therefore, the spacing member  9  does not disengage from the drum frame  162  when the process cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E. 
   As described above, as long as the cartridge P is fitted with the spacing member  9 , even after the mounting of the cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E, the electrical contacts  72  and electrical contacts  92  remain isolated from each other by the spacing member  9 , being thereby prevented from being damaged (for example, being deformed, frictionally worn, etc.). 
   The apparatus main assembly E and the cartridge P therein are delivered to a user while remaining in the above described condition. Then a user is to open the box, in which they have been delivered. Next, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is to be taken out of the shipment box. Next, the cartridge P is to be removed from the apparatus main assembly E in order to remove the spacing member  9 . The following is the description of the detail of the process of removing the spacing member  9 . 
   First, the user is to remove the apparatus main assembly E from the shipment box, and remove the cartridge P from the apparatus main assembly E by opening the door D. When the cartridge P is removed from the apparatus main assembly E, the spacing member  9  is subjected to a force F 2  which acts in the direction opposite to the cartridge removal direction. However, as described above, the spacing member  9  and drum frame  162  are structured so that once the spacing member  9  and frame  162  are engaged with each other, they cannot be disengaged in the direction intersecting intersectional to the cartridge insertion or removal direction. Therefore, the spacing member  9  is pressed upon the cartridge P, and therefore, does not become disengaged from the cartridge P. 
   In other words, when the cartridge P is removed from the apparatus main assembly E, first, the engaging portions  91  located at the leading end of the cartridge P in terms of the cartridge removal direction Y are pressed upon the drum frame  162 . Therefore, it does not occur that the spacing member  9  becomes disengaged from the drum frame  162 . Incidentally, the force F 1  which applies to the engaging portions  92 , and the force F 2  which applies to the engaging portions  91 , have only to be opposite in direction. In other words, the combination may be reversed. 
   As the cartridge P is moved further outward, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  come into contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85 , which were located opposite the clearance providing portions  65   b  and  66   b  of the drum frame  162 . In this condition, the electrical contacts  72  and contact portions of the connector  7  are not in contact with the memory tag  6 , the cartridge frame which is supporting the memory tag  6 , and the spacing member  9 . Then, as the cartridge P in this condition is pulled outward of the apparatus main assembly E, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  become disengaged from the guiding ribs  84  and  85 , and the cartridge P comes out of the apparatus main assembly E, with no deformation and/or frictional wear to the electrical contacts  72  nor the electrical contacts  62 . Next, the user is to grasp the tab portion  94  of the spacing member  9 , and rotate the spacing member  9  by the tab portion  94  in the spacing member removal direction Z (roughly perpendicular to cartridge insertion direction). With this action, the spacing member  9  easily disengages from the drum frame  162 . 
   [Embodiment 2] 
   Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The components in the second embodiment and thereafter, which are the same in structure and/or function as those in the above described first embodiment, are given the same reference symbols as those given for the description of the first embodiment, and will not be described, except for their aspects which characterize the following embodiments. The second embodiment is substantially different from the first embodiment in that the electrical contact spacing member  29  is attached to the apparatus main assembly E instead of the cartridge P. 
   (Structure of Spacing Member, and Functions Thereof During Mounting of Process Cartridge) 
   Referring to  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16 , the structure of the electrical contact spacing member  29  capable of keeping separated the electrical contacts on the apparatus main assembly side from the electrical contacts  62  of the memory tag  6 , when the cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E, and keeping them separated while the cartridge P is in the apparatus main assembly E, will be described along with what occurs during the mounting of the process cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E equipped with the spacing member  29 . 
     FIGS. 14 and 15  are perspective views of the connector attachment portion of the apparatus main assembly E, which is fitted with the spacing member  29 .  FIG. 16  is a schematic sectional view of the spacing member  29  and its adjacencies, in the apparatus main assembly E equipped with the spacing member  29 , after the successful completion of the mounting of the process cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E. 
   First, the structures of the connector attachment portion and adjacencies thereof, and the structure of the spacing member  29 , in this embodiment will be described. 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , the connector holder  8  is provided with spacing member attachment portions  88 ,  89   a , and  89   b , which are positioned so that the line connecting the center of the line connecting the portions  89   a  and  89   b , and the center of the portion  88 , is roughly parallel to the cartridge insertion or removal direction. 
   The spacing member  29  has engaging portions by which the spacing member  29  is removably attachable to the connector holder  8 . It also has a spacing portion  293  for keeping the distance between the connector holder  8  and cartridge P greater while the apparatus main assembly E is transported than while the apparatus main assembly E is in use (during image formation). 
   In this embodiment, the spacing member  29  is also provided with engaging portions  292   a  and  292   b , by which the spacing member  29  can be removably attached to the connector holder  8 , and engaging portions  291 , which are located on the opposite side of the spacing portion  293  from the engaging portions  292   a  and  292   b . The engaging portions  291  can also be engaged with the connector holder  8  or disengaged therefrom. 
   As the spacing member  29  is attached to the cartridge P, the spacing portion  293  covers the mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector holder  8 . The mechanical contact portions  71  are the portion for regulating the position of the connector holder  8  relative to the cartridge P to ensure that the contact pressure between the electrical contacts  62  of the memory tag  6  and the electrical contacts  72  on the main assembly side remains at the predetermined value while the apparatus main assembly E is in use. Further, the spacing portions  293  contact the mechanical contact portions  63  of the memory tag  6 . Therefore, the electrical contacts  62  are prevented from coming into contact with the electrical contacts  72 . In other words, a certain amount of gap is maintained between the electrical contacts  62  and electrical contacts  72 . Therefore, even if the cartridge P is left mounted in the apparatus main assembly E when the apparatus main assembly E is transported, the electrical contacts  72  and electrical contacts  62  are prevented from being damaged. 
   Further, the spacing member  29  is provided with holes  295  and a handle portion  294 , also called a tab portion. The holes  295  are surrounded by the corresponding engaging portions  291 ,  292   a , and  292   b , and the spacing portions  293 . The holes  295  correspond in position to the electrical contacts  62 , one for one, enabling the spacing member  29  to keep the electrical contacts  62  separated from the electrical contacts  72 , without coming into contact with the electrical contacts  72  of the connector  7 . In other words, providing the spacing member  29  with the holes  295  makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the spacing member  29 , and also, to simplify the shape of the spacing member  29 . Therefore, not only can the spacing member  29  be easily manufactured, but also, it can be reduced in cost. 
   As for the removal of the spacing member  29 , the spacing member  29  is to be rotated by the tab portion  294  about the engaging portions  292   a  and  292   b  in the direction indicated by an arrow mark Z, which is roughly perpendicular to the cartridge insertion direction indicated by an arrow mark X or cartridge removal direction indicated by an arrow mark Y. Since the tab portion  294  is located a certain distance away from the engaging portions  292   a  and  292   b , the spacing member  29  can be easily removed by the above described action. 
   Next, the relationship among the connector  7 , the memory tag  6 , and the spacing member  29  will be described, sequentially following the steps through which the cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E fitted with the spacing member  29 . 
   As the cartridge P is inserted into the apparatus main assembly E, first, the positioning portion  83  enters the positioning portion  67 , precisely positioning the connector  7  in terms of the lengthwise direction of the connector  7  (arrow A direction in  FIG. 14 ). 
   Then, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  of the cartridge P come into contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85  of the apparatus main assembly E. At the moment of this contact, the electrical contacts  72  and mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector  7  have yet to come into contact with the memory tag  6 , the cartridge frame  162  which is holding the memory tag  6 , and the spacing member  29 . Then, the cartridge P is further inserted, with the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  remaining in contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85 . As the cartridge P is further inserted, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  slide off from the guiding ribs  84  and  85 . As a result, the clearance providing portions  65   b  and  66   b , which extend rearward from the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  in terms of the cartridge insertion direction, oppose the guiding ribs  84  and  85 ; in other words, the drum frame  162  becomes separated from the guiding ribs  84  and  85 . 
   At the same time, the mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector  7  are covered with the spacing portions  293  of the spacing member  29 . As a result, the spacing portions  293  are sandwiched by the mechanical contact portions  71  and the mechanical contact portions  63  of the memory tag  6 , keeping the electrical contacts  72  separated from the contact portions  62 . Consequently, the electrical contacts  72  are prevented thereafter from coming into contact with the electrical contacts  62  of the memory tag  6 . 
   As the mechanical contact portions  71  of the connector  7  come into contact with the spacing portions  293  of the spacing member  29 , and press thereupon, a force F 1 ′ is applied to the spacing member  29  in the same direction as the cartridge insertion direction. However, as described above, the spacing member  29  and connector holder  8  are structured so that the spacing member  29  engages with the spacing member attachment portion of the spacing member attachment portion of the connector holder  8  so that it will not disengage from the spacing member attachment portion, in the direction intersecting to the cartridge insertion direction or cartridge removal direction. Therefore, even though the spacing member  29  is subjected to the force F 1 ′, the force F 1 ′ acts in the direction to press the spacing member  29  upon the connector holder  8 . Therefore, the spacing member  29  does not disengage from the spacing member attachment portion of the connector holder  8 . 
   In other words, the engaging portions  292  ( 92   a  and  292   b ) located on the trailing end of the cartridge P in terms of the cartridge insertion direction X are pressed upon the connector holder  8  as the cartridge P is mounted into the apparatus main assembly E. Therefore, the spacing member  29  does not disengage from the connector holder  8 . 
   As described above, as long as the connector holder  8  is fitted with the spacing member  29 , even after the mounting of the cartridge P into the apparatus main assembly E, the electrical contacts  72  and electrical contacts  62  remain isolated from each other by the spacing member  29 , being thereby prevented from being deformed and/or frictionally worn while the image forming apparatus main assembly E is transported. 
   The apparatus main assembly E and the cartridge P therein are delivered to a user while remaining in the above described condition. Then, a user is to open the shipment box, in which they have been delivered. Next, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is to be taken out of the shipment box. Next, the cartridge P is to be removed from the apparatus main assembly E in order to remove the spacing member  29 . The following is the description of the detail of the process of removing the spacing member  29 . 
   First, the user is to remove the apparatus main assembly E from the shipment box, and remove the cartridge P from the apparatus main assembly E by opening the door D. When the cartridge P is removed from the apparatus main assembly E, the spacing member  29  is subjected to a force F 2 ′ which acts in the same direction as the cartridge removal direction. However, as described above, the spacing member  29  and connector holder  8  are structured so that once the spacing member  29  and connector holder  8  are engaged with each other, they cannot be disengaged in the direction roughly perpendicular to the cartridge insertion or removal direction. Therefore, the spacing member  29  is pressed upon the connector holder  8 , and therefore, does not become disengaged from the connector holder  8 . 
   In other words, when the cartridge P is removed from the apparatus main assembly E, first, the engaging portions  291  located at the trailing end of the cartridge P in terms of the cartridge removal direction are pressed upon the connector holder  8 . Therefore, it does not occur that the spacing member  29  becomes disengaged from the connector holder  8 . Incidentally, all that is necessary is that the force F 1 ′ which applies to the engaging portions  292 , and the force F 2 ′ which applies to the engaging portions  291  are opposite in direction. In other words, the combination may be reversed. 
   As the cartridge P is moved further outward, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  come into contact with the guiding ribs  84  and  85 , which were located opposite the clearance providing portion  65   b  and  66   b  of the drum frame  162 . In this condition, the electrical contacts  72  and mechanical contact portions  71  are not in contact with the memory tag  6 , the cartridge frame  162 , and the spacing member  29 . Then, as the cartridge P in this condition is pulled outward of the apparatus main assembly E, the mechanical contact portions  65   a  and  66   a  become disengaged from the guiding ribs  84  and  85 , and the cartridge P comes out of the apparatus main assembly E, with no deformation and/or frictional wear to the electrical contacts  72  nor the electrical contacts  62 . Next, the user is to grasp the tab portion  294  of the spacing member  29 , and rotate the spacing member  29  by the tab portion  294  in the spacing member removal direction Z (roughly perpendicular to cartridge insertion or removal direction). With this action, the spacing member  29  easily disengages from the connector holder  8 . 
   [Embodiment 3] 
   The above described first and second embodiments are concerned with the structural arrangement for keeping the electrical contacts of the memory tag  6  of the cartridge P separated from the electrical contacts  72  of the apparatus main assembly E. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the electrical contacts described above. 
   For example, the present invention can be applied, with beneficial results, to keep the electrical contacts  153  of the cartridge P for charging the photosensitive drum, separated from the electrical contacts  125  of the apparatus main assembly E for charging the photosensitive drum, and also, to keep the electrical contacts  165  of the cartridge P for development, separated from the electrical contacts  126  of the apparatus main assembly E for development. 
   (Miscellanies) 
   In the preceding embodiments of the present invention, the movable member was on the main assembly side of the image forming apparatus. However, the above described structural arrangement for the electrical contacts is also compatible with an image forming apparatus structured so that a process cartridge is provided with the movable member. 
   Further, the preceding embodiments of the present invention were described with reference to the laser beam printer as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to a laser beam printer. 
   As for the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, other than a laser beam printer, to which the present invention is applicable, the present invention is applicable to any electrophotographic image forming apparatus which forms an image on recording medium such as recording paper, OHP sheet, fabric, etc. For example, the present invention can be applied, with beneficial results, to an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic wordprocessor, etc. 
   Further, the preceding embodiments were described with reference to the process cartridge in which a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member, are integrally disposed, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the above described process cartridge. 
   In other words, the present invention is also applicable to a process cartridge in which at least one processing means among a charging means, a developing means, and a cleaning means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member, are integrally disposed, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge in which at least a developing means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally disposed, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 
   In addition, the present invention is applicable to a development cartridge in which the developer to be used by a developing means is stored, to be supplied to a process cartridge such as the above described one, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 
   Moreover, the present invention is applicable to a fixation unit which is for fixing the unfixed image on recording medium, and which is removably mountable in the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 
   As described above, the present invention makes it possible to prevent the electrical contacts of the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the electrical contacts of a unit, from being damaged when the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported with the unit remaining mounted therein. 
   Further, the present invention makes it possible to prevent the electrical contacts of the main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and the electrical contacts of a unit, from being deformed or frictionally worn, when the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported with the unit remaining mounted therein. 
   Moreover, the present invention can improve the efficiency with which a unit and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus are transported. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth, and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims. 
   This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 066364/2004 filed Mar. 9, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.