Patent ID: 7689149

Claim:
An image-forming apparatus including a toner cartridge is detachably attached thereto and receiving toner from the toner cartridge, the image forming apparatus comprising: an engagement portion that is fixedly provided; and a locking mechanism that is moved either to a locking position or to a non-locking position; wherein the locking mechanism is at a non-locking position shortly after the toner cartridge has been attached to the image forming apparatus; wherein when a user operates an operating member of the toner cartridge after the toner cartridge has been attached to the image forming apparatus, the operating member engages the locking mechanism to cause the locking mechanism to move to the locking position where the locking mechanism limits movement of the operating member relative to the engagement portion preventing the toner cartridge from being detached from the image forming apparatus; wherein after said locking mechanism has moved from the non-locking position to the locking position, said locking mechanism is unable to move from the locking position to the non-locking position.