Image forming apparatus having an dismountable process cartridge

An image forming apparatus for forming an image from corresponding image signals, comprising:

• holding means for holding a latent image corresponding to said image signals;
• developing means for developing said latent image on said holding means so that a developed image is formed on said holding means;
• transfer means for transferring said developed image on to a recording sheet at a transfer region;
• cleaning means for cleaning a residual toner remaining on said holding means after said developed image is transferred on to said recording sheet;
• enclosing means removably mounted in said image forming apparatus by an operator, for enclosing at least one of said holding means, said developing means, and said cleaning means;
• cover means for covering said apparatus, said cover means having a closed position and an open position;
• first detecting means for detecting said open position of said cover means, and for generating an open cover signal;
• and
• moving means connected to said first detection means and said enclosing means for automatically moving said enclosing means in a given direction between a first position, where said enclosing means is in said image forming apparatus whereby said image forming apparatus is operational, and a second position, where at least a portion of said enclosing means is outside said image forming apparatus to thereby facilitate removal of said enclosing means from said image forming apparatus by said operator;
• and
• said moving means automatically moving said enclosing means to said second position when said moving means receives said open cover signal from said first detecting means indicating that the cover means is in the open position.