Image forming apparatus using a user installable process cartridge, a method of arranging the process cartridge, and the process cartridge itself

An image forming apparatus, comprising:

• a frame;
• a plurality of process cartridges configured to sequentially form color toner images with toners of predetermined colors different from each other to form a full-color image in each image forming cycle;
• and
• means for holding the plurality of process cartridges that are downwardly placed thereto at predetermined different heights and for guiding the plurality of process cartridges along a path between respective first positions to respective second positions, the means for holding including respective bottom and side surfaces configured to support respective of the plurality of process cartridges.

A method of a process cartridge loading arrangement for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

• providing a guide including a plurality of guide portions having supporting surfaces arranged at predetermined different heights and including respective bottom and side surfaces configured to support respective of a plurality of process cartridges and
• placing a plurality of the process cartridges detachably on the supporting surfaces of the plurality of guide portions of the guide;
• and
• guiding the plurality of process cartridges placed on the supporting surfaces from respective first positions to respective second positions.