Cartridge-type apparatus for exchanging a developing device and toner supply container

Claim 1

A cartridge-type parts exchange assembly for an image recording device, said cartridge-type parts exchange assembly removably containing at least a developing device and a toner supply container but not an image holding member, said developing device and said toner supply container being adapted to be removably installed in said image recording device, said parts exchange assembly comprising: a cartridge housing including a pair of hollow vessels, said vessels each having an open end, one of said vessels removably containing said developing device and the other of said vessels removably containing said toner supply container; hinge means pivotally connecting said vessels together so that said vessels are rotatable about said hinge means between a closed position whereat said open ends of said vessels face each other, and an open position whereat said open ends are accessible and do not face each other; and an openable lid provided on each of said vessels for selectively covering respective access openings of said vessels to permit access to the interior of said vessels when said lids are opened to permit a user to slide a respective developing device and a toner supply container out of a respective open end of its associated vessel when said vessels are in said open position, thereby facilitating installation of said developing device and said toner supply container in said image recording device.