Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first assembly, a second assembly movable relative to the first assembly to open and close the image forming apparatus, a photosensor provided in the first assembly, illuminating source provided in the second assembly, for illuminating an original to be copied, and light transmitting element for transmitting light emitted from the illuminating source in the first assembly to the photosensor in the second assembly.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a position detection capability to prevent an image forming operation starting signal being generated by mistake to thereby start the image forming operation when an image forming apparatus is not in its normal installed state for use, for example, when the apparatus is in its carried state or its erected state with one side thereof facing downward.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image of an original using an optical image of the original has: a first assembly; a second assembly cooperable with the first assembly the second assembly being movable relative to the first assembly; between a closed position wherein the apparatus is operable and an open position wherein the apparatus is opened; a reciprocable original supporting member for supporting an original; an optical system, in the second assembly, for forming the image of the original supported on the original supporting member; a second guiding member, on the second assembly, for guiding and positioning the original supporting member adjacent one of the sides of the original support member, wherein the original supporting member is movable to be disengaged from the second guiding member, the second guiding member being contactable with the original supporting member to correctly position the original supporting member with respect to the second assembly when it is engaged with the original

Abstract: An image forming apparatus wherein an image formed on an image bearing member is transferred onto a transfer material includes a feeder for feeding the transfer material to an image transfer station wherein the image is transferred from the image bearing member onto the transfer material; a guiding member for guiding the transfer material fed from the feeder to the transfer station in a guiding direction; a guide support for supporting the guiding member for movement in the guiding direction and in a direction transverse with the guiding direction; and an image bearing member supporting member for supporting the image bearing member for movement between a first position wherein the image forming apparatus is operable and a second position which is different from the first position, the image bearing member supporting member having an engaging portion for engagement with a part of the guiding member to correctly position the guiding member when the image bearing member supporting member takes its first positio

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having first body portion and a second body portion that swings into and out from the first body portion and a rack and pinion drive arrangement mounted on the first body portion for driving a carriage over an optical system on the second body portion when it is swung into the first body portion. The rack and pinion are disengaged when the carriage is moved away from the optical system to allow the second body portion to swing out from first body portion; and the rack and pinion have a flexible flange or specially shaped teeth to provide proper positioning of the pinion for smooth reengagement.

Abstract: A recording apparatus which includes a bottom plate constituting a bottom portion of the recording apparatus, a first unit fixed to the bottom plate and contributable to a recording operation of the recording apparatus, a second unit fixed to the bottom plate and contributable to the recording operation, and a third unit which is elongated and is contributable to the recording operation and which is fixed adjacent its one longitudinal end to the first unit and is fixed adjacent its other end to the second unit is arranged in such a manner that the mechanical strength of the whole assembly of the recording apparatus is increased. This is done without requiring additional structural members by having functional parts provide structural support for the apparatus.