Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a cover member including a first guide surface guiding a sheet and capable of switching between a close state and an open state with respect to the apparatus body, a guide member including a second guide surface opposing to the first guide surface, and a conveyance unit conveying a sheet through a path between the first guide surface and the second guide surface. The guide member includes an abutment portion formed of a depression in the second guide surface, and is supported pivotally on the apparatus body to an outer side of the apparatus body. The sheet conveyance apparatus further includes a regulation portion supported on the apparatus body and formed to abut against the abutment portion so as to regulate a pivot angle of the guide member.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a belt unit, a process cartridge, and an exposure unit are arranged in this order in a first direction such that the belt unit is positioned at an upstream side of the process cartridge in the first direction and the exposure unit is positioned at a downstream side of the process cartridge in the first direction. The photosensitive drum is engaged to a positioning member from an upstream side of the positioning member in the first direction. A pressing member presses the process cartridge from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the process cartridge in the first direction. The pressing member moves between a first position, at which the pressing member presses the process cartridge, and a second position, at which pressing of the pressing member to the process cartridge is released.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly to which a cartridge including a developing device for developing the latent image on an image bearing member is detachably mountable, and a transfer unit, detachably mountable to the main assembly separately from the cartridge, for transferring a developer image formed on the image bearing member. The transfer unit includes a developing device contact-and-separation mechanism for moving the developing device between a contact position, where the developer carrying member contacts the image bearing member, and a spaced position where the developer carrying member is spaced from the image bearing member. The developing device contact-and-separation mechanism includes an engaging member engageable with the cartridge and movable, with respect to the transfer unit, between a first position where the developing device is placed in the contact position and a second position where the developing device is in the spaced position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image forming stations including respective electro photographic photosensitive drums; an image transfer belt contactable to the drums; image transfer rollers, contactable to the transfer belt to urge the belt to the drums for transferring the toner images from the drums onto the belt, the rollers being provided with respective rotational shafts about an axis of which the rollers are rotatable; and a slidable member slidable in a direction in which the stations are arranged to retract the rollers away from the corresponding drums, the slidable member being provided with inclined surfaces contactable to the shafts, the inclined surfaces being disposed at such positions that the rollers are retracted from respective drums sequentially with the movement of the slidable member in the direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main frame, a plurality of process cartridges, a cartridge-supporting body, a belt, a waste toner cartridge, a contact-separation mechanism, and a collective conveying unit. Each process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum cleaning unit collecting waste toner on the drum. The cartridge-supporting body is movable between an internal position inside the frame and an external position outside the frame. The belt confronts the process cartridges in the internal position. The waste toner cartridge accommodates the waste toner collected from the drums. The contact-separation mechanism moves the cartridge-supporting body between a contact position where the drums are in contact with the belt and a separated position where the drums are out of contact with the belt. The collective conveying unit aggregates waste toner collected from drums and conveys collectively the aggregated waste toner to the waste toner cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a conveying path, a reverse path, a first guide member and a second guide member. The conveying path conveys a sheet to a discharge part. The reverse path conveys the sheet again to the image forming part. The first guide member is provided movably between a first closed position for forming the conveying path and a first opening position for opening the conveying path. The second guide member is provided movably between a second closed position for forming the reverse path and a second opening position for opening the reverse path. The first guide member contacts with the second guide member in a process of moving from the first closed position to the first opening position and moves the second guide member from the second closed position to the second opening position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body casing, a plurality of process cartridges, and a moving member. Each process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum having a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The plurality of process cartridges are configured to move between an engaging position and a release position in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The photosensitive drum and the positioning member engage with each other in the engaging position, and are disengaged from each other releasing the engagement in the release position. The moving member in a pressing position is configured to exert pressure so that the process cartridges are moved to the engaging position. The moving member in the non-pressing position is configured to release the pressure so that the process cartridges are moved to the release position.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, when a line connecting a midpoint of a line segment connecting a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion and a rotational center of a first photosensitive drum as viewed from a first axial direction of the first photosensitive drum is referred to as a first straight line, and a line connecting a midpoint of a line segment connecting a third supporting portion and a fourth supporting portion and a rotational center of a second photosensitive drum as viewed from a second axial direction of the second photosensitive drum is referred to as a second straight line, the first straight line as viewed from the first axial direction and the second straight line as viewed from the second axial direction are not parallel to each other.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, when a pivot plate is at a closed position, a free end of the pivot plate is at a vertical level higher than first and second hinge portions which are arranged apart from each other in a width direction along a horizontal direction. A free end of the pivot plate moves in a space defined between first and second virtual vertical planes. The first virtual vertical plane is defined as a virtual vertical plane, on which a widthwise inner end of a first hinge portion is disposed, and which is perpendicular to a rotational center axis of the first hinge portion. The second virtual vertical plane is defined as a virtual vertical plane, on which a widthwise inner end of the second hinge portion is disposed, and which is perpendicular to a rotational center axis of the second hinge portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a casing; photosensitive drums juxtaposed with each other in a juxtaposed direction; developing units each including a developing roller; an opening-closing member; and a first contacting-separating member. The opening-closing member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first contacting-separating member is provided at the opening-closing member and movable relative to the casing in the juxtaposed direction for moving, in a state where the opening-closing member is at the closed position, the developing roller between an adjacent position adjacent to or in contact with the corresponding photosensitive drums and a separated position spaced apart from the corresponding photosensitive drums.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly provided with an opening and a tray for placing thereon a cartridge for forming an image, wherein the tray is movable through the opening between an image forming position where the cartridge is used for image formation inside the main assembly and a mounting and demounting position where the cartridge is exposed to an outside of the main assembly and is mountable and demountable. In addition a door opens and closes the opening, and an accommodating member accommodates a sheet on which an image is formed. When the tray is in the mounting and demounting position, the door supports the tray and the accommodating member supports the door.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a main assembly to which a cartridge including an image bearing member on which a latent image is formed and including a developing device for developing the latent image on the image bearing member is detachably mountable, and a transfer unit, detachably mountable to the main assembly separately from the cartridge, for transferring a developer image formed on the image bearing member. The developing device includes a developer carrying member and is movable between a contact position where the developer carrying member is contacted to the image bearing member and a spaced position where the developer carrying member is spaced from the image bearing member. The transfer unit includes a developing device contact-and-separation mechanism for moving the developing device between the contact position and the spaced position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly including an opening, a cartridge tray for dismountably supporting a cartridge, an openable member for opening and closing the opening, with the cartridge tray being provided at one end portion side, and a limiting member. An urging member urges the cartridge tray from an inner position in the main assembly to an outer position, and a locking member moves between a regulating position and a non-regulating position in interrelation with movement of the openable member. When the openable member is closed, the locking member moves to the regulating position at which the locking member engages with the cartridge tray to push it to the inner position and limits movement of the cartridge tray toward the outer position, and when the openable member is opened, the locking member moves to the non-regulating position at which the locking member disengages from the cartridge tray.

Abstract: A drum supporting structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a bearing. The bearing is configured to support a flange of a photosensitive drum connected to a shaft joint member that is connected to a drive shaft through which drive power is transmitted, such that the flange of the photosensitive drum is rotatable. The bearing includes an inner circumferential surface that is fitted on an outer surface of the flange, and two planes that are formed on the inner circumferential surface and that contact with the flange. The bearing supports the flange by the flange contacting with the two planes at two points due to a load applied from a peripheral device to the photosensitive drum, such that the flange is rotatable.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cover configured to pivot about a shaft to open and close, and a mechanism that includes a movable member and a supporting mechanism. The movable member longitudinally extends in a direction at an angle with the shaft, and includes a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion, the first longitudinal end portion being closer to the shaft than the second longitudinal end portion. The supporting mechanism is mounted on the cover and supports the movable member so that the movable member is movable relative to the cover toward and away from the shaft. When an external force pushes the second longitudinal end portion toward the shaft, the movable member moves to a first position, and when the external force is removed, the movable member returns.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a housing, a cover, an interlock switch, a locking assembly, and a biasing assembly. The housing may comprise a pair of frames spaced apart from each other, and may form an opening between the pair of frames. The cover may move between a covered position wherein the opening is covered and an opened position wherein the opening is uncovered. The interlock switch may be pressed by the cover when the cover is in the covered position. The locking assembly may move between a locking state wherein the locking assembly locks the cover in the covered position and a released state wherein the locking assembly allows the cover to move. Further, the biasing assembly may be positioned in or on at least one of the frames, and may bias the cover toward the opened position when the cover is in the covered position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main casing, an opening-closing member configured to open and close an opening on a side of the main casing and to move between an open position and a closed position, a belt unit configured to move between a first position and a second position, a drum unit configured to move between a third position and a fourth position, a developing device unit configured to move in an arrangement direction of developing rollers, and an interlock mechanism configured such that in response to a movement of the opening-closing member from the closed position to the open position, the belt unit moves from the first position to the second position and the drum unit moves from the third position to the fourth position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member closer to and further from the photoconductor. The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm including one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm including: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft.

Abstract: A drawer unit including a housing and a drawer inserted into the housing in inserting direction and drawn therefrom in drawing direction is provided. A locking member is mounted on the housing or the drawer to extend in direction intersecting the inserting direction, and is rotatable on a rotating shaft extending in the inserting direction such that when the drawer is inserted, the locking member rotates from unlock position to lock position in locking direction while rotating from the lock position to the unlock position in unlocking direction prior to drawing of the drawer. A locking wall and a pushing wall are mounted on the other of the housing and the drawer. The locking member in the lock position is engaged with the locking wall. When being rotated in the unlocking direction, the locking member is contacted with the pushing wall, which pushes the drawer in the drawing direction.

Abstract: According to aspects of the invention, there is provided a multi-function device, which is provided with a housing, an image forming unit accommodated in the housing, and an image scanning unit arranged above the housing. The housing includes a frame supporting the image forming unit, the image scanning unit being secured to the frame and an outer cover attached to outside the frame to form a side wall of the housing. The continuous surfaces extending in an up-and-down direction are defined by at least part of side walls of the image scanning unit and at least part of the outer cover, and first grip portions having first grip faces, which extend from the continuous surfaces toward inside of the image scanning unit, are provided on the side walls of the image scanning unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus with a detachable fixing device that is capable of printing with high quality without printing wastefully. A storage unit stores identification information about a fixing device in association with an attribute of a sheet that is printable with the fixing device concerned. A control unit executes printing when the storage unit does not store an attribute of a sheet corresponding to a fixing device that is currently attached to the image forming apparatus. The control unit determines whether to execute printing according to an attribute of a sheet used in printing and an attribute of a sheet stored in the storage unit when the storage unit stores the attribute of the sheet corresponding to the fixing device that is currently attached to the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a main body, a drive source, an image forming section, a coupling and an interlocking mechanism. The image forming section includes a trigger part and a belt unit including: a belt; and a drive roller and a follow roller opposing each other in a first direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the drive roller. The belt is stretched over the drive roller and the follow roller to extend in the first direction. The coupling includes a movable part movable between a transmitting position transmitting a drive force from the drive source to the drive roller and an interrupting position interrupting transmission of the drive force from the drive source to the drive roller. The interlocking mechanism is configured to interlock movement of the movable part between the transmitting position and the interrupting position with movement of the trigger part.

Abstract: The support member is provided at an intermediate portion thereof in a longitudinal direction with the wavelike portions having a wave shape when viewed from a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and having elasticity in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, endless belt, photosensitive drums, setting unit, contacting/separating mechanism, transmitting mechanism, and coupling members. The photosensitive drums are disposed in confrontation with the endless belt and are arranged in a first direction. Each photosensitive drum has an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The setting unit sets the image forming apparatus to a monochrome mode or color mode. The contacting/separating mechanism controls at least one photosensitive drum to contact or separate from the endless in accordance with the set mode. The transmitting mechanism selectively transmits drive power to photosensitive drums. Each coupling member is selectively coupled to the corresponding photosensitive drum and has a coupling axis extending in the second direction.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming device having features for aligning the replaceable unit when installed in the image forming device and to ensure alignment between the replaceable unit and a detachable unit attachable to the replaceable unit. End walls support a photoconductive drum and have a first bullet nose, second bullet nose and stop arm used for alignment of the replaceable unit in a frame of the image forming device. Support members are on a top surface of the bottom plate with a top planar surface of one of the support members forming a rotational stop and a datum surface for the detachable unit when attached. A mounting channel in one end wall provides a second datum surface for the detachable unit and a mounting channel in the other provides a deskewing plug to adjust axial alignment between the photoconductive drum and a roll in the detachable unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion where an image forming unit, detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus, for forming an image is mounted; an inserting opening for permitting insertion of the image forming unit into the mounting portion; a cover portion for opening and closing the inserting opening; a locking portion capable of being elastically displaced between a locking position where the image forming unit is locked at an image formable mounting position and a releasing position where locking is released; and a limiting mechanism for limiting movement of the locking portion by moving to a first position where the movement of the locking portion to the releasing position is prevented when the cover portion is closed and by moving to a second position where the movement of the locking portion to the releasing position is permitted when the cover portion is opened.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a casing having a guide, image forming portions configured to form images on a recording medium, and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a housing configured to house each image forming portion, a projecting portion coupled to the housing and protruding in the first direction, and a support portion coupled to the projecting portion. An engagement of the support portion with the guide regulates movement of the drawer upward or downward during installation and withdrawal.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a moving member configured to be moved with respect to a main body of the image forming apparatus while supporting an image bearing member and a developer bearing member and configured to move between an inner position in which the moving member is located inside the main body and an outer position in which the moving member is located outside the main body so that the developer bearing member is removable from the moving member; a transfer device provided in the main body opposite to the image bearing member when the moving member is located in the inner position, and configured to transfer a developer image formed on the image bearing member; and a biasing member provided on the moving member and configured to bias the image bearing member toward the transfer device when the moving member is located in the inner position.

Abstract: A developer unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing having a roll mounted thereon that is configured to supply toner from a reservoir in the housing to a photoconductive drum. The housing extends along an axial dimension of the roll from a front end to a rear end of the housing. A toner inlet port is in fluid communication with the reservoir and formed in an extension from the top of the housing near the front end of the housing. A ramp is positioned on the top of the front end of the housing. The ramp is positioned in front of the extension and vertically below the toner inlet port and is aligned in a side-to-side dimension of the housing with the toner inlet port. The ramp includes an inclined surface that inclines upward as the inclined surface extends rearward relative to the housing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a casing, a process cartridge and an exposure unit. The casing defines a first direction, a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The third direction extends vertically. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive body extending in the first direction and a grip having a portion. The exposure unit is configured to expose the photosensitive body. The exposure unit has a part overlapped with the process cartridge as viewed in the second direction when the process cartridge is mounted in the casing. The portion of the grip is overlapped with the exposure unit as viewed in the third direction when the process cartridge is mounted in the casing. The portion of the grip is disposed above the exposure unit in the third direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting portion for mounting a process cartridge, the process cartridge including a first unit having an image bearing drum, and a second unit having a developing roller, the second unit being movable between a contact position in which the roller contacts the drum and a spaced position in which they are mutually spaced; an engageable member engageable with a force receiving portion provided on the second unit; wherein the engageable member is movable between a first position for maintaining the second unit in the spaced position by engaging with the force receiving portion, a second position for permitting movement of the second unit from the spaced position to the contact position; and a third position for permitting the process cartridge to be mounted, by being pressed by the process cartridge to retract, when the process cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body and a process cartridge including a photosensitive body cartridge and a developing cartridge. The photosensitive body cartridge includes a photosensitive body and a waste developing agent storage container. The developing cartridge includes a developing agent carrier. The photosensitive body cartridge is configured to receive the developing cartridge such that the developing cartridge is attached to and detached from the photosensitive body cartridge through a particular space defined in the main body. The process cartridge is configured to pivot, with respect to the main body, between a first position, in which the waste developing agent storage container is positioned outside the particular space entirely, and a second position, in which the waste developing agent storage container at least partially occupies the particular space.

Abstract: A drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, a side plate, a cleaning unit, and a waste-toner conveyor unit. The photosensitive drum has a first drum body and a second drum body, each having a photosensitive layer and a supported portion extending from one end of the drum body in a first direction along a rotational axis of the photosensitive drum. The side plate supports the supported portions. The cleaning unit has cleaners and conveyors corresponding to the drum bodies so as to remove waste toner from the photosensitive drums and convey the waste toner removed by the cleaners in the first direction. The waste-toner conveyor unit has a collecting conveyor configured to convey the waste toner conveyed by the individual conveyors. The collecting conveyor is disposed between the side plate and the drum bodies. The collecting conveyor is disposed below the first conveyor.

Abstract: A cartridge attachable to and detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus includes a process unit configured to perform image formation, a frame configured to support the process unit, and a conductive member injection-molded integrally with the frame using a conductive resin, configured contact with a main body electrode portion provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and to be electrically connected with the process unit, and a contact surface of the conductive member configured to contact with the main body electrode portion, includes a plurality of protruded portions.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device includes a housing and a positioning stop on the housing that is translatable between a latching position and an unlatching position. The positioning stop limits the travel of the replaceable unit in the image forming device when the positioning stop is in the latching position. A compression spring that biases the positioning stop toward the latching position is positioned in line with the translation of the positioning stop between the positioning stop and a first side of a post on the housing. A deflectable arm extends from the positioning stop in line with the translation of the positioning stop proximate the compression spring. The deflectable arm includes a hook that wraps over the post in position to contact a second side of the post to limit translation of the positioning stop away from the post.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an elongated exposure unit having a plurality of light emitting elements configured to expose a photoconductive member and a holding case to hold the plurality of light emitting elements. A supporting frame supports the exposure unit via an elastic member. The holding case, supporting member and elastic member are made of resin.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, both a drum cartridge and a developer cartridge are detachably supported by a supporting member. The drum cartridge has an abutment portion. The developer cartridge includes a developer gripping portion. The developer gripping portion has a moving portion. The moving portion moves between a protruding position and an accommodated position. When the drum cartridge is mounted to the supporting member the abutment portion abuts against the moving portion to cause the moving portion to move to the accommodated position. When the drum cartridge is removed from the supporting member, abutment of the abutment portion against the moving portion is released to cause the moving portion to move to the protruding position.

Abstract: In connection with movement of an opening-closing member when a toner accommodating container is attached to the image forming apparatus, the urging direction of an urging member relative to the opening-closing member changes from a direction that causes the opening-closing member to close an opening portion to a direction that causes the opening-closing member to open the opening portion. By using the urging force of the urging member that acts in the direction that causes the opening-closing member to open the opening portion, the toner accommodating container is pulled into the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a cartridge, a movable member, including an attachment portion for attachment of the cartridge, configured to be movable relative to the apparatus main body in a state such that the cartridge is attached to the attachment portion, a protection member configured to protect the cartridge, an engagement member, provided in the cartridge, configured to be movable to an engagement position where an engagement state of the protection member with the cartridge is secured by the engagement member engaging with the protection member, and to a release position where engagement between the protection member and the engagement member is released and removal of the protection member from the cartridge is allowed, and a release member configured to move the engagement member from the engagement position to the release position by abutting the engagement member, when the cartridge is attached to the attachment portion.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes a cartridge and a unit frame. The cartridge has a cartridge-grip. The unit frame is configured to accommodate the cartridge. The unit frame includes a first plate, a second plate, a first beam, and a second beam. The first plate has a through hole. The first beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. The first beam includes a frame-grip disposed between an upper end of the first beam and a lower end of the first beam. The second beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. When the cartridge is accommodated in the unit frame, a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the frame-grip is smaller than a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the cartridge-grip.

Abstract: A unit assembly (10) includes an image forming unit (20) and an intermediate transfer unit (40), and is configured insertably/removably with respect to an apparatus main body. The image forming unit (20) includes a plurality of process units (200A to 200D) and a joint member (80) that joints the plurality of process units (200A to 200D). The intermediate transfer unit (40) is held by the image forming unit (20). The intermediate transfer unit (40) and the joint member (80) have a first positioning section (611, 612) for mutually relative positioning.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developer carrying member, and a moving member movable between an inside position inside of a main body of the image forming apparatus and an outside position outside of the main body in a state of supporting the image bearing member and the developer carrying member. A protection member is provided on the moving member and protects a surface of the image bearing member. In addition, a holding mechanism holds the protection member at a first position at which the protection member protrudes above a portion of the image bearing member exposed at an exposing portion when the moving member is located at the outside position and holds the protection member at a second position at which the protection member is located below a transfer member when the moving member is located at the inside position.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, each of a plurality of image forming units includes a receiving member formed with a reception opening configured to receive developer. Each of a plurality of developer cartridges includes a supply member formed with a supply opening through which developer is configured to be supplied to a corresponding one of the plurality of image forming units. A cartridge supporting member is mounted in a main casing and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The supply opening and the reception opening are in communication with each other when the cartridge supporting member is in the first position and the cartridge supporting member is pulled outside the main casing when the cartridge supporting member is in the second position. One of the receiving member and the supply member protrudes toward remaining one, and the remaining one is configured to receive the one.

Abstract: A reusable and resettable separator for use with electrophotographic components of an imaging device. The separator is installed with the imaging device and includes a spring-biased lift rail and release linkage and is used to move either a developer unit or a photoconductive drum unit between an operative position where a developer roll and a photoconductive drum form a contact nip and a separated position where the two rolls are separated. The separator is initially set using the lift rail to place two rolls in the separated position with the release linkage engaging the lift rail to hold this position. Opening of an access door engages a one-way release arm actuating the release linkage allowing the lift rail to translate moving the two rolls to the operative position. When reshipment of the imaging device is needed, the separator can manually reset placing the two rolls back in the separated position.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes: a main body; a plurality of developing units; a holding unit; a guiding unit; and a lifting mechanism. Each developing unit is configured to accommodate developer, and has a developing roller. The holding unit is configured to hold the plurality of developing units. The guiding unit is configured to enable the holding unit to move between an inside position that is inside the main body and an outside position that is outside the main body. The lifting mechanism includes a door provided on the main body. The lifting mechanism is configured to allow the guiding unit to move up and down in association with opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt arranged to have a surface thereof facing the photosensitive members, primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, a connector, a first feeding path extending in a range between the first feed roller and the secondary-transfer roller, and a second feeding path being formed in clearance between the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner container to convey a recording sheet being inserted through a sheet inlet and merging into the first feeding path in the vicinity of the first feed roller.

Abstract: A unit assembly (10) is provided with an image forming unit (20) and an intermediate transfer unit (40), and is configured to be capable of being inserted into and removed from an apparatus body (110). The image forming unit (20) has first processing units (200A to 200D), developing units (4A to 4D), a positioning portion, and a link member (80). The positioning portion is provided in each of the developing units (4A to 4D) and determines the mutual relative positions of the developing units (4A to 4D). The link member (80) links the developing units (4A to 4D) to each other. The intermediate transfer unit (40) is held by the image forming unit (20).

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body, a process unit, an exposure unit, and a developing agent container unit. The main body includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The process unit is disposed at the first end portion and includes a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. The exposure unit is disposed at the second end portion and is configured to expose the photosensitive drum. An optical path of light irradiated from the exposure unit extends above the developing roller. The developing agent container unit includes a developing agent storage configured to store a developing agent and a waste developing agent storage configured to store the developing agent collected from a surface of the photosensitive drum. The developing agent container unit is disposed above the optical path and is detachably attachable to the process unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a casing; photosensitive drums juxtaposed with each other in a juxtaposed direction; developing units each including a developing roller; an opening-closing member; and a first contacting-separating member. The opening-closing member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first contacting-separating member is provided at the opening-closing member and movable relative to the casing in the juxtaposed direction for moving, in a state where the opening-closing member is at the closed position, the developing roller between an adjacent position adjacent to or in contact with the corresponding photosensitive drums and a separated position spaced apart from the corresponding photosensitive drums.