Abstract: A photosensitive drum includes a cylindrical member having a photosensitive body disposed thereon, and first and second helical gears arranged axially side-by-side on one end of the cylindrical member. The first helical gear is disposed axially outward of the second helical gear, and the first helical gear has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the second helical gear. The first helical gear meshes with a drive gear to rotatingly drive the drum. A sleeve gear of a developing sleeve is selectively engaged with one of the first and second helical gears, depending upon a kind of toner used.

Abstract: A process cartridge removably mountable to an image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member having a photosensitive drum including a cylindrical member having a photosensitive layer thereon, a first gear provided at one end of the cylindrical member in an axial direction thereof, and a helical gear as a second gear provided at the one end of the cylindrical member adjacent to and outside of the first gear in the axial direction of the cylindrical member and having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first gear. The first gear and the helical gear are integrally formed as a gear portion having a through-bore portion with an inner diameter that varies along its axial length. Accordingly, the present invention provides a smoothly rotating image bearing member for producing high quality images.

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 fixing apparatus includes a heating source for heating a toner image; a film movable in contact with a member for supporting the toner sheet, wherein the toner image is heated by heat from the heating source through the film; and a casing forming, together with the film, a cartridge detachably mountable into the apparatus.

Abstract: A process kit includes a support member having a photosensitive member integrally mounted thereon together with process elements for acting on the photosensitive member. The support member is mountable on and removable from a main image forming apparatus having an optical system for projecting an image onto the photosensitive member. The support member has a positioning element for engaging the optical system in order to position the optical system accurately with respect to the photosensitive member. This configuration permits sharply formed images to be formed on the photosensitive member after removal and remounting of the process kit.

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: The forward and reverse rotation mechanism of the present invention has a drive source rotatable in one direction, a first spring clutch for moving a forwardly and reversely moving member in a forward direction, a second spring clutch for moving the forwardly and reversely moving member in a reverse direction, a first lever for actuating the first spring clutch, a second lever for actuating the second spring clutch, and a solenoid for actuating one of the first and second levers. The lever actuated by the solenoid is selected, whereby movement of the forwardly and reversely moving member in the forward direction or the reverse direction is effected.

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.

Abstract: Various components of image-forming means such as corona discharger, developing device and cleaning means are arranged around a photosensitive drum. These processing parts and the photosensitive drum are assembled together into a unit which can be detachably mounted into the main body of image-forming apparatus. Such a unit is called process kit. The process kit is provided with a driving connection member for receiving a driving force from the main body. The present invention provides safety means for effectively protecting said driving connection member from shock and impact thereby assuring the utility of the process kit for a long time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which may be portable wherein the apparatus is divisible into plural parts or wherein it is openable. The apparatus is provided with a latch which can take a latching position for preventing the dividing or opening of the apparatus and a releasing position for allowing the apparatus to be divided or opened. The latch shifts between the positions depending on the posture of the apparatus. When the apparatus takes its horizontal posture wherein it is operable for image formation, the latch is released to allow the apparatus to be opened. When the apparatus is placed or carried in an upright position, the latch is prevented from taking its releasing position, thus preventing the apparatus from being divided or opened erroneously.

Abstract: A process kit is detachably mounted in the main body of an image forming apparatus and includes a housing in which a photosensitive member, a corona discharger and a developing device are mounted and held as a unit, the housing including an optical opening formed therein upstream of the corona discharger for conducting a homogeneous light to the photosensitive member to eliminate any remaining charge thereon and an opening of exposure for conducting a light of information to the photosensitive member, the exposure opening being located between the corona discharger and the developing device.

Abstract: An image holding member for electrophotography has a metal drum, one side face of which is formed integrally with the peripheral face of the drum. And the image holding member has at the center of said side face a rotatory drum supporting shaft formed integrally with said side face.

Abstract: A developing apparatus is provided with a developer storing container which includes a first developer storing chamber and a second developer storing chamber which are independent from each other. Each of the first and second chambers has an opening. The openings are sealed by a first and second sealing members, respectively in the manner that the second sealing member can be removed only after the first sealing member is removed.

Abstract: This specification discloses a process unit and an image formation apparatus provided with the process unit. The process unit is detachable with respect to the body of the image formation apparatus, and is characterized by process means acting on an image bearing member, and a guide member in the form of a grip provided at a position capable of maintaining the process unit in substantially horizontal condition, along the direction in which the process unit is mounted or dismounted with respect to the apparatus body, the guide member also performing the function of a grip during transportation of the process unit. The image formation apparatus is characterized by the process unit and support means for detachably supporting the guide member of the process unit.

Abstract: Various components of image-forming means such as corona discharger, developing device and cleaning means are arranged around a photosensitive drum. These processing parts and the photosensitive drum are assembled together into a unit which can be detachably mounted into the main body of image-forming apparatus. Such a unit is called process kit. The process kit is provided with a driving connection member for receiving a driving force from the main body. The present invention provides safety means for effectively protecting said driving connection member from shock and impact thereby assuring the utility of the process kit for a long time.

Abstract: A process kit is detachably mounted in the main body of an image forming apparatus and includes a housing in which a photosensitive member, a corona discharger and a developing device are mounted and held as a unit, the housing including an optical opening formed therein upstream of the corona discharger for conducting a homogeneous light to the photosensitive member to eliminate any remaining charge thereon and an opening of exposure for conducting a light of information to the photosensitive member, the exposure opening being located between the corona discharger and the developing device.

Abstract: A process kit containing consumable members is detachably mountable in the main body of an operating device and includes apparatus for indicating when the useful life of the process kit is about to expire and when it has expired.