Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a cleaning device is arranged above a photosensitive drum close thereto. The image forming apparatus has an image processing unit provided with the photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is constructed such that a gear portion formed in a flange member at one axial end of the photosensitive drum has a diameter not greater than an outer diameter of the photosensitive drum. The image processing unit is constructed such that a driving force from the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the photosensitive drum via the gear portion formed in the one flange member to rotate the photosensitive drum and is transmitted to at least one of image processor means via a gear portion formed in a flange member at the opposite axial end of the photosensitive drum. With this arrangement, a poor image formation due to a blocking phenomenon resulting from long stay of toner residues can be prevented and downsizing of the image forming apparatus is realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus in which paper sheets are not forgotten in a paper discharging section so provided in the main body of the apparatus so as to open toward the front. An operation panel is arranged in an upper part on the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 16, and a side space 16 is provided on the right of the operation panel. An operator can visually confirm paper sheets discharged into a paper discharging section from above through the side space. The paper discharging section is in the main body of the image forming apparatus, whereby economy of space can be achieved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an optical system, an image forming section and a paper conveying section provided in its main body. The main body includes a first portion containing the optical system and a second portion containing the image forming section and the paper conveying section below the first portion. A paper discharging section opening toward the front is provided between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is shifted by a predetermined amount backward with the position where it is lined up to a second portion as a basis. It is easy to visually confirm whether or not there is a paper sheet in the paper discharging section below the first portion.

Abstract: An image-forming machine has a sheet member conveying passage extending through a transfer zone and a fixing zone, a sheet member-feeder for feeding a sheet member to the sheet member conveying passage, and a sheet member conveyor for conveying the sheet member through the sheet member conveying passage. A housing of the image-forming machine has a lower surface defined by an intermediate lower wall and an upper surface defined by an intermediate upper wall, and has a space of which the front surface is opened. The downstream end portion of the sheet member conveying passage extends along one side portion of the intermediate lower wall on the lower side thereof. That one side portion of the intermediate lower wall is defined by an opening/closing member which is brought to the open position to open the downstream end portion of the sheet member conveying passage. The sheet member conveyer includes a pair of register rollers.

Abstract: An image-forming machine comprises a sheet member conveying passage extending through a transfer zone and a fixing zone, a sheet member-feeding means for feeding a sheet member onto the sheet member conveying passage, and a sheet member conveying means for conveying the sheet member through the sheet member conveying passage. A housing of the image-forming machine has a lower surface defined by an intermediate lower wall and an upper surface defined by an intermediate upper wall, and forms a space of which the front surface is opened. The downstream end portion of the sheet member conveying passage extends along a one side portion of the intermediate lower wall on the lower side thereof. The one side portion of the intermediate lower wall is defined by the opening/closing member, and opening/closing member is brought to the open position to open the downstream end portion of the sheet member conveying passage. The sheet member conveying means includes a pair of register rollers.

Abstract: An image forming machine having a transfer roller comprises a rotatably disposed photoconductor drum, a transfer roller disposed opposite the photoconductor drum with a predetermined gap provided therebetween, a register roller pair for feeding a transfer sheet toward a transfer area where the photoconductor drum and the transfer roller are opposed to each other, transfer sheet guide means disposed between the register roller pair and the transfer area, and a fixing roller pair for fixing a toner image transferred to the transfer sheet passing through the transfer area. The transfer sheet guide means comprises an inner guide plate and an outer guide plate, and the inner guide plate has a linear guide portion extending toward a predetermined position on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum. The predetermined position is set in an angular range (.theta.) covering 12.degree. to 23.degree.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes a developer unit which is supported rotatably about a predetermined rotation axis thereof by means of a drum unit. Spacing regulation sleeves are respectively fitted around opposite ends of a support shaft of a developer roller for regulating a spacing between the photoreceptor drum and the developer roller. A driven gear is engaged with one end of the support shaft of the developer roller for integral rotation thereof, and adapted to be driven by a drive transmission gear. By utilizing a driving force applied to the driven gear, the developer unit is biased about the rotation axis to press one spacing regulation sleeve fitted around one end of the support shaft of the developer roller against the photoreceptor drum. The other spacing regulation sleeve fitted around the other end of the support shaft of the developer roller is resiliently pressed against the photoreceptor drum by means of a resilient member.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a toner storing unit having two flexible stirring rods disposed therein. Two tapered bearing portions disposed on a first side wall of the toner storage unit extend partially into the first side wall without piercing the first side wall, and two bearing portions on a second side wall extend completely through the second side wall. First ends of each of the stirring rods is tapered and fits into the tapered bearing portions on the first side wall of the toner storage unit. Second ends of the stirring rods extend through the bearing portions of the second side wall of the toner storage unit. Flange members are disposed on the second ends of the stirring rods, and a seal is interposed between each flange member and the second side wall. In another embodiment of the present invention, two of the bearing portions on the first side wall are generally square, and the first ends of the stirring rods have a generally spherical tip.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a paper discharging section provided in its main body. The paper discharging section opens toward the front of the main body. An opening serving as a window for introducing light into the paper discharging section is provided on a side surface of the main body. Light enters the paper discharging section through the opening, so that the paper discharging section is brightened. As a result, it is possible to easily visually confirm whether or not a paper sheet exists in the paper discharging section. Additionally, vent holes adjacent the window opening serve to introduce cooling air along the axis of a fusing roller.

Abstract: Near a discharge device (48) for discharging paper (P) with an image formed thereon, there is provided a punch (7) for punching holes. The drive of the discharge device (48) is controlled so that the punch punches the punch holes in the trailing portion of the paper (P), without causing creasing or tearing or change in the quality of the paper (P). The punch (7) includes punching cutters (72) and a punching die (74). The punching cutters (72) and the punching die (74) are provided in a unit (U) which can be drawn out of a casing (1) covering the punch (7). With the unit (U) drawn out of the casing (1), jam recovery can be easily executed. The unit (U) is movable in the width direction of the paper (P), thereby making it possible to adjust the position of punched holes. A collecting box (76) for collecting paper scraps (P1) is disposed in the unit (U). If the collecting box (76) is pivoted or the opening (76a) thereof is lifted up when the unit (U) is pivoted, the paper scraps (P1) therein will not fall out.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main part for image formation, a printing unit, a supporter, a pressing member and a punching unit. The main part for image formation includes an image processor, and a case for containing the image processor which has a door. The printing unit prints onto a sheet processed by the image processor. The printing unit includes a thermal head and a cleaning device. The supporter supports the printing unit such that the printing unit is able to rotate between a printing position, at which the printing unit is contained in the main part, and a replacing position, at which the printing unit is located near the door. The printer unit is formed such that the cleaning device cleans the thermal head when the printer unit is moved to the replacing position. The pressing member is provided on the door in order to move the printing unit into the printing position by pressing the supporter in cooperation with the door's closing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a main body with an opening portion provided in one face of the main body, and a thermal transfer printer. The thermal transfer printer records desired information additively on paper on which a toner image has been fixed. The printer uses a thermal head to press an ink-ribbon on the paper. The thermal transfer printer includes a casing in which a cassette for housing the ink-ribbon is detachably mounted, a thermal head support for supporting the thermal head, and an interlocking mechanism. The interlocking mechanism retracts the thermal head with the thermal head support in response to retraction of the casing. Thus, it is possible to detach the cassette from the main body through the opening portion. This facilitates replacement of cassettes and clearing of paper jams.