Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming body, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a processing device for image formation. The apparatus further includes a first body including the transfer device and a second body provided over the transfer device including the image forming body, and at least one of a processing device including a charger for charging the image forming body, the developing device, and a cleaning device for cleaning the image forming body. The second body is movable with respect to the first body, and movable between a first position in which an image formation can be carried out and a second position in which the second body is drawn out. The processing device can be drawn out from the second body when the second body is located at the first position.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes: a developing device to develop an image by using developer; a developer container portion to supply the developer to the developing device; a developer cartridge which is attachable to or detachable from the developer container portion; and a driving means to rotate the developer cartridge. The developer cartridge further includes the following: a) a cartridge main body having a shape which facilitates movement of the developer toward a developer supply port by being rotated around a rotation axis by the driving means; b) a developer supply portion having the developer supply port to supply the developer to the image forming apparatus; and c) an opening/closing covering member to open and close the developer supply port.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of toner reservoir for storing different toner, a developing unit composed of a plurality of developing devices, and a plurality of toner conveyors for conveying toner from the toner reservoir to the developing unit. Through-holes are formed in the developing unit, and an upper portion of each through-hole is connected with each toner conveyor in such a manner that an upper opening of each through-hole is opposed to an ejection port of each toner conveyor, so that toner drops from the toner conveyor into through-hole and is guided to each developing device.

Abstract: A toner cartridge in use with an image forming apparatus such as a printer. The toner cartridge includes a cylindrical container for accommodating toner, and the cylindrical container further includes; an opening at one side for discharging the toner accommodated in the cylindrical container; an spiral protrusion, provided on an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical container, for conveying the toner toward the opening in the cylindrical container and for discharging the toner from the opening to outside the cylindrical container when the cylindrical container is rotated on an axis by a driver of the image forming apparatus; and a scoop, attached to the opening, for scooping the toner so that the spiral protrusion discharges the toner from the opening when the opening is at a position upper than a horizontal line extended through the axis.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a carriage which can be pulled out from an installed position thereof. The carriage supports a cartridge including an image forming body, at a pull-out position, and fixes the cartridge to a position at which an image can be formed, at the installed position of the carriage. When the carriage is located at the installed position, the carriage forms at least a part of the upper surface of a main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a color image forming apparatus, an image retainer, a charger, a plurality of developing devices and a cleaner are made in one unit. The unit is dismountably supported in a housing so that the unit can be moved out from a first position at which the unit is set in the housing to a second position at which jam disposition is conducted. When the unit means is placed at the second position, a part of the apparatus is used to cover the image retaining surface at the transfer section.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer for forming an image of a document on a recording paper. The image forming apparatus includes a paper feed tray for holding the recording paper; a conveyance unit for conveying the recording paper from the paper feed tray; a image forming section for forming a toner image of the document onto the recording paper; a fixing unit for fixing the toner image on the recording paper; a detector for detecting a paper jam between the units, and for generating a detection signal; a locking member with a solenoid for locking one of the units in another; a controller for controlling the locking member according to the detection signal so that both of the units are resisted from being removed separately when the paper jam occurs between the units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fixing apparatus where a toner image is formed on a transfer medium by passing the transfer medium between a heat roller and a press roller, each of the rollers rotating while in pressure contact with each other. An oil application roller is disposed in pressure contact with and is driven by the heat roller. The oil application roller has a layer of heat-resistant fibers on its circumferential surface. An oil-impregnated member is pressed against the oil application roller through a pressure contact surface formed of a non-woven cloth for transferring oil having a dynamic viscosity of .nu.2 in the range of 1,000 cst to 10,000 cst, to the oil application roller. The oil application roller is continuously supplied with oil from the oil-impregnated fiber member and the cloth and supplies oil having a dynamic viscosity of .nu.1, to the circumferential surface of the heat roller during rotation. The ratio of dynamic viscosities of the oils being in the range of .nu.2:.nu.1=1:3 to 30.