Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, where the image carrier may include an image carrier body having a hollowness and image carrier flanges, which are installed at both ends of the image carrier body. Each image carrier flange may include a blower fan integrally formed therewith, so that air outside of the image carrier body is moved from one end of the image carrier body, at which a drive gear is positioned, to the other end of the image carrier body as the image carrier rotates. Waste developer which may accumulate on the drive gear is reduced, thereby preventing the operational error of the image carrier and thus avoiding the degradation of the image quality.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an improved configuration to prevent foreign substances from accumulating on a space maintaining member used to maintain a constant distance between a photoconductor and a developer delivery member. The image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a developer delivery member to deliver and feed developer to the photoconductor, a cleaning member to remove the developer and foreign substances remaining on a surface of the photoconductor while coming into contact with the photoconductor, and a space maintaining member arranged to come into contact with the photoconductor so as to maintain a constant developing gap or developing nip between the photoconductor and the developer delivery member. The space maintaining member is located between both ends of the cleaning member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an improved configuration to prevent foreign substances from accumulating on a space maintaining member used to maintain a constant distance between a photoconductor and a developer delivery member. The image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a developer delivery member to deliver and feed developer to the photoconductor, a cleaning member to remove the developer and foreign substances remaining on a surface of the photoconductor while coming into contact with the photoconductor, and a space maintaining member arranged to come into contact with the photoconductor so as to maintain a constant developing gap or developing nip between the photoconductor and the developer delivery member. The space maintaining member is located between both ends of the cleaning member.

Abstract: A belt clutch apparatus for an image forming apparatus is is provided and includes a belt that rotates in contact with at least one unit, at least one movable roller for supporting the rotation of the belt, and a variable unit for changing position of the movable roller in order for the belt to have a first running path in contact with the unit and a second running path separated from the unit. Moreover, the belt can be selectively positioned in contact with a predetermined unit or separated therefrom while maintaining belt tension. Therefore, it becomes possible to protect the belt from unnecessary abrasion.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a module box moves between a first position and a second position. A locking/unlocking unit locks the module box into the first position, and a biasing unit biases the module box from the first position to the second position when the locking/unlocking unit is unlocked. Object components (such as developer cartridges, or intermediate transfer belt assemblys) are detachably installed in the module box. By using the module box, these heavy and bulky object components can be easily installed and removed, allowing easy repair and maintenance. Further, the components can be protected from damage during installation and detachment, and the user can use the image forming apparatus more conveniently.

Abstract: A developer scattering prevention unit used with an electrophotographic image forming device includes an air inlet/outlet pipe installed adjacent to an intermediate area between an image carrier and a developer and having a first air inlet/outlet port opened toward the intermediate area, and at least one vacuum source installed on at least one of the image carrier and the developer carrier to communicate with the air inlet/outlet pipe to control air to flow from the intermediate area through the first air inlet/outlet port. A developing device having this developer scattering prevention function becomes simplified in structure.

Abstract: A developer scattering prevention unit used with an electrophotographic image forming device includes an air inlet/outlet pipe installed adjacent to an intermediate area between an image carrier and a developer and having a first air inlet/outlet port opened toward the intermediate area, and at least one vacuum source installed on at least one of the image carrier and the developer carrier to communicate with the air inlet/outlet pipe to control air to flow from the intermediate area through the first air inlet/outlet port. A developing device having this developer scattering prevention function becomes simplified in structure.