Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of reliably positioning a process unit in a main image forming apparatus body, without impairing ease of mounting/dismounting of the process unit achieved by a simple structure. A convex section that projects towards the insertion side is provided on the process unit, an engagement section that positions the process unit in its width direction by engaging with the convex section in the condition, where the process unit is mounted, is provided on the main apparatus body, and a guidance section that guides the convex section towards the guidance section when mounting the process unit is provided on at least one of the tip end of the convex section and the main apparatus body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which apparatus a process cartridge is detachably mountable, wherein said process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum unit and a developing unit, wherein said photosensitive drum unit includes a photosensitive drum, and said developing unit is rotatably engageable with said photosensitive drum unit and includes a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said photosensitive drum, and wherein said developing unit is movable between a contact position in which said developing roller is in contact to said photosensitive drum and a spaced position in which said developing roller is spaced from said photosensitive drum, said image forming apparatus including means for exposing said photosensitive drum with light through a transmission member to form the electrostatic latent image, wherein said exposure means is positioned below said process cartridge when said process cartridge is mounted to a main assem

Abstract: A color printer includes a color printer main body, a photosensitive drum, a rotary development device, a plurality of toner containers and a drive power transmission mechanism. The drive power transmission mechanism includes a housing, a shaft member, a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism. The housing is mounted on the color printer main body. The shaft member is mounted in the housing so as to be axially rotatable, and mobile in the axial direction. The first transmission mechanism is mounted in the housing and transmits the drive power of the drive motor to the shaft member, so that the shaft member can be moved in the axial direction. The second transmission mechanism is mounted in the housing and transmits the drive power of the drive motor to the shaft member, so that the shaft member can be rotated.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a housing, a series of photoconductors on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and developing devices, which each include a developing agent carrier for holding a developing agent. Also, the apparatus may include a holder, which is removable from the housing, for supporting the photoconductors and the developing devices, and an image reader provided at a top portion of the housing, which is configured to read an image on a document.

Abstract: An electronic color photography apparatus includes a photosensitive body and a plurality of detachable developing devices. A power for moving the developing devices close to the photosensitive body is created by a retracting force of a slanted teeth gear which is driven at one side of a body of the electronic color photography apparatus.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame.

Abstract: A process cartridge of the present invention is removably mounted to the body of an image forming apparatus and includes an image carrier and a developing device configured to develop a latent image formed on the image carrier. A cartridge body, forming major part of the process cartridge, is applicable to a developer of any kind stored in the developing device and is mounted to the apparatus body with an identification member indicative of the kind of the developer fitted thereon. With this configuration, the process cartridge can be surely replaced without any mistake and reduces costs necessary for production, inventory control and delivery.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having removable/replaceable process cartridges is provided. One of the removable/replaceable process cartridges may be removed/replaced from a panel which is different than a panel from which the other removable/replaceable process cartridges may be removed/replaced. One of the removable/replaceable process cartridges may be associated with an exposure device which is only used to expose a portion of that process cartridge while the other removable/replaceable process cartridges may be associated with at least one other exposure device. An image forming apparatus may include two or more different types of exposure devices (e.g., laser based, light emitting diode based, etc.). An image forming apparatus may include a plurality of guide members for guiding portions of an exposure device arranged on a panel of the image forming apparatus such that when the door or panel is arranged on the image forming apparatus, the exposure device is guided into position by the guide members.

Abstract: According to the present invention, when inserting and removing EPUs from an image forming unit, a support leg of a casing can swing, is inclined, and avoids easily a structural body on a path. Further, when putting the EPUs outside the main body of the image forming apparatus, the support leg is fixed to the casing. Therefore, the space for the support leg of the casing of the image forming unit to insert through can be reduced.

Abstract: A cleanerless cartridge in which a photoconductor body and a charger are integrated, and a cleaner-equipped cartridge in which a photoconductor body, a charger and a cleaner are integrated are prepared. An image forming apparatus body is configured such that the cartridges are attachable to first- to fourth-stage image forming sections. When the cleanerless cartridge is attached to the first- to fourth-stage image forming sections, an image forming operation is controlled under an image formation condition for a cleanerless process. When the cleaner-equipped cartridge is attached to the first- to fourth-stage image forming sections, an image forming operation is controlled under an image formation condition for a cleaner-equipped process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge can be detachably attached, comprising: a housing body to which the process cartridge is attached; an opening and closing portion for detachably attaching the process cartridge; and securing means for securing the process cartridge to a position where an image can be formed. The securing means is turned when the process cartridge is detached and attached, the image forming apparatus further comprises force-applying means which applies a force to the process cartridge to a position where the process cartridge is secured or a position where the process cartridge is opened, and an image is not formed when the securing means is in a phase other than a process cartridge securing phase.

Abstract: Toner cartridges 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K have storage elements 33C, 33M, 33Y, and 33K mounted thereon to transmit information carried on electromagnetic wave in a predetermined frequency band. An information receiver transmitter unit 30 is located in a neighborhood of an end of a developer unit 23 with the toner cartridges 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K attached thereto to transmit information carried on the electromagnetic wave in the predetermined frequency band to and from a color laser printer 20. While the developer unit 23 is rotated to develop each color component image with a supply of toner from the corresponding one of the toner cartridges 32C, 32M, 32Y, and 32K, the information receiver transmitter unit 30 is controlled to write a cumulative toner consumption and a cumulative number of printed sheets into the corresponding one of the storage elements 33C, 33M, 33Y, and 33K.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image with a developing agent, includes: a collecting-developing-agent occurring part in which the collecting developing agent to be collected in the developing agent occurs; a collection container for accommodating the collecting developing agent; a transporting part provided so as to connect the collection container and the collecting-developing-agent occurring part and for collecting and transporting the collecting developing agent occurring in the collecting-developing-agent occurring part; and a replacement part removably mounted in an apparatus body, wherein the collection container is mounted to be integrated with the replacement part.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including first and second image forming cartridges. Both of the first and second image forming cartridges has at least one handle. The handle of the first image forming cartridge is formed at a different position in line with the handle of the second image forming cartridge.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus containing a plurality of rollers disposed with generally parallel axes, a retraction plate containing a plurality of rotational couplings is movable between engaged and retracted positions. Each rotational coupling is operative to transmit a rotary force to each cartridge when the retraction plate is in the engaged position. The couplings move laterally in an axial direction of the rollers as the retraction plate moves between the engaged and retracted positions, in response to an applied force. In one embodiment, the retraction plate is rotated about a pivot point to move the couplings between engaged and retracted positions. In another embodiment, the retraction plate is translated laterally in the axial direction of the couplings.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, an image carrier provided in the main body and configured to retain electrostatic latent images on its surface, and a developing unit including a holding unit holding plural developing devices, rotatably supported by the main body. Further, a driving source is configured to rotate the developing unit and move a desired developing device to a developing position opposed to the image carrier. A stopping member is configured to be moved to an unstopping position unengaged with the holding unit and to a stopping position to stop a one-way direction rotation of the developing unit at an exchanging position for exchanging the developing devices. A backstop member is configured to be moved to a removing position unengaged with the holding unit and to an engaged position engaged with the holding unit to prevent a rotation of the developing unit in a direction opposite the one-way direction rotation.

Abstract: A color image forming device has an image forming cartridge including a cartridge frame that receives a plurality of image forming units. A movable fixing part supports at least one of the shafts of a plurality of photosensitive bodies disposed in the image forming units so that the shaft is rotatably fixed. The shafts of the other photosensitive bodies are movable and rotatable when the plurality of image forming units are received in the cartridge frame. A mounting frame receives the image forming cartridge, and has a shaft receiving part formed at a position corresponding to the ends of the shafts of the photosensitive bodies. The color image forming device accurately fixes the position of the shafts of the photosensitive bodies when the image forming cartridge is assembled in the mounting frame, thereby producing a high quality image reliably.

Abstract: An electrophotographic includes a main frame, a photosensitive drum unit having a photosensitive drum and vertically detachably installed on the main frame, a plurality of development units each having a developing roller and detachably installed on the main frame while sliding in a horizontal direction, and a first door openably installed for mounting or dismounting the plurality of development units.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including at least two image forming units arranged side by side in an arrangement direction and each of the image forming units contains a photoconductor configured to bear a latent electrostatic image thereon and at least one process device configured to form a toner image on the photoconductor, and a unit case having a notch thereon to grasp the unit case.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing units for containing different color toners to form a color image, a plurality of photo-receptor units including photo-receptors on which electrostatic latent images to be developed by said developing units are to be formed, and an intermediate transfer body unit including a tensionally provided belt with upper and lower surfaces to which toner images are transferred from said photo-receptors, an intermediate transfer body unit cartridge integrally holding said intermediate transfer body unit, the cartridge being detachably attached to the color image forming apparatus through the jamming-removal opening.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of process cartridges, and a guide mounted to the frame. The guide mounted to the frame includes a plurality of guide portions having supporting surfaces arranged at predetermined different heights and on which the plurality of process cartridges are detachably placed, and is configured to guide the plurality of process cartridges placed on the supporting surfaces along a path between respective first positions and respective second positions.

Abstract: A photosensitive drum protecting device for use in a color electrophotographic printer is provided. The printer, in which developing device cartridges of various colors including photosensitive drums and developing rollers are installed, and a printing path contacting the photosensitive drums is formed, includes a photosensitive drum protecting device that simultaneously exposes or protects each of the photosensitive drums. All of the photosensitive drums disposed at front end portions of the developing device cartridges are covered by just one photosensitive drum protecting device. Thus, the complexity of the printer is reduced and the printer can be made more compact.

Abstract: A tandem type color image forming device having a plurality of process cartridges each being detachable from a frame. An intermediate image transfer belt extends vertically, and the process cartridges are arrayed in the vertical direction and supported by the frame. Each process cartridge installs therein a developing unit and a photosensitive drum, and each photosensitive drum is in confrontation with the belt. A front cover is provided in front of the process cartridges. If viewing from the front, when the front cover is opened, the process cartridges are accessible without any interference with ambient components, and the belt is positioned behind the process cartridges.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an ejection apparatus and methods are provided. In one representative embodiment an ejection apparatus includes a bar movable along a first axis and a carriage movable along a second axis which is distinct from the first axis. The bar which has an edge oriented along an angular position between the first axis and the second axis, is in physical communication with the carriage such that movement of the bar along the first axis causes movement of the carriage along the second axis.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotografic photosensitive member, a developer accommodating portion for accommododating a developer to be used for developing an electrostatic latent image by the developing member, a cartridge locking portion for locking the cartridge with a main assembly locking portion provided in the main assembly of the apparatus to prevent the cartridge from disengaging from the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, and a relasing member for releasing the cartridge locking portion to release the cartridge from the main assembly locking portion when the cartridge is to be removed from the main assembly of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges arranged one above another and configured to form an image on a medium. The apparatus also include a transfer belt support unit, including a transfer belt, hingedly attached to the image forming apparatus at a lower end position of the transfer belt support unit and movable between a first position covering the plurality of the image cartridges and a second position uncovering the plurality of the image forming cartridges. Each of the image forming cartridges is configured to be mounted to or dismounted from the image forming apparatus when the transfer belt support unit is in the second position.

Abstract: A consumable product unit, a consumable product replacement sensing apparatus and a method thereof are provided. First through third connection terminals of the consumable product unit are respectively and electrically connected to fourth through sixth connection terminals of the consumable product replacement sensing apparatus. A new product determining signal generating unit generates a signal corresponding to an effective resistance value of the consumable product unit connected to the consumable product replacement sensing apparatus through the fourth and fifth connection terminals. If the consumable product unit is new determined to be, an over-current supplying unit supplies an over-current to disconnect a fusible resistor of the consumable product unit and the new product determining signal generating unit generates the signal corresponding to an effective resistance value of one determining element of the consumable product unit.

Abstract: A printer with an imaging components protection architecture includes a main housing and a protective housing that is pivotally coupled to the main housing. The protective housing is formed to receive an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) positioned between the protective housing and a print cartridge that is also positioned within the protective housing.

Abstract: A multi-color imaging apparatus that can support a plurality of color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-devices includes a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit. The disengagement unit can selectively disengage a selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device depending on whether the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device is required to generate an image. In one example the imaging apparatus can also include a processor and a computer readable memory device. In this example a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengage program can be stored in the memory device. The program is executable by the processor to allow the rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit to selectively disengage the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a cartridge frame; a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a first guide, provided projected outwardly of the cartridge frame at one longitudinal end side of the developing member, for guiding the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus a second guide, provided projected outwardly of the cartridge frame at the other longitudinal end side of the developing member, for guiding the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus; and a developing bias contact, provided exposed on the first guide for receiving a developing bias to be applied to the developing member from the main assembly of the apparatus when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus.

Abstract: A print head device, which includes a plurality of image carrying bodies, a plurality of developing units, a plurality of charging units, and at least one intermediate transfer unit, is constructed as a unit assembly, and the unit assembly is inserted into and removed from image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus contains a mechanism that the image carrying bodies are minutely movably supported by a frame of the unit assembly with a gap being located therebetween, and are positioned and fixed to a housing of the image forming apparatus main body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of imaging units each for forming an image on a recording medium, an image carrier provided in each of the plurality of imaging unit, a development unit for visualizing an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier by toner in each of the plurality of imaging units, and a supporting device configured to integrate at least two imaging units of the plurality of imaging units into a unit, wherein the supporting device has a plurality of pressing members configured to press upper portions of the at least two imaging units, respectively, and a plurality of supporting members configured to support lower portions of the at least two imagining units, respectively.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes the first image forming section for forming color images, and the second image forming section for forming monochrome images, wherein the first image forming section is slidable through an opening formed on the front face of the main body, while the second image forming section is slidable through an opening formed on the side face of the main body so that the first and second image forming sections slide in mutually orthogonal directions. With this arrangement, various maintenance operations of each unit can be performed while suppressing a reduction in strength of the main body, whereby degradation of image quality with life can be avoided for a long period of time.

Abstract: A tandem system for the formation of color images having a plurality of image carriers integrated into a single cartridge and developing devices designed to be detachable from or attachable thereto, thereby improving the integrity of maintenance and cutting back on running costs. At least two image formation stations are provided, each having an image carrier, a charger, a developing device and a primary transfer roller disposed therearound. A transfer medium is passed through the image formation stations to form color images in a tandem fashion. A plurality of image carriers are disposed with respect to an image carrier cartridge, which is detachable from and attachable to the system proper while they are mutually positioned. A developing device is provided with respect to each image carrier attached to the image carrier cartridge in a detachable/attachable manner.

Abstract: A consumable product unit, a consumable product replacement sensing apparatus and a method thereof are provided. First through third connection terminals of the consumable product unit are respectively and electrically connected to fourth through sixth connection terminals of the consumable product replacement sensing apparatus. A new product determining signal generating unit generates a signal corresponding to an effective resistance value of the consumable product unit connected to the consumable product replacement sensing apparatus through the fourth and fifth connection terminals. If the consumable product unit is new determined to be, an over-current supplying unit supplies an over-current to disconnect a fusible resistor of the consumable product unit and the new product determining signal generating unit generates the signal corresponding to an effective resistance value of one determining element of the consumable product unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus designed such that an intermediate transfer unit storage portion can be pulled in a horizontal direction from an accommodating portion of a casing and a processing unit storage portion, to which developing cartridges and a photosensitive belt mechanism are detachably attached, can be pulled from the intermediate transfer unit storage portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus uses a plurality of image forming units having photosensitive drums and that are arranged rotatable in a vertical plane such that the image forming units are shifted sequentially to an image forming position. Each of the image forming units has a rectangular concave portion along its longitudinal direction which contains a handle made of an elastic rectangular-shaped plate. The handle has elongated holes extending in the longitudinal direction at both ends of the handle which engage anchoring members provided at the concave portion. The handle is allowed to be contained within the concave portion by its elastic force and is allowed to be pulled out from the concave portion by a user's finger inserted into an entrance groove provided only at a side opposite to the photosensitive drum with respect to the handle.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an apparatus body, a single vertical stay disposed between optical writing devices and image forming cartridges and extending from a top wall to a bottom wall of the apparatus body, a plurality of horizontal stays disposed at least between consecutive image forming cartridges, and being attached to the single vertical stay, and a plurality of structural members disposed at least between consecutive image forming devices and being attached to the vertical stay. Further, the horizontal stays, the single vertical stay, the structural members and the apparatus body comprise a single structural body.

Abstract: The invention provides a tandem system for the formation of color images wherein a plurality of image carriers are integrated into a single cartridge and developing means are designed to be detachable from or attachable thereto, thereby improving the integrity of maintenance and cutting back on running costs. At least two image formation stations are provided, each comprising an image carrier, and charging means 42(K, C, M, Y), developing means and transfer means 45(K, C, M, Y) disposed therearound. A transfer medium is passed through the image formation stations to form color images in a tandem fashion. A plurality of image carriers 41(K, C, M, Y) are disposed with respect to an image carrier cartridge 40 detachable from or attachable to the system proper while they are mutually positioned. Developing means 44(K, C, M, Y) are provided with respect to each image carrier 41(K, C, M, Y) attached to the image carrier cartridge 40 in a detachable/attachable manner.

Abstract: An upgradeable imaging system includes a housing with an opening. A support structure and a plurality of imaging stations are disposed within the housing. Each imaging station includes a charging unit and a developing unit. The imaging system also includes a removable module with a photoreceptive substrate. The removable module has an interior space defined within the photoreceptive substrate and at least one exposing unit disposed within the interior space. The removable module is configured to be engageable with the support structure and passable through the opening of the housing. When the removable module is engaged with the support structure, the photoreceptive substrate is disposed operatively adjacent to the imaging stations. Accordingly, the removable module may be removed from the imaging system and replaced with another module. The imaging system includes circuitry for configuring the imaging stations to operate according to a printing routine depending upon the number of exposing units.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a color image forming apparatus wherein toner images formed on a plurality of image carriers are primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer object, and then, are secondarily transferred onto a recording sheet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units, each having an image carrier for transferring images of each color to a transfer medium. Each of the image forming units has an exposing device for exposing the image carrier, and wherein the image forming units adjacent to one another are in contact with one another.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted to an apparatus body one above the other is disclosed. Structural members each partition off a space between nearby image forming cartridges mounted to the apparatus body. The apparatus is capable of obviating banding ascribable to the vibration of the cartridges.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus uses a plurality of image forming units that are arranged rotatable in a vertical plane such that the image forming units are shifted sequentially to an image forming position. Each image forming unit has a translucent toner detection window on its outer periphery for detecting the remaining amount of toner in a toner hopper. The image forming units will have a replacing position in which it will face an opening for allowing replacement of the image forming unit. The translucent detection window will face the opening when the image forming unit is in the replacing position.

Abstract: Engine units (imaging units) 2C, 2M, 2Y and 2K are constituted as an integrated unit by supporting the engine units 2C, 2M, 2Y and 2K comprising a photosensitizer, an electrification unit, a development unit, a cleaning unit and the like on a supporting member. Screws are inserted in screw holes which are provided in the supporting member, and the engine units (imaging units) 2C, 2M, 2Y and 2K are detachably fixed on an image forming apparatus together with the supporting member. Thus, the image forming apparatus in which a management at reusing long life imaging units can be easily carried out is provided.

Abstract: Carriage 113 storing a plurality of process cartridges 115 for each color toner is rotated to detect whether or not process cartridge 115 is stored, and when the process cartridge is not stored in rotator 113, rotator 113 is controlled so that a cartridge storage place without the process cartridge moves to a position opposite a cartridge opening.

Abstract: Without housing a bare chip type liquid crystal driver within a package, to surely shield or absorb the light which reaches the liquid crystal driver so that erroneous display due to the photoelectric effect can be prevented. A light shielding tape 109 is affixed to the top surface of an upper panel 101 of a liquid crystal display panel 10 at an area which is opposite to the mounting area of a liquid crystal driver 107 mounted on the bottom surface of the upper panel 101. The light shielding tape 109 serves to shield the outer light incident on the liquid crystal driver 107. A diffusion sheet 40 composed of a light diffusing area 401 and a light absorbing area 402 located on the outer periphery thereof is arranged below the liquid display panel 10. The light diffusing area 401 serves to diffuse illumination light from a light source 202 to the liquid crystal display panel 10, and the light absorbing area 402 serves to absorb the extraneous light incident on the liquid crystal driver 107.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a cartridge frame; an electrophotographic photosensitive member; process means actable on the photosensitive member: a first cartridge guiding portion for being guided by a main assembly guide provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus, the first cartridge guiding portion being provided at one end, with respect to a mounting direction in which the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of apparatus, of the cartridge frame; and a second cartridge guiding portion for being guided by the main assembly guide provided in the main assembly of the apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of apparatus, the second cartridge guiding portion being provided at the other end, with respect to the mounting direction, of the cartridge frame, wherein when the process cartridge is mounted to t

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted to an apparatus body one above the other is disclosed. Structural members each partition off a space between nearby image forming cartridges mounted to the apparatus body. The apparatus is capable of obviating banding ascribable to the vibration of the cartridges.

Abstract: Developing devices are provided adjacent to a light sensitive element. An intermediate transfer drum is provided adjacent to the light sensitive elements. After exposure of the light sensitive element, a first color or third color image is formed on the light sensitive element. On the other hand, after exposure of the light sensitive element, a second color or fourth color image can be formed on the light sensitive element. The first color image is transferred from the transfer unit to the intermediate transfer drum at the first transfer portion, and the second color image is transferred from the transfer unit at the second transfer portion so as to be superimposed on the first color image. Similarly, the third color image is transferred so as to be superimposed on the second image and the fourth color image is transferred so as to be superimposed on the third color image to the intermediate transfer drum. Accordingly, the first to fourth color images are superimposed.