Abstract: A multi-function machine has a multifunctional cover which includes a jam removal lever position checking portion, a toner container locking lever position checking portion, a shutter switch, and a side cover bracket. The jam removal lever position checking portion interferes with a jam removal lever installed in the main body to check whether the jam removal lever is properly positioned. The toner container locking lever position checking portion interferes with a toner container locking lever installed in the main body to check whether a toner container is properly fixed. The shutter switch opens and closes a shutter to control a flow of remaining toner collected by a developer roller after being developed, into the toner container. The side cover bracket interferes with a side cover bracket installed at the main body to control joining a side cover with the main body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of image carriers arranged along a first intermediate image transfer belt. Toner images of different colors formed on the image carriers are sequentially transferred to the first intermediate image transfer belt one above the other to complete a first image. The first image is transferred to a second image transfer belt and then transferred to one side of a sheet. At the same time, a second image completed on the first image transfer belt is directly transferred to the other side of the same sheet. First and second control means are respectively disposed in the loop of the first intermediate image transfer body and the loop of the second intermediate image transfer body. The apparatus of the present invention can form color images on both sides of the recording medium rapidly in accurate register.

Abstract: The color image formation apparatus of the invention can include an image formation unit that is placed diagonally in relation to the vertical direction, a largest paper-feed tray that is placed below the image formation unit and feeds paper to image formation sections of the image formation unit, and a small-size paper-feed tray, placed below the image formation unit and above the largest paper-feed tray, which feeds paper to the image formation sections of the image formation unit.

Abstract: In a cabinet opening structure in an image forming apparatus having a transporting unit for transporting a sheet member and a fixing device, the image forming apparatus includes a first knob serving as a first operating member for manually turning a registration roller member in the transporting unit and a second knob serving as a second operating member for manually turning a fixing roller in the fixing device in order to take out the sheet member from the inside of the apparatus, wherein the first and second knobs are provided in such a manner as to be exposed onto a side of an operating unit in an apparatus body in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the cabinet is pulled.

Abstract: To prevent a belt and image forming means from being stained by spilled toner and also reduce the vibration of an exposure means. An image forming apparatus is of a tandem type in which mage forming stations Y, M, C, K for respective colors are arranged along a transfer belt 14. Each image forming station Y, M, C, K has an image carrier 17, a charging means 19 and a developing means 20 which are arranged around the image carrier 17. The image forming apparatus forms a multi-color image by passing the transfer belt 14 through the respective image forming stations. The transfer belt 14 is laid around a driving roller 12 and a driven roller 13 with a constant tension.

Abstract: An electro photo multi functional peripheral apparatus comprises a main body which is provided with an optional device such as a duplex module, a sorter, a power stacker and a large scale paper feeding unit at one side thereof. A feeding unit for feeding a recording paper is mounted at the other side of the main body. A feeding cassette is mounted at a lower portion of the main body. A multipurpose feeding unit assembly is removably mounted at a center portion of the main body and horizontally transports the recording paper fed from the feeding unit. The main body is formed with a first, a second and a third paper transport paths for discharging the recording paper fed from the multipurpose feeding unit assembly, the feeding cassette and the duplex module, respectively.

Abstract: Front and side surfaces of an image forming device are provided with a front cover and a side cover, respectively, which cover an image forming section, and which can opened and closed. A supporting hinge of the side cover is provided along a lateral edge thereof toward the rear of the main body of the device, and the side cover opens to widely expose a lower portion of the image forming section. Further, by means of an obstructing body provided integrally with the front cover, the and side covers are given an order of opening and closing.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus comprises a carrying device which has a first roller supported by a main unit through a first support shaft, and a second roller supported by the open/close cover through a second support shaft, and which holds and carries a material to be carried by the first and second rollers, and a lock device which is fixed to the second support shaft and is removably engaged with the first support shaft, for locking the open/close cover to the main unit and determining the relative position of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A main body is separable into a static body and a movable body along a carrier path extending from a sheet feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit, and the static body is provided with an image forming unit. The movable body can be slid straightly with respect to the static body. The carrier path can be wide open along the entire length thereof by sliding the movable body, facilitating the removal of stuck sheet from the carrier path.

Abstract: A duplex printing apparatus having a developing unit forming an image onto paper being conveyed, a settling unit fixing the image on the paper, a discharging roller selectively conveying the paper with the fixed image in an alternate direction, includes a feed frame disposed such that a front side faces the developing unit to guide the conveyance of the paper being picked up, a back plate disposed on a rear side of the feed frame to guide the paper reversed from the discharging unit for a duplex printing operation, a duplex unit guiding the paper to between the rear side of the feed frame and the back plate, and a feeding roller module having a feeding roller disposed on a lower portion of the feed frame to convey both the paper fed for a single-side printing operation and the reversed paper for the duplex printing operation.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically opening the cover of an ink-jet printer using a solenoid driving device, which responds to an electrical signal sent from a controller unit because the unit detected either a paper jam or that the ink cartridge is depleted. The new mechanism for automatically opening a printer cover allows the user to remove jammed paper or to replace the spent ink cartridge with greater speed and efficiency. This device has the advantages of being economical for use in ink-jet printers and employs a simple design which minimizes the need for repair and simplifies the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A photocopier includes an intermediate member that is provided pivotably to the photocopier through a freely pivoting joint and an opening and closing cover that is provided pivotably to the intermediate member through a freely pivoting joint. The intermediate member is connected to the photocopier at one edge of the intermediate member. Further, the opening and closing cover is connected to the intermediate member at other edge opposite to the edge of the intermediate member. When the opening and closing cover is opened, image recording system located within the photocopier is exposed.

Abstract: When handle region(s) of disengaging lever(s) is/are pulled in direction(s) tending to cause disengagement of engagement between access-controlling body or bodies and main body housing(s), respective action edge(s) of rotating region(s) may rotate about shaft(s) in direction(s) tending to cause disengagement of engagement. Upon rotating in direction(s) tending to cause disengagement of engagement, respective action edge(s) of rotating region(s) may press on and impel support plate(s) of main body housing(s). In accompaniment thereto, disengaging lever(s) may move upward, and respective downwardly directed engagement projection(s) of access-controlling body or bodies may be lifted up and extricated from respective upwardly directed engagement projection(s) of main body housing(s).

Abstract: A sheet supplying unit of a sheet transporting device can be attached later to an image forming apparatus body. On a sheet transporting side of the sheet supplying unit, a protrusion is provided, and a second transporting member is disposed at this protrusion. A reception space is provided on the image forming apparatus body, and the protrusion is arranged protrusively in this reception space, whereby the second transporting member protrudes to the image forming apparatus body to shorten a length of a transporting passage between a first transporting member on the image forming apparatus body side and the second transporting member.

Abstract: A main body is separable into a static body and a movable body along a carrier path extending from a sheet feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit, and the static body is provided with an image forming unit. The movable body can be slid straightly with respect to the static body. The carrier path can be wide open along the entire length thereof by sliding the movable body, facilitating the removal of stuck sheet from the carrier path.

Abstract: A main body is separable into a static body and a movable body along a carrier path extending from a sheet feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit, and the static body is provided with an image forming unit. The movable body can be slid straightly with respect to the static body. The carrier path can be wide open along the entire length thereof by sliding the movable body, facilitating the removal of stuck sheet from the carrier path.

Abstract: A duplex image forming apparatus including a first image carrier configured to carry a first image, and a second image carrier configured to receive the first image. The first image is transferred to one side of a recording medium from the second image carrier, and a second image is formed on the first image carrier and transferred to the other side of the recording medium. Also included is a recording medium conveying device configured to vertically convey the recording medium to a fixing section along a vertical conveyance path at least starting from where the first and second images are transferred onto the recording medium, and a fixing device included in the fixing section configured to simultaneously fix the first and second images to respective sides of the recording medium.

Abstract: A sheet storing portion storing a stack of recording sheets and sequentially supplying recording sheets to an image forming portion has a tray pullout frame that can be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus and a sheet tray provided in the tray pullout frame. The sheet tray stores recording sheets, and the tray pullout frame can be pulled out to a lateral side while the frame is mounted in the apparatus. The front part of the tray pullout frame can be open as the frame is mounted to the apparatus main body, so that the recording sheet transport path can be open and the apparatus can be restored upon a paper jam.

Abstract: A media clearance apparatus including a member having a length, a thickness, and a width, and a first end and a second end. The member is securable along a portion of the member to a secondary member and is functionally operational such that one end of the member is movable from a first position out of contact with a media path into a second position in contact with the media path.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a paper sensor disposed in a fixing device downstream of a fixing roller pair in a direction of paper conveyance. When a jam occurs in the fixing device without the paper sensor sensing a paper sheet and if the fixing device is not pulled out of the apparatus body, it is determined that a paper left in the fixing device has not been removed. The apparatus is then inhibited from resuming its operation with a jam status being maintained.

Abstract: A sheet-copy documents producing machine is provided and includes (a) sheet supply and feeding means for supplying and feeding image receiving sheets along a path and through image forming stations; (b) image forming devices mounted at the image forming stations for forming desired images on the image receiving sheets resulting in sheet-copy documents of the desired images; and (c) plural sheet-copy documents finishing devices including (i) moving parts, and (ii) at least a first sheet-copy documents finishing device and a last sheet-copy documents finishing device for each receiving, finishing and stacking the sheet-copy documents into stacks for subsequent removal by an operator. Each the sheet-copy documents finishing devices, except the last sheet-copy documents finishing device, including a movable unload-while-running safety shield assembly for protecting hands of the operator from the moving parts during an unload-while-running operation of the copy sheet documents producing machine.

Abstract: A medium transporting apparatus transports a medium along a predetermined transport path. A medium-transporting section is movable between a loading position and an unloading position and has a first transport path. A medium-holding section is movable between the loading position and the unloading position, holds a stack of medium therein, and has a second transport path continuous to the first transport path. A first locking mechanism locks the medium-transporting section to the loading position and unlocks the medium-transporting section from the loading position. A coupling mechanism brings the medium-transporting section and the medium-holding section into coupled engagement with each other and brings the medium-transporting section and the medium-holding section out of coupled engagement with each other.

Abstract: In an image forming system, an image forming device and a post-treatment device are provided so as to keep a distance L therebetween, by a positioning member and a transfer relaying device, and the image forming device is connected with the post-treatment device by the transfer relaying device. With this arrangement, a space surrounded by the image forming device, post-treatment device, positioning member, and transfer relaying device is made. On this account, it is possible to provide an image forming system in which an image forming device is coupled with a peripheral unit, which does not require cumbersome operations to make a space between the image forming device and the peripheral unit, on the occasion of carrying out unjamming treatment between the image forming device and the peripheral unit.

Abstract: The present invention provided an medium supplying apparatus which can make medium be removed easily and can prevent that medium is sent slantingly or badly from happening. The medium supplying apparatus comprises a first frame and a second frame set such as rotating freely with respect to the first frame. The first frame includes a first rotating section set such as rotating freely, a first fulcrum coupling section constructing a rotating fulcrum and a first lock coupling section. The second frame includes a pressing member, a second fulcrum coupling section constructing the rotating fulcrum by being coupled with the first fulcrum coupling section, and a second lock coupling section coupled selectively with the first lock coupling section. Because the first and second lock coupling sections are coupled selectively by relative movement, the second frame is locked or unlocked with respect to the first frame.

Abstract: A main body the image forming apparatus comprises a swinging member which swings freely with respect to the main body. The swinging member is provided with a feeding member for transporting a medium which is fed from a medium feed section rotatably supported by the swinging member. When swinging the swinging member, the user can access the medium feed section for removing the jammed medium. The feeding member is not deteriorated over ages. It is easy to take out a belt unit for transporting the medium when the swinging member is opened.

Abstract: There are provided a conveying path provided in an apparatus body and serving to convey a sheet-like object in a longitudinal direction, a moving body capable of being moved to a position in which the conveying path is to be exposed and a position in which the sheet-like object can be conveyed to cover the conveying path, and at least three support members for supporting the moving body to be slid in an almost horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus body and to be separated or joined are provided on a lower end portion at the side that a user accesses for a jam processing in the moving body and both upper and lower end portions at the opposite side thereof. Accordingly, in the case in which the user is to carry out the jam processing by separating the moving body from the apparatus body, a jammed paper in the conveying path can be removed easily.

Abstract: There are provided a conveying path provided in an apparatus body and serving to convey a sheet-like object in a longitudinal direction, a moving body capable of being moved to a position in which the conveying path is to be exposed and a position in which the sheet-like object can be conveyed to cover the conveying path, and at least three support members for supporting the moving body to be slid in an almost horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus body and to be separated or joined are provided on a lower end portion at the side that a user accesses for a jam processing in the moving body and both upper and lower end portions at the opposite side thereof. Accordingly, in the case in which the user is to carry out the jam processing by separating the moving body from the apparatus body, a jammed paper in the conveying path can be removed easily.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printer is provided with a toner cartridge that is inserted/removed from said printer via its top side. The insertion and removal of the toner cartridge sets/releases the pressure on fuser rollers in order to facilitate clearing print media jams in the printer's fuser region.

Abstract: In a recording medium conveying mechanism for an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a first and a second rotary body rotate in contact with each other for conveying a paper sheet to which a toner image is to be transferred. The first and second rotary bodies are respectively mounted on the apparatus body and an openable cover mounted on the apparatus body. The second rotary body moves into or out of contact with the first rotary body in interlocked relation to the closing or the opening, respectively, of the cover. The conveying mechanism includes a first support member rotatably supporting the first rotary body on the apparatus body and including a first engaging portion. A second support member rotatably supports the second rotary body on the cover and includes a second engaging portion. The first and second engaging portions mate with each other when the cover is closed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and sheet feeder in which a recording-material transporting system is provided for transporting to an image forming section recording material supplied from a recording-material supplying section and for subsequently guiding the recording material to a recording-material discharging section. A portion of the transporting path is arranged on a rear side of the apparatus body located on an opposite side to the user operation side. At least either one of the recording-material supplying section and the recording-material transporting system is provided with a jam clearing section for allowing recording material jammed in the recording-material transporting system to be both accessed from and cleared on the user operation side without need to open any access panels on the side portions or rear portion of the apparatus body. As a result the apparatus may be located without reserving space for opening a side or rear access portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising an image carrier for carrying an image, an intermediate transfer body to which the image on the image carrier is transferred, transfer material conveying means for conveying a transfer material along a conveyance route, transfer means for transferring the image on the intermediate transfer body onto the transfer material conveyed by the transfer material conveying means, a delivery portion for delivering the transfer material, a first openable portion openable with respect to an apparatus body, holding the intermediate transfer body and the delivery portion and a second openable portion openable of the conveyance route. The first and second openable portions are open and closed independently from each other.

Abstract: A media clearance apparatus including a member having a length, a thickness, and a width, and a first end and a second end. The member is securable along a portion of the member to a secondary member and is functionally operational such that one end of the member is movable from a first position out of contact with a media path into a second position in contact with the media path.

Abstract: A main body is separable into a static body and a movable body along a carrier path extending from a sheet feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit, and the static body is provided with an image forming unit. The movable body can be slid straightly with respect to the static body. The carrier path can be wide open along the entire length thereof by sliding the movable body, facilitating the removal of stuck sheet from the carrier path.

Abstract: There are provided a conveying path provided in an apparatus body and serving to convey a sheet-like object in a longitudinal direction, a moving body capable of being moved to a position in which the conveying path is to be exposed and a position in which the sheet-like object can be conveyed to cover the conveying path, and at least three support members for supporting the moving body to be slid in an almost horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus body and to be separated or joined are provided on a lower end portion at the side that a user accesses for a jam processing in the moving body and both upper and lower end portions at the opposite side thereof. Accordingly, in the case in which the user is to carry out the jam processing by separating the moving body from the apparatus body, a jammed paper in the conveying path can be removed easily.

Abstract: A main body is separable into a static body and a movable body along a carrier path extending from a sheet feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit, and the static body is provided with an image forming unit. The movable body can be slid straightly with respect to the static body. The carrier path can be wide open along the entire length thereof by sliding the movable body, facilitating the removal of stuck sheet from the carrier path.

Abstract: A door open/close switch mechanism, which turns on and off predetermined power of an image forming apparatus in conjunction with an open/close operation of an open/close portion of the image forming apparatus, includes an operating member, a switch and an on/off member. The operating member moves in a first direction when a first open/close portion of the image forming apparatus is opened/closed while the operating member moves in a second direction when a second open/close portion of the image forming apparatus is opened/closed. The switch is provided to turn on and off the predetermined power of the image forming apparatus. The on/off member is integrally provided with the operating member and turns the switch on only when the on/off member moves to a predetermined position after moved in both the first and second directions.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing device having a nip portion in which a recording material having an unfixed image is nipped and conveyed and the unfixed image is fixed to the recording material; a pressure applying device for applying a pressure to the nip portion; a pressure release device for releasing the pressure in the nip portion; and a detection device for detecting a presence or absence of the recording material. When the pressure in the nip portion is released by the pressure release device, the detection device outputs a detection result representing the presence of the recording material. The pressure release device have a plurality of levers for releasing the pressure and the levers are arranged at both ends of the fixing device in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the recording material.

Abstract: In an image forming device of the present invention, which is a tandem type, electrophotographic image forming device, a first separating/contacting mechanism mechanically lowers/raises the whole of a transfer frame holding the transfer and transport belt unit in association with the opening/closing of a front door, a second separating/contacting mechanism mechanically lowers/raises the right side of the transfer frame in association with the opening/closing of a right side door, and a third separating/contacting mechanism mechanically lowers/raises the left side of the transfer frame in association with the opening/closing of a left side door. Therefore, the handling of a paper jam can be carried out even when power supply is cut off, and the transfer frame can be separated from the photoconductor drums just by opening a door from a plurality of access directions, on a side opened.

Abstract: A main body is separable into a static body and a movable body along a carrier path extending from a sheet feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit, and the static body is provided with an image forming unit. The movable body can be slid straightly with respect to the static body. The carrier path can be wide open along the entire length thereof by sliding the movable body, facilitating the removal of stuck sheet from the carrier path.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes a case which surrounds a fixing device and has an opening portion, a cover provided on the case so as to open and close the opening portion, a cover-fixing shaft which is provided on the cover so as to be detachable to the case, a knob which is movably provided on the cover-fixing shaft, an elastic member which is provided on the cover-fixing shaft and applies force to the knob in a direction away from the cover, and a stopper which prevents movement of the knob against force of the elastic member.

Abstract: A main body of an image forming apparatus has an image forming section to which a sheet is fed from an optional sheet deck when it is coupled to the main body. The sheet fed from the sheet feeding device is received and then forwarded to the image forming section by a sheet conveyor unit which is demountably provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus and is formed of a frame, a pair of conveying rollers within the frame, and a guide.

Abstract: In an apparatus, such as a fuser for xerographic printing, wherein sheets pass through a nip formed by two moving rollers, a substantially enclosed, effectively funnel-shaped path is defined to direct sheets from the nip to a subsequent processing station. When a jam condition occurs in the path, a movable surface defining the path moves to increase a size of the path. The increase in size prevents impaction of subsequent sheets entering the path, and also facilitates manual jam clearance.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has an image bearing member, first conveying device for conveying a sheet along a conveying path, transferring device, which is provided opposing the image bearing member across the conveying path, for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member to a sheet to be conveyed by the first conveying device, second conveying device, which is provided between the first conveying device and the transferring device, for conveying a recording material to be conveyed from the first conveying device to the transferring device, and holding device for holding the second conveying device and the transferring device, wherein the holding device is capable of opening the conveying path between the transferring device and the image bearing member.

Abstract: A multi-function actuator of a duplex printer selects one of movement passages of a printing medium according to whether to print one side or on both sides of the printing medium and includes a duplex guide, a jam removing mechanism, a sensor arm, and a sensor. The duplex guide is rotatable disposed above a pressure roller of a duplex printer frame and includes a hollow cylinder and a plurality of bar-shaped guide pins at one side thereof guiding the printing medium. The jam removing mechanism is rotatable disposed inside of the hollow cylinder to allow the pressure roller to be separated from the heat roller when a jammed material is removed. The with arm is disposed co-axially with the duplex guide and rotates by a weight thereof. The sensor is disposed at the duplex printer frame and operates by the sensor arm. Accordingly, the multi-function actuator selects the one of the movement passage and allows the jammed material to be removed by separating the pressure roller from the heat roller.

Abstract: A photocopier comprises an intermediate member that is provided pivotably to the photocopier through a freely pivoting joint and an opening and closing cover that is provided pivotably to the intermediate member through a freely pivoting joint. The intermediate member is connected to the photocopier at one edge of the intermediate member. Further, the opening and closing cover is connected to the intermediate member at other edge opposite to the edge of said intermediate member. When the opening and closing cover is opened, image recording system located within the photocopier is exposed.

Abstract: A laser beam printer includes a front face. The front face defines an opening for allowing attaching/detaching a paper feed cassette, an opening for allowing attaching/detaching a process unit, and an opening allowing manual paper feed. Accordingly, the laser beam printer has excellent operability since it allows the user to perform any operation from its front side. At the same time, valuable space at the lateral and upper sides of the laser beam printer is available for effective use.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printer is provided with a toner cartridge that is inserted/removed from said printer via its top side. The insertion and removal of the toner cartridge sets/releases the pressure on fuser rollers in order to facilitate clearing print media jams in the printer's fuser region.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a main body of the apparatus which has an opening section, a cover which covers/uncovers the opening section of the main body of the apparatus, a photosensitive member provided in the main body of the apparatus, a developer provided for forming a toner image sticking toner on the photosensitive member at a developing position in the main body of the apparatus, a transfer roller provided in the main body of the apparatus, and a control mechanism provided in the main body of the apparatus, for rotating the photosensitive member by a distance larger than a distance between the developing position and the transcribing position during the cover is moved from the first position to the second position and then moved from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that has an image bearing member, first conveying device for conveying a sheet along a conveying path, transferring device, which is provided opposing the image bearing member across the conveying path, for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member to a sheet to be conveyed by the first conveying device, second conveying device, which is provided between the first conveying device and the transferring device, for conveying a recording material to be conveyed from the first conveying device to the transferring device, and holding device for holding the second conveying device and the transferring device, wherein the holding device is capable of opening the conveying path between the transferring device and the image bearing member.

Abstract: A main body is separable into a static body and a movable body along a carrier path extending from a sheet feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit, and the static body is provided with an image forming unit. The movable body can be slid straightly with respect to the static body. The carrier path can be wide open along the entire length thereof by sliding the movable body, facilitating the removal of stuck sheet from the carrier path.