Abstract: There is described an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus provided with a first paper sheet outlet to eject the paper sheet outside therefrom; a post processing apparatus that is provided with a second paper sheet inlet; and a relay conveyance apparatus that is installed between the image forming apparatus and the post processing apparatus. The relay conveyance apparatus includes a relay conveyance unit, disposed at an upper space of the relay conveyance apparatus and provided with a first paper sheet inlet and a second paper sheet outlet and a coupling unit, which fixes the image forming apparatus and the post processing apparatus to the relay conveyance apparatus, in such a manner that the first paper sheet outlet and the second paper sheet outlet substantially coincide with the first paper sheet inlet and the second paper sheet inlet, respectively.

Abstract: A roller spacing apparatus and an image forming device including the same. The roller spacing apparatus includes a frame, a first rotatable roller member having a first shaft, a second rotatable roller member having a second shaft and being rotatable in a close contact with the first roller member under a predetermined pressure, and at least one spacing part to space apart the first and the second roller members from each other by a predetermined gap such that the first and the second roller members are not in contact with each other when the first and the second roller members are not in use.

Abstract: In a laser exposure device according to the present invention, a positioning pin, which is formed in a lens holder supporting a lens system, is inserted through an elongated hole for restriction of a board holder supporting a laser diode. An eccentric cam is inserted into an elongated hole for rotation movement formed in a board holder and a circular hole for rotation movement which is formed in the lens holder and which faces the elongated hole for rotation movement. An eccentric cam is inserted into an elongated hole for slide movement formed in the board holder and a circular hole for slide movement which is formed in the lens holder and which faces the elongated hole for slide movement. The eccentric cams are rotated to relatively move the board holder and lens holder with respect to each other to thereby establish alignment between the optical axes of the laser diode and lens system.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of mounting an internal unit in a main body chassis thereof, in which a position of a sheet conveying portion for conveying a sheet to the internal unit, with respect to the internal unit is adjusted by a first adjustment portion, and a position of a sheet discharge portion which discharges the sheet having an image formed thereon, with respect to the internal unit is adjusted by a second adjustment portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an adjusting mechanism that adjusts an interval between an LED head writing an optical image on a photoreceptor and a photoreceptor drum to a reference interval (A), and the adjusting mechanism includes a regulating member attached to the LED head. In the adjustment of the interval between the LED head and the photoreceptor drum, the LED head and the regulating member are integrally moved until the regulating member comes into contact with the photoreceptor drum. The interval between the LED head and the photoreceptor drum is (A-B) at this point. The LED head and the regulating member are moved in the direction opposite to the photoreceptor drum by a distance (B). As a result, the interval between the LED head and the photoreceptor drum is set to the reference interval (A).

Abstract: A safe and space-saving image formation device that reduces, with a simpler configuration, generation of abnormal images by blockage, skewing, etc. by the document image reading device, that has an interior of the internal paper ejection unit with a larger space, has satisfactory operability for removing the recording medium, has improved maintenance characteristics, for example, unit replacement and adjustment, and/or that has improved external product quality.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a openable/closable conveyance cover enabling exposure of a recording paper conveyance path on which recording paper is conveyed, on a top of a printer part carrying out recording on the recording paper, and has a conveyance cover lock part configured to fix a state in which the conveyance cover is opened, when recording paper jam occurs.

Abstract: A roller spacing apparatus and an image forming device including the same. The roller spacing apparatus includes a first roller member that is rotatable, a second roller member that is rotatable in a close contact with the first roller member under a predetermined pressure, and at least one spacing part to space apart the first and the second roller members from each other by a predetermined gap such that the first and the second roller members are not in contact with each other when the first and the second roller members are not in use. The spacing part includes a bushing member that has a bushing to rotatably support a shaft of at least one of the first and the second roller members and a lever disposed at the bushing to rotate the bushing, the bushing having an inner diameter part to support the shaft and an outer diameter part, the inner and outer diameter parts being non-concentric circles, and a stopping member to restrict an operation range of the lever.

Abstract: An image processing device is disclosed which is easily used by a physically handicapped person who uses a wheelchair. The image processing device includes an operation unit that displays the operational input and the processing state thereof when image processing is being executed. The operation unit is approximately rectangular in shape, and one end in the lengthwise direction thereof is fixed to a shaft 11 that freely rotates.

Abstract: A side wall surface of a carriage is disclosed with two first projection parts and a second projection part that define the inclination of a reflective optical sensor in its vertical direction. The two first projection parts are arranged at the same height position with a detection surface as a reference, and the second projection part is arranged at a position higher than the first projection parts with the detection surface as the reference. The second projection part has a first part higher in position from the side wall surface of the carriage than the first projection parts and has a second part lower in position than the first part. The second part has a screw hole into which a clamping member for fixing the reflective optical sensor to the second part is tightened.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an outer case which includes a first opening portion and a second opening portion provided just below the first opening portion, a withdrawable part which is received in the inside of the first opening portion so as to be withdrawn from the first opening portion in a horizontal direction, a cover which closes the second opening portion, a rotary shaft supports the cover so as to be rotatable from a first position where the cover closes the outer case to a second position where the cover opens the outer case, and a position adjusting mechanism which moves up the cover so as to be close to the withdrawable part at the first position and moves down the cover so as to be away from the withdrawable part at the second position.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an upper unit rotates about a first shaft provided in an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet with respect to the image forming device. A slide portion is provided on the upper unit to slide in a forward direction toward a side of the image forming device in which the first shaft is provided and a backward direction opposite to the forward direction. The forward direction and the backward direction are perpendicular to an axial direction of the first shaft. A force applier applies a force to the upper unit in an open direction in which the upper unit is opened with respect to the image forming device. A force adjuster decreases the force applied by the force applier to the upper unit as the slide portion slides with respect to the upper unit in the forward direction.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on the drum while in contact with the drum, a drum unit supporting the drum, a developing unit supporting the developing roller and movable with the drum unit between contact and spaced apart positions in which the developing roller and the drum contact or are spaced from each other, a drum driving force receiving portion, a movable member to move the developing unit between the contact position and the spaced position, and a movable member driving force receiving portion provided for receiving, from the main assembly, a movable member driving force for moving the movable member when the process cartridge is mounted in the main assembly.

Abstract: A multi-function peripheral includes an image forming unit having an image forming device, and an image reading unit having an image reading device and located above the image forming unit. The image forming device forms an image on a recording sheet with moving a carriage reciprocally in a predetermined horizontal direction. The image reading device reads an image of an object by moving an image capturing element in the predetermined horizontal direction when the image forming unit operates. Spring elements are provided between the image forming unit and the image reading unit to apply an urging force therebetween in a direction parallel to the predetermined horizontal direction. The spring elements satisfy the following condition: f f n > 2 , where, f and fn are characteristic frequencies of the image forming unit and the image reading unit, respectively, in the predetermined horizontal direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main frame; a developing unit, the developing unit including a photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image on an outer surface thereof, a developing roller installed at one side of the photosensitive drum to develop the formed electrostatic latent image, and a developer plate having a drum shaft support groove to support both ends of a photosensitive drum shaft supporting the photosensitive drum and a roller shaft support groove to support both ends of a developing roller shaft supporting the developing roller; and a gap regulating mechanism to vary a gap between the photosensitive drum and developing roller in response to attachment/detachment of the developing unit to/from the main frame. Such image forming apparatus can promote preventing a migration phenomenon that low molecular weight elements leak out from particles constituting the developing roller or photosensitive drum, or that the rollers are squeezed.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a fixing pressure of an image forming apparatus is provided. The apparatus for adjusting the fixing pressure includes a pair of pressing members to rotatably support an axis of a first roller from both ends and to rotate about a hinge shaft to cause the first roller to press against a second roller, a pair of hinge cams to move the hinge shaft of the pair of pressing members in either of two directions, a driving unit to rotate the pair of hinge cams, and a control unit to control the driving unit to adjust the position of the hinge shaft.

Abstract: A contact pressure setting method of setting a contact pressure between contact members of an image forming apparatus. A film member is inserted into a gap between the contact members and the contact pressure is set so that a pulling force to pull out the film member lies within a predetermined range. Thus, the contact pressure can be accurately and easily recognized and the contact pressure can be set to be uniform.

Abstract: A resiliently biased developing cartridge 12 adapted to be received within a drum cartridge 10 having a photosensitive drum 16 and a rear wall 54, the resiliently biased developing cartridge 12 having at least one resilient means 22 and a developer roller 20, such that, when the developing cartridge 12 is received within the drum cartridge 10, the compression of the at least one resilient means 22 against the rear wall 54 of the drum cartridge 10 results in the positioning of the developing cartridge 12 such that a predetermined pressure is applied by the developer roller 20 against the photosensitive drum 16.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a main body including a manipulating unit which manipulates the power transmission unit, a driving component having a driving assembling member which is disposed in a direction of a rotational driving axial line; a developing device which has a driven assembling member capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the driving assembling member along the direction of the rotational driving axial line; a power transmission unit which is disposed between the driving assembling member and the driven assembling member and enables at least one of the driving assembling and the driven assembling member is moveable in the direction of the rotational driving axial line.

Abstract: An image forming device capable of controlling a scanning unit and a method to control the scanning unit, the image forming device including a rate error calculator to calculate a rate error from a difference between a practical rotation rate and a target rate of a motor that drives the scanning unit, a position error calculator to calculate a position error from a difference between a current position and a target position of the motor, and a rate/position controller to output a control pulse to control a rate and a position of the motor by applying the rate error and the position error.

Abstract: A scanning module having an adjustable height includes a CIS module having two ends along a longitudinal direction each provided with a distance adjusting member. Thus, when the CIS module is scanning the reflective document and the transparency, the distance adjusting member may be adjusted to change the distance between the CIS module and the glass window for the to-be-scanned document to be placed on. Thus, under scanning of the CIS module, both of the reflective document and the transparency may obtain a clear image effect.

Abstract: A transfer belt device includes an endless transfer belt that is tightly stretched by a plurality of rollers and forms a transport path where a recording medium or a developer image is transported facing a monochrome image bearing member and a plurality of color image bearing members arranged in parallel along a fixed direction. In the apparatus, a first transfer unit having a first linking member in which a monochrome-image transfer member is supported that transfers a developer image formed on the monochrome image bearing member onto a recording medium or an outer peripheral surface of the belt, and a second transfer unit having a second linking member in which a plurality of color-image transfer members are supported that transfer developer images formed on the respective color image bearing members onto a recording medium or an outer peripheral surface of the belt, are linked via the first and second linking members.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a photoreceptor having an image carrying surface, first and second exposing devices to expose the image carrying surface to form first and second latent images, and first and second developing devices to develop the first and second latent images to form first and second toner images on the image carrying surface. The first exposing device has a light source which emits a light beam, a deflector which deflects the light beam on the image carrying surface to form a scanning line, a first optical system to focus the light beam, and a first adjustor which adjusts an alignment between the first optical system and the image carrying surface for correcting variation of lateral magnification in the primary scanning direction of the optical system so that the first toner image and the second toner image are superposed on a recording sheet.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus has light beam passing from the deflector directly to the image carrying surface. The light beam is not bent to the image carrying surface. The apparatus detects movement of optical system and it uses the detected movement to correct the inclination of the optical system.

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: An OPC unit exchanging apparatus of a printer includes an organic photo conductor (OPC) unit; a developing cartridge including a developing roller and contacting the OPC unit; a separating unit to separate the OPC unit and developing cartridge by a predetermined distance; a locking unit to settle the developing cartridge at the predetermined distance away from the OPC unit; an unlocking unit to unlock the developing cartridge locked by the locking unit; and a returning unit to return the developing cartridge so that the developing cartridge contacts the OPC unit.

Abstract: A roller spacing device roller mechanisms having rollers in close contact under a given pressure to separate first and second rollers by a constant distance to keep the rollers from touching when roller mechanisms are not used for a long period of time. The roller spacing device comprises a spacing member shiftably mounted between first and second positions on a shaft having a partial D-cut portion and associated with one of the roller members to be separated. The spacing member has a spacing nose overlapped in the second position with an outer circumferential surface of a driving gear connected to the other roller member to separate the first roller member from the second roller member by the constant distance; and a shifting unit shifting the spacing member between first and second positions on the shaft.

Abstract: In this invention, the relationship between the attachment position of a sensor and the formation positional shift of a color image is checked by moving a color misregistration detection sensor along an attachment position candidate line that is defined in advance in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of an endless-belt-shaped transfer body. A specific attachment position on the sensor attachment position candidate line, at which color misregistration of the color image at a side edge portion of the transfer body becomes equal to the maximum value of color misregistration at a portion except the side edge portion, is found. The sensor is fixed at a position that satisfies the specific attachment position and opposes the color image formation surface of the transfer body. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus is controlled to correct color overlay on the basis of the detection signal of the color image by the sensor.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed for a strap member in which the orientation of a surface of the strap member, such as a reflecting mirror, is adjustable. In particular, the strap member may be a cylindrical mirror for reflecting light beams to image carriers such as sensitized drums on which images are recorded in an optical reproductive scanning apparatus. The mounting mechanism allows the strap member to be readily fixed in position without causing positional changes of the strap member that would change the magnification and/or cause skew changes in scanning lines when the strap member is a cylindrical mirror in an optical scanning apparatus.

Abstract: A process unit for use in an image forming apparatus includes a drum section containing a photosensitive drum and a drum frame for rotatably supporting the drum, and a developing section containing a developing roller and a roller frame for rotatably supporting the roller. The drum frame and roller frame are coupled so that a mutual distance between the outer peripheral surfaces of the drum and roller is set in an adjustable manner. The process unit further includes an inter-axis distance regulation mechanism provided on one of the drum frame and roller frame in a movable manner by which the mechanism is movable between multiple stages, thereby adjusting the mutual distance in the multiple stages. The mechanism includes a rotation type regulation member which has a plurality of contact surface sites whose distances from a rotation center are different in a radial direction with respect to the rotation center.

Abstract: An automatic original feeding apparatus mounted on the main body of an image forming apparatus has an automatic original feeding apparatus main body, and rotary supporting device for openably and closably mounting the automatic original feeding apparatus main body and an opening and closing mechanism interposed between the main body of the image forming apparatus and the automatic original feeding apparatus main body and permitting the rotating operation of the automatic original feeding apparatus main body relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus. A plurality of biasing members biases the automatic original feeding apparatus main body to offset the rotational force by gravity, and at least one of the biasing members has an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a biasing force.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a photoreceptor having a image carrying surface, an exposing device to imagewise expose the image carrying surface to form a latent image, and a developing device to develop the latent image to form a toner image on the image carrying surface. The exposing device has a light source which emits a light beam, a deflector which deflects the light beam to form a scanning line with the light beam on the image carrying surface, a cylindrical lens between the deflector and the image carrying surface which focuses the light beam on the image carrying surface, and an adjusting mechanism which adjusts an inclination of the scanning line and adjusts variance in magnification of an image on the scanning line.

Abstract: To provide an exposing apparatus including a first fixing member which positions and fixes a vicinity of an exposing unit on a side of a photosensitive body, and a second fixing member which fixes a vicinity of an end of the exposing unit on a side opposite to a location fixed by the first fixing member for preventing the exposing unit from being inclined when positioning and fixing the exposing unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and to an apparatus for setting a metering gap in a developer station (1). The developer station (1) includes a magnetic drum (5) that comprises a preceding metering device for the acceptance of a developer mix (6) and for forming a uniformly distributed developer mix (6), whereby the metering gap (2) is formed between the magnetic drum (5) and the metering device and the metering device is formed by a metering profile (3). The metering profile (3) is adjustably held such at both axial ends by a respective eccentric (4) that a setting of the width of the metering gap (2) ensues by turning the respective eccentric (4). The eccentrics (4) are adjustable independently of one another.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printer/copier comprises a photoconductive drum assembly and an optical writer for projecting a rectilinear line of image information onto the drum's photoconductive surface. Both subsystems share the same pair of mechanical fiducials for precisely positioning these subsystems in the printer frame. According to the invention, the optical writer is movably mounted on the fiducials to adjust the skew of an image line projected onto the drum.

Abstract: A disposal cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus includes a sheet and a roller. An area of the sheet is at least equal to an area of the entire circumferential surface of the roller. The sheet is detachably bonded to an entire circumferential surface of the roller. The roller attracts toner and is detachably and rotatably mounted on the disposal cartridge.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the location of a rotatable mixer and rotatable transport mechanism within the development station housing of an electrographic reproduction apparatus development station. The development station includes a housing, a rotatable mixer assembly located in a developer material reservoir within the housing, a developer device for applying developer material to an electrostatic image to be developed, a rotatable transport mechanism for moving developer material from the reservoir to the developer device, and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable mixer, the rotatable transport mechanism, and the developer device. The adjustment mechanism describes a first locating device for adjustably positioning the drive mechanism relative to the reservoir of the development station housing, and a second locating device for adjustably positioning the rotatable mixer and the rotatable transport mechanism relative to the development station housing.

Abstract: A multi-functional fuser backup roll release mechanism and operating process are defined. In the event of a paper jam, the primary gear train from a prime mover to driven rolls of the imaging apparatus is interrupted, and a secondary drive train is engaged. The drive train operates a drive shaft, rotating a worm gear to control a cam and lever apparatus connected to springs and bellcranks at opposite ends of the backup roll. Upon the detection of a paper jam, or prolonged inactivity of the fuser, the nip between the fuser hot roll and backup roll is opened. During normal operation, the mechanism can be used to control the nip force between the fuser roll and the backup roll, to provide the optimal nip load for the media being processed, and the print glossiness desired.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a common mount member formed with a shaft support portion for supporting a shaft supporting an image carrier and a writing device support portion for supporting the writing device. The common mount portion is affixed to a stationary member. The image carrier and writing device are held in a preselected positional relation via the common mount member. Also, a positional relation between the image carrier and a developing device is set via the common mount member. The image carrier and members surrounding it can be accurately assembled and adjusted in position with ease.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for setting up spacing of a development station for a reproduction apparatus within a desired tolerance range such that marking particles from the development station properly develop electrostatic images. The adjustment mechanism includes a datum member and a cam having a locating post for the development station extending from the cam. The datum member includes, for example, a bracket in the reproduction apparatus, and at least one pin attached to the bracket. The cam is adjustably associated with the datum member so as to selectively position the locating post a predetermined distance from the datum member. The adjustable cam includes, for example, a member defining a plurality of spaced openings, the openings capable of receiving the at least one pin of the datum member so as to position the locating post dependent upon which opening the at least one pin is received within.

Abstract: A rotary developing device which facilitates a positional adjustment of developing units and prevents the developing units from being shifted even when they are used for a long period. Pins protruding from a revolver are inserted into elongated holes formed in developing units so that developing units are held in such a manner that the developing units are movable relative to the revolver. By mounting a spacer between the elongated hole and the pin, the positional adjustment of the photosensitive drum and the tracking roller is completed. Furthermore, a plurality of spacers which differ in thickness are prepared and by merely selectively mounting an appropriate spacer, the position adjustment of the tracking roller is completed.

Abstract: A device including a plurality of image-formation units stacked one over another, and a photosensitive body, provided in each of the image-formation units, which has an electrostatic image formed thereon. Also included is a development unit, provided in each of the image-formation units, which develops the electrostatic latent image with a liquid development agent to create a development-agent image on the photosensitive body. In addition, a sheet-conveyer/transfer unit is included which transfers the development-agent image formed by the image-formation units onto a sheet conveyed by the sheet-conveyed transfer unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a subunit. The subunit includes a non-volatile RAM which previously stores data items corresponding to ID information used in the manufacturing process of parts constructing the image forming apparatus, ID information of the main body of the image forming apparatus, history information of the parts used at the time of service operation and maintenance information. A support tool is connected to a communication I/F in the manufacturing process and at the time of service operation, and necessary information stored in the non-volatile RAM is read out in response to a readout instruction from the support tool and displayed on the display screen of the support tool. Data corresponding to ID information of the part incorporated in the manufacturing process and data corresponding to service information in the service operation are stored in a preset storage area of the non-volatile RAM.

Abstract: In order to set a position of a movable member in which a strip-like movable member which is disposed to be movable along a width direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the member is disposed so that one edge of the movable member along the longitudinal direction facing a defined line; and the strip-like movable member is positioned with respect to a fixing member under a condition where the one edge is parallel to the defined line to maintain a uniform protruding amount from the defined line is maintained, the one edge of the movable member is made coincident with the defined line; the movable member is temporily fixed to the fixing member by interposing a position setting jig according to the protruding amount between the movable member and the fixing member; and after cancelling the temporarily fixing step to remove the position setting jig, directly fixing the movable member to the stationary member.

Abstract: In an electrostatographic reproduction machine having a charged imaging member and an optics assembly for forming a properly registered latent image on the charged imaging member, a quick and precise optics assembly realignment tool mounted removably within the machine for realigning the optics assembly, after repair or remanufacture of such optics assembly. The realignment tool includes a generally rectangular frame having four sides forming four corners, and three non-adjustable position leg members, that are formed integrally with the frame at three of the four corners for initially locating and referencing the frame relative to a reference surface within the machine. The tool also includes one adjustable position leg member mounted slidably for adjustable movement at a fourth corner for initially compensating for any runout of the reference surface, so as to achieve a properly aligned optics assembly within the machine.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a photoconductive drum, a transfer apparatus and a position adjusting apparatus. The photoconductive drum has a photoconductive-drum-sided gear and a photoconductive-drum-sided positioning cylindrical surface at an outer peripheral portion. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer drum and a transfer drum supporting shaft for rotatably supporting the transfer drum. The transfer drum has a pair of drums each having a transfer-sided positioning cylindrical surface at an outer peripheral portion thereof; a drum coupling member for integrally coupling the pair of drums with each other under a predetermined separated distance; and a transfer-sided gear which is provided on an outer peripheral of one of the pair of drums which has both the transfer-sided gear and the transfer-sided positioning cylindrical surface being integrally formed by an amorphous thermoplastic resin.