EP0240337A2 — Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper

Claim 1

Independent Claim 137 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a casing (17) having a paper insertion opening (19) and a paper discharge opening (20) which is adjacent the bottom of the casing; transport means (9, 10, 13) within the casing (17) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion opening (19) to the paper discharge opening (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), characterised in that the casing (17) has a height (H) which is greater than its depth (D), the paper insertion opening (19) being adjacent the top of the casing (17) and the paper discharge opening (20) being at the front of the casing (17).

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 137 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a casing (17) having a paper insertion opening (19) and a paper discharge opening (20) which is adjacent the bottom of the casing; transport means (9, 10, 13) within the casing (17) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion opening (19) to the paper discharge opening (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), characterised in that the casing (17) has a height (H) which is greater than its depth (D), the paper insertion opening (19) being adjacent the top of the casing (17) and the paper discharge opening (20) being at the front of the casing (17).

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the said depth (D) is not greater than 1.5 times the width of the paper insertion opening (19).

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the width (W) of the casing (17) is not greater than twice its depth (D).

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 16 words

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the apparatus is a desk-top apparatus.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 60 words

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the angle between the plane of the sheet of paper at any position on the paper transport path (21) and its plane at the paper insertion opening (19) does not exceed 90°, the sheet of paper being discharged from the paper discharge opening (20) with its printed surface facing downwardly.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 77 words

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the electrophotographic means (1-7, 11) comprises a photosensitive member (1), an optical signal generator (3) for irradiating the photosensitive member (1) with a light pattern in accordance with the image to be produced, a developing device (4) for developing a latent image on the photosensitive member (1), and a transfer device (5) for transferring the developed image from the photosensitive member (1) to the sheet of paper.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 30 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 characterised in that a fixing device (11) is provided for fixing on the sheet of paper the developed image which has been transferred thereto.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 47 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 characterised in that the optical signal output from the optical signal generator (3) enters the photosensitive member (1) at an angle not exceeding 60° to the horizontal line which passes through a central axis of the photosensitive member (1).

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 28 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6-8 characterised in that the developing device (4) is disposed above an optical signal incident portion of the photosensitive member (1).

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 90 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6-9 characterised in that the casing (17) has an immovable part (25); a movable part (23) which may be moved into and out of a closed position in which it is disposed alongside the immovable part (25) so as to close the casing (17), the paper transport path (21) being disposed between the immovable and movable parts (25,23); and the said photosensitive member (1), the said optical signal generator (3), and the said developing device (4) being disposed on the immovable part (25).

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 characterised in that the transfer device (5) is carried by the movable part (23).

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 characterised in that the transfer device (5) is carried by the immovable part (25).

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 40 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10-12 characterised in that the movable part (23) may be moved out of the said closed position by being pivoted around an axis (24) parallel to the axis of the photosensitive member (1).

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10-13 when dependent on claim 7 characterised in that the fixing device (11) is provided on the immovable part (25).

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10-13 when dependent upon claim 7 characterised in that the fixing device (11) is provided on the movable part (23).

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 66 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10-13 when dependent upon claim 7 characterised in that the fixing device (11) comprises a pair of rollers (11 a ) between which the paper transport path (21) extends, the construction being such that the nip pressure between the rollers (11 a ) is automatically cancelled when the movable part (23) is moved out of the said closed position.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 38 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10-16 characterised by storage means (8) for storing and supplying sheets of paper to said paper transport path (21), the said storage means (8) being disposed above the movable part (23).

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 32 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10-17 characterised in that at least a part of the paper transport path (21) is defined by an outer casing of the movable part (23).

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 63 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10-18 characterised in that the electrophotographic means (1-7,11) comprises a cartridge (22) which is provided with the photosensitive member (1), the cartridge (22) being disposed in front of a light-emitting device of the optical signal generator (3) when viewed in the direction in which the movable part (23) is moved out of the said closed position.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 49 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 characterised in that the construction is such that the cartridge (22) is unloaded from the apparatus in the direction in which the movable part (23) is moved out of the said closed position and is loaded into the apparatus in the opposite direction

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 41 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 20 characterised in that the cartridge (22) carries a charging device (2) for charging a portion of the photosensitive member (1) and a cleaning device (6) for cleaning toner from the photosensitive member (1).

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 20 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19-21 characterised in that the cartridge (22) carries the said transfer device (5).

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 19 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 characterised in that the transfer device (5) is detachable from the cartridge (22).

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 53 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or 23 characterised in that the transfer device (5) is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the cartridge (22) so that it can be moved pivotally about said end in a direction in which the movable part (23) is moved out of the said closed position.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 29 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or 23 characterised in that the opposite ends of the transfer device (5) are pivotally connected to and supported by the cartridge (22).

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 61 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or in any claim appendent thereto characterised in that the cleaning device (6) has a waste toner receptacle (50), the cleaning device (6) having a flat bottom surface or at least three projections on its bottom surface which define a ground plane, the centre of gravity of the cartridge (22) being within the ground plane.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 47 words

Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19-26 characterised in that the cartridge (22) is provided with a handle (26) by means of which the cartridge (22) may be maintained in the same posture while being loaded into and out of the apparatus and while being transported.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 94 words

Apparatus as claimed in claim 27 characterised in that the cleaning device (6) is arranged to be supported in the cartridge (22) by said handle (26) in such a way that a first straight line which intersects the handle (26) and the centre of gravity of the cartridge (22) when there is no waste toner in said receptacle (50) is disposed adjacent a second straight line which intersects the said handle (26) and the centre of gravity of the cartridge (22) when there is a substantial quantity of toner in the said receptacle (50).

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 44 words

Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the lower front part of the casing (17) has a tray portion (18) which may be moved into and out of a position in which it is arranged to receive printed sheets of paper.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 129 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a paper insertion region (19); a paper discharge region (20); transport means (9, 10, 13) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion region (19) to the paper discharge region (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), characterised in that the angle between the plane of the sheet of paper at any position on the paper transport path (21) and its plane at the paper insertion region (19) does not exceed 90°, the sheet of paper being discharged from the paper discharge region (20) with its printed surface facing downwardly.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 129 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a paper insertion region (19); a paper discharge region (20); transport means (9, 10, 13) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion region (19) to the paper discharge region (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), characterised in that the angle between the plane of the sheet of paper at any position on the paper transport path (21) and its plane at the paper insertion region (19) does not exceed 90°, the sheet of paper being discharged from the paper discharge region (20) with its printed surface facing downwardly.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 234 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a casing (17) having a paper insertion opening (19) and a paper discharge opening (20); transport means (9, 10, 13) within the casing (17) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion opening (19) to the paper discharge opening (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), the electrophotographic means (1-7, 11) comprising a photosensitive member (1), an optical signal generator (3) for irradiating the photosensitive member (1) with a light pattern in accordance with the image to be produced, a developing device (4) for developing a latent image on the photosensitive member (1), and a transfer device (5) for transferring the developed image from the photosensitive member (1) to the sheet of paper, characterised in that the casing (17) has an immovable part (25); a movable part (23) which may be moved into and out of a closed position in which it is disposed alongside the immovable part (25) so as to close the casing (17), the paper transport path (21) being disposed between the immovable and movable parts (25,23); and a detachable cartridge (22) which is carried by the immovable part (25) and which is provided at least with the said photosensitive member (1).

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 234 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a casing (17) having a paper insertion opening (19) and a paper discharge opening (20); transport means (9, 10, 13) within the casing (17) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion opening (19) to the paper discharge opening (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), the electrophotographic means (1-7, 11) comprising a photosensitive member (1), an optical signal generator (3) for irradiating the photosensitive member (1) with a light pattern in accordance with the image to be produced, a developing device (4) for developing a latent image on the photosensitive member (1), and a transfer device (5) for transferring the developed image from the photosensitive member (1) to the sheet of paper, characterised in that the casing (17) has an immovable part (25); a movable part (23) which may be moved into and out of a closed position in which it is disposed alongside the immovable part (25) so as to close the casing (17), the paper transport path (21) being disposed between the immovable and movable parts (25,23); and a detachable cartridge (22) which is carried by the immovable part (25) and which is provided at least with the said photosensitive member (1).

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 173 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a casing (17) having a paper insertion opening (19) and a paper discharge opening (20); transport means (9, 10, 13) within the casing (17) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion opening (19) to the paper discharge opening (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), the electrophotographic means (1-7, 11) comprising a photosensitive member (1), an optical signal generator (3) for irradiating the photosensitive member (1) with a light pattern in accordance with the image to be produced, a developing device (4) for developing a latent image on the photosensitive member (1), and a transfer device (5) for transferring the developed image from the photosensitive member (1) to the sheet of paper characterised in that the developing device (4) is disposed above an exposure portion of the surface of the photosensitive member (1).

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 173 words

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper comprising a casing (17) having a paper insertion opening (19) and a paper discharge opening (20); transport means (9, 10, 13) within the casing (17) for causing the sheet of paper to be transported along a paper transport path (21) from the paper insertion opening (19) to the paper discharge opening (20); and electrophotographic means (1-7,11) for imparting the image to the sheet of paper while the latter is on the paper transport path (21), the electrophotographic means (1-7, 11) comprising a photosensitive member (1), an optical signal generator (3) for irradiating the photosensitive member (1) with a light pattern in accordance with the image to be produced, a developing device (4) for developing a latent image on the photosensitive member (1), and a transfer device (5) for transferring the developed image from the photosensitive member (1) to the sheet of paper characterised in that the developing device (4) is disposed above an exposure portion of the surface of the photosensitive member (1).

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 69 words

An image forming apparatus comprising a combination of electrophotographic means (1-7,11) and an optical signal generator (3) characterised in that the apparatus has an outer configuration having a relatively small bottom area and a relatively large height (H), wherein an unprinted sheet of paper may be inserted from the upper side of said apparatus and the printed sheet of paper may be discharged from the lower front side thereof.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 69 words

An image forming apparatus comprising a combination of electrophotographic means (1-7,11) and an optical signal generator (3) characterised in that the apparatus has an outer configuration having a relatively small bottom area and a relatively large height (H), wherein an unprinted sheet of paper may be inserted from the upper side of said apparatus and the printed sheet of paper may be discharged from the lower front side thereof.

Apparatus for forming an image on a sheet of paper

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