Patent · US Expired

Color image forming apparatus

US5440373A · kind A · utility

38Cited by
8References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 12, 1994
Grant dateAug 8, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 12, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03G2221/1687
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An electrophotographic color image forming apparatus is disclosed which allows a photoconductive element and an intermediate transfer belt, which are expendables, to be removed from the body thereof at the same time. This promotes easy replacement, inspection and so forth of expendables. The photoconductive element and intermediate transfer belt can be replaced substantially at the same period, reducing the frequency of replacement of expendables. A cartridge including the photoconductive element can be replaced with a minimum of component parts wasted, thereby enhancing the cost performance of the apparatus. Moreover, when a cover hinged to the body of the apparatus is opened, various units can be removed one after another, a unit around which the greatest space is available being first.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.