Multi-color electrophotographic printer having multiple image forming units for creating multiple toner images in registry
US5612771A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0116
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multi-color electrophotographic apparatus is provided which includes a casing having an access cover, an image transfer belt unit for transferring a multi-colored image formed thereon a recording sheet, and an image-forming assembly having a plurality of image-forming units. Each image-forming unit includes a photoconductor and a developer storing therein toner of a single different color for forming a different color toner image on each photoconductor. The image-forming assembly is arranged to be movable between operative and inoperative positions. The operative position is such that each image-forming unit lies at an image-forming station with the photoconductor thereof in engagement with an image transfer belt of the image transfer belt unit to transfer the toner image formed thereon in registration with one another to the image transfer belt for forming the multi-colored image. The inoperative position is such that all the photoconductors of the image-forming assembly are out of engagement with the image transfer belt for allowing an apparatus operator to unload the image transfer belt unit from the casing through the access cover without damaging each photoconductor due to r…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.