Image forming apparatus using installable process cartridge, method of positioning process cartridge, and process cartridge itself
US7136610B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G15/01
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus of image forming include a process cartridge detachably mounted therein. The process cartridge includes a photoconductive element and a housing storing the photoconductive element and including a guide portion guiding the process cartridge. The guide portion faces an inner wall of the image forming apparatus or another process cartridge adjoining thereto and guides the adjoining process cartridge. The guide portion slidably engages with a portion of the process adjoining cartridge. The guide portion varies in shape according to its position in the image forming apparatus. The guide portion may be separately formed from or integrated with the housing. A method and apparatus of an image forming includes an image transfer mechanism and a plurality of process cartridges arranged in parallel. Each of the process cartridges includes photoconductive elements and a housing, and forms an image for a single separated color.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.