Patent ID: 11886138
Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Field: Handling (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B  G | IPC B  G

Claim 11:
12. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
a main casing including an image forming unit and a discharge tray; and
an optional device configured to be removably attached to the main casing,
wherein the main casing includes:
a conveying path through which a sheet is conveyed from the image forming unit;
a discharge path through which the sheet is conveyed toward one of the discharge tray in a discharge direction and the optional device, the discharge path diverging from the conveying path; and
a return path including a first path through which the sheet is conveyed temporarily out of the main casing via an opening formed in the main casing, and a second path through which the sheet is conveyed toward the image forming unit, the first path diverging from the conveying path, the second path diverging from the first path, and

wherein the optional device is disposed downstream to the opening in the discharge direction; and
wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises:
a cover configured, when the optional device is removed from the main casing, to selectively change between a first state in which the cover covers the opening and a second state in which the cover uncovers the opening and the optional device is attachable; and
a pivot shaft that supports the cover to allow the cover to pivotally move between the first state and the second state, and

wherein the cover in the first state defines a guide surface configured to guide the sheet conveyed through the first path to a position above the discharge tray.