Patent ID: 6308026
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus comprising:an image output module made of an independent structure including at least an image forming and transferring unit to form a toner image corresponding to image information and to transfer it to a recording sheet, a fixing unit to fix the toner image transferred to the recording sheet by the image forming and transferring unit, and a sheet conveying passage to convey the recording sheet to cause it to pass through the image forming and transferring unit and the fixing unit;a sheet supply module made of an independent structure including at least a sheet accommodation unit to accommodate the recording sheet to be supplied to the image output module, and a sheet sending passage to send out the recording sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodation unit to the image output module; anda sheet discharge module made of an independent structure including at least a sheet discharge passage to convey the recording sheet after having passed through the fixing unit of the image output module and to discharge it to an outside of the apparatus,wherein the sheet supply module is connected and disposed at one of both sides of the image output module, the sheet discharge module is connected and disposed at the other, and the modules are used in an integrated state; andan electrical-related module made of an independent structure including at least a power supply part and an electronic equipment and being connected and disposed at a rear side of the sheet supply module, and an environment conservation module made of an independent structure including at least a suction-collection unit to suck and collect an unnecessary substance produced in the apparatus and being connected and disposed at a rear side of the image output module.