Electrophotographic type image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus employing a face-down delivery system in which the plane of the recording medium at any position relative to any other position assumed by the recording medium beginning with a stacking tray and ending with a delivery tray does not exceed 90°. The apparatus includes a detachable cartridge which includes a photosensitive member, a charging device and a cleaning device. In one preferred embodiment, register rollers and fixing rollers are positioned relative to each other such that a substantially zero angular deviation exists in the path traveled by the recording medium between these two pairs of rollers.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium .Iadd.which is delivered with the image face down.Iaddend., comprising: means for inserting into the apparatus the recording medium onto which the image is formed;   tray means for supporting the recording medium after the image has been formed on the recording medium;   means for discharging the recording medium into said tray means with the image formed on the recording medium facing the tray means; .[.and.].   a path for transporting the recording medium from the means for inserting to the tray means .Iadd.with the image face down.Iaddend.;   door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including the path, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   support means for supporting the apparatus and positioned below the path;   wherein the path for transporting the recording medium forms an angle of 90° or less between the .Iadd.plane of the path at the .Iaddend.means for inserting and the .Iadd.plane of the path at the .Iaddend.tray means.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus as in claim 1, further including first rollers for advancing said recording medium along said path and second rollers for fixing the image on said recording medium; said first rollers and second rollers disposed within said apparatus such that substantially zero angular deviation exists in the path between said first rollers and said second rollers. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus as in claim 2, further including a photosensitive member having a central axis and an optical signal generator; said generator producing an optical signal which strikes said photosensitive member within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through said central axis and which is normal to said path for transporting the recording medium. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus as in claim 3, further including a developing device containing toner and which includes sleeve means for transporting the toner to said photosensitive member; said sleeve means located between 10° to 90° from said line. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said developing device is positioned above said optical signal generator. 
     
     
       6. .[.The apparatus of claim 1, further including.]. .Iadd.An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: means for inserting into the apparatus the recording medium onto which the image is formed;   tray means for supporting the recording medium after the image has been formed on the recording medium;   means for discharging the recording medium into said tray means with the image formed on the recording medium facing the tray means;   a path for transporting the recording medium from the means for inserting to the tray means; and .Iaddend.   a housing having an interior and a door .Iadd.which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity .Iaddend.for preventing or permitting entry into the interior of said housing; and wherein upon closing the door said path runs between the door and housing;   .Iadd.wherein the path for transporting the recording medium forms an angle of 90° or less between the plane of the path at the means for inserting and the plane of the path at the tray means. .Iaddend.   
     
     
       7. The apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said means for inserting is located near the top of said housing and said means for discharging is located at the bottom of said door. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus as in claim 6, further including a photosensitive member, an optical signal generator, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device and a charging device operatively mounted within said housing. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus as in claim 6, further including a photosensitive member, an optical signal generator, a developing device, a cleaning device and a charging device disposed within said housing and a transfer device operatively mounted to the interior side of said door. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus as in claim 6, further including a photosensitive member having a central axis and wherein said door is pivotally mounted about an axis located at the bottom thereof and which is parallel to said central axis. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus as in claim 6, further including a fixing device for fixing the image on said recording medium and is disposed within said housing. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus as in claim 6, further including a fixing device mounted on said door for fixing the image on said recording medium. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus as in claim 6, further including a fixing device for fixing the image on said recording medium, said fixing device comprising a pair of rollers whose NIP pressure is cancelled when said door is open. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus as in claim 6, further including a detachable cartridge which can be removed from and attached to the interior of said housing; said cartridge comprising a photosensitive member, a charging device and a cleaning device. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said cartridge further includes a transfer device. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus as in claim 15, wherein said transfer device is pivotally connected to said cartridge. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus as in claim 15, wherein said transfer device is detachable from said cartridge. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus as in claim 14, further including a developing device which contains toner and wherein said cleaning device is operable for collecting toner waste. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said cleaning device includes either a flat bottom surface or at least three projections which define a plane wherein the center of gravity of said cleaning device is perpendicular to said flat bottom surface or said plane. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus as in claim 19, wherein said cartridge further comprises a handle which is tilted at one of a plurality of predetermined angles relative to said flat bottom surface or plane and which facilitates removal of said cartridge from said housing or insertion thereinto while maintaining said flat bottom surface or plane level. 
     
     
       21. The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the tilt of said handle is based on an angle of not greater than approximately 10° formed by lines drawn between said handle and the center of gravity prior to and after collection of said toner by said cleaning device. 
     
     
       22. The apparatus as in claim 6, further comprising a stacking tray for storing said recording medium prior to being received by said means for inserting and a delivery tray for receiving said recording medium from said means for discharging. 
     
     
       23. The apparatus as in claim 22, wherein said delivery tray is pivotably connected to said apparatus whereby the distal end of said delivery tray can be rotated toward said apparatus. 
     
     
       24. The apparatus as in claim 22, wherein said stacking tray and said delivery tray are positioned relative to said path and to each other such that the plane of said recording medium at any position relative to any other position it assumes beginning with said stacking tray and ending with said delivery tray does not exceed 90°. 
     
     
       25. A method of forming an image on a recording medium comprising the steps of: inserting the recording medium into a first opening of an apparatus .Iadd.having a housing with a door to provide access to the interior of the housing with the door opening so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; .Iaddend.   discharging the recording medium from a second opening of the apparatus into a tray with the image formed on the recording medium facing the tray; and   feeding the recording medium along a path .[.which.]. .Iadd.so that the plane of the path .Iaddend.forms an angle of 90° or less .[.from.]. .Iadd.between the plane of the path at .Iaddend.the first opening .[.to.]. .Iadd.and the plane of the path at .Iaddend.the tray.   
     
     
       26. The method as in claim 25, further including the step of feeding the recording medium along a path having substantially zero angular deviation between first rollers which advance said recording medium and second rollers which fix the image on said recording medium. 
     
     
       27. The method as in claim 26, further including the step of producing from an optical signal generator an optical signal which strikes a photosensitive member of the apparatus within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through a central axis of the photosensitive member and which is normal to said path for transporting the recording medium. 
     
     
       28. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium comprising: .Iadd.door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; .Iaddend.   means for inserting into the apparatus the recording medium onto which the image is formed;   tray means for supporting the recording medium after the image has been formed on the recording medium;   means for discharging the recording medium into the tray means with the image formed on the recording medium facing the tray means;   a path for transporting the recording medium from the means for inserting to the tray means .Iadd.and .Iaddend.which forms an angle of 90° or less between the .Iadd.plane of the path at the .Iaddend.means for inserting and the .Iadd.plane of the path at the .Iaddend.tray means;   first rollers for advancing said recording medium; .[.and.].   second rollers for fixing the image on said recording medium; .Iadd.and   support means for supporting the apparatus and positioned below the path; .Iaddend.   wherein said first rollers and second rollers are disposed within said apparatus such that an angular deviation of less than 80° exists .[.in.]. .Iadd.between .Iaddend.the .Iadd.plane of the .Iaddend.path .[.betWeen.]. .Iadd.through .Iaddend.said first rollers and .Iadd.the plane of the path through .Iaddend.said second rollers.   
     
     
       29. The apparatus as in claim 28, wherein said first rollers and said second rollers are disposed within said apparatus such that substantially zero angular deviation exists in the path between said first rollers and said second rollers. 
     
     
       30. The apparatus as in claim 29, further including a photosensitive member having a central axis and an optical signal generator; said generator producing an optical signal which strikes said photosensitive member within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through said central axis and which is normal to said path for transporting the recording medium; a developing device containing toner and which includes sleeve means for transporting the toner to said photosensitive member wherein said sleeve means are located between 10°-90° above said line; a housing having an interior and a door for preventing or permitting entry into the interior of said housing wherein upon closing the door said path runs between the door and housing and wherein said means for inserting is located at the top of said housing and said means for discharging is located at the bottom of said door; and a detachable cartridge which can be removed from and attached to the interior of said housing and which comprises said photosensitive member, a charging device and a cleaning device. .Iadd. 
     
     
       31.  An apparatus for producing a recording medium with an image formed thereon delivered with the image face down, comprising: means for forming the image on the recording medium;   transport means for transporting the recording medium through the apparatus after the image has been formed on the recording medium;   discharge means for discharging the recording medium with the image formed thereon into tray means;   said tray means for receiving and supporting the discharged recording medium with the image formed on the recording medium facing the tray means;   a path for advancing the recording medium from the means for forming an image on the recording medium to the tray means; and   door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including the path, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   wherein the path forms an angle of 90° or less between the intersection of the plane of the path at the means for forming an image with the plane of the path at the tray means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       32.  The apparatus as in claim 31, further including a photosensitive member having a central axis and an optical signal generator; said generator producing an optical signal which strikes said photosensitive member within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through said central axis and which is substantially normal to at least a portion of said path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.33. The apparatus as in claim 32, further including a developing device containing toner and which includes sleeve means for transporting the toner to said photosensitive member; said sleeve means located between 10° to 90° from said line. 
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.34.  A method of producing a recording medium with an image formed thereon delivered with image face down comprising the steps of: forming the image on the recording medium within an apparatus having door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including a path for transporting the recording medium, the door means having a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   discharging the recording medium from an opening in the apparatus into a tray with the image formed on the recording medium facing the tray; and   advancing the recording medium along said path is 90° or less between the intersection of the plane of the path where the image is formed on the recording medium with the plane of the path at the tray.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.35.  The method as in claim 34, further including the step of producing from an optical signal generator an optical signal which strikes a photosensitive member of the apparatus within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through a central axis of the photosensitive member and which is normal to at least a portion of said 
     
     
        path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.36.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: transfer means for transferring the image onto the recording medium;   fixing means for fixing the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down wherein the transfer means and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path between the transfer means and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including the path, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   support means positioned below said path for supporting said apparatus. .Iaddend. .Iadd.37. An apparatus for forming an image as in claim 36, further comprising:   recording medium input means for inputting recording medium, wherein said door is located on the same side of the apparatus as for gaining access to the input means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.38. A method for producing a recording medium with an image formed thereon by an apparatus, comprising the steps of:   forming the image on the recording medium;   permanently fixing the image formed on the recording medium;   discharging the recording medium with the image formed thereon face down;   transporting the recording medium along a path between the locations at which the image is formed and permanently fixed on the recording medium; and   supporting the apparatus below the path, said apparatus including door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including the path, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   wherein the path is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.39.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: transfer means for initially forming an image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming an image on the recording medium;   a path for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus wherein the transfer means and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path between the transfer means and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member;   a developing device for supplying toner to said charged photosensitive member following said optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member;   a cleaning device operable for cleaning the toner disposed on the photosensitive member after initial formation of the image on the recording medium;   discharge means for discharging the recording medium with the formed image facing downwardly; and   the apparatus formed with a door for providing access to the interior of the apparatus, the door opening so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   wherein said charging device, optical signal generator, developing device, transfer means and cleaning device are disposed around the photosensitive member and the transfer means is disposed on one side of the photosensitive member such that the initial formation of the image on the recording medium occurs after the recording medium advances between said   
     
     
        photosensitive member and said transfer means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.40.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: transfer means for initially forming an image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming an image on the recording medium;   a path for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus wherein the transfer means and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path between the transfer means and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member;   a developing device for supplying toner to said charged photosensitive member following said optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member;   a cleaning device operable for cleaning the toner disposed on the photosensitive member after initial formation of the image on the recording medium;   discharge means for discharging the recording medium with the formed image facing downwardly; and   the apparatus formed in a door for providing access to the interior of the apparatus, the door opening so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   wherein said charging device, optical signal generator, developing device, transfer means and cleaning device are disposed around the photosensitive member; the transfer means is disposed on one side of the photosensitive member such that the initial formation of the image on the recording medium occurs after the recording medium advances between said photosensitive member and said transfer means; the optical signal generator is disposed facing the rear side of the photosensitive member; the transfer means is disposed facing the front side of the photosensitive member; the charging device and cleaning device are disposed facing the bottom of the photosensitive member and the developing device is disposed facing the top of the photosensitive member. .Iaddend. .Iadd.41. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising:   transfer means for initially forming an image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming an image on the recording medium;   a path for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus wherein the transfer means and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path between the transfer means and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member;   a developing device for supplying toner to said charged photosensitive member following said optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member;   a cleaning device operable for cleaning the toner disposed on the photosensitive member after initial formation of the image on the recording medium;   discharge means for discharging the recording medium with the formed image facing downwardly;   the apparatus adapted to receive a cartridge containing at least two of the photosensitive member, cleaning device and charging device; and   the apparatus formed with a door for providing access to the interior of the apparatus, the door opening so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   wherein said charging device, optical signal generator, developing device, transfer means and cleaning device are disposed around the photosensitive member and wherein the transfer means is disposed on one side of the photosensitive member such that the initial formation of the image on the recording medium occurs after the recording medium advances between said photosensitive member and said transfer means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.42. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising:   a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   a generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representative of the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to said charged photosensitive member following said optical signal striking the photosensitive member, said toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium;   delivery means for discharging the recording medium with the image formed thereon facing in a downwardly direction;   a path for transporting the recording medium from the transfer device through discharge by the delivery means;   support means positioned below said path for supporting said apparatus; and   door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including the path, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels in a plane generally upwardly and downwardly which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   wherein the transfer device and photosensitive member each have a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the transfer device positioned above the bottom portion of the photosensitive member and wherein the intersection of the plane of the path at the transfer device with the plane of the path at the delivery means forms an angle of less than 90°. .Iaddend.   
     
     
        .Iadd.43.  The apparatus as in claim 42, wherein the photosensitive member has a central axis and the optical signal strikes the photosensitive member within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through said central axis and which is substantially normal to that portion of the path near the transfer device. .Iaddend. .Iadd.44. The apparatus as in claim 43, wherein the developing device includes a sleeve means for transporting the toner to said photosensitive member; said sleeve means located between 10° to 90° from said line. 
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.45.  The apparatus as in claim 44, wherein said developing device is positioned above said generator. .Iaddend. .Iadd.46. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   a generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representative of the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to said charged photosensitive member following said optical signal striking the photosensitive member, said toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium;   delivery means for discharging the recording medium with the image formed thereon facing in a downwardly direction;   a path for transporting the recording medium from the transfer device through discharge by the delivery means;   support means positioned below said path for supporting said apparatus;   door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including the path, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a cleaning device operable for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive member following transfer of toner to the recording medium; and   a cartridge containing at least two of the photosensitive member, the charging device and the cleaning device;   wherein the transfer device and photosensitive member each have a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the transfer device positioned above the bottom portion of the photosensitive member and wherein the intersection of the plane of the path at the transfer device with the plane of the path at the delivery means forms an angle of less than 90°. .Iaddend.   
     
     
        .Iadd.47.  The apparatus as in claim 46, wherein the photosensitive member has a central axis and the optical signal strikes the photosensitive member within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through said central axis and which is substantially normal to that portion of the path near the transfer device. .Iaddend. .Iadd.48. The apparatus as in claim 47, wherein the developing device includes a sleeve means for transporting the toner to said photosensitive member; said sleeve means located between 10° to 90° from said line. .Iaddend. .Iadd.49. The apparatus as in claim 48 wherein said developing device is positioned above said generator. .Iaddend. .Iadd.50. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   insertion means for insertion of the recording medium into the apparatus and disposed above the photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   a generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representative of the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to said charged photosensitive member following said optical signal striking the photosensitive member, said toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring the toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium;   delivery means for discharging the recording medium with the image formed thereon facing in a downwardly direction and disposed below the photosensitive member;   a path for transporting the recording medium from the transfer device through discharge by the delivery means;   support means positioned below said path for supporting said apparatus;   door means for providing access to the interior of the apparatus including the path, the door means including a door which opens so that at least a portion of the door travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a cleaning device operable for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive member following transfer of toner to the recording medium; and   tray means for receiving and supporting the discharged recording medium from the delivery means;   wherein the transfer device and photosensitive member each have a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the transfer device positioned above the bottom portion of the photosensitive member and wherein the intersection of the plane of the path at the transfer device with the plane of the path at the delivery means forms an angle of less than 90°. .Iaddend.   
     
     
        .Iadd.51.  The apparatus as in claim 50, wherein the photosensitive member has a central axis and the optical signal strikes the photosensitive member within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through said central axis and which is substantially normal to that portion of the path near the transfer device. .Iaddend. .Iadd.52. The apparatus as in claim 51, wherein the developing device includes sleeve means for transporting the toner to said photosensitive member; said sleeve means located between 10° to 90° from said line. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53. The apparatus as in claim 52, wherein said developing device is positioned above said generator. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the tray means is disposed below the photosensitive member. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representing the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down which includes advancing the recording medium between the transfer device and photosensitive member wherein the transfer device and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path means between the transfer device and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said movable portion being displaceable so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, wherein said path means extends between said movable portion and said stationary portion and wherein said photosensitive member, optical signal generator, developing device, cleaning device and charging device are disposed within   
     
     
        said stationary portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representing the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium face down;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed, thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus which includes advancing the recording medium between the transfer device and photosensitive member and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down wherein the transfer device and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path means between the transfer device and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said movable portion being displaceable so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, said path extending between said movable portion and said stationary portion and wherein the transfer device is mounted to said movable portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising:   a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representing the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium face down;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming the image on the recording medium face down;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus which includes advancing the recording medium between the transfer device and photosensitive member and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down wherein the transfer device and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path means between the transfer device and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said movable portion being displaceable so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, said path means extending between said movable portion and said stationary portion and wherein the fixing means is mounted to said movable portion. .Iaddend.   
     
     
        .Iadd.58.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representing the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus which includes advancing the recording medium between the transfer device and photosensitive member and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down;   the path means for advancing the recording medium in a direction between the transfer device and fixing means which is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said movable portion being displaceable so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, said path means extending between said movable portion and said stationary portion and wherein the fixing means is mounted to said stationary portion.   
     
     
        .Iaddend. .Iadd.59.  The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the transfer device and photosensitive member each has a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the transfer device positioned above the bottom portion of the photosensitive member. .Iaddend. .Iadd.60. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representing the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member face down;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium face down;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus which includes advancing the recording medium between the transfer device and photosensitive member and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down wherein the transfer device and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path means between the transfer device and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said path means extending between said movable portion and aid stationary portion, the movable portion being displaceable so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity; and   a damper mechanism for preventing the movable portion from falling downwardly at a rapid rate as the movable portion is separated from the   
     
     
        stationary portion. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representing the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus which includes advancing the recording medium between the transfer device and photosensitive member and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down wherein the transfer device and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path means between the transfer device and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said movable portion being displaceable so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, said path means extending between said movable portion and said stationary portion; and   cartridge means for storing at least two of the photosensitive member, the   
     
     
        cleaning device and the charging device. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member, said signal representing the image;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium whereby the image is formed on the recording medium;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium;   fixing means for permanently forming the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for transporting the recording medium within the apparatus which includes advancing the recording medium between the transfer device and photosensitive member and for delivery to the tray means with the image face down wherein the transfer device and fixing means are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path means between the transfer device and fixing means is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said movable portion being displaceable so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, said path means extending between said movable portion and said stationary portion; and   cartridge means for storing at least two of the photosensitive member, the cleaning device and the charging device;   wherein the cartridge means is disposed in the stationary portion of the   
     
     
        housing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.63.  An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down, comprising: a photosensitive member;   a charging device for charging the photosensitive member;   an optical signal generator operable for producing an optical signal for striking the charged photosensitive member;   a developing device for supplying toner to the charged photosensitive member following the optical signal striking the charged photosensitive member;   a transfer device for transferring the image onto the recording medium;   a fixing device for fixing the image on the recording medium;   tray means for receiving the recording medium with the image face down after the image has been formed thereon;   path means for delivering the recording medium to the tray means with the image face down wherein the transfer device and fixing device are disposed within the apparatus so that the direction of the path means between the transfer device and fixing device is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity;   a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after initial formation of the image on the recording medium; and   a housing which includes a movable portion and a stationary portion, said photosensitive member, optical signal generator, developing device, cleaning device and charging device mounted within said stationary portion and wherein said movable portion includes pivot means for pivoting said movable portion thereof in generally downwardly and upwardly directions with a portion thereof moving in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. .Iaddend. .Iadd.64. The apparatus as in claim 55, wherein the photosensitive member has a central axis and the signal generator strikes said photosensitive member within a 60° range centered about a line which extends through said central axis and which is substantially normal to at least a portion of a path for transporting the recording medium through the apparatus. .Iaddend. .Iadd.65. The apparatus as in claim 55, wherein the developing device includes sleeve means for transporting the toner to said photosensitive member; said sleeve means located between 10° to 90° from said line. .Iaddend. .Iadd.66. An apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium which is delivered with the image face down comprising: inserting means for inserting the recording medium into the apparatus, discharging means for discharging said recording medium from the apparatus, transport means for causing the recording medium to be transported along a transport path within the apparatus from said inserting means so as to be discharged therefrom face down at said discharging means; an electrophotographic image forming means including an optical signal generator for producing a signal, a transfer device adjacent said transport path for transferring the image to said recording medium; a fixing device adjacent the transport path for fixing the image on the recording medium and a housing having a top and a plurality of sides being formed with at least two openings therethrough, said housing including a movable portion and a stationary portion, said movable portion being displaceable between open and closed positions so that at least a portion thereof travels generally upwardly and downwardly in a plane which is in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, said optical signal generator, transfer device and fixing device being disposed in the stationary portion of said housing, said movable portion of said housing, when displaced to its open position, permitting access to the interior of said housing and to said transport path, said inserting means inserting the recording medium into the apparatus through a first of said openings in said housing; said discharging means for discharging said recording medium from the apparatus through a second of said openings in said housing; said first and second of said openings and said movable portion of said housing all being located at the top and one side of said housing, whereby user access during normal use of said apparatus to said inserting means, said discharging means and said movable portion of said housing, and therefore to the interior of said housing and to at least said portion of said transport path, is available at said top and one side of said housing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.67. The apparatus as in claim 66, wherein said electrophotographic image forming means further includes a photosensitive member, a charging device for charging the photosensitive member, a developing device for applying toner to the charged photosensitive member, the toner being deposited on the photosensitive member based on the charging of the photosensitive member and a cleaning device for cleaning toner disposed on the photosensitive member after formation of the image on the recording medium, said optical signal generator producing an optical signal representing the image for striking the charged photosensitive member, said transfer device transferring toner deposited on the photosensitive member to the recording medium; said photosensitive member, said charging device, said developing device and said cleaning device being disposed in the stationary portion of said housing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.68. The apparatus as in claim 66, wherein said electrophotographic image forming means further includes a photosensitive member rotatable about an axis, said movable portion of said housing being pivotably mounted to said stationary portion for pivoting about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said photosensitive member. .Iaddend.