US 12,147,181 B2
Image forming apparatus
Hideshi Nishiyama, Owariasahi (JP); Yasuhiro Suzuki, Nagoya (JP); and Yusuke Ikegami, Nagoya (JP)
Assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Nagoya (JP)
Filed by BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Nagoya (JP)
Filed on Dec. 20, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/390,891.
Application 18/390,891 is a continuation of application No. 16/721,582, filed on Dec. 19, 2019, granted, now 11,886,138.
Claims priority of application No. 2018-238808 (JP), filed on Dec. 20, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2024/0255876 A1, Aug. 1, 2024
Int. Cl. B65H 29/14 (2006.01); B65H 29/58 (2006.01); G03G 15/00 (2006.01); G03G 15/23 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/231 (2013.01) [B65H 29/14 (2013.01); B65H 29/58 (2013.01); G03G 15/6529 (2013.01); G03G 15/6552 (2013.01); G03G 2215/00586 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising:
a main casing including an image forming unit and a discharge tray;
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
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, the cover in the first state and the second state being attached to the main casing; and
wherein the cover in the first state defines a guide surface configured to guide the sheet conveyed through the discharge path to a position above the discharge tray.