An image forming apparatus includes a main body device; a detachable unit that is attached to the main body device to perform an image formation on a medium, and is detachable with respect to the main body device; an operation part that allows the detachable unit to be detached from the main body device; and a lock part that locks the operation part in a first state at which the detachable unit is not at an image forming state to perform the image formation, and releases the lock of the operation part in a second state at which the detachable unit is at the image forming state.

Provided is a hinge that can prevent a defect, a failure, or the like with greater certainty, and enables inspection and repair work to be efficiently carried out. A hinge comprises a first wing member that is connected to a first connection object and a second wing member that is connected to a second connection object. The hinge rotatably connects the second connection object to the first connection object. The hinge comprises a sensor that detects a change inside the hinge or in a prescribed external environment change in the external environment detected by the sensor to the outside via a sensor that detects a prescribed component constituting an odor, a gas sensor that detects a prescribed gas, a dust sensor that detects the amount of dust, and a illumination sensor that detects brightness.

A recording apparatus includes a lower unit having a recording section configured to perform recording on a medium, and an upper unit disposed on the lower unit, the upper unit including a reading section configured to read an image of the document, in which the lower unit includes a medium discharge section configured to discharge the medium toward the rear of the apparatus, and a medium receiving section disposed on the apparatus rear side with respect to the medium discharge section, the medium receiving section being configured to receive the medium discharged, and the upper unit is shorter than the lower unit in the apparatus front-rear direction and the upper unit is closer to the apparatus front with respect to the lower unit such that an end portion of the medium receiving section in the medium discharging direction is exposed at the rear of the upper unit.

An image forming apparatus includes: a main body to which a detachable part is attachable, the main body having an opening; a cover that opens and closes the opening of the main body; and an insertion member that, when the detachable part is not attached to the main body, is in an inserted position where the insertion member is inserted between the main body and the cover and prevents closing of the cover, and when the detachable part is attached to the main body, is in a retreat position where the insertion member is not inserted between the main body and the cover and allows closing of the cover.

The present invention provides a multi-function printer, including a main body, a cover, and a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a positioning component and a pivoting member. The positioning component is connected to the main body. The pivoting member is connected to the cover and is pivotally connected to the positioning component. The pivoting member is adapted to pivot to a first state so that the cover is closed on the main body and pivot to a second state so that the cover is opened from the main body. The pivoting member includes at least one positioning portion. When the pivoting member pivots to a third state between the first state and the second state, the pivoting member is positioned to the positioning component by the at least one positioning portion.

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus cover, first and second exposure units, and an orientation setting mechanism. The apparatus cover opens or closes by pivoting about a rotation fulcrum with respect to an apparatus body. The first exposure unit is disposed at a first position, on an inner surface, spaced apart from the rotation fulcrum. The second exposure unit is disposed at a second position, on the inner surface, closer than the first position to the rotation fulcrum. The orientation setting mechanism sets an orientation of the first exposure unit to a first direction approaching the apparatus body in a closed state. The orientation setting mechanism sets it to a second direction further away than the first direction from the rotation fulcrum and sets the orientation of the second exposure unit to a third direction between the first and second directions when the opening angle is a first angle.

An image forming apparatus includes a cover pivotable on a body to close an opening at a closed position and open the opening at an open position, first and second replacement units having photosensitive drums, an optical print head pivotable in one direction, a spring, and a stopper. The spring applies, to the optical print head, a force for allowing the optical print head to pivot toward the one direction so that a movement of the optical print head with a pivotal movement of the cover from the open position to the closed position is prevented from being inhibited by the first developing cartridge. The optical print head, having the force applied the optical print head by the spring, so that movement of the optical print head with pivotal movement of the cover from the open to the closed position is prevented from being inhibited by the second developing cartridge.

A recording apparatus includes a lower unit having a recording section configured to perform recording on a medium, and an upper unit disposed on the lower unit, the upper unit including a reading section configured to read an image of the document, in which the lower unit includes a medium discharge section configured to discharge the medium toward the rear of the apparatus, and a medium receiving section disposed on the apparatus rear side with respect to the medium discharge section, the medium receiving section being configured to receive the medium discharged, and the upper unit is shorter than the lower unit in the apparatus front-rear direction and the upper unit is closer to the apparatus front with respect to the lower unit such that an end portion of the medium receiving section in the medium discharging direction is exposed at the rear of the upper unit.

A first joint rotatably couples a link member with a first exposure head unit. A second joint rotatably couples the link member with a second exposure head unit. A first rotation center of the first exposure head unit is closer to an end of a top cover than a second rotation center of the second exposure head unit is. The link member is configured to, when the top cover moves from a closed position to an open position, cause the first exposure head unit to rotatably move in a direction in which a first optical member approaches the end of the top cover and cause the second exposure head unit to rotatably move in a direction in which a second optical member approaches the end. A distance between the first rotation center and the first joint is larger than a distance between the second rotation center and the second joint.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment may include: an apparatus body; a first cover attached to the apparatus body to open and close a first opening of the apparatus body; a second cover attached to the apparatus body to open and close a second opening of the apparatus body; an image forming section in the apparatus body configured to form a latent image and including a first contact part; a second contact part provided to the apparatus body and opposed to the first contact part; a withdrawing mechanism that moves along with movement of the first cover to bring the second contact part into contact with and separated away from the first contact part; and a withdrawal holding mechanism that moves along with movement of the second cover and holds the separation of the second contact part from the first contact part.