Image forming apparatus with a guide assembly

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a transport path and a guide assembly. The transport path is configured to convey a recording medium. The guide assembly is configured to guide the recording medium in the transport path. Further, the guide assembly includes a surface member and a base member. The surface member has first and second surfaces of a similar shape on opposite sides thereof. The base member is configured to support the surface member. The surface member and the base member are removably connected in one of first and second assembled forms. The first surface serves to receive the recording medium and the second surface faces the base member in the first assembled form. The second surface serves to receive the recording medium and the first surface faces the base member in the second assembled form.

1 . An image forming apparatus, comprising:
 a transport path configured to convey a recording medium; and   a guide assembly configured to guide the recording medium in the transport path, the guide assembly including;
 a surface member having first and second surfaces of a similar shape on opposite sides thereof; and 
 a base member configured to support the surface member; 
 wherein the surface member and the base member are removably connected in one of first and second assembled forms, 
 the first surface serving to receive the recording medium and the second surface facing the base member in the first assembled form, and the second surface serving to receive the recording medium and the first surface facing the base member in the second assembled form. 
   
     
     
         2 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the base member has a cleaning device serving to clean the second surface in the first assembled form and to clean the first surface in the second assembled form. 
     
     
         3 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the connecting element forms a snap-fit engagement. 
     
     
         4 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the base member has a guide surface facing the surface member in one of the first and second assembled forms, the guide surface serving to receive the recording medium when the surface member is removed from the base member. 
     
     
         5 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the guide assembly is located at an outer bend of a curved portion of the transport path and serves to turn the recording medium therealong. 
     
     
         6 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an attachable/detachable feed tray configured to contain the recording medium,
 wherein the guide assembly is located at a portion of the feed tray and serves to remove the recording medium therealong.   
     
     
         7 . An image forming apparatus, comprising:
 a transport path configured to convey a recording medium; and   a guide assembly configured to guide the recording medium in the transport path, the guide assembly including;
 a surface member having a plurality of layers superimposed and removably bonded together, configured to receive the recording medium at an outermost layer of the plurality of layers; and 
 a base member configured to support the surface member. 
   
     
     
         8 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of layers include a plurality of sheets. 
     
     
         9 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the guide assembly is located at an outer bend of a curved portion of the transport path and serves to turn the recording medium therealong. 
     
     
         10 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 7 , further comprising an attachable/detachable feed tray configured to contain the recording medium,
 wherein the guide assembly is located at a portion of the feed tray and serves to remove the recording medium therealong.   
     
     
         11 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the outermost layer is removed for maintenance. 
     
     
         12 . An image forming apparatus, comprising:
 a transport path configured to convey a recording medium; and   a guide assembly configured to guide the recording medium in the transport path, the guide assembly including;
 a transparent surface member configured to receive the recording medium at a guide surface thereof; and 
 a base member having a sight hole, configured to support the surface member so that condition of the guide surface is observable through the sight hole. 
   
     
     
         13 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the base member has an attachable/detachable cover to conceal the sight hole. 
     
     
         14 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the connecting element forms a snap-fit engagement. 
     
     
         15 . The image forming apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the guide assembly is located at an outer bend of a curved portion of the transport path and serves to turn the recording medium therealong.