Modular electrophotographic multicolor printer

摘要

A printer includes modular printing units held in receptacles, such as by a snap action retainer to permit easy removal and replacement. The printer units each include a photoconductor on which is produced a toner image and multiple printer units are provided in the printer. The photoconductor may either transfer the toner image of each printer unit to the final image carrier, or may transfer the toner image to an intermediate carrier which transfers the toner to the final image carrier. A transfer apparatus effects the transfer of the toner image from the photoconductor to final image carrier, or to the intermediate image carrier depending on the embodiment. The printer units may provide layered toner of different colors on a single side of the final image carrier and may provide two sided printing of the final image carrier. A single toner fixing unit is provided to fix the toner to the final image carrier.