When a copy sheet jams in the process of image formation in an image forming
machine with a detachable unit having at least an image carrier device, it is necessary
to detach the unit to remove the sheet in the state the image carrier device is
charged with electric charge. In such a case, when the unit is detached and again
attached, spark discharging may occur inducing noise upon a contact of an electrically
conductive shaft of the image carrier device to the ground conductor provided in
an image forming machine body and malfunction is induced in an initializing program.
The image forming machine of the present invention prevents the occurrence of such
a problem. Guide grooves are provided to base frames of the image forming machine
to guide both end parts of the electrically conductive shaft of the image carrier
device to position the unit in place, and a charge eliminating member is provided
upstream from the position for allowing the electric charge accumulated on the
image carrier device to be corona-discharged by way of the conductive shaft thereof
to remove the charge accumulated thereon.