Device and method for automatically opening the cover of an image forming apparatus

A method for automatically opening a cover of an ink-jet printer, comprising:

• a first determining step for determining a paper jam using sensing means;
• a step for applying a first electrical signal to a central processing unit, in the case that the paper jam is sensed in said first determining step;
• a second determining step for determining an exhaustion of ink amount, in the case that the paper jam is not sensed in said first determining step;
• a step for applying a second electrical signal to said central processing unit, in the case that the exhaustion of ink amount is sensed in said second determination step;
• and
• a step for automatically opening the cover of the printer after detaching connecting means by operating a solenoid under the control of said central processing unit in response to either said first and said second electrical signals.

An ink jet printer, comprising:

• a main body comprising internal components and a chassis surrounding said internal components;
• a cover attached to said main body allowing easy access to said internal components of said main body;
• connectors to open said cover from said main body of said printer;
• a paper sensor located on said main body to generate a first electrical signal in the presence of a paper jam;
• an ink sensing mechanism located in said main body to generate a second electrical signal when ink is exhausted;
• a driver that drives said connectors;
• and
• a controller unit electrically connected to said printer that automatically opens said cover by activating said driver to drive said connectors to separate in response to either one of said first electrical signal and said second electrical signal.