Housing Or Mounting Patents (Class 347/138)
  • Patent number: 11199791
    Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a body accommodating toner, a front cover located in front of the body and provided with a first opening forming a grip portion for pulling the toner cartridge forward, an opening/closing member which is located inside the front cover and is switched to a first position closing the first opening and a second position opening the first opening, and an elastic member configured to apply an elastic force to the opening/closing member in a direction to be located at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jinsam Park, Jin-Hong Kim, Seongwoong Yang
  • Patent number: 11029640
    Abstract: A developing unit, which is attachable to and detachable from a photosensitive member unit, includes: a developing roller; a housing in which a holding space that holds toner is formed; and a pressing receiving portion that receives pressing force from a pressing member. The housing includes a first bottom portion that projects toward an outer side of the holding space, and a second bottom portion that projects toward the outer side of the holding space, in a state in use. When viewed in a direction of a rotation axis of the developing roller, at least part of the pressing receiving portion is located in a space surrounded by the first bottom portion, the second bottom portion, and a tangent line tangent to both an outer wall of the first bottom portion and an outer wall of the second bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noriyuki Komatsu, Tomonori Mori, Teruhiko Sasaki, Makoto Hayashida, Naoki Maeda, Satoru Harada
  • Patent number: 10992832
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet, a rotating unit disposed above the apparatus body and rotatably supported around a first rotary shaft with respect to the apparatus body, and a cover portion rotatably supported around a second rotary shaft extending in parallel to the first rotary shaft with respect to the apparatus body. The rotating unit and the cover portion are opened from a front side of the image forming apparatus to a rear side of the image forming apparatus. The second rotary shaft is disposed on the rear side of the first rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10663719
    Abstract: An optical scanning device provided with a casing, a plurality of light sources, a deflection scanning unit that deflects and scans light beams from the plurality of light sources onto a plurality of bodies to be scanned, and a plurality of optical units arranged between the deflection scanning unit and the bodies to be scanned, in which optical unit supporting members that support the optical units are provided, the optical unit supporting members support the plurality of optical units arranged at predetermined intervals, and a thermal expansion coefficient of the optical unit supporting members is lower than a thermal expansion coefficient of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamamoto, Atsushi Ueda, Takayuki Ohno, Atsuo Nakao
  • Patent number: 10558168
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a cartridge having an image carrying member, and an apparatus main body from which the cartridge is capable of being detached in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge. While being positioned such that a first end side of the cartridge is in contact with a positioning portion of a frame, the cartridge that has been inserted when a door is in an open position is disposed under an intermediate transfer body such that a distance to a surface of the intermediate transfer body opposing the cartridge is greater on a second end side than on the first end side, and by moving the door to a closed position, the cartridge is pivoted with urging force of an urging member and the image carrying member is made to come into contact with the intermediate transfer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takateru Ohkubo, Masaki Seto
  • Patent number: 10531720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container comprising: a receptacle with an outer wall visible from outside the container the peripheral outer wall is provided with a translucent layer, a housing that defines an inner space, an electronic circuit that comprises a central light source that emits light in a main emission direction. The light source is offset relative to the translucent layer. The electronic circuit is arranged within the inner space. A wave guide is arranged opposite the light source such as to guide a light wave emitted by the light source into the translucent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Qualipac
    Inventors: Gérald Martines, Frédéric Jouan
  • Patent number: 10274893
    Abstract: A frame of an image forming apparatus includes a bottom plate provided at a bottom of the frame, a plurality of recessed portions each provided on the bottom plate so as to extend toward an inside of the bottom plate, the recessed portions crossing each other, and a reinforcing member fastened to the bottom plate so as to cover at least a portion where the recessed portions cross each other, an area of the reinforcing member being smaller than an area of the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryota Yasui, Hiromasa Katayama
  • Patent number: 10114332
    Abstract: An opening-closing mechanism includes an opening-closing panel that is rotatably supported so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position; an engagement member that is rotatably supported by the opening-closing panel; a link member that is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft provided on the apparatus body; and a guide member that is supported by a support shaft on the opening-closing panel so that the guide member is rotatable in a rotation direction and movable in a direction that crosses the rotation direction. The guide member includes a first guide surface that moves while being in contact with the link member when the opening-closing panel moves to the closed position, and a second guide surface that moves while being in contact with the link member when the opening-closing panel moves to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Takahashi, Suguru Goto, Teruki Naganuma, Toshikazu Takubo
  • Patent number: 10025257
    Abstract: A color multifunction printer as an example of an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of cartridges each containing a photoconductor; a support frame configured to support the cartridges arranged in tandem, the support frame being allowed to be pulled out horizontally from a casing of the apparatus to a position in which each of the cartridges is detachable from the support frame; and a plurality of exposure units mounted to the support frame, wherein each of the exposure units is disposed opposite to a corresponding photoconductor and is configured to expose the photoconductor to light to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. Each of the cartridges is configured to be detachable in such a direction that the photoconductor in the cartridge moves away from the corresponding exposure unit upon detachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 9880512
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an electric wire and an electric box. The electric box extends substantially horizontally and includes a wire connector coupled to the electric wire. A body face exposes the wire connector. An outer cover covers the body face. The outer cover includes a slot and a wire accommodator. The slot is disposed opposite the wire connector to expose the wire connector to an outside of the image forming apparatus. The wire accommodator accommodates the electric wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Shimizu, Hiroki Ishimitsu, Kazuyuki Ito, Takayuki Nishi, Katsuhiro Hoshi, Yoshihide Ohta, Nobuhiro Shima
  • Patent number: 9869963
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an opening and closing member that is movably supported between an opening position at which an inner portion of a main body of the apparatus is opened and a closing position at which the inner portion of the main body of the apparatus is closed, an engaged portion that is provided in the main body of the apparatus, an engaging member that is provided in the opening and closing member and is engaged to the engaged portion, and a reaction force generating mechanism that is provided in the opening and closing member, and urges the opening and closing member toward the opening position when the opening and closing member moves from the opening position to the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Ueshima
  • Patent number: 9772576
    Abstract: A focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting a focus position of a printhead includes a rotatable pin that is rotatable around a pin axis. The rotatable pin includes a cam section located having a surface whose radial distance from the pin axis varies around its perimeter, and a gripping feature. An adjustment plate includes a gripping feature and is adapted to fit over and engage with the gripping feature of the rotatable pin such that the adjustment plate rotates together with the rotatable pin. A fastener fastens the adjustment plate to a support structure when the adjustment plate is positioned in a desired orientation. The printhead includes a frame feature which is pulled firmly against the cam section of the rotatable pin such that as the rotatable pin is rotated the frame feature rides on the surface of the cam section thereby adjusting the focus position of the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Dobbertin, Richard G. Luther
  • Patent number: 9581929
    Abstract: Provided is an optical scanning apparatus, including: an optical deflector having a polygon mirror reflecting a light flux emitted from a light source to carry out scanning, a drive unit rotating the polygon mirror about a rotation shaft, and a board supporting the drive unit; an optical box to which the board is fixed; two holes provided in the optical box, through which two screws fixing the board are inserted, respectively; two bearing surfaces provided on the optical box at positions around the two holes, respectively, the two bearing surfaces supporting the board; and an abutment portion provided on the optical box and abutting against a portion that is prevented from being pressed by the two screws in the board which is sandwiched between the two screws and the two bearing surfaces so as to be fixed to the optical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jun Nagatoshi, Yoshihiko Tanaka, Hiroyuki Fukuhara, Naoki Matsushita
  • Patent number: 9563143
    Abstract: An image formation method includes: a first image formation misregistration correction processing that causes each image formation unit to form a misregistration amount detection pattern, obtains an image formation misregistration amount by detecting the patterns, and corrects an image formation misregistration based on the obtained image formation misregistration amount; comparison processing that compares a previous image formation misregistration amount with a latest image formation misregistration amount; and a second image formation misregistration correction processing that causes each image formation unit to form new misregistration amount detection patterns, obtains a new image formation misregistration amount by detecting the new patterns and corrects the image formation misregistration based on the obtained new image formation misregistration amount when receiving a new print job and if a difference between the previous image formation misregistration amount and the latest image formation misregistr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Kosasa
  • Patent number: 9405265
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a printing unit for printing images on a recording medium and an option kit adaptor are provided. The image forming apparatus includes an installation member having an accommodation space, and an adaptor, on which two or more option kits are loaded, that is detachably attached to the accommodation space of the installation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong-yong Ju, Young-hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9298158
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus housing having an opening and closing door, an attaching body, an image writer, and a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism moves the image writer in conjunction with opening and closing of the opening and closing door, guides the image writer to a write position upon closing the opening and closing door, and guides the image writer to a retracted position upon opening the opening and closing door. The guide mechanism has a first guide mechanism that moves the image writer along a first guide portion provided in the attaching body while the opening and closing door moves from the close position to an intermediate position, and a second guide mechanism that guides the image writer along a second guide portion provided in the apparatus housing while the opening and closing door moves from the intermediate position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Sono, Masami Sakurai
  • Patent number: 9207629
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including positioning faces; a detachably attachable unit including receiving parts and contact parts; and a biasing member to press the receiving parts of the detachably attachable unit to the positioning faces disposed on the apparatus body. The biasing member is rotatably disposed to the apparatus body, contacts the contact parts disposed on the detachably attachable unit, presses the receiving parts against the positioning faces, and is elastically deformable in a direction separating from a rotary supporting point of the biasing member; and when the biasing member is rotated to a locked state from a release state, the biasing member is hooked to the contact parts, so that the receiving parts are pressed toward the positioning faces by the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Sakaue, Hiroshi Johno
  • Patent number: 9176426
    Abstract: A powder container includes a body and a pair of walls that blocks one longitudinal end of the body and the other longitudinal end of the body. Powder is accommodated within the powder container which is mounted to an apparatus using the powder in a posture where a longitudinal direction of the body is a transverse direction of the apparatus. The powder container has an opening, through which the powder is supplied to the apparatus, formed in a lower position of the body in a posture where the powder container is mounted to the apparatus. The powder container includes a shutter and a shield. The shutter is, prior to mounting the powder container to the apparatus, in a closed location to block the opening and, when the powder container is mounted, is moved along an outer peripheral surface of the body to an opened location to open the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunori Koshimori, Shota Makita, Koutarou Yoshihara, Yuta Hoshino
  • Patent number: 9128456
    Abstract: A cam member has each of a plurality of first exposure-side surfaces provided in association with a first contact part of each exposure units and each of a plurality of second exposure-side surfaces provided in association with each first contact part. Each first contact part confronts but separates from the corresponding first exposure-side surface when the corresponding exposure unit is disposed in an adjacent position where the exposure unit is capable of exposing the corresponding photosensitive drum. Each first contact part is in contact with the corresponding second exposure-side surface when the corresponding exposure unit is disposed in a retracted position positioned farther than the adjacent position from the photosensitive drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoya Kamimura
  • Patent number: 9122184
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes image carriers for four fundamental colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and for an auxiliary color, and three optical scanning devices. A first optical scanning device includes two light sources for the black color and another fundamental color, a first deflector, and a first housing. A second optical scanning device includes two light sources for other two fundamental colors, a second deflector, and a second housing. A third optical scanning device includes a light source for the auxiliary color, a third deflector, a third housing, and one or more reflecting mirrors. The light source for the auxiliary color is disposed closer to the third deflector with the one or more reflecting mirrors to turn an optical path therebetween while maintaining an optical path length thereof. The optical paths for the auxiliary color and for the black color have identical light utilization efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Mikajiri
  • Patent number: 9008543
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing the image formation unit from being attached to a guide member for the image formation unit mistakenly, including an apparatus body; an image carrier including a rotary shaft; an exposure device configured to form a latent image through exposure of a surface of the image carrier and retractable from an exposure position; an image formation unit disposed detachably from the apparatus body; and a guide member to guide the exposure device to the exposure position. In the optimal apparatus, the guide member is used both to guide the image formation unit to the apparatus body and to guide the exposure device to the exposure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Hashimoto, Kaoru Tada, Kenji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8964219
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an installation section, a control board, a first connection terminal provided on an outer surface of the control board, a first electrical connection member provided on the installation section and electrically connected to a point of reference potential, a substrate installable in the installation section in a thickness direction of the control board, an external connection terminal provided on the substrate and externally exposed, a second connection terminal provided on a first surface of the substrate and connected to the first connection terminal when the substrate is installed into the installation section, and a second electrical connection member provided on a second surface of the substrate. The second electrical connection member makes contact with the first electrical connection member and is electrically connected to the point of reference potential via the first electrical connection member when the substrate is installed into the installation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8953002
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a photoconductive drum, a line-type LED exposing unit disposed to be opposed to the photoconductive drum, an exposing unit supporting tray configured to support the LED exposing unit to be capable of approaching and separating from the photoconductive drum in a radial direction of the photoconductive drum, an extending piece being formed in a part of an end of the exposing unit supporting tray, and a rod member disposed in parallel to the major axis direction of the LED exposing unit and moved in the major axis direction to thereby cause the LED exposing unit to approach and separate from the photoconductive drum in the radial direction of the photoconductive drum via the extending piece of the exposing unit supporting tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Kodo
  • Patent number: 8928709
    Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source, an optical part, an enclosure, and a retainer. The light source projects light against a target. The optical part is disposed on a light path between the light source and the target. The enclosure houses the light source and the optical part. The retainer is fixed to the enclosure and includes a plurality of optical part mounts of identical shape and different sizes. The optical part is adhered to one of the plurality of optical part mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Serizawa, Kazunori Watanabe, Hiroshi Johno
  • Patent number: 8916418
    Abstract: A disclosed surface-emitting laser module includes a surface-emitting laser formed on a substrate to emit light perpendicular to its surface, a package including a recess portion in which the substrate having the surface-emitting laser is arranged, and a transparent substrate arranged to cover the recess portion of the package and the substrate having the surface-emitting laser such that the transparent substrate and the package are connected on a light emitting side of the surface-emitting laser. In the surface-emitting laser module, a high reflectance region and a low reflectance region are formed within a region enclosed by an electrode on an upper part of a mesa of the surface-emitting laser, and the transparent substrate is slanted to the surface of the substrate having the surface-emitting laser in a polarization direction of the light emitted from the surface-emitting laser determined by the high reflectance region and the low reflectance region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ishii, Satoru Sugawara, Yoshihiro Ohba, Kazuhiro Harasaka, Shunichi Sato, Kazuhiko Adachi
  • Patent number: 8878887
    Abstract: If inclination correction of scanning line is performed while the incident position of the laser beam is not suitable, the shape of a spot of the laser beam which forms an image on a photosensitive drum may not be uniform depending on the scanning position of the laser beam. The housing is provided with a U-shaped groove to which the convex portion of a lens hold member that holds the lens is engaged. With the position of the convex portion adjusted, the convex portion is attached and secured in the U-shaped groove. Thus, the installation position of the lens to an optical path of the laser beam is adjusted, and the lens can be rotated and adjusted in order to correct an inclination or a bending of scanning line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuuta Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8872876
    Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source, optical deflector, mirror, first photosensitive drum, and second photosensitive drum. The light source emits a first light beam and a second light beam. The optical deflector deflects the first light beam and the second light beam. The mirror has a reflecting part that reflects the deflected first light beam and a passing part that passes the deflected second light beam. The passing part is displaced from the reflecting part. The first photosensitive drum performs a development with a first toner having a first color. The reflected first light beam scans the first photosensitive drum in a main scanning direction. The second photosensitive drum performs a development with a second toner having a second color different from the first color. The passed second light beam scans the second photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryota Kato, Yasuo Tamaru, Jun Mihara
  • Patent number: 8836739
    Abstract: A printer has a print head arranged to jet molten ink onto a surface, a transfix surface arranged to provide the surface for the print head, the transfix surface having a core and an outer shell of a predetermined grade of aluminum arranged on the core, the outer shell forming the surface for the print head. The printer also has a transport subsystem to transport a print substrate past the transfix surface such that the molten ink transfers from the transfix surface to the print substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Ashish Pattekar, Gregory J Kovacs, Paul J McConville, James C Zesch, Trevor J. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8833930
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion having a connector to which an interface cable is connected, a case for accommodating the circuit portion and having a wiring route for the interface cable leading from the connector to an external space and a connection opening for exposing the wiring route, and a cover for opening or closing the connection opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Karasawa, Satoshi Iwaya, Shinsuke Kogi
  • Patent number: 8810833
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a body that has a first connection portion and a second connection portion inside the body; an image processing board that is electrically connected to the first connection portion, the image processing board performing image processing; a functional board that is disposed so as to cover a part of the image processing board on one side of the image processing board; a side panel attached to the image processing board at a position opposite to the first connection portion, the side panel being a part of a side surface of the body; and an extension board disposed so as to cover another part of the image processing board on the same side as the functional board with respect to the image processing board, the extension board being electrically connected to the second connection portion and independently attachable to and removable from the image processing board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiroh Suzuki, Tetsuo Ishizuka, Fumio Furusawa, Osamu Uto
  • Patent number: 8803936
    Abstract: An optical device includes a surface-emitting laser array having a plurality of light-emitting portions; a package member on which the surface-emitting laser array is disposed; and a transparent member retained on the package member and disposed on an optical path of a light beam emitted by the surface-emitting laser array. The transparent member includes an incident plane on which the light beam emitted by the surface-emitting laser array is incident. The incident plane is inclined with respect to an emitting surface of the surface-emitting laser array at a first inclination angle which is smaller than a second inclination angle at which the light emitted by one of the light-emitting portions is incident on another, most-distant one, of the light-emitting portions via reflection by the transparent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Adachi, Shunichi Sato, Satoru Sugawara, Toshihiro Ishii
  • Publication number: 20140210929
    Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus (100) including: a cartridge tray (5) movable between an inside position (IP) and an outside position (OP) of a main body of the apparatus with supporting a cartridge (8); a light emitting member (9) having a plurality of light emitting elements for emitting light to expose a photosensitive member in accordance with image information; a support (7) that supports the light emitting member so that the light emitting member assumes between an exposure position (LP) at which the photosensitive member is exposed with the light emitting element and a retracted position (RP) retracted from the exposure position; and an interlocking device (130, 170) that moves the support between the exposure position and the retracted position in association with movement of the tray toward the outside and inside positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuji Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140204167
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: plural photosensitive members; plural exposing units opposed to the photosensitive members, respectively, each of the exposing units including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a first direction; and a body frame which is provided at both sides of the exposing units in the first direction. Each of the exposing units includes: a gap maintaining member which abuts a respective one of the photosensitive members to define a distance between the exposing unit and the photosensitive member; a first-direction positioning portion which abuts the body frame in the first direction to position the exposing unit in the first direction; and a second-direction positioning portion which abuts the body frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and an exposing direction of the light emitting elements, to position the exposing unit in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Yokoi, Yosuke Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8786647
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including: a housing; an image recording portion held by the housing; a control board having a mounting face and disposed in the housing such that the mounting face extends along a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a height direction, a control circuit for controlling the image recording portion being provided on the control board; and a communication board having a mounting face and disposed in the housing such that the mounting face extends along the perpendicular plane, such that the communication board is distant from the control board in a direction along the perpendicular plane, and such that the communication board is located within a height range ranging to the control board from a distal end of a highest one of mounted components mounted on the control board, an interface circuit to be connected to a telephone line being provided on the communication board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motohito Muraki
  • Publication number: 20140198169
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a photoconductive body, an exposure unit configured with a plurality of light emitting elements aligned in a predetermined direction, the exposure unit being adopted to expose the photoconductive body to light emitted by the light emitting elements, a frame configured to support both sides of the exposure unit in the predetermined direction, the frame having a reference portion configured to position the exposure unit in the predetermined direction in contact with an end of the exposure unit in the predetermined direction, and a pressing member provided to one of the frame and the exposure unit, the pressing member being configured to press the end of the exposure unit against the reference portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yosuke Sugiyama, Junichi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8780158
    Abstract: A housing for the scan unit printhead of an imaging device. The housing is substantially bowl shaped having a plurality of mounting surfaces extending inwardly toward a central region of the housing. The housing is constructed from a metal composition. The scan unit includes a plurality of light sources and an optical assembly operatively coupled thereto. The housing mounting surfaces support components of the optical assembly using an adhesive, without additional mounting hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Lee Hudson, Jason Lee Rowe
  • Patent number: 8760483
    Abstract: In an exposure device, a light source device having multiple light emitting devices arranged in one-dimensional or two-dimensional directions projects light against an image bearing member. A light source holding member holds the light source device in place. An optical device condenses the light projected from the light source device onto the image bearing member. An optical device holding member holds the optical device to maintain a predetermined gap between the optical device and the light source device on the light source holding member. A positioning member supports the light source holding member above the image bearing member to maintain a predetermined gap between the image bearing member and the light source device on the light source holding member. When seen from a light emitting point of the light source device, a position at which the positioning member supports the light source holding member is opposite the image bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kensuke Masuda
  • Patent number: 8755715
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, which includes a housing having a cover swingable around a rotational shaft, and first and second LED heads attached to the cover, a position of the first LED head relative to a first axis line around which a first photoconductive body is rotatable being more shifted toward the rotational shaft in a first direction than a position of the second LED head relative to a second axis line around which a second photoconductive body is rotatable, the first direction being a direction along which the first and second photoconductive bodies are arranged, the first and second axis lines being parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shogo Mori, Junichi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8723902
    Abstract: A polygon motor unit is mounted in a housing and includes a polygon mirror, a polygon motor, a board, a thermally conductive member and an elastic member. The polygon mirror is rotated and deflects light. The polygon motor includes a shaft portion and rotates the polygon mirror. The board includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the polygon mirror and the polygon motor are mounted on the first surface. The thermally conductive member includes a positioning portion for setting a reference position, a third surface facing the second surface and a projection projecting from the third surface toward the second surface and configured to position the board with respect to the reference position by coming into contact with the second surface. The elastic member is made of a thermally conductive material and arranged between the second surface and the third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8698860
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a photoconductive body, an exposure unit configured with a plurality of light emitting elements aligned in a predetermined direction, the exposure unit being adopted to expose the photoconductive body to light emitted by the light emitting elements, a frame configured to support both sides of the exposure unit in the predetermined direction, the frame having a reference portion configured to position the exposure unit in the predetermined direction in contact with an end of the exposure unit in the predetermined direction, and a pressing member provided to one of the frame and the exposure unit, the pressing member being configured to press the end of the exposure unit against the reference portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yosuke Sugiyama, Junichi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8687035
    Abstract: An optical scanning device includes an air-tight casing, an air-tight container and a tube-like member. The air-tight casing is configured to accommodate at least a polygon mirror and a driving unit that rotates the polygon mirror. The air-tight container is disposed at a distance from the air-tight casing and outside an outer wall surface vertically above the air-tight casing. The tube-like member is configured to communicatively connect an inside of the air-tight casing and an inside of the air-tight container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Kondoh
  • Patent number: 8687030
    Abstract: There is provided an exposing device which includes an elongated optical head in which a plurality of light emitting portions are arranged, and a supporting member to which the optical head is adhered. The optical head and the supporting member are adhered by a first adhesive, and a second adhesive of which a modulus of elasticity after curing is lower than that of the first adhesive. The second adhesive is applied in a second adhesive area which is located at a boundary between the optical head and the supporting member and which is longer, in a longitudinal direction of the optical head, than a first adhesive area which is located at the boundary and to which the first adhesive is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taizo Matsuura
  • Patent number: 8681196
    Abstract: A scanning exposure device includes: a reflecting member that reflects a light irradiated by an irradiating unit; a housing that has a bottom, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an aperture opening in a direction of a light reflected by the reflecting member; a cover that covers the aperture, forms a passing portion that allows the light reflected by the reflecting member to pass through, and provides a first fixed position at which the housing is fixed on the first sidewall and a second fixed position, paired with the first fixed position, at which the housing is fixed on the second sidewall, wherein the first fixed position and the second fixed position are arranged such that the main scanning direction passes between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sugizaki
  • Patent number: 8649039
    Abstract: A plurality of control boards can be connected to each other via a high-speed bus. An image forming unit performs an image forming process, which is housed in a casing. A slot is arranged on any one of a plurality of side surfaces perpendicular to a bottom surface of the casing, which is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface and guides the control boards to inside of the casing. The control boards are connected in parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Aihara, Hidemasa Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8643690
    Abstract: A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 8633953
    Abstract: A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kishi
  • Patent number: 8587629
    Abstract: An image-forming device is provided with a shutter member that has a ventilation passage formed extending therethrough in a main scanning direction, the shutter member adapted to slide over the outside surface of the housing in a secondary scanning direction, a cover member adapted to open or close an interior of a chassis of the device. The shutter member, when the cover member is moved in a direction to open up the inside of the device chassis, is moved in a direction to shut an output window, and when the cover member is moved in a direction to close up the inside of the device chassis, is moved in a direction to open the output window. In association with movement of the shutter member towards the open direction, the ventilation passage faces a ventilation opening of a duct furnished to the device chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuneo Oki
  • Patent number: 8576265
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor which is rotatable with respect to a body frame, an exposing member which is movable relative to the body frame, a spacing member which is provided between the exposing member and the photoreceptor to maintain a distance between the photoreceptor and the exposing member, a positioning member which makes a contact with the exposing member to position the exposing member in a direction of rotation of the photoreceptor, and a pressing member which is provided to the body frame to press the exposing member toward the photoreceptor and the positioning member. Accordingly, it is possible to position the exposing member accurately with respect to the photoreceptor, in any of the light-axis direction and the rotational direction of the photoreceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Tamaru, Takuya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: RE47146
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including: a housing; an image recording portion held by the housing; a control board having a mounting face and disposed in the housing such that the mounting face extends along a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a height direction, a control circuit for controlling the image recording portion being provided on the control board; and a communication board having a mounting face and disposed in the housing such that the mounting face extends along the perpendicular plane, such that the communication board is distant from the control board in a direction along the perpendicular plane, and such that the communication board is located within a height range ranging to the control board from a distal end of a highest one of mounted components mounted on the control board, an interface circuit to be connected to a telephone line being provided on the communication board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Motohito Muraki
  • Patent number: RE48279
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus, including: a housing; an image recording portion held by the housing; a control board having a mounting face and disposed in the housing such that the mounting face extends along a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a height direction, a control circuit for controlling the image recording portion being provided on the control board; and a communication board having a mounting face and disposed in the housing such that the mounting face extends along the perpendicular plane, such that the communication board is distant from the control board in a direction along the perpendicular plane, and such that the communication board is located within a height range ranging to the control board from a distal end of a highest one of mounted components mounted on the control board, an interface circuit to be connected to a telephone line being provided on the communication board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Motohito Muraki