Having Particular Structure Patents (Class 399/107)
  • Patent number: 11971679
    Abstract: A metal frame of an image forming apparatus includes a first support which includes a first metal plate and a second metal plate; a second support configured to support the image forming unit together with the first support; and a third support configured to connect the first support and the second support. The first metal plate includes a corner portion provided between a first portion and a second portion. The second metal plate includes a third portion, a fourth portion, and a fifth portion, wherein the fifth portion includes another corner portion located between a first stretched portion and a second stretched portion facing the corner portion of the first metal plate. A tip of the second stretched portion faces the fourth portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naruhiko Ito, Ryota Yasui, Takahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11966191
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive members, a support frame configured to support the plurality of photosensitive members, and an electric unit including a first electric board and a second electric board, and fixed to the support frame. The electric unit includes a first supporting portion extending in an arrangement direction of the plurality of photosensitive members, a second supporting portion extending in the arrangement direction, and a board holding portion configured to hold the first electric board and the second electric board and bridged between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion. The first electric board is positioned in the image forming apparatus more inward than at least one of the first supporting portion or the second supporting portion in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeharu Kurita
  • Patent number: 11947307
    Abstract: A drum cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum; a drum frame; a drum coupling; and an electrical contact surface. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction. The drum frame has one end portion in a second direction at which the photosensitive drum is positioned. The drum coupling is rotatable together with the photosensitive drum. The drum coupling is positioned at an outer surface of one side in the first direction of the drum frame. The electrical contact surface is positioned closer to another side in the second direction of the drum frame than the drum coupling is to the another side in the second direction of the drum frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Mori, Atsushi Fukaya, Tsubasa Kiriyama, Nao Itabashi
  • Patent number: 11947310
    Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a casing; a developing roller; a shaft extending in a first direction; a first inclined surface; a second inclined surface; an elastic member; and a first protrusion. The shaft is movable in the first direction relative to the casing and the developing roller, and is movable in the second direction together with the same. The first inclined surface is positioned at one end portion of the shaft, while the second inclined surface is positioned at another end portion of the shaft. The first and second inclined surfaces are inclined relative to the first direction. The first protrusion is movable in the first direction together with the second inclined surface. The shaft is movable from a first position to a second position when the second inclined surface receives a pressing force directed in a direction from the another end portion to the one end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuwen Wang, Junichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11927900
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotator, a pressure rotator, a pressure plate, a pressing force, an entrance guide, an exit guide, and a transmission. The pressure rotator presses the fixing rotator to form a nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator. The pressure plate rotates about a fulcrum to press the pressure rotator. The pressing force adjuster adjusts a pressing force of the pressure rotator. The entrance guide guides a recording medium entering the nip. The exit guide guides the recording medium ejected from the nip. The transmission transmits a displacement of the pressure plate to the entrance guide and the exit guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Ogiso, Tamotsu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11921444
    Abstract: A belt unit, for use in an image forming apparatus, includes an endless belt that moves in a movement direction, a transfer member, a collecting member, a storage container, and a conveyance member. The conveyance member conveys toner in a conveyance direction, rotates about a rotational axis extending in a rotational axis direction, includes a shaft and a conveyance portion provided on a shaft outer surface, and has a helical shape having a helical axis extending in the rotational axis direction. The conveyance member further includes a protruding portion protruding from the shaft outer surface in a direction crossing the conveyance member rotational axis, which has a shape different from the helical shape, and which is provided on a shaft portion downstream of the conveyance portion in the conveyance direction. The rotational axis direction is a direction crossing both the endless belt movement direction and a transfer member longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiro Matsumoto, Yuichiro Inaba, Akinori Mitsumata
  • Patent number: 11841671
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an apparatus body, an exterior cover configured to pivot around a pivot shaft extending in a first direction, and extend in the first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a first engagement portion including a first engagement surface, and a second engagement portion, the second engagement portion including a facing surface facing the first engagement surface. When viewed in a third direction orthogonal to an exterior surface of the exterior cover, the first engagement surface and the facing surface at least partially overlap each other. The facing surface includes a second engagement surface and an inclined surface. When viewed in the third direction, a ridgeline formed by the second engagement surface and the inclined surface extends further away from the pivot shaft in the second direction as the ridgeline extends more downstream in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsuyuki Yuzawa
  • Patent number: 11835882
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive members; a scanner unit including light sources, a rotatable polygonal mirror, and reflecting members; and a fixing portion. Parts of the laser beams emitted from the light sources are reflected by the rotatable polygonal mirror toward the fixing device side, and rest parts of the laser beams are reflected by the rotatable polygonal mirror toward a side opposite from the fixing device side. Of the parts of the laser beams reflected by the rotatable polygonal mirror toward the fixing device side, the laser beam reflected toward the reflecting member provided at a position remotest from the rotatable polygonal mirror travels downward relative to a horizontal direction. A rotational axis of the rotatable polygonal mirror is inclined relative to a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Nagatoshi
  • Patent number: 11774899
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an apparatus housing that encases an image forming device. The apparatus housing includes a housing side face, a handle member, and a frame. The housing side face is held when the apparatus housing is lifted. The handle member is provided on the housing side face. The handle member includes a portion recessed inward from the housing side face of the apparatus housing and a guide groove having a slot shape extending in a vertical direction of the apparatus housing. The frame includes a guide having a length substantially equal to a width of the guide groove. The handle member is movable in the vertical direction of the apparatus housing by the guide groove and the guide. The frame restricts movement of the handle member when the handle member moves upward and contact the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shiro Akama
  • Patent number: 11709454
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body casing, a pressing member, a process cartridge, and a drawer. The body casing includes a positioning member. The pressing member is disposed inside the body casing. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. The drawer is configured to support the process cartridge and to move, in a sliding direction orthogonal to an axis direction of the photosensitive drum, between an inside position that is a position inside the body casing and an outside position that is a position outside the body casing. The process cartridge includes an engagement portion and a spring. The engagement portion is configured to be positioned by the positioning member. The spring is configured to be pressed by the pressing member such that the engagement portion is pressed toward the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 11709456
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body housing, a drawer, a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. The drawer is movable in a first direction between an inner position at which the drawer is located inside the main body housing and an outer position at which the drawer is located outside the main body housing. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. The drum cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the drawer. The toner cartridge accommodates toner. When the drum cartridge is attached to the drawer and the drawer is at the inner position, the toner conveyor conveys toner from the toner cartridge to the drum cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasumasa Fujii, Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 11703792
    Abstract: An overturning prevention device includes a holding member disposed at a bottom surface portion of an apparatus, and an overturning prevention member configured to be held by the holding member. The apparatus includes a wheel unit including a wheel, a fitting portion, and a support shaft. The holding member is disposed at a position nearer to a center of the bottom surface portion than the support shaft when viewed from above. The overturning prevention member includes, a projecting portion configured to project outside the bottom surface portion, and a held portion configured to be held by the holding member, the projecting portion and the held portion being connected with each other. The overturning prevention member is configured to be attached to and detached from the holding member by being moved in an attaching direction in which the held portion and the projecting portion are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Nakayashiki
  • Patent number: 11703773
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member that is excellent in image smearing resistance and low torque while maintaining its electrophotographic characteristic. The electrophotographic photosensitive member is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including, in this order: a support; a photosensitive layer; and a protection layer as a surface layer, wherein the protection layer has a surface having a developed area ratio Sdr of 1.0% to 40.0%, and wherein an A value represented by the following formula (1) is 0.10 to 0.27: A=S1/S2 . . . formula (1), where, in the formula (1), S1 represents a peak area based on C?C stretching vibration of an aromatic ring by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and S2 represents a peak area based on C?O stretching vibration of an ester group by the same method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Nishida, Yuka Ishiduka, Tatsuya Ohsawa
  • Patent number: 11592764
    Abstract: A developing cartridge may include: a casing for accommodating developer therein; a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction and positioned at one side of the casing in a second direction; a storage medium having an electric contact surface; and a holder movable relative to the casing in the second direction with the electric contact surface between a first position and a second position, the holder having an outer surface at which the electric contact surface is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nao Itabashi
  • Patent number: 11586128
    Abstract: A conduction mechanism includes: a conductive bearing that rotatably supports a rotary shaft; a non-conductive axial positioner that has a cylinder externally fitted to the bearing; and a contact terminal attached to an outer circumferential surface side of the cylinder. The cylinder has a slit, and the contact terminal has an abutment piece that is exposed to an inner circumferential surface side of the cylinder from the slit and abuts an outer circumferential surface of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shohtaroh Okamoto
  • Patent number: 11550256
    Abstract: A developing cartridge includes: a casing; a developing roller; a shaft extending in a first direction; a first inclined surface; a second inclined surface; an elastic member; and a first protrusion. The shaft is movable in the first direction relative to the casing and the developing roller, and is movable in the second direction together with the same. The first inclined surface is positioned at one end portion of the shaft, while the second inclined surface is positioned at another end portion of the shaft. The first and second inclined surfaces are inclined relative to the first direction. The first protrusion is movable in the first direction together with the second inclined surface. The shaft is movable from a first position to a second position when the second inclined surface receives a pressing force directed in a direction from the another end portion to the one end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuwen Wang, Junichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11550258
    Abstract: A replaceable unit includes a rotatable gear positioned on a housing of the replaceable unit and an encoded member encoded with identifying information of the replaceable unit. The encoded member is positioned on an axially outboard face of the gear such that the encoded member is rotatable with the gear for communicating the identifying information of the replaceable unit to a sensor of an image forming device when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. The encoded member is configured to move axially outward relative to a rotational axis of the gear upon rotation of the gear in a first rotational direction for communicating the identifying information of the replaceable unit to the sensor. The encoded member is configured to move axially inward relative to the rotational axis of the gear upon rotation of the gear in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil Johnson, Jr., Daniel Lee Carter, Daniel George Mlejnek
  • Patent number: 11543768
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a cartridge provided with a memory. The apparatus main body includes a frame, a movable electric contact unit including an electric contact portion contacting with the memory, and a holding member holding the electric contact portion and including an urging member urging the electric contact unit toward the memory in a mounted state of the cartridge, and a positioning portion positioning the electric contact unit in an unmounted state of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Furukawa, Ryota Shibuya
  • Patent number: 11526117
    Abstract: A drawer is moveable between an inner position and an outer position through an opening when a cover is located at an opening position. A waste toner conveying tube is movable in a second direction between a first connection position and a first disconnection position when a drum cartridge is attached to a drawer and the drawer is at the inner position. When the cover moves from a closing position toward the opening position, the waste toner conveying tube moves from the first connection position toward the first disconnection position in conjunction with the movement of the cover. The drawer is movable from the inner position toward to the outer position when the drum cartridge is attached to the drawer, the drawer is at the inner position, and the waste toner conveying tube is at the first disconnection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shougo Sato, Masato Makino
  • Patent number: 11520280
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a belt component, a first detachable unit that faces the belt component in an area where an outer surface of the belt component faces upward, a first housing component that houses the first detachable unit and is drawable from and loadable into the apparatus, a second detachable unit that faces the belt component in an area where the outer surface of the belt component faces downward, and a second housing component that houses the second detachable unit and is drawable from and loadable into the apparatus. With the first housing component being drawn from the apparatus, the first detachable unit is detachable from and attachable to the first housing component in a side-to-side direction. With the second housing component being drawn from the apparatus, the second detachable unit is detachable from and attachable to the second housing component in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
    Inventors: Arichika Tanaka, Shohei Miyagawa, Go Miura
  • Patent number: 11513465
    Abstract: A drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum, a drum frame configured to retain the photosensitive drum and to accept a developing cartridge including a toner memory, which stores information concerning the developing cartridge, a first connector electrically connectable with the toner memory in the developing cartridge under a condition where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, a relay board electrically connectable with the first connector, a second connector electrically connectable with a connector in an image forming apparatus and with the toner memory through the relay board, and a thermistor electrically connectable with the relay board, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Abe, Keita Inoue
  • Patent number: 11500322
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a drawer and a main body. The drawer includes a drawer-side electrical contact part and a socket. The main body includes a main body-side connector including: a main body-side electrical contact part; and a holder including a base, a panel, and an elastic member interposed between the base and the panel. The holder holds the main body-side electrical contact part to be movable in an intersection direction intersecting with an extension and contraction direction of the elastic member. When the holder contacts the socket, the panel moves relative to the base in the intersection direction together with the main body side-electrical contact part, and the main body side-electrical contact part and drawer-side electrical contact part are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shota Shinoya, Isao Kishi
  • Patent number: 11500303
    Abstract: An image formation unit according to an embodiment may include: an image carrier unit in which an image carrier is supported; a developer carrier unit in which a developer carrier is supported; a first bias member provided at one end side in a longitudinal direction of the image formation unit and configured to bias the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit; a second bias member provided at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the image formation unit and configured to bias the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit. A first bias direction of biasing the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit by the first bias member and a second bias direction of biasing the developer carrier unit toward the image carrier unit by the second bias member are not parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Saito, Hisatoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 11467530
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, having a housing, a drawer, and a cartridge, is provided. The drawer is movable between an inner position and an outer position. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum cover. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction. The drum cover is movable with respect to the photosensitive drum between a first position and a second position. The drawer includes a guide, a stopper, and a contacting portion. The guide guides the cartridge in a second direction, when the cartridge is being attached to the drawer. The stopper stops the cartridge from separating from the guide in a third direction. The contacting portion contacts the drum cover and move the drum cover from the first position to the second position in a state where the cartridge is being guided by the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Fukamachi, Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 11454922
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an electrically conductive and grounded frame, an image forming unit, a print head, a holder that supports the print head, an electrically conductive urging member for urging the print head toward the image forming unit, and an electrically conductive arm extending from the urging member and electrically connected to the urging member. The arm floats when the print head moves away from the image forming unit and is electrically connected to the frame when the print head approaches the image forming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshihiro Matsushima
  • Patent number: 11448998
    Abstract: A metal frame of an image forming apparatus including a first support which includes a first metal plate; a second support; and a third support which includes a second metal plate, wherein either the first metal plate or the second metal plate includes a through-hole formed in a surface portion, the other of the first metal plate and the second metal plate includes an insertion portion, a first facing portion configured to face a first surface of the surface portion, and a second facing portion configured to face a second surface of the surface portion, and wherein in the plate thickness direction of the surface portion, a distance between a tip portion of the insertion portion of the one metal plate and the second facing portion is smaller than a plate thickness of the surface portion of the other metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryota Yasui
  • Patent number: 11442399
    Abstract: The developing cartridge herein has a housing, a developing roller rotatably supported by it, the developing roller rotating about an axis in a direction, a supply roller rotatably supported by the housing and configured to convey a developer to the developing roller, the supply roller having a supply roller shaft, a driving gear on a driving side of the housing in the direction, and an electrode electrically connected to the developing roller shaft. The electrode has first and second parts, and an intermediate part connecting them. The first part is on an opposite side of the driving side of the housing, the second part is on the driving side, and the opposite side of the driving side and the driving side are opposite ends of the housing in the direction, and the second part is simultaneously in contact with the supply roller shaft and the developing roller shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGXI YIBO E-TECH CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaobing Liu, Haifeng Gu, Shiping Ao, Liangliang Hu, Xiaomin Gong
  • Patent number: 11435691
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a drawer movable between an inside position and an outside position; a drum cartridge including a photoconductive drum rotatable about a first axis; and a developing cartridge including a developing roller rotatable about a second axis. The drum cartridge includes a first developing-roller guide pivotable between a first position where the first developing-roller guide guides the developing roller when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drawer with the drum cartridge being mounted on the drawer, and a second position where the first developing-roller guide guides the developing roller with the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge being mounted on the drawer. The second axis is located below the first axis in a state in which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted on the drawer, and the first developing-roller guide is located at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 11429055
    Abstract: A metal frame of an image forming apparatus includes a connecting member which is a metal plate and which connects first and second spaced apart support members which are constructed to support an image forming unit of the an image forming apparatus. The connecting member includes a first facing portion which faces a first region of the first support member around a slit portion thereof, and a fitted portion which is supported by an inner peripheral surface of the slit portion and is fitted into the slit portion in a plate thickness direction of the fitted portion. A width of the fitted portion in a direction vertical to a plate thickness direction of the first support member and the plate thickness direction of the fitted portion in the slit portion is less than or equal to a width of the slit portion in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuhito Watanabe, Takahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11422499
    Abstract: A first connector is provided in a main body portion. A connector support mechanism is provided in an attachment unit and supports a second connector so that the second connector can be displaced along a second direction that intersects a first direction. A unit guide portion guides the attachment unit between a connection position and a position that is more separated from a main body portion than the connection position is, along the first direction, and further guides the attachment unit between the connection position and an attachment position. The connection position is a position at which the attachment unit is located when the second connector is connected to the first connector. The connector support mechanism allows the attachment unit to move between the connection position and the attachment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 11409224
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing frame, a scanner frame, a first support frame, a second support frame, and a connecting member. The second support frame supports the scanner frame. The second support frame includes a horizontal support member and a vertical support member. The scanner frame includes a member to be connected. The insertion plate of the connecting member penetrates through the opening of the member to be connected in the first direction, and is inserted through the opening of the vertical support member. The insertion plate has an upper face located in contact with an upper end face of the opening of the member to be connected, at least via one position, and has a lower face located in contact with a lower end face of the opening of the vertical support member, at least via two positions spaced from each other in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Naozumi Ogawa, Hiroyoshi Omura
  • Patent number: 11347177
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet cassette, an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet fed from the sheet cassette, a first frame for supporting the sheet cassette, and a second frame provided on the first frame in a vertical direction for supporting the image forming unit. The first frame includes a first strut, a side plate spaced apart from the first strut, and a stay coupling the first strut and the side plate, wherein the sheet cassette is slidable in a direction in which the stay extends. The second frame includes a second strut coupled to the first strut. A grip is provided pivotably at the first strut, the grip being graspable by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuki Tashiro, Takuya Matsumura
  • Patent number: 11340551
    Abstract: A frame of an image forming apparatus, includes: a bottom plate having a bottom face whose shape is substantially quadrangular; a first caster; a second caster; a third caster attached near a second side of the bottom face, the third caster being disposed such that a barycenter of the image forming apparatus is located inside a triangle formed by imaginary lines connecting the first caster, the second caster, and the third caster; and a fourth caster attached to a region outside the triangle, the fourth caster being provided closer to the second side than the barycenter, wherein in a case where the image forming apparatus is installed on the installation face which is flat, the first caster, the second caster, and the third caster are installed on the installation face, and the fourth caster is located away from the installation face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Matsumura, Rin Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 11320778
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a cover, a maneuver lever, a first locking member, and a second locking member. The cover is attached to the housing and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The maneuver lever is attached to the cover and extends parallel to the rotation axis. The first and second locking members are attached to the cover and are configured to engage with the maneuver lever. The first locking member is rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to the rotation axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The second locking member is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the maneuver lever moves from the closed position to the open position, each of the first locking member and the second locking member rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masao Ichiyanagi, Hikaru Iino
  • Patent number: 11314197
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an example includes a main body, a driving coupler to drive a toner cartridge. The driving coupler is rotatable in a direction, a locking protrusion protrudes from an axial protrusion of the driving coupler in the direction of the driving shaft is lockable into a locking groove concavely formed in the direction of the driving shaft of a passive coupler of the toner cartridge. A driving force transmission surface of the axial protrusion of the driving coupler and a driving force receiving surface of the passive coupler are to contact each other to rotate the passive coupler in the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Pil-Seung Oh, Taeil Jung, Tae-Hee Kim, Chang-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 11281149
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a first member having a first face, a first protrusion and a second protrusion projecting from the first face, and a groove portion formed in the first face, and a second member having a second face provided with a first hole and a second hole. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the first hole and the second hole. The second face is superposed on the first face so that the groove portion located between the first member and the second member is in a visible state. The second face is sandwiched between a part of the first protrusion inserted in the first hole and the first face. The second hole in which the second protrusion has been inserted has a gap between the second hole and the second protrusion in an extending direction of the groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shogo Nagamine, Akira Yoshimura, Shoji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11281151
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body and a cover including a first surface part and a second surface part. The cover includes a first protrusion formed on the first surface part and extending in a first direction and a second protrusion formed on the second surface part and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The main body includes an engaging portion engaged with the first protrusion and a groove portion formed along the side surface part and having an opening that opens the front surface part so that the second protrusion is capable of being inserted into and extracted from the main body in the first direction. The groove portion has a portion inclined in a manner that the groove portion is located at a further upper side in a vertical direction as the groove portion becomes closer to the front surface part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryunosuke Tsunashima
  • Patent number: 11281150
    Abstract: An overturning prevention device includes a holding member disposed at a bottom surface portion of an apparatus, and an overturning prevention member configured to be held by the holding member. The apparatus includes a wheel unit including a wheel, a fitting portion, and a support shaft. The holding member is disposed at a position nearer to a center of the bottom surface portion than the support shaft when viewed from above. The overturning prevention member includes, a projecting portion configured to project outside the bottom surface portion, and a held portion configured to be held by the holding member, the projecting portion and the held portion being connected with each other. The overturning prevention member is configured to be attached to and detached from the holding member by being moved in an attaching direction in which the held portion and the projecting portion are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Nakayashiki
  • Patent number: 11275325
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, a rotation shaft, a developing device, and a supply portion. The developing device includes a developing device main portion that rotates around the rotation shaft between a developing position and a retracted position and includes a developer, a developer bearer to face or be away from the image bearer depending on whether the developing device main portion is at the developing position or the retracted position, a replenishment portion having a replenishment port with an opposite surface formed by an arc drawn around the rotation shaft to replenish the developer, and a non-rotating portion. The supply portion has a supply port with an opposite surface formed by an arc drawn around the rotation shaft and facing the opposite surface of the replenishment port. The supply port communicates the replenishment port and supplies the developer to the developing device through the replenishment port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hotaru Hashikawa, Yoshihiro Fujiwara, Nobuo Takami, Ryusuke Mase, Kazuki Yogosawa, Tomohiro Kubota, Naohiro Kawashima, Yuuki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 11275322
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor light emitting device including nodes each connected to a gate of a shift thyristor and a gate of a light emitting thyristor and transfer diodes arranged to connect the nodes to each other. The shift thyristor has a laminated structure including semiconductor layers, and is provided to a mesa formed separately from the light emitting thyristors and the transfer diodes. The shift thyristor includes a first metal layer continuously provided to straddle the mesa, and a second metal layer, which is arranged in an upper layer than the first metal layer, and includes a first part and a second part arranged to be opposed to the first part across the mesa. The first part and the second part of the second metal layer are each electrically connected to the first metal layer in a region that does not overlap the mesa in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koichiro Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 11267267
    Abstract: A thermal-transfer printing apparatus includes a roll-paper-supplying unit that rotates an image-receiving paper roll and unwinds and winds a roll type of first image-receiving paper, and a print unit that includes a thermal head for heating a thermal transfer sheet and that forms an image by transferring a color material from the thermal transfer sheet to the first image-receiving paper. With the image-receiving paper roll removed, a reverse unit that reverses a sheet type of second image-receiving paper is mountable in a region in which the image-receiving paper roll used to be contained. The print unit forms the image on the first image-receiving paper in a first printing mode in which the image-receiving paper roll is contained in the region, and the print unit forms an image on both surfaces of the second image-receiving paper in a second printing mode in which the reverse unit is mounted on the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Tahara
  • Patent number: 11249419
    Abstract: In a structure body, a lower-layer portion includes four first column portions, a bottom frame portion, and a first partition frame portion, an upper-layer portion includes four second column portions, a top frame portion, and a second partition frame portion. The bottom frame portion is welded to lower end portions of the first column portions. The first partition frame portion is welded to upper end portions of the first column portions. The second column portions are formed to continue to the lower-layer portion and vertically extend on extension lines of the first column portions. The top frame portion is welded to upper end portions of the second column portions. The second partition frame portion is welded to the second column portions at a position between the first partition frame portion and the top frame portion. Each of the first column portions is thicker than each of the second column portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Masaru Takagi
  • Patent number: 11209763
    Abstract: A paper guide member includes plural thread-shaped protrusions extending in a passing direction of paper to guide the paper after a toner image is transferred so that the paper passes with a distance secured from a static eliminator that eliminates static electricity in proximity to the paper in a width direction of the paper. The plural thread-shaped protrusions adjoin each other across a slit in the width direction of the paper. The plural thread-shaped protrusions include first thread-shaped protrusions each having a height at which the paper is supported and guided, and second thread-shaped protrusions each having a height smaller than the height of each of the first thread-shaped protrusions and present in regions on an outer side of both ends in the width direction of each passing region where paper having each width passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
    Inventor: Akira Shimodaira
  • Patent number: 11204580
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes a feeding module, an image forming module, and a fixing module. The feeding module feeds a recording material. The image forming module includes a photosensitive drum and forms a developer image on the recording material fed to the image forming module by the feeding module. The fixing module fixes the developer image formed by the image forming module to the recording material. The image forming module includes a scanner frame that supports an exposure unit configured to expose the photosensitive drum. The feeding module is installed on the scanner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Hashimoto, Shogo Miyakawa, Akira Yoshimura, Hiromi Fujinaka, Isao Matsuoka, Shigeru Hoashi, Tomoya Kuruma
  • Patent number: 11199804
    Abstract: A metal frame of an image forming apparatus includes first and second sheet metal in which the first sheet metal includes a first engaging portion which is provided between first and second plate portions of the first sheet metal and is bent away from the first plate portion in the plate thickness direction of the first plate portion, wherein the first plate portion, the second plate portion, and the first engaging portion are formed integrally with each other. The second sheet metal includes a third plate portion with which the first engaging portion engages and a second engaging portion which is bent away from the third plate portion in a plate thickness direction of the third plate portion and engages with the first plate portion, wherein the second engaging portion is adjacent to the third plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiro Tomono, Takahiro Kobayashi, Ryota Yasui, Ken Swysen
  • Patent number: 11099516
    Abstract: A drawer includes: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in an axial direction; and a frame to which a developing cartridge including a developing roller is attachable. The developing cartridge is attachable to the frame in a state where an outer circumferential surface of the developing roller faces an outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum. The frame is configured to move the developing roller in a separation direction in which the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller moves away from the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum. The frame includes a first guide roller for guiding the developing cartridge in the axial direction. The first guide roller is configured to move the developing cartridge in the separation direction relative to the frame in response to the movement in the axial direction of the developing cartridge relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuwen Wang, Junichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11099501
    Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a casing, a developing roller, a holder, a toner memory, an electrical contact and a wiring. The holder is positioned at an outer surface of one side in a first direction of the casing. The electric contact surface is positioned at an outer surface of one side in a second direction of the holder. The second direction crosses the electric contact surface. The electrical contact is positioned on an outer surface of another side in the second direction of the holder. The wiring electrically connects the electrical contact and the electric contact surface. The electric contact surface includes a first electric contact surface and a second electric contact surface. The first electric contact surface electrically is connected to the electrical contact through the wiring. The second electric contact surface electrically is connected to the toner memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsubasa Kiriyama, Hiroki Mori, Nao Itabashi, Atsushi Fukaya
  • Patent number: 11079707
    Abstract: A medium processing apparatus includes a processor that performs a process related to a medium. The medium processing apparatus includes a discharging section, an operation section, and an operation controller. The discharging section discharges the medium. The operation section is disposed downstream of the discharging section in a discharging direction and includes a touch sensor. The discharging direction is a direction in which the discharging section discharges the medium. The touch sensor detects an operation input. The operation controller limits, on the basis of size information, detection operation performed by the touch sensor. The size information indicates information related to a medium size of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Iori Kokubo, Kenichi Funatsu
  • Patent number: 11080557
    Abstract: An image authentication apparatus includes a registration unit, a parameter computing unit, a similarity degree calculation unit, a status acquisition unit, and a generation unit. The registration unit is configured to register an image of an object to be authenticated in a registration dictionary as a registered image. The parameter computing unit is configured to compute a parameter based on the registered image. The parameter is computed for a degree of similarity between an image of the object and the registered image. The similarity degree calculation unit is configured to calculate a degree of similarity between an image of the object and the registered image, using the parameter. The status acquisition unit is configured to acquire a registration status of the registered image. The generation unit is configured to generate a display screen including the registration status, and to output the generated display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsuo Nomoto, Hiroshi Sato
  • Patent number: 11054775
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a belt, an opposed rotator, a nip formation pad, a heater, a stay, and a positioner. The nip formation pad has a plurality of projections in a longitudinal direction of the nip formation pad. The positioner is disposed between the nip formation pad and the stay to position the nip formation pad. The positioner has a plurality of insertion holes arranged in a longitudinal direction of the positioner to accept the projections and restrict movement of the nip formation pad with respect to the positioner in a rotation direction of the belt and a direction opposite the rotation direction. The plurality of insertion holes includes an insertion hole disposed at a position corresponding to an end portion of the nip formation pad to accept two or more projections of the projections arranged in the longitudinal direction of the nip formation pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryohei Matsuda, Yoshiharu Takahashi, Hitoshi Fujiwara, Naoki Iwaya