Patents by Inventor Atsushi Kawarago
Atsushi Kawarago has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11934138Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an endless belt configured to bear a toner image, a rotary member configured to be wound around by the belt, and configured to rotate integrally with the belt, a bearing configured to rotatably support the rotary member, a cleaning unit configured to come into contact with a surface of the belt and collect an adhering matter adhered onto the surface, an urging member configured to urge the cleaning unit toward the surface of the belt, and a support member configured from a single member and including a first supporting portion, a second supporting portion, and a third supporting portion. The first supporting portion rotatably supports the belt via the bearing and the rotary member. The second supporting portion pivotably supports the cleaning unit. The third supporting portion supports the urging member.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Atsushi Kawarago
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Publication number: 20230331501Abstract: A shaft on which a torque limiter is mounted includes a rotation restricting portion. The rotation restricting portion is inserted into and engaged with an engaging portion of the torque limiter. The rotation restricting portion is provided with an outer circumferential portion which is projected in an outer diameter direction from an outer circumference of the shaft and of which an outer circumferential surface is formed parallel with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft and an engaging portion connected to the outer circumferential portion and engaging with the engaging portion of the torque limiter. The engaging portion of the rotation restricting portion is provided with a tip portion of a R shape opposing the engaging portion of the torque limiter, and a width thereof in a direction perpendicular to an inserting direction into the engaging portion of the torque limiter is a width capable of being inserted into the engaging portion of the torque limiter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: ATSUSHI KAWARAGO, TAKESHI TSUKAHARA
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Publication number: 20230123409Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an endless belt configured to bear a toner image, a rotary member configured to be wound around by the belt, and configured to rotate integrally with the belt, a bearing configured to rotatably support the rotary member, a cleaning unit configured to come into contact with a surface of the belt and collect an adhering matter adhered onto the surface, an urging member configured to urge the cleaning unit toward the surface of the belt, and a support member configured from a single member and including a first supporting portion, a second supporting portion, and a third supporting portion. The first supporting portion rotatably supports the belt via the bearing and the rotary member. The second supporting portion pivotably supports the cleaning unit. The third supporting portion supports the urging member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventor: Atsushi Kawarago
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Patent number: 11079701Abstract: A transfer unit includes a reading unit to read an image on a sheet conveyed along a conveyance path, a first signal transmission member having a flat shape and is connected to the reading unit, and a relay member connected to the first signal transmission member. The relay member relays a signal from the first signal transmission member, and a second signal transmission member having a round shape and is connected to the relay member. The second signal transmission member leads into an apparatus body from an inner portion of the transfer unit in an axial direction of a first rotation shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Miho Kaiga, Yohei Suzuki, Junichi Ochi, Atsushi Kawarago, Toshifumi Kitamura, Kenichi Fujii
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Publication number: 20210109464Abstract: A transfer unit includes a reading unit to read an image on a sheet conveyed along a conveyance path, a first signal transmission member having a flat shape and is connected to the reading unit, and a relay member connected to the first signal transmission member. The relay member relays a signal from the first signal transmission member, and a second signal transmission member having a round shape and is connected to the relay member. The second signal transmission member leads into an apparatus body from an inner portion of the transfer unit in an axial direction of a first rotation shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Miho Kaiga, Yohei Suzuki, Junichi Ochi, Atsushi Kawarago, Toshifumi Kitamura, Kenichi Fujii
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Patent number: 10329106Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a stacking portion, a first roller, a second roller, a third roller rotatable to provide peripheral movement in a predetermined direction and to provide peripheral movement in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, a detecting unit, a driving unit for executing a feeding operation by the first roller, and a control unit for providing an instruction to the driving unit so as to continue or stop the feeding operation. The predetermined rotational frequency is larger than 0 and is smaller than a rotational frequency of the third roller in a period in which the third roller is rotated in the predetermined direction in a state in which a single recording material is fed to the nip.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Kawarago, Fumiaki Mizuno, Yuta Hojo, Takao Nada
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Patent number: 10061254Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and a discharging device. The image forming apparatus includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member positioned downstream of the first rotatable member, a first driving portion for driving the first and second rotatable members, and a first controller for controlling the first driving portion. The discharging device includes a third rotatable member, a second driving portion for driving the third rotatable member, and a second controller for controlling the second driving portion. The first controller controls a driving speed of the second rotatable member depending on a driving speed of the first rotatable member and feeds the driving speed of the first rotatable member to the second controller. The second controller controls a driving speed of the third rotatable member depending on the driving speed fed from the first controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuichi Umehara, Toshiya Kaino, Atsushi Kawarago, Jun Asami
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Patent number: 9944480Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an accommodation unit, feeding, conveying, and separating members, and detecting, control, image forming, and regulating units. The conveying member conveys a fed recording material. The separating member forms a nip and separates recording materials. The detecting unit detects that the recording material has been fed to the nip. The feeding member starts feeding an accommodated recording material and, where a recording material is fed to the nip, causes the feeding to be finished. An image is formed on a fed recording material. The regulating unit regulates an end on an upstream side. The control unit measures a period from a recording material feeding to detection that a recording material is fed to the nip. Based on the measured period, information is output indicating that a position of the regulating unit is deviated from a position according to a size of the accommodated recording materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuya Hirano, Fumiaki Mizuno, Yuta Hojo, Atsushi Kawarago
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Publication number: 20170267475Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an accommodation unit, feeding, conveying, and separating members, and detecting, control, image forming, and regulating units. The conveying member conveys a fed recording material. The separating member forms a nip and separates recording materials. The detecting unit detects that the recording material has been fed to the nip. The feeding member starts feeding an accommodated recording material and, where a recording material is fed to the nip, causes the feeding to be finished. An image is formed on a fed recording material. The regulating unit regulates an end on an upstream side. The control unit measures a period from a recording material feeding to detection that a recording material is fed to the nip. Based on the measured period, information is output indicating that a position of the regulating unit is deviated from a position according to a size of the accommodated recording materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Yuya Hirano, Fumiaki Mizuno, Yuta Hojo, Atsushi Kawarago
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Publication number: 20170166411Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a stacking portion, a first roller, a second roller, a third roller rotatable to provide peripheral movement in a predetermined direction and to provide peripheral movement in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, a detecting unit, a driving unit for executing a feeding operation by the first roller, and a control unit for providing an instruction to the driving unit so as to continue or stop the feeding operation. The predetermined rotational frequency is larger than 0 and is smaller than a rotational frequency of the third roller in a period in which the third roller is rotated in the predetermined direction in a state in which a single recording material is fed to the nip.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Atsushi Kawarago, Fumiaki Mizuno, Yuta Hojo, Takao Nada
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Publication number: 20170102654Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and a discharging device. The image forming apparatus includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member positioned downstream of the first rotatable member, a first driving portion for driving the first and second rotatable members, and a first controller for controlling the first driving portion. The discharging device includes a third rotatable member, a second driving portion for driving the third rotatable member, and a second controller for controlling the second driving portion. The first controller controls a driving speed of the second rotatable member depending on a driving speed of the first rotatable member and feeds the driving speed of the first rotatable member to the second controller. The second controller controls a driving speed of the third rotatable member depending on the driving speed fed from the first controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Ryuichi Umehara, Toshiya Kaino, Atsushi Kawarago, Jun Asami
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Patent number: 9471007Abstract: A developer container includes an accommodating portion accommodating developer and is provided with an opening, a shutter member for opening and closing the opening, a projection for moving the shutter member, and a guiding portion for guiding the projection. When the projection is pushed in a pushing direction, the projection is moved in a direction different from the pushing direction by being guided by the guiding portion in contact with the guiding portion and thereafter is moved in the pushing direction, thereby to move the shutter member to open the opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Kawarago
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Patent number: 9141046Abstract: An apparatus is capable of switching between a mode in which a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element are connected in series and a mode in which they are connected in parallel. When a temperature increase rate detected by a temperature detection unit is smaller than a threshold rate although a current detected by a current detection unit is greater than a threshold current, a notification of a failure is issued.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Shimura, Atsushi Kawarago, Yuta Hojo, Kei Sato
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Patent number: 9057986Abstract: A shutter mechanism capable of opening and closing an opening through which a developer accommodated in a container is movable includes a shutter member movable to open and close the opening; and a limiting member for limiting movement of the shutter member in a direction of opening the opening. When the container is inclined, the limiting member moves to a position where the limiting member limits the movement of the shutter member.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Kawarago
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Publication number: 20140376972Abstract: A shutter mechanism capable of opening and closing an opening through which a developer accommodated in a container is movable includes a shutter member movable to open and close the opening; and a limiting member for limiting movement of the shutter member in a direction of opening the opening. When the container is inclined, the limiting member moves to a position where the limiting member limits the movement of the shutter member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Atsushi Kawarago
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Publication number: 20140348548Abstract: A developer container includes: an accommodating portion accommodating a developer and being provided with an opening through which the developer is passable; a shutter member for opening and closing the opening; a projection for moving the shutter member; and a guiding portion for guiding the projection. When said projection is pushed in a pushing direction, the projection is moved in a direction different from the pushing direction by being guided by the guiding portion in contact with the guiding portion and thereafter is moved in the pushing direction, thereby to move the shutter member to open the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Atsushi Kawarago
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Publication number: 20140294416Abstract: An apparatus is capable of switching between a mode in which a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element are connected in series and a mode in which they are connected in parallel. When a temperature increase rate detected by a temperature detection unit is smaller than a threshold rate although a current detected by a current detection unit is greater than a threshold current, a notification of a failure is issued.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Yasuhiro Shimura, Atsushi Kawarago, Yuta Hojo, Kei Sato
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Patent number: 8787780Abstract: An apparatus is capable of switching between a mode in which a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element are connected in series and a mode in which they are connected in parallel. When a temperature increase rate detected by a temperature detection unit is smaller than a threshold rate although a current detected by a current detection unit is greater than a threshold current, a notification of a failure is issued.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Shimura, Atsushi Kawarago, Yuta Hojo, Kei Sato
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Patent number: 8737892Abstract: The invention provides an image forming apparatus, having: an apparatus main body; a fixing unit fixing an image onto a recording material at a fixing nip portion, the fixing unit including a pressure-applying portion applying a pressure to the fixing nip portion and a pressure-releasing portion releasing the pressure; an opening/closing member disposed in the apparatus main body; an engaging portion engaging with the pressure-releasing portion of the fixing unit in a state of being mounted to the apparatus main body for moving the pressure-releasing portion, the engaging portion moving in conjunction with an opening/closing action of the opening/closing member; and a phase adjusting portion adjusting a phase of the pressure-releasing portion to a phase of the engaging portion when the opening/closing member is opened, in conjunction with a mounting action of the fixing unit to the apparatus main body.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuhiko Oba, Atsushi Kawarago
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Patent number: 8430392Abstract: In order to provide a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of alleviating a bumping noise generated between a sheet and an inner guide member when the sheet passes through a curved sheet conveying path, a pair of intermediate conveying rollers is arranged in positions corresponding to both lateral sides in a width direction of the feeding roller and subsidiary feeding roller in a sheet conveyance direction. In addition, the subsidiary intermediate conveying roller abuts on the intermediate conveying roller with an inclination such that the sheet conveyance force is directed to the center of the sheet conveying path in a width direction. As a result, the sheet makes contact with the inner guide member of the facing guide member of the sheet conveying path by undulating the sheet in a width direction when the sheet is extracted and conveyed by the pair of intermediate conveying rollers.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Nada, Atsushi Kawarago, Taku Nishikawa