Patents by Inventor Shigeru Tsunoda

Shigeru Tsunoda 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).

  • Patent number: 10209650
    Abstract: A fixation device includes: an endless belt member; a first roller arranged inside the belt member; a second roller arranged outside the belt member and biased toward the first roller via the belt member; and a pressure member is biased toward the second roller via the belt member. A facing surface of the pressure member that faces the second roller includes a first flat section and a second flat section that intersect at an intersecting portion. A first end portion of the first flat section on the opposite side to the intersecting portion, a second end portion of the second flat section on the opposite side to the intersecting portion, and the intersecting portion are on an imaginary arc in a cross-section. A radius R of the imaginary arc satisfies, with respect a radius Rp of the second roller, an inequality of “(1/2)×Rp?R?(19/20)×Rp”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20180246443
    Abstract: A fixation device includes: an endless belt member; a first roller arranged inside the belt member; a second roller arranged outside the belt member and biased toward the first roller via the belt member; and a pressure member is biased toward the second roller via the belt member. A facing surface of the pressure member that faces the second roller includes a first flat section and a second flat section that intersect at an intersecting portion. A first end portion of the first flat section on the opposite side to the intersecting portion, a second end portion of the second flat section on the opposite side to the intersecting portion, and the intersecting portion are on an imaginary arc in a cross-section. A radius R of the imaginary arc satisfies, with respect a radius Rp of the second roller, an inequality of “(1/2)×Rp?R?(19/20)×Rp”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru TSUNODA
  • Patent number: 9599942
    Abstract: An invented image forming apparatus has a fixing device for stably fixing developer on a medium. The fixing device includes a heating member, an endless belt member subject to heating provided from the heating member, a tension member tensioning the belt member, a pressure member forming a pressurized contact nipping portion via the belt member, a supporting member supporting the pressure member, a pushing member pushing the pressure member and the belt member, a fixing member pushing the pressure member and the belt member, a medium guide guiding move of the medium in a direction toward the pressurized contact nipping portion, and a pressure member moving mechanism for moving a position of the pressure member in the supporting member. The image forming apparatus further includes a controller controlling the position of the pressure member via the pressure member moving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20160252859
    Abstract: An invented image forming apparatus has a fixing device for stably fixing developer on a medium. The fixing device includes a heating member, an endless belt member subject to heating provided from the heating member, a tension member tensioning the belt member, a pressure member forming a pressurized contact nipping portion via the belt member, a supporting member supporting the pressure member, a pushing member pushing the pressure member and the belt member, a fixing member pushing the pressure member and the belt member, a medium guide guiding move of the medium in a direction toward the pressurized contact nipping portion, and a pressure member moving mechanism for moving a position of the pressure member in the supporting member. The image forming apparatus further includes a controller controlling the position of the pressure member via the pressure member moving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventor: Shigeru TSUNODA
  • Patent number: 9280109
    Abstract: A fixation device includes: a heating member; a fixation belt configured to be heated by the heating member and formed like an endless belt; a first fixation member configured to abut on an inner circumferential surface of the fixation belt; a second fixation member located upstream of the first fixation member in a paper conveyance direction and configured to abut on the inner circumferential surface of the fixation belt; a press member located between the first fixation member and the second fixation member and configured to abut on the fixation belt; a pressurization member configured to abut on an outer circumferential surface of the fixation belt, and press at least against the first fixation member and the press member via the fixation belt; a support frame configured to support the first fixation member; and a holding plate configured to support the press member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 8971774
    Abstract: A fuser includes a first roller that includes a first elastic layer, a belt member provided on, and rotates around, the first roller, a second roller that includes a second elastic layer and that forms a nip part by pressing, through the belt member, the first roller, and a heating member that heats the belt member. A thickness of the second elastic layer of the second roller is less than a thickness of the first elastic layer of the first roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20140369727
    Abstract: A fixation device includes: a heating member; a fixation belt configured to be heated by the heating member and formed like an endless belt; a first fixation member configured to abut on an inner circumferential surface of the fixation belt; a second fixation member located upstream of the first fixation member in a paper conveyance direction and configured to abut on the inner circumferential surface of the fixation belt; a press member located between the first fixation member and the second fixation member and configured to abut on the fixation belt; a pressurization member configured to abut on an outer circumferential surface of the fixation belt, and press at least against the first fixation member and the press member via the fixation belt; a support frame configured to support the first fixation member; and a holding plate configured to support the press member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shigeru TSUNODA
  • Patent number: 8594524
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device; a mode selecting unit for selecting one of a normal mode and a power save mode; and a fixing control unit. The fixing device includes a rotational member, a pressing member disposed to press against the rotational member for sandwiching and pressing a print medium with the rotational member after a developer image is developed on the print medium, and a heating portion for heating the rotational member. In the normal mode, a normal printing operation is enabled. In the power save mode, the printing operation is partially terminated to conserve power consumption. The fixing control unit controls the rotational member to rotate for a specific amount when the mode selecting unit selects the power save mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20120195655
    Abstract: A fuser includes a first roller that includes a first elastic layer, a belt member provided on, and rotates around, the first roller, a second roller that includes a second elastic layer and that forms a nip part by pressing, through the belt member, the first roller, and a heating member that heats the belt member. A thickness of the second elastic layer of the second roller is less than a thickness of the first elastic layer of the first roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru TSUNODA
  • Publication number: 20110142476
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device; a mode selecting unit for selecting one of a normal mode and a power save mode; and a fixing control unit. The fixing device includes a rotational member, a pressing member disposed to press against the rotational member for sandwiching and pressing a print medium with the rotational member after a developer image is developed on the print medium, and a heating portion for heating the rotational member. In the normal mode, a normal printing operation is enabled. In the power save mode, the printing operation is partially terminated to conserve power consumption. The fixing control unit controls the rotational member to rotate for a specific amount when the mode selecting unit selects the power save mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Shigeru TSUNODA
  • Patent number: 7764913
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a heating member for heating a recording medium having a developer image; a pressing member for pressing the recording medium against the heating member; a supporting member for supporting the pressing member; a supporting shaft for supporting the supporting member to be freely rotatable; and an urging member for urging the supporting member in a specific rotational direction and urging the pressing member against the heating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 7751766
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member for heating a recording medium and fixing an image formed on the recording medium; a pressing member pressed against the fixing member for pressing the recording medium against the fixing member; a frame member for supporting the fixing member and the pressing member; a cover member for covering the frame member; and a discharging member for discharging static electricity accumulated on the recording medium. The discharging member is sandwiched and held between the cover member and the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 7457575
    Abstract: To move a fusing belt smoothly, and to convey a recording medium smoothly, a fusing device according to this invention has a belt, a pressure member disposed in contact with the belt, and a pushing member disposed inside the belt, pushing the belt. Where a friction coefficient of an inner circumferential surface of the belt is set to ?i, a friction coefficient of a transit area for a recording medium on an outer circumferential surface of the belt is set to ?01, and where a friction coefficient of a non-transit area for the recording medium on the outer circumferential surface of the belt, having a friction coefficient rendered larger than the friction coefficient ?0i, is set to ?02, a relation of ?01<?i<?02 is satisfied. Therefore, even where the recording medium having a small friction coefficient is used, or where the pressure member having mold releasing property is used, moving force for moving the belt and conveyance for conveying the recording medium can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20080131179
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a heating member for heating a recording medium having a developer image; a pressing member for pressing the recording medium against the heating member; a supporting member for supporting the pressing member; a supporting shaft for supporting the supporting member to be freely rotatable; and an urging member for urging the supporting member in a specific rotational direction and urging the pressing member against the heating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 7361863
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member; a pressing member to be pressed against the fixing member; a first heating member for heating the fixing member; a second heating member for heating the fixing member supplementarily; and a third heating member for heating the pressing member. The first heating member has a first rated output; the second heating member has a second rated output; and the third heating member has a third rated output. The first rated output is greater than the second rated output, and the second rated output is equal to or greater than the third rated output. Further, the second heating member and the third heating member are connected in series relative to a voltage applying device or a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 7333762
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus transports a recording medium carrying a developer image on it and heats the developer image to fix into the recording medium. A heat roller extends in a direction of its rotational axis and generates heat. An endless belt is loosely entrained on a belt guide. A pressurizing mechanism engages the endless belt from inside and urges the endless belt against the first rotating body. When the rotating body rotates, the endless belt and the second rotating body are driven in rotation in such a way that the recording medium is pulled in between the first rotating body and the endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Oishi, Tatsuho Yoshida, Masato Sakai, Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20080003025
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member for heating a recording medium and fixing an image formed on the recording medium; a pressing member pressed against the fixing member for pressing the recording medium against the fixing member; a frame member for supporting the fixing member and the pressing member; a cover member for covering the frame member; and a discharging member for discharging static electricity accumulated on the recording medium. The discharging member is sandwiched and held between the cover member and the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 7218885
    Abstract: A fixing roller has a heat source therein and has a rubber layer on an outer periphery of a metal pipe. Hardness of the fixing roller is set to a range from 70° to 85° (ASKER C). A pressing roller is come into pressure contact with the fixing roller and a silicone foam rubber is formed on an outer periphery of a core. Hardness of the pressing roller is set to a range from 55° to 70° (ASKER C). A fixing apparatus in which a pressure necessary for color fixing is obtained, a print medium is not wrapped, and heat insulating performance of the pressing roller is obtained is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Oishi, Masahiko Shimosugi, Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20070000899
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member; a pressing member to be pressed against the fixing member; a first heating member for heating the fixing member; a second heating member for heating the fixing member supplementarily; and a third heating member for heating the pressing member. The first heating member has a first rated output; the second heating member has a second rated output; and the third heating member has a third rated output. The first rated output is greater than the second rated output, and the second rated output is equal to or greater than the third rated output. Further, the second heating member and the third heating member are connected in series relative to a voltage applying device or a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20050220510
    Abstract: To move a fusing belt smoothly, and to convey a recording medium smoothly, a fusing device according to this invention has a fusing device according to this invention has a belt, a pressure member disposed as in contact with the belt, and a pushing member disposed inside the belt, pushing the belt. Where a friction coefficient of an inner circumferential surface of the belt is set to ?i, a friction coefficient of a transit area for a recording medium on an outer circumferential surface of the belt is set to ?01, and where a friction coefficient of a non-transit area for the recording medium on the outer circumferential surface of the belt, having a friction coefficient rendered larger than the friction coefficient ?01, is set to ?02, a relation of ?01<?i<?02 is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsunoda