Patents by Inventor Takeo Kawanami

Takeo Kawanami 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).

  • Publication number: 20240118657
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a casing, a photosensitive drum, and a coupling operatively connected to the photosensitive drum. The coupling includes a guiding portion, an engaging portion, and a visor portion. The visor portion projects outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the coupling. The visor portion covers a space downstream of the engaging portion in the rotational direction of the coupling or the visor portion is positioned upstream of the guiding portion in the rotational direction of the coupling and adjacent to the guiding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Masanari Morioka, Takeo Kawanami, Yu Fukasawa
  • Publication number: 20240094658
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which can be replenished with toner using a replenishment cartridge and communicates with a memory device of the replenishment cartridge via a first electric contact portion and a second electric contact portion after a replenishment cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus in an installation portion. The replenishment cartridge is prevented from being detached by a regulation unit when it is in the replenishment position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Akinori Mitsumata, Takeo Kawanami, Shuma Hiasa
  • Patent number: 11906927
    Abstract: [TASK] To further develop prior art technique. [SOLUTION] A cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a coupling. the coupling includes a main body and a movable member movable relative to the main body. The movable member includes an engaging portion which is capable of entering between a driving force application member and a braking force application member by the movement relative to the main body. The movable member receives a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum, from the driving force application member and also receives a braking force applying a load against rotation of the photosensitive drum, from the braking force application member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiki Fujino, Akinobu Hirayama, Teruhiko Sasaki, Tachio Kawai, Daisuke Abe, Masanari Morioka, Takeo Kawanami, Yu Fukasawa
  • Publication number: 20240053692
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is configured to allow a replenishment container to be detachably attached thereto. The image forming apparatus includes a drum unit including a photosensitive drum, and a development unit. The development unit includes a development roller, a reception portion configured to receive the replenishment container. The development unit is movable relative to the drum unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a housing including an opening/closing member movable between a cover position, at which the opening/closing member covers the reception portion, and an exposing position, at which the reception portion is exposed, and a support member configured to be movable between a support position, at which the support member supports the development unit, and a retracted position, at which the support member is retracted from the support position, in conjunction with the movement of the opening/closing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Tomohiro Suzuki, Takeo Kawanami, Akinori Mitsumata, Tomoya Tateishi
  • Publication number: 20240036513
    Abstract: Problem to be Solved To further develop a prior art cartridge. [Solution] A cartridge includes a holding movable between a first position for stably holding a second unit in a spaced position by a first unit and a second position, and a contact force receiving portion capable of receiving a contact force for moving the holding portion from the first position toward the second position to move the second unit to a developing position, when the second unit is in the spaced position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Yuichi Fukui, Shinjiro Toba, Takeo Kawanami, Shinichi Nishida, Yasuyuki Egami
  • Publication number: 20240027956
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a tray unit to which a cartridge is detachably mounted, and that is configured to be capable of moving between an internal position situated within the apparatus main body and an external position situated outside, includes first and second side plates configured to support the cartridge, and they are each made of metal, and include a supporting portion and an outer side portion, the supporting portions includes positioning portions configured to come into contact with the cartridge to position the cartridge as to an image forming position. The apparatus main body includes first and second pressing members each capable of moving between pressing positions at which the cartridge is pressed, and separated positions separated from the cartridge. The first and second pressing members are disposed each intersecting with imaginary planes that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersect the positioning portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Takeo Kawanami, Kazuaki Nogami, Takehiro Hayashi, Kenji Watanabe, Shunsuke Hijikata
  • Publication number: 20230418224
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus forming an image on a sheet conveyed in a sheet conveyance direction includes a frame including a first side plate and a second side plate disposed in parallel in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction, an intake unit disposed on an outer side of the frame in the width direction and configured to draw air into an interior of the frame, an exhaust unit disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate and configured to discharge air outside of the frame, and a cooling object unit disposed on a path of the air which is drawn into the interior of the frame by the intake unit and moves toward the exhaust unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: TAKEHIRO MIYASHITA, TAKEO KAWANAMI, RYOSUKE TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20230408950
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an attaching portion including an operation member configured to be movable together with a container shutter, a toner storage portion configured to store toner received from a receiving port, an actuator configured to regulate a movement of the operation member, and a control unit configured to control the actuator. The operation member is configured to open and close the container shutter from an outside in a state in which the toner container is attached to the attaching portion. In a case where a predetermined condition is met, the control unit controls the actuator to release a regulation of the movement of the operation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: KAZUAKI NOGAMI, TAKEO KAWANAMI, AKINORI MITSUMATA, TAKEHIRO MIYASHITA
  • Publication number: 20230408965
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including an opening portion, and an opening-and-closing member, a process unit detachably attached to and supported by the apparatus body, the process unit including an image bearing member, a toner storage portion, and a supply portion, a sheet supporting portion, and a rotary feeding member. When viewed in a gravity direction, the supply portion is disposed on a same side as a side on which the sheet supporting portion is disposed with respect to the image bearing member, and the opening portion is disposed on a side opposite to the side on which the sheet supporting portion is disposed with respect to the image bearing member. In a case where the opening-and-closing member is positioned at an opening position, the process unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus body through the opening portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nogami, Takeo Kawanami, Akinori Mitsumata
  • Patent number: 11841643
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which can be replenished with toner using a replenishment cartridge and communicates with a memory device of the replenishment cartridge via a first electric contact portion and a second electric contact portion after a replenishment cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus in an installation portion. The replenishment cartridge is prevented from being detached by a regulation unit when it is in the replenishment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinori Mitsumata, Takeo Kawanami, Shuma Hiasa
  • Patent number: 11835890
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members, a transfer unit including an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of transferring members which sandwich the intermediate transfer belt between the plurality of image bearing members and themselves, a biasing member which biases each of the plurality of transferring members toward the plurality of image bearing members via the intermediate transfer belt, and a frame which supports the intermediate transfer belt, the plurality of transferring members, and the biasing member, and an apparatus main body which supports the plurality of image bearing members and the transfer unit. The apparatus main body includes a supporting portion which supports the transfer unit and a biasing force receiving portion of which a position is between the plurality of transferring members in a moving direction of the surface of the intermediate transfer belt and which is capable of supporting the transfer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norihiro Matsumoto, Fuyuko Koyama, Yasuhiro Fukase, Takeo Kawanami
  • Patent number: 11829100
    Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To further develop a prior art cartridge. [Solution] A cartridge includes a holding movable between a first position for stably holding a second unit in a spaced position by a first unit and a second position, and a contact force receiving portion capable of receiving a contact force for moving the holding portion from the first position toward the second position to move the second unit to a developing position, when the second unit is in the spaced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Fukui, Shinjiro Toba, Takeo Kawanami, Shinichi Nishida, Yasuyuki Egami
  • Patent number: 11815832
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is configured to allow a replenishment container to be detachably attached thereto. The image forming apparatus includes a drum unit including a photosensitive drum, and a development unit. The development unit includes a development roller, a reception portion configured to receive the replenishment container. The development unit is movable relative to the drum unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a housing including an opening/closing member movable between a cover position, at which the opening/closing member covers the reception portion, and an exposing position, at which the reception portion is exposed, and a support member configured to be movable between a support position, at which the support member supports the development unit, and a retracted position, at which the support member is retracted from the support position, in conjunction with the movement of the opening/closing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Suzuki, Takeo Kawanami, Akinori Mitsumata, Tomoya Tateishi
  • Patent number: 11815845
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet includes a main body, an opening and closing part, a link part, and an urging member. The link part is connected to the main body and the opening and closing part. When the opening and closing part moves between open and closed positions, the link part moves perpendicular to a direction along a rotating shaft of the link part to contact and be received by the main body. The opening and closing part can move in a state in which the link part and the main body contact each other. When the opening and closing part is in the closed position, the link part and the main body are separated from each other, and the opening and closing part is urged toward the main body by the link part urged by the urging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Miyashita, Takeo Kawanami
  • Patent number: 11809127
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a tray unit to which a cartridge is detachably mounted, and that is configured to be capable of moving between an internal position situated within the apparatus main body and an external position situated outside, includes first and second side plates configured to support the cartridge, and they are each made of metal, and include a supporting portion and an outer side portion, the supporting portions includes positioning portions configured to come into contact with the cartridge to position the cartridge as to an image forming position. The apparatus main body includes first and second pressing members each capable of moving between pressing positions at which the cartridge is pressed, and separated positions separated from the cartridge. The first and second pressing members are disposed each intersecting with imaginary planes that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and intersect the positioning portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeo Kawanami, Kazuaki Nogami, Takehiro Hayashi, Kenji Watanabe, Shunsuke Hijikata
  • Patent number: 11782378
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including an opening portion, and an opening-and-closing member, a process unit detachably attached to and supported by the apparatus body, the process unit including an image bearing member, a toner storage portion, and a supply portion, a sheet supporting portion, and a rotary feeding member. When viewed in a gravity direction, the supply portion is disposed on a same side as a side on which the sheet supporting portion is disposed with respect to the image bearing member, and the opening portion is disposed on a side opposite to the side on which the sheet supporting portion is disposed with respect to the image bearing member. In a case where the opening-and-closing member is positioned at an opening position, the process unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the apparatus body through the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nogami, Takeo Kawanami, Akinori Mitsumata
  • Patent number: 11720037
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charging member to charge a surface of the image bearing member, an exposure unit, a developing member to form a toner image, a transfer member, an irradiation unit, and a blocking member. The irradiation unit includes a light source provided at one end of the irradiation unit in a rotation axial direction of the image bearing member and a guide that guides a light source emitted light in the rotation axial direction. The irradiation unit irradiates the surface of the image bearing member with the light after the transfer member transfers the toner image to a transfer-receiving member. The blocking member blocks the light irradiated from the irradiation unit in the rotation axial direction. The blocking member is configured so that a quantity of blocking the light irradiated from the irradiation unit is different in the rotation axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nogami, Akinori Mitsumata, Takeo Kawanami
  • Patent number: 11709441
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing container to store developer, an operation portion, an operation detection portion, a conveyance unit to convey a recording material, a detection unit, a door that is openable and closable, a door detection portion, an agitation member, a drive portion, and a control unit. The control unit controls the drive portion in such a manner that, in a case where the operation detection portion detects movement of the operation portion, a supply agitation operation in which the agitation member agitates the developer stored in the developing container is performed. The control unit controls the drive portion in such a manner that, in a case where, in a state in which the supply agitation operation is being performed, the door detection portion has detected an opened state of the door or the detection unit has detected the recording material, the supply agitation operation is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinori Mitsumata, Takeo Kawanami, Nobuyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20230205128
    Abstract: [Task] To further develop conventional technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: SOHTA SUGIMOTO, SHUNSUKE HIJIKATA, NAOKI HAYASHI, YU FUKASAWA, SEIYA ISHIKAWA, SHINICHI NISHIDA, SHINJIRO TOBA, TAKEO KAWANAMI, YUICHI FUKUI, YASUYUKI EGAMI
  • Publication number: 20230205129
    Abstract: [Task] To further develop conventional technique. [SOLUTION] An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly; a plurality of process cartridges detachably mountable to the main assembly. The process cartridges each includes a photosensitive member, a first frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive member, a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member, and a second frame rotatably supporting the developing member and movable relative to the first frame between a developing position for the developing member to deposit the toner onto the photosensitive member and a retracted position in which the developing member is more remote from the photosensitive member than in the developing position. The apparatus further includes a connecting member 201 connecting at least two of the second frames of the process cartridges and removable from at least one of the process cartridges and from the main assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Masahiro Suetsugu, Hiroyuki Munetsugu, Shinjiro Toba, Shinichi Nishida, Yuichi Fukui, Takeo Kawanami, Yasuyuki Egami