Patents by Inventor Tomofumi Kawamura

Tomofumi Kawamura 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: 20200285192
    Abstract: A material cartridge includes a first unit including a first attachment portion, a second unit and a first memory unit. The first memory unit that is attached to the first attachment portion and includes a first electrode and a first storage element. A cartridge reproduction method includes: detaching the first memory unit from the first attachment portion; attaching an electrode unit to the first attachment portion, the electrode unit including a second electrode, the second electrode configured to be brought into contact with a main body electrode of an image forming apparatus so as to be electrically connected to the main body electrode; and attaching, to the first unit, an element unit including a second storage element configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode. The element unit is located in a gap formed between the first unit and the second unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Hiroki Shimizu, Masato Tanabe
  • Patent number: 10732545
    Abstract: A method for remanufacturing a cartridge from a source cartridge, wherein the source cartridge includes a first unit and a second unit, the first unit including a first memory unit having a first electrode and a first storage element electrically connected to the first electrode. The method includes removing the first memory unit from the first unit, attaching a second electrode of a second memory unit to the first unit, and attaching a second storage element of the second memory unit to the second unit. The second electrode and the second storage element are connected by a connecting member so that when the second unit moves relative to the first unit, electrical connection between the second electrode and the second storage element is maintained, and the second electrode is electrically connected to a main body electrode of an information apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takeuchi, Shuichi Gofuku, Yu Akiba, Shota Nakamura, Masakazu Tatsumi, Hiroki Shimizu, Tomofumi Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20200133198
    Abstract: In a configuration in which a cartridge is removably mounted from a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (a side-oriented configuration), an image bearing member is disposed at a position farther from a light emitting unit in a state in which a cover is opened than a state in which the cover is closed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Koji Miwa, Shoichi Zensai, Tomofumi Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20200073286
    Abstract: A method for remanufacturing a cartridge from a source cartridge, wherein the source cartridge includes a first unit and a second unit, the first unit including a first memory unit having a first electrode and a first storage element electrically connected to the first electrode, the method including: removing the first memory unit from the first unit; and attaching the second electrode of a second memory unit to the first unit and attaching the second storage element of the second memory unit to the second unit, wherein the second electrode and the second storage element are connected by a connecting member so that when the second unit moves relative to the first unit, electrical connection between the second electrode and the second storage element is maintained, and the second electrode is electrically connected to a main body electrode of an information apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takeuchi, Shuichi Gofuku, Yu Akiba, Shota Nakamura, Masakazu Tatsumi, Hiroki Shimizu, Tomofumi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10571858
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a cartridge and an apparatus main body to which the cartridge is detachably attachable is disclosed. The apparatus main body includes a driving force transmitting member, an output member, and a biasing member disposed between the output member and the driving force transmitting member. The driving force transmitting member is caused to rotate relative to the output member in the predetermined rotation by the biasing member, when an engagement between the driving force transmitting member and the driving force receiving member is released by a detachment of the cartridge from the apparatus main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takamichi Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20200012229
    Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: an apparatus main body; a plurality of units arranged adjacent to each other in the apparatus main body, and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body in the same insertion and removal direction; and a switching member 36 configured to be capable of taking any one of a first position in which attachment and detachment of one unit 4 of adjacent units among the plurality of units to and from the apparatus main body is allowed and attachment and detachment of another unit 5 of the adjacent units is restricted, and a second position in which the attachment and detachment of the one unit 4 is restricted and the attachment and detachment of the other unit 5 is allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Shoichi Zensai, Tomofumi Kawamura, Hiroki Takano
  • Patent number: 10496034
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an opening/closing member that opens/closes space which is provided in an apparatus body and in which a first unit and a second unit are accommodated; a first guide portion that guides the first unit in the space; a second guide portion that guides the second unit in the space; and a slope member that is capable of guiding the first unit to the first guide portion provided at a position higher than a position of the second guide portion in a height direction orthogonal to an inserting/extracting direction of the space when the opening/closing member is put in an open position, the slope member being coupled between the apparatus body and the opening/closing member so as to be positioned in the space when the opening/closing member is put in a closed position to close the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Takano, Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai
  • Patent number: 10459396
    Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: an apparatus main body; a plurality of units arranged adjacent to each other in the apparatus main body, and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body in the same insertion and removal direction; and a switching member 36 configured to be capable of taking any one of a first position in which attachment and detachment of one unit 4 of adjacent units among the plurality of units to and from the apparatus main body is allowed and attachment and detachment of another unit 5 of the adjacent units is restricted, and a second position in which the attachment and detachment of the one unit 4 is restricted and the attachment and detachment of the other unit 5 is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoichi Zensai, Tomofumi Kawamura, Hiroki Takano
  • Patent number: 10423119
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting unit configured to mount a development unit including a developing member, a pressing member configured to press the development unit mounted on the mounting unit to separate the developing member from a photosensitive member or bring the developing member into contact with the photosensitive member, and an urging member configured to urge the pressing member, wherein, when mounting the development unit on the mounting unit, the development unit moves in a first direction from the pressing member toward the development unit, parallel to a direction in which the pressing member and the development unit are arranged side by side, wherein the pressing member is movable in the first direction, and wherein the urging member urges the pressing member to move the pressing member in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takashi Yano
  • Patent number: 10261463
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting unit configured to mount a cartridge including a developing member by moving the cartridge in the insertion direction, and a pressing member having a first pressing portion configured to press the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to separate the developing member from a photosensitive member. The pressing member has a second pressing portion configured to press the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to bring the developing member into contact with the photosensitive member, and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion integrally moves with the movement of the pressing member. The image forming apparatus also includes an elastic member configured to press the pressing member so that the second pressing portion presses the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takashi Yano
  • Publication number: 20190094796
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a cartridge including a rotating member, the cartridge including a driving force receiving member, and an apparatus main body to which the cartridge is detachably attachable. The apparatus main body including a driving force transmitting member, an output member, and a biasing member disposed between the output member and the driving force transmitting member, wherein when the cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body and an engagement between the driving force transmitting member and the driving force receiving member is released, the driving force transmitting member is rotated relative to the output member in the predetermined rotation direction by biasing force of the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takamichi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 10191445
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable unit including a regulating portion for regulating a position of a developing unit for supporting a developer carrying member, a driving member for moving the movable unit from a contact position to a spaced position, and an openable member for opening and closing an opening provided for demounting the developer carrying member and/or the image bearing member from a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. A pressing member presses and moves the movable unit by being moved in interrelation with an opening operation of the openable member. When the driving member is displaced from a contact phase to a spaced phase, the movable unit is moved to a first spaced position, and when the openable member is opened, the pressing member presses and moves the movable unit to a second spaced position from the contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shoichi Zensai, Tomofumi Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20180348696
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting unit configured to mount a development unit including a developing member, a pressing member configured to press the development unit mounted on the mounting unit to separate the developing member from a photosensitive member or bring the developing member into contact with the photosensitive member, and an urging member configured to urge the pressing member, wherein, when mounting the development unit on the mounting unit, the development unit moves in a first direction from the pressing member toward the development unit, parallel to a direction in which the pressing member and the development unit are arranged side by side, wherein the pressing member is movable in the first direction, and wherein the urging member urges the pressing member to move the pressing member in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takashi Yano
  • Publication number: 20180292781
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting unit configured to mount a cartridge including a developing member by moving the cartridge in the insertion direction, and a pressing member having a first pressing portion configured to press the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to separate the developing member from a photosensitive member. The pressing member has a second pressing portion configured to press the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to bring the developing member into contact with the photosensitive member, and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion integrally moves with the movement of the pressing member. The image forming apparatus also includes an elastic member configured to press the pressing member so that the second pressing portion presses the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takashi Yano
  • Patent number: 10073408
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting unit configured to mount a development unit including a developing member, a pressing member configured to press the development unit mounted on the mounting unit to separate the developing member from a photosensitive member or bring the developing member into contact with the photosensitive member, and an urging member configured to urge the pressing member, wherein, when mounting the development unit on the mounting unit, the development unit moves in a first direction from the pressing member toward the development unit, parallel to a direction in which the pressing member and the development unit are arranged side by side, wherein the pressing member is movable in the first direction, and wherein the urging member urges the pressing member to move the pressing member in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takashi Yano
  • Patent number: 10018959
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a mounting unit configured to mount a cartridge including a developing member by moving the cartridge in the insertion direction, and a pressing member having a first pressing portion configured to press the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to separate the developing member from a photosensitive member. The pressing member has a second pressing portion configured to press the cartridge mounted on the mounting unit to bring the developing member into contact with the photosensitive member, and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion integrally moves with the movement of the pressing member. The image forming apparatus also includes an elastic member configured to press the pressing member so that the second pressing portion presses the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai, Takashi Yano
  • Publication number: 20180164739
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable unit movable between a contact position and a spaced position, a driving member displaceable between a contact phase and a spaced phase, an openable member, and a pressing member for pressing and moving the movable unit by being moved in interrelation with an opening operation of the openable member. When the openable member is opened in a state in which the driving member is in the contact phase, the pressing member presses and moves the movable unit by a first movement amount from the contact position to the spaced position. When the openable member is opened in a state in which the driving member is in the spaced phase, the pressing member does not move the movable unit or moves the movable unit by a second movement amount smaller than the first movement amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Shoichi Zensai, Tomofumi Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20180120758
    Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus including: an apparatus main body; a plurality of units arranged adjacent to each other in the apparatus main body, and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body in the same insertion and removal direction; and a switching member 36 configured to be capable of taking any one of a first position in which attachment and detachment of one unit 4 of adjacent units among the plurality of units to and from the apparatus main body is allowed and attachment and detachment of another unit 5 of the adjacent units is restricted, and a second position in which the attachment and detachment of the one unit 4 is restricted and the attachment and detachment of the other unit 5 is allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Shoichi Zensai, Tomofumi Kawamura, Hiroki Takano
  • Publication number: 20180120763
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an opening/closing member that opens/closes space which is provided in an apparatus body and in which a first unit and a second unit are accommodated; a first guide portion that guides the first unit in the space; a second guide portion that guides the second unit in the space; and a slope member that is capable of guiding the first unit to the first guide portion provided at a position higher than a position of the second guide portion in a height direction orthogonal to an inserting/extracting direction of the space when the opening/closing member is put in an open position, the slope member being coupled between the apparatus body and the opening/closing member so as to be positioned in the space when the opening/closing member is put in a closed position to close the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroki Takano, Tomofumi Kawamura, Shoichi Zensai
  • Patent number: 9927764
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable unit movable between a contact position and a spaced position, a driving member displaceable between a contact phase and a spaced phase, an openable member, and a pressing member for pressing and moving the movable unit by being moved in interrelation with an opening operation of the openable member. When the openable member is opened in a state in which the driving member is in the contact phase, the pressing member presses and moves the movable unit by a first movement amount from the contact position to the spaced position. When the openable member is opened in a state in which the driving member is in the spaced phase, the pressing member does not move the movable unit or moves the movable unit by a second movement amount smaller than the first movement amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shoichi Zensai, Tomofumi Kawamura