Electrical Connection Patents (Class 399/90)
  • Publication number: 20150071676
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus main body (apparatus main body) and an automatic document feeder mounted on the apparatus main body are provided, and a cable-side connector provided at a front end of an electrical cable extending from the automatic document feeder is removably connected to a board-side connector provided on a circuit board of the apparatus main body. In this configuration, an opening portion is provided in a back face of a housing of the apparatus main body at a position opposing the board-side connector, a lid that covers this opening portion is attached to a front end portion of the electrical cable by an attachment member, and this lid is configured so as to be attachable to the opening portion by a hook and fixing by screwing by means of a screw insertion boss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Masahiro IMOTO, Yasumasa MORIMOTO, Toshiki OHGITA
  • Publication number: 20150071675
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a power supply apparatus includes a movable terminal section configured to be attached on or detached from and electrically connected with a fixed terminal section corresponding to the attaching or detaching of a unit on or from a main body; a sliding section configured to support the movable terminal section and slide; a guide stud which has a positioning section inserted into the guide hole of the sliding section, a shaft section smaller in sectional area than the positioning section and a connection section for connecting the positioning section with the shaft section, configured to guide the sliding section; and an elastic section configured to press the sliding section towards a unit terminal section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Suzaki
  • Patent number: 8977155
    Abstract: The image forming apparatus can be used in areas having different power supply voltages, in which a failure of the apparatus can be detected so that reliability of the apparatus is improved. The apparatus includes a connection state switching part which switches connection of a first heat generating member and a second heat generating member, which generate heat by electric power supplied from a commercial power supply through a power supply path, between a serial connection state and a parallel connection state, and a current detection part which detects current flowing in the power supply path. The current detection part is disposed in the power supply path after branching toward the first heat generating member and the second heat generating member in the parallel connection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Shimura
  • Patent number: 8977158
    Abstract: An electrical connecting mechanism includes: a first connector disposed at an apparatus main body; a second connector disposed at an optional device, a power feed switch disposed at one among the apparatus main body and the optional device and capable of switching between a connected state and an unconnected state; and an operation element that is disposed in the other one among the apparatus main body and the optional device, and causes a state in which power can be supplied from the apparatus main body to the optional device to be entered by changing the power feed switch to the connected state, when the first connector and the second connector are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Marumoto
  • Publication number: 20150063838
    Abstract: A cartridge comprises a housing configured to hold a color erasable material which is erasable by heating to a color erasing temperature. The cartridge further comprises a temperature sensing unit configured to detect a temperature of the housing and a recording section configured to record the detected temperature of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: NORIFUMI YAGI, Takao Ishida, Kanya Hiroi
  • Patent number: 8971728
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a cartridge are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a CPU as a judgment unit, and a main electrode. The cartridge accommodating a toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the main electrode. The CPU is configured to judge assembly or non-assembly of the cartridge with respect to the main casing and to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The cartridge electrode is movable by a predetermined moving amount to permit the main electrode to be movable. As a result of a movement of the main electrode in accordance with the movement of the cartridge electrode, the CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nao Itabashi, Naoya Kamimura
  • Patent number: 8971775
    Abstract: A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet includes: a flexible tubular member having an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space; a heater; a nip member being in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the flexible tubular member and having an electrically conductive surface; a stay supporting the nip member and being electrically conductive and electrically connected to the electrically conductive surface; a backup member nipping the flexible tubular member in cooperation with the nip member; a supporting member supporting the nip member and the stay, the supporting member being movable relative to the backup member; and a first grounding member disposed to be in contact with the stay for grounding the stay, the first grounding member being supported to the supporting member such that the first grounding member is integrally movable with the supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Suzuki, Kei Ishida, Takuji Matsuno, Yoshihiro Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 8971730
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge including first and second cartridge contacts is detachably mountable, includes: a guiding member for guiding the cartridge to a positioning portion provided in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; a first main assembly contact contactable to the first cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion and is positioned in the positioning portion; a second main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion; a third main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact only when the cartridge is positioned in the positioning portion; and a control portion for detecting presence or absence of the cartridge in the main assembly and a mounted state of the cartridge by being electrically connected with the first, second and third main assembly contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryota Shibuya, Minoru Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 8971776
    Abstract: A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet includes: a flexible tubular member having an inner peripheral surface and circularly moving in a moving direction while the developing agent image is thermally fixed; a heater; a nip member being in sliding contact with the tubular member; a backup member nipping the tubular member in cooperation with the nip member; a stay covering the heater and supporting the nip member; an electric component positioned opposite to the heater with respect to the stay; and a frame supporting the electric component. The frame includes: an isolating portion interposed between the tubular member and the electric component for isolating the electric component from the tubular member; and a guide portion guiding the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member while the flexible tubular member is moving in the moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Suzuki, Kei Ishida, Takuji Matsuno, Yoshihiro Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 8965222
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a cartridge to be used therein are provided. The image forming device includes a main casing, a CPU as a judgment unit, and a main electrode. The cartridge accommodating therein a toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a moving member and a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the main electrode. The CPU is configured to judge assembly or non-assembly of the cartridge with respect to the main casing and to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The moving member is movable by a predetermined moving amount to permit the cartridge electrode to be movable. As a result of a movement of the main electrode in accordance with the movement of the cartridge electrode, the CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nao Itabashi, Naoya Kamimura
  • Patent number: 8965237
    Abstract: The present invention provides a configuration in which an electrically connected condition can further be stabilized in electrical-connection zones between a body of an image-forming apparatus, and an image-forming unit and a plurality of image-forming cartridges. Developing electrode members and wire power-feed electrodes are attached to a slide frame. Each of the developing electrode members has a first body-side contact. The developing electrode members are electrically connected with the developing-roller output terminals. The wire power-feed electrodes are electrically connected with wire output terminals through contact with the wire output terminals. The developing electrode members are elastically deformed as a result of their first body-side contacts being pressed in a direction, which is along a slide direction, by the developing-roller output terminals. The wire power-feed electrodes are pressed in a paper width direction by the wire output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Okabe
  • Patent number: 8964219
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an installation section, a control board, a first connection terminal provided on an outer surface of the control board, a first electrical connection member provided on the installation section and electrically connected to a point of reference potential, a substrate installable in the installation section in a thickness direction of the control board, an external connection terminal provided on the substrate and externally exposed, a second connection terminal provided on a first surface of the substrate and connected to the first connection terminal when the substrate is installed into the installation section, and a second electrical connection member provided on a second surface of the substrate. The second electrical connection member makes contact with the first electrical connection member and is electrically connected to the point of reference potential via the first electrical connection member when the substrate is installed into the installation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8958714
    Abstract: An electronic device and image forming apparatus include a main body and an attachment unit. The main body includes a main-body side connector. The attachment unit includes a unit-side connector connectable with the main-body side connector and is mounted detachably on the main body. The main body includes a static electricity prevention member and a biasing member. The static electricity prevention member is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. The static electricity prevention member partially or completely covers an outer periphery of a terminal of the main-body side connector at the first position and exposes this terminal at the second position. The attachment unit presses the static electricity prevention member from the first position to the second position against a biasing force applied by the biasing member, such that the main-body side connector is connected with the unit-side connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Akinori Matsuno
  • Publication number: 20150043937
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body, at least one developing cartridge, which is disposed inside the body to form an image and is provided at one side thereof with an interface terminal to receive a power, a tray movably coupled to the body while accommodating the at least one developing cartridge, a cover coupled to one side to open/close the body such that the tray moves to outside the body, a link member configured to guide the movement of the tray and to move according to the open/close movement of the cover while being connected to the cover, and a connection terminal configured to make contact with the interface terminal by being pressed by the link member when the cover closes the body and to be separated from being released for pressing force when the cover opens the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mun Hyub Choi, Sung Kyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20150037058
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprises an opening and closing cover, a cover fulcrum shaft, a roller shaft, and a grounding member. The cover fulcrum shaft pivotably supports the opening and closing cover. The roller shaft is disposed on the opening and closing cover. The grounding member has a first portion connected to the roller shaft and a second portion connected to the cover fulcrum shaft. The cover fulcrum shaft has a bent part that is bent so as to extend in a direction intersecting the pivot axis direction of the opening and closing cover, the opening and closing cover includes an engaging part that engages with the bent part, and the cover fulcrum shaft integrally pivots with the opening and closing cover when the opening and closing cover is opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yuzo ONISHI, Yoshiyuki ASAKAWA
  • Publication number: 20150037059
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chip contact mechanism for a developer cartridge. The chip contact mechanism comprises a chip holder movably provided on the developer cartridge and a lever for enabling the chip holder to move. The chip holder is provided with a chip installation position. A return member is provided between the chip holder and the cartridge body. Disclosed is also a developer cartridge which comprises the chip contact mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Yang, Congyu Qiu, Wugang Tan
  • Publication number: 20150037060
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, comprising: a frame body to which an attachment unit is detachably attachable, the attachment unit being configured to have an input electrode and to be used for image formation on a recording medium; a power source substrate configured to have an output electrode for outputting a voltage and to be attached to the frame body from an opposite side with respect to a side on which the attachment unit is attached; and a connection electrode configured to electrically connect the output electrode to the input electrode of the attachment unit, wherein the frame body comprises an insertion part into which the connection electrode is inserted from an opposite side with respect to a side on which the power source substrate is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Masahito HAMAYA, Shiro UENO
  • Publication number: 20150037050
    Abstract: A removable device is removably attachable to an image forming apparatus main body. The removable device includes an information storage device, a holder, and a low frictional structure. The information storage device includes: an information storage unit that stores information to be communicated between the apparatus main body and the removable device; a terminal to be contacted with an apparatus main-body terminal, for communicating information with the apparatus main body; and a substrate that holds the information storage unit and the terminal and that includes a guide to be fitted to a protrusion provided on the apparatus main body. The holder holds the substrate such that the substrate can move, when the removable device approaches the apparatus main-body terminal, on a virtual plane intersecting with a moving direction of the removable device. The low frictional structure is arranged on a contact area between the substrate and the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Hideki KIMURA, Masaki TAKAHASHI, Toshiki HAYASHI, Masayuki YAMANE
  • Publication number: 20150030347
    Abstract: A process cartridge, which includes a developing cartridge and a photosensitive cartridge for use with an image forming apparatus including a driving force output part and a feeding part, is provided. The developing cartridge includes a developer carrier, a first electrode provided at one side thereof, and a driving force receiving part provided at another side thereof and aligned with the first electrode such that the driving force receiving part overlaps the first electrode in a side view. The photosensitive cartridge, to which the developing cartridge is removably mounted, includes a photosensitive member, and a second electrode that contacts the first electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted in the photosensitive cartridge and that contacts the feeding part when the photosensitive cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The first electrode is pressed toward the driving force receiving part by contact with the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Naoya Kamimura, Fumikazu Sato
  • Publication number: 20150023685
    Abstract: A reassembled laser printer toner cartridge and method of manufacture including a cartridge seal assembly in which the remains of an OEM laser printer toner cartridge's toner hopper pull seal strip(s) is left in position, or a substitute conductive strip is put in the same position to simulate the OEM pull seal strip(s) if the OEM strips have been damages or are missing in order to enable a repaired or remanufactured cartridge to cooperate with the printer in detecting measuring and displaying the amount of toner consumed from the cartridge and shut the printer down, once the toner cartridge is empty, and a toner cartridge hopper foam seal strip assembly that covers the remnants of the OEM seal strips and provides a seal to prevent leakage of toner from the re-filled toner cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Lenahan, Oswaldo Cota, Jesus Gonzalez Perez
  • Publication number: 20150023684
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a board which controls an image forming job processor and an image former which performs an image forming job according to a control by the board. The board may include a plurality of power connectors for providing power, a plurality of first signal connectors continuously disposed such that they are spaced apart by a first distance in an exterior angle of the power connectors, a plurality of second signal connectors disposed such that each of them is spaced apart from one another by two or more times the first distance in an exterior angle of the first signal connectors, and a chip including a plurality of third signal connectors continuously disposed such that they are spaced apart by the first distance in an exterior angle of the second signal connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youn-jae KIM, Seung-hun PARK, Seob CHO
  • Patent number: 8938179
    Abstract: A toner cartridge for an imaging forming device having a retainer for holding a circuit board having processing circuitry with a plurality of contacts. A reference datum point in the retainer aligns the circuit board with the retainer while an alignment device aligns the retainer with respect to the supply item that is inserted into a frame within the image forming device having an electrical connector with a plurality of connecting pins. When the retainer and circuit board are mounted on the supply item and the supply item is inserted into the frame, a pair of cam surfaces and a corresponding pair of supports spaced apart and extending from an outer surface of the housing, align the connector with the retainer with the retainer aligning the connecting pins of the connector with corresponding contacts of the circuit board for electrical interconnection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Amann, James Anthany Carter, II, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, Matthew Jeremy Litman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Keith Seaman
  • Publication number: 20150016835
    Abstract: The power source board is arranged at a lower side on the back side of the main body of the image forming apparatus. The load control board is arranged at an upper side in a vertical direction of the power source board in such a manner that the load control board does not overlap with the power source board. For a board and load at a lower side when viewed from a load control board, a connector is arranged near the lower side of the load control board. For a board and load at an upper side of the load control board, a connector is arranged near the upper side of the load control board. Similarly, for boards and loads of right and left side, connectors are arranged near the respective right and left sides of the load control board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Toshifumi Kakutani, Shinya Suzuki, Hirohisa Kato, Yousuke Hata, Takeyuki Suda, Kazumi Sato, Manabu Koseki, Toshiyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 8934805
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes: a first housing comprising a recording portion and a first control device; a second housing comprising a second control device and supported by the first housing to be rotationally movable between a close position and a distant position by rotationally moving about a first axis extending in a first direction; a first cable and a second cable electrically connecting the first control device to the second control device; and a holder having a supported portion and holding the first cable and the second cable. In the first housing, at least a part of the holder extends in a second direction and the holder holds the first cable and the second cable such that the first cable and the second cable extend in the second direction and are respectively disposed at positions different from each other in the first direction and in a third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhito Ishida, Masahisa Kato, Tomofumi Murano, Ryohei Suzuki, Tomohisa Higuchi
  • Patent number: 8934792
    Abstract: A status detection device includes a heater, a first power line for supplying power to one end of the heater, a second power line for supplying power to the other end of the heater, a switch portion disposed in the first power line, an overheat protection portion for disconnecting the second power line when temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, and a zero cross signal generation portion which outputs a zero cross signal in accordance with a waveform of an AC power supply, and outputs zero cross signals having different output values in a case where voltage of the first power line is higher than voltage of the second power line and in a case where the voltage of the second power line is higher than, the first power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Masami Mashiki
  • Patent number: 8934804
    Abstract: A fuser unit, which heat-fixes a developer image on a recording sheet, the fuser unit including: a cylindrical member having flexibility; a heat generation member; a nip member; a stay; a first frame; a second frame, and a wiring, wherein the first frame is provided with a pair of openings through which both axial end sides of the stay are exposed, wherein the second frame is configured to cover a central portion of the wiring, which is positioned at an inward side more than the pair of openings in the axial direction, wherein both axial sides of the second frame are provided with pressing protrusions that directly press the stay through the openings, and wherein both axial sides of the second frame are provided with third frames that cover a part of the wiring arranged at both axial end sides of the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Suzuki, Kei Ishida, Takuji Matsuno, Tomohiro Kondo, Hisashi Tsukawaki, Seiji Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20150010320
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a receiving recessed portion, a contact portion and a main assembly electrical contact. In a state in which the cartridge is mounted at an image forming position of the main assembly, the cartridge includes a first positioning projection held in the receiving recessed portion; a second positioning projection, provided at a position different from a position of the first positioning projection, contacting the contact portion; and an information storing member including a storing element for storing information and a storing element contact electrically connected with the storing element, wherein the storing element contact contacts the main assembly electrical contact. Moment, about the first positioning projection, applied to the cartridge by a force applied from the main assembly electric contact to the storing element contact acts in a direction of urging the second positioning projection to the contact portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Noriyuki Komatsu, Yuuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20150010321
    Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Shougo Sato, Takeyuki Takagi, Naoya Kamimura
  • Publication number: 20150003858
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one embodiment includes a housing having an internal toner reservoir. A circuit board is mounted within a pocket on an exterior of the housing. An outer ramp is positioned outside the pocket and upstream from the pocket with respect to a direction of insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device. The outer ramp is angled to direct the electrical connector of the image forming device toward a plane of the circuit board during insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device. An inner ramp inside the pocket is angled to direct the electrical connector of the image forming device toward the plane of the circuit board during insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Amann, James Anthany Carter, II, Katrina Rosit Lactuan, Matthew Jeremy Litman, Matthew Lee Rogers, Ketih Seaman
  • Publication number: 20150003857
    Abstract: This image forming device has a first electrical component and a second electrical component, arranged in positions offset such that there is no mutual overlap; a third electrical component swivelably supported about pivots as pivot points; and support members for pivotably supporting the pivots. The support members pivotably support the pivots between the first electrical component and the second electrical component. The third electrical component, through swiveling, is selectively positioned at a first location overlapping the first electrical component but not overlapping the second electrical component, or at a second location overlapping the second electrical component but not overlapping the first electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Toru KATAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140376946
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including an image forming unit having a photosensitive drum and a developer device; a first frame made of a resin, formed in a shape of a plate, and arranged on one end, along an axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, of the image forming unit; a first beam formed in an elongated shape, arranged along and fixed to a planar face of the first frame; and a second beam formed in an elongated shape, arranged along the planar face of the first frame to intersect with the first beam, and fixed to the first frame, is provided. The first beam and the second beam are unfixed to each other at a mutually intersecting part thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Souda, Yohei Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140376947
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including a photosensitive drum configured to rotate about a rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, a resin frame configured to support a first end of the image forming unit in an axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a sub frame supported by the resin frame, a board supported by the sub frame and configured to supply a high voltage to the image forming unit, springy electrode disposed on the board and apart from edges of the board such that the springy electrode is compressed between the image forming unit and the board. The sub frame includes a plurality of first support portions disposed to support the board at at least three support points and a plurality of second support portions disposed to be supported by the frame at at least three support points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yohei Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140376945
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including an image forming unit having a photosensitive drum and a developer device; a first frame, made of a resin, formed in an approximate shape of a rectangle plate having shorter sides and longer sides, and arranged on one end, along an axial direction of a rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, of the image forming unit; a first beam formed in an elongated shape, arranged along and fixed to a planar face of the first frame, is provided. The first beam is arranged to partly overlap the image forming unit, when viewed along a facing direction to face the planar face of the first frame orthogonally, and is fixed to end parts on the longer sides of the first frame at longitudinal ends thereof at least along the facing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Souda, Yohei Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140376943
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including at least three image forming units, a substrate, a frame to support the image forming units and the substrate, and a plurality of spring electrodes, is provided. The plurality of spring electrodes comprise a first spring electrode, a second spring electrode, and a third spring electrode configured to serve for a common function and arranged to align along an aligning direction, which is orthogonal to rotation axes of photosensitive drums in the image forming units. The frame includes a pair of supporting parts arranged along the aligning direction to support the substrate. A distance between the second spring electrode and the third spring electrode is greater than a distance between the first spring electrode and the second spring electrode. A center between the pair of supporting parts is located in a position between the second spring electrode and the third spring electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yohei Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140376948
    Abstract: A cartridge includes a substrate and an engagement portion. The first surface faces a first direction and has a first surface on which an electrical terminal is disposed. The engagement portion includes a second surface disposed upstream from the substrate in the first direction and a third surface. The second surface faces a second direction, which forms an obtuse angle with the first direction. The third surface faces a third direction, which forms an acute angle with the first direction. The third surface does not overlap with the substrate in the first direction and the third surface is disposed downstream from the second surface in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Suguru TOMOGUCHI, Noritsugu ITO, Akinori IGARASHI, Tadanobu CHIKAMOTO, Hideki SHIOYA
  • Publication number: 20140376944
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, including an image forming unit containing a photosensitive drum and a developer device; a resin-made first frame formed in a shape of a plate and arranged on one end, along an axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, of the image forming unit; an enhancing member formed in an elongated shape, arranged along a planar face of the first frame on one side of the first frame and fixed to the first frame; and a metal-made first beam formed in an elongated shape, arranged along the planar face of the first frame to intersect with the enhancing member and fixed to the first frame, is provided. The first beam is fixed to the enhancing member at one end thereof in a position between longitudinal ends of the enhancing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Souda, Yohei Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8918008
    Abstract: A connector to electrically connect a rotary body having a shaft, the connector includes a connecting terminal, electrically connected to either a power supply or ground, to contact the shaft of the rotary body either at least two points or along a line; and a posture adjuster to hold the connecting terminal to adjust the posture of one of the connecting terminal and the rotary body to maintain contact between the connecting terminal and the shaft of the rotary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Okamoto, Kazuhiko Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140369709
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus having a part of a current detecting circuit configured to detect current to a heater in a fixing unit so that a main body of the image forming apparatus may have one configuration for 100 V and 200 V and provides an equal resolution of current detection for an apparatus for 100 V and an apparatus for 200 V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Keisuke Nakano
  • Publication number: 20140363189
    Abstract: A cartridge includes: a rotation body; and an electrode member. The electrode member is configured to supply the rotation body with electric power from an external electrode provided outside of the cartridge. The electrode member includes: a contact portion; and an urging portion. The contact portion is configured to be contacted with the external electrode. The urging portion is in a shape of a coil formed by winding a wire rod and configured to urge the contact portion toward the external electrode such that the contact portion is pivotally moved about the urging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Hashimoto, Isao Kishi, Shota Shinoya, Koji Abe, Yasushi Okabe
  • Publication number: 20140356004
    Abstract: A developer container includes: a container body that stores a developer and includes a filling port for the developer; and a container terminal that is attachable to and detachable from the container body. The container body is provided with an identifier that engages with the container terminal and is caused to change own form that can be identified from an outside, by an external force that is applied to detach the container terminal from the container body. The container body is provided with a flow preparation part that separates an inside and outside of the container body before changing the form of the identifier and that allows the air to flow between the inside and outside of the container body after changing the form of the identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Shoh TSURITANI, Naoki Nakatake, Manabu Hamada, Tomohiro Kubota
  • Publication number: 20140356014
    Abstract: A color multifunction printer as an example of an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of cartridges each containing a photoconductor; a support frame configured to support the cartridges arranged in tandem, the support frame being allowed to be pulled out horizontally from a casing of the apparatus to a position in which each of the cartridges is detachable from the support frame; and a plurality of exposure units mounted to the support frame, wherein each of the exposure units is disposed opposite to a corresponding photoconductor and is configured to expose the photoconductor to light to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. Each of the cartridges is configured to be detachable in such a direction that the photoconductor in the cartridge moves away from the corresponding exposure unit upon detachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shougo Sato
  • Patent number: 8903264
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller spaced apart from the first roller, a belt being endless and extending around the first roller and the second roller, a photosensitive member, a transfer member, and a conductor. The belt is configured to move in a moving direction. The belt has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface extends from the first roller to the second roller in the moving direction, and the second surface extends from the second roller to the first roller in the moving direction. The photosensitive member is disposed facing the first surface of the belt and configured to carry a developer image thereon. The transfer member is disposed facing toward the photosensitive member and configured to transfer the developer image on the photosensitive member. The conductor is electrically grounded and disposed facing the second surface of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Michio Fujioka
  • Publication number: 20140348532
    Abstract: A connector having a magnetically attractable support loosely attachable to an exterior surface of the replaceable item for use in an image forming device. The connector is interconnectable with a second connector of the image forming device, the second connector having a magnet and an electrical contact adjacent to an operating position of the replaceable item wherein when the connector is attached to the replaceable item and the replaceable item is in the operating position, a magnetic field draws the support away from the replaceable item and the electrical contact of the connector into operational contact with the electrical contact of the second connector. The mounting of the support allows the support to be drawn away from the replaceable item and remain attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Victor Pezdek, Justin Michael Tromp
  • Publication number: 20140348522
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body, a cartridge, detachably mountable to the body, configured to form a toner image, an information recording portion provided in the cartridge and configured to record information, a control portion provided in the body and configured to electrically communicate with the information recording portion, and a connector provided in the body and configured to electrically connect the control portion with the information recording portion. The connector has a temperature detecting portion configured to detect temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiro TOMONO
  • Publication number: 20140348518
    Abstract: A cartridge includes: a developer accommodating chamber, provided with an opening, for accommodating a developer; a sealing member, provided with an electroconductive portion, for sealing the opening; and a storing element, provided with an electrical contact at a surface thereof, for storing information on the cartridge. The electroconductive portion covers the electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichiro Masui, Masataka Mochizuki, Kenta Shibukawa
  • Publication number: 20140348533
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a development device, and a toner case. The apparatus main body includes an image carrier and a main body side connecting part including a main body side connector and a main body side housing. The toner case includes a case side connecting part including a case side connector and a case side housing. The development device is movable in a first direction as an approach/separation direction to the image carrier in a situation in which the development device is installed to the apparatus main body. The case side housing fits to the main body side housing and a case side terminal comes into contact with a main body side terminal in a situation in which the development device is installed to the apparatus main body and the toner case is installed to the development device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Daisuke ETO
  • Patent number: 8897664
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body, at least one developing cartridge, which is disposed inside the body to form an image and is provided at one side thereof with an interface terminal to receive a power, a tray movably coupled to the body while accommodating the at least one developing cartridge, a cover coupled to one side to open/close the body such that the tray moves to outside the body, a link member configured to guide the movement of the tray and to move according to the open/close movement of the cover while being connected to the cover, and a connection terminal configured to make contact with the interface terminal by being pressed by the link member when the cover closes the body and to be separated from being released for pressing force when the cover opens the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mun Hyub Choi, Sung Kyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8897665
    Abstract: A photosensitive member unit includes a photosensitive member, first and second side walls, a rotatable body and a unit electrode. The photosensitive member defines an axis extending in an axial direction, and has first and second end portions in the axial direction. The first side wall rotatably supports the first end portion and the second side wall rotatably supports the second end portion. The rotatable body is rotatably disposed between the first and the second side walls. The rotatable body confronts and contacts the photosensitive member in a prescribed direction perpendicular to the axial direction to be movable in the prescribed direction. The unit electrode is provided at the first side wall and supports the rotatable body, the first side wall supporting the unit electrode to permit the unit electrode to be movable in the prescribed direction in conjunction with movement of the rotatable body in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoya Kamimura
  • Publication number: 20140341606
    Abstract: A substrate mounting structure includes: a substrate member including a substrate portion, the substrate portion having first and second surfaces opposite to each other in a thickness direction of the substrate portion, first to fourth edges, and a predetermined thickness in the thickness direction; a first mounting member on which the substrate member is placed; and a second mounting member attached to the first mounting member to hold the substrate member on the first mounting member. The first mounting member includes first, second, and third restricting portions abutting on the first edge, the second edge, and the second surface to restrict movement of the substrate member, respectively. The second mounting member includes fourth, fifth, and sixth restricting portions abutting on the third edge, the fourth edge, and the first surface to restrict movement of the substrate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi FUJII
  • Patent number: 8886076
    Abstract: A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shougo Sato, Takeyuki Takagi, Naoya Kamimura