Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080219696 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a holding member and a supporting member coupled to the holding member. The holding member includes photosensitive drums and is configured to hold toner cartridges disposed in association with the photosensitive drums in a detachable manner and to move between a storage position in which the holding member is accommodated in the apparatus body and a replacement position. The supporting member is configured to support light source arrays in association with the photosensitive drums, to cover the holding member, to move between a retaining position where the light source arrays are positioned relative to the photosensitive drums and a withdrawn position where the light source arrays are withdrawn from the photosensitive drums, and to move to the withdrawn position in a different direction than the direction in which the holding member is moved to the replacement position. | 09-11-2008 |
20080219697 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus has a holding member having a plurality of photosensitive drums and configured to hold a plurality of toner cartridges in a detachable manner. The holding member is coupled to an apparatus body in a tiltable manner between a storage position where the holding member is disposed in the apparatus body substantially horizontally and a replacement position where the holding member is raised from the apparatus body substantially vertically. A top cover supports a plurality of light source arrays in association with the photosensitive drums and is coupled to the apparatus body in a tiltable manner between a closed position where the light source arrays are positioned with respect to photosensitive drums and an open position where the light source arrays are withdrawn from the photosensitive drums. The top cover tilts in a different direction from a direction that the holding member tilts. | 09-11-2008 |
20080317512 | Developer Cartridge and Developing Device - A developer cartridge and developing device are provided. The developer cartridge is attachable to and detachable from a developing housing, the developing housing supporting a developer carrier and comprising a drive gear for transmitting a driving force to the developer cartridge. The developer cartridge includes a cartridge housing that is configured to accommodate developer, an agitator that is provided in the cartridge housing and is configured to agitate the developer by the driving force, a transmission gear that is configured to mesh with the agitation gear, the transmission gear meshing with the drive gear when the developer cartridge is installed in the developing housing, and a supporting member that is configured to support the transmission gear movably with respect to the agitation gear while the transmission gear meshes with the agitation gear. | 12-25-2008 |
20090003889 | Developer Unit, Process Device and Image Forming Apparatus - A developer unit according to one aspect of the invention includes: a developer accommodation member configured to accommodate a developer having charging polarity to a first polarity opposite to a second polarity; a developing roller arranged at the developer accommodation member, the developing roller being configured to carry the developer; a supply roller arranged at the developer accommodation member and configured to supply the developer to the developing roller, an image formation width being defined on a surface of the supply roller along an axis direction of the supply roller; and a charging member brought into sliding contact with an outside of the image formation width of the supply roller. The charging member at a portion brought into sliding contact with the supply roller is formed of a material which is positioned on a side of the second polarity on a triboelectric series relative to the supply roller. | 01-01-2009 |
20090035028 | Developer Unit, Process Device and Image Forming Apparatus - A developer unit according to one aspect of the invention includes: a developer accommodation member configured to accommodate a developer, the developer having charging polarity to a first polarity; a developing roller arranged at the developer accommodation member, the developing roller being configured to carry the developer; a supply roller arranged at the developer accommodation member, the supply roller being configured to supply the developer to the developing roller; and a charging member brought into sliding contact with the supply roller. The charging member at a portion brought into sliding contact with the supply roller is formed of a material which is positioned on a side of the first polarity on a triboelectric series relative to the supply roller. | 02-05-2009 |
20090058978 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: a main body including an opening; a plurality of process units which are arranged in the main body in an arrangement direction with a gap therebetween; a plurality of exposure units which are arranged in the arrangement direction alternately with the process units; a cover which is rotatable about a rotation shaft to open and close the opening; and a plurality of support members which connect the exposure units to the cover and which allow the exposure units to be retreated from the process units with the opening and closing of the cover. The process units are disposed at positions where the process units contact with the exposure units moved with the opening and closing of the cover and at least contact portions thereof contacting with the exposure units are movable by pressing forces of the exposure units. | 03-05-2009 |
20090060562 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive member; and an exposure member having a light emitting element, the exposure member exposing the photosensitive member at an exposure position opposed to an opposed position on the photosensitive member to form the electrostatic latent image, the exposure member being movable between the exposure position and a retreated position retreating from the exposure position, wherein the exposure member includes a dust-proof wall protruding more than a light-emitting surface of the exposure member and a positioning member positioning the exposure member with respect to the photosensitive member at the exposure position, and wherein the dust-proof wall and the positioning member are integrally formed. | 03-05-2009 |
20090074451 | Process Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus - A charger of a process cartridge may be configured so that a charging wire is laid across an upper frame. An upper frame may be provided with a stopper at which one end of the charging wire is caught, and with a wire pulling member that pulls the charging wire at the other end. The wire pulling member may include a coil spring portion and an engaging portion capable of engaging with the other end of the charging wire, so that the engaging portion may rotate on a centerline of the coil spring portion. The wire pulling member may be held in the upper frame so that the centerline of the coil spring portion may be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of an extended portion of the charging wire. | 03-19-2009 |
20090169250 | Process Cartridge - A process cartridge includes a photosensitive member, a charger, a frame and a block member. The charger charges the photosensitive member and includes a charging wire and a grid electrode, which is provided between the charging wire and the photosensitive member, and which has an opening area in a surface opposing the photosensitive member. The frame supports the photosensitive member and the charger. The block member is provided between the charging wire and an end portion of the grid electrode in a longitudinal direction thereof and prevents a marginal area of the grid electrode from facing the charging wire in a direction with a minimum distance therebetween, the marginal area being defined between an end of the grid electrode and an end of the opening area. | 07-02-2009 |
20090169251 | Process Cartridge - A process cartridge includes a photosensitive member, a charger, which charges the photo sensitive member, and a process frame, which supports the photo sensitive member and the charger. The charger includes a charged wire, a grid that is interposed between the charged wire and the photosensitive member, a wire-side connecting portion that applies a voltage to the charged wire, and a grid-side connecting portion that applies a voltage to the charged wire. The process frame comprises an exposure opening that faces the photosensitive member, the exposure opening being provided between the wire-side connecting portion and the grid-side connecting portion when viewed from a first direction in which the charged wire is stretched. | 07-02-2009 |
20090180798 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: process units arranged along a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, each process unit including a photoconductor; exposure members arranged such that the exposure members and the process units are alternately arranged along the first and second directions; a support member that supports the exposure members and that is configured to rotate around an axis located in the first direction relative to the exposure members, such that the exposure members are advanced and retracted, in association with a rotation movement of the support member, between an advanced position where the exposure members are respectively advanced into spaces defined between the adjacent process units and a retracted position where all of the plurality of exposure members retracted from the respective spaces. The axis is movable along a direction orthogonal to an axial direction in association with the rotation movement. | 07-16-2009 |
20100021206 | PHOTOSENSITIVE BODY FOR ELECTRO-PHOTOGRAPHY - A photosensitive body for electro-photography includes a photosensitive drum, a shaft, and a contact segment. The photosensitive drum includes a drum body that has a cylindrical shape, electrical conductivity, and an outer peripheral surface, and a photosensitive layer that is formed on the outer peripheral surface. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a central axis of the drum body. The shaft penetrates through the drum body and extends along the central axis. The photosensitive drum is rotatable relative to the shaft. The contact segment is interposed between the photosensitive drum and the shaft to electrically connects the shaft and the drum body. The contact segment includes a pair of contact portions that forms a gap therebetween. The pair of contact portions is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the central axis while contacting with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft. A portion of the outer circumferential surface is placed in the gap. | 01-28-2010 |
20100080613 | Method for Attaching Charging Wire, Method for Manufacturing Process Cartridge, and Process Cartridge - The disclosed is a method for attaching a charging wire. At first, a first end of a charging wire is locked to a wire locking portion of a process frame, and portion of a torsion spring shaped wire electrode is engaged with a second end of the charging wire. Thereafter, a coil portion of the wire electrode is attached to a coil support portion of the process frame in a state in which a tension less than a set value is applied to the charging wire. Thereafter, a second spring leg portion of the wire electrode is moved to a fixed position fixed to an electrode support portion of the process frame in a direction in which a deformation amount of the wire electrode increases, without exceeding the fixed position in the first direction. | 04-01-2010 |
20100080621 | Process Cartridge - A process cartridge includes a cylindrical image carrier, a developing roller, a process case, and a cover removably fitted to the process case. The image carrier and the developing roller are relatively movable in the process case between a contact position in which the image carrier contacts the developing roller and a separated position in which the image carrier is separated from the developing roller. A releasing member is provided at the cover. The releasing member can be interposed into a released position between an end portion of the image carrier and an end portion of the developing roller. In a state in which the cover is fitted to the process case and covers the image carrier, the releasing member is movable from an unreleased position, in which the contact between the image carrier and the developing roller is not released, to a released position. | 04-01-2010 |
20110064469 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus has a holding member having a plurality of photosensitive drums and configured to hold a plurality of toner cartridges in a detachable manner. The holding member is coupled to an apparatus body in a tiltable manner between a first position where the holding member is disposed in the apparatus body and a second position where the holding member is raised from the apparatus body. A top cover is coupled to the apparatus body in a tiltable manner between a closed position and an open position. The top cover tilts in a different direction from a direction that the holding member tilts. | 03-17-2011 |
20110217068 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING TONER CARTRIDGE - A holder unit is movable between an accommodated position and a pulled out position. A plurality of toner cartridges is detachably attached to the holder unit. A shutter provided on each toner cartridge is movable between a block position where the shutter blocks an opening of a case and an open position where the shutter opens the opening. An operation member of each toner cartridge operates the shutter such that the shutter moves between a first position and a second position. The shutter is located at the open position when the operation member is located at the first position. The shutter is located at the block position when the operation member is located at the second position. An interference member is configured such that the operation members abut the interference member to be displaced from the second position to the first position when the holder unit is moved from the pulled out position to the accommodated position. | 09-08-2011 |
20110217069 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING TONER CARTRIDGE - Each of the toner cartridges includes a case, a shutter, a first operation portion and a second operation portion. The shutter is located at an open position where the shutter opens an opening of a case when the first operation portion is located at a first position. The shutter is located at a block position the shutter blocks the opening when the first operation portion is located at a second position. The shutter is located at the open position when the second operation portion is located at a third position. The shutter is located at the block position when the second operation portion is located at a fourth position. An interference unit is configured such that a first operation portions abut the interference unit to be displaced from the second position to the first position when a holder unit is moved from a pulled out position to an accommodated position and such that the second operation portions abut the interference unit to be displaced from the third position to the fourth position when the holder unit is moved from the accommodated position to the pulled out position. | 09-08-2011 |
20110280610 | TONER BOX AND DEVELOPING DEVICE FOR IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A toner box for being detachably mounted in a developing unit of an image-forming device, includes: a main body; a shutter; a shutter cover; and a toner seal. The main body is configured to accommodate toner therein and has a main-body-side communication through-hole, through which an interior and an exterior of the main body communicate. The shutter is disposed so as to be capable of moving between an open position in which the shutter opens the main-body-side communication through-hole, and a closed position in which the shutter closes the main-body-side communication through-hole. The shutter cover is configured to cover part of the shutter. The shutter cover has a cover-side communication through-hole at a position corresponding to the main-body-side communication through-hole to allow communication of toner through the main-body-side communication through-hole. The toner seal is configured to be disposed between the main body and the shutter and surround a perimeter of the main-body-side communication through-hole when the shutter is in the closed position. A leading edge of the shutter defined in a closing direction, in which the shutter is moved from the open position to the closed position, is positioned on an upstream side of the main-body-side communication through-hole in the closing direction when the shutter is in the open position. Part of the shutter is covered by a portion of the shutter cover surrounding the cover-side communication through-hole when the shutter is in the closed position. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280611 | TONER BOX HAVING TONER SEAL - A toner box includes: a main body; a shutter; and a toner seal. The main body is configured to accommodate toner therein and that has a main-body-side communication through-hole, through which an interior and an exterior of the main body communicate. The shutter is disposed so as to be capable of moving between an open position in which the shutter opens the main-body-side communication through-hole, and a closed position in which the shutter closes the main-body-side communication through-hole. The toner seal is configured to be disposed between the main body and the shutter and to surround a perimeter of the main-body-side communication through-hole when the shutter is in the closed position. The toner seal includes: an elastic layer provided with a fixing surface; and a mesh layer disposed on a surface of the elastic layer opposite to the fixing surface. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280612 | TONER BOX AND DEVELOPING DEVICE HAVING THE SAME - A toner box includes: a main body; a shutter; and a shutter cover. The main body is configured to accommodate toner therein and has a main-body-side communication through-hole, through which an interior and an exterior of the main body communicate. The shutter is disposed so as to be capable of moving between an open position in which the shutter opens the main-body-side communication through-hole, and a closed position in which the shutter closes the main-body-side communication through-hole. The shutter cover is configured to cover part of the shutter and that is elastically deformable. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280616 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE HAVING HOLDER UNIT, IN WHICH TONER BOX IS DETACHABLY MOUNTED - An image forming device includes: a main casing; a holder unit; a plurality of image bearing members; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner boxes; and an operation assembly. The main casing defines an accommodation space. The holder unit is configured to be movable in a moving direction between an accommodated position in which the holder unit is accommodated in the accommodation space and a pull-out position in which at least part of the holder unit is outside of the accommodation space. The plurality of image bearing members are held by the holder unit and are juxtaposedly arrayed in the moving direction with intervals between neighboring image bearing members. The plurality of developing units are held by the holder unit in one to one correspondence with the plurality of image bearing members. The plurality of toner boxes are detachably attachable to the holder unit in one to one correspondence with the plurality of developing units. Each toner box is detachably attachable to the holder unit at the pull-out position. Each toner box includes: a toner container accommodating therein toner and formed with an opening through which toner in the toner container is to be supplied to each developing unit; and a shutter movable between an open position for opening the opening and a closed position for closing the opening. The operation assembly is provided at the holder unit and configured to move the shutter between the open position and the closed position. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280618 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE, IN WHICH HOLDER UNIT DETACHABLY HOLDING TONER BOX IS MOVABLY MOUNTED - An image forming device includes: a main casing; a holder member; a plurality of image bearing members; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner boxes; an operation member; and a stop member. The main casing defines an accommodation space. The holder member is configured to be movable in a moving direction between an accommodated position in which the holder member is accommodated in the accommodation space and a pull-out position in which at least part of the holder member is outside the accommodation space. The plurality of image bearing members are held by the holder member and are juxtaposedly arrayed in the moving direction with intervals between neighboring image bearing members. The plurality of developing units are held by the holder member in one to one correspondence with the plurality of image bearing members. The plurality of toner boxes are detachably attachable to the holder member in one to one correspondence with the plurality of developing units. Each toner box is detachably attachable to the holder member at the pull-out position. Each toner box includes: a toner container accommodating toner therein and formed with an opening, through which toner in the toner container is to be supplied to the corresponding developing unit; and a shutter movable between an open position for opening the opening and a closed position for closing the opening. The operation member is configured to be movable between a first position providing the closed position of the shutter and a second position providing the open position of the shutter. The stop member is provided in the main casing and configured to prevent the holder member from moving when the holder member is on its way to the accommodated position from the pull-out position while the operation member is at the first position. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280619 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE HAVING HOLDER UNIT FOR TONER BOX - An image forming device includes: a main casing; a holder unit; a plurality of image bearing members; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner boxes; a first acting portion; a second acting portion; and an abutment member. The holder unit is configured to be movable in a moving direction between an accommodated position and a pull-out position. The plurality of image bearing members are held by the holder unit and are juxtaposedly arrayed in the moving direction with intervals between neighboring image bearing members. The plurality of developing units are held by the holder unit in one to one correspondence with the plurality of image bearing members. The plurality of toner boxes are detachably attachable to the holder unit in one to one correspondence with the plurality of developing units. Each toner box is detachably attachable to the holder unit at the pull-out position. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280630 | TONER BOX HAVING SHUTTER AND DEVELOPING DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH THE TONER BOX - A toner box, for being detachably mounted in a developing unit of an image-forming device, includes: a main body; and a shutter. The main body is configured to accommodate toner therein and has a main-body-side communication through-hole, through which an interior and an exterior of the main body communicate. The shutter is disposed so as to be capable of moving between an open position in which the shutter opens the main-body-side communication through-hole, and a closed position in which the shutter closes the main-body-side communication through-hole. The shutter is formed of a film and has a shutter drive opening, a shutter drive protrusion provided on the developing unit being capable of being engaged in the shutter drive opening. | 11-17-2011 |
20120002999 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE HAVING CHARGING WIRE CLEANING MECHANISM - An image forming device including an accommodating member, a moving section, a driving section, a transmitting section, and first and second switching sections. The accommodating member is movable between an accommodating position and a pulled-out position. A charger includes a charging wire and a wire cleaner movable therealong. The moving section is configured to move the wire cleaner. The driving section is configured to generate a drive force to move the moving section. The transmitting section is movable to one of a first path on which the transmitting section is drivingly connected to the driving section and a second path on which the transmitting section is disconnected from the driving section. The transmitting section is configured to transmit the drive force from the driving section to the moving section when the transmitting section is moved to the first path. The first switching section is configured to switch a position of the transmitting section from the second path to the first path. The second switching section is configured to switch a position of the transmitting section from the first path to the second path. | 01-05-2012 |
20120003000 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND TONER CARTRIDGE MOUNTED THEREIN - An image forming device includes: a main casing; a retaining member; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner cartridges; and an operation unit. The retaining member is configured to be movable in a first direction between an accommodated position and a pulled-out position. The retaining member includes a first side plate and a second side plate extending in the first direction and disposed in confrontation with and spaced apart from each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The developing units are retained in the retaining member. The toner cartridges have one-on-one correspondence to the developing units and are configured to be mountable in or detachable from the retaining member when the retaining member is located at the pulled-out position. Each toner cartridge includes a casing formed with a cartridge opening, and a cartridge shutter configured to be movable between an open position for opening the cartridge opening and a closed position for closing the cartridge opening. The operation unit is provided in the retaining member and configured to be pivotally movable in an imaginary plane parallel to the first direction and the second direction. The operation unit is interlocked with the cartridge shutter while the toner cartridge is mounted in the retaining member to move the cartridge shutter between the open position and the closed position in accordance with the pivotal movement of the operation unit. | 01-05-2012 |
20120027422 | Image Forming Device Capable of Preventing Foreign Matters From Entering Developing Unit - An image forming device includes a support member movable between an accommodated position within a main casing and a pulled-out position outside the main casing, developing units, toner cartridges, and a cover member. Each toner cartridge includes a casing and a shutter. The casing accommodates toner therein and is formed with an opening for supplying the toner to the corresponding developing unit. The opening faces in a first direction when the toner cartridge is accommodated in a corresponding cartridge accommodating section in the support member. The shutter is movable between an opening position for exposing the opening and a closing position for closing the opening. The cover member is movable between an opening posture for exposing a first side of the corresponding cartridge accommodating section in the first direction and a closing posture for opposing the first side of the corresponding cartridge accommodating section. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027454 | Image Forming Device Having Retaining Member Retaining Toner Cartridges - An image-forming device includes: a main casing; a retaining member; a plurality of developing units; a plurality of toner cartridges; and an operating member. The main casing defines an accommodation space. The retaining member is movably disposed between an accommodated position, in which the retaining member is accommodated inside the accommodation space, and a pull-out position. The plurality of developing units are retained by the retaining member. The plurality of toner cartridges are detachably attachable to the retaining member, one for each of the developing units, when the retaining member is at the pull-out position. Each of the toner cartridges includes: a casing in which a through-hole is formed for supplying toner accommodated inside the casing to the corresponding developing unit; and a shutter that is configured so as to be capable of moving between an open position exposing the through-hole and a closed position closing the through-hole. The operating member is provided at the retaining member. The operating member is configured to be operated to move the shutter between the open position and the closed position by shifting between a first position corresponding to the closed position of the shutter in which the operating member extends above the retaining member, and a second position corresponding to the open position of the shutter in which the operating member has a lower profile than in the first position. | 02-02-2012 |
20120033988 | Toner Cartridge - A toner cartridge, a main casing accommodates therein toner and is formed with an opening which provides communication between an interior and an exterior of the main casing. A shutter is movable along the main casing by an external driving force applied in a force direction between a closed position at which the shutter closes the opening and an open position at which the shutter opens the opening. A toner seal is formed with a seal opening opposing the opening of the main casing, and interposed between the main casing and the shutter when the shutter is positioned at the closed position. A guide portion is configured to guide a movement of the shutter in an inclined direction inclined with respect to the force direction. | 02-09-2012 |
20120039633 | Process Unit and Image Forming Device - A process unit includes: a photosensitive member; a developing unit; a developer cartridge; a guide portion; and an operation portion. The photosensitive member has a surface. The developing unit has a developing agent bearing member for bearing a developing agent to be supplied to the surface of the photosensitive member. The developer cartridge includes a casing defining an internal space for accommodating the developing agent, and a pressed portion provided at the casing and configured to be pressed by an external force. The developer cartridge is mountable on or detachable from the developing unit in a first direction, and further configured to be pressed in a second direction different from the first direction upon application of pressure to the pressed portion by the external force. The second direction is coincident with a direction of pressing the developing agent bearing member against the surface of the photosensitive member. The guide portion is shiftable between a first posture for guiding the developer cartridge to move relative to the developing unit in the first direction, and a second posture for guiding the developer cartridge to move relative to the developing unit in the second direction. The operation portion is configured to be operated to selectively shift the guide portion to one of the first posture and the second posture. | 02-16-2012 |
20120057897 | Developing Device - A developing device is provided which includes a developer carrier configured to carry developer and rotate, a developing frame configured to rotatably support the developer carrier, and a seal member disposed between the developing frame and an end portion of the developer carrier in an axial direction of the developer carrier. The seal member includes a base and a mesh textile disposed on top of the base and configured to contact the developer carrier. The mesh textile includes interlacing warp threads and weft threads such that there are spaces between adjacent warp threads and adjacent weft threads. | 03-08-2012 |
20120057905 | Developing Device - A developing device includes: a developing unit; a toner cartridge; a shutter drive member; and a second gear. The toner cartridge is mountable on or detachable from the developing unit and includes a casing defining an internal space for accommodating a developing agent and formed with a communication hole for supplying the developing agent to the developing unit, and a shutter movable between an open position in which the communication hole is open and a closed position in which the communication hole is closed. The shutter drive member includes a first gear that extends in the moving direction of the shutter. The shutter drive member is engageable with the shutter to be movable together with the shutter when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing unit. The second gear is meshingly engageable with the first gear to transmit a drive force to the first gear. The first gear is disengaged from the second gear when the shutter is in at least one of the open position and the closed position. | 03-08-2012 |
20120057906 | TONER CARTRIDGE - A toner cartridge includes: a main body; a shutter; a toner seal; and a shift member. The main body defines an internal space for accommodating toner and formed with a communication hole, through which an interior and an exterior of the main body communicate. The shutter is movable between an open position in which the communication hole is open and a closed position in which the communication hole is closed. The shutter is also shiftable between a first position in which the shutter is positioned away from the main body and a second position in which the shutter is positioned close to the main body. The toner seal is disposed between the main body and the shutter when the shutter is in the closed position. The shift member is configured to shift the shutter from the first position to the second position when the shutter is in the closed position. | 03-08-2012 |
20120087694 | Toner Container - A toner container includes a main casing, a shutter, and a seal member. The main casing accommodates toner and is formed with a communication hole through which an interior and an exterior of the casing communicate. The shutter is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the communication hole, respectively, and in either one of an opening direction and a closing direction. A shutter base portion includes edges, one positioned downstream of the other in the closing direction; and a folded portion. The seal member, configured to encircle the communication hole, is disposed between the casing and the shutter in the closed shutter position. The base portion slidingly contacts the seal member when the shutter moves between the open and closed positions. The folded portion is folded at one edge to be positioned opposite to the seal member relative to the base portion. | 04-12-2012 |
20120163867 | Charging Unit and Discharging Unit - A charging and/or discharging unit for an image formation device may include a discharge wire extending in a lateral direction (a second direction) perpendicular to a first direction, the first direction corresponding to a moving direction of the surface of a photosensitive drum and parallel to the surface of the photosensitive drum. The discharge wire may be distanced from the surface of the photosensitive drum. Shield electrodes and a grid electrode are opposed to the discharge wire, with a distance therefrom and extending along the lateral direction. The shield electrodes and the grid electrode may include ribs extending in the lateral direction, respectively. In one or more examples, the ribs may correspond to recessed portions in a surface of the corresponding electrodes and may be located out of a specified circular area. | 06-28-2012 |
20120213567 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE AND DEVELOPER MATERIAL UNIT - In an image-forming device, a waste developer material accommodating part is provided integrally with a developer material accommodating part. A waste developer material conveying mechanism is connected to both of a recovering unit and the waste developer material accommodating part and conveys the waste developer material from the recovering unit to the waste developer material accommodating part. The waste developer material conveying mechanism includes a conveying member that is disposed outside the waste developer material accommodating part, that extends in an axial direction of a photosensitive drum, and that is coupled to the waste developer material accommodating part while being movable relative to the waste developer material accommodating part. | 08-23-2012 |
20120224885 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND DRUM UNIT MOUNTED TO THE SAME - An image forming device includes a photosensitive unit, a developing unit, and a positioning unit. The photosensitive unit is configured to support a photosensitive body. The developing unit includes a developer carrying body and a unit case. The positioning unit configured to adjust a positional relationship between the developer carrying body and the photosensitive body. The positioning unit includes a separating unit configured to separate the developer carrying body from the photosensitive body, and a high pressure unit configured to provide a high pressure contact between the developer carrying body and the photosensitive body. A pressure in the high pressure contact is higher than a pressure in a normal pressure contact. The normal pressure contact is such a pressure that the developer carrying body and the photosensitive body are held during a printing operation. | 09-06-2012 |
20130051813 | Image Forming Apparatus Capable of Judging Whether Cartridge is Newly Mounted - In an image forming apparatus, a cartridge has a cartridge side electrode. A main casing has a main casing side electrode. The cartridge includes a moving member that allows the main casing side electrode to be located at a connection position when the moving member is at a first position, to be located at a disconnection position when the moving member is at a second position, and to be located at the connection position when the moving member is at a third position. A determining unit determines that the cartridge's state is new if the determining unit detects that the main casing side electrode is electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode, then the main casing side electrode is electrically disconnected from the cartridge side electrode temporarily, and then the main casing side electrode is again electrically connected to the cartridge side electrode. | 02-28-2013 |
20130051816 | Cartridge Having Detection Body - In a cartridge, a developing roller is configured to rotate around a first rotational axis extending in a predetermined direction and to carry developer thereon, the developing roller having a first end and a second end apart from each other in the predetermined direction, a from-first-to-second direction being defined along the predetermined direction as being directed from the first end to the second end. A developing electrode is formed of a conductive material and is configured to be electrically connected to the developing roller, the developing electrode including a main part and a protruding portion protruding from the main part in the from-first-to-second direction. A detection body is formed of an insulating material and is rotatably supported by the protruding portion, the detection body including a first opening that exposes part of the protruding portion and a covering portion covering part of the protruding portion. | 02-28-2013 |
20130051833 | Cartridge Having Coupling Member and Detection Body - In a cartridge, a housing has a developer accommodating portion and includes a first side wall and a second side wall. A coupling member is disposed at a position opposite to the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall. A detection body is disposed at a position opposite to the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall. A first driving force transmission member is positioned at the same side with the coupling member with respect to the first side wall, and transmits driving force from the coupling member to a rotating member. A second driving force transmission member is positioned at the same side with the detection body with respect to the second side wall, and transmits driving force from the rotating member to the detection body. | 02-28-2013 |
20130051866 | Developing Device Provided with Developing Roller and Supply Roller - In a developing device, a developing roller has: a first rotational shaft extending in a first direction; and a first roller body covering the first rotational shaft and configured to carry developer. A supply roller has: a second rotational shaft extending in the first direction; and a second roller body covering the second rotational shaft and configured to supply the developer to the developing roller. A housing accommodates the developing roller, the supply roller, and the developer. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall opposed with each other in the first direction. The first wall is formed with a first cutout. The second wall being formed with a second cutout. The first rotational shaft and the second rotational shaft are positioned in both the first cutout and the second cutout when projected in the first direction. | 02-28-2013 |
20130055685 | Toner Filling Apparatus - A toner filling apparatus includes a storing portion and a nozzle. The storing portion includes a storing chamber configured to store toner therein and a pressing member configured to press the toner stored in the storing chamber. The nozzle ejects the toner pressed by the pressing member outside from the storing chamber. The storing portion has an air outlet for releasing air outside from the storing chamber when the pressing member presses the toner. | 03-07-2013 |
20130078007 | Blade Pressing Member and Developer Cartridge - A developer cartridge includes a casing, a developing roller, a blade, a first blade pressing member and a second blade pressing member. The casing is configured to store developer therein. The developing roller is rotatably supported by the casing. The blade has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. The first end portion is supported by the casing. The blade is configured to regulate the developer carried on a peripheral surface of the developing roller to a predetermined thickness at the second end portion. The first blade pressing member is configured to press the first end portion of the blade. The second blade pressing member is configured to be attached to and removed from the casing. The second blade pressing member includes a pressing portion configured to press the second end portion of the blade toward the developing roller. | 03-28-2013 |
20130084081 | Image Forming Apparatus Capable of Determining a Condition of Cartridge Assembled Therein - An image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a cartridge, and a CPU. The main casing includes a detection electrode. The cartridge accommodating therein toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the detection electrode, and a moving member supported to the cartridge electrode. The moving member is movable from a first position where an electrical connection between the cartridge electrode and the detection electrode is interrupted to a third position where the electrical connection is interrupted via a second position where the electrical connection is established. The CPU is configured to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is new when the electrical connection is first interrupted, and established, and then interrupted in accordance with the movement of the moving member. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084082 | Image Forming Apparatus and Cartridge Therefor - An image forming apparatus and a cartridge to be used therein. 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. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084083 | Image Forming Apparatus and Cartridge Therefor - An image forming apparatus and a cartridge to be used therein. The image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a CPU, and a main electrode. The cartridge accommodating therein toner is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the main electrode, a moving member and a pressure member. 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 pressure member to be movable. The cartridge electrode is movable in accordance with the movement of the pressure member. 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. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084084 | Image Forming Apparatus and Cartridge Therefor - An image forming apparatus and a cartridge to be used therein. The image forming apparatus 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 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. | 04-04-2013 |
20130089357 | Developer Container Provided with Cap for Covering Filling Port - A developer container includes: a casing having a filling port and a cap for covering the filling port. The filling port is defined by a cylindrical through-hole having an inner peripheral surface, and a protruding portion protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface. The cap is attached to the casing in a first direction. The cap includes: a main body portion in a tubular shape having an outer peripheral surface; and a flange portion protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface in annular fashion. The flange portion is positioned downstream of the main body portion in the first direction and configured to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface. The protruding portion is positioned upstream of the flange portion in the first direction upon attachment of the cap to the casing. | 04-11-2013 |
20130136490 | Cap for Developer Container and Developer Container Having the Same - In a cap for sealing a filling port formed in a developer container, a base is in the shape of a circular plate. A first cylindrical portion is in the shape of a cylinder extending from a peripheral portion of the base in a first direction. A second cylindrical portion is in the shape of a cylinder extending from the peripheral portion of the base in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A first projecting portion projects radially outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion with a predetermined projecting amount. A second projecting portion projects radially outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion with a projecting amount equal to the predetermined projecting amount of the first projecting portion. | 05-30-2013 |
20130136494 | Process Unit Having Drum Cartridge and Developer Cartridge - A process unit includes a photosensitive unit, a developer unit, a first urging member, and a second urging member. The first urging member urges the developer unit with a first urging force when the developer unit is in a contact position where a developing member contacts a photosensitive drum. The first urging member urges the developer unit with a second urging force greater than the first urging force when the developer unit is in a separated position where the developing member is separated from the photosensitive drum. The second urging member urges the developer unit with a third urging force smaller than the first urging force when the developer unit is in the contact position. The second urging member urges the developer unit with a fourth urging force smaller than the third urging force when the developer unit is moved from the separated position to the contact position. | 05-30-2013 |
20130136495 | Process Cartridge Having Cover for Protecting Photosensitive Drum - A process cartridge includes: a photosensitive member unit having a photosensitive member; a developing unit detachably mountable on the photosensitive member unit and having a developing roller; a movable member configured to move between a first position and a second position when the developing unit is mounted on the photosensitive member unit, the movable member at the first position permitting the photosensitive member and the developing roller to be in contact with each other and the movable member at the second position permitting the photosensitive member and the developing roller to be in separation from each other; and a covering member configured to cover the photosensitive member, the movable member being at the second position in a state where the covering member covers the photosensitive member. | 05-30-2013 |
20130170844 | Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus Provided Therewith - A cartridge includes: a frame; a rotation body; a driving force transmission unit; and a moving member. The rotation body is provided at the frame and rotatable about its rotation axis relative to the frame. The driving force transmission unit is provided at the frame and transmits an external driving force to the rotation body. The moving member is irreversibly movable to one of a covered position and an exposed position by the external driving force transmitted through the driving force transmission unit. The moving member covers at least a portion of the driving force transmission unit when the moving member is at the covered position. The moving member exposes the driving force transmission unit when the moving member is at the exposed position. The exposed position provides an exposing degree greater than that at the covered position. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170845 | Cartridge and Image Forming Apparatus Provided Therewith - A cartridge includes: a frame; a rotation body; a driving force transmission unit; a closing member; and a moving member. The frame is formed with a filling port for filling an internal space of the cartridge with a developing agent therethrough. The closing member is configured to close the filling port. The moving member is configured to be irreversibly moved to one of a covered position and an exposed position by an external driving force transmitted through the driving force transmission unit. The moving member covers at least a portion of the closing member when the moving member is at the covered position. The moving member exposes the closing member when the moving member is at the exposed position. The exposed position provides an exposing degree greater than that at the covered position. | 07-04-2013 |
20130243477 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING TONER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE SHUTTER - An image forming apparatus includes a holder, photosensitive drums, developing units, and toner cartridges. Each toner cartridge includes a case, shutter, and operation member. The case contains the toner therein and has an opening at a position confronting the corresponding developing unit in a state that the toner cartridge is attached to the holder. The shutter is movable between a block position and an open position. The shutter is located at the open position when the operation member is located at a first position. The shutter is located at the block position when the operation member is located at a second position. The operation member has: a base end fixed to the shutter; and a distal end configured to move from a lower position to a position higher than the lower position when the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position. | 09-19-2013 |
20130287411 | Image Forming Apparatus Capable of Determining Type of Cartridge Mounted Therein - An image forming apparatus includes: a cartridge; a drive source; a detection unit; and a control device. The cartridge includes a movable member provided with a detected portion and configured to move by a predetermined moving amount. The drive source generates a rotation as a drive force and transmits the drive force to the movable member. The drive source includes a rotation amount detection unit that detects a rotation amount of the drive source and outputs a first detection result. The detection unit detects the detected portion and outputs a second detection result. The control device executes: a calculation process configured to calculate the rotation amount of the drive source during a time period of detecting the detected portion based on the first detection result and the second detection result; and a cartridge type determination process configured to determine a type of the cartridge based on the calculated rotation amount. | 10-31-2013 |
20130287436 | Cartridge - A cartridge includes: a housing that has a first wall part and a second wall part arranged at an interval from the first wall part and is configured to accommodate developer; a developer carrier that is rotatably supported to the housing and carries the developer; a layer thickness regulation member that is supported to the housing so that it is arranged at an opposite side to the second wall part with respect to the first wall part and that is configured to regulate a layer thickness of the developer carried on a surface of the developer carrier, and a covering member that is arranged at an opposite side to the second wall part with respect to the layer thickness regulation member and covers the layer thickness regulation member, wherein the covering member has a grip to grip the housing. | 10-31-2013 |
20140037331 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE CAPABLE OF PREVENTING ERRONEOUS ATTACHMENT OF CARTRIDGE - An image forming device includes: a main casing; a support member; cartridges; and cover members. The support member is movable between an accommodated position within the main casing and a pulled-out position outside the main casing, the support member being formed with cartridge accommodating sections. Each cartridge is accommodated in the corresponding cartridge accommodating section so as to be detachable from the corresponding cartridge accommodating section when the support member is located at the pulled-out position, the cartridges being of different types. Each cover member is movable between an opening posture and a closing posture. The cover members are provided in correspondence with the cartridge accommodating sections, respectively. Each cover member is provided with a preventing unit that prevents any cartridges of types different from a type corresponding to the corresponding cartridge accommodating section from being accommodated into the corresponding cartridge accommodating section. | 02-06-2014 |
20140072334 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE HAVING DRAWER TO WHICH CARTRIDGES ARE DETACHABLY ATTACHABLE - In an image forming device, a drawer moves between an accommodated position in which the drawer is accommodated in an accommodation space of a main casing of the image forming device and a pull-out position in which at least part of the drawer is outside the accommodation space. Cartridges are detachably attachable to the drawer. A moving member is provided at the drawer, and moves between a first position and a second position. A stop member provided in the main casing prevents the drawer from moving to the accommodated position when the drawer is on its way to the accommodated position from the pull-out position while the moving member is at the first position, and permits the drawer to move to the accommodated position when the drawer is on its way to the accommodated position from the pull-out position while the moving member is at the second position. | 03-13-2014 |
20140086613 | CARTRIDGES INCLUDING DETECTION MEMBER AND COVER MEMBER - Cartridges may include a developing roller, an electrode, a detection member, and a cover member. The developing roller rotates about an axis extending along a first direction. The electrode includes a protrusion that protrudes along the first direction to an end portion. The detection member includes a cover portion, which covers an exposable portion of the protrusion when the detection member is in a first position, and which exposes the exposable portion of the protrusion when the detection member is in a second position. The cover member covers a portion of the detection member and exposes the cover portion when the detection member is in the first position. The cover member extends in the first direction to an end portion. An overlap portion of the protrusion extends at least to the end portion of the cover member and overlaps a portion of the cover member in a second direction. | 03-27-2014 |
20140086619 | Developing Cartridge Having Frame to Which Seal is Assembled Without Adhesion - A developing cartridge includes: a frame defining a developer chamber therein for accommodating developer and being formed with an opening elongated in a longitudinal direction for allowing the developer to flow out of the developer chamber; a member assembled to the frame at a position opposite to the developer chamber with respect to the opening; a seal extending in the longitudinal direction and interposed between the member and the frame; and a protrusion protruding into the seal from at least one of the frame and the member in a protruding direction crossing the longitudinal direction, the protrusion being configured to restrict the seal from moving in the longitudinal direction. | 03-27-2014 |
20140086625 | Image Forming Apparatus Having Process Cartridge Detachably Mounted Therein - In an image forming apparatus, a cartridge is detachably mounted in a frame, the cartridge being located at a mounted position in the frame when the image forming apparatus is packaged with the cartridge mounted in the frame, the mounted position being defined in the frame in a mounting direction, in which the cartridge moves relative to the frame so as to be mounted in the frame. An attachment member is detachably attached to the cartridge when the image forming apparatus is packaged with the cartridge mounted in the frame. A restricting mechanism restricts mounting of the cartridge to the mounted position if the attachment member is attached to the cartridge, the restricting mechanism restricting the mounting of the cartridge at a position upstream of the mounted position in the mounting direction. | 03-27-2014 |
20140086635 | Cartridge Having Contact Member to Mitigate Damage to Cartridge Frame - A cartridge includes: a frame defining a chamber for storing developer therein; a rotary body configured to be rotatably supported to the frame; and a contact member. The rotary body includes: a metal shaft extending in an axial direction, the frame extending in the axial direction; and a cover portion made of an elastic material and provided around the metal shaft to expose axial end portions thereof, the cover portion having a first axial end portion positioned inward of the frame in the axial direction. The contact member is provided on the metal shaft and disposed between the first axial end portion and the frame in the axial direction such that the contact member is in contact with each of the first axial end portion and the frame. | 03-27-2014 |
20140086642 | DEVELOPING CARTRIDGES WITH FIXED PROTRUSIONS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Developing cartridges include a main body, a developer transport member, and a developer thickness regulating member. The main body includes a first and second side portions separated from each other along a direction. The developer thickness regulating member regulates a developer thickness and extends in a direction between the first and second side portions. The developer thickness regulating member includes an end portion, which is disposed near the first side portion, and a first protrusion, which extends along the particular direction from the end portion to at least the first side portion. The main body forms a cavity in the first side portion. The cavity is defined by at least a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a second protrusion that protrudes from the first surface toward the second surface. The first protrusion is fixed at a position between the second protrusion and the second surface. | 03-27-2014 |
20140270858 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE HAVING HOLDER UNIT, IN WHICH TONER BOX IS DETACHABLY MOUNTED - In an image forming device, a holder unit is movable in a moving direction between an accommodated position and a pull-out position. A plurality of toner boxes are detachably attachable to the holder unit in one to one correspondence with the plurality of developing units. Each toner box is detachably attachable to the holder unit at the pull-out position. Each toner box includes: a toner container accommodating therein toner and formed with an opening through which toner in the toner container is to be supplied to each developing unit; and a shutter movable between an open position for opening the opening and a closed position for closing the opening. An operation assembly is provided at the holder unit and configured to move the shutter between the open position and the closed position. | 09-18-2014 |
20140348561 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE HAVING WASTE DEVELOPER MATERIAL CONVEYING MECHANISM - In an image-forming device, a waste developer material accommodating part is provided integrally with a developer material accommodating part and is configured to accommodate waste developer material collected by a recovering unit. A waste developer material conveying mechanism is connected to both of the recovering unit and the waste developer material accommodating part and conveys the waste developer material from the recovering unit to the waste developer material accommodating part. The waste developer material conveying mechanism includes a conveying member that is disposed outside the waste developer material accommodating part and that is coupled to a center region of the waste developer material accommodating part along an axial direction of the photosensitive drum. | 11-27-2014 |