Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080232852 | Image formation apparatus and photoreceptor cartridge - An image forming apparatus, includes: a mainframe; a photoreceptor; an exposing unit that exposes a surface of the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image; and a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying a charged developer on the surface of the photoreceptor having the electrostatic latent image formed thereon. The photoreceptor is loadable in and unloadable from the mainframe separately from the developing unit. | 09-25-2008 |
20080247776 | Image forming device and detachably loaded process unit - A developing unit is detachably mounted on a photosensitive unit to form a combined unit called a process unit. In use, the process unit is loaded into an electrophotographic image forming device. A rotational shaft of a photosensitive drum projects out from the photosensitive unit. When the process unit is loaded into the image forming device from a top open space, both ends of the rotational shaft are engaged with a pair of guides formed in side walls of the image forming device and guided down along the guides. The process unit is accommodated in an accommodating section when both ends of the rotational shaft have been brought into abutment with stops at the ends of the guides and a trailing end of the process unit is rotated downward about the rotational shaft. | 10-09-2008 |
20080304862 | TANDEM PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT HAVING GRIP PART - An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame. | 12-11-2008 |
20090141326 | Image-forming device with scanner unit - An image-forming device includes: a housing; an endless belt; a plurality of process units; and a plurality of scanner units. Each scanner unit and each process unit are inclined obliquely to a vertical direction. At least a part of each process unit is inserted into and removed from the housing in an obliquely inclined direction. | 06-04-2009 |
20090202271 | PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A pressing member applies a pressing force to a trailing end in a direction which intersects a predetermined reference direction, allowing the pressing force to have both a first component in the predetermined reference direction and a second component perpendicular to the predetermined reference direction. A trailing end is pressed in the predetermined reference direction by the first component. In the mounted state, the leading end is in contact with the reference member at two contact surfaces including a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface defines a first positioning direction being perpendicular to the first contact surface and intersecting the predetermined reference direction. The second contact surface defines a second positioning direction being perpendicular to the second contact surface and intersecting both the predetermined reference direction and the first positioning direction, allowing the photosensitive-member unit to be positioned with respect to the main body. | 08-13-2009 |
20090245859 | Image Forming Apparatus and Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include: a main body provided with an accommodation chamber partitioned by an inner side surface; a photosensitive unit configured to slid between an accommodated position and a drawn position; a first electrode disposed on a first outer side surface on the photosensitive unit; a second electrode disposed on a second outer side surface on the photosensitive unit to protrude toward the inner side surface beyond the first outer side surface; a third electrode disposed on a first inner side surface on the inner side surface; and a fourth electrode disposed on a second inner side surface on the inner side surface to protrude toward the photosensitive unit beyond the first inner side surface. | 10-01-2009 |
20090269101 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member to and away from the photoconductor The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm comprising one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm comprising: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft. | 10-29-2009 |
20090324275 | Tandem-Type Process Unit Removably Loaded In Image Forming Device - A tandem type of process unit removably loaded in an image forming device has a plurality of process cartridges, a pair of lower supporting plates, and a pair of upper supporting plates. Each of the plurality of process cartridges has a photosensitive drum rotatably about an axis extending in a first direction. Each of the plurality of process cartridges has two side faces facing each other in the first direction and a cartridge electrode provided on the side face. The plurality of process cartridges is aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the lower supporting plates supports a lower part of the side face of each of the plurality of process cartridges. The pair of upper supporting plates is positioned upward and separately from the pair of lower supporting plates. Each of the upper supporting plates supports an upper part of the side face of each of the plurality of process cartridges. The pair of upper support plates and the pair of lower support plates provide a side opening facing the side face of each of the plurality of process cartridges to expose the electrode of each of the plurality of process cartridges toward outside through the side opening. | 12-31-2009 |
20090324286 | Discharger and Process Cartridge - A discharger is provided, which can eliminate charge from a surface of a photoconductor. The discharger includes: a light source; a light guide member; a cover which covers the light guide member to expose at least an opposed surface of the light guide member to the photoconductor; and an adhesive tape which uses nonwoven fabric as a substrate, which is disposed between the light guide member and the cover so that the opposed surface of the light guide member is disposed between the tape and the photoconductor, and which bonds the light guide member and the cover to each other. | 12-31-2009 |
20100028043 | Tandem Type Photosensitive Unit and Image Forming Apparatus - A tandem type photosensitive unit includes: a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged in parallel with one another; a first structure member having a side surface extending in an arrangement direction of the photosensitive drums as viewed from an axial direction of the photosensitive drums for collectively retaining the plurality of photosensitive drums and relatively positioning the plurality of photosensitive drums; and a second structure member having a side surface extending in the arrangement direction as viewed from the axial direction for collectively retaining developer cartridges provided correspondingly to the photosensitive drums respectively. The first structure member is fixed to the second structure member on one side in the arrangement direction, and mounted on the second structure member with a clearance on the other side in the arrangement direction. | 02-04-2010 |
20100054800 | Image Forming Apparatus and Process Cartridge - An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a process frame that is removably installed into the main body; and a process cartridge that is detachably installed in the process frame; the process cartridge including: a photosensitive member; and a shutter member that is configured to be movable between a closed position where the photosensitive member is covered and an open position where the photosensitive member is exposed, wherein the shutter member moves from the closed position to the open position as the process frame is operated to be installed into the main body. | 03-04-2010 |
20100061757 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE AND ORNAMENTAL MEMBER THEREFOR - An image-forming device includes: a casing; an image-forming section including a plurality of image-forming units; a paper supply unit; and a discharge unit. The plurality of image-forming units are arranged substantially vertically within the casing when the casing is disposed in an orientation in which it is intended to be used, each image-forming unit forming an image in a corresponding color. The paper supply unit is disposed above the image-forming units when the casing is disposed in the orientation in which it is intended to be used. The paper supply unit is configured to accommodate a recording medium substantially in a vertical orientation and to supply the recording medium to the image-forming section. The discharge unit is disposed above the image-forming units when the casing is disposed in the orientation in which it is intended to be used. The discharge unit is configured to receive the recording medium discharged from the image-forming section substantially in a vertical orientation. | 03-11-2010 |
20100111562 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a main body, an endless belt, and a drum unit. The drum unit is detachably mounted on the main body. The drum unit is inserted in a mounting direction to mount on the main body. The drum unit has a first end and a second end that is disposed downstream in the mounting direction. The drum unit supports a plurality of photosensitive drums including a black photosensitive drum and color photosensitive drums. The black photosensitive drum has a first axis extending in an axial direction perpendicular to the mounting direction. Each of the color photosensitive drums has a second axis extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The black and color photosensitive drums are arranged in the mounting direction. The black photosensitive drum is disposed at a position nearest to the first end. The second end is pivotable about the first axis to be movable between an initial position and a pivot position. The black and color photosensitive drums contact the endless belt when the drum unit is disposed in the initial position. The black photosensitive drum contacts the endless belt and the color photosensitive drums are separated from the endless belt when the drum unit is disposed in the pivot position. | 05-06-2010 |
20100135693 | Image Forming Apparatus and Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include an image forming apparatus body and a photosensitive unit detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus body. The photosensitive unit includes: a frame; photosensitive bodies supported by the frame; cartridges including a developer carrier and detachably mountable to the frame; and a pressing portion provided on the frame for pressing the cartridges to direct the developer carrier toward the corresponding photosensitive body. Each cartridge can shift in the frame to a first attitude pressed by the pressing portion, and a second attitude released from the press of the pressing portion and detachable from the frame. The image forming apparatus body is provided with an abutment portion abutting the cartridge in the second attitude thereby bringing the cartridge into the first attitude when the photosensitive unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus body. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135694 | Photosensitive Unit and Image Forming Apparatus - A photosensitive unit is provided. The photosensitive unit includes a frame, plural photosensitive drums which are held by the frame, plural cartridges detachably mounted in the frame. Each cartridge includes a developing roller for supplying developer to the corresponding photosensitive drum, a supply roller, and a casing having a first casing portion supporting the developing roller and the supply roller and including a first wall, and a second casing portion storing developer and including a second wall connected to the first wall through a first stepped portion. The frame includes plural beam members which are provided between a pair of side parts. Each beam member includes a third wall which opposes the first wall with a distance therebetween, and a fourth wall which opposes the second wall with a distance therebetween in a state where a cartridge is mounted in the frame. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135696 | TANDEM PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT HAVING GRIP PART - An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame. | 06-03-2010 |
20100166453 | Image Forming Apparatus and Developing Cartridge - An image forming apparatus includes a drum unit which holds plural photosensitive drums, a developing cartridge which is provided for each photosensitive drum, a translation member which is provided to be movable linearly, and a movable member for each developing cartridge. The movable member includes a main body rotatably supported by the supporting shaft at one end portion thereof, an input portion provided at the other end portion thereof and to which a pressing force is input by the translation member with the linear movement thereof; an abutting portion which is provided between the one and other end portions of the main body, and abuts the drum unit while the movable member rotates about the supporting shaft; and an operating portion which applies to the supporting shaft a force for moving the developing cartridge as the movable member is rotated with the middle portion as a fulcrum. | 07-01-2010 |
20100178076 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus may include an apparatus body, and a photosensitive-member unit slidably attached to the apparatus body and retaining a plurality of photosensitive members. The apparatus body includes side wall portions opposing each other with a unit receiving section sandwiched therebetween, and a plurality of apparatus-body-side electrode members provided on the side wall portions, and each urged inward in an opposing direction of the side wall portions. The photosensitive-member unit includes a plurality of unit-side electrode members each protruding outward in the opposite direction and a guide path comprising a flat surface formed in a flat shape so that each of the apparatus-body-side electrode members slidably contacts to the flat surface during attachment of the photosensitive-member unit with respect to the unit receiving section, and that each of the apparatus-body-side electrode members slidably contacted maintains a constant inward and outward position in the opposite direction. | 07-15-2010 |
20100183329 | TANDEM PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT HAVING GRIP PART - An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame. | 07-22-2010 |
20100196048 | Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming Cartridge Supporter, and Image Forming Unit - An image forming apparatus has a body frame and a slide frame. The slide frame is configured to be pulled out from the body frame along a sliding direction. A plurality of image forming cartridges is detachably mounted on the slide frame. A plurality of electrode members is mounted on the slide frame and aligned along the sliding direction so as to correspond to the image forming cartridges. A body-side contact portion of each of the electrode members electrically connected to the body frame. A cartridge-side contact portion of the electrode member electrically connected to the image forming cartridge. The image forming cartridge is connected to the body via the corresponding electrode member when the slide frame mounting the image forming cartridges is inserted to the body frame. | 08-05-2010 |
20100215396 | Cartridge - A cartridge is detachably mountable in a receiving area of an image forming apparatus in a first direction. The receiving area is partitioned by partition surfaces opposing each other in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The cartridge includes first and second side surfaces in the opposing direction. In a part of the case, both ends of which are contactable with the partition surfaces, respectively, when mounted in the receiving area, outlines of the first and second side surfaces are provided on or inside first and second circular arcs, respectively, as seen in a second direction orthogonal to the opposing direction and the first direction. Each circular arc has a center, in the part, at corresponding end in the opposing direction and at a most upstream end in a mounting direction, and a radius corresponding to a line segment connecting the both ends in the opposing direction. | 08-26-2010 |
20100247173 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: an intermediate transfer belt to which a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum is primarily transferred; a driving roller configured to supply a driving force to the belt; a tension roller provided to be movable with respect to the driving roller to apply tension to the belt; a secondary transfer roller configured to transfer the toner image transferred to the belt onto a sheet; and a guide member configured to guide the sheet to a nip position between the secondary transfer roller and the belt. The driving roller is provided to support a downstream end of the belt in a direction in which the toner image is conveyed. The secondary transfer roller opposes the tension roller. The guide member is connected to the tension roller so as to follow a movement of the tension roller. | 09-30-2010 |
20100260518 | PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A pressing member applies a pressing force to a trailing end in a direction which intersects a predetermined reference direction, allowing the pressing force to have both a first component in the predetermined reference direction and a second component perpendicular to the predetermined reference direction. A trailing end is pressed in the predetermined reference direction by the first component. In the mounted state, the leading end is in contact with the reference member at two contact surfaces including a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface defines a first positioning direction being perpendicular to the first contact surface and intersecting the predetermined reference direction. The second contact surface defines a second positioning direction being perpendicular to the second contact surface and intersecting both the predetermined reference direction and the first positioning direction, allowing the photosensitive-member unit to be positioned with respect to the main body. | 10-14-2010 |
20100266312 | Tandem Photosensitive-Member Unit for Image-Forming Device - The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a plurality of photosensitive-member and a pair of side plates. The plurality of photosensitive-member holding units each extends in a first direction. The plurality of photosensitive-member holding units is arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The pair of side plates each extends in the second direction. The pair of side plates is disposed at both ends of the arranged plurality of photosensitive-member holding units with respect to the first direction. The tandem photosensitive-member unit is configured to be detachably mounted as an integral unit in a main body of an image-forming device. | 10-21-2010 |
20100290813 | Image-Forming Device Having Mechanism for Separating Developing Rollers from Photosensitive Drums - A laser printer includes a contact/separation mechanism that linearly moves developing cartridges between contact positions where the developing cartridges contact corresponding photosensitive drums and separating positions where the developing cartridges separate from the photosensitive drums. The contact/separation mechanism includes a pair of contact/separation members and a synchronous moving mechanism. The contact/separation members are disposed one on one side of the developing cartridges and another on another side of the developing cartridges. The synchronous moving mechanism is for linearly moving the contact/separation members in synchronization with each other. | 11-18-2010 |
20100296837 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND DETACHABLY LOADED PROCESS UNIT - A developing unit is detachably mounted on a photosensitive unit to form a combined unit called a process unit. In use, the process unit is loaded into an electrophotographic image forming device. A rotational shaft of a photosensitive drum projects out from the photosensitive unit. When the process unit is loaded into the image forming device from a top open space, both ends of the rotational shaft are engaged with a pair of guides formed in side walls of the image forming device and guided down along the guides. The process unit is accommodated in an accommodating section when both ends of the rotational shaft have been brought into abutment with stops at the ends of the guides and a trailing end of the process unit is rotated downward about the rotational shaft. | 11-25-2010 |
20110058851 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE AND CARTRIDGE - An image forming device comprising: a device main body; a cartridge detachably attachable to the device main body; a main body transmission unit to rotate about a first rotation axis; a main body joint unit to rotate about a second rotation axis allowed to intersect with the first rotation axis; a cartridge transmission unit configured to rotate about a third rotation axis and to transmit a driving force to a rotation body; and a cartridge joint unit configured to be able to rotate about a fourth rotation axis allowed to intersect with the third rotation axis, and configured to rotate coaxially with respect to the main body joint unit and to rotate the cartridge transmission unit when the main body transmission unit rotates in a state where the cartridge is attached to the device main body and the cartridge joint unit is coupled to the main body joint unit. | 03-10-2011 |
20110064457 | Image Forming Apparatus and Tandem Type Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus is described. An image forming apparatus may include an image forming apparatus body and a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable with respect to the body, wherein the unit includes: a frame; a plurality of photosensitive bodies; a plurality of developer cartridges, including developer carriers, detachably mountable on the frame; and a pressing portion provided on the frame for pressing each of the cartridges so that the developer carrier thereof is directed toward the corresponding photosensitive body, each of the cartridges is pivoted to be movable to an imaging position pressed by the pressing portion and a detached position released from the pressing by the pressing portion, and the body is provided with an abutting portion abutting the cartridge located on the detached position thereby pivoting the cartridge and moving the same to the imaging position when the unit is mounted on the body. | 03-17-2011 |
20110064463 | Developer Cartridge - A developer cartridge is described. The developer cartridge detachably mountable on a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable to a drawn-out position and a mounted position with respect to an image forming apparatus body may include a casing; a developer carrier rotatably supported on one end portion of the casing for carrying a developer; a pair of upright portions arranged on another end portion of the casing at an interval from each other in the axial direction of the developer carrier to extend from another end portion of the casing in a detaching direction for the developer cartridge; and an elastically deformable coupling portion extending in the axial direction of the developer carrier for coupling the upright portions with each other. | 03-17-2011 |
20110076050 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus may include an apparatus body, and a photosensitive-member unit slidably attached to the apparatus body and retaining a plurality of photosensitive members. The apparatus body includes side wall portions opposing each other with a unit receiving section sandwiched therebetween, and a plurality of apparatus-body-side electrode members provided on the side wall portions, and each urged inward in an opposing direction of the side wall portions. The photosensitive-member unit includes a plurality of unit-side electrode members each protruding outward in the opposite direction and a guide path comprising a flat surface formed in a flat shape so that each of the apparatus-body-side electrode members slidably contacts to the flat surface during attachment of the photosensitive-member unit with respect to the unit receiving section, and that each of the apparatus-body-side electrode members slidably contacted maintains a constant inward and outward position in the opposite direction. | 03-31-2011 |
20110110683 | TANDEM PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT HAVING GRIP PART - An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame. | 05-12-2011 |
20110123221 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - An image forming device includes a casing having a guide, image forming portions configured to form images on a recording medium, and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a housing configured to house each image forming portion, a projecting portion coupled to the housing and protruding in the first direction, and a support portion coupled to the projecting portion. An engagement of the support portion with the guide regulates movement of the drawer upward or downward during installation and withdrawal. | 05-26-2011 |
20110159970 | CARTRIDGE - A cartridge includes a casing, a rotatable member rotatably supported by the casing, a protruding member configured to advance and retract in directions parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotatable member, and an urging member configured to urge the protruding member to advance in an advancing direction. The protruding member has a perticular sloping surface configured to be contacted in a direction orthogonal to an axis of rotation of the protruding member when the cartridge is mounted. The perticular sloping surface slopes with respect to directions parallel to and orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the protruding member. | 06-30-2011 |
20110206410 | PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE - A process cartridge that is detachably mounted to a main body of an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge comprising: an image carrier cartridge that has an image carrier; and a developing cartridge that has a developer carrier; wherein the developing cartridge comprising: a driving input part, to which external power for rotating the developer carrier is input, is provided to a first axial end side of the developer carrier; a first supported part; a second supported part; and a third supported part wherein the image carrier cartridge comprising: a first support part arranged on a rotational axis line of the driving input part, a second support part arranged at an image carrier side rather than the rotational axis line of the driving input part; and a third support part arranged at an opposite side to the second support part with the rotational axis line of the driving input part. | 08-25-2011 |
20110211874 | Image Forming Device With Holding Unit Engagement Mechanism - An image forming device includes: a main body; a plurality of image forming units; a holding unit; and an engagement mechanism. Each of the plurality of image forming units has a developing portion. The holding unit holds the plurality of image forming units. The plurality of image forming units are aligned in the holding unit in a predetermined drawing direction. The holding unit is configured so as to be drawn out in the predetermined drawing direction from a storage position where the holding unit is stored in the main body. The holding unit sequentially reaches a plurality of different drawing positions while moving in the predetermined drawing direction. The plurality of image forming units are sequentially exposed to the outside while the holding unit sequentially reaches the plurality of drawing positions. The engagement mechanism is configured to engage the holding unit with the main body when the holding unit reaches each of the plurality of drawing positions. | 09-01-2011 |
20110229193 | Image Forming Device - A plurality of photosensitive drums is positioned between a first side plate and a second side plate of a holder unit. The first side plate is formed with a plurality of openings. Each of a plurality of toner cases supports each developing roller and is positioned between the first side plate and the second side plate. Each toner case has a confronting surface confronting the first side plate. Each of a plurality of developer couplings is provided at the confronting surface at a position in alignment with each opening and receives an input force to rotate each developing roller. A fixing member has a plurality of intervenient portions and a connecting portion integrally linking neighboring intervenient portion together. Each intervenient portion is interposed between each opening and each developer coupling to fix a position of each toner case relative to the holder unit. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229194 | Image Forming Device - A holder unit is configured to hold a plurality of photosensitive drums such that the plurality of photosensitive drums are arrayed in a predetermined direction and juxtaposed with each other with a space between neighboring photosensitive drums. A plurality of developing units is held by the holder unit, each is provided in association with each photosensitive drum, and each includes a developing roller displaceable between a contact position where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum and a spaced position where the developing roller is spaced away from the photosensitive drum. A spacer member has a plurality of retaining portions each in association with each developing unit and configured to retain each developing unit at the spaced position, and a linking portion integral with the retaining portions and configured to connect neighboring retaining portions therethrough in the predetermined direction. | 09-22-2011 |
20110243606 | Image-Forming Device Having Mechanism for Separating Developing Rollers from Photosensitive Drums - A laser printer includes a contact/separation mechanism that linearly moves developing cartridges between contact positions where the developing cartridges contact corresponding photosensitive drums and separating positions where the developing cartridges separate from the photosensitive drums. The contact/separation mechanism includes a pair of contact/separation members and a synchronous moving mechanism. The contact/separation members are disposed one on one side of the developing cartridges and another on another side of the developing cartridges. The synchronous moving mechanism is for linearly moving the contact/separation members in synchronization with each other. | 10-06-2011 |
20110318055 | TANDEM DRUM UNIT HAVING RESILIENTLY MOVABLE ABUTMENT PORTIONS - There is provided a tandem drum unit including a pair of side plates, a plurality of photosensitive drums, a plurality of developing cartridge accommodating sections and at least two abutment portions provided on each connecting frame. The pair of side plates is disposed in opposition to each other in a first direction, each side plate extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The plurality of photosensitive drums is juxtaposed in the second direction and interposed between the pair of side plates in the first direction, each photosensitive drum having an axis extending in the first direction and supported rotatably about the axis by the pair of side plates. The plurality of developing cartridge accommodating sections is arrayed in the second direction in correspondence with the plurality of photosensitive drums, each developing cartridge accommodating section accommodating therein a developing cartridge having a casing, each developing cartridge accommodating section comprising a connecting frame extending in the first direction and connected to the pair of side frames. Each connecting frame supports the casing of the developing cartridge accommodated in the developing cartridge accommodating section at one side in the second direction when a rotational moment is exerted on the developing cartridge during development. The casing of the developing cartridge is seated on at least two abutment portions, the at least two abutment portions being positioned spaced away from each another in the first direction and deviated toward the one side on the each connecting frame in the second direction, wherein the plurality of connecting frames includes an endmost connecting frame in the second direction having specific abutment portions resiliently movable in a pressing direction of the developing cartridge against the specific abutment portions. | 12-29-2011 |
20120003001 | TANDEM PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT HAVING GRIP PART - An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame. | 01-05-2012 |
20120008977 | IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - An image forming device includes a casing having a guide, image forming portions configured to form images on a recording medium, and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a housing configured to house each image forming portion, a projecting portion coupled to the housing and protruding in the first direction, and a support portion coupled to the projecting portion. An engagement of the support portion with the guide regulates movement of the drawer upward or downward during installation and withdrawal. | 01-12-2012 |
20120008983 | PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A pressing member applies a pressing force to a trailing end in a direction which intersects a predetermined reference direction, allowing the pressing force to have both a first component in the predetermined reference direction and a second component perpendicular to the predetermined reference direction. A trailing end is pressed in the predetermined reference direction by the first component. In the mounted state, the leading end is in contact with the reference member at two contact surfaces including a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface defines a first positioning direction being perpendicular to the first contact surface and intersecting the predetermined reference direction. The second contact surface defines a second positioning direction being perpendicular to the second contact surface and intersecting both the predetermined reference direction and the first positioning direction, allowing the photosensitive-member unit to be positioned with respect to the main body. | 01-12-2012 |
20120014720 | Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming Cartridge Supporter, and Image Forming Unit - An image forming apparatus has a body frame and a slide frame. The slide frame is configured to be pulled out from the body frame along a sliding direction. A plurality of image forming cartridges is detachably mounted on the slide frame. A plurality of electrode members is mounted on the slide frame and aligned along the sliding direction so as to correspond to the image forming cartridges. A body-side contact portion of each of the electrode members is electrically connected to the body frame. A cartridge-side contact portion of the electrode member is electrically connected to the image forming cartridge. The image forming cartridge is connected to the body via the corresponding electrode member when the slide frame mounting the image forming cartridges is inserted to the body frame. | 01-19-2012 |
20120033993 | Image Forming Device - An image forming device includes: a main body; a plurality of image forming units; a holding unit; and an engagement mechanism. Each of the plurality of image forming units has a developing portion. The holding unit holds the plurality of image forming units. The plurality of image forming units are aligned in the holding unit in a predetermined drawing direction. The holding unit is configured so as to be drawn out in the predetermined drawing direction from a storage position where the holding unit is stored in the main body. The holding unit sequentially reaches a plurality of different drawing positions while moving in the predetermined drawing direction. The plurality of image forming units are sequentially exposed to the outside while the holding unit sequentially reaches the plurality of drawing positions. The engagement mechanism is configured to engage the holding unit with the main body when the holding unit reaches each of the plurality of drawing positions. | 02-09-2012 |
20120057900 | Tandem-Type Process Unit Removably Loaded In Image Forming Device - A process unit has process cartridges, a pair of lower supporting plates, and a pair of upper supporting plates. Each process cartridge has a photosensitive drum rotatably about an axis extending in a first direction. Each of the process cartridges has two side faces facing each other in the first direction and a cartridge electrode provided on the side face. The process cartridges are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each lower supporting plate supports a lower part of the side face of each process cartridge. Each upper supporting plate supports an upper part of the side face of each process cartridge. The pair of upper support plates and the pair of lower support plates provide a side opening facing the side face of each process cartridge to expose the electrode of each process cartridge toward outside through the side opening. | 03-08-2012 |
20120099890 | Image Forming Apparatus and Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include: a main body provided with an accommodation chamber partitioned by an inner side surface; a photosensitive unit configured to slid between an accommodated position and a drawn position; a first electrode disposed on a first outer side surface on the photosensitive unit; a second electrode disposed on a second outer side surface on the photosensitive unit to protrude toward the inner side surface beyond the first outer side surface; a third electrode disposed on a first inner side surface on the inner side surface; and a fourth electrode disposed on a second inner side surface on the inner side surface to protrude toward the photosensitive unit beyond the first inner side surface. | 04-26-2012 |
20120107021 | Image Forming Apparatus - 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. | 05-03-2012 |
20120121292 | DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE AND PROCESS UNIT - A developing cartridge includes: a developing roller configured to rotate about an first axis extending in a first direction, the developing roller having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction; a case including a first wall disposed at the first side of the developing roller and a second wall disposed at the second side of the developing roller; an arm configured to be supported by the first wall of the case and configured to swing between a first posture and a second posture about an second axis extending the first direction, the arm including a first protrusion projecting from the arm in the first direction. | 05-17-2012 |
20120148288 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - An image forming device includes a main body, a grounding member, and a supporting member. The supporting member is slidably movable between a mounting position and a drawn-out position with respect to the main body. The supporting member includes a plurality of photosensitive drums, a pair of side plates, a contact portion, and a connecting portion. The pair of side plates supports each photosensitive drum. At least one side plate is electrically connected to the grounding member when the supporting member is disposed at the mounting position. A user contacts to the contact portion when the user draws the supporting member to move from the mounting position. The contact portion and the at least one side plate are electrically connected with each other via the connecting portion. Each of the pair of side plates, contact portion, and connecting portion is made of an electrically conductive material. | 06-14-2012 |
20120189346 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member to and away from the photoconductor. The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm including one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm including: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft. | 07-26-2012 |
20120195621 | Developing Cartridge Capable of Providing Stabilized Electrical Power Supply to Developing Roller - A developing cartridge having a collar member provided over an axially end portion of a developing roller shaft and movable in an axial direction thereof. The collar member includes a cap portion covering the axial end portion of the rotation shaft and electrically contacted with the rotation shaft, and a power-feed receiving portion electrically connected to the cap portion and electrically contactable with an external electrode. The power-feed receiving portion is provided integrally with the cap portion. | 08-02-2012 |
20120195633 | Electro-Photographic Type Image Forming Device and Photosensitive Unit Provided in the Same - An image forming device includes a main casing and a photosensitive unit. The photosensitive unit has a first peripheral portion at a downstream side in an attaching direction provided with a first contact portion and has a second peripheral portion at an upstream side in the attaching direction provided with a second contact portion. The main casing includes a pair of side walls and first and second positioning members. The first and second positioning members span between the side walls. The first positioning member has a first positioning portion with which the first contact portion is contactable for positioning the photosensitive unit relative to the main casing. The second positioning member is positioned upstream of the first positioning member in the attaching direction. The second positioning member has a second positioning portion with which the second contact portion is contactable for positioning the photosensitive unit relative to the main casing. | 08-02-2012 |
20120243903 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - An image forming device includes a main casing and a cartridge support member. The main casing provides a fulcrum part. The cartridge support member supports a plurality of cartridges and movable among an internal position in which the cartridge support member is accommodated in the main casing, an external position in which the cartridge support member is pulled outside the main casing, and a cartridge mounting position. The cartridge support member is slidable in a pulled-out direction from the internal position to the external direction, and is pivotable between the external position and the cartridge mounting position. The cartridge support member has an upstream portion and a downstream portion disposed downstream of the upstream portion in the pulled-out direction. The cartridge support member pivots about the fulcrum part positioned near the upstream portion when the cartridge support member moves from the external position to the cartridge mounting position. | 09-27-2012 |
20120263493 | Image Forming Device - A color laser printer is configured with a tray being provided above the housing cassette which houses a recording medium. The tray holds developing units and is configured to be pulled out from device main body while leaving housing cassette inside device main body. Furthermore, a sliding support element capable of supporting protrusions of the tray is provided, such that a portion of the tray downstream of the protrusions can be supported on the installation surface when the tray is pulled out from device main body. | 10-18-2012 |
20120269541 | Image Forming Device Having Process Unit With Improved Handgrips - An image forming device may include a process unit including: cartridges arrayed side by side in an array direction; and a support unit supporting the cartridges and movable in the array direction between an accommodated position where the support unit is accommodated in a main casing and a pulled out position, away from the accommodated position, for detachment and attachment of the support unit. The support unit includes: a frame; a first handgrip including a leg portion having a portion connected to the frame, and a grip portion connected to the leg portion and positioned downstream of a most upstream end of a most upstream side cartridge in a pulling out direction along the array direction for pulling out the support unit when the support unit is at the accommodated position; and a second hand grip positioned downstream of the first hand grip in the pulling out direction. | 10-25-2012 |
20120288305 | Developer Cartridge - A developer cartridge is described. The developer cartridge detachably mountable on a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable to a drawn-out position and a mounted position with respect to an image forming apparatus body may include a casing; a developer carrier rotatably supported on one end portion of the casing for carrying a developer; a pair of upright portions arranged on another end portion of the casing at an interval from each other in the axial direction of the developer carrier to extend from another end portion of the casing in a detaching direction for the developer cartridge; and an elastically deformable coupling portion extending in the axial direction of the developer carrier for coupling the upright portions with each other. | 11-15-2012 |
20120301185 | Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming Cartridge Supporter, and Image Forming Unit - An image forming apparatus has a body frame and a slide frame. The slide frame is configured to be pulled out from the body frame along a sliding direction. A plurality of image forming cartridges is detachably mounted on the slide frame. A plurality of electrode members is mounted on the slide frame and aligned along the sliding direction so as to correspond to the image forming cartridges. A body-side contact portion of each of the electrode members is electrically connected to the body frame. A cartridge-side contact portion of the electrode member is electrically connected to the image forming cartridge. The image forming cartridge is connected to the body via the corresponding electrode member when the slide frame mounting the image forming cartridges is inserted to the body frame. | 11-29-2012 |
20120308263 | Image Forming Apparatus - 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. | 12-06-2012 |
20120328328 | TANDEM PHOTOSENSITIVE-MEMBER UNIT HAVING GRIP PART - An image-forming device includes a main body and a tandem photosensitive-member unit. The tandem photosensitive-member unit includes a unit frame, a plurality of photosensitive members, a front-side grip part, and a rear-side grip. The unit frame is configured to be slidably installed to and removed from the main body in a predetermined direction. The unit frame has a leading side and a trailing side with respect to the predetermined direction. The plurality of photosensitive members is provided corresponding to a plurality of colors and is supported by the unit frame. The front-side grip part is provided at the leading side of the unit frame. The rear-side grip part is provided at the trailing side of the unit frame. | 12-27-2012 |
20130004200 | Image-Forming Device - An image-forming device includes: a main casing defining an accommodating space therein; an open/close member provided at the main casing to move between an open position and a closed position, the open/close member positioned in the open position extending in a direction; a drawer member configured to be supportable a plurality of cartridges and movable from an accommodated position to a withdrawn position along the open/close member positioned in the open position, the plurality of cartridges being accommodated in the accommodating space when the drawer member is positioned in the accommodated position, the plurality of process cartridges being exposed from the main casing when the drawer member is positioned in the withdrawn position. The opening/closing member positioned in the open position has a length in the direction. A guiding part is formed at the open/close member over the length to guide the drawer member to the withdrawn position. | 01-03-2013 |
20130022370 | Image Forming Apparatus and Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include: a main body provided with an accommodation chamber partitioned by an inner side surface; a photosensitive unit configured to slid between an accommodated position and a drawn position; a first electrode disposed on a first outer side surface on the photosensitive unit; a second electrode disposed on a second outer side surface on the photosensitive unit to protrude toward the inner side surface beyond the first outer side surface; a third electrode disposed on a first inner side surface on the inner side surface; and a fourth electrode disposed on a second inner side surface on the inner side surface to protrude toward the photosensitive unit beyond the first inner side surface. | 01-24-2013 |
20130084103 | Rotary Body Unit - A first rotary body is configured to rotate by a drive force input from an external source and has a first outer peripheral surface. A second rotary body is configured to rotate by following a rotation of the first rotary body through the friction generated between the first outer peripheral surface and the second outer peripheral surface. A first gear is configured to rotate together with the first rotary body. A second gear is configured to rotate together with the second rotary body and is directory engaged with the first gear. The first gear had a first pitch circle and the second gear has a second pitch circle. A radius of the first pitch circle is smaller than the radius of the first rotary body, and a radius of the second pitch circle is larger than the radius of the second rotary body. | 04-04-2013 |
20130114973 | Image Forming Apparatus and Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include an image forming apparatus body and a photosensitive unit detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus body. The photosensitive unit includes: a frame; photosensitive bodies supported by the frame; cartridges including a developer carrier and detachably mountable to the frame; and a pressing portion provided on the frame for pressing the cartridges to direct the developer carrier toward the corresponding photosensitive body. Each cartridge can shift in the frame to a first attitude pressed by the pressing portion, and a second attitude released from the press of the pressing portion and detachable from the frame. The image forming apparatus body is provided with an abutment portion abutting the cartridge in the second attitude thereby bringing the cartridge into the first attitude when the photosensitive unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus body. | 05-09-2013 |
20130129383 | Image-Forming Device and Process Cartridge - An image forming device includes a casing having a guide, image forming portions configured to form images on a recording medium, and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a housing configured to house each image forming portion, a projecting portion coupled to the housing and protruding in the first direction, and a support portion coupled to the projecting portion. An engagement of the support portion with the guide regulates movement of the drawer upward or downward during installation and withdrawal. | 05-23-2013 |
20130136493 | Image Forming Device - An image forming device including a casing having a front wall formed with a first opening and an upper wall continuous to the front wall and formed with a second opening. The first and second openings together form a single opening. The device further includes a door for covering the single opening, a belt unit, and a guide member. The belt unit includes first and second rollers, and a conveyer belt. The drawer is configured to accommodate a plurality of cartridges. The guide member is configured to movably guide the drawer. The first roller is disposed nearer to the single opening than the second roller to the single opening. In a state where the door is opened and the drawer is inside the casing, one of the plurality of cartridges closest to the door is detachably attachable to the drawer through the single opening. | 05-30-2013 |
20130142546 | Image-Forming Device Having Mechanism for Separating Developing Rollers from Photosensitive Drums - An image-forming device includes image carrying members aligned in a first direction in a main casing, one of the image carrying members being for black color, and remaining ones of the image carrying members being for other colors; a developing members provided in one-to-one correspondence with the image carrying members, each of the developing members configured to contact a corresponding image carrying member, one of the developing members being for black color, and remaining ones of the developing members being for other colors r; and a first contact/separation member linearly movable in the first direction, the first contact/separation member being disposed on one side of the plurality of developing members. The first contact/separation member comprises an elongated shape in the first direction. The first contact/separation member comprises a separating surfaces configured to contact respective developing members to separate the developing member from the image carrying member. | 06-06-2013 |
20130164033 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a photosensitive drum detachably attached to the main body, a light exposure member configured to expose the photosensitive member to light, a developer container configured to store a developer to be supplied to the photosensitive drum, and a supporting member disposed in the main body and configured to support the light exposure member and to hold the developer container detachably. The supporting member is configured to, while holding the developer container, move between a light exposure position where the light exposure member is located proximate to the photosensitive drum and a separation position where the light exposure member is separated from the photosensitive drum while the supporting member holds the developer container. | 06-27-2013 |
20130251399 | Unit Frame Having Grip Part - An image forming unit includes a cartridge and a unit frame. The cartridge has a cartridge-grip. The unit frame is configured to accommodate the cartridge. The unit frame includes a first plate, a second plate, a first beam, and a second beam. The first plate has a through hole. The first beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. The first beam includes a frame-grip disposed between an upper end of the first beam and a lower end of the first beam. The second beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. When the cartridge is accommodated in the unit frame, a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the frame-grip is smaller than a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the cartridge-grip. | 09-26-2013 |
20130294796 | Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming Cartridge Supporter, and Image Forming Unit - An image forming apparatus has a body frame and a slide frame. The slide frame is configured to be pulled out from the body frame along a sliding direction. A plurality of image forming cartridges is detachably mounted on the slide frame. A plurality of electrode members is mounted on the slide frame and aligned along the sliding direction so as to correspond to the image forming cartridges. A body-side contact portion of each of the electrode members is electrically connected to the body frame. A cartridge-side contact portion of the electrode member is electrically connected to the image forming cartridge. The image forming cartridge is connected to the body via the corresponding electrode member when the slide frame mounting the image forming cartridges is inserted to the body frame. | 11-07-2013 |
20130294799 | Image Forming Device - A holder unit is configured to hold a plurality of photosensitive drums such that the plurality of photosensitive drums are arrayed in a predetermined direction and juxtaposed with each other with a space between neighboring photosensitive drums. A plurality of developing units is held by the holder unit, each is provided in association with each photosensitive drum, and each includes a developing roller displaceable between a contact position where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum and a spaced position where the developing roller is spaced away from the photosensitive drum. A spacer member has a plurality of retaining portions each in association with each developing unit and configured to retain each developing unit at the spaced position, and a linking portion integral with the retaining portions and configured to connect neighboring retaining portions therethrough in the predetermined direction. | 11-07-2013 |
20130322912 | Image Forming Apparatus - 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. | 12-05-2013 |
20140016964 | Image Forming Apparatus and Tandem Type Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus is described. An image forming apparatus may include an image forming apparatus body and a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable with respect to the body, wherein the unit includes: a frame; a plurality of photosensitive bodies; a plurality of developer cartridges, including developer carriers, detachably mountable on the frame; and a pressing portion provided on the frame for pressing each of the cartridges so that the developer carrier thereof is directed toward the corresponding photosensitive body, each of the cartridges is pivoted to be movable to an imaging position pressed by the pressing portion and a detached position released from the pressing by the pressing portion, and the body is provided with an abutting portion abutting the cartridge located on the detached position thereby pivoting the cartridge and moving the same to the imaging position when the unit is mounted on the body. | 01-16-2014 |
20140044452 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member to and away from the photoconductor. The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm including one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm including: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft. | 02-13-2014 |
20140056615 | Developer Cartridge - A developer cartridge is described. The developer cartridge detachably mountable on a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable to a drawn-out position and a mounted position with respect to an image forming apparatus body may include a casing; a developer carrier rotatably supported on one end portion of the casing for carrying a developer; a pair of upright portions arranged on another end portion of the casing at an interval from each other in the axial direction of the developer carrier to extend from another end portion of the casing in a detaching direction for the developer cartridge; and an elastically deformable coupling portion extending in the axial direction of the developer carrier for coupling the upright portions with each other. | 02-27-2014 |
20140086640 | Developer Container - A developer container including: a housing including an inner surface that defines a filling port for filling developer; a cap mounted to the housing and sealing the filling port; and an agitating member having a rotary shaft and configured to be rotated about the rotary shaft to agitate the developer in the housing, wherein a first end portion of the rotary shaft is supported by the inner surface of the housing and the cap mounted to the housing. | 03-27-2014 |
20140105631 | Image Forming Apparatus Including Coupling Member Selectively Coupled to Photosensitive Drum - An image forming apparatus includes a main body, endless belt, photosensitive drums, setting unit, contacting/separating mechanism, transmitting mechanism, and coupling members. The photosensitive drums are disposed in confrontation with the endless belt and are arranged in a first direction. Each photosensitive drum has an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The setting unit sets the image forming apparatus to a monochrome mode or color mode. The contacting/separating mechanism controls at least one photosensitive drum to contact or separate from the endless in accordance with the set mode. The transmitting mechanism selectively transmits drive power to photosensitive drums. Each coupling member is selectively coupled to the corresponding photosensitive drum and has a coupling axis extending in the second direction. Each coupling member is uncoupled from the corresponding photosensitive drum when the contacting/separating mechanism controls the corresponding photosensitive drum to separate from the endless belt. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105636 | Unit Frame Having Grip Part - An image forming unit includes a cartridge and a unit frame. The cartridge has a cartridge-grip. The unit frame is configured to accommodate the cartridge. The unit frame includes a first plate, a second plate, a first beam, and a second beam. The first plate has a through hole. The first beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. The first beam includes a frame-grip disposed between an upper end of the first beam and a lower end of the first beam. The second beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. When the cartridge is accommodated in the unit frame, a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the frame-grip is smaller than a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the cartridge-grip. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105637 | Image Forming Apparatus and Photosensitive Unit - An image forming apparatus may include a moving unit configured to support a cartridge and to slide in a generally horizontal direction between multiple positions. For example, the positions may include a first position where the moving unit is located inside the main body and a second position where the moving unit is located outside the main body. Additionally or alternatively, the moving unit being may also move between the first position and a third position located below the first position. The moving unit may also be configured to electrically connect electrodes based on its movement. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105640 | Tandem Type Photosensitive Unit and Image Forming Apparatus - A tandem type photosensitive unit includes: a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged in parallel with one another; a first structure member having a side surface extending in an arrangement direction of the photosensitive drums as viewed from an axial direction of the photosensitive drums for collectively retaining the plurality of photosensitive drums and relatively positioning the plurality of photosensitive drums; and a second structure member having a side surface extending in the arrangement direction as viewed from the axial direction for collectively retaining developer cartridges provided correspondingly to the photosensitive drums respectively. The first structure member is fixed to the second structure member on one side in the arrangement direction, and mounted on the second structure member with a clearance on the other side in the arrangement direction. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105654 | Image Forming Apparatus Including Black Photosensitive Drum Replaceable Independently From Color Photosensitive Drums - An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a plurality of photosensitive drums, a process frame, and a process unit. The plurality of photosensitive drums includes a black photosensitive drum and color photosensitive drums. Black toner is used in the black photosensitive drum. Each of yellow, magenta, and cyan toner is used in one of the color photosensitive drums. The black and color photosensitive drums are arranged in a first direction. Each photosensitive drum has an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The process frame supports the color photosensitive drums in fixed positions and is detachably mounted on the main body. The process frame is inserted in a mounting direction to be mounted on the main body. The process unit is detachably mounted in the process frame and supports the black photosensitive drum. | 04-17-2014 |
20140153954 | Image Forming Apparatus - 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. | 06-05-2014 |
20140241749 | Image Forming Apparatus Having Cartridges - An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a first cartridge; a second cartridge; and a retaining member. The main body includes a first power-supplying part; and a second power-supplying part. The first cartridge includes a first power-receiving part. The second cartridge includes a second power-receiving part. The first and second power-receiving parts are configured to contact with the first and second power-supplying parts respectively. The retaining member is configured to retain the first and second cartridges and includes one side wall having a frame formed of a resin material and a reinforcing member formed of a metal material. A top edge of the frame is positioned lower than top edges of the first and second power-receiving parts. A top edge of the reinforcing member is positioned at a same vertical position as or lower than the top edge of the frame. | 08-28-2014 |
20140294425 | Image Forming Apparatus Having Movable Supporting Member for Supporting Cartridge - An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing provided with a main-body electrode; a cartridge; a supporting member for supporting the cartridge; and a first displacing mechanism. The cartridge includes a processing body elongated in a first direction and a power-receiving part capable of contacting the main-body electrode. The supporting member is movable between a first position inside the main casing and a second position outside the main casing in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. The first displacing mechanism is configured to move the cartridge supported in the supporting member in the first direction from a non-contact position where the main-body electrode and the power-receiving part are separated from each other to a contact position where the main-body electrode and the power-receiving part are in contact with each other. | 10-02-2014 |
20140294437 | Image Forming Apparatus Having Supporting Member with Rigidity - An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing, first and second cartridges, and a supporting member supporting the first and second cartridges. The first and second cartridges extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction when supported in the supporting member. The supporting member is movable between an inner position and outer position relative to the main casing. The supporting member includes: a first side plate and a second side plate opposite to each other in the first direction; a first beam member interposed between the first and second cartridges in the second direction when the supporting member supports the first and second cartridges, the first beam member extending in the first direction between the first and second side plates; and first and second fasteners for fastening the first beam member to the first and second side plates respectively. | 10-02-2014 |
20140294438 | Image Forming Apparatus Having Supporting Member for Supporting Cartridges - An image forming apparatus includes: a main casing; a plurality of cartridges each extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a vertical direction; and a supporting member configured to detachably support the plurality of cartridges such that the cartridges are arrayed in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and the first direction. The supporting member is movable between an inner position disposed within the main casing and an outer position disposed outside of the main casing. The supporting member includes: a first side plate; a second side plate positioned opposite the first side plate to be spaced away therefrom in the first direction; and a prescribed number of beam plate connecting between the first side plate and the second side plate, the prescribed number being in a range of from one to not more than a number of the cartridges. | 10-02-2014 |
20140308054 | Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming Cartridge Supporter, and Image Forming Unit - An image forming apparatus has a body frame and a slide frame. The slide frame is configured to be pulled out from the body frame along a sliding direction. A plurality of image forming cartridges is detachably mounted on the slide frame. A plurality of electrode members is mounted on the slide frame and aligned along the sliding direction so as to correspond to the image forming cartridges. A body-side contact portion of each of the electrode members is electrically connected to the body frame. A cartridge-side contact portion of the electrode member is electrically connected to the image forming cartridge. The image forming cartridge is connected to the body via the corresponding electrode member when the slide frame mounting the image forming cartridges is inserted to the body frame. | 10-16-2014 |
20140314441 | Image-Forming Device Having Removable Drawer and Stopper - An image forming device includes a casing having a guide, image forming portions configured to form images on a recording medium, and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a housing configured to house each image forming portion, a projecting portion coupled to the housing and protruding in the first direction, and a support portion coupled to the projecting portion. An engagement of the support portion with the guide regulates movement of the drawer upward or downward during installation and withdrawal. | 10-23-2014 |
20140348537 | Unit Frame Having Grip Part - An image forming unit includes a cartridge and a unit frame. The cartridge has a cartridge-grip. The unit frame is configured to accommodate the cartridge. The unit frame includes a first plate, a second plate, a first beam, and a second beam. The first plate has a through hole. The first beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. The first beam includes a frame-grip disposed between an upper end of the first beam and a lower end of the first beam. The second beam extends between the first plate and the second plate. When the cartridge is accommodated in the unit frame, a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the frame-grip is smaller than a distance between the lower end of the first beam and an upper end of the cartridge-grip. | 11-27-2014 |
20140353902 | Image Forming Apparatus Having Tray for Receiving Recording Medium - In an image forming apparatus, a tray having first and second receiving portions is configured to move between a first position, at which at least part of the tray is positioned inside an apparatus body, and a second position, at which the tray is outside the apparatus body. The tray in the first position allows a first recording medium to be conveyed from the first receiving portion. When the tray is in the first position, the second receiving portion is configured to move between a third position, which is at an upstream side relative to a first opening of the apparatus body in a second direction, and a fourth position, which is at a downstream side relative to the third position in the second direction. The second receiving portion at the third position allows a second recording medium to be conveyed from the second receiving portion in the second direction. | 12-04-2014 |
20140353903 | Image Forming Apparatus Having Process Unit and Tray - In an image forming apparatus, a tray is configured to move between a first position inside an apparatus body and a second position outside the apparatus body. The tray allows a first recording medium to be conveyed from a first receiving portion of the tray when the tray is positioned in the first position. A supply part has a first opening and allows a second recording medium different from the first recording medium to be conveyed through the first opening. A conveying mechanism conveys, in the second direction, the second recording medium supplied from the supply part. The conveying mechanism includes a guide member disposed below the first receiving portion and configured to guide the second recording medium. | 12-04-2014 |
20140363189 | Cartridge Provided with Coil-Shaped Electrode Member - 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. | 12-11-2014 |
20150063870 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes: a main body having an opening; a photoconductor unit including a photoconductor and removably mountable to the main body through the opening by moving the photoconductor unit in a first direction; an exposure member; and a moving mechanism configured to move the exposure member closer to and further from the photoconductor. The moving mechanism includes: a fixed shaft having an axial line thereof fixed relative to the main body; a first arm including one end portion thereof which is supported rotatably around the axial line of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft having an axial line thereof which is movable relative to the main body; and a second arm including: one end portion supporting the exposure member; and another end portion connected to the first arm via the movable shaft, and the second arm being swingable around the axial line of the movable shaft. | 03-05-2015 |
20150086224 | Developer Cartridge - A developer cartridge is described. The developer cartridge detachably mountable on a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable to a drawn-out position and a mounted position with respect to an image forming apparatus body may include a casing; a developer carrier rotatably supported on one end portion of the casing for carrying a developer; a pair of upright portions arranged on another end portion of the casing at an interval from each other in the axial direction of the developer carrier to extend from another end portion of the casing in a detaching direction for the developer cartridge; and an elastically deformable coupling portion extending in the axial direction of the developer carrier for coupling the upright portions with each other. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086245 | Developer Cartridge - A developer cartridge is described. The developer cartridge detachably mountable on a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable to a drawn-out position and a mounted position with respect to an image forming apparatus body may include a casing; a developer carrier rotatably supported on one end portion of the casing for carrying a developer; a pair of upright portions arranged on another end portion of the casing at an interval from each other in the axial direction of the developer carrier to extend from another end portion of the casing in a detaching direction for the developer cartridge; and an elastically deformable coupling portion extending in the axial direction of the developer carrier for coupling the upright portions with each other. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086246 | Developer Cartridge - A developer cartridge is described. The developer cartridge detachably mountable on a tandem type photosensitive unit slidable to a drawn-out position and a mounted position with respect to an image forming apparatus body may include a casing; a developer carrier rotatably supported on one end portion of the casing for carrying a developer; a pair of upright portions arranged on another end portion of the casing at an interval from each other in the axial direction of the developer carrier to extend from another end portion of the casing in a detaching direction for the developer cartridge; and an elastically deformable coupling portion extending in the axial direction of the developer carrier for coupling the upright portions with each other. | 03-26-2015 |