Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090028602 | Image-Forming Device - An image-forming device includes: a main body; at least one photosensitive member; a plurality of developing units; a transferring unit; a first holding unit; and a guiding unit. The photosensitive member has a support shaft. Each developing unit has a developer-accommodating section that accommodates developer. The developer-accommodating section has an opening in a top side thereof. Each developing unit further has a developer-carrying member that is disposed near the opening of the developer-accommodating section. The first holding unit holds the plurality of developing units that are arranged in a row along a first removal direction. The first removal direction is orthogonal to the support shaft of the photosensitive member. The first holding unit is accommodated at a first accommodating position in the main body. The guiding unit enables the first holding unit to move between the first accommodating position and a first removal position that is separate from the first accommodating position in the first removal direction. | 01-29-2009 |
20090175651 | Image Forming Apparatus and Photosensitive Cartridge - An image forming apparatus includes a first developing cartridge and a first photosensitive cartridge. The first developing cartridge is removably mounted in the first photosensitive cartridge and includes a toner hopper, a supply roller and a developing roller. The first photosensitive cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charger provided at a position adjacent to the photosensitive drum, a first wall provided adjacent to the supply roller, the toner hopper, and the developing roller when the first developing cartridge is mounted in the photosensitive cartridge, the first wall including a first opening, and a second wall which faces the first wall and is provided adjacent to the charger, the second wall including a second opening on an opposite side of the charger from the photosensitive drum. A portion of a wall of the first developing cartridge projects through the first opening in the first wall of the first photosensitive cartridge. | 07-09-2009 |
20090180797 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CARTRIDGE - An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit, a plurality of photosensitive drums, a cartridge, a casing, a cartridge holding unit and a first guide unit. The looped belt has a first surface outside of the loop, and is stretched to form a substantially straight portion on the loop that extends in a first direction. The casing has a base surface. The cartridge holding unit holds the cartridge at a first predetermined position in the casing. Each circumferential surface of the plurality of photosensitive drums contacts the straight portion of the first surface when the cartridge is held by the cartridge holding unit at the first predetermined position. The first guide unit guides the cartridge into the first predetermined position, and allows the plurality of photosensitive drums to move apart from the straight portion of the first surface when the cartridge is detached from the first predetermined position. | 07-16-2009 |
20090190955 | Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Unit - Image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an image forming unit removable from the casing in a first direction; and plural developer cartridges. The cartridges may be attached and detached with respect to the image forming unit in a second direction that is inclined toward the first direction. Other image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an exposure device; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached and detached with respect to the casing in a first direction; and a recording medium transport system for transporting recording media adjacent the photosensitive members in a second direction. The first direction may be inclined with respect to the second direction, and at least a portion of optical paths of the light emitted from the exposure device may extend parallel with the first direction. Aspects also relate to image forming units, e.g., for use in image forming apparatuses as described above. | 07-30-2009 |
20090232555 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a detaching and pressing mechanism for releasing developing rollers of developer cartridges mounted in a drum unit from photosensitive drums and pressing the developing rollers on the photosensitive drums. The detaching and pressing mechanism includes a pair of translation cam members, intermediate members provided on the translation cam members, cam holders for holding the translation cam members in such a manner as to be linearly movable in an anteroposterior direction, and a synchronous movement mechanism for allowing the pair of translation cam members to linearly move in synchronization. | 09-17-2009 |
20100209140 | Image-Forming Device with Holding Unit Having Multiple Positions - An image-forming device includes a main body; at least one photosensitive member; a plurality of developing units; and a transferring unit. Each developing unit has a developer-accommodating section that accommodates developer. Each developing unit further has a developer-carrying member. | 08-19-2010 |
20100284707 | Image Forming Apparatus with Translation Cam Member - An image forming apparatus includes a detaching and pressing mechanism for releasing developing rollers of developer cartridges mounted in a drum unit from photosensitive drums and pressing the developing rollers on the photosensitive drums. The detaching and pressing mechanism includes a pair of translation cam members, intermediate members provided on the translation cam members, cam holders for holding the translation cam members in such a manner as to be linearly movable in an anteroposterior direction, and a synchronous movement mechanism for allowing the pair of translation cam members to linearly move in synchronization. | 11-11-2010 |
20100296833 | Image Forming Apparatus and Developing Cartridge - A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane. | 11-25-2010 |
20110091242 | DEVELOPER UNIT AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A developing unit and image formation device in which a developer carrier is reliably pressed towards and separated from an image carrier is described. A separation and pressing mechanism is provided for separating and pressing the developer carriers of developing cartridges installed in a drum unit onto image carriers. This separation and pressing mechanism has a pair of direct cam members. Each direct cam member has a release action portion that engages with the releasing projection of a developing cartridge when the developer carrier is to be separated from the image carrier. Each direct cam member may also have a pressing action portion that engages with the pressing projection of the developing cartridges when the developer carrier is to be pressed onto the image carrier. | 04-21-2011 |
20110097109 | DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A developing cartridge that maintains a pressing condition to press a developer carrier against the image carrier is described. The developing cartridge may include a coil spring that presses the developer carrier against the image carrier. The coil spring may include a handle that transmits a pressing force to the coil spring via the contacting member. By doing so, every time the developing cartridge is replaced, a new coil spring and handle can be provided for the color laser printer with the developing cartridge attached. Therefore, a constant pressure by the coil spring can be continuously maintained. Thus, a preferable pressure condition of the developer carrier against the image carrier can be continuously maintained. | 04-28-2011 |
20110217080 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a detaching and pressing mechanism for releasing developing rollers of developer cartridges mounted in a drum unit from photosensitive drums and pressing the developing rollers on the photosensitive drums. The detaching and pressing mechanism includes a pair of translation cam members, intermediate members provided on the translation cam members, cam holders for holding the translation cam members in such a manner as to be linearly movable in an anteroposterior direction, and a synchronous movement mechanism for allowing the pair of translation cam members to linearly move in synchronization. | 09-08-2011 |
20110299875 | Image Forming Apparatus and Developing Cartridge - A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane. | 12-08-2011 |
20120014716 | Image Forming Apparatus and Process Cartridge - The image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a drum drive input member; a developing cartridge configured to be movably mounted to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge comprising a developing roller disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum and a developing drive input member; a drum drive transmission member configured to engage with the drum drive input member and configured to transmit drum driving force to the drum drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the drum drive input member within a predetermined range; and a developing drive transmission member configured to engage with the developing drive input member and configured to transmit developing driving force to the developing drive input member while permitting a positional gap of the developing drive input member within a predetermined range. | 01-19-2012 |
20120027472 | Image Forming Device Having Belt Disposed Above Developing Unit - An image-forming device includes a main body; a developing unit; a transferring unit; and a tray. The developing unit has a developer-accommodating section that accommodates developer and a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing unit further has a developer-carrying member to develop the electrostatic latent image. The tray enables the developing unit to move between a contact position and a separate position. | 02-02-2012 |
20120076536 | DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A developing cartridge that maintains a pressing condition to press a developer carrier against the image carrier is described. The developing cartridge may include a coil spring that presses the developer carrier against the image carrier. The coil spring may include a handle that transmits a pressing force to the coil spring via the contacting member. By doing so, every time the developing cartridge is replaced, a new coil spring and handle can be provided for the color laser printer with the developing cartridge attached. Therefore, a constant pressure by the coil spring can be continuously maintained. Thus, a preferable pressure condition of the developer carrier against the image carrier can be continuously maintained. | 03-29-2012 |
20120195636 | Developer Unit and Image Forming Device - A developing unit and image formation device in which a developer carrier is reliably pressed towards and separated from an image carrier is described. A separation and pressing mechanism is provided for separating and pressing the developer carriers of developing cartridges installed in a drum unit onto image carriers. This separation and pressing mechanism has a pair of direct cam members. Each direct cam member has a release action portion that engages with the releasing projection of a developing cartridge when the developer carrier is to be separated from the image carrier. Each direct cam member may also have a pressing action portion that engages with the pressing projection of the developing cartridges when the developer carrier is to be pressed onto the image carrier. | 08-02-2012 |
20120207512 | Image Forming Apparatus and Process Cartridge - An image forming apparatus is provided. An image forming apparatus includes: a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum; a developing cartridge configured to be movably attached to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge having: a developing roller; a bearing member; and a developing drive input member; and a spacing member for pressing against a predetermined portion of the developing cartridge and moving the developing cartridge such that the developing roller is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum, wherein the drum cartridge has an abutment portion with which the bearing member is brought into abutment, and wherein a straight line which connects the abutment portion with a center of a rotational axis of the developing drive input member extends substantially in the same direction as a connecting or disconnecting direction of the developing roller to or from the photosensitive drum. | 08-16-2012 |
20120251187 | Image Forming Apparatus and Developing Cartridge - A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane. | 10-04-2012 |
20120269554 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WITH TRANSLATION CAM MEMBER - An image forming apparatus includes a detaching and pressing mechanism for releasing developing rollers of developer cartridges mounted in a drum unit from photosensitive drums and pressing the developing rollers on the photosensitive drums. The detaching and pressing mechanism includes a pair of translation cam members, intermediate members provided on the translation cam members, cam holders for holding the translation cam members in such a manner as to be linearly movable in an anteroposterior direction, and a synchronous movement mechanism for allowing the pair of translation cam members to linearly move in synchronization. | 10-25-2012 |
20120308273 | Image Forming Device Having Guide Mechanism for Guiding Transferring Unit - An image-forming device may include a main body, a developing unit, a transferring unit, and a tray. In some examples, the developing unit may include a developer-accommodating section that accommodates developer and a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. The developing unit may further include a developer-carrying member to develop the electrostatic latent image. The tray may enable the developing unit to move between a contact position and a separate position. | 12-06-2012 |
20130188990 | Developing Cartridge and Image Forming Device with Pressing Member - A developing cartridge that maintains a pressing condition to press a developer carrier against the image carrier is described. The developing cartridge may include a coil spring that presses the developer carrier against the image carrier. The coil spring may include a handle that transmits a pressing force to the coil spring via the contacting member. By doing so, every time the developing cartridge is replaced, a new coil spring and handle can be provided for the color laser printer with the developing cartridge attached. Therefore, a constant pressure by the coil spring can be continuously maintained. Thus, a preferable pressure condition of the developer carrier against the image carrier can be continuously maintained. | 07-25-2013 |
20130259524 | Image Forming Device Having Holder - In an image-forming device, a holder is configured to move between a position inside the main body and a position outside the main body and to hold a first process unit having a first supply roller and a second process unit such that the first and second process units are arranged in a row along a first direction. The holder has a first guide member positioned between the first and second process units in the first direction when the holder holds the first and second process units, the first guide member being configured to guide the first process unit into the holder. An upper end of the first guide member is positioned at a vertical level higher than the first supply roller when the holder holds the first process unit. | 10-03-2013 |
20140105644 | Image Forming Device Having Belt and Holder Holding Process Units - An image-forming device includes: a main body; a plurality of process units; a belt; a holder; and a plurality of urging members. Each process unit has a photosensitive drum. The belt is configured to contact the photosensitive drums of the process units. The holder is configured to move between a position inside the main body and a position outside the main body and to hold the process units such that the process units are arranged in a row along a first direction. The plurality of urging members are configured to urge the process units to cause the photosensitive drums to contact the belt when the holder is at the position inside the main body. | 04-17-2014 |
20140212173 | Developer Unit and Image Formation Device - A developing unit and image formation device in which a developer carrier is reliably pressed towards and separated from an image carrier is described. A separation and pressing mechanism is provided for separating and pressing the developer carriers of developing cartridges installed in a drum unit onto image carriers. This separation and pressing mechanism has a pair of direct cam members. Each direct cam member has a release action portion that engages with the releasing projection of a developing cartridge when the developer carrier is to be separated from the image carrier. Each direct cam member may also have a pressing action portion that engages with the pressing projection of the developing cartridges when the developer carrier is to be pressed onto the image carrier. | 07-31-2014 |
20140334849 | Developing Cartridge and Image Forming Device with Pressing Member - A developing cartridge that maintains a pressing condition to press a developer carrier against the image carrier is described. The developing cartridge may include a coil spring that presses the developer carrier against the image carrier. The coil spring may include a handle that transmits a pressing force to the coil spring via the contacting member. By doing so, every time the developing cartridge is replaced, a new coil spring and handle can be provided for the color laser printer with the developing cartridge attached. Therefore, a constant pressure by the coil spring can be continuously maintained. Thus, a preferable pressure condition of the developer carrier against the image carrier can be continuously maintained. | 11-13-2014 |
20140356025 | Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming Unit - Image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an image forming unit removable from the casing in a first direction; and plural developer cartridges. The cartridges may be attached and detached with respect to the image forming unit in a second direction that is inclined toward the first direction. Other image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an exposure device; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached and detached with respect to the casing in a first direction; and a recording medium transport system for transporting recording media adjacent the photosensitive members in a second direction. The first direction may be inclined with respect to the second direction, and at least a portion of optical paths of the light emitted from the exposure device may extend parallel with the first direction. Aspects also relate to image forming units, e.g., for use in image forming apparatuses as described above. | 12-04-2014 |
20140363204 | Image Forming Device Having Main Body and Holder Holding Developer Cartridges - An image-forming device includes: a main body; a plurality of developer cartridges; a holder; and a plurality of urging members. The main body has a plurality of engaging parts. Each developer cartridge has a photosensitive drum. The holder is configured to move between a position inside the main body and a position outside the main body and to hold the developer cartridges such that the developer cartridges are arranged in a row along a first direction. Each urging member is configured to urge a corresponding developer cartridge toward a corresponding engaging part when the holder holding the developer cartridges is at the position inside the main body. | 12-11-2014 |
20150030347 | Developing Cartridge - A process cartridge, which includes a developing cartridge and a photosensitive cartridge for use with an image forming apparatus including a driving force output part and a feeding part, is provided. The developing cartridge includes a developer carrier, a first electrode provided at one side thereof, and a driving force receiving part provided at another side thereof and aligned with the first electrode such that the driving force receiving part overlaps the first electrode in a side view. The photosensitive cartridge, to which the developing cartridge is removably mounted, includes a photosensitive member, and a second electrode that contacts the first electrode when the developing cartridge is mounted in the photosensitive cartridge and that contacts the feeding part when the photosensitive cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The first electrode is pressed toward the driving force receiving part by contact with the second electrode. | 01-29-2015 |