18473586. IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS simplified abstract (KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.)

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Organization Name

KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.

Inventor(s)

Masakazu Uehara of Osaka-shi (JP)

Tomohiro Watatani of Osaka-shi (JP)

Takuya Kawasumi of Osaka-shi (JP)

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18473586 titled 'IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Simplified Explanation

The image forming apparatus described in the patent application includes a fixing device, a shutter, a lock member, and an attachment member. The fixing device is supported by the main body of the apparatus. The shutter can move between a closed position and an open position. The lock member can hold the shutter in the closed position or allow it to move to the open position. The attachment member, when detached from the main body, can trigger the lock member to release the shutter and move it to the open position during attachment.

• Fixing device supported by apparatus main body
• Shutter movable between closed and open positions
• Lock member can hold shutter closed or allow it to open
• Attachment member triggers lock member to release shutter during attachment

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be used in various image forming devices such as printers, copiers, and scanners to ensure proper operation and safety during maintenance or repair.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of accidental exposure to high temperatures or moving parts in image forming apparatus when maintenance or repair work is being carried out.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include increased safety for users and technicians working on image forming devices, as well as improved efficiency in the maintenance process.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be applied in the manufacturing of image forming devices for commercial use, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and enhancing the overall user experience.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be a similar mechanism used in industrial machinery to prevent accidental exposure to moving parts during maintenance or repair work.

How does the attachment member trigger the lock member to release the shutter during attachment?

The exact mechanism by which the attachment member interacts with the lock member to release the shutter is not detailed in the abstract. Further information on this process would be beneficial for a complete understanding of the technology.

Are there any alternative methods considered for holding the shutter in place?

The abstract mentions the lock member as the component responsible for holding the shutter closed, but it does not discuss any alternative methods that were considered or tested during the development of the technology. Exploring other options could provide insights into the design choices made in the final product.

Original Abstract Submitted

An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device, a shutter, a lock member and an attachment member. The fixing device is supported by an apparatus main body. The shutter is movable to a close position and to an open position. The lock member is movable to a holding position holding the shutter to the close position and an allowable position allowing the shutter to move from the close position to the open position. The lock member is moved to the holding position to hold the shutter to the close position in a state where the attachment member is detached from the apparatus main body. In the middle of attaching the attachment member to the apparatus main body, the attachment member moves the lock member from the holding position to the allowable position and then moves the shutter from the close position to the open position.