18465048. IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

CHIKARA Imaizumi of Shizuoka (JP)

SATOSHI Murasaki of Shizuoka (JP)

KIYOSHI Furuta of Shizuoka (JP)

SHINYA Noda of Shizuoka (JP)

KUNIHIRO Niwa of Shizuoka (JP)

YOJI Misao of Shizuoka (JP)

TOMOOKU Koyama of Shizuoka (JP)

TOMOKI Katafuchi of Shizuoka (JP)

TOMONARI Inoue of Kanagawa (JP)

KOICHI Sekimizu of Shizuoka (JP)

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18465048 titled 'IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Simplified Explanation

The image forming apparatus described in the patent application includes a fixing device, an opening and closing member, and a drawer unit. The fixing device heats a recording material at a use position, and can be retracted to allow movement of the drawer unit.

• Fixing device heats recording material at use position
• Drawer unit restricted from moving when fixing device is at use position
• Fixing device can be retracted to allow movement of drawer unit
• Fixing device at retracted position is higher than upper cover portion of opening and closing member at closed position

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be applied in various printing devices, photocopiers, and other image forming apparatus where precise control of the fixing device and drawer unit movement is required.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of interference between the fixing device and the drawer unit, allowing for smooth operation and movement of both components without causing damage or obstruction.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved efficiency in the operation of image forming apparatus, reduced risk of mechanical failures, and enhanced user experience due to smoother functionality.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be utilized in commercial printers, multifunctional devices, and large-scale copying machines to improve overall performance and reliability.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be similar patents related to the movement and positioning of components within image forming apparatus, although specific details may vary.

How does this technology impact energy consumption in image forming apparatus?

This article does not address the potential impact of this technology on energy efficiency in image forming devices.

What are the potential maintenance requirements for the components described in the patent application?

The article does not provide information on the maintenance needs or schedules for the fixing device, drawer unit, or opening and closing member.

Original Abstract Submitted

An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device to heat a recording material at a use position, an opening and closing member, and a drawer unit. In a state where the fixing device is at the use position, part of the fixing device is located in a space for the drawer unit to pass through when moved from a first inner position to a first outer position so that movement of the drawer unit from the first inner to the first outer position is restricted. The fixing device is retracted from the use position to a retracted position so that the movement of the drawer unit from the first inner to the first outer position is allowed. Part of the fixing device at the retracted position is at a position higher than a position of an upper cover portion of the opening and closing member at a closed position.