18505432. IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Organization Name

CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Yuichiro Okawa of Tokyo (JP)

Noritomo Yamaguchi of Kanagawa (JP)

Kazuhiro Hosohara of Kanagawa (JP)

Takeo Kawanami of Kanagawa (JP)

Shinichi Nishida of Kanagawa (JP)

Hiroyuki Munetsugu of Kanagawa (JP)

Masahiro Suetsugu of Kanagawa (JP)

Goshi Ozaki of Kanagawa (JP)

Sohta Sugimoto of Kanagawa (JP)

Mitsuhiro Sato of Tokyo (JP)

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18505432 titled 'IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes an image forming apparatus with two toner containers and a moving unit that can be replenished with toner from the containers when in an external position.

• The image forming apparatus includes a moving unit with a first developing unit and a second developing unit.
• The moving unit can move between an internal position and an external position with respect to the apparatus body.
• The first developing unit and the second developing unit can be replenished with toner from the first toner container and the second toner container when the moving unit is in the external position.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in office printers, photocopiers, and other image forming devices that require efficient toner replenishment systems.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of having to manually refill toner in image forming devices, making the process more convenient and efficient.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include reduced downtime for toner replenishment, improved overall productivity, and a more user-friendly experience for operators of image forming devices.

Potential Commercial Applications

"Automated Toner Replenishment System for Image Forming Devices"

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be a similar system used in large-scale industrial printers or copiers that automatically replenish toner from external containers.

Unanswered Questions

How does the moving unit differentiate between the first and second toner containers for replenishment?

The moving unit likely has sensors or mechanisms in place to identify and access the correct toner container for replenishment based on the position of the containers on the apparatus.

What is the expected lifespan of the toner containers in this system?

The lifespan of the toner containers would depend on factors such as the volume of printing done and the capacity of the containers. Regular maintenance and monitoring would be necessary to ensure efficient toner replenishment.

Original Abstract Submitted

An image forming apparatus on which a first toner container and a second toner container are mountable, includes an apparatus body, and a moving unit including a first developing unit and a second developing unit, the moving unit being configured to move with respect to the apparatus body between an internal position and an external position. The first developing unit and the second developing unit are configured to be replenished with the toner from the first toner container and the second toner container mounted on the image forming apparatus, respectively, in a state in which the moving unit is at the external position and supported by the apparatus body. The moving unit is configured not to be movable from the external position to the internal position in a state in which the first toner container and the second toner container are mounted on the image forming apparatus.