Canon kabushiki kaisha (20240094671). IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS simplified abstract

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 20240094671 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 can be retracted from a use position to a retracted position to allow movement of the drawer unit. When the fixing device is at the use position, part of it is located in a space for the drawer unit to pass through, restricting its movement from a first inner to a first outer position.

• Fixing device with retractable feature
• Opening and closing member
• Drawer unit with restricted movement
• Positioning of fixing device at retracted position higher than upper cover portion of opening and closing member

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various image forming devices such as printers, copiers, and scanners to improve efficiency and ease of use.

Problems Solved

1. Restriction of movement of drawer unit when fixing device is in use position 2. Ensuring proper positioning of fixing device and opening and closing member for smooth operation

Benefits

1. Improved functionality and user experience 2. Enhanced safety features 3. Increased efficiency in image forming processes

Potential Commercial Applications

"Retractable Fixing Device for Image Forming Apparatus: Commercial Applications"

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to retractable fixing devices in image forming apparatus, but specific examples are not provided in the patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does the retractable feature of the fixing device improve the overall performance of the image forming apparatus?

The retractable feature allows for easier access to the drawer unit, potentially speeding up maintenance tasks and reducing downtime.

Are there any specific design considerations that need to be taken into account when implementing this technology in different types of image forming devices?

The patent application does not provide details on the specific design considerations for different types of image forming devices, so further research or consultation with experts may be needed to address this question.

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.