Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
399013000 | Component present or mounted | 47 |
20080310862 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WITH ENHANCED MAINTAINABILITY - An image forming apparatus at least includes: a component, detachable from the image forming apparatus, including a driven portion; first and second detectors configured to detect an installation of the component in the image forming apparatus and driving of the driven portion, respectively; an indicator device configured to communicate information to a user; and a controller to control the indicator device. In a circumstance in which neither an occurrence of installation nor driving of the driven portion are detected, the controller outputs a first notification requesting a proper installation of the component when a first count of occurrences of the first notification or a second count of occurrences of cancellation of the first notification is less than first and second reference values, respectively, and a second notification requesting repair when the first count or the second count equals the first and second reference values, respectively. | 12-18-2008 |
20090074430 | Image Forming Apparatus and Control Method of That Apparatus - An image forming apparatus adapted for a smooth mounting/dismounting of a process unit and for the reduction of wasteful power consumption is provided. | 03-19-2009 |
20090080909 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: a toner cartridge supporting member which is movable between (i) an insertion position indicating that the toner cartridge is in the predetermined position and (ii) a draw-out position indicating that the toner cartridge is drawn out from the predetermined position; a detection device which detects a movement of the toner cartridge supporting member in a direction pointing from the insertion position toward the draw-out position; an information storage device which is provided in the toner cartridge; a connector which is provided so as to be detached from or fitted to the information storage device so as to be movable in a moving direction of the toner cartridge supporting member; and an information processing device which is capable of communicating with the information storage device via the connector and which carries out a communication stop process for causing a communication between the information processing device and the information storage device to be stopped when the detection device detects the movement of the toner cartridge supporting member. This prevents a communication error from occurring in the communication between the information storage device on the toner cartridge side and the information processing device on the image forming apparatus side when the toner cartridge is suddenly drawn out from the image forming apparatus. | 03-26-2009 |
20090136242 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus to which a developer storage container can be detachably mounted, includes: a reception unit arranged to receive information from the developer storage container; a first temperature detection unit provided in an inside of the image forming apparatus and arranged to detect a temperature of the inside of the image forming apparatus; a cooling unit arranged to cool the inside of the image forming apparatus; and a control unit arranged to determine on the basis of the received information whether second temperature detection unit is provided to the developer storage container, control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection result of the first temperature detection unit when the second temperature detection unit is not provided, and control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection results of the first and second temperature detection units when the second temperature detection unit is provided. | 05-28-2009 |
20090162078 | IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - In a case where a qualified cartridge is not mounted, a toner supply controller stops driving of a toner supply motor. A controller calculates the toner density in a toner tank in accordance with a detection signal of a TC sensor to determine whether the toner density is within an allowable range. In a case where the toner density is out of the allowable range, the toner supply controller allows the toner supply motor to start driving. After that, in a case where the toner density in the toner tank becomes high, a cartridge mounting status determining section determines that a non-qualified cartridge is mounted. On the other hand, in a case where the toner density in the toner tank does not change or becomes lower, the cartridge mounting status determining section determines that the cartridge is not yet mounted. | 06-25-2009 |
20090162079 | INK TANK POSITION DETECTION METHOD - A recording apparatus including a movable carriage, wherein a plurality of mounting positions are arranged in a moving direction of the carriage, a light receiving portion capable of receiving light emitted by a light emitting portion of a plurality of liquid containers, a determining means for determining whether a correct liquid container is mounted at a mounting position based on a light receiving amount received by the light receiving portion, and a specifying means for specifying an incorrectly mounted liquid container based on the light receiving amount received by the light receiving portion, wherein the specifying means stops the carriage such that any mounting position with the incorrectly mounted liquid container is opposite the light receiving portion, and wherein if a plurality of liquid containers are determined to be incorrectly mounted, the light emitting portion of the incorrectly mounted liquid containers emit light in a specific order. | 06-25-2009 |
20090214227 | DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME, AND PRINTING METHOD FOR AN IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing cartridge usable with an image forming apparatus includes a housing having a developing member, a developer storing portion storing developer supplied to the developing member, and a mounting portion allowing at least one developer cartridge storing supplementary developer to be detachably mounted. Printing operations can be performed using the developer available in the developer-storing portion even in the absence of a developer cartridge. | 08-27-2009 |
20090245817 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus has: an image forming unit which is configured to scan a laser beam in a main scanning direction to expose a photosensitive member, and which forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member to form an image; a process cartridge that is detachably mounted within the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge holding the photosensitive member on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, and configured to develop the electrostatic latent image by supplying toner to the electrostatic image; and an origin detection unit that is provided on the process cartridge in a position lying within a range of an optical path of the laser beam and out of a range of an optical path of the laser beam for forming the electrostatic latent image, the origin detection unit configured to detect an origin of the laser beam for scanning and exposing. | 10-01-2009 |
20090297172 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing a time before an image formation operation is started after toner bottle replacement. When a toner sensor detects that toner is out, and further a door sensor detects that there is a possibility that a toner bottle has been replaced, a toner replenishment rate is calculated from the rotational speed of a motor for rotating the toner bottle, and timing in which image formation is to be resumed is determined based on the toner replenishment rate. | 12-03-2009 |
20090324260 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body including an image forming engine for performing image forming operation, at least one RFID tag storing attribute information, a fit-in member detachably mounted in the apparatus body, the fit-in member being fitted with the RFID tag, an RFID tag interface through which the attribute information is read out from the RFID tag, a controller for controlling the image forming engine according to the attribute information read out through the RFID tag interface, and a mode switcher for switching the image forming apparatus from image forming mode which enables execution of the image forming operation to maintenance mode which enables execution of maintenance operation. The mode switcher enables a transfer from the image forming mode to the maintenance mode if maintenance mode startup information is detected from the attribute information read out through the RFID tag interface. | 12-31-2009 |
20100040384 | Device and method for detecting position of unit mounted in image forming apparatus - A device and a method for detecting the position of a developing unit mounted in an image forming apparatus are provided. The device includes an image forming controller outputting a clock signal for accessing first to Nth (N is a positive integer greater than 1) developing units, a switching unit performing a switching operation for connecting the image forming controller to a Kth (K is a positive integer greater than 1 and equal to or smaller than N) mounting slot in order to transmit the clock signal to the Kth mounting slot among first to Nth mounting slots in which the first to Nth developing units are mounted, respectively, first to Nth clock signal lines connecting the switching unit to the first to Nth mounting slots, and a data line commonly connecting the image forming controller to the first to Nth mounting slots, wherein the switching unit performs the switching operation in accordance with a switching signal for connecting the image forming controller to the Kth mounting slot and the image forming controller determines whether the Kth developing unit is mounted on the Kth mounting slot in response to reception of an access signal from the Kth mounting slot. | 02-18-2010 |
20100080573 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR CHECKING CONNECTION STATUS OF DEVELOPING UNIT AND METHOD THEREOF - An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is able to be connected to at least one developer supplier, at least one pull-up resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one connection line between the at least one developer supplier and the MUX, and a central processing unit (CPU) which detects a connection signal from the at least one pullup resistor and the at least one connection line, and determines whether an initial developer supplier is mounted according to the value of the connection signal. | 04-01-2010 |
20100215383 | CONTROLLER, IMAGE-FORMING DEVICE, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A controller includes: a detection unit that detects that a housing unit housing a recording medium has been inserted into an insertion slot for inserting the housing unit; a prediction unit that predicts a vibratory excitation time at which vibrations will occur based on a time detected by the detection unit; a determination unit that determines whether the vibrations will occur based on the vibratory excitation time during a period when an image-forming unit is forming an image on a recording medium supplied from a different supply source for recording media from the housing unit inserted into the insertion slot; and a control unit that controls the image-forming unit to prevent image formation if the determination unit determines that the vibrations will occur during a period when the image-forming unit is forming an image on the recording medium. | 08-26-2010 |
20100303477 | Image Forming Device and Detachable Process Unit - An image forming device includes a main casing, a cartridge accommodating portion, a detection unit and a determination unit. The cartridge accommodating portion is configured to detachably accommodate a first cartridge and a second cartridge that is able to be detachably combined with the first cartridge, the first cartridge being provided with a pressing member movable between a first position and a second position, the pressing member being in the first position when the second cartridge is removed from the first cartridge, the pressing member being in the second position when the second cartridge is combined with the first cartridge. The detection unit is provided on the main casing and is configured to perform non-contact position detection of the pressing member. The determination unit is configured not to start image forming operations until the detection unit detects that the pressing member is in the second position. | 12-02-2010 |
20100303478 | Image Forming Device and Detachable Process Unit - An image forming device has a cartridge accommodating portion in which a combined unit of a first cartridge and a second cartridge can be loaded. The first cartridge is provided with a pressing member movable between a first position and a second position and is in the first position when the second cartridge is removed from the first cartridge, and in the second position when the second cartridge is perfectly combined with the first cartridge. A moving member is supported on the main casing of the image forming device to be movable between a third position and a fourth position, and is in the third position when the combined unit is unloaded from the main casing and in the fourth position when the combined unit is loaded in the main casing. The pressing member disposed in the second position presses the moving member to move to the fourth position. A position detector is provided on the main casing and is configured to perform position detection of the moving member. A determination unit is configured not to start image forming operations until the position detector detects that the moving member is in the fourth position. | 12-02-2010 |
20100329700 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - According to an aspect of the invention, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a first detecting unit, a second detecting unit, a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium by using coloring materials of a plurality of colors based on image information. The first detecting unit detects whether or not the first given number of the first housing units are installed to the apparatus. The second detecting unit detects whether or not the second given number of the second housing unit and the third given number of the first housing unit are installed to the apparatus. | 12-30-2010 |
20110020015 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND CONNECTION CONFIRMATION METHOD FOR CONNECTORS - An electronic apparatus includes a main body and an optional device detachably connected thereto via two connectors each having multiple signal terminals corresponding to various signals. The main body includes a connection confirmation unit that confirms that a specific signal terminal in the multiple signal terminals of each connector is connected; a request-signal generating unit that sends a request signal from the main body to the optional device via a signal terminal other than the specific signal terminal when connection of the specific signal terminal is confirmed by the connection confirmation unit, and requests a reply signal from the optional device; and a communication confirmation unit that determines that the two connectors of the main body and the optional device are connected when confirming that the reply signal is received via the signal terminal other than the specific signal terminal. | 01-27-2011 |
20110081154 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING CONNECTOR CONNECTION STATE - An apparatus detecting connection states of connectors includes plural resistors having resistance values different from each other and connected in series to each other, in which sums of at least two resistance values selected from the plural resistance values are different from each other in all combinations of the plural resistance values, and are different from the resistance value of each of the resistors, plural first connectors provided correspondingly to the respective resistors, plural second connectors connected to the first connectors and including bypass lines which bypass the respective resistors when the second connectors are connected to the first connectors, and a controller to detect connection states of the second connectors to the first connectors based on a voltage value of a detection signal flowing through the resistors and the bypass lines. | 04-07-2011 |
20110236038 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a replaceable member, a first determination unit, and a second determination unit. The replaceable member is removable from the image forming apparatus in a open state of a door and has a storage portion storing given information. The first determination unit determines whether or not a response from the storage portion exists. The second determination unit determines the image forming apparatus is in the open state or a removed state where the replaceable member is removed from the image forming apparatus when the first determination unit determines the response is not exist in given number of times. | 09-29-2011 |
20110236039 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE - An image forming apparatus includes: an electrostatic latent image bearing member; a toner cartridge; a developing member; a transfer member; a developing device; and circulating member. The toner cartridge is removably coupled to the developing device. The developing device incorporates the developing member. The circulating member is capable of operating while the toner cartridge remains coupled to the developing device, to circulate the toner between the developing device and the toner cartridge irrespective of whether the developing member is operating. | 09-29-2011 |
20110243580 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - An image forming apparatus detects the presence or absence of a toner seal and whether a cartridge is loaded on a main body of the image forming apparatus without use of an additional redundant detection means, due to the provision of an electrically-conductive layer at the toner seal for sealing and closing an opening in a process cartridge including a developer container. | 10-06-2011 |
20120163837 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a cleaning device that collects a waste toner attached to the surface of the image carrier using a cleaning member, a waste container that is removable from an image forming apparatus body, a temporary storage unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus body to temporarily store a waste including the waste toner collected in the cleaning device before the waste is transported to the waste container, and a waste transport unit that transports the waste to the temporary storage unit, wherein a discharge speed of the waste from the temporary storage unit by the waste discharge unit is lower than a transport speed of the waste to the temporary storage unit by the waste transport unit. | 06-28-2012 |
20120308242 | TONER CONTAINER, TONER CONTAINER FRAME, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A toner container is removably installable in an image forming apparatus having a communication portion and a positioning hole. The toner container includes an electronic data storage device disposed on a surface of the toner container, to communicate with the communication portion in the image forming apparatus, the electronic data storage device having an engaged hole; and a positioning projection, formed in the surface of the toner container, to engage the engaged hole of the electronic data storage device and the positioning hole in the image forming apparatus. The positioning projection inserts into the positioning hole in the image forming apparatus with the positioning projection engaging the engaged hole in the electronic data storage device to determine an installation position of the toner container relative to the image forming apparatus and set the electronic data storage device relative to the communication portion in the image forming apparatus. | 12-06-2012 |
20120308243 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONNECTING METHOD - An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming portion; an image forming portion supporting frame having opposing first and second side surfaces; first and second frame supporting portions provided, in contact to a disposition surface of the apparatus, close to the first side surface; a third frame supporting portion provided, in contact to the disposition surface, close to the second side surface; and an auxiliary leg adjustable to a height where it does not contact the disposition surface and a height where it contacts the disposition surface. The auxiliary leg is provided in a side which is away from the third supporting portion in a direction of change of the center of gravity by mounting of the optional unit to the image forming apparatus. | 12-06-2012 |
20130011146 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR CHECKING CONNECTION STATUS OF DEVELOPING UNIT AND METHOD THEREOF - An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is able to be connected to at least one developer supplier, at least one pull-up resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one connection line between the at least one developer supplier and the MUX, and a central processing unit (CPU) which detects a connection signal from the at least one pullup resistor and the at least one connection line, and determines whether an initial developer supplier is mounted according to the value of the connection signal. | 01-10-2013 |
20130084085 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CARTRIDGE - An image forming apparatus includes a moving member equipped with a pressed portion and a detected portion, and in which the detected portion is configured to move to a predetermined position above the pressed portion by the pressed portion being pressed by the cartridge when the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body, and a detection device configured to detect whether the cartridge is attached by detection light passing the predetermined position. | 04-04-2013 |
20130195471 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus, comprising: a charge voltage application circuit configured to be connected to a plurality of chargers in a process cartridge and to apply a voltage to the plurality of chargers; a current detection unit configured to detect a current flowing through each of the plurality of chargers; and a controller. The controller judges that the process cartridge is not attached to the image forming apparatus when the current smaller than a first threshold is detected by the current detection unit in a state where the charge voltage application circuit generates a predetermined voltage. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195472 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In an image forming apparatus, a plurality of cartridges each of which includes a photoconductor and a charger configured to charge the photoconductor is detachably installable in a main body housing. Chargers are connected in parallel to a voltage application unit configured to apply a voltage to the chargers. A cartridge installation determination unit is configured to determine whether or not each of the cartridges is installed. Control over the voltage application unit exercised by a controller includes a constant-voltage control and a constant-current control. The controller is configured to execute the constant-voltage control upon startup of an initial operation for preparation of printing and to switch from the constant-voltage control to the constant-current control if the cartridge installation determination unit determines that all the cartridges are installed. | 08-01-2013 |
20130223854 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus has an image forming section, a casing, a wall section, a first unit, a second unit and a first regulating member. The casing has an internal space in which the image forming section is disposed. The first unit is mounted in a first position of the internal space. The first insertion path is a path through which the first unit passes in the internal space. The second unit is mounted in a second position of the internal space closer to the wall section than the first position is. The second insertion path is a path through which the second unit passes in the internal space. The first regulating member projects to the second insertion path when the first unit is not mounted in the first position and retracts from the second insertion path when the first unit is mounted in the first position. | 08-29-2013 |
20130243444 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier removably installed in the apparatus to carry an image; a transfer member contacting with the image carrier to transfer the image onto the transfer member or a recording medium; a contact and separation mechanism causing the transfer member to contact with or separate from the image carrier; and a removable unit removably installed in the apparatus from the same direction as an installation direction of the image carrier to be disposed proximal of the image carrier and the transfer member in the installation direction, and at least partially overlapping the image carrier and the transfer member as viewed in the installation direction. The removable unit interferes with the contact and separation mechanism and is prevented from being installed in the apparatus, when the transfer member is separated from the image carrier by the contact and separation mechanism. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243445 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including an upper cover, an image forming unit including an image carrier and a developing device, a toner container detachably connectable to the developing device to supply toner to the developing device through an opening in the toner container, a shutter provided to the toner container and biased by a first elastic member in a direction to close the opening of the toner container, a link member integrated with the shutter, a shutter switching member to switch a position of the shutter to an open position by moving the link member to a pressing position, and an interlock mechanism to retract the shutter switching member from the pressing position in conjunction with opening of the upper cover. The opening is closed with the shutter by switching the shutter switching member to a retracted position in conjunction with the opening of the upper cover. | 09-19-2013 |
20130287412 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming portion which forms a toner image; a collecting container which is detachably arranged in an apparatus main body and which collects toner discharged from the image forming portion; a conveying path which conveys the toner discharged from the image forming portion toward the collecting container, the conveying path being arranged in the apparatus main body to be turnable to a first position positioned during operation of the main body and a second position different from the position positioned in the operation of the main body; and a fixing portion which can fix the conveying path at the first position and the second position. | 10-31-2013 |
20140029960 | Magnetic Interlock for a Replaceable Unit of an Image Forming Device - A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing a quantity of toner. An insertion alignment guide is positioned on the housing. The insertion alignment guide has a magnet for detection by a magnetic sensor in the image forming device. | 01-30-2014 |
20140037298 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS FOR CHECKING CONNECTION STATUS OF DEVELOPING UNIT AND METHOD THEREOF - An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is able to be connected to at least one developer supplier, at least one pull-up resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one connection line between the at least one developer supplier and the MUX, and a central processing unit (CPU) which detects a connection signal from the at least one pullup resistor and the at least one connection line, and determines whether an initial developer supplier is mounted according to the value of the connection signal. | 02-06-2014 |
20140112671 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus is provided that includes an image forming unit including a process unit, a frame configured to hold the process unit detachably attached thereto, the frame including a first communication portion communicating with an outside of the frame in a first direction to detach the image forming unit from the frame, and a second communication portion communicating with the outside of the image forming apparatus in a second direction different from the first direction, and a material holder configured to hold material for image formation by the image forming unit and detachably attached to a predetermined portion of the frame that is close to the second communication portion relative to the voltage output terminal, so as to close the second communication portion. | 04-24-2014 |
20140153936 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CARTRIDGE - An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge including first and second cartridge contacts is detachably mountable, includes: a guiding member for guiding the cartridge to a positioning portion provided in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; a first main assembly contact contactable to the first cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion and is positioned in the positioning portion; a second main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact when the cartridge is positioned partway toward the positioning portion; a third main assembly contact contactable to the second cartridge contact only when the cartridge is positioned in the positioning portion; and a control portion for detecting presence or absence of the cartridge in the main assembly and a mounted state of the cartridge by being electrically connected with the first, second and third main assembly contacts. | 06-05-2014 |
20140248061 | DEVELOPER REPLENISHING DEVICE TO TRANSPORT DEVELOPER FROM DEVELOPER CONTAINER, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING SAME, AND CONVEYANCE DEVICE TO TRANSPORT POWDER OR FLUID FROM CONTAINER - A developer replenishing device includes a container mount to hold a developer container to contain developer used in image formation, an installation completion detector to detect completion of installation of the developer container in the container mount, a replaceable containing portion to contain developer, a conveyance channel to which the containing portion is removably connected and through which developer is transported from the developer container held in the container mount to the containing portion, and a conveyance pump to transport developer from the developer container through the conveyance channel to the containing portion. In a state in which the developer container is not held in the container mount according to a detection result by the installation completion detector, the conveyance pump transports developer from the conveyance channel to the containing portion. | 09-04-2014 |
20140286652 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a belt unit detachable from a main body, a sensor unit, a blocking member, a moving mechanism, and a determination portion. The sensor unit includes a light emitting element configured to emit an outgoing light toward the belt, a first light receiving element configured to output a first signal, and a second light receiving element. The blocking member includes a first window and a second window. The moving mechanism is configured to move the blocking member between a first position in which the outgoing light passes the first window and a second position in which the outgoing light passes through the second window. The determination portion is configured to, when the blocking member is in the second position, determine whether the belt unit is attached to the main body based on the first signal output from the first light receiving element. | 09-25-2014 |
20140301744 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus to which a plurality of process cartridges has a safety switch for detecting opening and closing of a front cover, stroke switches for detecting positions of the process cartridges, a display portion and a speaker for notifying a state of the process cartridge, and a control portion. The control portion has a cartridge information notifying function for, when closing of the front cover is detected by the safety switch and the process cartridge is not detected by the stroke switch, notifying information of the process cartridge. Further, the control portion has a cartridge information notifying function for notifying first notification information for replacing the process cartridge, a cartridge moving function for moving the process cartridge by a moving portion, and a cartridge information notification cancelling function for cancelling notification of the first notification information. | 10-09-2014 |
20140348518 | CARTRIDGE, DEVELOPING CARTRIDGE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A cartridge includes: a developer accommodating chamber, provided with an opening, for accommodating a developer; a sealing member, provided with an electroconductive portion, for sealing the opening; and a storing element, provided with an electrical contact at a surface thereof, for storing information on the cartridge. The electroconductive portion covers the electrical contact. | 11-27-2014 |
20150037051 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a developing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image, a mounting detection unit configured to detect that a container T is mounted on a mounting unit, a driving unit configured to rotate the container T, a rotation detection unit configured to detect rotation information about the container T, and a controller configured to control the driving unit based on the rotation information. If the container T is detected to be mounted on the mounting unit, control of the driving unit is not carried out based on the rotation information until replenishment information satisfies a predetermined condition. | 02-05-2015 |
20150071657 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH DEVELOPER REPLENISHMENT MECHANISM - An image forming apparatus capable of reducing an image defect even when an container is rotated for checking. A development unit forms an image by developing an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive member. A drive unit rotates the container mounted to a mounting portion for replenishing the toner to the development unit. An output unit outputs a specified signal when detecting a predetermined portion of the container. A determination unit determines whether the container is mounted to the mounting portion according to the specified signal. A decision unit decides a toner replenishing amount based on image data. A controller controls the drive unit to execute a detecting operation that rotates the container when the determination unit does not determine that the container is mounted. A correction unit corrects the toner replenishing amount based on the output of the output unit when the detecting operation is executed. | 03-12-2015 |
20150117874 | Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus, including a main body and a cartridge configured to be detachably attached to the main body, is provided. The cartridge includes a photosensitive member configured to carry an image formed in a developer agent thereon, a movable mechanism, and a developer roller configured to supply the developer agent to the photosensitive member. The movable mechanism is configured to shift between a first state, in which the developer roller is placed in a contact position to contact the photosensitive member, and a second state, in which the developer roller is placed in a separated position to be separated from the photosensitive member. The main body includes a detectable member configured to detect a state of the movable mechanism between the first state and the second state. | 04-30-2015 |
20150139669 | Image Forming Apparatus and Image Forming System - An image forming apparatus includes: a cartridge installing section in which a first cartridge and a second cartridge are selectively installable; and a controller. The first cartridge includes: a first case configured to contain a first developer; a first developing roller; and a first transport member configured to transport the first developer toward the first developing roller. The second cartridge includes: a second case configured to contain a second developer, an amount of the second developer being greater than an amount of the first developer; a second developing roller; and a second transport member configured to transport the second developer toward the second developing roller. The controller is configured to control a drive source to drive one of the first transport member and the second transport member. | 05-21-2015 |
20150307307 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In a case where a belt unit is not attached to an apparatus body, when an opening and closing member is closed against the apparatus body, a switching member cannot press a switch, and image formation operation is prohibited. In a case where the belt unit is attached to the apparatus body, when the opening and closing member is closed against the apparatus body, the switching member presses the switch, and the prohibition of the image formation is released. | 10-29-2015 |
20150309470 | CARTRIDGES INCLUDING DETECTION MEMBER AND COVER MEMBER - Cartridges may include a developing roller, an electrode, a detection member, and a cover member. The developing roller rotates about an axis extending along a first direction. The electrode includes a protrusion that protrudes along the first direction to an end portion. The detection member includes a cover portion, which covers an exposable portion of the protrusion when the detection member is in a first position, and which exposes the exposable portion of the protrusion when the detection member is in a second position. The cover member covers a portion of the detection member and exposes the cover portion when the detection member is in the first position. The cover member extends in the first direction to an end portion. An overlap portion of the protrusion extends at least to the end portion of the cover member and overlaps a portion of the cover member in a second direction. | 10-29-2015 |
20150355590 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a light-emitting unit which emits light to an image bearing member which bears a developer image and that detects presence or absence of a developer container storing developer or a shape of the developer container on the basis of the number of electrons discharged from or received by the image bearing member when the light-emitting unit emits the light. | 12-10-2015 |