US4708455A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image forming apparatus and a process unit for use in the same
Assignee: Canon Inc
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Filing: 1986-02-12
•
Granted: 1987-11-24
•
Expires: 2006-02-12
Abstract
Abstract An image forming apparatus or a process unit detachably mountable in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the process unit including an image bearing member and processing device (including a part or all of the components) which is actable on the image bearing member. In other words, the present invention relates to a process unit detachably mountable in an image forming apparatus, the process unit comprising an image bearing member, discharger actable on the image bearing member and a device for fixing the image bearing member, and the discharger and the fixing device being integrally supported by a supporting member. Moreover, an image forming apparatus characterized by an image bearing member, a supporting member for supporting the image bearing member so that it can be moved in the direction perpendicular to the axis thereof, a member for fixing the image bearing member to the supporting member, discharger actable on the image bearing member, and the fixing member and the discharger are integrally supported by a supporting member.
Inventors
- 👤 Atsushi Kubota
- 👤 Shinnosuke Taniishi
- 👤 Shinichi Sasaki
- 👤 Akiyoshi Kimura
- 👤 Michiro Koike
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:17
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G21/00; G03G21/16; G03G21/18; G03G21/1839; G03G21/1842; G03G21/185; G03G21/1604; G03G21/1623; G03G21/1633; G03G21/1661; G03G2221/00; G03G2221/16; G03G2221/1606; G03G2221/1609; G03G2221/1612; G03G2221/1651; G03G2221/1654; G03G2221/1678; G03G2221/1684; G03G2221/18; G03G2221/183; G03G2221/1853; G03G2221/1861; G03G2221/1869
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus, wherein said unit guide means includes a receiving portion for detachably supporting the process unit, wherein said process unit is adapted to be detached from said unit guide means when in an outside position; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus, wherein said unit guide means includes a receiving portion for detachably supporting the process unit, wherein said process unit is adapted to be detached from said unit guide means when in an outside position; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said unit guide means includes movable rails.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said process means is independently detachable from said process unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
149 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said positioning members are provided with positioning holes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
149 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said positioning members are provided with positioning holes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
148 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and unit, engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said engageable members include tapered pins.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
148 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and unit, engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said engageable members include tapered pins.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes a corona charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes an array of short-focus and small diameter imaging elements for forming an image on said image bearing member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes an array of short-focus and small-diameter imaging elements for forming an image on said image bearing member, a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member and a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes a charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member and a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes a charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member and a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said process means includes a corona charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member, a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member and a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
173 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said unit guide means includes a receiving portion for detachably supporting said process unit, wherein said process unit is detachable when it is moved to its outside position by said guide means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
173 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said unit guide means includes a receiving portion for detachably supporting said process unit, wherein said process unit is detachable when it is moved to its outside position by said guide means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said process means is independently detachable from said process unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
149 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said positioning members are provided with positioning holes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
149 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said positioning members are provided with positioning holes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes a corona charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes an array of short-focus and small-diameter imaging elements for forming an image on said image bearing member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
52 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes an array of short-focus and small-diameter imaging elements for forming an image on said image bearing member, a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member and a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes a charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member and a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes a charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member and a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said process means includes a corona charger for applying corona discharge onto said image bearing member, a development device for developing an image on said image bearing member and a cleaner for cleaning said image bearing member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
174 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means; wherein said process unit is supported without being fixed to said guide means, and said process unit is moved relative to said guide means by engagement between said positioning member and said engaging member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
174 words
An image forming apparatus, comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means; wherein said process unit is supported without being fixed to said guide means, and said process unit is moved relative to said guide means by engagement between said positioning member and said engaging member.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
43 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 25, wherein said unit guide means includes a receiving portion for detachably supporting said process unit, and wherein said process unit is detachable when it is moved to its outside position by said guide means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 26, wherein said process means is independently detachable from said process unit.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
149 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members is provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said positioning members are provided with tapered pins.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
149 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members is provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said positioning members are provided with tapered pins.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
153 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said process unit is supported without being fixed to said guide means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
153 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: unit guide means for supporting a process unit including an image bearing member and process means for acting on said image bearing member, said guide means being movable between an inside position wherein the image bearing member is opposed to optical means to receive image information therethrough and an outside position wherein the guide means is projected out of the apparatus; members for positioning said process unit in said apparatus; and engaging members provided in said process unit, engageable with said positioning members to correctly position said process unit in said apparatus when said unit guide means supporting said process unit is moved into said apparatus, wherein said engageable members are provided on said process unit at its front side and rear side with respect to the direction of movement of said unit guide means, wherein said process unit is supported without being fixed to said guide means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
An image forming apparatus as defined in claim 29, wherein said process means is independently detachable from said process unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-11-23 | 1991-05-25 | 1991-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-23 | 1995-05-25 | 1995-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-23 | 1999-05-25 | 1999-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |