Patent · US Expired

Image forming apparatus for reliably holding attachable units

US7181152B2 · kind B2 · utility

17Cited by
20References
42Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 19, 2004
Grant dateFeb 20, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 19, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG03G2221/1606
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An image forming apparatus is disclosed that holds its detachably attached constituent units at predetermined positions for operations, and releases the hold when exchanging and inspecting the constituent units. The image forming apparatus includes a main body having an opened portion on one side, one or more devices detachably attached to the main body through the opened portion, and a holding unit that is capable of being opened and closed relative to the opened portion. The holding unit is engaged with the devices and holds the devices at the predetermined positions when the holding unit is closed relative to the opened portion. A fixing unit arranged on the holding unit fixes the holding unit when the holding unit is closed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.