Image forming apparatus and carriage docking mechanism
US8308272B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J3/543
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An image forming apparatus including a first carriage movable in a main scanning direction, a second carriage separatably dockable with the first carriage, a first positioning unit to position the second carriage relative to the first carriage in a sub-scanning direction, a second positioning unit to position the second carriage relative to the first carriage in a rotary direction, and a third positioning unit to position the second carriage relative to the first carriage in the main scanning direction. The first positioning unit includes a reference shaft and notched positioning members to engage the reference shaft. The second positioning unit contacts one of the first and second carriages in the rotary direction upon docking of the first and second carriages. The third positioning unit includes a positioning member, parallel grooved members in the sub-scanning direction, and parallel shafts extending in the sub-scanning direction to engage the grooved members.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.