IP Library Granted Patent US 8,295,729
Granted Patent B2
US 8,295,729 · App. 12/719,957 · Granted Oct 23, 2012

Image forming device linkable to an optional unit

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,295,729
App. No.
12/719,957
Granted
Oct 23, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

An image forming device, which is linkable to an optional unit, includes: a connector providing an electrical connection with the optional unit; a connector cover opening and closing a connecting surface of the connector; and a cover opening-and-closing mechanism opening the connecting surface of the connector by moving the connector cover in accordance with a linking operation linking the optional unit.

Claims (23)

1. An image forming device linkable to an optional unit, the image forming device comprising:

a connector providing an electrical connection with the optional unit;

a connector cover opening and closing a connecting surface of the connector; and

a cover opening-and-closing mechanism opening the connecting surface of the connector by moving the connector cover in accordance with a linking operation linking the optional unit.

2. An image forming device according to claim 1 , further comprising a guiding hole through which a guiding pin protruding from the optional unit penetrates, wherein

when the optional unit is linked, the connecting surface of the connector is opened by the cover opening-and-closing mechanism converting an insertion movement, inserting the guiding pin through the guiding hole, into a sliding movement of the connector cover.

3. An image forming device according to claim 2 , further comprising:

a cap provided upright and surrounding the guiding hole;

an urging member urging the connector cover in a direction in which the connector closes; and

a rod comprising a rotatably supported end, wherein

the rod penetrates an elongated hole on the cap; and

another end of the rod is connected to the connector cover through a wire.

4. An image forming device according to claim 3 , wherein

the optional unit is a paper feeder.

5. An image forming device according to claim 2 , wherein

the cover opening-and-closing mechanism opens the connecting surface of the connector by a cam mechanism converting the linking operation, linking the optional unit, into an opening movement of the connector cover.

6. An image forming device according to claim 5 , wherein the optional unit is a paper feeder.

7. An image forming device according to claim 2 , wherein

the optional unit is a paper feeder.

8. An image forming device according to claim 2 , wherein

the cover opening-and-closing mechanism opens the connecting surface of the connector by a lever mechanism converting the linking operation, linking the optional unit, into an opening movement of the connector cover.

9. An image forming device according to claim 1 , wherein

the optional unit is a paper feeder.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jun 1, 2012
From: KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION
To: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
Reel/Frame 028300/0279 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 9, 2010
From: OKAUCHI, YOSHIFUMI
To: KYOCERA MITA CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 024049/0100 →