Yukinori Andou

Title: Innovations of Yukinori Andou

Introduction

Yukinori Andou is a prominent inventor based in Nara, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrophotography, holding a total of 8 patents. His work focuses on developing advanced mechanisms for improving the efficiency and functionality of developing units in image forming apparatuses.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a developing unit having an interlocking mechanism. This innovative developing unit includes a developing tank and a toner hopper. The developing tank is designed to oppose a recording medium that is rotatably mounted to an image forming apparatus utilizing electrophotography. The developing member conveys a developer and attaches toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the recording medium to develop the electrostatic latent image. The toner hopper features a toner supply port for supplying toner to the developing tank through a toner replenishing port. The developing tank is detachable and can move in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft of the recording medium. Additionally, the toner hopper is equipped with a shutter for opening and closing the toner supply port. A moving mechanism mounted on the developing tank allows simultaneous movement of the developing tank and the toner hopper shutter when manipulated.

Another notable patent is for a toner hopper that includes stirring and feeding rollers. This toner hopper is designed to feed toner stored within it to a developing unit. It features a stirring roller and a feeding roller, both supported rotatably. The interlocking mechanism transmits the force of rotation to the stirring roller, while a manually rotating mechanism allows for manual rotation of the stirring roller. An interlocking restricting mechanism ensures that the force of rotation of the stirring roller is not transmitted to the feeding roller during manual operation.

Career Highlights

Yukinori Andou is currently employed at Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation, where he continues to innovate and develop new technologies. His work has significantly impacted the efficiency of developing units in electrophotographic systems.

Collaborations

He has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Yuhi Yui and Kouichi Irihara, contributing to various projects and advancements in their field.

Conclusion

Yukinori Andou's contributions to the field of electrophotography through his innovative patents demonstrate his expertise and commitment to advancing technology. His work continues to influence the development of efficient imaging systems.