JP2005031353A - Double-sided unit fixing structure of image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate fixing, temporal tacking, assembling work and maintenance work even in a narrow space. <P>SOLUTION: A bearing hole 262 and guide pin 263 of a supporting plate 261 of a double-sided unit 200 engages a pin 212 and guide groove 213 of a stationary side plate 211 and a shaft 272 and guide pin 273 of a supporting plate 271 can be temporally tacked simply by placing these respectively on a bearing section 222 and temporal tacking portion 223 of the stationary side plate 221. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a double-sided unit mounting structure for an image forming apparatus having a simple structure and improved workability in assembly and maintenance.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The image forming apparatus is provided with a mechanism for reversing the paper printed on one side and guiding it again to the transfer device so that printing can be performed on both sides of the paper. In this mechanism, in order to reverse the paper, a duplex unit that draws in the paper immediately after single-sided printing is required. The duplex unit is abbreviated as ADU and is attached to the side surface of the image forming apparatus. This ADU is inevitably adjacent to the paper conveyance path formed inside the apparatus main body, and naturally forms a part of the paper conveyance path.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-299846
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The structure of the paper transport path needs to be able to open and close its cover or surrounding units so that it can be seen from the outside for maintenance, inspection, cleaning, etc. of the transport path. For this reason, the ADU is also mounted so that the paper transport path can be opened and closed so that the paper transport path can be exposed, and is mounted so that it can be detached from the apparatus.
[0005]
However, the conventional ADU mounting structure is complicated, and there is a problem that it takes time and labor for the mounting operation. Further, when a manual feed tray is disposed adjacent to the lower part of the ADU, there is a problem that the installation work space is further reduced and the maintenance work is troublesome.
[0006]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to cope with the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a double-sided unit mounting structure for an image forming apparatus that facilitates mounting, temporary fixing, and assembling even in a narrow space. To do.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to cope with the above-described circumstances, and the first and second fixed side plates opposed to each other at an interval, and the first and second mountings between the first and second fixed side plates. Between the first mounting portion and the first fixed side plate, and between the second mounting portion and the second fixed side plate, respectively. In the double-sided unit mounting apparatus for an image forming apparatus having a support mechanism for rotatably supporting the double-sided unit, a mechanism between the first mounting portion and the first fixing plate Has a structure having one bearing hole and a pin on the other side inserted into the bearing hole, and the mechanism between the second mounting portion and the second fixing plate is the second fixing plate. A bearing part formed by cutting out the upper side of the bearing and having an opening in the upper part, It is basically that it has a structure having a shaft that is mounted on the receiving portion.
[0008]
More specifically, the first fixed side plate disposed on one side, the fixed side pin provided on the first fixed side plate and protruding, and spaced from the fixed side pin and around the fixed side pin A fixed side guide groove formed in the first fixed side plate, a second fixed side plate opposed to the first fixed side plate with a space therebetween, and an upper side of the second fixed side plate A fixed-side bearing portion that is formed to be depressed, has an axial center on an extension shaft of the fixed-side pin, has an upper edge that is open and is continuous with the upper side, and an opening of the fixed-side bearing portion; A temporary fixing portion that is a part of the continuous upper side and that opposes the lower end of the fixed-side guide groove; and a sheet reversing unit disposed between the first and second fixed-side plates; Attached to the lower part of the reversing unit, the first and second fixed sides The first and second movable side support plates corresponding to the first and second movable side support plates are provided in the first movable side support plate, and are guided by being inserted into the bearing holes for bearing the fixed side pins and the fixed side guide grooves. A movable side guide pin, a movable side shaft provided on the second unit mounting plate and supported by the fixed side bearing portion, and a second movable side guide pin placed on the temporary fixing portion.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
The image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described when applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a scanner function, a printing function, a copying function, a facsimile function, a network connection function, and the like. First, the overall structure of the image forming apparatus 1 will be briefly described.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, the digital copying apparatus (image forming apparatus) 1 includes an image reading unit (scanner) 101 and an image forming unit 102. The scanner 101 is a part that captures an image of a copy object as light contrast and photoelectrically converts it to generate an image signal. The image forming unit 102 is a portion that forms an image corresponding to an image signal supplied from the scanner 101 or the outside and fixes the image on a sheet as a fixing member (transfer target).
[0012]
The image forming unit 102 includes a cylindrical photosensitive drum 103 having a photosensitive member formed on the outer periphery. The photosensitive member is irradiated with light in a state where a predetermined potential is applied, whereby the potential of the region irradiated with the light is changed, and the change in the potential can be held as an electrostatic image for a predetermined time.
[0013]
Image information is exposed to the photosensitive drum 103 by the exposure device 104. That is, the exposure apparatus 104 outputs a laser beam whose light intensity is changed in accordance with image information supplied from the scanner 101 or an external apparatus. Thereby, an electrostatic image, that is, an image is formed on the photosensitive drum 103.
[0014]
The image formed on the photosensitive drum 103 is visualized (developed) by selectively supplying toner (developer) by the developing device 105 and converted into a toner image (not shown).
[0015]
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 103 is transferred to the transfer belt 107 by supplying a voltage for transfer to the first transfer device 106. Next, the toner image on the transfer belt is transferred to a transfer material, that is, a sheet fed by the sheet feeding / conveying section by supplying a voltage for transfer to the second transfer device 108.
[0016]
The sheets are taken out from the cassette 121 one by one in advance and conveyed to the aligning roller 123 by the pickup roller 122. The sheet is fed to the transfer position in alignment with the toner image formed on the transfer belt 107 by the aligning roller 123.
[0017]
The toner image transferred to the paper by the transfer device 108 is fixed on the paper by applying heat and pressure by the fixing device 131.
[0018]
The paper P on which the image output corresponding to the image information is fixed by the fixing device 131 is discharged to the image output medium holding unit (tray) 112 by the paper discharge roller 124.
[0019]
FIG. 2 shows a state immediately before the sheet P is discharged to the tray 112 in the direction of the arrow A1. Here, when the double-sided printing function is working, the paper P that has been printed on one side is not completely discharged to the image output medium holding unit (tray) 112. That is, in the middle of discharging, the paper discharge roller 124 starts to reverse, and the process proceeds to paper reversal processing. At this time, the paper P is moved in the reverse direction (the direction indicated by the arrow A2 in the figure) and is pulled into the ADU 200 from the upper side of the ADU 200. In the ADU 200, a plurality of rollers for guiding paper are provided, and a paper transport path is formed. The sheet passes through the lower side of the ADU 200 and is sent again to the sheet conveyance path where the second transfer device 108 is disposed. Thereby, printing on the back side of the paper is executed this time. The paper on which printing on the back surface is completed is discharged to the image output medium holding unit (tray) 112. Reference numeral 300 denotes a manual feed tray mechanism that can feed paper toward the paper transport path.
[0020]
Here, the ADU 200 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be detachable. The present invention is characterized by the mounting structure of the ADU 200, and the structure will be described below.
[0021]
In FIG. 3, there is a first fixed side plate 211 that is integrated with the apparatus main body and disposed on one side, and a second fixed side plate 221 that is opposed to the first fixed side plate 211 at an interval is provided. It has been.
[0022]
The first fixed side plate 211 is provided with a fixed side pin 212 that protrudes inward, for example. A fixed guide groove 213 is formed in the first fixed plate 211 at a distance from the fixed pin 212 and along the periphery of the fixed pin 212.
[0023]
The second fixed side plate 221 has the following shape and configuration. That is, the upper side L of the second fixed side plate 221 is formed so as to be recessed, has an axial center on the extension axis of the fixed side pin, and is fixed in such a way that the upper side edge is open and continues to the upper side L A side bearing 222 is provided.
[0024]
A temporary fixing portion 223 is provided that is a part of the upper side L that is continuous with the opening a of the fixed side bearing portion 222 and that faces the lower end portion 213A of the fixed side guide groove 213.
[0025]
Next, first and second movable side support plates 261 and 271 corresponding to the first and second fixed side plates 211 and 221 are attached to the lower portion of the duplex unit 200. The first movable side support plate 261 is formed with a bearing hole 262 for bearing the fixed side pin 212, and further provided with a first movable side guide pin 263 that is inserted into the fixed side guide groove 213 and guided. Yes.
[0026]
Next, the second movable side support plate 271 is provided with a movable side shaft 272 supported by the fixed side bearing portion 222. Furthermore, the second movable side support plate 271 is provided with a second movable side guide pin 273 placed on the temporary fixing portion 223.
[0027]
As described above, between the first mounting portion (first movable side support plate 261) and the first fixed side plate (first fixed side plate 211), and the second mounting portion (second movable side). Between the support plate 271) and the second fixed side plate (second fixed side plate 221), there is configured a support mechanism having a relationship between the shaft and the bearing portion and rotatably supporting the duplex unit 200. ing. The mechanism between the first mounting portion and the first fixing plate has a structure having one bearing hole (262) and a pin (212) on the other side inserted into the bearing hole (262). And a mechanism between the second mounting portion and the second fixed side plate is formed by cutting out the upper side of the second fixed side plate and has a bearing portion (fixed side bearing portion 222 having an opening a in the upper portion). ) And a shaft (movable side shaft 272) placed on the bearing portion.
[0028]
According to the mechanism of the present invention, the service person or the assembly worker lifts the duplex unit 200, first engages the bearing hole 262 with the fixed side pin 212 of the first and fixed side plates 211, and further, the fixed side guide groove. The first movable guide pin 263 is engaged with 213.
[0029]
Next, the movable side shaft 272 is placed on the fixed side bearing portion 222 of the second movable side support plate 271. In addition, the second movable guide pin 273 is placed on the temporary fixing portion 223. In this state, as shown partially enlarged in the broken line in the figure, the movable side shaft 272 is formed with a ring-shaped groove, and the fixed side bearing portion 222 is engaged therewith. For this reason, the movable side shaft 272 is stably supported by the fixed side bearing portion 222. In this state (temporarily fixed state), the worker can rotate the double-sided unit 200 or can do it.
[0030]
With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the distance to be moved left and right when attaching the duplex unit 200. This is because one side requires a stroke for inserting the pin 212 into the bearing hole 262, while the other side only requires the operation of placing the movable side shaft 272 on the bearing portion 222.
[0031]
In the image forming apparatus, since a manual feed tray mechanism is disposed between the first fixed side plate 211 and the second fixed side plate 221, the space around the first fixed side plate 211 and the second fixed side plate 221. Is a very narrow space. Even in such an environment, according to the mechanism of the present invention, the duplex unit 200 can be easily attached.
[0032]
With the above configuration, the fixed pin 212 and the fixed guide groove 213 are formed in the first fixed plate 211. The first movable side support plate 261 is provided with a bearing hole 262 for bearing the fixed side pin 212, and further, a first movable side guide pin 263 that is inserted into the fixed side guide groove 213 and guided. However, these relationships are possible even in the reverse arrangement. That is, the pin 212 and the guide groove 213 may be formed on the movable side support plate 261, and the bearing hole 262 and the guide pin 263 may be provided on the fixed side plate 211.
[0033]
FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the fixed side pin 212 and the fixed side guide groove 213 on the first fixed side plate 211 side. Further, the first movable side guide pin 263 of the first movable side support plate 261 is shown. FIG. 4 shows a state where the duplex unit 200 is closed so as to form a sheet conveyance path with the apparatus main body side, and FIG. 5 shows a state where the duplex unit 200 is opened. At this time, the first movable guide pin 263 is guided by the guide groove 213 and moved to the upper end portion thereof.
[0034]
FIG. 6 shows a portion to which the present invention is applied from the second fixed side plate 221 side. As can be seen from this figure, a manual feed tray mechanism 300 is disposed between the first fixed side plate 211 and the second fixed side plate 221. By pulling the lever 201, the duplex unit 200 is released from the locked state with the main body and can be opened with the pivot shaft as a fulcrum.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the apparatus of the present invention, in order to make the engagement state of the second fixed side plate 221 and the second movable side support plate 271 more secure, the mounting cover 281 is used. The mounting cover 281 has a hole 282 through which the movable shaft 272 passes and a guide groove 283 through which the movable guide pin 273 passes. The guide groove 283 is opposed to the guide groove 213 that guides the first movable guide pin 263. The attachment cover 281 is attached and fixed to the fixed side plate 221 with screws or the like. Thereby, the movable side shaft 272 is stably held without being lifted from the bearing portion 222.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a double-sided unit mounting structure that facilitates mounting, temporary fixing, assembling work, and maintenance work even in a narrow space.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overall outline of an image forming apparatus to which the invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a part of the duplex unit in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the basic principle of the present invention.
4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a fixed side plate 211 side in FIG. 3;
5 is a perspective view showing a state where the duplex unit is opened on the fixed side plate 211 side of FIG. 3; FIG.
6 is a perspective view showing an overall outline of the apparatus from the fixed side plate 221 side in FIG. 3;
7 is a perspective view showing a state in which an attachment cover 281 is further attached from the fixed side plate 221 side of FIG. 3;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 ... Double-sided unit, 211 ... 1st fixed side plate, 212 ... Fixed side pin, 213 ... Fixed side guide groove, 221 ... 2nd fixed side plate, 222 ... Fixed side bearing part, 223 ... Temporarily fixed part, 261 ... 1st DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Movable side support plate, 262 ... Bearing hole, 263 ... Movable side guide pin, 271 ... 2nd movable side support plate, 272 ... Movable side shaft, 273 ... 2nd movable side guide pin.

Claims (4)

A first and second fixed side plates facing each other at an interval; a duplex unit in which first and second mounting portions are disposed between the first and second fixed side plates; and the first mounting portion. Between the first fixed side plate and between the second mounting portion and the second fixed side plate, there is a relationship between a shaft and a bearing portion, respectively, and the double-sided unit is rotatably supported. In a double-sided unit mounting device of an image forming apparatus having a support mechanism,
The mechanism between the first mounting portion and the first fixing plate has a structure having one bearing hole and a pin on the other side inserted into the bearing hole,
The mechanism between the second mounting portion and the second fixing plate is formed by a notched upper side of the second fixing plate and a bearing portion having an opening in the upper portion, and is mounted on the bearing portion. An apparatus for attaching a duplex unit of an image forming apparatus, characterized by using a structure having a shaft to be placed. The mechanism between the first mounting portion and the first fixing plate further includes one guide groove formed around the shaft center of the bearing hole and the other guide pin fitted into the guide groove. The apparatus for attaching a duplex unit of an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A first fixed side plate disposed on one side;
A fixed-side pin provided on the first fixed-side plate and protruding;
A fixed guide groove formed on the first fixed plate, spaced from the fixed pin and around the fixed pin;
A second fixed side plate opposed to the first fixed side plate at an interval;
A fixed-side bearing portion that is formed so that an upper side of the second fixed side plate is recessed, has an axial center on an extension shaft of the fixed-side pin, and has an upper-side edge opened to be continuous with the upper side. When,
A part of the upper side that is continuous with the opening of the fixed-side bearing portion, and a temporary fixing portion at a position facing the lower end of the fixed-side guide groove;
A duplex unit disposed between the first and second fixed side plates;
First and second movable side support plates corresponding to the first and second fixed side plates, attached to the lower part of the reversing unit;
A first movable side guide pin which is provided in the first movable side support plate and is guided by being inserted into a bearing hole for bearing the fixed side pin and the fixed side guide groove;
A movable side shaft provided on the second movable side support plate and supported by the fixed side bearing portion;
A second movable guide pin placed on the temporary fixing portion;
An apparatus for attaching a double-sided unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: An attachment cover having a hole through which the movable side shaft passes and a guide groove for guiding the second movable side guide pin is fixed to the second fixed side plate. The double-sided unit mounting device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

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