JP2005212245A - Securing mechanism for portable image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a securing mechanism which can suppress vibrations at an image forming section in a portable image forming device. <P>SOLUTION: When a casing is arranged on a bearing mechanism 12 of the securing mechanism 10A and then an operating section 62 is retrieved in an arrow A1 direction, a sliding section is displaced in the arrow A1 direction, and therefore an upstream portion of the casing is pinched by holding means 70, 72. Thus, the image forming section and the casing are secured by the holding means 70, 72. On the other hand when the operating section 62 is advanced in an arrow A2 direction, the sliding section is displaced in the arrow A2 direction, and the upstream portion of the casing is separated from the holding means 70, 72. Thereby, the image forming section and the casing are released from the holding means 70, 72. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus that can suppress vibration of an image forming unit of the apparatus as much as possible.

  Conventionally, a technique for mounting an image forming apparatus on a vehicle such as a mobile examination car has been disclosed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 divides the inside of a chassis into three rooms and arranges an image forming apparatus in one of these rooms. In Patent Document 2, an image forming apparatus is arranged on a vehicle chassis so that an image of a subject can be taken even while the vehicle is running.

  In addition, a technique of making a portable image forming apparatus by providing a caster on a base plate of the image forming apparatus to be movable is also disclosed (see Patent Document 3). That is, in Patent Document 3, a plurality of engaging members provided on a plate-like member arranged on the floor surface and a plurality of engaged members provided below the portable image forming apparatus are engaged. This prevents the portable image forming apparatus from falling.

  Furthermore, a technique for fixing a developing unit unit constituting an image forming apparatus to a housing of the image forming apparatus via a buffer member is also disclosed (Patent Document 4). The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 attempts to buffer an impact when transporting an image forming apparatus by pressing a buffer member against a developing unit unit.

  Furthermore, a technique for pressing an elastic member against a photosensitive drum through a connecting member connected to a housing of an image forming apparatus is also disclosed (Patent Document 5). The technique disclosed in Patent Document 5 cleans the photosensitive drum by pressing an elastic member against the photosensitive drum.

JP-A-6-277203 (FIGS. 1 and 4) JP 2001-299743 A (FIGS. 1 and 2) JP-A-10-246999 (FIGS. 1 and 8) JP-A-10-254237 (FIG. 8) JP-A-60-225186 (FIG. 3)

  An image forming unit constituting the image forming apparatus roughly includes a scanning optical system that irradiates a recording medium on which image information is recorded, and light information obtained according to the image information from the recording medium. And a photoelectric conversion system for reading optical information collected through the condensing optical system.

  These optical systems are easily affected by vibration, and the function of the optical system may be lowered by the vibration. Due to such a decrease in the function of the optical system, it becomes difficult to maintain the reading resolution of the image forming unit with respect to the recording medium with high accuracy.

  In particular, in the case of a portable image forming apparatus, there is a possibility that the function of the above-described optical system is deteriorated due to vibration generated during transportation. For example, when a portable image forming apparatus is disposed in a vehicle, the image forming unit receives various vibrations such as vibrations from running wheels and vibrations from an engine and / or a generator, and the function of the optical system is impaired. May be.

  Therefore, in the portable image forming apparatus, it is necessary to sufficiently consider the suppression of vibration particularly for the image forming unit including the optical system.

  By the way, the image forming apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not take countermeasures against vibration in consideration of the above disadvantages.

  In the portable image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3, the base plate of the portable image forming apparatus is fixed to the plate-like member via the engaging member and the engaged member. No consideration is given to vibration suppression measures. Further, when the portable image forming apparatus is moved, it is necessary to release the engagement between the engaging member and the engaged member, and there is a problem that the releasing operation is complicated for the operator.

  Further, in the case of the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Documents 4 and 5, since the elastic member is pressed and fixed to the photosensitive drum constituting the image forming unit, other members are naturally subjected to vibration. As a result, the function of the entire image forming unit may be deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a portable image forming apparatus, a holding unit provided in a mechanism that supports an image forming unit by a support mechanism and displaces along the support mechanism. A portable image forming apparatus that is configured so as to fix the image forming unit using an image, thereby suppressing the vibration of the image forming unit with respect to the optical system and sufficiently exhibiting the function of the image forming unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing mechanism.

  A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a support mechanism that supports an image forming unit constituting the portable image forming apparatus, and engages with the support mechanism and is freely displaceable along the support mechanism. A moving mechanism, and the moving mechanism includes a holding unit that fixes the image forming unit and regulates the movement of the image forming unit, and the moving mechanism is used when the portable image forming apparatus is used. And the image forming unit is released from the holding unit.

  An image forming unit including an optical system is supported by a support mechanism, and a moving mechanism having a holding unit is engaged with the support mechanism. Therefore, by displacing the moving mechanism and fixing the image forming unit with the holding unit, the image forming unit is fixed to the support mechanism via the holding unit and the moving mechanism. Accordingly, even if the image forming unit vibrates due to the movement of the portable image forming apparatus, the vibration can be easily suppressed by the fixing mechanism. Further, the image forming unit is fixed or opened only by a relative position change between the holding unit and the image forming unit due to the displacement of the moving mechanism. Therefore, compared with the conventional fixing operation using a fastening member such as an engaging means, the operator can perform the operation efficiently in a short time. Therefore, the burden on the operator of the portable image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  In this case, the holding unit may fix a housing that houses and supports the optical system of the image forming unit. By directly fixing the housing that houses and supports the optical system, vibrations to the image forming unit can be further suppressed.

  The holding means preferably includes a gripping member that grips a part of the housing and fixes the housing. Thereby, the fixing or opening operation of the image forming unit is further facilitated.

  Further, a plurality of guide members are formed on the moving mechanism along the displacement direction, and the moving mechanism is displaced along the guide members, thereby fixing or releasing the housing with respect to the gripping member. You may make it do. Since the displacement region of the moving mechanism is regulated by the guide member, the image forming unit can be fixed or opened more accurately.

  Furthermore, the above-described fixing mechanism includes a displacement detection unit that detects the displacement of the moving mechanism, and a monitoring unit that monitors a use state of the portable image forming apparatus, and the monitoring unit holds the image forming unit. When the portable image forming apparatus is used in a state in which the image forming unit is not opened, a signal indicating that the image forming unit is fixed to the holding unit is output based on a signal from the displacement detecting unit. May be.

  Thus, even if the operator forgets to open the image forming unit and turns on the power of the portable image forming apparatus, it can be determined that the image forming unit is fixed according to the output contents of the monitoring unit. The operator can reliably perform the opening operation of the image forming unit.

  Furthermore, the fixing mechanism includes a displacement detection unit that detects the displacement of the moving mechanism, and a monitoring unit that monitors a use state of the portable image forming apparatus. The monitoring unit uses the image forming unit as a holding unit. When the use of the portable image forming apparatus is completed in a non-fixed state, a signal indicating that the image forming unit is released from the holding unit is output based on a signal from the displacement detecting unit. It may be.

  Thus, even if the operator forgets to fix the image forming unit and shuts off the power of the portable image forming apparatus, it can be seen that the image forming unit is opened depending on the output contents of the monitoring means. The person can reliably perform the fixing operation of the image forming unit.

  In addition, a moving unit that displaces the moving mechanism with respect to the support mechanism is provided between the support mechanism and the moving mechanism, and the moving unit is configured to move the moving mechanism when a portable image forming apparatus is used. When the portable image forming apparatus is not used, the moving mechanism is displaced so that the image forming unit is fixed to the holding unit. Also good.

  In this way, if the moving mechanism is automatically operated using the moving means in accordance with the usage state of the portable image forming apparatus, the burden on the operator can be reduced. Further, since the moving means is provided in the support mechanism, the image forming unit fixed to the holding means is further fixed to the support mechanism via the moving means. Therefore, the fixing to the image forming unit is further strengthened, and further vibration suppression can be realized.

  As the fixing mechanism having the moving means described above, the power source of the moving means and the power source of the portable image forming apparatus may be configured as the same power source. Thus, when the operator turns on the power of the portable image forming apparatus, the moving unit operates to release the image forming unit from the holding unit, while cutting off the power of the portable image forming apparatus. In this case, the moving unit operates to fix the image forming unit to the holding unit.

  The moving means described above is preferably a motor or a solenoid. On the other hand, the fixing mechanism described above can easily fix or release the image forming unit and is a place with little vibration. , You can place it anywhere. For example, the image forming unit may be fixed by the holding unit in a state where a vibration isolating member is incorporated in the portable image forming apparatus and a fixing mechanism is fixed on the vibration isolating member. Further, in a state where the fixing mechanism is fixed on the vibration isolating table, the portable image forming apparatus may be placed on the fixing mechanism, and the image forming unit may be fixed by the holding unit. Alternatively, a portable image forming apparatus may be placed on the fixing mechanism in a state where the fixing mechanism is directly disposed on the floor surface with less vibration, and the image forming unit may be fixed by the holding unit.

  In addition, when the initialization process of the portable image forming apparatus is performed, the moving unit displaces the moving mechanism to release the image forming unit from the holding unit, and performs the termination process of the portable image forming apparatus. In this case, the moving mechanism may be displaced to fix the image forming unit to the holding unit. In this case, since the image forming unit is automatically opened and fixed, the problem that the operator forgets to operate the fixing mechanism can be avoided.

  The initialization process refers to, for example, adjustment of an optical system and alignment of a storage system of a stimulable phosphor sheet that are performed when the portable image forming apparatus is powered on. The termination process refers to storing, for example, image information read from the stimulable phosphor sheet in the memory before the portable image forming apparatus is powered off.

  In the case where the fixing mechanism is arranged in the vehicle, it is preferable that the fixing mechanism is arranged between the axles of the vehicle since vibrations between the axles of the vehicle are relatively small. As a result, the portable image forming apparatus can be mounted in the vehicle.

  According to the present invention, by moving the moving mechanism and fixing the image forming unit with the holding unit, the image forming unit is fixed to the support mechanism via the holding unit and the moving mechanism. Accordingly, even if the image forming unit vibrates due to the movement of the portable image forming apparatus, the vibration can be easily suppressed by the fixing mechanism.

  In addition, since the image forming unit is fixed or released only by a relative position change between the holding unit and the image forming unit due to the displacement of the moving mechanism, compared with a conventional fixing operation using a fastening member such as an engaging unit. Thus, the operator can perform the fixing or opening work efficiently in a short time. Therefore, the burden on the operator of the portable image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  An embodiment of a fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> A according to the first embodiment is, for example, a support mechanism fixed to a vibration isolator (not shown), a floor surface or a housing (not shown) with less vibration. 12 and a moving mechanism 14 that is displaced on the support mechanism 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support mechanism 12 includes a plate-like base plate 16 placed on the vibration isolation table. The base plate 16 is fixed to a vibration isolator (not shown) or the like by a plurality of fastening members 18 such as bolts.

  Of the four side surfaces 20a to 20d of the base plate 16, a bent portion 22 that protrudes from the base plate 16 and rises upward is formed at a location near the center of one side surface 20a. Further, a projecting portion 24 extending from the base plate 16 in the arrow B1 direction (a direction from the side surface 20d to the side surface 20b) is formed at a location near the center of the side surface 20b. Furthermore, a protrusion 26a extending upward from the base plate 16 is formed at a corner portion of the side surface 20b that is closer to the side surface 20c (side surface facing the side surface 20a), while the side surface 20d is closer to the side surface 20c. A protruding portion 26b extending upward from the base plate 16 is formed at the corner portion of the corner portion so as to face the protruding portion 26a.

  Notches 30a and 30b are formed in the vicinity of both ends of the side surface 20b of the base plate 16 in the direction of arrow B2 (the direction from the side surface 20b to the side surface 20d), respectively, while in the vicinity of both ends of the side surface 20d, the direction of the arrow B1 Further, notches 30c and 30d are respectively formed (see FIG. 2).

  In the base plate 16, between the two notches 30a and 30d, a convex portion 32 is provided along the direction of the arrow B in the upward direction in FIGS. 1 and 2, and similarly between the notches 30b and 30c, A protrusion 34 is formed to protrude in parallel with the protrusion 32.

  In this case, the bridge members 36a and 36b are respectively fixed on the base plate 16 by fastening members 38 and 40 so as to close the notches 30a and 30d.

  Both ends of the bridge member 36a are placed on the surface of the base plate 16, and the central portion protrudes upward. Similarly, both ends of the bridge member 36b are placed on the surface of the base plate 16, and the central portion protrudes upward.

  Positioning members 42 a and 42 b protrude from the bridge members 36 a and 36 b and are fixed by a plurality of fastening members 44.

  On both sides of the convex portion 34, bridge members 46a and 46b are placed so as to close the notches 30b and 30c, and are fixed on the base plate 16 by fastening members 48a to 48d.

  Conical support members 50 a and 50 b are provided at both ends of the convex portion 32, and similarly, conical support members 50 c and 50 d are provided at both ends of the convex portion 34. . Further, the protruding portion 24 is also provided with a truncated cone-shaped support member 50e having a smaller diameter than the support members 50a to 50d, and a support member 50f is provided at a portion of the base plate 16 opposite to the support member 50e. ing. The image forming unit 54 of the portable image forming apparatus 52 shown in FIG. 4 is disposed on these support members 50a to 50f.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the moving mechanism 14 has a substantially U-shaped slide plate 56. The slide plate 56 is connected to a substantially U-shaped connecting portion 58 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bent portion 22, and slide portions 60 a and 60 b extending from both ends of the connecting portion 58 in the direction of arrow A 2. And a substantially T-shaped operation portion 62 extending in the direction of the arrow A1 from the central portion of the portion 58.

  Stopper portions 64a and 64b projecting in the direction of arrow B are formed at the connecting portions between both ends of the connecting portion 58 and the slide portions 60a and 60b. The slide portion 60a includes a first portion 76a that is narrower on the stopper portion 64a side, and a second portion 76b that is wider than the first portion 76a. The first portion 76a includes A plurality of holes 66a are provided, and the fastening member 38 is inserted through these holes 66a. On the other hand, two substantially oval holes 68a and 68b are provided in the vicinity of the end of the second portion 76b. Fastening members 48a and 48b are inserted through these holes 68a and 68b.

  On the other hand, like the slide part 60a, the slide part 60b is composed of a first part 78a narrowed toward the stopper part 64b and a second part 78b wider than the first part 78a. The first portion 78a is provided with a plurality of holes 66b, and the fastening member 40 is inserted into the holes 66b. Two substantially oval holes 68c and 68d are provided in the vicinity of the end of the second portion 78b. Fastening members 48c and 48d are inserted through these holes 68c and 68d.

  Further, in the second portions 76b and 78b, a holding means 70 is provided between the two holes 68a and 68b, and a holding means 72 is provided between the two holes 68c and 68d.

  As can be easily understood from FIG. 3, the holding means 70 is fixed on the second portion 76b and is bent upward and one end is fixed on the second portion 76b. The other end is composed of an upper member 70b that overlaps the top of the lower member 70a, and a clamp 74a that is opened by the lower member 70a and the upper member 70b is constructed. As shown in FIG. 7, the clamp 74a grips a portion 166c of the side portion 164a of the housing 160 that is closer to the arrow A2 direction.

  The holding means 72 is fixed on the second portion 78b in the same manner as the holding means 70. The lower member 72a is bent upward and has one end fixed on the second portion 78b and the other end. The upper member 72b overlaps with the top of the lower member 72a, and a pressing member 72e provided on the upper member 72b. A cutout 72c is formed in a portion of the upper member 72b corresponding to the pressing member 72e, and a hole 72d is formed in the lower member 72a corresponding to the cutout 72c. Accordingly, a clamp 74b that is opened by the lower member 72a and the upper member 72b is formed. Similar to the clamp 74a, the clamp 74b grips a portion 166d of the side portion 164b of the housing 160 closer to the arrow A2 direction, as shown in FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the slide portions 60 a and 60 b of the slide plate 56 can be displaced in the arrow A direction by moving the operation portion 62 back and forth in the arrow A direction. Specifically, of the slide portions 60a and 60b, the first portions 76a and 78a are arranged in a state of being sandwiched between the bridge members 36a and 36b, and the second portion 76b of the slide portion 60a is a bridge. It arrange | positions on the member 46a and is guided between the one edge part of the convex part 34, and the protrusion part 26a.

  Similarly, the second portion 78b of the slide portion 60b is disposed on the bridge member 46b and is guided between the other end of the convex portion 34 and the protruding portion 26b.

  In the configuration as described above, the fastening members 48a to 48d are inserted into the side surfaces 20c of the holes 68a to 68d, while the stoppers 64a and 64b are spaced apart from the bridge members 36a and 36b. The displacement operation will be described.

  First, after the fastening members 38 and 40 are removed, when the operation unit 62 is advanced in the direction of the arrow A2, the force of the operation unit 62 is transmitted to the slide units 60a and 60b via the connection unit 58. Thereby, the slide parts 60a and 60b are displaced in the arrow A2 direction while being guided by the bridge members 36a and 36b and the projecting parts 26a and 26b.

  When the operating portion 62 is further advanced in the direction of the arrow A2, the stopper portions 64a and 64b abut against the bridge members 36a and 36b, and the positions of the fastening members 48a to 48d are in the holes 68a to 68d and relative to the side surface 20a side. To change. Further, the operation unit 62 cannot be further advanced in the direction of the arrow A2.

  On the other hand, when the operation part 62 is retracted in the direction of the arrow A1, the slide parts 60a and 60b are also retracted in the direction of the arrow A1 via the connection part 58. When the operation portion 62 is further retracted in the direction of the arrow A1, the second portions 76b and 78b come into contact with the bridge members 36a and 36b at the portions near the side surface 20a, and the fastening members 48a to 48d also have the holes 68a to 68d. It changes to the position (position shown in FIG. 1) near the side surface 20c. In this case, even if the operation unit 62 is further displaced in the direction of the arrow A1, the slide units 60a and 60b do not retract in the direction of the arrow A1.

  As a result, the displacement range H of the slide plate 56 is the distance between the side surface 20c side of the stopper portions 64a and 64b and the side surface 20a side of the bridge members 36a and 36b shown in FIG. After the slide plate 56 is moved by a predetermined distance, the fastening members 38 and 40 are inserted into the holes 66a and 66b, and the slide plate 56 is fixed to the base plate 16, thereby fixing the position of the slide plate 56. can do.

  Here, the portable image forming apparatus 52 including the image forming unit 54 fixed by the fixing mechanism 10A will be described with reference to FIGS.

  An operation panel 84 having an operation and monitor function is provided on the upper part of the casing 82 constituting the portable image forming apparatus 52, and a plurality of, for example, four cassettes 86 can be loaded below the operation panel 84. Cassette loading units 88a to 88d are provided. The cassette 86 accommodates the stimulable phosphor sheet IP.

  Here, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP means that when irradiated with radiation (X-rays, α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, ultraviolet rays, etc.), a part of the radiation energy is accumulated, and laser light or It is a sheet having a stimulable phosphor layer that exhibits stimulated light emission according to energy accumulated by irradiation with excitation light such as visible light.

  The cassette 86 loaded in the cassette loading units 88a to 88d has a case 90 that houses the stimulable phosphor sheet IP, and a lid 94 that allows the opening 92 of the case 90 to be opened and closed. In this portable image forming apparatus 52, a stimulable phosphor sheet IP capable of reading radiation image information only from the surface and a stimulable phosphor layer on which radiation image information is accumulated and recorded on a transparent support are formed, Any of the stimulable phosphor sheets IP capable of reading the radiation image information from both the front surface and the back surface can be used.

  The cassette loading units 88a to 88d are provided with a support base 96 for placing the cassette 86, and a shutter member 98 for shielding the inside of the housing 82 is disposed to be openable and closable. Further, inside each of the cassette loading units 96a to 96d, a sheet portion 102 including suction plates 100a to 100d for taking out the stimulable phosphor sheet IP from the cassette 86 is disposed.

  A main conveyance path 104 that conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is connected to the single-wafer portion 102. The main conveyance path 104 extends downward from the single-wafer portion 102, then curves at the lower portion of the casing 82, extends in the horizontal direction, and reaches the reading conveyance path 106. The first and second roller pairs 108 and 110 constituting the reading conveyance path 106 sandwich the stimulable phosphor sheet IP and convey it in the sub-scanning direction in the arrow Y direction.

  The reading conveyance path 106 is connected to a retreat conveyance path 112 that curves and extends upward and then extends in the horizontal direction. Further, the evacuation conveyance path 112 is provided with an erasure conveyance path 114 in which the storage phosphor sheet IP is reversed in the conveyance direction and conveyed via a path switching guide (not shown). The erasing conveyance path 114 is connected to the main conveyance path 104, and supplies the stimulable phosphor sheet IP conveyed from the evacuation conveyance path 112 to the main conveyance path 104.

  A scanner 116 that scans the laser beam L, which is excitation light, in the main direction of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP and the laser beam L are irradiated on the inner peripheral side upper portion of the reading conveyance path 106 that curves upward. An upper reading unit 118 that reads the stimulated emission light including the radiation image information obtained from the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is disposed. In addition, a lower reading unit 120 that reads the stimulated emission light transmitted through the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is disposed at the lower portion on the outer peripheral side of the reading conveyance path 106.

  The upper reading unit 118 includes a condensing guide 122 made of a transparent body such as an acrylic plate, whose entrance surface at the lower end is disposed between the first and second roller pairs 108 and 110, and the upper end of the condensing guide 122. And a photoelectric converter 124 composed of a photomultiplier or the like connected to the emission surface of the unit. A condensing mirror 126 is disposed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the condensing guide 122 in order to efficiently guide the stimulated emission light to the incident surface. The photoelectric converter 124 converts the stimulated emission light introduced through the condensing guide 122 into an electrical signal.

  The lower reading unit 120 includes a light collecting guide 128 made of a transparent material such as an acrylic plate, and a photoelectric converter 130 made of a photomultiplier or the like. The light collecting guide 128 is a bright light that has passed through the stimulable phosphor sheet IP. The exhausted light is condensed and guided to the photoelectric converter 130.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the scanner 116 is held by a housing 132, and a laser diode 134 (light source) that outputs a laser beam L and a main direction of the stimulable phosphor sheet IP that emits the laser beam L are contained therein. A polygon mirror 136 that deflects in the direction of the laser beam 134, a beam splitter 138 disposed between the laser diode 134 and the polygon mirror 136, and a photodetector 140 that detects the intensity of the laser beam L branched and guided by the beam splitter 138. Scanning lenses 142 and 144 for adjusting the scanning speed of the laser beam L reflected by the polygon mirror 136, and a prism 146 and a reflection mirror 148 that reflect the laser beam L and guide it to the storage phosphor sheet IP. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 4, between the evacuation conveyance path 112 and the erasure conveyance path 114, a power supply unit 150 and an erasure unit for erasing radiation energy remaining in the stimulable phosphor sheet IP from which the radiation image information is read. 152 is disposed. The erasing unit 152 is configured by housing a plurality of erasing light sources 156 including cold cathode fluorescent tubes that output erasing light Q in a case 154.

  The image forming unit 54 includes the scanner 116, the upper reading unit 118, the lower reading unit 120, the condenser mirror 126, the power supply unit 150, the erasing unit 152, and the housing 160. In this case, the above-described various optical systems (scanner 116, upper reading unit 118, lower reading unit 120, condenser mirror 126, and erasing unit 152) constituting the image forming unit 54 are housed or supported in the housing 160. The housing 160 is open in the direction of the arrow Y, and has a structure in which the main transport path 104 passes through the housing 160 from the opening.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the bottom 162 of the housing 160 is disposed on the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> A in a state where the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> A is disposed below the portable image forming apparatus 52. Is done. The fixing mechanism 10A is arranged so that the operation unit 62 is on the downstream side of the main conveyance path 104, that is, the arrow A1 direction is the arrow Y direction. In this case, the fixing mechanism 10A may be fixed directly to the bottom of the portable image forming apparatus 52, or may be fixed to the bottom of the portable image forming apparatus 52 via a vibration isolator (not shown).

  And the bottom part 162 of the housing | casing 160 is fixed to the support mechanism 12 of 10 A of fixing mechanisms. Specifically, with the bottom portion 162 of the housing 160 disposed on the support members 50a to 50f and the side portions 164a and 164b of the housing 160 disposed on the second portions 76b and 78b of the slide plate 56, Of the side portions 164a and 164b, portions (downstream portions) 166a and 166b closer to the arrow Y direction (arrow A1 direction) are fixed to the positioning members 42a and 42b by a plurality of fastening members 168.

  Here, the housing 160 includes a connecting member 170 that connects the downstream portions 166a and 166b in the direction of arrow B. The plurality of fastening members 172 provided on the connection member 170 and the fastening member 18 provided on the convex portion 32 are connected using a string member 174.

  In this case, four casters 176 (see FIG. 4) may be provided at the bottom of the casing 82, and the portable image forming apparatus 52 may be moved on a floor surface (not shown) by these casters 176.

  Next, fixing and releasing operations of the image forming unit 54 and the housing 160 with respect to the fixing mechanism 10A will be described.

  First, the housing 160 is fixed to the support mechanism 12. In this case, the holding means 70 and 72 with respect to the housing | casing 160 and the fastening members 48a-48d shall occupy a position as shown in FIG.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the operation unit 62 is retracted in the direction of the arrow A1, the slide units 60a and 60b are displaced in the direction of the arrow A1 via the connection unit 58. As a result, the holding means 70 and 72 also move to the portions (upstream portions) 166c and 166d closer to the arrow A2 direction in the side portions 164a and 164b of the housing 160.

  Further, when the operating portion 62 is retracted in the direction of the arrow A1, the upstream portion 166c is held between the lower member 70a and the upper member 70b of the holding means 70 as shown in FIG. The upstream portion 166d is also sandwiched by the lower member 72a and the upper member 72b. As a result, the housing 160 and the image forming unit 54 are fixed to the fixing mechanism 10A by the holding units 70 and 72.

  On the other hand, in order to change the fixing state (see FIG. 7) of the casing 160 by the holding means 70 and 72 to the open state (see FIG. 8), first, the operation unit 62 shown in FIG. 6 is advanced in the arrow A2 direction. Thereby, the slide parts 60a and 60b are displaced in the arrow A2 direction via the connection part 58. Therefore, the holding means 70 and 72 also move in the arrow A2 direction with respect to the upstream portions 166c and 166d.

  When the operation unit 62 is further advanced in the direction of the arrow A2, the holding means 70 and 72 are also moved in the direction of the arrow A2 by the displacement of the slide parts 60a and 60b. It is separated from 166c, 166d. As a result, the housing 160 and the image forming unit 54 are released from the holding units 70 and 72 and are movable.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the portable image forming apparatus 52 is mounted on a vehicle 178, it is located between the axle 182 of the tire 180 and as far as possible from the engine 184 and the generator 186 in the vehicle 178. A portable image forming apparatus 52 is preferably disposed. This is to avoid the influence of vibration as much as possible.

  When the vehicle 178 is moved, the image forming unit 54 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 10A. When the vehicle 178 is stopped, the portable image forming apparatus 52 is used with the fixing mechanism 10A being released.

  When the vehicle 178 is a mobile examination vehicle, the caster 176 (see FIG. 4) may be removed and the portable image forming apparatus 52 may be directly placed on the floor 188 of the vehicle 178. In this case, the fixing mechanism 10A is fixed to the floor surface 188 via a vibration isolator (not shown), and the image forming unit 54 is fixed on the fixing mechanism 10A.

  In the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> A according to the above-described embodiment, the holding units 70 and 72 are moved to the image forming unit 54 by displacing the moving mechanism 14 in a state where the image forming unit 54 configured by an optical system is supported by the support mechanism 12. Accordingly, the image forming unit 54 can be fixed to or released from the fixing mechanism 10A at a desired position.

  As a result, even if the image forming unit 54 is vibrated with the movement of the portable image forming apparatus 52, the influence from the vibration can be easily suppressed by the fixing mechanism 10A.

  Further, since the fixing or releasing operation with respect to the image forming unit 54 is performed only by the relative position change between the holding units 70 and 72 and the image forming unit 54 due to the displacement of the moving mechanism 14, a fastening member such as an engaging unit is used. Compared with the conventional fixing mechanism, the work can be performed efficiently in a short time. Therefore, the burden on the operator of the portable image forming apparatus 52 can be reduced.

  In this case, since the holding units 70 and 72 directly fix the casing 160 that houses and supports the optical system of the image forming unit 54, vibrations to the image forming unit 54 can be further suppressed.

  Furthermore, since the holding means 70 and 72 are clamps 74a and 74b that hold the upstream portions 166c and 166d of the housing 160 and fix the housing 160, the fixing or opening operation of the image forming unit 54 is further facilitated. .

  Furthermore, a plurality of holes 68a to 68d are formed in the moving mechanism 14 along the direction of arrow A, and fastening members 48a to 48d for engaging the slide plate 56 and the base plate 16 in these holes 68a to 68d. Is inserted. Therefore, when the moving mechanism 14 is displaced in the direction of arrow A, the slide plate 56 is guided by the fastening members 48a to 48d and the housing 160 can be fixed or opened. Therefore, the displacement range H of the moving mechanism 14 is restricted, and the image forming unit 54 can be fixed or opened more accurately.

  Since the displacement operation of the moving mechanism 14 described above can be performed via the operation unit 62, the operator can easily fix or open the image forming unit 54.

  Further, when the portable image forming apparatus 52 is mounted in the vehicle 178, if the portable image forming apparatus 52 and the fixing mechanism 10A are arranged between the axles 182 of the vehicle 178, the movement is caused by the movement of the vehicle 178. Transmission of vibration to the image forming unit 54 can be suppressed. In addition, if the portable image forming apparatus 52 is disposed as far as possible from the engine 184 and the generator 186 in the vehicle 178, transmission of vibrations generated by these apparatuses can also be suppressed.

  Next, a fixing mechanism 10B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the component same as 10 A of fixing mechanisms which concern on 1st Embodiment, the same referential mark is attached | subjected, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted, and it is the same below.

  The fixing mechanism 10 </ b> B is different from the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> A (see FIGS. 1 to 9) in the configuration in which the solenoid 190 performs the advance / retreat operation of the operation unit 62.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the fixing mechanism 10B, a solenoid 190 is provided at a central portion of the upper end portion of the bent portion 22, and a plunger 192 of the solenoid 190 protrudes in the arrow A1 direction. On the other hand, the operation part 62 has a shape protruding from the connection part 58 in the direction of the arrow A1 and bending upward. Therefore, the distal end portion of the plunger 192 is inserted through a hole formed in a portion (bent portion) 194 bent upward of the operation portion 62 and is fixed to the bent portion 194 by a nut 196.

  Next, the displacement operation of the moving mechanism 14 by the fixing mechanism 10B will be described.

  First, when the fastening members 48a to 48d, the stopper portions 64a and 64b, and the holding means 70 and 72 are arranged at the positions shown in FIG. 10, power is supplied to the portable image forming apparatus 52 and the solenoid 190 from a power source (not shown). To do. Thereby, the solenoid 190 is driven and the plunger 192 moves in the arrow A2 direction.

  Due to the movement of the plunger 192, the operating portion 62 advances in the direction of arrow A2, whereby the slide portions 60a and 60b are displaced in the direction of arrow A2 via the connecting portion 58, and the holding means 70 and 72 also move in the direction of arrow A2. Move to. As a result, the housing 160 fixed to the fixing mechanism 10B is separated from the holding means 70 and 72, and the image forming unit 54 and the housing 160 reach an open state.

  On the other hand, when the power supply is shut off and the supply of power is stopped, the plunger 192 is moved in the arrow A1 direction by the solenoid 190, and the operation unit 62 is retracted in the arrow A1 direction. By the retraction of the operation part 62, the slide parts 60a and 60b are displaced in the direction of the arrow A1 via the connection part 58, and the holding means 70 and 72 are also moved in the direction of the arrow A1. As a result, the housing 160 is fixed by the holding units 70 and 72, and the image forming unit 54 and the housing 160 reach a fixed state.

  In the fixing mechanism 10B according to the second embodiment, the solenoid 190 is connected to the operation unit 62 via the plunger 192, and the movement mechanism 14 is moved by the movement of the plunger 192 in the arrow A direction. The moving mechanism 14 is automatically displaced, and the burden on the operator of the portable image forming apparatus 52 can be reduced.

  If the power supply unit 150 of the portable image forming apparatus 52 is the same as the power supply of the solenoid 190, the solenoid 190 is driven when the portable image forming apparatus 52 is operated or stopped, and the moving mechanism 14 is displaced. Therefore, the inconvenience that the operator forgets to fix or open the image forming unit 54 is avoided, and the burden on the operator is further reduced.

  Further, since the support mechanism 12 and the moving mechanism 14 are connected via the solenoid 190 and the plunger 192, when the image forming unit 54 is fixed to the fixing mechanism 10B, the image forming unit 54 includes the holding units 70 and 72. And it will be fixed to the support mechanism 12 through three places of the plunger 192. Therefore, the fixed state of the image forming unit 54 is further strengthened, and further vibration suppression can be realized.

  In the fixing mechanism 10B, the moving mechanism 14 is displaced in the direction of arrow A by the solenoid 190. However, even if the moving mechanism 14 is displaced in the direction of arrow A by using a motor instead of the solenoid 190, the above-described operation is performed. Of course, the effect obtained can be obtained.

  Further, in the case where the power supply unit 150 of the portable image forming apparatus 52 is the same as the power supply of the solenoid 190, the initialization process of the portable image forming apparatus 52 performed when starting up the power supply unit 150, or the portable image forming apparatus 52 In the end process performed before the image forming apparatus 52 is stopped, the moving mechanism 14 may be displaced by energizing the solenoid 190. As a result, the inconvenience of the operator forgetting to fix or open the image forming unit 54 is avoided, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  Next, a fixing mechanism 10C according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The fixing mechanism 10 </ b> C is different from the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> A (see FIGS. 1 to 9) in a configuration in which the displacement operation of the slide portion 60 a is detected by the photoelectric switch 200 disposed on the base plate 16.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the photoelectric switch 200 is disposed in the direction of the arrow B1 via the support member 202 near the protruding portion 26a of the base plate 16, and the monitoring means 204 is provided between the bent portion 22 and the bridge member 36a. Has been placed. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the light projecting unit 200 a and the light receiving unit 200 b of the photoelectric switch 200 are arranged to face the holding means 70 or the surface of the base plate 16.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the monitoring unit 204 includes a processing unit 206 that processes the signals S1 and S4 from the photoelectric switch 200 and the signals S2 and S5 from the power supply unit 150 of the portable image forming apparatus 52; A buzzer 208 that outputs a processing result in the processing unit 206 and a light emitting diode (LED) 210 are configured. In this case, the buzzer 208 and the LED 210 are disposed on the arrow A1 direction side of the monitoring unit 204 as shown in FIG.

  The signals S1 and S4 from the photoelectric switch 200 described above are reflected light generated by reflection on the reflection surface (the surface of the base plate 16 or the upper member 70b) when the laser light L1 is irradiated obliquely downward from the light projecting unit 200a. When L2 and L3 are incident on the light receiving unit 200b, the signals are output from the photoelectric switch 200, and the signal from the power supply unit 150 is a signal indicating whether the power supply unit 150 is turned on or off.

  Next, the operation of the fixing mechanism 10C will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, when the housing 160 is fixed by the holding means 70, the laser light L1 is emitted obliquely downward from the light projecting unit 200a. The laser beam L1 passes through the hole 68b and is reflected by the surface of the base plate 16 that is separated from the photoelectric switch 200 by a distance h1. The reflected laser light L1 enters the light receiving unit 200b as reflected light L2. Based on the reflected light L2, the photoelectric switch 200 generates a signal S1 and transmits the signal S1 to the processing unit 206.

  Next, when the operator forgets to release the housing 160 from the holding means 70 and 72 and activates the portable image forming apparatus 52, the portable image forming apparatus 52 is activated from the power supply unit 150 to the processing unit 206. A signal S2 indicating that this is transmitted.

  Based on the signal S1 and the signal S2, the processing unit 206 determines that the casing 160 is in a fixed state even though the portable image forming apparatus 52 is activated, and sends the buzzer 208 and the LED 210 to the buzzer. A signal S3 instructing the operation of 208 and the light emission of the LED 210 is transmitted. The buzzer 208 outputs a sound based on the received signal S3, and the LED 210 emits light based on the signal S3.

  The operator recognizes that the housing 160 is in a fixed state by the sound and the light emission of the LED 210, operates the operation unit 62 to move the moving mechanism 14 in the arrow A2 direction, and moves the housing 160 to FIG. Set to the open state shown in.

  As a result, the upper member 70b moves below the light projecting unit 200a and the light receiving unit 200b. Therefore, the distance between the lower surface of the photoelectric switch 200 and the reflection surface of the laser light L1 is from the distance h1 between the photoelectric switch 200 and the upper member 70b. While changing to the distance h2 (h1> h2), the laser beam L1 is reflected on the surface of the upper member 70b and enters the light receiving unit 200b as reflected light L3. Based on the reflected light L3, the photoelectric switch 200 generates a signal S4 and transmits it to the processing unit 206.

  The processing unit 206 determines that the housing 160 has been opened based on the signal S2 and the signal S4, and stops the transmission of the signal S3. As a result, the buzzer 208 stops operating, and the LED 210 stops emitting light.

  Next, when stopping the portable image forming apparatus 52, if the operator forgets to change the housing 160 from the open state to the fixed state and shuts off the power supply unit 150, as shown in FIG. A signal S5 indicating that the portable image forming apparatus 52 has been stopped is transmitted from the power supply unit 150 to the processing unit 206.

  Based on the signal S4 and the signal S5, the processing unit 206 determines that the housing 160 is in an open state even though the power supply unit 150 is shut off, and the buzzer 208 and the LED 210 are connected to the buzzer 208. A signal S6 instructing the operation and light emission of the LED 210 is transmitted. The buzzer 208 outputs a sound based on the received signal S6, and the LED 210 emits light based on the signal S6.

  The operator recognizes that the case 160 is in an open state by the sound and the light emission of the LED 210, operates the operation unit 62 to move the moving mechanism 14 in the arrow A1 direction, and moves the case 160 to FIG. Set to the fixed state shown in.

  Thereby, the 2nd part 76b and the holding means 70 move, and the light projection part 200a and the light-receiving part 200b, and the base plate 16 come to oppose. Therefore, the laser light L1 is reflected on the surface of the base plate 16 and enters the light receiving unit 200b as reflected light L2, and the photoelectric switch 200 generates a signal S1 based on the reflected light L2 and transmits the signal S1 to the processing unit 206.

  The processing unit 206 determines that the housing 160 is in a fixed state based on the signal S1 and the signal S5, and stops the transmission of the signal S6. As a result, the buzzer 208 stops operating, and the LED 210 stops emitting light.

  In the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> C according to the third embodiment, when the portable image forming apparatus 52 is activated without opening the casing 160 from the holding unit 70, signals from the photoelectric switch 200 and the power supply unit 150 to the processing unit 206. The buzzer 208 operates based on S1 and S2, and the LED 210 emits light. Thus, the operator can recognize that the housing 160 is in a fixed state and can reliably open the housing 160. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to open the housing 160.

  When the portable image forming apparatus 52 is stopped without fixing the housing 160 to the holding unit 70, the buzzer 208 operates based on signals S4 and S5 from the photoelectric switch 200 and the power supply unit 150 to the processing unit 206. LED 210 emits light. Thus, the operator can recognize that the housing 160 is in the open state and can reliably put the housing 160 in the fixed state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to fix the casing 160.

  In the fixing mechanism 10C, the displacement state of the moving mechanism 14 is detected by the photoelectric switch 200. However, the displacement state of the moving mechanism 14 is detected by using a micro switch or a limit switch instead of the photoelectric switch 200. However, of course, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the fixing mechanism 10 </ b> C, the case where the portable image forming apparatus 52 is activated without opening the casing 160 from the holding means 70 and 72 has been described. However, the suction disks 100 a to 100 d in the portable image forming apparatus 52 are described. (See FIG. 4) When an optical sensor (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity and the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is inserted into the portable image forming apparatus 52, the stimulable phosphor sheet IP is inserted by the optical sensor. Of course, the above-described effects can be obtained even if the detection result is transmitted to the processing unit 206 as the signal S2.

  It should be noted that the portable image forming apparatus fixing mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can of course have various configurations without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a perspective view which shows the fixing mechanism which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the support mechanism of the fixing mechanism of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the moving mechanism of the fixing mechanism of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows a portable image forming apparatus. It is a principal part perspective view which shows a part of image formation part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which fixed the housing | casing to the fixing mechanism. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the state which fixed the housing | casing to the fixing mechanism. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the state which open | released the housing | casing from the fixing mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the portable image forming apparatus in the vehicle. It is a perspective view which shows the fixing mechanism which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the connection state of the moving mechanism and solenoid of the fixing mechanism of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the fixing mechanism which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the fixing mechanism of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the fixing mechanism of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10A, 10B, 10C ... Fixing mechanism 12 ... Support mechanism 14 ... Moving mechanism 16 ... Base plates 18, 38, 40, 44, 48a-48d, 168, 172 ... Fastening members 20a-20d ... Side surfaces 22 ... Bending portions 24, 26a, 26b ... Projection 30a-30d, 72c ... Notches 32, 34 ... Projections 36a, 36b, 46a, 46b ... Bridge members 42a, 42b ... Positioning members 50a-50f, 202 ... Support members 56 ... Slide plate 58 ... Connection 60a , 60b ... Slide part 62 ... Operation part 64a, 64b ... Stopper part 66a, 66b, 68a-68d, 72d ... Hole 70, 72 ... Holding means 74a, 74b ... Clamp 76a, 78a ... First part 76b, 78b ... First 2 part 190 ... solenoid 192 ... plunger 194 ... bent part 196 ... nut 200 ... Photoelectric switch 204 ... monitoring unit 200a ... projecting portion 200b ... receiving portion 206 ... processing unit 208 ... Buzzer 210 ... light-emitting diode (LED)

Claims (11)

A support mechanism for supporting an image forming unit constituting the portable image forming apparatus;
A moving mechanism that engages with the support mechanism and is displaceable along the support mechanism,
The moving mechanism has a holding unit that fixes the image forming unit and restricts the movement of the image forming unit,
A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus, wherein when the portable image forming apparatus is used, the moving mechanism is displaced to release the image forming unit from the holding means. The fixing mechanism according to claim 1,
The holding means fixes a housing that houses and supports the optical system of the image forming unit. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus, The fixing mechanism according to claim 2,
The holding means includes a gripping member that fixes the casing by gripping a part of the casing. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus. The fixing mechanism according to claim 3,
A plurality of guide members are formed along the displacement direction in the moving mechanism,
A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus, wherein the casing is fixed to or released from the gripping member by displacing the moving mechanism along the guide members. In the fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The fixing mechanism includes a displacement detecting unit that detects a displacement of the moving mechanism, and a monitoring unit that monitors a usage state of the portable image forming apparatus.
When the portable image forming apparatus is used in a state where the image forming unit is not released from the holding unit, the monitoring unit causes the image forming unit to move to the holding unit based on a signal from the displacement detecting unit. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus, which outputs a signal indicating that it is fixed. In the fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The fixing mechanism includes a displacement detecting unit that detects a displacement of the moving mechanism, and a monitoring unit that monitors a usage state of the portable image forming apparatus.
When the monitoring unit completes the use of the portable image forming apparatus without fixing the image forming unit to the holding unit, the monitoring unit is configured to hold the image forming unit based on a signal from the displacement detecting unit. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus, which outputs a signal indicating that it is released from the means. In the fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Between the support mechanism and the moving mechanism, moving means for displacing the moving mechanism with respect to the support mechanism is provided,
The moving means is
When using the portable image forming apparatus, the moving mechanism is displaced to release the image forming unit from the holding unit.
When the portable image forming apparatus is not used, the moving mechanism is displaced to fix the image forming unit to the holding unit. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus. The fixing mechanism according to claim 7,
The moving means is a motor or a solenoid. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus. The fixing mechanism according to claim 7 or 8,
A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus, wherein the power source of the moving unit and the power source of the portable image forming apparatus are configured by the same power source. The fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The moving means is
When the initialization process of the portable image forming apparatus is performed, the moving mechanism is displaced to release the image forming unit from the holding unit.
When the portable image forming apparatus is finished, the moving mechanism is displaced to fix the image forming unit to the holding unit. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus. In the fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
When the fixing mechanism is disposed in a vehicle, the fixing mechanism is disposed between axles of the vehicle. A fixing mechanism for a portable image forming apparatus, wherein:

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