JP2005258307A - Holding device for module and image forming apparatus equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a holding device for units which improves the disassembly workability of apparatus in a module of an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The module of the image forming apparatus using a main body 101 of the image forming apparatus as a base and performing extension by stacking optional equipment one above the other thereon is provided with holding sections 113, 213, 313, and 413 for lifting the simple bodies of the modules in the respective modules. When the other module is mounted on the module, the holding sections 113, 213, 313, and 413 of the module are covered by grip shutters 120, 220, 320, and 420 and are put into an unholdable state that the holding sections are not exposed to an exterior surface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a unit device in an image forming apparatus in which various optional devices having a composite function that can be attached to and detached from the main body are mounted based on the main body of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine.

  In recent years, an image can be given various composite functions by adding various optional devices that can be attached to and detached from the main body of an image forming apparatus having an electrophotographic process such as a single copying machine, printer, or fax machine. The importance of forming equipment is increasing. For example, a copy function, a fax function, a printer function, a scanner function, and the like are provided by combining with a document reading apparatus such as an image scanner.

  In the case of an image forming apparatus having such a composite function, it is not necessary to arrange individual apparatuses corresponding to the respective functions, and the area occupied by OA equipment in the office can be greatly reduced. It can also be used. Typical examples of such products are a multifunction copier (hereinafter referred to as MFC) and a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as MFP).

  In addition, the enhancement of post-processing devices for processing sheets after image formation is also amazing, with multifunctional output sheet sorting, collation (sorting, stacking), binding (stapling) functions, etc., and small size of the device Is progressing. The added value is improved by adding the post-processing apparatus having multiple functions and miniaturization to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, sheet feeding devices that supply sheets to the image forming apparatus have also been put into practical use, and various products that supply a large capacity of about 2000 sheets from a small one of about 500 sheets are available and are used by being stacked. It is configured to meet various user needs.

  In a configuration in which optional devices such as a document reading device, a post-processing device, and a sheet feeding device are added to the image forming apparatus main body, there is a configuration in which the image forming apparatus main body is used as a base and stacked one above the other. In particular, a configuration is known in which a sheet feeding device is disposed in an overlapping manner below the main body of the image forming apparatus, a discharge unit of the image forming apparatus is provided in the upper part of the apparatus, and an optional device to be added is provided on the discharge part. The advantage of this configuration is that the installation area of the apparatus can be minimized, and the installation area is significantly greater than the configuration in which the discharge unit (discharge tray) of the image forming apparatus and the optional device are provided outside the apparatus. Can be reduced.

  The configuration as described above is a configuration conventionally used for a relatively large image forming apparatus. However, in recent years, various types of optional devices are arranged in a stack on the top and bottom in small to medium-sized image forming apparatuses. Products that have multiple functions that are not inferior to those of large machines have appeared.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a configuration in which optional devices are added vertically on the basis of the printer unit 101 of a small printer. FIG. 17A is a diagram in which large and small sheet feeding devices (201, 301, 401) are stacked in three stages below, and an original reading device 601 is added above, and FIG. The original reading apparatus (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 651 is arranged on the upper part of the original reading apparatus having the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 17C, large and small sheet feeding devices (201, 301, 401) are stacked in three stages below, and a paper discharge alignment device 701 is disposed above. Reference numeral 501 denotes a device stand.

  Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given using the configuration of FIG. 18 is a main cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG. 17 (a), and FIG. 19 is a perspective view for explaining the appearance. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. In FIG. 18, the right side of the apparatus is the front.

  First, the overall configuration will be described. A document reading device (hereinafter referred to as an image scanner unit) 601 is placed on an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit) 101, and a discharge unit 111 is arranged between the printer unit 101 and the image scanner unit 601. ing. Under the printer unit 101, small sheet feeding devices (hereinafter referred to as paper feeder units) 201 and 301 capable of accommodating a large number of standard sheets are arranged in two layers, and further below the standard sheet feeding devices 201 and 301. A large-capacity sheet feeding apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a paper deck) 401 capable of accommodating a larger amount of sheets is mounted. A stand (hereinafter referred to as a pedestal) 501 is placed at the lowest stage to be grounded.

  Since the example shown here is based on a small printer, adding an optional device above and below makes it look vertically long. The pedestal 501 is configured to be wider than the projected area of the printer unit 101 on the grounding surface in consideration of the balance of the vertically long device in order to prevent falling.

  It is assumed that the paper feeder units 201 and 301 can store about 500 standard sheets, and the paper deck 401 capable of storing a larger capacity can store about 2000 sheets.

  Subsequently, each device will be described. First, the printer unit 101 will be described. Reference numeral 102 denotes a paper feed cassette, 103 denotes a paper feed roller, 104a and 104b denote separation / conveyance rollers, 106 denotes a registration roller, 107 denotes an image forming process unit (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge), and 107a denotes an image forming drum. Reference numeral 108 denotes a heat fixing device, 109a and 109b are discharge rollers, and 110 is a discharge tray. Reference numeral 105 denotes a conveyance path. Reference numeral 100 denotes a laser image scanner unit. Reference numeral 112 denotes an optional apparatus transport path for joining sheets transported from the sheet feed apparatus to the transport path 105 when a sheet feeding apparatus to be described later is mounted on the lower stage.

  The printer unit 101 writes a desired image from the laser image scanner unit 100 to the image forming drum 107 a, develops the image on the image forming drum 107 a with toner by the cartridge 107, and takes out the sheet or paper feeder unit from the sheet feeding cassette 102. The developed image is transferred to the sheets sent from 201 and 301 and the paper deck 401. Then, the sheet after the development image is transferred is sent to the heat fixing device 108, where the toner is melted and fixed by heat and pressure, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 110.

  The paper feeders 201 and 301 are arranged in two layers with the same configuration. Reference numerals 203 and 303 denote paper feed rollers, and 204a, 204b, 304a, and 304b denote separation / conveyance rollers. The extracted and separated sheets pass through the conveyance paths 112 and 202 and join the conveyance path 105 of the printer unit 101.

  In the paper deck 401, 403 is a paper feed roller, and 404a and 404b are separation / conveyance rollers. Reference numeral 405 denotes an elevating tray, which is raised and lowered according to the stacked height, and is adjusted so that the height of the sheets to be separated becomes constant. The taken out and separated sheets join the conveyance path 105 of the printer unit 101 via the conveyance paths 302 and 202 and the optional apparatus conveyance path 112.

Next, the image scanner unit 601 will be described. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Reference numeral 602 denotes a platen glass, 603 denotes a document holding pressure plate, 604 denotes a rotation hinge of the document holding pressure plate, and 600 denotes a document reading carriage. The image reading carriage 600 is driven by a motor, a gear, and a belt 606 (not shown), and reads a document placed flat on the platen glass 602 while moving along the guide shaft 605 in the horizontal direction of the drawing. Reference numeral 607 denotes a lamp, reference numerals 608a, 608b, and 608c denote reflection mirrors, reference numeral 609 denotes a lens, and reference numeral 610 denotes a photoelectric conversion element. The lamp 607 is white light, and the document image irradiated by the lamp 607 is guided to the photoelectric conversion element 610 through the reflection mirrors 608a, 608b, and 608c, through the lens 609.

(Installation method)
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a mounting method of each device, and FIGS. 22A and 22B are enlarged views of a C part and a D part in FIG. Section C is a joint between the image scanner section 601 and the printer section 101, and section D is a joint between the printer section 101 and the paper feeder section 201.

  Since the connection method of the pedestal 501, the paper deck 401, the paper feeder units 201 and 301, and the printer unit 101 has the same configuration, the connection method between the printer unit 101 and the paper feeder unit 201 will be described as an example.

  An operator has grips 113 provided on both side surfaces of the printer unit 101 and attaches the printer unit 101 from above the paper feeder unit 201. Reference numerals 206 and 207 denote positioning pins provided in the paper feeder unit 201 and are inserted into positioning fitting holes 117 provided in the printer unit 101. The operator attaches the positioning fitting hole 117 of the printer unit 101 along the positioning pins 206 and 207 while determining the position thereof, and at the same time, the electrical connectors 116 and 208 provided on both the printer unit 101 and the paper feeder unit 201 The printer unit 101 and the paper feeder unit 201 are electrically connected.

  At this time, the grip portion 113 of the printer unit 101 has a shape that is widely cut out so that a hand is not caught between the devices even when the grip unit 113 is mounted on the paper feeder unit 201. The grip 113 is designed to improve the workability of transporting and mounting the printer unit 101. Such a gripping portion 113 is provided not only in the printer portion 101 but also in the paper feeder portions 201 and 301, the paper deck 401, and the image scanner portion 601 and can be mounted with the same workability.

  Next, a method for connecting the image scanner unit 601 to the printer unit 101 will be described.

The operator has grips 611 provided on the left and right sides of the image scanner unit 601, and guide pins 612 a and 612 b provided on the bottom of the image scanner unit 601 are fitted into the fitting holes 114 a provided on the top surface of the printer unit 101. Attach to 114b. The image scanner unit 601 is positioned by being guided by the guide pins 612a and 612b and the fitting holes 114a and 114b, and at the same time, the electric connector 115 provided on the top surface of the printer unit 101 and the bottom surface of the image scanner unit 601. The electrical connector 613 is connected, and the printer unit 101 and the image scanner unit 601 are electrically connected.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-247789 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-325548

However, in an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which optional devices are stacked and added on the upper and lower sides of the printer as described above, the image forming apparatus main body and the optional device provided for improving the workability of transportation and mounting. As shown in FIG. 19, the configuration in which each gripping part is exposed to the exterior surface even when mounted on the apparatus has the following problems.

  In a state where the grip portion of each device is exposed on the exterior surface, the user can attempt to lift the stacked devices from the grip portion of any device. For example, when the user holds the grip portion 213 provided in the first-stage paper feeder unit 201 and attempts to lift the devices stacked and mounted thereon at once, the image scanner unit 601 and the printer unit 101 It is very difficult to release and separate the paper feeder portion 301 from the lower paper feeder portion 301 while holding a heavy heavy object combined with the paper feeder portion 201. Even when the image scanner unit 601, the printer unit 101, and the paper feeder unit 201 are lifted, the weight balance is deteriorated due to the movement of the joints of the respective devices, making it difficult to carry.

  As shown in FIG. 23, there is a type in which a latch-type lock mechanism is provided at the joint portion of each device in order to prevent the joint portion of each device from moving as described above and to prevent the device from falling. Since the lock portion 20 has a symmetrical shape, the right side of the device will be described as an example.

  As for the lock part 20 provided in the right and left, 20a is a latch lever, 20b is a rotating shaft, 20c is a release lever, and 20d is a spring. The latch lever 20a, the rotation shaft 20b, and the release lever 20c are connected, and the lock / release state is switched by turning the release lever 20c by an operator.

  When such a locking mechanism is used, the joint portion of each device will not move, but it is assumed that the user tries to lift the stacked devices at once with the grip provided on each device. . If a heavy device is lifted under a gripping portion of a device that the user has put on, the heavy printer portion is lifted, the weight balance is poor, and it is difficult to carry.

  In an image forming apparatus configured to stack and add optional devices on the top and bottom of a small printer as described above, when moving or disassembling the device, considering the weight balance and workability of the device, It is recommended to manually remove, disassemble and disassemble the equipment from the topmost level, and then carry, move, and install it in a manual. However, if the gripping portions of the stacked apparatuses are exposed, the disassembly method recommended for the user is not necessarily promoted, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of usability.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which optional devices are stacked on top of each other based on the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide a module gripping device that improves the disassembly workability of the device.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the module gripping device configured to be stacked one above the other, a grip portion for lifting the module unit is provided in each of the modules, and another module is provided on the module. When the module is mounted, the grip portion of the module is in a state in which it cannot be gripped.

  The grip portion is exposed on an exterior surface of the module, and includes a shutter member that covers the grip portion in conjunction with mounting of another module mounted on the module and makes the grip portion impossible to grip. It is preferable that each of the modules is provided.

The shutter member provided in the module, having a lock mechanism for connecting and locking modules mounted in a stacked manner in the state where the upper module is mounted on the module and the lower module is mounted on the lower module. It is preferable that the lock state and the unlock state of the lock mechanism of the module and the lower module are switched in conjunction with each other.

  A cover member that covers the gripping part so as not to be exposed to the exterior surface in a module single state, and exposes the gripping part to the exterior surface by being retracted to a retracted position by a user's hand when lifting the module single body. It is preferable that the cover member cannot be retracted to the retracted position and the gripping portion cannot be gripped when another module is mounted on the module.

  The cover member provided on the module, having a lock mechanism for connecting and locking modules mounted in a stacked manner in the state where the upper module is mounted on the module and the lower module is mounted on the lower module. It is preferable that the lock state and the unlock state of the lock mechanism of the module and the lower module are switched in conjunction with each other.

  The gripping part protrudes from the exterior surface of the module, and the gripping part is retracted into the module housing in conjunction with mounting of another module on the module, and the gripping part cannot be gripped. It is preferable to be in a state.

  In a state where the upper module is mounted on top of the module and the lower module is mounted on the lower side, a lock mechanism is provided for connecting and locking the modules stacked and mounted on top and bottom, in conjunction with the removal of the upper module. It is preferable that the grip portion of the module is changed from a grip impossible state to a grip enable state, and the lock mechanism between the module and the lower module is in an unlocked state.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the module is included in an image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on a sheet, or an image forming apparatus such as a document reading device, a read document feeding device, a paper discharge device, and a sheet feeding device. It is one of optional devices to be mounted, and is characterized by including the above-described gripping device.

  According to the present invention, in the module of the image forming apparatus configured to stack and add optional devices on the top and bottom of the image forming apparatus main body, only the grip portion of the module loaded in the uppermost stage appears, and the lower stage By concealing the grips of the other modules installed in the device, it is possible to prompt the user to perform disassembly work for removing the modules from the uppermost module in order, thereby improving the disassembly workability of the apparatus.

  In addition, by linking the locking mechanism between the modules and the appearance / concealment mechanism of the gripping portion of each module, the joint between the modules arranged in the lower stage of the module to be removed does not move. Disassembly workability can be improved.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.

In the drawings described below, the same members and the same functions as those in FIGS. In particular, since the internal configuration and functions of the printer unit, image scanner unit, paper feeder unit, paper deck, and pedestal are almost the same as those described in the conventional example, descriptions of the same members and functions are omitted. The difference from the conventional example will be described mainly.

(First embodiment)
1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a left side view, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view from the rear.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the image scanner unit 601 is placed on the printer unit 101 and the discharge unit 111 is disposed between the printer unit 101 and the image scanner unit 601 as in the image forming apparatus described in the conventional example. Are arranged. Under the printer unit 101, paper feeder units 201 and 301 are arranged so as to overlap each other in two stages, and a paper deck 401 is mounted below the paper feeder units 201 and 301. A pedestal 501 is placed at the lowest level on the ground.

  Unlike the conventional example, a characteristic point in the first embodiment is that the gripping portions (113, 213, 313, 413) provided in the respective devices of the printer unit 101, the paper feeder units 201, 301, and the paper deck 401 are provided. ) Are provided so as not to be exposed on the exterior surface (hereinafter referred to as grip shutters) 120, 220, 320, 420.

  The grip shutters 120, 220, 320, and 420 are provided symmetrically in each device. Since the configuration and mechanism of the grip shutters 120, 220, 320, and 420 are almost the same in the printer unit 101, the paper feeder units 201 and 301, and the paper deck 401, the grip shutter 120 provided on the left side of the printer unit 101 is provided. Use and explain.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view in which the image scanner unit 601, the printer unit 101, and the paper feeder unit 201 in FIG. 1 are extracted. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which the image scanner unit 601 is removed from the printer unit 101 from the state of FIG.

  A grip shutter 120 is provided in the printer unit 101 and serves to expose and hide the grip unit 113 of the printer unit on the exterior surface. The grip shutter 120 provided in the printer unit 101 prevents the gripping unit 113 from being exposed from the exterior surface when the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the top, and the gripping unit 113 when the image scanner unit 601 is removed. Appears and appears on the exterior surface.

  The mechanism will be described. Reference numeral 121 denotes a grip shutter rod that pushes down the grip shutter 120 and hides the grip portion 113 from the exterior surface. Reference numeral 122 denotes a spring that is biased so as to push the grip shutter 120 upward.

  When the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the upper part of the printer unit 101, the grip shutter rod 121 is pushed downward by the bottom surface of the image scanner unit 601. At the same time, the grip shutter rod 121 pushes down the grip shutter 120 downward. The grip shutter 120 pushed down covers the grip part 113 of the printer unit 101, and the user cannot lift the apparatus by holding the grip part 113 of the printer unit 101.

When the image scanner unit 601 is removed, the grip shutter 120 and the grip shutter rod 121 are urged upward by the spring 122, and the grip shutter 120 is exposed so that the grip unit 113 of the printer unit 101 is exposed. Retreat upward.

  By the operation of the grip shutter 120 as described above, the printer unit 101 is lowered when the image scanner unit 601 is mounted thereon, the grip shutter 120 is lowered to cover the grip unit 113, and the image scanner unit 601 is removed. The grip shutter 120 is retracted upward, and the grip portion 113 is exposed.

  That is, since the grip unit 113 of the printer unit 101 appears on the exterior surface and can be gripped only after the image scanner unit 601 is removed, the grip unit 113 of the printer unit 101 is attached to the user while the image scanner unit 601 is mounted. Can be lifted, and the operation of removing the printer unit 101 by holding the holding unit 113 of the printer unit 101 that appears after the image scanner unit 601 is removed can be promoted.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the printer unit 101 is detached from the paper feeder unit 201 from the state of FIG. The grip shutter 220 provided in the paper feeder unit 201 has the same configuration as the grip shutter 120 provided in the printer unit 101.

  Reference numeral 221 denotes a grip shutter rod, and 222 denotes a spring that biases the grip shutter 220 and the grip shutter rod 221 upward.

  The grip shutter 220 provided in the paper feeder unit 201 is pushed down so as to hide the grip part 213 via the grip shutter rod 221 by the bottom surface of the printer unit 101 when the printer unit 101 is mounted upward. .

  At the same time that the user lifts the printer unit 101 with the gripping part 113, the grip shutter 220 and the grip shutter rod 221 are retracted upward, and the gripping part 213 provided in the paper feeder part 201 is exposed and can be gripped.

  In the image forming apparatus configured by stacking the modules up and down by expanding the configuration of the grip shutters 120 and 220 described above to the paper feeder unit 301, the paper deck 401, and each module, the uppermost module Only the grip portion is exposed on the exterior surface, and the user can be prompted to remove it sequentially from the uppermost module.

  Furthermore, since the grip portion is always exposed when the individual modules are not mounted on the image forming apparatus, workability such as transportation of the module alone and mounting on the image forming apparatus is not impaired. .

(Second Embodiment)
5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a front view, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view from the rear.

In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the image scanner unit 601 is placed on the printer unit 101, and the discharge unit 111 is disposed between the printer unit 101 and the image scanner unit 601, as in the image forming apparatus described in the conventional example. Are arranged. Under the printer unit 101, paper feeder units 201 and 301 are arranged so as to overlap each other in two stages, and a paper deck 401 is mounted below the paper feeder units 201 and 301. A pedestal 501 is placed at the lowest level on the ground.

  In the second embodiment, similarly to the grip shutter described in the first embodiment, gripping units (113, 213, and 313) provided in the printer unit 101, the paper feeder units 201 and 301, and the paper deck 401, respectively. , 413) are provided so as not to be exposed on the exterior surface or to be opened (hereinafter referred to as grip covers) 130, 230, 330, 430.

  The purpose of the grip covers 130, 230, 330, and 430 is to open only the grip portion of the module arranged at the uppermost level and not to grip the grip portion arranged at the lower level, as in the first embodiment. By doing so, it is possible to remove from the top module in order.

  The grip covers 130, 230, 330, 430 are provided symmetrically in each device. Since the configuration and mechanism of the grip covers 130, 230, 330, and 430 are almost the same in the printer unit 101, the paper feeder units 201 and 301, and the paper deck 401, the grip cover 130 provided on the left side of the printer unit 101 is provided. Use and explain.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in which the image scanner unit 601, the printer unit 101, and the paper feeder unit 201 in FIG. 5 are extracted. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the image scanner unit 601 is removed from the printer unit 101 from the state of FIG.

  Reference numeral 130 denotes a grip cover provided in the printer unit 101, and is attached so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 130a. A spring 133 is attached around the rotation center 130 a and biases the grip cover 130 toward the outside of the apparatus so as to cover the grip portion 113. Although details will be described later, the user inserts his / her hand into the grip portion 113 to rotate the grip cover 130 toward the inside of the apparatus against the spring 133 to retract it to the retracted position, thereby opening the grip portion 113. Thus, the printer unit 101 can be lifted. Reference numeral 131 denotes a grip cover rod that restricts / cancels the rotation of the grip cover 130, and is biased upward by a spring 132.

  When the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the upper part of the printer unit 101, the grip cover rod 131 is pushed downward by the bottom surface of the image scanner unit 601 so that the grip cover rod 131 restricts the rotation of the grip cover 130. It comes down inside the grip cover 130. In this state, the grip cover rod 131 exists inside the grip cover 130, and the grip cover 130 cannot be turned inward.

  Therefore, when the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the upper part of the printer unit 101, the user cannot grip the printer unit 101 by rotating the grip cover 130 inward.

  When the image scanner unit 601 is detached, the grip cover rod 131 is retracted above the grip cover 130 by the spring 132, so that the grip cover 130 can be rotated toward the inner retracted position. Therefore, in a state where the image scanner unit 601 is removed, the user can lift the printer unit 101 by rotating the grip cover 130 with his / her hand, opening the grip unit 113. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a state in which the grip cover 130 is rotated toward the inside of the apparatus and the grip portion 113 is opened.

  In the image forming apparatus configured by stacking the modules up and down by expanding the configuration of the grip cover 130 described above on the paper feeders 201 and 301, the paper deck 401, and each module, the uppermost module Only the grip part can be gripped, and the user can be prompted to remove the module in order from the uppermost module.

  Furthermore, since the grip cover can always rotate and the gripping part is grippable when the individual modules are not mounted on the image forming apparatus, the module itself can be transported and mounted on the image forming apparatus. There is no loss of workability.

(Third embodiment)
9A and 9B are diagrams showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a front view and FIG. 9B is a perspective view from the rear.

  The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is similar to the image forming apparatus described in the first and second embodiments, and the image scanner unit 601 is placed on the printer unit 101. A discharge unit 111 is arranged between the scanner units 601. Under the printer unit 101, paper feeder units 201 and 301 are arranged so as to overlap each other in two stages, and a paper deck 401 is mounted below the paper feeder units 201 and 301. A pedestal 501 is placed at the lowest level on the ground.

  In the third embodiment, a handle (140, 240, 340, 440) is provided on the side surface of each device as a grip portion of each module, and the handles 140, 240, 340, 440 protrude / retract from the side surface of the device. Thus, the user can switch the grippable / impossible state. The structure and mechanism of the handle are common to the printer unit 101, the paper feeder units 201 and 301, and the paper deck 401, and are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, the handle 140 provided on the left side of the printer unit 101 will be described. To do.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged view in which the image scanner unit 601, the printer unit 101, and the paper feeder unit 201 in FIG. 9 are extracted. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the image scanner unit 601 is removed from the printer unit 101 from the state of FIG.

  A handle 140 provided in the printer unit 101 is configured to slide in the lateral direction of the apparatus, and is movable between a position protruding from the apparatus side surface and a position retracting from the apparatus side surface. Reference numeral 141 denotes a handle rod, 142 denotes a link connecting the handle rod 141 and the handle 140, and 143 denotes a spring that biases the handle rod 141 upward.

  The handle 140 is slid in the horizontal direction by sliding the handle rod 141 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in a state where the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the printer unit 101, the handle 140 is retracted into the apparatus as the handle rod 141 is pushed downward by the bottom surface of the image scanner unit 601, and the user moves the handle 140. Can't have.

  When the image scanner unit 601 is removed, the handle rod 141 is retracted upward by the spring 143 so that the handle 140 protrudes from the side of the apparatus, and the printer unit 101 can be lifted by the user with the handle 140. Become.

In the image forming apparatus configured by stacking the modules up and down by developing the structure of the handle described above to the paper feeders 201 and 301, the paper deck 401, and each module, the handle of the uppermost module Only the gripper can be gripped, and the user can be prompted to remove it sequentially from the uppermost module.

  Further, when the individual modules are not mounted on the image forming apparatus, the handle always protrudes and is in a grippable state, which may impair workability such as transportation of the module alone and attachment to the image forming apparatus. Absent.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the latch-type locking mechanism described in the first embodiment and the latch-type lock mechanism for preventing the device from collapsing and preventing the apparatus from collapsing, as described in the first embodiment. It uses a grip shutter mechanism.

  In the image forming apparatus configured to be stacked, as described in the first embodiment, the module mounted on the lower stage in conjunction with the grip shutter being brought into a grippable state by retracting upward. It is a mechanism to release the lock mechanism. That is, the gripping part can be gripped only by the module mounted on the uppermost stage and is unlocked, and only the unit mounted on the uppermost stage can be lifted.

  The purpose of this embodiment is to achieve the effect of the first to third embodiments that the separation work can be promoted from the uppermost module, and the effect of the locking mechanism for preventing the movement and the collapse of the joint portion between the modules. In addition, since the lower module of the module to be lifted is in a locked state, when disassembling, the joint portion between the modules is stable without wobbling, and the disassembling workability can be improved.

  Hereinafter, a mechanism in which the grip shutter mechanism and the lock mechanism are interlocked will be described. Since the mechanism in which the grip shutter mechanism and the lock mechanism are interlocked is common to each module and is provided symmetrically, the left side of the printer unit 101 will be described as an example.

  FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the grip portion provided on the left side of the printer unit when the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the printer unit 101, that is, when the grip shutter 120 is lowered. ) Is a side view, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the grip portion 113 provided on the left side of the printer unit 101 in a state where the image scanner unit 601 is removed from the printer unit 101, that is, in a state where the grip shutter 120 is retracted upward. FIG. 13A is a side view, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view.

  A latch lever 150 is provided in the printer unit 101 and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation center shaft 151. A pin 123 fixed to the grip shutter 120 rotates the latch lever 150 around the rotation center shaft 151 via the latch release link 152 and the latch release shaft 153 in accordance with the vertical movement of the grip shutter 120. It is structured.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the printer unit 101 and the grip shutter 120 is lowered, the latch lever 150 engages with the latch groove 214 of the paper feeder unit 201, and the printer unit. 101 and the paper feeder unit 201 are locked.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the image scanner unit 601 is detached from the printer unit 101 and the grip shutter 120 is retracted upward, the latch lever 150 is rotated as the grip shutter 120 moves upward. The lock is released.

  In an image forming apparatus configured by stacking modules up and down by deploying a mechanism in which the above-described grip shutter mechanism and a lock mechanism are interlocked to the paper feeder units 201 and 301, the paper deck 401, and each module. Only the grip portion of the uppermost module can be gripped, and at the same time, only the uppermost module is unlocked. That is, since the locking mechanism between the modules disposed in the lower stage is in a locked state, the uppermost module can be easily removed without moving the joint between the lower modules.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, the grip cover described in the second embodiment and a latch-type lock mechanism are used in combination. Also in this embodiment, since the lower module of the module to be lifted is in the locked state as in the fourth embodiment, the joint between the modules is stable and does not wobble when disassembling, and the disassembling workability is improved. Can do.

  Hereinafter, a mechanism in which the grip cover mechanism and the lock mechanism are interlocked will be described. Since the mechanism in which the grip cover mechanism and the lock mechanism are interlocked is common to each module and is symmetrical, the right side of the printer unit will be described as an example.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism in which the grip cover mechanism and the lock mechanism are interlocked in the fifth embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the image scanner unit 601 is mounted on the printer unit 101. FIG. 14A is a front view, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of FIG. 14, FIG. 15 (a) is an enlarged view of an E portion, and FIG. 15 (b) is an enlarged view of an F portion. FIGS. 16A and 16B are enlarged views in a state where the image scanner unit 601 is detached from the printer unit 101, FIG. 16A is an enlarged view of an E portion, and FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of an F portion.

  Unlike the fourth embodiment, the latch lever 260 of the fifth embodiment is provided in the paper feeder unit 201. Reference numeral 261 denotes a release lever, which is connected to the latch lever 260 via a rotation shaft 262. A spring 263 biases the latch lever 260 in the locking direction. Reference numeral 160 denotes an unlocking slide member provided in the printer unit 101, which slides toward the inside of the apparatus as the grip cover 130 is opened and closed.

  As described in the second embodiment, when the image scanner unit 601 is removed from the printer unit 101, the grip cover rod 131 is retracted upward, and the grip cover 130 becomes rotatable. When the grip cover 130 is rotated by the user, the unlocking slide member 160 is slid toward the inside of the apparatus by the pins 130 b provided on the grip cover 130. Along with this operation, the lever pin 160a provided with the unlocking slide member 160 pushes the release lever 261, and the latch lever 260 rotates to release the lock.

In an image forming apparatus configured by stacking modules up and down by developing a mechanism in which a grip cover mechanism and a lock mechanism as described above are linked to each other in the paper feeder units 201 and 301, the paper deck 401, and each module. Only the grip portion of the uppermost module can be gripped, and at the same time, only the uppermost module is unlocked. As in the fourth embodiment, the uppermost module can be easily removed without moving the joint between the lower modules. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, since the lock is released only when the user rotates the grip cover to lift the module, the safety of the lock mechanism such as prevention of falling can be further improved.

1A and 1B are a left side view and a perspective view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1A and 1B are a left side view and a perspective view of a partially enlarged image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are a left side view and a perspective view illustrating a state in which the document reading device is removed from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are a left side view and a perspective view illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus main body is removed in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view and perspective view which show the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged front view and perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view and a perspective view for explaining a state where an original reading device is removed from an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view and a perspective view for explaining a turning state of a grip cover in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view and perspective view which show the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged front view and perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view and a perspective view illustrating a state where an original reading device is removed from an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a left side view and a perspective view of a partially enlarged image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged left side view and perspective view for explaining a state where an original reading device is removed in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view and perspective view explaining the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the E section enlarged view and F section enlarged view which expanded the part of FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an E part and an enlarged part of an F part in a state where a grip cover is rotated in an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic explaining three examples of the conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a main cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a conventional image forming apparatus. It is a perspective view explaining an example of the conventional image forming apparatus. It is AA sectional drawing in FIG. It is an example of a conventional image forming apparatus, and is a schematic diagram for explaining the mounting method. It is the C section enlarged view and D section enlarged view which expanded the part of FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a conventional image forming apparatus and a lock mechanism for locking between modules.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Lock part 20a Latch lever 20b Rotating shaft 20c Release lever 20d Spring 100 Laser image scanner part 101 Image forming apparatus main body (printer part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 Paper feed cassette 103 Paper feed roller 104a, 104b Separation / conveyance roller 105 Conveyance path 106 Registration roller 107 Image forming process unit (cartridge)
108 Heat Fixing Units 109a and 109b Paper Discharge Roller 110 Paper Discharge Tray 111 Paper Discharge Part 112 Optional Device Transport Path 113 Grip Part 114a and 114b Fitting Holes 115 and 116 Electric Connector 117 Positioning Fitting Hole 120 Grip Shutter 121 Rod 122 Spring 130 Grip cover 130a Grip cover rotation center 130b Pin 131 Grip cover rod 132, 133 Spring 140, 240, 340, 440 Handle 141 Handle rod 143 Spring 150 Latch lever 151 Rotation center shaft 152 Latch release link 153 Latch Release shaft 160 Unlocking slide member 160a Lever pin 201, 301 Sheet feeding device (paper feeder unit)
202, 302 Conveying path 203, 303 Feed roller 204a, 204b, 304a, 304b Separation / conveying roller 206, 207, 306, 307 Positioning pin 208, 308 Electrical connector 213, 313 Grasping part 214 Latch groove 220, 320 Grip Shutter 221, 321 Grip shutter rod 222, 322 Spring 230, 330 Grip cover 230 a, 330 a Grip cover rotation center 231, 331 Grip cover rod 232, 233, 332, 333 Spring 260 Latch lever 261 Release lever 262 Rotating shaft 263 Spring 401 Large capacity sheet feeding device (paper deck)
403 Feed roller 404a, 404b Separation / conveyance roller 405 Lift tray 413 Grip part 420 Grip shutter 421 Grip shutter rod 422 Spring 430 Grip cover 431 Grip cover rod 432, 433 Spring 501 Pedestal
600 Document reading carriage 601 Document reading device (image scanner unit)
602 Document platen glass 603 Document holding plate 604 Rotating hinge 605 Guide shaft 606 Belt 607 Lamp 608a, 608b, 608c Reflective mirror 609 Lens 610 Photoelectric conversion element 611 Grasping part 612a, 612b Guide pin 613 Electric connector 651 Reading document feeder ( ADF)

Claims (8)

In the module gripping device that is stacked up and down,
Each of the modules is provided with a grip for lifting the module alone,
The gripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when another module is mounted on the module, the grip portion of the module becomes incapable of gripping. The gripping part is exposed on the exterior surface of the module,
2. A shutter member that covers the grip portion in conjunction with mounting of another module mounted on the module and prevents the grip portion from being gripped is provided on each of the modules. The gripping device described. In a state where the upper module is mounted on top of the module and the lower module is mounted on the bottom,
It has a lock mechanism that locks the connection between the modules that are stacked up and down,
The gripping device according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism and the unlocking state of the locking mechanism of the module and the lower module are switched in conjunction with the shutter member provided in the module. A cover member that covers the gripping part so as not to be exposed to the exterior surface in the module single unit state, and exposes the gripping part to the exterior surface by being retracted to a retracted position by a user's hand when lifting the module single body. , Provided in each said module,
2. The gripping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when another module is mounted on the module, the cover member cannot be retracted to the retracted position, and the gripping portion cannot be gripped. In a state where the upper module is mounted on top of the module and the lower module is mounted on the bottom,
It has a lock mechanism that locks the connection between the modules that are stacked up and down,
The gripping device according to claim 4, wherein the locking state and the unlocking state of the locking mechanism of the module and the lower module are switched in conjunction with the cover member provided in the module. The gripping part protrudes from the exterior surface of the module,
2. The gripping device according to claim 1, wherein the gripper is retracted into the module housing in conjunction with another module being mounted on the module, and the gripper is in a state in which gripping is impossible. . In a state where the upper module is mounted on top of the module and the lower module is mounted on the bottom,
It has a lock mechanism that locks the connection between the modules that are stacked up and down,
In conjunction with the removal of the upper module, the grip portion of the module is changed from an incapable gripping state to a grippable state, and the locking mechanism between the module and the lower module is in an unlocked state. The gripping device according to claim 1.   The module is either an image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on a sheet, or an optional device mounted on an image forming apparatus such as a document reading device, a read document feeding device, a paper discharge device, or a sheet feeding device. An image forming apparatus comprising the gripping device according to claim 1.

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