JP2005335334A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent foreign matters from entering a paper feed inlet when it is in use and to prevent dust from entering the paper feed inlet when it is not in use. <P>SOLUTION: A paper feed inlet cover which can close the path of the paper sliding down to the paper feed inlet together with guiding members is provided, thereby preventing the matters falling from the upper surface of a copy manuscript cover toward the paper feed inlet and dust from entering the chassis when the paper feed inlet is not in use. Moreover, a latching means for latching the paper feed inlet cover in a second position in which it catches the matters falling from the upper surface of the copy manuscript cover toward the paper feed inlet at the position in which the path of the paper is open is provided, thereby preventing the matters falling from the upper surface of the copy manuscript cover toward the paper feed inlet from entering the chassis during the period in which the path to the paper feed inlet is open. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a so-called multifunction machine or a copier in which a printer that can operate under the control of a personal computer (PC) and an image scanner are integrated, foreign matter may enter the housing from a paper feed port that supplies paper. is there. For example, a clip or the like left on the upper surface of the document cover may fall into the paper feed port when the document cover is opened or closed. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a paper feed port cover for preventing foreign matter from entering a paper feed port is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional multifunction machine including a paper feed port cover. In the illustrated example, the multifunction machine 101 includes an upper housing 112 a that houses the scanner unit 102, a document cover 160 that covers the document table 161, a paper feed port 163, a sheet table 164 that holds the paper 170, and a lower unit that houses the printer unit 103. A housing 112b and the like are provided. The document cover 160 is connected to the upper housing 112a by a first hinge 162, and swings around a swing axis 160b perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. The upper housing 112a is connected to the lower housing 112b by a second hinge 171 and swings around a swing axis 112c perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. The paper feed port 163 is formed below the swing axis 160 b of the document cover 160. When a paper feed port cover 165 that protrudes from the lower casing 112 b and covers the vicinity of the paper feed port 163 and the foreign matter receiving groove 166 of the paper base 164 is provided, the foreign matter 173 that has fallen from the document cover 160 is removed by the paper feed port cover 165. Since the foreign matter 173 can be received and stored in the foreign matter receiving groove 166, the foreign matter 173 can be prevented from entering the inside of the lower housing 112b from the paper feed port 163.
However, since the conventional paper feed port cover cannot close the paper feed port, it can catch foreign objects such as clips dropped from the document cover, but it can prevent dust from entering the housing from the paper feed port. I can't.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-125175

  The present invention has been created to solve such a problem, and provides an image forming apparatus capable of preventing entry of foreign matter when a paper feed port is used and entry of dust when the paper feed port is not used. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus includes a housing in which a paper feed port is formed, a guide member that guides a paper and slides down to the paper feed port, and a document provided on an upper portion of the housing. A document table to be placed; reading means accommodated in the casing for reading the original to form an image representing the original; and the image accommodated in the casing and formed by the reading means. Printing means for printing on paper slipped from the paper mouth, and supported by the housing above the paper feed mouth so as to be swingable in a first direction that opens the top surface of the original board from a posture covering the upper surface of the original platen A document cover, a paper feed port cover capable of closing together with the guide member a passage of paper sliding down to the paper feed port, and a swinging in a second direction of opening the passage from a posture closing the passage together with the guide member. The paper feed port cover is movable A connecting means for connecting to the housing; and a locking means for locking the paper feed port cover in a second posture that captures falling objects from the upper surface of the document cover toward the paper feed port at a position where the passage is opened. And comprising. By providing a paper feed port cover that can block the paper path sliding down to the paper feed port together with the guide member, falling objects and dust entering the housing from the top of the document cover to the paper feed port when the paper feed port is not in use Can be prevented. In addition, even when the passage to the paper feed port is open, by providing a means for locking the paper feed port cover in the second position, fallen objects from the upper surface of the document cover toward the paper feed port enter the housing. Can be prevented.

  The housing includes a first case in which the reading unit is accommodated and the document cover is swingably supported, and an opening provided below the first case for accommodating the printing unit and exposing the printing unit. And a second connecting means for connecting the first case to the second case so as to be swingable in a third direction for opening the opening from a posture for closing the opening. Further, the connecting means may be configured so that the paper feed port cover is not moved from the second position to the second position so that the paper feed port cover does not block the passage when the first case swings in the third direction. It is desirable that the paper feed port cover is coupled to the housing so as to be swingable in a direction. As a result, it is possible to open the opening of the first case in a state where the passage to the paper feed port is opened. Therefore, for example, when opening the opening of the first case for the purpose of removing the jammed paper, the foreign matter can be prevented from entering the paper feed opening without removing the paper held by the guide member. The second case can be swung in the direction.

  The printing unit further includes a paper holding unit provided below the printing unit, and holding the paper. The printing unit includes a platen, a coloring unit for fixing a coloring material on the paper supported by the platen, and the paper feeding port. It is desirable to have a first paper feeding means for feeding paper to the platen and a second paper feeding means for feeding paper from the paper holding means to the platen. By providing two types of paper feeding means, for example, the first paper feeding means is used for special paper that is used less frequently, and the second paper feeding means is used for general-purpose paper that is used frequently. Can be used properly. Therefore, when the first sheet feeding unit is not used, the passage is blocked by the sheet feeding port cover, so that falling objects and dust from the sheet feeding port can be prevented from entering the housing.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on examples.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine 10 as an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The printer case 12 as the second case described in the claims is formed in a box shape having an open top, and is positioned below the scanner case 13 as the first case described in the claims. The ink cartridge or the like can be exposed from the opening 48 of the printer case 12 by swinging the scanner case 13 upward. The printer case 12 and the scanner case 13 correspond to a housing described in the claims.

  The operation panel 15 is provided on the front side of the printer case 12. The operation panel 15 is provided with a liquid crystal panel (not shown), a plurality of push button switches, and the like. A setting menu, an operation menu, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal panel, and the user requests the multifunction device 10 to perform various processes such as copying and printing by operating the menu with a push button switch. In this embodiment, the side on which the operation panel 15 is provided is referred to as the front side, and the side on which the hinge connecting the scanner case 13 and the printer case 12 is provided is referred to as the back side.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an ASF (auto sheet feeder) unit and a printing mechanism unit accommodated in the printer case 12.
The printing mechanism section as the printing means described in the claims includes a print head 21, a platen 22, a paper discharge roller 23, and the like.
The print head 21 includes, for example, a nozzle that ejects ink, a piezo element, an ink passage, and the like, and fixes ink droplets on a sheet by an inkjet method. An ink cartridge (not shown) is detachably fixed to the print head 21. The ink cartridge is a container in which ink of each color is stored. The ink stored in the ink cartridge is supplied to the nozzles of the print head 21 through the ink passage. The print head 21 as coloring means described in the claims is locked to a belt (not shown). The print head 21 reciprocates in the axial direction of the guide rod 24 with the rotation of a belt driven by a motor (not shown). In this embodiment, the inkjet printing unit is exemplified, but the printing unit may be another printing method such as a laser method, a sublimation method, and an impact method.

The platen 22 is provided below the print head 21. The longitudinal axis of the platen 22 and the central axis of the guide rod 24 are parallel. The upper surface of the platen 22 is in sliding contact with the printing paper, and the printing paper is positioned at a position slightly away from the printing head 21.
The ASF unit is provided in the vicinity of the paper feed port 40 and includes a paper feed plate 31, a side wall 32, a first support 36, and the like. The sheet feeding plate 31 is a plate-like member in which a swing shaft 37 provided at the upper end is supported by the side wall portion 32. Side walls 32 are provided on both outer sides of the sheet feeding plate 31 in parallel with the sheet feeding plate 31 therebetween. The sheet bundle 41 is positioned at the standby position in the width direction by at least one of the surfaces of the side wall portion 32 facing each other.

The first support portion 36 is provided below the sheet feeding plate 31. When the lower end of the sheet bundle 41 is supported by the first support portion 36, the sheet bundle 41 is positioned at the standby position in the length direction.
The paper support plate 38 is accommodated in a storage portion 46 formed on the back side of the paper feed plate 31 and is locked at a position pulled upward as shown in the figure when paper is fed. The paper support plate 38 is composed of two plates having a flat front surface and is extendable. The paper support plate 38 can be pulled out in two stages as illustrated in accordance with the size of the paper bundle 41. The paper support plate 38 supports the back surface of the sheet bundle 41 supported at the lower end by the first support portion 36. Note that the sheet or sheet bundle 41 refers to the surface on the printed side as the front surface and the surface on the non-printed side as the back surface. The sheet feeding plate 31 swings with the rotation of a motor (not shown) and pushes the lower end of the sheet bundle 41 supported by the first support portion 36 toward the sheet feeding port, thereby sliding the sheet to the sheet feeding port 40. . Since the paper sliding into the paper supply port 40 passes through the space occupied by the paper bundle 41 in the standby state, the space occupied by the paper bundle 41 in the standby state corresponds to the passage described in the claims. Further, the first support portion 36, the paper feed plate 31, the side wall portion 32, and the paper support plate 38 correspond to the guide member described in the claims.

  The paper feed roller 33 is provided at the paper feed port 40 and rotates at the same peripheral speed as the paper discharge roller 23. The paper feed roller 33 pulls the paper pushed out by the paper feed plate 31 from the paper feed port 40 into the printer case 12 and conveys it between the platen 22 and the print head 21. The paper discharge roller 23 and the driven roller 25 draw paper from between the platen 22 and the print head 21 and discharge the paper from the paper discharge port 42 to the outside of the printer case 12. The paper discharged from the paper discharge port 42 is deposited on the upper surface of the stacker 43 that is swingably supported by the printer case 12. The paper feed roller 33 functions as the first paper feed means described in the claims.

  In addition, the multifunction machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can print on the sheet bundle 44 placed on the bottom of the printer case 12. The bottom of the printer case 12 corresponds to the paper holding means described in the claims. The sheet bundle 44 is held at the bottom of the printer case 12 while being positioned in the width direction by a guide (not shown). When printing on the sheet bundle 44 placed on the bottom of the printer case 12, the paper feed roller 34 as the second paper feed means pulls up the paper from the bottom of the printer case 12 along the guide plate 45 and reverses the platen. 22 and the print head 21 are conveyed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner case 13 is formed in a box shape having an open top, and is connected to the printer case 12 so as to be swingable by a hinge (not shown). The document table 16 is a transparent glass plate that closes an opening formed in the upper part of the scanner case 13, and is fixed to the scanner case 13. A document is placed on the surface of the document table 16.
The document cover 14 is swingably connected to the scanner case 13. The document cover 14 presses the document against the document table 16.

  The carriage 17 is formed in a box shape and is accommodated in the scanner case 13. The carriage 17 is slidably supported by a rod-shaped carriage guide 18 fixed to the scanner case 13. The carriage 17 is locked to a belt (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown). The carriage 17 reciprocates in the axial direction of the carriage guide 18 as the belt rotates. The carriage guide 18, the motor, and the belt function as reading means.

  Inside the carriage 17, a scanning circuit board (not shown) on which a linear image sensor is mounted, a lens, a mirror, and a light source are mounted. The light source irradiates the vicinity of the scanning line of the original, and the mirror and the lens image the reflected light source on the irradiated scanning line of the original on the light receiving surface of the linear image sensor. The linear image sensor is mounted on the scanning circuit board in a posture in which light receiving elements of RGB colors are arranged in a straight line. The linear image sensor outputs an electrical signal that correlates with the density of the optical image formed on the light receiving surface. The scanning circuit board, the linear image sensor, the lens, the mirror, and the light source function as a reading unit.

The overall configuration of the multifunction machine 10 has been described above. Next, the paper feed port cover 11 will be described.
4A is a perspective view of the entire paper feed port cover 11 as viewed from the front surface 54 side, FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the paper feed port cover 11 as viewed from the back surface 58 side, and FIG. ) Is a partial enlarged view of one end of the swing shaft. Here, the front surface 54 and the back surface 58 of the paper feed port cover 11 indicate the upper and lower surfaces when the paper feed port cover 11 is in the fully closed position. The paper feed port cover 11 includes a swing shaft 51, a plate-like recovery unit 61 that approximates an S-shaped parallel movement locus of the swing shaft 51, and side wall portions 52 that are located on both outer sides of the recovery unit 61. Is done. The swing shaft 51 of the paper feed port cover 11 is supported by the scanner case 13 between two hinges (not shown) that connect the document cover 14 and the scanner case 13.

  FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the paper feed port cover 11, the scanner case 13, and the document cover 14 when the paper feed port cover 11 is in the fully open position, and FIG. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the paper feed port cover 11 and the scanner case 13 in the intermediate posture, and FIG. 5C is a cross section of the paper feed port cover 11 and the scanner case 13 in the fully closed posture. FIG. The paper feed port cover 11 is provided so as to be swingable from a fully open position shown in FIG. 5A to a fully closed position shown in FIG. In the drawing, the case where the orientation of the scanner case 13 is horizontal is depicted. However, when the scanner case 13 swings around the hinge connecting the scanner case 13 and the printer case 12, the paper feed port cover 11 is drawn. Also, it swings around the hinge connecting the printer case 12 together with the scanner case 13.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the bearing portion 56 and the locking portion 57 of the paper feed port cover 11. The bearing portion 56 as the connecting means described in the claims includes a support portion 561, a pressing portion 562, and a convex portion 563 formed at the upper end of the scanner case 13.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine 10 in a non-use state and a state in which printing can be performed by feeding paper from the bottom of the printer case 12. When not in use or when paper is fed from the bottom of the printer case 12 for printing, the paper support plate 38 is retracted and stored, and the paper feed port cover 11 is in a fully closed position. When a force for swinging from the intermediate posture to the fully closed posture is applied to the paper feed port cover 11, the paper feed port cover 11 swings while the convex portion 53 is in sliding contact with the locking portion 57 (see FIG. 5B). . Since the convex portion 53 fits into the concave portion 571 formed in the locking portion 57 in the fully closed posture, the sheet feeding port cover is locked by the locking portion 57 even in the fully closed posture (see FIG. 5C). When the paper feed port cover 11 is in the fully closed position, the shape of the lower end surface 59 of the side wall portion 52 and the shape of the upper end surface 60 of the side wall portion 32 of the ASF unit correspond to each other. be able to. For this reason, the paper feed port cover 11 in the fully closed posture can prevent dust from entering the printer case 12 from the paper feed port 40.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine 10 in a state where paper can be placed on the document table 16. When placing a document on the document table 16, the document cover 14 is opened and the document is placed on the document table 16. For example, if a foreign object such as a clip is placed on the upper surface of the fully closed document cover 14 shown in FIG. 7, the foreign object slides down the upper surface of the document cover 14 when the document cover 14 swings in the opening direction. However, as shown in FIG. 5C, the paper feed port cover 11 in the fully closed position captures the foreign matter dropped from above, so that the foreign matter enters the printer case 12 even when the document cover 14 is opened and closed. There is nothing.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine 10 in a state where paper can be fed from the paper feed port 40 and can be printed. When paper is fed from the paper feed port 40, the paper support plate 38 is extended, and the paper bundle 41 is held on the paper support plate 38 and the paper feed plate 31. At this time, the paper feed port cover 11 is locked in the intermediate position. A predetermined gap for placing the sheet bundle 41 is secured between the back surface 58 of the sheet feeding port cover 11 and the paper support plate 38 that are locked in the intermediate posture. In order to lock the paper feed port cover 11 in the intermediate position, the locking portion 57 as locking means according to the claims is engaged with the convex portion 53 protruding in the longitudinal direction from the swing shaft 51. The paper mouth cover 11 is braked. Specifically, when the paper feed port cover 11 swings from the fully open posture toward the intermediate posture and the convex portion 53 collides with the locking portion 57, the paper feed port cover 11 is positioned in that posture, that is, the intermediate posture. (See FIG. 5B). Thus, by locking the paper feed port cover 11 in the intermediate position, it is possible to prevent the paper feed port cover 11 from hitting the sheet bundle 41 and causing a jam. In this embodiment, the paper feed port cover 11 is locked using the elasticity of the locking portion 57 itself. However, the paper feed port cover 11 is engaged in an intermediate position using the urging force of a leaf spring or a coil spring. You can stop it. The intermediate posture shown in FIG. 5B corresponds to the second posture described in the claims.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine 10 in a state in which a sheet bundle 41 for feeding paper from the paper feed port 40 can be placed on the paper feed plate 31. When the sheet bundle 41 is placed on the sheet feeding plate 31, the sheet feeding port cover 11 is fully opened, so that the user can visually check a wide range such as the sheet feeding plate 31 and the side wall portion 32 from the front side of the multifunction machine 10. Therefore, the sheet bundle 41 can be easily placed on the sheet feeding plate 31. At this time, the sheet feeding port cover 11 maintains the fully open posture by leaning against the document cover 14 at the front surface 54 (see FIG. 5A).

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction machine 10 in a state where a document for copying on a printing sheet fed from the sheet feeding port 40 can be placed on the document table 16. When the document cover 14 is opened to place the document on the document table 16, the document cover 14 is locked in a fully open position so as not to collide with the paper feed port cover 11 positioned in the intermediate position, as shown in FIG. The That is, the hinge connecting the document cover 14 to the scanner case 13 locks the document cover 14 at a position where the document cover 14 does not collide with the sheet feed port cover 11 when the sheet feed port cover 11 is in the intermediate position. In addition, a predetermined gap for placing the sheet bundle 41 is secured between the back surface 58 of the sheet feeding port cover 11 in the intermediate position and the paper support plate 38. Therefore, the document cover 14 can be opened while the sheet bundle 41 is held on the paper support plate 38 and the document can be placed on the document table 16. Further, since the front end of the collecting portion 61 of the sheet feeding port cover 11 in the intermediate position protrudes from the upper surface of the document cover 14 in the fully open position, foreign matter that slides down the upper surface of the document cover 14 is in the middle position. Captured by the cover 11. Accordingly, foreign matter that slides down from the document cover 14 is prevented from entering the inside of the printer case 12 from the paper feed port.

FIG. 2 described above shows the multifunction device 10 in a state where it is possible to take out the jammed paper and replace the ink cartridge. When the front side of the scanner case 13 is lifted and swung from the state shown in FIG. 9, the print head 21, paper feed roller 33, paper discharge roller 23, etc. are exposed from the opening 48 of the printer case 12, and the print head is exposed. It is possible to replace the loaded ink cartridge and take out the jammed paper. When the front side of the scanner case 13 is lifted and swung from the state shown in FIG. 10, the paper feed port cover 11 swings around a hinge connecting the scanner case 13 and the printer case 12. When the side wall 52 comes into contact with the side wall 32 of the ASF unit, the paper feed port cover 11 swings from the intermediate position to the fully open position while the side wall 52 slides on the side wall 32 of the ASF unit. Therefore, it is not necessary to take out the sheet bundle 41 held by the sheet 31. At this time, the foreign matter that slides down the upper surface of the document cover 14 is captured by the paper feed port cover 11 and therefore does not enter the inside of the printer case 12 from the paper feed port 40. A hinge for connecting the scanner case 13 to the printer case 12 functions as a second connecting means.
In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is described as a so-called multi-function machine in which a printer operable under the control of a PC and an image scanner are integrated. However, a copier that cannot be connected to a PC may be used.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an ASF unit and a printing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing an entire sheet feed port cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged view of one end of a swing shaft of the sheet feed port cover, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the other end of the swing shaft of the paper feed port cover. (A) is a cross-sectional view of a paper feed port cover in a fully open position, (B) is a cross-sectional view of a paper feed port cover in an intermediate position, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of a paper feed port cover in a fully closed position. The perspective view which shows the bearing part which concerns on one Example of this invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Schematic diagram showing a conventional multifunction machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 MFP (image forming apparatus), 11 Paper feed port cover, 12 Printer case (casing, 2nd case, paper holding means), 13 Scanner case (casing, 1st case), 14 Document cover, 16 Document table , 18 Carriage guide (reading means), 21 Print head (printing means, coloring means), 24 Guide rod (printing means) 31 Paper feed plate (guide member), 32 Side wall (guide member), 33 Paper feed roller (first Paper feed means), 34 paper feed roller (second paper feed means), 36 first support part (guide member), 38 paper support plate (guide member), 40 paper feed port, 56 bearing part (connecting means), 57 Locking part (locking means),

Claims (3)

A housing in which a paper feed slot is formed;
A guide member for guiding the paper and sliding it down to the paper feed port;
A document table provided on an upper portion of the housing and on which a document is placed;
Reading means housed in the housing for reading the document and forming an image representing the document;
Printing means for printing the image formed in the housing and formed by the reading means on a paper slipped from the paper feed port;
A document cover supported by the housing above the paper feed port so as to be swingable in a first direction to open the top surface of the document table from a posture covering the top surface of the document table;
A paper feed port cover capable of closing together with the guide member a path of paper sliding down to the paper feed port;
A connecting means for connecting the paper feed port cover to the housing so as to be swingable in a second direction for opening the passage from a posture in which the passage is closed together with the guide member;
A locking means for locking the paper feed port cover in a second posture for capturing falling objects from the upper surface of the document cover toward the paper feed port at a position where the passage is opened;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The housing includes a first case in which the reading unit is accommodated and the document cover is swingably supported, and an opening provided below the first case for accommodating the printing unit and exposing the printing unit. A second case on the top,
A second connecting means for connecting the first case to the second case so as to be swingable in a third direction for opening the opening from a position of closing the opening;
The connecting means may be configured such that when the first case swings in the third direction, the paper feed port cover swings in the second direction from the second posture so that the paper feed port cover does not block the passage. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet feeding port cover is movably coupled to the housing. A paper retaining means provided below the printing means for holding the paper;
The printing unit includes a platen, a coloring unit that fixes a color material on a sheet supported by the platen, a first sheet feeding unit that supplies the sheet to the platen from the sheet feeding port, and the sheet holding unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second paper feeding unit that feeds paper to the platen.

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