JP2006046504A - Holding fixture and holding fixing structure as well as image forming device equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably hold and fix two members with their edges assembled in such a manner as to be detachable with relatively easy operation. <P>SOLUTION: This holding fixture 1 is provided for holding and fixing two members at least one of which has an assembling hole, with their edges being mutually assembled. It comprises a body 6 in an approximately U-shaped cross section having a first leg portion 2 and a second leg portion 3 opposed to the first leg portion, connected at their one ends to each other via a base portion 4, an engaging pawl 7 provided at the front end of the second leg portion in the state of being protruded to the side of the first leg portion, and a lug part 8 provided on the outer face side of the body. The second leg portion is turned around to the end face of at least one of the two members while gripping the lug part and inserting the first leg portion into the hole, and the engaging pawl is put in engagement with one member to hold and fix the two members to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a holding fixture and a holding and fixing structure for holding and fixing two members in an assembled state, and an image forming apparatus including these.

  Conventionally, when holding and fixing two members (synthetic resin members, etc.) in an assembled state in an image forming apparatus (printer, facsimile, copying machine, and multifunction machine), the head and the bottom surface of the head are suspended. A technique for inserting and holding a holding fixture having an elastically deformable shape (for example, a substantially V-shaped leg) into a hole of an overlapped member, and holding and fixing these members while being overlapped. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, a holding fixture provided with a substantially arrow-shaped locking portion at the other end of the locking portion having a head at one end is inserted into the hole of the overlapped member, and the panels are overlapped. A technique for holding and fixing as it is is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-200180 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-257118 (FIGS. 1 and 5)

  However, such conventional techniques cause the following problems.

  In other words, when holding and fixing a member using a conventional holding and fixing unit, the operator needs to insert the holding and fixing unit into the hole of the overlapped member. As a result, there is a problem that the work efficiency is very poor due to being forced to perform unstable work.

  In addition, when it is desired to separate the overlapped members for the purpose of replacement or recycling, it is necessary to pull out the holding and fixing member from the hole. There is a problem that it is extremely difficult to pull out from the hole against the locking force. Therefore, when pulling out such a holding and fixing member from the hole, it is necessary to take a measure such as excising the head or the locking portion, and it cannot be reused as it is after being pulled out.

  Furthermore, since the conventional holding and fixing member is to hold and fix the members that are overlapped with each other, it is difficult to apply when the two members are substantially orthogonal to each other and the edge portions thereof are assembled. There is also the problem of being.

  The present invention has been devised to solve such problems of the prior art, and with a simple and inexpensive configuration, the two members to which the edge portions of each other are assembled are securely held and fixed, In addition, it is a main object to provide a holding fixture and a holding and fixing structure that can be attached and detached with a relatively simple operation, and an image forming apparatus including these.

  In order to solve such a problem, the holding fixture according to the present invention is, as shown in claim 1, in a state in which the end edges of two members each provided with an assembly hole in at least one are assembled to each other. A main body having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, which is a holding fixture for holding and fixing, and is formed by connecting one end of a first leg and a second leg facing the first leg at a base. And an engaging claw provided at the tip of the second leg in a state of projecting toward the first leg, and a knob provided on the outer surface side of the main body. While inserting the first leg portion into the hole, the second leg portion wraps around the end face side of at least one of the two members, and the engaging claw locks the one member to The member is held and fixed.

  According to this, when holding and fixing the two members assembled with the end edges, the operator inserts the first leg into the hole of the member, so that the second leg is at least one of the members. Since one of the members goes around the end surface and is locked by the engaging claw provided at the tip, the two members can be held and fixed by a simple operation.

  In addition, since the operator can handle the holding fixture by holding the knob, the operator can easily hold the holding fixture and the operability is improved.

  In the holding fixture, as described in claim 2, the main body portion has the engaging claw as the first leg portion by an operating force applied to the knob portion with the first leg portion inserted into the hole. By being elastically deformed so as to be separated from the second leg portion, the engagement between the second leg portion and the member is released, and the first leg portion can be pulled out from the hole.

  According to this, the operator applies operating force to the knob in the direction of the first leg so that the engaging claw is separated from the first leg, and the first leg is attached to the knob. By applying an operating force in the direction of pulling out from the hole, it becomes possible to release the engagement between the second leg portion and the member and remove the holding fixture with a simple operation. At this time, the holding fixture has the first leg portion inserted into the hole as a fulcrum, and at least one of the base portion and the second leg portion is elastically deformed, so that the engaging claw is separated from the first leg portion. Can be separated.

  In the holding fixture, as described in claim 3, the knob portion is configured to extend from at least one of the base portion and the second leg portion and project to the outer surface side of the second leg portion. Can do.

  According to this, since the operator can grip the knob from the end face side of at least one of the two members assembled, handling of the holding fixture is facilitated and workability is improved.

  In the holding fixture, as shown in claim 4, the base portion, the first leg portion, the second leg portion, the engagement piece, and the knob portion may be integrally formed of a synthetic resin material. it can.

  According to this, a holding fixture having a desired elastic deformability can be easily formed. In particular, since the base and the second leg can be formed so as to be appropriately elastically deformed, the detachability and the holding and fixing performance of the holding and fixing tool can be improved. Further, by integrally molding each component, it is possible to improve manufacturing accuracy and reliability, and to improve productivity and reduce costs.

  In addition, the holding and fixing structure according to the present invention includes, as shown in claim 5, a first member in which an assembly hole is provided in an end edge portion, and an elastic member that is engaged with the periphery in a state of being inserted into the hole. A holding and fixing structure including a second member having a locking piece and a holding and fixing device that holds and fixes the first member and the second member in a state of being assembled with each other. A main body portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by connecting one end side of the first leg portion and the second leg portion facing the first leg portion at the base portion, and on the first leg portion side It has an engaging claw provided at the tip of the second leg in a protruding state and a knob provided on the outer surface side of the main body, and holds the knob so that the elastic locking piece is inserted. While inserting the first leg portion into the hole, the second leg portion is turned around to the end surface side of the first member, and the first member is locked by the engaging claw. A structure for holding and fixing the second member.

  According to this, since the elastic locking piece of the second member is locked to the peripheral edge of the hole of the first member, these members can be easily assembled.

  In addition, the operator inserts the first leg portion into the hole of the first member in a state where the elastic locking piece is inserted into the hole of the first member, whereby the second leg portion becomes the first leg. Since the first member is locked by the engaging claw provided at the tip of the member, the two assembled members can be held and fixed by a simple operation.

  Furthermore, since the operator can handle the holding fixture by holding the knob, the operator can easily hold the holding fixture and the operability is improved.

  In the holding and fixing structure, as shown in claim 6, the elastic locking piece is elastically deformed in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the hook-shaped protrusion provided at the tip thereof and inserted into the hole of the first member. When the deformation is restored, the hook-shaped protrusion can be locked to the periphery of the hole.

  According to this, the first member and the second member can be easily and reliably assembled, and the assembled member can be easily held and fixed. On the other hand, when the first member and the second member are separated, the first member and the second member are elastically deformed again in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the hook-shaped protrusion to release the lock between the hook-shaped protrusion and the peripheral edge of the hole. The bullet locking piece can be pulled out from the hole, and the member can be easily separated.

  In the holding and fixing structure, as shown in claim 7, the main body portion has the engaging pawl as the first leg portion by an operating force applied to the knob portion in a state where the first leg portion is inserted into the hole. By being elastically deformed so as to be separated from the second leg portion, the engagement between the second leg portion and the member is released, and the first leg portion can be pulled out from the hole.

  According to this, the operator applies operating force to the knob in the direction of the first leg so that the engaging claw is separated from the first leg, and the first leg is attached to the knob. By applying an operating force in the direction of pulling out from the hole, it becomes possible to release the engagement between the second leg portion and the member and remove the holding fixture with a simple operation.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises the holding fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or the holding and fixing structure according to claim 5 or 7, as shown in claim 8. The configuration is as follows.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the two members to which the end edges are assembled can be securely held and fixed with a simple and inexpensive configuration, and can be attached and detached with a relatively simple operation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holding fixture according to the present invention. The holding fixture 1 is for holding and fixing the edge portions of two members in a state of being assembled with each other, and a first leg 2 and a second leg facing the first leg. The main body part 6 having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by connecting one end side of the part 3 with the base part 4 and a knob part 8 provided on the outer surface side of the main body part 6 are mainly configured. The holding fixture 1 is usually integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, but is not limited to this, and a material that can be relatively elastically deformed can be used. For example, a metal plate can be processed and manufactured. it can.

  The first leg portion 2 has a tapered surface 2a at the tip thereof, which facilitates insertion into a hole provided in the member as will be described later.

  The second leg portion 3 is provided with an engaging claw 7 with its tip bent at approximately 90 degrees and protruding toward the first leg portion 2 side. The engaging claw 7 has a tapered surface 7a at its tip, and can be easily attached to a member assembled as will be described later.

  The knob portion 8 extends from the vicinity of the center of the second leg portion 3 to the upper base portion 3 so that the operator can easily hold the holding fixture 1 from the side (the edge side of the member). The shape which protruded to the outer surface side of the part 3 is made. Although this knob | pick part 8 makes flat form, it can take various shapes (for example, rod shape) so that it may be easy to hold | grip not only this but an operator (it is easy to pick with a finger). Similarly, various changes can be made to the arrangement of the knob 8, so that an appropriate operating force can be applied when the holding fixture 1 is attached and detached. It is sufficient if it extends from at least one side.

  2 and 3 are a perspective view of a multifunction machine using the holding fixture shown in FIG. 1 and a perspective view of a paper discharge tray unit provided in the multifunction machine.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 10 includes a paper discharge tray unit 11 for holding a recording sheet on which a received facsimile image is output or a recording sheet on which a document image is copied. Is provided inside the main body.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the paper discharge tray unit 11 includes a top panel (first member) 12, side panels (second members) 13, 14, a bottom panel 15 on which discharged recording paper is stacked, It is mainly composed of a back panel 16. Each of these panels 12 to 16 is formed of a synthetic resin material. Here, the holding fixture 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used to hold and fix the left and right end edges of the top panel 12 and the upper end edges of the side panels 13 and 14 respectively. Hereinafter, only the holding and fixing structure of the top panel 12 and the side panel 13 will be described, but the same holds true for the holding and fixing structure of the top panel 12 and the side panel 14.

  The top panel 12 and the side panel 13 are assembled by three engaging portions 17 to 19. Each of the engaging portions 17 to 19 has an elastic locking piece provided at an end edge of the side panel 13 engaged with a peripheral edge of an assembly hole provided at an end edge of the upper panel 12. Make a configuration. Here, although the case where the holding fixture 1 is used for the engaging portion 17 is shown, the engaging portion 17 is located on the opening side of the paper discharge tray unit 11 and is assembled compared to the other engaging portions. Since it is difficult to stably maintain the state, it is particularly necessary to hold and fix the assembled state by the holding fixture 1.

  The engaging portions for assembling the panels 12 to 16 including the engaging portions 17 to 19 are as shown in FIG. 2 in a state where the paper discharge tray unit 11 is attached to the multifunction machine 10. It is arranged at a position where it is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, after the paper discharge tray unit 11 is attached to the multifunction machine, there arises a problem that the holding fixture 1 falls off due to the protruding knob 8 or the like coming into contact with another member or an operator. Absent.

  4 and 5 are an enlarged perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the holding and fixing structure of the top panel and the side panel in the paper discharge tray unit shown in FIG. 3, respectively. This holding and fixing structure is related to the engaging portion 17 of FIG. 3, and as described above, the top panel 12, the side panel 13 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top panel 12, and these are assembled to each other. And a holding fixture 1 that holds and fixes in the state.

  The top panel 12 is provided with a substantially rectangular assembly hole 20 at an end edge thereof, and the hole 20 is formed by the elastic locking piece 21 of the side panel 13 and the first holding fixture 1. The leg 2 is formed in a size that can be inserted. The top panel 12 is formed so that the thickness decreases from the hole 20 to the end surface 12 b, and the bottom surface 12 a of the edge portion can be engaged with the locking claw 7 of the holding fixture 1.

  The side panel 13 has a resilient locking piece 21 that is locked to the periphery thereof while being inserted into the hole 20 of the top panel 12. This elastic locking piece 21 is provided with a hook-like protrusion 21a at the tip, and the support piece 21b that supports the hook-like protrusion 21a is relatively easy to elastically deform the hook-like protrusion 21a in the front-rear direction. As such, it has an appropriate thickness.

  In the holding fixture 1, the first leg 2 is fitted into the hole 20 of the top panel 12 together with the elastic locking piece 21 of the side panel 13, and the first leg 2 to the base 4 and the second leg are fitted. The portion 3 wraps around the end surface 12b side of the top panel 12, and the engaging claw 7 at the tip of the second leg 3 is mounted in a state of pressing the bottom surface 12a of the top panel 12 upward. As a result, the horizontal and vertical movements of the top panel 12 and the side panel 13 are restricted, and the two panels are held and fixed. The base 4 and the second leg 3 are formed to be thinner than the first leg 2 so that the elastic deformation is relatively easy.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing a method of mounting the holding fixture in the holding and fixing structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. First, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the elastic locking piece 21 of the side panel 13 is elastically deformed in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the hook-shaped protrusion 21a provided at the tip thereof, so that the hole 20 of the top panel 12 is obtained. After insertion, the hook-shaped protrusion 21 a is locked to the periphery of the hole 20 by restoring the deformation of the elastic locking piece 21. As a result, the top panel 12 and the side panel 13 are assembled.

  Next, in order to hold and fix the assembled top panel 12 and side panel 13 by the holding fixture 1, as shown in FIG. 6B, a downward operating force is applied to the knob 8 of the holding fixture 1. By adding, the 1st leg part 2 is inserted in the hole 20 in which the elastic locking piece 21 was already inserted. At this time, it is possible to guide the first leg 2 into the hole 20 by sliding the inner surface of the first leg 2 on the back surface of the elastic locking piece 21.

  Thus, while the first leg 2 is inserted into the hole 20, the tapered surface 7a of the engaging claw 7 of the second leg 3 is the end of the top panel 12, as shown in FIG. The base 4 and the second leg 3 are elastically deformed so as to separate the engaging claw 7 from the first leg 2 by sliding further downward. 3 wraps around the end surface 12 b side of the top panel 12.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 6 (d), the first leg 2 is fitted into the hole 20, the upper end of the elastic locking piece 21 and the inner surface of the base 4 abut, and the second leg 3 is engaged with the lower surface 12a so that the engaging claw 7 provided at the distal end of 3 is turned from the end surface 12b side to the first leg 2 side, whereby the mounting of the holding fixture 1 is completed.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a method of removing the holding fixture in the holding and fixing structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the holding fixture 1 holds the top panel 12 and the side panel 13 (that is, the first leg 2 is inserted into the hole 20). An operating force is applied to the knob 7 of the fixture 1 in the direction of the first leg 2 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the base 4 and the second leg 3 are elastically deformed so as to separate the engaging claw 7 from the first leg 2, and the second leg 3 and The engagement with the top panel 12 is released, and an operation force is further applied to the knob 7 in the direction in which the first leg 2 is pulled out from the hole 20 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). As shown in c), the first leg 2 is pulled out of the hole 20 and the removal of the holding fixture 1 is completed.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 7 (d), the elastic locking piece 21 is elastically deformed in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the hook-shaped protrusion 21 a to lock the hook-shaped protrusion 21 a and the periphery of the hole 20. Is released, and the bullet locking piece 21 is pulled out from the hole 20. Thereby, it is possible to separate the top panel 12 and the side panel 13.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a member holding and fixing structure using the holding fixture shown in FIG. 1. The holding and fixing structure includes a first panel (first member) 112, a second panel (second member) 113 that is assembled in a state of being overlapped with the first panel 112, and these are assembled to each other. It comprises a holding fixture 1 that holds and fixes it in the attached state.

  The first panel 112 and the second panel 113 are provided with substantially rectangular mounting holes 120 and 130 at their respective end edges, and these holes are overlapped so as to be coaxially overlapped. In this state, it is held and fixed by the holding fixture 1. Both the hole 120 and the hole 130 are formed in a size that allows the first leg 2 of the holding fixture 1 to be inserted.

  In the holding fixture 1, the first leg 2 is fitted into the hole 120 and the hole 130, and the first leg 2 to the base 4 and the second leg 3 are the end faces 112a and 113a of the panels 112 and 113, respectively. The engagement claw 7 at the tip of the second leg 3 is mounted with the lower surface 113b of the second panel 113 pressed upward.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing a method of mounting the holding fixture in the holding and fixing structure shown in FIG. First, in order to hold and fix the assembled first panel 112 and second panel 113, a downward operating force is applied to the knob 8 of the holding fixture 1 as shown in FIG. Thus, the first leg 2 is inserted into the hole 120 and the hole 130.

  Thus, while the first leg 2 is inserted into the holes 120 and 130, the tapered surface 7a of the engaging claw 7 of the second leg 3 is formed on the top panel 12, as shown in FIG. The base portion 4 and the second leg portion 3 are elastically deformed so as to separate the engaging claw 7 from the first leg portion 2 by abutting on the end portion and further sliding downward there, and the second leg portion 2 is elastically deformed. The leg 3 wraps around the end surfaces 112a and 113a of the two panels 112 and 113.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 9C, the entire first leg portion 2 is completely fitted into the hole 120 and the hole 130 so that the upper surface of the first panel 112 and the inner surface of the base portion come into contact with each other. Mounting of the holding fixture 1 is completed by engaging the engaging claw 7 provided at the tip of the second leg 3 with the lower surface 113b so as to wrap around from the end face 130a to the first leg 2 side. To do.

  FIG. 10 is a view showing a method of removing the holding fixture in the holding and fixing structure shown in FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the holding fixture 1 holds and fixes the first panel 112 and the second panel 113 (that is, the first leg 2 is inserted into the holes 120 and 130). ), An operating force is applied to the knob 7 of the holding fixture 1 in the direction of the first leg 2 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the base 4 and the second leg 3 are elastically deformed so as to separate the engagement claw 7 from the first leg 2, and the second leg 3 and The engagement with the top panel 12 is released, and further, an operating force is applied to the knob 7 in the direction in which the first leg 2 is pulled out from the holes 120 and 130 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). As shown in FIG. 10C, the first leg 2 is pulled out from the holes 120 and 130, and the removal of the holding fixture 1 is completed.

  According to the holding fixture, the holding and fixing structure, and the image forming apparatus including these according to the present invention, the two members to which the edge portions of each other are assembled are securely held and fixed with a simple and inexpensive configuration. Since it can be attached and detached by a relatively simple operation, it is useful as a holding fixture and a holding and fixing structure for holding and fixing two members in an assembled state, and an image forming apparatus including these.

A perspective view of a holding fixture according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction machine using the holding fixture of FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper discharge tray unit of a multifunction machine using the holding fixture of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a holding and fixing structure in the paper discharge tray unit of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the holding | maintenance fixing structure in the paper discharge tray unit of FIG. The figure which shows the mounting method of the holding fixture in the holding fixing structure of FIG.4 and FIG.5 The figure which shows the removal method of the holding fixture in the holding fixing structure of FIG.4 and FIG.5 Sectional drawing which shows another embodiment of the holding fixing structure of the member by the holding fixture of FIG. The figure which shows the mounting method of the holding fixture in the holding fixing structure of FIG. The figure which shows the removal method of the holding fixture in the holding fixing structure of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Holding fixture 2 1st leg part 3 2nd leg part 4 Base part 6 Main body part 7 Engagement claw 8 Picking part 10 Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus)
11 Discharge tray unit 12 Top panel (first member)
13 Side panel (second member)
21 Bullet engagement piece 21a

Claims (8)

A holding fixture for holding and fixing the edge portions of two members provided with holes for assembly in at least one of them in a state of being assembled with each other,
A main body having a substantially U-shaped cross-section formed by connecting one end side of the first leg and the second leg facing the first leg at the base;
An engaging claw provided at the tip of the second leg in a state of protruding toward the first leg,
A knob provided on the outer surface side of the main body,
While grasping the knob portion and inserting the first leg portion into the hole, the second leg portion is turned to the end face side of at least one member of the two members, and the engaging claw is moved to the engaging claw. A holding fixture for holding and fixing the two members by locking one member.   The main body is elastically deformed so that the engaging claw is separated from the first leg by an operating force applied to the knob while the first leg is inserted into the hole. The holding fixture according to claim 1, wherein the engagement between the second leg portion and the member is released, and the first leg portion is pulled out from the hole.   2. The holding fixture according to claim 1, wherein the knob portion extends from at least one of the base portion and the second leg portion and protrudes toward an outer surface side of the second leg portion. .   The holding fixture according to claim 1, wherein the base, the first leg, the second leg, the engagement piece, and the knob are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material. . A first member having a hole for assembly at an end edge, a second member having a resilient locking piece locked to the periphery thereof in a state of being inserted into the hole, and the first member A holding and fixing structure comprising a holding fixture for holding and fixing the member and the second member in a state of being assembled with each other;
The holding fixture includes a main body having a substantially U-shaped cross section formed by connecting one end of a first leg and a second leg facing the first leg at a base, and An engaging claw provided at the tip of the second leg in a state of protruding to the first leg, and a knob provided on the outer surface of the main body,
Holding the knob and inserting the first leg into the hole into which the elastic locking piece is inserted, the second leg is turned around to the end face side of the first member. A holding and fixing structure in which the first member and the second member are held and fixed by locking the first member to the engaging claw.   The elastic locking piece is elastically deformed in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the hook-shaped protrusion provided at the tip thereof and inserted into the hole of the first member, and the deformation is restored to restore the hook-shaped protrusion. The holding and fixing structure according to claim 5, wherein the holding is fixed to a peripheral edge of the hole.   The main body is elastically deformed so that the engaging claw is separated from the first leg by an operating force applied to the knob while the first leg is inserted into the hole. 6. The holding and fixing structure according to claim 5, wherein the engagement between the second leg portion and the member is released, and the first leg portion is pulled out from the hole. An image forming apparatus comprising the holding fixture according to claim 1 or the holding fixture structure according to claim 5 or 7.