JP2006106722A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that is improved in workability for maintenance or the like, while achieving size reduction of the apparatus, by reducing the switching space of a closing cover. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has an apparatus body 104, comprising an image formation part for forming an image, an opening formed at the apparatus body 104, a cartridge cover 1 for opening or closing the opening, and an image reading apparatus 103 for reading the image of an original provided above the opening. The cartridge cover 1 comprises a first cover 2 that is turnably arranged on the apparatus body 104, and a second cover 3 that is arranged at the first cover 2. When the first cover 2 is turned in a direction of opening the opening with respect to the apparatus body 104, a second cover 3 is turned to the side of the apparatus body 104 with respect to the first cover 2. When the closing cover 1 opens the opening, opened state of the opening in the switching cover 1 is maintained by one's own weight. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an opening / closing cover.

  Conventionally, image forming apparatuses include multi-function printers (hereinafter referred to as “MFPs”), copiers, printers, facsimiles, and complex machines of these. Some image forming apparatuses include a replacement cover that opens and closes the apparatus main body in order to replace a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum on which a toner image is formed and a developing unit that develops the photosensitive drum. (See Patent Document 1).

  Some image forming apparatuses include an open / close cover for replacing a developing unit that develops an image forming unit (see Patent Document 2).

Patent Document 3 also describes the opening / closing cover.
JP 2001-356548 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-171327 JP 2000-66472 A

  However, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-356548 has a problem that a large space for opening and closing the replacement cover is required because the replacement cover is also used as the entire side surface.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-171327 requires a wide space for opening and closing the opening / closing cover because the opening / closing cover is bent upward and the apparatus main body is opened upward.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-66472 describes a structure in which an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document rotates. Further, as another embodiment, there is a disclosure of an opening / closing cover that is bent inward.

  However, in the embodiment in which the image reading apparatus is rotated, since the opening / closing cover is enlarged when the opening for opening / closing the opening / closing cover is increased, an area required for rotation of the opening / closing cover is increased. Therefore, the image reading apparatus has to be greatly rotated. Therefore, the operability is bad.

  Further, in the embodiment of the opening / closing cover that is bent inward in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-66472, the image forming apparatus main body must be maintained below the fixed image reading apparatus even if the opening / closing cover is rotated. So workability for maintenance is bad. In order to improve workability, it is necessary to dispose the image reading apparatus so as to be largely separated upward in the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, if the workability is improved, the size of the apparatus in the vertical direction is increased.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which workability for maintenance or the like is improved while achieving downsizing of the apparatus by reducing an opening / closing space of an opening / closing cover.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus main body including an image forming unit for forming an image, an opening formed in the apparatus main body, and an opening / closing cover for opening and closing the opening. An opening / closing cover including a first cover rotatably provided on the apparatus main body, and a second cover rotatably provided on the first cover, and provided above the opening. An image reading device that reads an image of a document, and when the first cover is rotated in a direction to open the opening with respect to the device main body, the second cover is in contact with the first cover. When the opening / closing cover opens to the main body side and the opening / closing cover opens the opening / closing cover, the opening / closing cover is kept open.

  The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body including an image forming unit that forms an image, an opening formed in the apparatus main body and communicating with the inside of the apparatus main body, and an opening / closing cover for opening and closing the opening. An opening / closing cover including a first cover rotatably provided on the apparatus main body, and a second cover rotatably provided on the first cover; and an original provided above the opening. An image reading device that reads the image of the image reading device, and the image reading device is rotatably provided in the device main body so that the upper portion of the opening can be opened. The rotation direction of the image reading device and the first cover The rotation direction is the same, and when the first cover is rotated with respect to the apparatus main body in a direction to open the opening, the second cover is rotated toward the apparatus main body with respect to the first cover. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small image forming apparatus with improved workability for maintenance and the like.

  A color multifunction printer apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “color MFP apparatus”) as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, and a complex machine of these. The image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a printer.

(Color MFP device)
A color MFP apparatus as an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. The color MFP apparatus 101 is used by the user from the right side of FIG. The color MFP apparatus 101 includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body) 104, an automatic document feeder 161, and an image reading device 103 for reading an image of the original. The apparatus main body 104 is a laser beam printer.

  In FIG. 3, the automatic document feeder 161 automatically and sequentially feeds the documents S stacked on the document table 102 to the image reading device 103, and reads the document information read by the image reading device 103 on the upper surface of the pressure plate 109. It is designed to be discharged on the back side. The pressure plate 109 presses a sheet document or book document placed on the document glass 119 against the document glass 119. The pressure plate 109 is rotatably provided to the image reading device 103 around the pressure plate shaft 109a. A support portion 109 b of the pressure plate 109 is fitted in the hole of the image reading device 103. The pressure plate 109 is detachable from the image reading device 109. That is, the support portion 109b of the pressure plate 109 can be inserted into and removed from the hole of the image reading apparatus.

  The automatic document feeder 161 includes a U-turn conveyance roller 106d described later. The automatic document feeder 161 can be rotated backward (in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. 1 and 2) with respect to the image reading device 103 to open the document glass 119. When the automatic document feeder 161 is rotated, the pressure plate 109 exposes the upper surface of the document glass 119 so that a sheet document or book document can be placed on the document glass 119. When the automatic document feeder 161 is returned to the original position, the pressure plate 109 presses the sheet document or book document placed on the document glass 119 against the document glass 119.

  The image reading apparatus 103 shown in FIG. 3 can read the original document fed by the automatic document feeder 161 by the reduction optical system reading unit 108 of the scanner 107. Further, the image reading apparatus 103 can read a sheet document or book document placed on the document glass 119 by moving the scanner 107 in the arrow B direction. The scanner 107 reciprocates with the guide shaft 114 as a guide. The image reading apparatus 103 has an operation unit 105. The operation unit 105 includes a display unit that controls the entire color MFP apparatus 100, input keys, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image reading device 103 is rotated in the direction of arrow A by the user around the reading device shaft 103 a together with the automatic document feeder 161. The reason why the image reading apparatus 103 is rotated is to perform maintenance of the apparatus main body 104 such as replacing the process cartridge 131 or the developing cartridge 133 containing toner as a toner cartridge with a new cartridge.

  The apparatus main body 104 includes a laser scanner 110, an image forming unit 111, a cassette paper feeding unit 112, an upper sheet paper discharging unit 113, a cartridge cover 1 as an open / close cover, a multi-paper (MP) paper feeding unit 125, and the like. The laser scanner 110 irradiates the image carrier 131a corresponding to each color with laser light based on image information read by the image reading device 103 or image information sent from the outside. The image carrier 131a is provided in the process cartridge 131 and is detachable from the apparatus main body.

  The image forming unit 111 forms an image on the sheet fed from the cassette paper feeding unit 112. The image forming unit 111 includes a developing cartridge 133, a process cartridge 131, a secondary transfer unit 134, and the like. Development is performed on the image carrier 131 a based on the laser beam from the laser scanner 110 by the toner of each color stored in the developing cartridge 133. The cassette paper feeding unit 112 feeds the stored sheets one by one to the pre-transfer roller pair 124. The upper sheet discharge unit 113 is also used as the upper surface cover of the apparatus main body 104 and the cartridge cover 1, and is configured to stack a plurality of sheets P.

  In FIG. 3, the document feeder 106 of the automatic document feeder 161, the document S stacked on the document table 102, one by one with a separation pad 106 b and a separation roller 106 a with which the separation pad 106 b is pressed. To separate. A U-turn sheet constituted by a part of the outer document guide 116 and the inner document guide 118 by a conveying roller 106c pressed by a not-shown pressing spring and a U-turn conveying roller 106d to which the conveying roller 106c is pressed. The separated original is transported to the path. Further, the document conveying unit 106 includes a reduction roller of the image reading device 103, which includes a sheet feeding roller 106e pressed by a not-shown pressing spring and a U-turn conveyance roller 106d to which the sheet feeding roller 105e is pressed. It is conveyed to the system reading unit 108.

  The document S is pressed to the reading position of the reduction optical system reading unit 108 by the elasticity of the document pressing plate of the document pressing unit (not shown), and the image information of the document S is read by the image reading device 103. Thereafter, the automatic document feeder 161 discharges the document S onto the pressure plate 109 by the discharge roller 106g pressed by the pressing spring and the discharge roller 106h with which the discharge roller 106g is pressed. During this time, the original S is guided by the outer original guide 116 and the inner original guide 118 in the above-described conveyance of the original S.

  The document table 102 is provided with a pair of sliders 102a (in FIG. 3, they appear to overlap with each other) that can slide in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the document S (the width direction of the document S). ing. The pair of sliders 102 a are moved closer to and away from each other by the user and moved closer to each other, so that both sides of the document S stacked on the document placing table 102 can be aligned.

  In the image reading apparatus 103, the reduction optical system reading unit 108 is a part that irradiates the image information surface of the document S with irradiation light from an LED array serving as a light source provided in the scanner 107. The image reading device 103 reduces the reflected light reflected from the image information surface with a mirror and a lens and forms an image on the CCD, thereby reading the image information of the document.

  The scanner 107 of the image reading apparatus 103 can read the document S placed on the document glass 119 by moving it under the document glass 119 with a drive motor (not shown) with the guide shaft 114 as a guide. The document placed on the document glass 119 is pressed against the document glass 119 by the pressure plate 109 to prevent the document from being lifted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cassette paper feeding unit 112 is disposed at the bottom of the apparatus main body 104. Sheets are stacked on the middle plate 112e of the paper feed cassette 112a. The middle plate 112e is pushed upward by the middle leaf spring 112f. Accordingly, the sheets are pressed against the semicircular sheet feeding roller 112b by the intermediate plate 112e and separated into sheets (friction piece separation method) one by one by the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 112b and the friction of the separation pad 112c. The paper is fed out from the paper feed cassette 112a.

  The separated sheet P is detected at the leading edge by a top (TOP) sensor 124f after a predetermined time. If the TOP sensor 124f does not detect the leading edge of the sheet P within a predetermined time after the sheet supply is started, the control unit (not shown) determines that a jam has occurred and displays that the sheet jam has occurred in the operation unit 105. Let

  A latent image is formed by the laser scanner 110 on an image carrier (photosensitive drum) 131a which is a drum-shaped photosensitive member provided in the process cartridge 131. The latent image is developed with toner by the developing cartridge 133 that is rotated to the developing position facing the image carrier 131a by the rotation of the revolving drum 132, which is a rotation type developing cartridge switching mechanism, and becomes a toner image. The toner image on the image carrier 131a is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 131b by the primary transfer unit 131c.

  The intermediate transfer belt 131b is circulated by a driving roller 131d in the process cartridge 131. The drive roller 131 d is rotated by a drive source of the recording apparatus main body 104. The latent image forming process, latent image developing process, and primary transfer process are successively repeated for each of the developing cartridges 133Y, 133M, 133C, and 133Bk. As a result, a multicolor image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 131b. Next, in the secondary transfer unit 134, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 131 b is transferred to the sheet P sent from the cassette paper feeding unit 112. At this time, the sheet is sent to the secondary transfer unit 134 by the pre-transfer roller pair 124e at a timing that matches the position of the toner image so that the toner image is transferred to a predetermined position.

  The developing cartridges 133Y, 133M, 133C, and 133Bk for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the developing cartridges of the respective colors have the same configuration, the reference numeral “133” is used.

  The developing cartridge 133 includes a developing sleeve 133a that is a developer carrying member, a developing blade 133b, a developer accommodating portion 133d, a cartridge frame 133g, and the like. The developing sleeve 133 a is rotated by a driving source of the recording apparatus main body 104. Both ends of the developing cartridge 133 are fixed to the revolution drum 132 by protrusions 133f. The protrusion 133f is provided so as to protrude outward from the cartridge frame 133g of the developing cartridge 133. Further, on the end surface in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame 133g of the developing cartridge 133, a driving connecting member (not shown) that is engaged with and disengaged from the driving connecting member of the apparatus main body 104, and a developing bias from the high voltage power source of the apparatus main body 104 to the developing sleeve 133a. A contact portion (not shown) for applying the voltage is provided.

  The revolution drum 132 holds the developing cartridge 133 and rotates. The revolution drum 132 includes a disk side plate 132a, a driving side plate (not shown), and mounting portions 132c of the developing cartridge 133 at four positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on both side plates 132a. 104 is rotatably provided. Further, a flag (not shown) corresponding to the color of the toner stored in the storage portion of the developing cartridge 133 is provided on the side surface of the side plate 132a of each developing cartridge 133. This flag (not shown) crosses a photo sensor (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body by the revolution of the revolution drum 132. This photo sensor is a revolution sensor that detects the revolution position of the revolution drum 132. A gear is formed on the outer periphery of the revolution drum 132. The revolution drum 132 is rotated by a developing motor (not shown), and stops at a developing position where the developing sleeve 133a of each developing cartridge 133Y, 133M, 133C, 133Bk faces the image carrier 131a.

  Further, the image information of the sheet P is fixed by the fixing unit 141, and is discharged to the upper sheet discharge unit 113 by the discharge roller 151. The side end surface of the sheet P is regulated by a sheet regulating plate (not shown) that is mounted so as to be movable according to the sheet size, so that skew and non-feeding do not occur. The image is recorded on the lower surface side of the sheets P stacked on the paper feed cassette 112a.

  The presence or absence of the sheet P is detected by a cassette sensor (not shown). The number of sheets that can be stacked in the cassette 112a is about 250 sheets. The cassette 112a is pulled out in the front direction (the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1) with respect to the apparatus main body 104 (front loading method). In addition, the stackable sheet sizes are A4, A5, B5, letter, and legal.

  In addition, the color MFP apparatus 101 has an MP (multi-paper) sheet feeding unit 125 on the front surface of the apparatus main body 104. The MP paper feeding unit 125 has an MP tray 125f that can be opened and closed. The MP tray 125f also serves as a front cover. The MP tray 125f is provided so that the MP extension tray 125e for supporting the sheet protruding from the MP tray 125f can be pulled out. The MP intermediate plate (not shown) is urged upward by an MP intermediate plate spring (not shown), but is pushed down to a standby state by a cam (not shown) so that the sheets P are stacked.

  When a signal for starting MP sheet feeding is issued from a control unit (not shown) of the color MFP apparatus 101, a cam (not shown) rotates to release the MP middle plate (not shown) being pressed. The sheets P stacked on the MP intermediate plate are fed from the MP intermediate plate by the semicircular MP paper supply roller 125a and sandwiched between the MP paper supply roller 125a and the MP separation pad 125b one by one. (Friction piece separation method) and conveyed. The sheet P separated into one sheet is continuously conveyed by pressure contact with the MP sheet feeding roller 125a and the MP separation pad 125b, and is delivered to the pre-transfer roller pair 124e.

  If the TOP sensor 124f does not detect the leading edge of the sheet P within a predetermined time after the sheet supply is started, the control unit (not shown) determines that a jam has occurred in the sheet. The control unit that has determined that the jam has occurred stops the sheet conveyance operation of the color MFP apparatus 101 and displays on the operation unit 105 that a sheet jam has occurred.

  Further, the sheet P continues to be conveyed after reaching the pre-transfer roller pair 124e, and the leading edge position is detected by the TOP sensor 124f. The sheet P whose tip position is detected is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 134 at a timing so that the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 131b can be transferred to a predetermined position on the sheet.

  The MP paper feeding unit 125 is not provided with a registration mechanism. For this reason, the sheet P is prevented from skewing and non-feeding because its side end surface is regulated by a sheet regulating plate (not shown) that is movably mounted according to the sheet size. The image is recorded on the sheet stacked on the MP tray 125f or on the upper surface side of the stacked sheet P.

  The presence or absence of the sheet P is detected by an MP sensor (not shown). The number of stackable sheets of the MP sheet feeding unit 125 is about 100 sheets. The color MFP apparatus 101 includes the MP sheet feeding unit 125, so that a postcard or a business card can be added to the sheet size that can be fed.

  Further, the cassette sheet feeding unit 112 and a second-stage cassette sheet feeding unit (not shown) having the same structure as the cassette sheet feeding unit 112 can be separated and combined as options. The number of sheets that can be stacked in the entire apparatus can be changed from about 250 sheets to about 600 sheets.

(Cartridge cover of color MFP device)
As shown in FIG. 7, the process cartridge 131 and the developing cartridge 133 can be taken out from the attachment / detachment opening 135 of the apparatus main body 104 when the cartridge cover 1 is opened. The attachment / detachment opening 135 is an opening of the present invention formed in the apparatus main body 104.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the color MFP apparatus 101 with the cartridge cover 1 closed. 5 to 7 are cross-sectional views of the color MFP apparatus 101 when the cartridge cover 1 is opened. The cartridge cover 1 as an open / close cover has a first cover 2 and a second cover 3 as cover members. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge cover 1 in a state where the cartridge cover 1 closes the attachment / detachment opening. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge cover 1 in a state in which the cartridge cover 1 has an opening for attachment / detachment.

  The first cover 2 is connected to the apparatus main body 104 by a shaft 2 a provided on one end side of the first cover 2 and a bearing portion 4 a provided on a top (TOP) cover 4 that is an upper cover of the apparatus main body 104. It can be rotated about 90 degrees or more. The attachment / detachment port 135 can be opened by rotating the first cover 2. A bearing portion 2 b is provided at the other end of the first cover 2. The second cover 3 has a shaft 3a on the first cover 2 side. A bearing 2b provided on the first cover 2 holds a shaft 3a provided on the second cover 3 so as to be rotatable. That is, the second cover 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the first cover 2 about the shaft 3a.

  When the first cover 2 is rotated with respect to the apparatus main body 104 in the direction of opening the attachment / detachment opening, the second cover 3 is rotated toward the apparatus main body 104 with respect to the first cover 2.

  The mating portions 2e and 3c of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 overlap each other. Since the mating portions 2e and 3c are combined, they cannot be rotated in the opening direction. That is, the cartridge cover 1 is bent only inward. The mating portions 2 e and 3 c are stoppers that prevent the second cover 2 from rotating to the opposite side of the apparatus main body 104 with respect to the first cover 2. That is, when the cartridge cover 1 closes the attachment / detachment opening 135, the mating portions 2e and 3c have a shape along the attachment / detachment opening 135 and serve as a stopper that prevents the cartridge cover 1 from bending in a direction away from the attachment / detachment opening 135. Yes.

  Further, the overlapping portions 2e and 3c of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 are overlapped, so that even when the laser beam is reflected by a foreign matter or the like and goes to the outside of the apparatus, it does not leak to the outside of the apparatus. Further, since the cartridge cover 1 is configured to close the attachment / detachment opening 135 while keeping the shape along the attachment / detachment opening 135, the attachment / detachment opening 135 can be easily closed by the weight of the cartridge cover 1.

  Further, the rotation range of the cartridge cover 1 is restricted by the second cover stopper 3d of the second cover 3 coming into contact with the first cover 3 even in the closing direction (see FIG. 9). When the cartridge cover 1 opens the attachment / detachment opening (the state shown in FIG. 9), the angle of the second cover 2 with respect to the first cover 2 is held at a predetermined angle. When the cartridge cover 1 is closed after the cartridge cover 1 is opened, the angle of the second cover 3 with respect to the first cover 2 does not become smaller than a predetermined angle (see FIG. 10).

  As shown in FIG. 5, an image reading apparatus 103 is rotatably provided in the apparatus main body 104 so that the upper part of the attachment / detachment opening can be opened. The rotation direction of the image reading device 103 and the rotation direction of the first cover 2 are the same.

  A stopper receiver 103 a is provided below the image reading device 103. As shown in FIG. 6, when the image reading apparatus 103 is to be closed while the cartridge cover 1 is opened, the stopper receiver 103 a is engaged with the stopper (engaging portion) 2 c of the first cover 2. However, the image reading apparatus 103 cannot be closed alone. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a hand or an object from being sandwiched between the second cover 3 and the TOP cover 4. The stopper 2c of the first cover 2 is a stopper that prevents the image reading device 103 from being closed when the image reading device 103 and the cartridge cover 1 are opened. That is, the stopper 2c restricts the rotation of the image reading apparatus 103 in the closing direction with the cartridge cover 1 opened.

  The top surface of the TOP cover 4, particularly the periphery of the attachment / detachment opening 135, and particularly the tip of the second cover 3 are formed smoothly with respect to the closing direction of the second cover 3. When the TOP cover 4 and the tip of the second cover 3 are made smooth, for example, the cartridge cover 1 is bent in the shape of a “<” as shown in FIG. Even when the hand is released, the cartridge cover 1 slides on the TOP cover 4 with its own weight. Therefore, when the cartridge cover 1 slides on the upper surface of the TOP cover, the attachment / detachment port 135 can be easily and reliably closed. At this time, the lock of the second cover 3 with respect to the apparatus main body 104 is set to a strength at which the cartridge cover 1 is closed by its own weight.

  In the vicinity of the shaft 3a provided on the second cover 3, contact portions 2d and 3b (FIG. 8) are provided on the first cover 2 and the second cover 3, respectively. The contact portions 2d and 3b are configured to contact the facing portion 4b of the TOP cover 4 in a state where the cartridge cover 1 closes the TOP cover 4. Even if the mating portions 2e and 3c of the first cover 2 and the second cover 3 are pressed from above in FIG. 8, they are received by the facing portion 4b. For this reason, the force is not concentrated only on the second cover bearing portion 2 b of the first cover 2 and the first cover side shaft 3 a of the second cover 3. With such a configuration, the cartridge cover 1 is prevented from being damaged. Here, the cover is overlapped so that the laser light does not leak outside even if the laser light is accidentally reflected by a foreign object or the like.

  Further, it is not necessary to provide each cover with an interlock switch 136 as a stop switch for preventing malfunction when the cartridge cover 1 is open. That is, one interlock switch can be provided, and the cost equivalent to that when the cartridge cover 1 is integrally formed can be realized.

  That is, only one interlock switch as a detection sensor for detecting opening and closing of the cartridge cover 1 is provided for all divided cover members. This can prevent an increase in cost due to the division of the cartridge cover 1 into a plurality of parts. At this time, an interlock switch is provided on the frontmost cover among the plurality of cover members, and the opening / closing of the cartridge cover 1 is detected based on the position of the frontmost cover. When a cover in the middle of the plurality of cover members deviates from the normal operation position, the interlock switch does not detect the cover open state because the cover is displaced from the detection position. Such a malfunction can be prevented. Further, by providing an interlock switch at the base of the first cover 2, it can be arranged in a place where it is most difficult to touch, and erroneous detection can be prevented. When it is provided at the base portion of the first cover 2, the second cover 3 cannot be made alone because it cannot be bent outward, so that safety can be ensured. Further, in order to ensure the safety of the user when the cartridge cover 1 is opened, the strength of the divided portion of the second cover 3 and the strength of the support portion that is pivotally supported to enable the rotation of the second cover 3 are increased. In normal use, it is not damaged. The interlock switch 136 detects that the cartridge cover 1 is open and issues a signal for stopping the operation of the image forming unit 111 when the cartridge cover 1 is open.

  The cartridge cover 1 is divided into a plurality of sheets of a first cover 2 and a second cover 3 so that the covers 2 and 3 can be folded inward, so that the upper part of the apparatus main body 104 necessary for opening and closing the cartridge cover 1 is provided. Opening and closing space can be reduced. In particular, the height of the open / close space can be reduced.

  As a result, when the color MFP apparatus 101 is used alone, the space required for the apparatus main body 104 can be made smaller than before, and when the apparatus main body 104 is installed on a shelf, the shelf situation can be reduced, It is possible to narrow the shelf interval.

  Further, when the automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 are provided above the recording apparatus main body 104, the image reading apparatus 103 can be disposed close to the recording apparatus main body 104. Therefore, the color MFP apparatus 101 can be reduced in size in the height direction.

  The automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 are provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body 104. Since the open / close space of the cartridge cover 1 can be reduced as described above, the opening angle between the automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 can be reduced. Therefore, the automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 can be easily opened and closed.

  The opening angle between the automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 can be reduced. Therefore, when the automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 are rotated in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 to release the pressure plate 109 from the original glass 119 and open the original glass 119, the pressure plate 109 can be reached. There will be no disappearance.

  Further, in order to simplify the mounting structure of the pressure plate 109 with respect to the automatic document feeder 161, in this embodiment, the pressure plate 109 is inserted into and removed from the automatic document feeder 161. Since the opening angle between the automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 can be reduced as described above, the pressure plate 109 can be prevented from falling off the automatic document feeder 161. That is, even when the image reading apparatus is rotated with the pressure plate 109 opened, the image reading apparatus 103 is not rotated more than a predetermined angle so that the pressure plate 109 does not fall.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge cover 1 is held in a state of being bent into a “<” shape when the attachment / detachment opening 135 is opened. The center of gravity G of the cartridge cover 1 is set at a position where the protruding piece 2g provided on the first cover 2 is received by a receiving portion 104a as a restricting member provided on the apparatus main body 104 and can maintain a bent state. When the cartridge cover 1 opens the attachment / detachment opening, the cartridge cover 1 is maintained in its open state by its own weight. As a result, the process cartridge 131 and the developing cartridge 133 can be easily replaced while the cartridge cover 11 is open.

  The second cover 3 is held so that the rotation angle of the second cover 3 with respect to the first cover 2 in a state where the rotation of the first cover 2 is restricted by the receiving portion 104a becomes a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is such that when the cartridge cover 1 is closed from the state where the rotation of the first cover 2 is restricted, the second cover 3 does not rotate toward the apparatus main body with respect to the first cover 2. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the automatic document feeder 161 and the image reading device 103 are opened, the wire 160 as a connecting means for opening the cartridge cover 11 in conjunction with the image reading device 103 is connected to the image reading device 103. And the cartridge cover 11 may be provided. When the image reading apparatus 103 is opened by the wire 60, the cartridge cover 11 is also opened in conjunction with each other, so that the process cartridge 131 and the developing cartridge 133 can be easily exchanged. The connecting means for interlocking the cartridge cover 1 by the rotation of the image reading device 103 in the direction to open the top of the attachment / detachment opening is not limited to the wire 160, and a chain or a link mechanism may be used.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the color MFP apparatus 101 according to this embodiment with the cartridge cover 1 closed. The cartridge cover 1 is configured to stack sheets. Further, if two ribs 2f formed in two steps only on the first cover 2 are provided inside the width of the standard paper, when the standard paper (A4 and LTR in this embodiment) is discharged, the two standard papers are removed. It is possible to improve the stackability by forming a curl shape between the ribs 2f. In addition, when a sheet with a curled leading edge is discharged, the leading edge can be suppressed by the second-stage protrusion when the first-stage protrusion is exceeded, and good stacking is possible.

  Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the color MFP apparatus according to the present embodiment with the cartridge cover 701 closed. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the color MFP apparatus according to this embodiment with the cartridge cover 701 opened. The color MFP apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the color MFP apparatus 101 described above only in the configuration of the cartridge cover. The configuration different from the color MFP apparatus 101 will be described in detail below, and the description of the same configuration is omitted.

  12 and 13, a cartridge cover 701 serving as an opening / closing cover includes a first cover 702 and a second cover 703.

  The first cover 702 has a shaft 702a provided on the image forming apparatus main body 104 side. A TOP cover 704 that is an upper cover of the image forming apparatus main body 104 is provided with a bearing portion 704a that rotatably holds the shaft 702a. The first cover 702 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 104 by a bearing portion 704a. The first cover 702 can be opened 90 degrees or more.

  The first cover 702 has a bearing portion 2b. The second cover 703 has a shaft 703a on the first cover 702 side. By the bearing portion 2b of the first cover 702, the second cover 703 is pivotally supported with respect to the first cover 702 about the shaft 703a. That is, the 1st cover 702 hold | maintains the 2nd cover 703 rotatably.

  The mating portions 702e and 703c of the first cover 702 and the second cover 703 overlap each other.

  The opening angle of the cartridge cover 701 is set to an angle at which the open state can be maintained by the weight of the first cover 702 and the second cover 703 when the cartridge cover 701 is left in the open state. The protruding piece 702g provided on the first cover 702 is received by a receiving portion 104a as a restricting member of the apparatus main body 104, and the rotation of the first cover 702 in the opening direction is restricted by the receiving portion 104a. The cartridge cover 2 is kept open with the protruding piece 702g of the first cover 702 being in contact with the receiving portion 104a. The center of gravity of the cartridge cover 701 (the center of gravity of the first cover 702 and the second cover 703) is maintained at a position where the cartridge cover 701 is kept open in a state where the protrusion 702g and the receiving portion 704a are in contact with each other. Is set.

  Even when only the image reading device 103 is to be closed from the state in which the image reading device 103 and the cartridge cover 701 are opened, the force is transmitted by the image reading device 103 in the direction in which the cartridge cover 701 is closed. That is, when the image reading apparatus 103 is closed from the state where the image reading apparatus 103 and the opening / closing cover are opened, the cartridge cover 701 is closed by contacting the image reading apparatus 103.

  When the image reading device 103 and the cartridge cover 701 are opened and then the image reading device 103 is to be closed, the cover guide 705 provided in the image reading device 103 contacts the end of the first cover 702 (see FIG. 13). When the image reading device 103 is rotated in the closing direction, the rotational force P of the image reading device 103 is divided into a component force P 1 in the direction perpendicular to the cover guide 705 with respect to the first cover 702. The first cover 702 is supported by a shaft 702a. The component force P1 is divided into a component force P2 in a direction orthogonal to the line connecting the axis 702a that is the pivot point of the first cover 702 and the point of application of the component force P1. Therefore, when the image reading device 103 and the end of the first cover 702 come into contact with each other, a force is applied to the cartridge cover 701 in the direction in which the cartridge cover 701 is closed. The cover guide 705 has a shape in which the rotational force P of the image reading apparatus 103 becomes a force for closing the cartridge cover 701. During the rotation of the image reading apparatus 103 in the closing direction, the cover guide 705 and the end of the first cover 702 are in sliding contact. As the cover guide 705 rotates in the closing direction, the first cover 702 (cartridge cover 701) is moved in the closing direction (see FIG. 14). Note that the cover guide 705 can also be configured by a frame of the image reading apparatus 103.

  When the position of the center of gravity of the cartridge cover 701 exceeds the rotation shaft 2a of the first cover 702, the cartridge cover 701 is closed by its own weight (see FIG. 15).

  Here, in this embodiment, the length of the second cover 703 is longer than the length of the first cover 702. Even when the cartridge cover 701 is opened, the tip of the second cover 703 is in contact with the TOP cover 704. When a closing force is applied to the cartridge cover 701, the tip of the second cover 703 slides on the top surface of the TOP cover 704, and the second cover 703 rotates in a direction away from the attachment / detachment opening with respect to the first cover 702. Therefore, the cartridge cover 701 is prevented from being closed in a folded state.

  When the cartridge cover 701 is opened, the tip of the first cover 703 is always in contact with the TOP cover 704. Therefore, even when the cartridge cover 701 is closed without the operator being aware of it, it is possible to prevent an object from being caught between the cartridge cover 701 and the apparatus main body 104 and being damaged. The The sound generated when the cartridge cover 701 is closed can also be reduced.

  A damper D is provided between the first cover 702 and the second cover 703. The damper D generates a rotational resistance of the cartridge 701 when the cartridge cover 701 is closed. The damper D suppresses its own weight drop when the cartridge cover 701 is closed, and improves the texture when the cartridge cover 701 is closed. Also, the sound when the cartridge cover 701 is closed unintentionally can be made extremely small.

  A one-way damper may be provided between the first cover 702 and the second cover 703. When the cartridge cover 701 is closed, the weight drop is suppressed, the texture is improved, the sound is reduced, and the cartridge cover 701 can be opened lightly. At this time, since the moment with respect to the weight of the cartridge cover 1 is smaller than when the cartridge cover 1 is attached to the integrated cover, the texture can be improved and the noise can be reduced with a cheaper damper.

  The top surface of the TOP cover 704 and the tip of the second cover 703 are configured smoothly with respect to the closing direction of the second cover 703. By making the steps of the mating portions 702e and 703c concave on the downstream side with respect to the closing direction, the cartridge cover 701 is closed by its own weight even if it is released in the process of closing the cartridge cover 701. In addition, the cartridge cover 701 can be prevented from being closed. At this time, the lock of the second cover 703 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 104 is set to a strength that closes by the weight of the cartridge cover 701.

  By making the image reading device 103 pivotable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 104, the image reading apparatus 103 can be further arranged closer to the image forming apparatus main body 104. Therefore, the color MFP apparatus can be made smaller. The opening angle of the image reading apparatus 103 can be reduced.

  In the above-described two embodiments, the configuration in which the cartridge cover 1 is two has been described, but the same effect can be obtained by adjusting the opening angle even in the case of three or more cartridge covers.

  When there are a plurality of second covers, the plurality of second covers are connected to the first cover so that the plurality of second covers can be bent continuously, and are folded and overlapped with the surface of the first cover on the apparatus main body side. Therefore, even if the image reading apparatus is not on the upper part, for example, when it is installed on a shelf, it is possible to use the space of the shelf effectively by reducing the interval between the shelf steps. Further, even in an image forming apparatus having an image reading apparatus provided on the top, the height of the apparatus main body can be reduced while widening the opening for attaching and detaching a cartridge or the like to improve operability. .

  In the above-described two embodiments, the configuration in which both the process cartridge provided with the image carrier and the developing cartridge as the toner cartridge can be taken out from the attachment / detachment port is illustrated. However, the present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which one of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body through the attachment / detachment opening.

  Further, the color MFP apparatus 101 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a configuration in which four developing cartridges are provided for one drum provided in the process cartridge. However, for example, the present invention is applicable to a color electrophotographic recording apparatus having a configuration including four process cartridges, a configuration including a plurality of developing cartridges, and a configuration including a process cartridge having an intermediate transfer belt. it can. Further, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus in which a cartridge for holding a photosensitive member also includes a process cartridge in which toner is accommodated, which is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. In such a color electrophotographic recording apparatus, the entire cartridge or a part of the cartridge is replaced from above. In order to reduce the height of the device, this process can be applied to any device that opens the upper cover of the recording unit, such as a monochrome electrophotographic recording device in which the process cartridge is placed flat and the process cartridge can be replaced from above. The invention is effective.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge cover has a plurality of cover members connected in series. Since the remaining cover member is rotatable on the apparatus main body side of the cover member that is rotatably provided on the apparatus main body among the plurality of cover members, the open / close region of the cartridge cover, particularly the open / close region The height can be lowered and narrowed.

1 is a side view of a color MFP apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a printer unit is cut away. 1 is a perspective view of a color MFP apparatus. 2 is a front sectional view of an image reading unit of a color MFP apparatus. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a guide mechanism of the developing cartridge. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which an image reading unit and a cartridge cover are opened in the color MFP apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the cartridge cover is caught by a stopper in the state in which the image reading unit and the cartridge cover are opened in the color MFP apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where a cartridge cover is opened and a process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the cartridge cover closes the attachment / detachment port. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the cartridge cover has opened an attachment / detachment port. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the second cover of the cartridge cover is in contact with the TOP cover and the cartridge cover is bent inward. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where sheets are stacked on the rib of the cartridge cover. Sectional drawing which shows another form. Sectional drawing which shows another form. Sectional drawing which shows another form. Sectional drawing which shows another form.

Explanation of symbols

1 Cartridge cover (open / close cover)
2 First Cover 3 Second Cover 103 Image Reading Device 104 Device Body 135 Removable Port

Claims (13)

An apparatus body including an image forming unit for forming an image;
An opening formed in the device body;
An opening / closing cover for opening and closing the opening, the opening / closing cover comprising: a first cover pivotally provided on the apparatus body; and a second cover pivotally provided on the first cover. A cover,
An image reading device provided above the opening and reading an image of a document,
When the first cover is rotated in the direction of opening the opening with respect to the apparatus main body, the second cover is rotated toward the opening with respect to the first cover,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing cover opens the opening, the opening / closing cover maintains the opening opened.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing cover opens the opening, the opening / closing cover maintains a state in which the opening is opened by its own weight. The image reading device is rotatably provided in the device main body so that the upper part of the opening can be opened,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rotation direction of the image reading device and a rotation direction of the first cover are the same. When the opening / closing cover opens the opening, an angle of the second cover with respect to the first cover is maintained at a predetermined angle,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing cover is closed from a state where the opening / closing cover is opened, an angle of the second cover with respect to the first cover is not smaller than the predetermined angle.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper that prevents the second cover from rotating to the opposite side of the opening with respect to the first cover.   The image according to claim 3, wherein when the image reading device is closed from a state where the image reading device and the opening / closing cover are opened, the opening / closing cover is closed by contacting the image reading device. Forming equipment. The image reading device is rotatably provided in the device main body so that the upper part of the opening can be opened,
The opening / closing cover has an engaging portion that engages with the image reading device when the image reading device and the opening / closing cover are opened, and the image reading device is closed in a state in which the opening / closing cover is opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion restricts rotation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a connecting unit for interlocking the opening / closing cover by the rotation of the image reading device in a direction to open the opening.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a damper that is provided between the first cover and the second cover and generates a rotation resistance of the opening / closing cover when the opening / closing cover is closed. apparatus. The second cover is longer than the first cover,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a front end of the second cover is in contact with the apparatus main body in a state where the opening / closing cover opens the opening.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing cover closes the opening / closing cover from a state where the opening is open, an end of the second cover is in sliding contact with the apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of an image carrier and a toner cartridge mounted in the apparatus main body is taken out from the apparatus main body from the opening. An apparatus body including an image forming unit for forming an image;
An opening formed in the apparatus body and communicating with the interior of the apparatus body;
An opening / closing cover for opening and closing the opening, the opening / closing cover comprising: a first cover pivotally provided on the apparatus body; and a second cover pivotally provided on the first cover. A cover,
An image reading device provided above the opening and reading an image of a document,
The image reading device is rotatably provided in the device main body so that the upper part of the opening can be opened,
The rotation direction of the image reading device and the rotation direction of the first cover are the same;
The image forming apparatus, wherein when the first cover is rotated with respect to the apparatus main body in a direction to open the opening, the second cover is rotated toward the apparatus main body with respect to the first cover. .

Images