JP2007079061A - Equipment carrying handle and image forming apparatus provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a handle which has a strength capable of surely carrying equipment and can implement the reinforcement of an equipment main body, without causing the increase of wasteful cost and weight by considering the improvement of the strength of an equipment structure through the use of the strength required for the handle, and to provide an image forming apparatus provided with the handle. <P>SOLUTION: The equipment carrying handle which is fitted to the equipment, to be used when the equipment is carried is movable between a position where the equipment carrying handle is stored in an equipment main body A and a position where the equipment carrying handle is extended to the outside of the equipment, when the equipment is carried. The equipment carrying handle can be fixed 17 to the equipment main body A and serves as a reinforcing member 14 for the structure of the equipment main body A, when the equipment carrying handle is stored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus carrying handle used for carrying heavy equipment, and an image forming apparatus such as a copier having the apparatus carrying handle or a printer having an image reading apparatus.

As in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a transport handle is provided on the device itself for use when transporting a relatively heavy device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Usually, the time for which the handle for carrying the device (hereinafter referred to as the “handle”) is used is extremely short compared to the life of the device, but it must have sufficient strength so that the carrier is not injured by the deformation of the handle during transportation. You need to prepare what you have.
However, as described above, since the handle is not normally used, it is often designed to be as small, cheap, and light as possible while having the necessary minimum strength (because small, cheap, and light equipment is required). In image forming apparatuses, a handle obtained by processing a sheet metal into a U-shape is often used.
Conventional techniques related to the handle include a method for easily fixing the handle described in Patent Document 1 and a method for storing the handle disclosed in Patent Document 2, but the advantages obtained by providing the handle are as follows. It is only convenience that it can be used during transportation.
Patent Document 3 discloses a method of using the handle for purposes other than transportation, but is limited to use of options that are not very common. Moreover, there is little necessity for the shared member to be a handle. Patent Document 4 proposes an arrangement in which the handle provided in the apparatus is less deformed when the apparatus is lifted.
JP 2002-307781 A JP 2000-258969 A JP 2002-040734 A JP 2004-240444 A

However, it is the structure on the device side that tends to be deformed or damaged when carrying the device while holding the handle, and it is a passive method to avoid deformation or damage by devising the arrangement of the handle. I can say that. Further, the part where the handle is arranged is limited to a narrow range in consideration of the weight balance during transportation, but changing the arrangement position of the handle also affects the arrangement of other components.
In addition, the strength of the handle of the device is an important advantage, but since it is not used except during use (during transportation), a device for utilizing the strength of the handle for purposes other than transportation is desired.
Therefore, the present invention aims to improve the strength of the device structure by utilizing the strength required for the handle. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a handle that has strength capable of reliably transporting a device and can reinforce the device main body without causing unnecessary cost and weight increase.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the handle for carrying an apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 is a handle for carrying the apparatus mounted on the apparatus, wherein the handle for carrying the apparatus is stored in the apparatus main body. And a position extending to the outside of the device for transportation, can be fixed to the device body during storage, and is a reinforcing member of the structure of the device body Features.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the handle is configured using a metal bar.
A third aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising the handle according to the first or second aspect.
The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in claim 3, the handle is mounted on a bottom plate of the device main body.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the handle according to the third aspect is characterized in that the handle is disposed on a surface of the device main body having an opening.
The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in claim 3, the handle is rotatably supported by the structure of the device main body.
The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in claim 6, the handle is in a retracted state when the gripping portion is rotated in the direction of gravity, and is arranged for transportation when the gripping portion is rotated in the antigravity direction. And

  According to the present invention, the carrying handle mounted on the device is movable between the storage position in the device main body and the device transporting position outside the device, and is in relation to the device main body at the time of storage. Furthermore, since this handle is a reinforcing member for the device body structure, the weight of the device and the equipment cost can be reduced compared to the usual case of adding a handle-specific or reinforcing-only member. A handle advantageous for reduction can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a general image forming apparatus as an example of a device to which a handle of the present invention is attached.
In the image forming process in the image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. 1, an original image is optically read by the scanner unit 10, and the photoelectrically converted image data is subjected to image processing by an image processing unit (not shown).
The image data subjected to the image processing is irradiated as a laser beam emitted from the exposure apparatus 1 to the latent image carrier 2a constituting the process cartridge 2 including the latent image carrier 2a and the developing unit 2b. The electrostatic latent image formed on the latent image carrier 2a by the irradiation of the laser light is developed with toner supplied from the developing unit 2b to become a toner image, and this toner image is transferred to the transfer device 3 (transfer belt, transfer member). Is transferred onto a transfer belt 3a.
Next, the sheet delivered from the sheet feeding unit 6 passes through the leading edge correction unit 5 and moves to the secondary transfer unit 4. The toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 3 a is transferred onto the paper in the secondary transfer unit 4, subsequently fixed on the paper in the heat fixing unit 7, and discharged from the discharge port 8 to the paper stacking unit 9.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the housing structure of the image forming apparatus of FIG. Next, the housing structure of the image forming apparatus A will be described with reference to FIG. Generally, the structure of the image forming apparatus A is fixed to a bottom plate (base) 13 with substantially plate-shaped structures (side plates) 11 and 12 facing each other, and a reinforcing member (stay) 14 is provided between the side plates 11 and 12. There are many things that are fixed in the structure.
In FIG. 2, a process cartridge 2 including a latent image carrier and a developing unit, a transfer device 3 for transferring an image developed by the developing unit from the latent image carrier, and a heat fixing unit 7 are shown in a state pulled out from the structure. The handle 15 is disposed so as to protrude from both ends of the bottom plate 13 in the longitudinal direction.
Depending on the size of the device and the weight of the parts included in this structure, it is possible to add stays within the specified device weight or to increase the thickness of each part to enhance the connection such as welding. It is common to do. The strength member is made of metal.
On the other hand, in a small and light apparatus, the structure composed of the base 13, the side plates 11, 12 and the stay 14 is configured as a resin integrated type or a configuration equivalent thereto.
The above structure has the first purpose of correctly holding the contained parts in the desired position, so that the structure is not affected by deformations due to the weight of the parts, installation conditions (twisting), deterioration over time, etc. Is required.
Problems caused by the deformation of the structure include the occurrence of an oblique image due to the scanner unit 10 not being held horizontally, abnormal wear and abnormal noise at the drive part in the apparatus, and the oblique image or paper due to the paper being conveyed obliquely. Clogging and the like are generally known.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the handle at the time of storage. FIG. 4 is a top view showing the handle during transportation. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of FIG. 4 viewed from the direction of the arrow. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the right corner of FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view showing the first embodiment of the lock structure of the handle. FIG. 8 is a schematic partial view showing a second embodiment of the lock structure of the handle.
3 to 8, the case where the handle 15 (15a, 15b) of the present invention is applied to the structure of the image forming apparatus will be described as an example. The handle 15 is attached to the bottom plate 13 of the image forming apparatus, and is configured to be displaceable at two positions during storage in FIG. 3 and during transportation in FIG.
3, 5, and 6, the support provided on the handle holding member 16 (16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d, 16 e, 16 f) fixed along two opposing edges on the bottom plate (base) 13. The form which supports the rod-shaped part of the handle 15 slidably in the empty space is shown. A stopper 18 is attached to an appropriate position of the handle 15 (FIG. 6) to regulate the movable range.
Further, a lock member 17 (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) is provided at a position along the other two opposite edges of the bottom plate 13, and the intermediate portion 15A of each handle 15 is attached to the bottom plate 13 in the stored state. It has a role to fix to. The lock member 17 has a lock configuration as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 (a fitting structure composed of a resin elastic claw, a spring claw, etc.), and can easily be released when a force exceeding a predetermined level is applied. It is a setting that can be done.

The lock configuration of FIG. 7 is configured such that the handle 15 is fitted into a lock member 17 made of a resin elastic claw. The lock configuration of FIG. 8 is configured such that the handle 15 is fitted by the elasticity of the lock member 17 formed of a spring claw. When the handle 15 is used, it can be used by releasing the lock and pulling the handle 15 to the side.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the basic shape of the bottom plate is a square shape and has a concave portion at a part of its edge, but this is a path for conveying the paper. This is for installation. Accordingly, the shape of the handle 15 is also matched to the shape of the bottom plate.
In the state in which the handle is stored (FIG. 3), the bottom plate 13 can be reinforced by the rigidity of the handle 15 and the handle holding member 16 because the two handles 15 and the handle holding member 16 are retracted to the inner side of the outer edge of the bottom plate. It has become. Thereby, the bending rigidity of the bottom plate is dramatically improved.
Specifically, the bottom plate (base) 13 which is a bottom structure that receives the total weight of the apparatus is easily deformed by receiving weight, and the deformation leads to twisting of the entire structure. And image quality degradation (oblique image, misalignment, etc.). Therefore, it is required to increase the strength efficiently without waste of weight and cost.
Since the handle 15 made of a sufficiently thick bar is arranged along the periphery of the bottom surface (base) 13 of the apparatus, the handle 15 is connected to the bottom surface (base) 13 of the apparatus by the handle holding member (connecting member) 16 when stored. By integrating and increasing the strength, it is possible to achieve a device structure with less deformation. Since the reinforcement can be performed using the handle 15 necessary for the apparatus, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts, an increase in the weight of the device, and an increase in cost.

Next, another embodiment in which the handle 15 is disposed on the surface of the device structure having the opening will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and the like. In the above description, the configuration for the purpose of improving the strength of the bottom plate has been described, but another effective arrangement method is also presented.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus that opens a sheet conveyance path. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus A is generally configured to be pulled out of the apparatus in order to replace units for forming an image.
Also, as shown in FIG. 9, it is necessary to pull out the paper stacking unit for replenishing paper and to open the paper transport path to eliminate paper jams. For this reason, in the structure of the apparatus, it is necessary to install the opening 22 structurally so as not to hinder the operation thereof, and a portion where the strength is lowered is generated.
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the structure of the image forming apparatus. In the present embodiment, the handles 15a and 15b functioning as the above-described reinforcing members are arranged on the surface where the opening of the apparatus structure exists.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the fixing device (not shown) is also pulled out to the front of the device as compared with the embodiment of FIG. 2, and a space for increasing the amount of stacked sheets is secured. For this reason, the joint area of the side plate 11 and the bottom plate 13 is also small.
For this reason, since the intensity | strength of the side plate 11 is weak, the load concerning the baseplate 13 increases and B part tends to deform | transform into a perpendicular direction. In order to avoid this, by arranging the handle 15 on the bottom plate corresponding to the B portion where the opening 22 exists, the strength can be supplemented by the above effect. FIG. 10 further shows the image forming apparatus A, the side plate 12, and reinforcing members (stays) 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing still another embodiment of the structure of the image forming apparatus. When the reinforcing member 14 cannot be sufficiently disposed between the side plates 11 and 12 and the opening is large, it is effective to adopt a configuration (14b) for reinforcing the side plates 11 and 12 as shown in FIG. is there. That is, by supporting the handles 15a and 15b slidably inward and outward on the reinforcing member 14, the strength of the reinforcing member 14 can be reinforced by the handle when the handle is stored.
Specifically, in general, an image forming apparatus is provided with an opening in order to enable access to a sheet conveyance path (FIG. 9) and removal of a unit responsible for image formation (FIG. 2). There is a need. When the opening is disposed, the structure is easily deformed by bending or twisting, and thus it is desired to maintain the strength.
In this example, since the above-described handle 15 is disposed on the reinforcing member 14 having the opening of the device structure, the strength of the structure can be increased and a device structure with less deformation can be provided. Originally, the reinforcement can be performed by using the handle 15 necessary for the apparatus, so that an increase in the weight and cost of the device can be suppressed.

Next, FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall structure of the structure when the handle is configured to reinforce between the side plates. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing that the handle rotates. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration in which the handle is rotatably supported by the structure in a non-use state. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in use.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the reinforcing structure by the handle has been described by taking the handle of the method of drawing out horizontally as an example. Here, a configuration of a rotatable handle having an axis in the apparatus structure is presented.
12 to 15, in the structure of the image forming apparatus A, a substantially plate-shaped structure (side plate) 11, 12 is erected and fixed to a bottom plate (base) 13, and a reinforcing member (stay) is provided between the side plates 11, 12. The structure is fixed by 14a and 14b. In this structure, a U-shaped handle 15 is rotatably arranged so as to reinforce between the side plates 11 and 12.
As schematically shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the handle 15 is fixed to the rotation support member 21. The rotation support member 21 is positioned and supported on the inner surfaces of the side plates 11 and 12 via the rotation shaft 19 (only the side plate 12 side is shown in the figure).
With this configuration, the handle 15 can be reinforced between the side plates 11 and 12, and can take a vertical and horizontal posture by rotating. Further, when stored (vertical direction), as shown in FIG. 14, it is fixed to the main body structure by a lock member 17 that is an elastic clamping member. It is possible to determine the posture by the rotation support member 21 abutting against.
Here, the handle is rotated vertically downward when stored, and rotated upward when transported, but the reverse (upward when stored, vertically downward when transferred) is also implemented by adding a stopper, etc. It is possible.
However, in addition to an increase in weight and cost due to an increase in the number of parts, there is a risk that a vertically upward force is applied to the handle during transportation (if the stopper is removed, the handle is stored). Therefore, the above-described configuration is appropriate.
As described above, the handle 15 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body and having the axis of the apparatus structure. The handle 15 is in a retracted state when the gripping portion is rotated in the direction of gravity, and is arranged for transportation when the gripping portion is rotated in the antigravity direction.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing an example of a handle as a replacement guide for the device-containing unit 23. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an example in which the handle itself is configured as an integral part of the exterior product.
As described above, the advantage of having the handle in the rotational configuration is that it can be configured in a space relatively close to the outer edge of the apparatus main body.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the unit 23 is configured to be maintained in the apparatus housed in the apparatus by the handle 15, that is, the apparatus-containing unit 23 can be maintained, so that the unit 23 can be removed for replacement. Rotates the handle 15 to the open position. Furthermore, the handle 15 can be opened to improve user operability such as access to the inside of the apparatus. In FIG. 16, the handle 15 is rotatably attached to the side plate 11 fixed to the base 13, and the device-containing unit 23 is exchanged or the inside is accessed by the rotation of the handle 15.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, the handle 15 is integrated with the exterior product 25, and parts such as a paper conveyance guide and an exterior are added to the handle itself, thereby further improving the operability and reducing the number of parts. It is possible to achieve weight reduction and cost reduction.
In this way, the handle 15 is configured to be rotatable with the apparatus structure having an axis with respect to the apparatus main body, so that the handle can be moved outside the operation area by rotating the handle. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus having a handle that satisfies the function of reinforcing the apparatus main body when stored. If the handle 15 includes a function for covering the unit 23 as shown in FIG. 16, the number of parts can be reduced and the operability is improved.
The handle is stored when the gripping portion is rotated in the direction of gravity, and the handle is arranged for transportation when the gripping portion is rotated in the antigravity direction. Accordingly, when the weight of the device is added to the handle by gripping the handle during transportation, it is possible to provide a safer configuration by avoiding the danger when the butt is removed.

In the present invention, in order to achieve the above-described configuration, the handle 15 is formed of a hollow or solid metal rod. As the performance required for the handle 15 shown in the present invention, the strength of the image forming apparatus must be improved. Also, the handle must not be deformed during transportation.
Therefore, by producing the handle 15 with a hollow or metal rod, it is possible to obtain a handle having higher strength than that of making a handle with a metal plate. In addition, when a metal rod is used, the exclusive space can be made smaller than that of a metal plate or the like that achieves the same strength structure.
As described above, this facilitates the achievement of a reinforcing member that does not reduce the operability of the user (= not disturb). Further, since the processing cost is reduced, it is possible to achieve a handle and an image forming apparatus that are inexpensive and have excellent strength.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a general image forming apparatus as an example of a device to which a handle of the present invention is attached. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a housing structure of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a top view which shows the handle at the time of accommodation. It is a top view which shows the handle at the time of conveyance. It is the schematic front view seen in the arrow direction of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the right side corner part of FIG. It is a schematic fragmentary figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the lock structure of a handle. It is a schematic fragmentary figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the lock structure of a handle. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus that opens a sheet conveyance path. It is a schematic perspective view which shows other embodiment of the structure of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing still another embodiment of the structure of the image forming apparatus. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the whole structure in which a handle reinforces between side plates. It is the schematic which shows that a handle rotates. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structure by which a handle is rotationally supported by the main body structure in the state of non-use. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structure by which a handle is rotationally supported by the main body structure in the state at the time of use. It is the schematic which shows the example of the handle as an exchange guide of an apparatus containing unit. It is the schematic which shows the example which comprises handle itself as integral with exterior goods.

Explanation of symbols

A Image forming device (device main body, device main body)
13 Equipment bottom member (base)
14 Reinforcing member (stay)
15 Handle (metal bar)
17 Locking member
19 Rotating shaft 22 Opening

Claims (7)

  In the equipment carrying handle installed in the equipment, the equipment carrying handle is movable between a position housed in the equipment body and a position extending outside the equipment for transportation. A handle for transporting equipment, characterized in that it can be fixed to the equipment body and is a reinforcing member of the structure of the equipment body.   The handle according to claim 1, wherein the handle is configured using a metal rod.   An image forming apparatus comprising the handle according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the handle is provided on a bottom plate of the apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the handle is disposed on a surface of the device main body having an opening.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the handle is rotatably supported by a structure of the device main body.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the handle is placed in a retracted state when the gripping portion is rotated in the direction of gravity, and is arranged for transportation when the gripping portion is rotated in the antigravity direction.

Images