JP2008096898A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which operation order to operate components can be prescribed. <P>SOLUTION: A paper ejection option 80 is detached from a front opening/closing cover 12A. Thereafter, an operation button 92 exposed with the detachment of the paper ejection option 80 is depressed to release the engagement state of the front opening/closing cover 12A with an apparatus main body 12 by a latch mechanism, then, the front opening/closing cover 12A is opened/closed. In this way, the front opening/closing cover 12A cannot be opened/closed until the paper ejection option 80 is detached, consequently, the operation order to operate the paper ejection option 80 and the front opening/closing cover 12A can be prescribed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  As an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus provided with an opening / closing cover as an opening / closing member provided to the apparatus main body so as to be opened and closed is known. In this image forming apparatus, by opening the open / close cover, it is possible to eliminate jams (paper jams) that occur in the conveyance path, and to replace components inside the apparatus.

Also, as an image forming apparatus, an apparatus having a paper discharge option that receives paper discharged from the image forming apparatus main body and performs sorting or the like is known (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-304990

  In the configuration where the paper discharge option as described above is placed on the top of the open / close cover and the open / close cover is opened / closed after the paper output option is moved, if the paper cover is forcibly opened without moving the paper output option, the paper output option May interfere with the open / close cover and damage the paper discharge option or open / close cover. Opening the open / close cover with the paper discharge option on top is dangerous because the open / close cover has a high center of gravity and may open vigorously.

  Therefore, it is necessary for the operator to remove the paper discharge option before opening the opening / closing cover. In other words, it is necessary for the operator to observe the operation sequence for operating the components.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of defining an operation sequence in which components are operated in consideration of the above facts.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an opening / closing member attached to the apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable, and an upper part of the opening / closing member to be movable between a first position and a second position. And a moving member that is provided on the opening / closing member, prohibits the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member at the first position, and enables the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member at the second position.

  According to this configuration, when the moving member provided in the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member is located at the first position, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is prohibited. As a result, the opening and closing member cannot be opened and closed.

  When the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position, the opening / closing member can be opened / closed. As a result, the opening / closing member can be opened to eliminate, for example, a jam (paper jam) that occurs in the conveyance path formed in the apparatus main body, or to replace components inside the apparatus.

  As described above, since the opening / closing member can be opened / closed only after the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position, it is possible to define an operation sequence for operating the components.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided with a latch mechanism that locks the opening / closing member to the apparatus main body, and the latch mechanism. A release operation unit for releasing the release operation unit, wherein the moving member conceals the release operation unit at the first position and prohibits the release operation of the release operation unit.

  According to this configuration, when the moving member is located at the first position, the moving member conceals the releasing operation unit provided in the latch mechanism and prohibits the releasing operation of the releasing operation unit. As a result, the latch mechanism maintains the locked state in which the opening / closing member is locked to the apparatus main body, and the opening / closing member cannot be opened or closed.

  When the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position, the opening / closing member can be opened / closed. As described above, the opening / closing member can be opened / closed only after the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position, so that the operation sequence for operating the components can be defined.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the image forming apparatus includes a latch mechanism that locks the opening / closing member to the apparatus main body, and the moving member moves the latch mechanism at the first position. The lock mechanism is locked to disable the latch mechanism from being unlocked.

  According to this configuration, when the moving member is located at the first position, the moving mechanism locks the latch mechanism and disables the latch mechanism from being unlocked. As a result, the latch mechanism maintains the locked state in which the opening / closing member is locked to the apparatus main body, and the opening / closing member cannot be opened or closed.

  When the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position, the opening / closing member can be opened / closed. As described above, the opening / closing member can be opened / closed only after the moving member is moved from the first position to the second position, so that the operation sequence for operating the components can be defined.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the moving member is detachably attached to the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member. The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is prohibited at the attachment position attached to the opening / closing member, and the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is enabled at the removal position removed from the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member.

  According to this configuration, when the moving member is located at the attachment position attached to the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member, that is, when attached to the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is prohibited. As a result, the opening and closing member cannot be opened and closed.

  When the moving member is moved from the attachment position to the removal position, that is, when the moving member is removed from the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member becomes possible. As a result, the opening / closing member can be opened to eliminate, for example, a jam (paper jam) that occurs in the conveyance path formed in the apparatus main body, or to replace components inside the apparatus.

  As described above, since the opening / closing member can be opened / closed only after the moving member is moved from the attachment position to the removal position, the operation sequence for operating the components can be defined.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the moving member is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable, and is closed with respect to the apparatus main body. The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is prohibited in the closed position, and the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is enabled in the open position opened with respect to the apparatus main body.

  According to this configuration, when the moving member is located at the closed position closed with respect to the apparatus main body, that is, when the moving member is closed with respect to the apparatus main body, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is prohibited. As a result, the opening and closing member cannot be opened and closed.

  When the moving member is moved from the closed position to the open position, that is, when the movable member is opened with respect to the apparatus main body, the opening / closing member can be opened and closed. As a result, the opening / closing member can be opened to eliminate, for example, a jam (paper jam) that occurs in the conveyance path formed in the apparatus main body, or to replace components inside the apparatus.

  As described above, since the opening / closing member can be opened / closed only after the moving member is moved from the closed position to the open position, an operation sequence for operating the components can be defined.

  The opening / closing member according to claim 1 of the present invention is, as described in claim 6, a jam clear cover that is opened when a paper jam that occurs in a conveyance path formed in the apparatus main body is cleared. Also good.

  The opening / closing member according to claim 1 of the present invention may be a component replacement cover that is opened when a component provided in the apparatus main body is replaced.

  The moving member according to claim 1 of the present invention may be a paper discharge option for stacking paper discharged from the apparatus main body, as described in claim 8.

  The moving member according to claim 1 of the present invention may be an image reading unit that reads an image from a document as described in claim 9.

  Since this invention was set as the said structure, the operation | movement order which operates a component can be prescribed | regulated.

  Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.

  First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called tandem type in which image forming engines for forming toner images of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in series. In addition to a single color (mainly black) image, a color (multicolor) image obtained by appropriately combining the four color toner images can be printed.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 12 that houses each component. An image holding unit 20, an exposure unit 30, a developing unit 40, a final transfer unit 50, a paper feeding unit 60, and a fixing unit 70 are provided inside the apparatus main body 12.

  The apparatus main body 12 has a substantially box-shaped appearance, and an upper portion of the apparatus main body 12 is provided with a paper discharge unit cover 12B having an inclined surface for accommodating paper P discharged after printing. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a front opening / closing cover 12A as an opening / closing member that swings around a support shaft 13A on the lower side and opens / closes on the side of the apparatus body 12. It has been. Further, the paper discharge section or bar 12B is configured as a top opening / closing cover as an opening / closing member that swings around a support shaft 13B on one end side and opens / closes.

  A final transfer unit 50 and a fixing unit 70 are attached to the front opening / closing cover 12A, and are configured to swing and displace together when the front opening / closing cover 12A is opened / closed. By adopting such a structure of the opening / closing cover, when the opening / closing cover is opened, predetermined components (for example, the image holding unit 20, the developing unit 40, the sheet conveyance) arranged in the internal space of the apparatus main body 12 are used. The road is exposed, and the required work (maintenance work, jam removal work, etc.) can be performed.

  As described above, the front opening / closing cover 12A and the paper discharge unit cover 12B serve as a jam clear cover that is opened when the paper jam generated in the conveyance path 32 formed in the apparatus main body 12 is cleared. It functions as a component replacement cover that is opened when the components are replaced.

  The image holding unit 20 and the developing unit 40 are replacement parts and are detachably attached to the apparatus main body 12. When the image holding unit 20 is replaced, the developing unit 40 is retracted to the exposure unit 30 side.

  The image holding unit 20 includes four photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K on which toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, and K) are formed exclusively, and the photosensitive drums 21 (Y, M, C, and K). K) a charging roll 22 for charging the peripheral surface (photosensitive layer) to a predetermined background portion potential, a temporary toner holding brush roll 23 for temporarily holding toner remaining on the peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 21; Two first intermediate transfer drums 25 and 26 for transferring and holding the toner images on the four photosensitive drums 21 and transferring and holding the toner images on the two first intermediate transfer drums 25 and 26 1 There are provided two second intermediate transfer drums 27 and a temporary toner holding brush roll 28 for temporarily holding toner and the like remaining on the peripheral surfaces of the intermediate transfer drums 25, 26, 27.

  The exposure unit 30 is for writing an electrostatic latent image on each photosensitive drum 21 by exposing each photosensitive drum 21 of the image holding unit 20, and holding the image with the developing unit 40 interposed therebetween. The unit 20 is installed in a state of being fixed to the apparatus main body 12 on the side where the photosensitive drum 21 is disposed.

  The developing unit 40 is for developing the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure from the exposure unit 30 on each photosensitive drum 21 of the image holding unit 20 with a developer, and the image holding unit 20 and the exposure unit 30. It is installed in a state where it is located between. The developing unit 40 is supported in a movable manner with respect to the apparatus main body 12 and has the four colors (Y, M, C, K) in a dedicated movable frame having a frame shape in which a rectangular space is formed. The four developing devices 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K for performing development with the above developer are attached in a positional relationship in which they are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction so as to face each of the photosensitive drums 21. It consists of

  The final transfer unit 50 is for finally transferring the toner image transferred and formed on the second intermediate transfer drum 27 in the image holding unit 20 onto the paper P, and is installed on the front opening / closing cover 12A. The final transfer unit 50 is mainly configured by rotatably mounting a final transfer roll 51 that forms a transfer nip portion in contact with the second intermediate transfer drum 27 on the unit frame.

  The paper feed unit 60 contains paper P and stacks and stores a plurality of papers P, a pick-up roll 62A for feeding the paper P stacked on the paper feed tray 61 one by one, and a paper roll Mainly composed of a delivery mechanism 62 composed of 62B and the like. The paper P sent out from the paper feed unit 60 passes through the paper feed path 67 including paper feed roll pairs 65 and 66, paper feed guides, and the like, and the final intermediate transfer drum 27 of the image holding unit 20 and the final transfer unit 50. It is conveyed and supplied between the transfer roll 51 at a predetermined timing.

  The fixing unit 70 includes a unit frame, a heating roll 71 in which a heating lamp is built in the roll space, a pressure roll 72 that rotates in pressure contact with the heating roll 71, and a paper discharge roll 73. ing.

  In this image forming apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance path 32 from the registration roll pair 66 of the paper P to the discharge port 75 via the transfer position and the fixing position is provided on the side surface portion of the apparatus main body 12. Viewed from the front opening / closing cover 12A side, it is curved in an arc shape so as to form a path like an English letter “C”, that is, a so-called “C path transport path”. When the front opening / closing cover 12A is opened, the inside of the apparatus main body 12 is opened with the C path conveyance path as a boundary. As a result, it is possible to eliminate a jam (paper jam) of the recording paper that has occurred in the C-pass conveyance path and to replace the image holding unit 20 and the developing unit 40.

  The conveyance path 32 includes a conveyance path 32A that is connected to a conveyance path 86 of a sheet discharge option 80 described later, and a conveyance path 32B that leads to the sheet discharge unit cover 12B side.

  Next, the paper discharge option 80 as a moving member according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a paper discharge option 80 for sorting the paper P discharged from the apparatus main body 12 is provided on the upper part of the front opening / closing cover 12A.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper discharge option 80 has a transport path 86 connected to the transport path 32 </ b> A of the apparatus main body 12. A discharge roll 84 is provided in the transport path 86, and the discharge roll 84 discharges the paper P to the paper discharge tray 82 provided in the paper discharge option 80, and the paper P is stacked on the paper discharge tray 82. Is done.

  A claw piece 83 for guiding the paper P is provided at the branch of the conveyance path 32A and the conveyance path 32B of the apparatus main body 12. By switching the claw piece 83, the discharge destination of the paper P is determined. That is, when the leading end of the claw piece 83 moves upward and closes the conveyance path 32A extending to the paper discharge option 80, the paper P is guided to the paper discharge unit cover 12B. The paper P is guided to the paper discharge option 80 by moving downward and closing the conveyance path 32B extending to the paper discharge unit cover 12B.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a latch mechanism 90 for locking the front opening / closing cover 12A to the apparatus body 12 is provided between the apparatus body 12 and the front opening / closing cover 12A.

  The latch mechanism 90 includes a pair of arms 94 provided on the apparatus main body 12. The arm 94 has a rear end portion fixed to the apparatus main body 12, a front end portion extending toward the front opening / closing cover 12 </ b> A, and bent in an L shape.

  The front opening / closing cover 12A is provided with a moving body 96 provided so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the opening / closing direction of the front opening / closing cover 12A (direction A in FIG. 5). A claw piece 98 that engages with the tip of the arm 94 is provided on the side of the moving body 96.

  Further, a compression spring 97 as an urging means is attached to one end portion of the moving body 96 and is urged in a direction opposite to the A direction in FIG. Thereby, the claw piece 98 and the arm 94 are maintained in the engaged state, and the front opening / closing cover 12A is locked to the apparatus main body 12.

  At the other end of the moving body 96, an operation button 92 is provided as a release operation portion for releasing the locked state of the front opening / closing cover 12A. When the operation button 92 is pushed by the operator, the moving body 96 moves in the direction A against the compression spring 97, the engagement state between the claw piece 98 and the arm 94 is released, and the front opening / closing cover 12A The locked state with the apparatus main body 12 is released. As a result, the front opening / closing cover 12A can be opened.

  Note that the configuration of the latch mechanism 90 is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications and changes can be made.

  The paper discharge option 80 is detachably attached to the upper part of the front opening / closing cover 12A. 3 shows a state in which the paper discharge option 80 is attached to the upper part of the front opening / closing cover 12A, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the paper discharge option 80 is removed from the upper part of the front opening / closing cover 12A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plate-like cover portion 80A protruding downward is formed on the side of the paper discharge option 80, and the mounting position where the paper discharge option 80 is attached to the top of the front opening / closing cover 12A. When positioned at the (first position), the cover portion 80A covers and hides the operation button 92, and the release operation of the operation button 92 is prohibited (see FIG. 3). Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A is prohibited.

  When the paper discharge option 80 is located at the removal position (second position) removed from the upper part of the front opening / closing cover 12A, the operation button 92 is exposed, and the operation button 92 can be released (see FIG. 4). . Thereby, opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A becomes possible.

(Operation of this embodiment)
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, when the paper discharge option 80 is not attached to the apparatus main body 12, the operation button 92 is pressed to release the latched state between the front opening / closing cover 12 </ b> A and the apparatus main body 12 by the latch mechanism 90. The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing cover 12A is performed.

  When the paper discharge option 80 is attached to the apparatus main body 12, the operation button 92 is hidden and the operation button 92 cannot be pressed, and the locked state between the front opening / closing cover 12 </ b> A and the apparatus main body 12 by the latch mechanism 90 cannot be released. .

  In the present embodiment, first, the paper discharge option 80 is removed from the front opening / closing cover 12A. Thereafter, the operation button 92 exposed by removing the paper discharge option 80 is pressed to release the latching state between the front opening / closing cover 12A and the apparatus main body 12 by the latch mechanism 90, and the opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A is performed.

  By opening the front opening / closing cover 12A, it is possible to eliminate a jam (paper jam) that occurs in the conveyance path 32 formed in the apparatus main body 12, and to replace components inside the apparatus.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the front opening / closing cover 12A cannot be opened or closed unless the paper discharge option 80 is removed, so that the operation order for operating the paper discharge option 80 and the front open / close cover 12A can be defined. Accordingly, the front opening / closing cover 12A is not forcibly opened without moving the sheet discharging option 80, and damage to the sheet discharging option 80 or the front opening / closing cover 12A can be prevented.

  The paper discharge option 80 may be configured to be swingably attached to the apparatus main body 12 as shown in FIG.

  In this configuration, the lower part of the paper discharge option 80 is supported by the upper part of the apparatus main body 12 and swings about the support shaft 81. When the paper discharge option 80 is swung to the front opening / closing cover 12A side, the cover portion 80A formed at the bottom of the paper discharge option 80 hides the operation button 92, and the front opening / closing cover 12A by the latch mechanism 90 and the apparatus main body 12 Cannot be released (see FIG. 6A).

When the paper discharge option 80 is swung up and flipped to the opposite side of the front opening / closing cover 12A, the operation button 92 is exposed, and the operation button 92 is pressed to engage the front opening / closing cover 12A and the apparatus main body 12 by the latch mechanism 90. The stop state can be released (see FIG. 6B). As a result, the opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A can be performed (see FIG. 6C).
(First Modification of Image Forming Apparatus According to this Embodiment)
Next, a first modification in which the image forming apparatus according to the above embodiment is modified will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A is prohibited. However, the first modification is a configuration in which the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B is prohibited.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the paper discharge option 180 according to the first modification is disposed on the upper part of the paper discharge unit cover 12B. The paper discharge option 180 is provided with a claw piece 183 for guiding the paper P discharged from the discharge port 75, a discharge roll 184, and a paper discharge tray 182 on which the paper P discharged to the discharge roll 184 is stacked. Yes.

  By switching the claw pieces 183, the discharge destination of the paper P is determined. That is, the leading end of the claw piece 83 moves upward and closes the conveyance path to the paper discharge tray 182, whereby the paper P is guided to the paper discharge unit cover 12 </ b> B, and the front end of the claw piece 183 moves downward. The sheet P is guided to the sheet discharge tray 182 by closing the sheet discharge unit cover 12B side.

  Between the apparatus main body 12 and the paper discharge section cover 12B, a latch mechanism (not shown) for locking the paper discharge section cover 12B to the apparatus main body 12 is provided. The latch mechanism is provided with an operation button 192 (see FIG. 9) as a release operation unit for releasing the locked state of the paper discharge unit cover 12B.

  When the operation button 92 is pressed by the operator, the locked state between the paper discharge unit cover 12B and the apparatus main body 12 is released, and the paper discharge unit cover 12B can be opened and closed.

  The paper discharge option 180 is detachably attached to the upper part of the paper discharge unit cover 12B. 8 shows a state where the paper discharge option 80 is attached to the upper part of the paper discharge unit cover 12B, and FIG. 9 shows a state where the paper discharge option 80 is removed from the upper part of the paper discharge unit cover 12B.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a plate-like cover portion 180A protruding downward is formed on the side of the paper discharge option 180, and the paper discharge option 180 is attached to the upper portion of the paper discharge portion cover 12B. When positioned, the cover portion 180A covers and hides the operation button 192, and the release operation of the operation button 192 is prohibited (see FIG. 8). As a result, the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B is prohibited.

  When the paper discharge option 180 is located at the removal position removed from the upper part of the paper discharge unit cover 12B, the operation button 192 is exposed and the operation button 192 can be released (see FIG. 9). Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B becomes possible.

In the first modification, as in the above-described embodiment, the paper discharge unit cover 12B can be opened and closed only after the paper discharge option 80 is removed. Therefore, the operation sequence for operating the paper discharge option 80 and the paper discharge unit cover 12B is not necessary. Can be defined. Thus, the paper discharge unit cover 12B is not forcibly opened without moving the paper discharge option 80, and damage to the paper discharge option 80 or the paper discharge unit cover 12B can be prevented.
(Second Modification of Image Forming Apparatus According to This Embodiment)
Next, a second modification in which the image forming apparatus according to the above embodiment is modified will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A is prohibited by hiding the operation button 92. However, in the second modification, the front opening / closing cover 12A is locked by locking the latch mechanism. The opening / closing operation is prohibited.

  In the latch mechanism 290 according to the second modification, a positioning portion 294 in which a pin hole 292 is formed is provided on the side portion of the moving body 96. Since other configurations are the same as those of the latch mechanism 90 according to the above-described embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The paper discharge option 280 according to the second modification is provided with a pin 282 that protrudes downward at the lower part thereof. The length, position, and the like of the paper discharge option 280 are adjusted so that the pin 282 is inserted into the pin hole 292 of the positioning portion 294 when the paper discharge option 280 is attached to the front opening / closing cover 12A. The paper discharge option 280 is not formed with a cover portion that covers the operation button 92.

  Accordingly, when the paper discharge option 280 is located at the attachment position (first position) attached to the upper part of the front opening / closing cover 12A, the pin 282 is inserted into the pin hole 292, the latch mechanism 290 is locked, and the operation button 92 The release operation is prohibited. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A is prohibited.

  When the paper discharge option 80 is located at the removal position (second position) removed from the upper part of the front opening / closing cover 12A, the latch mechanism 290 is unlocked and the operation button 92 can be released. Thereby, opening / closing operation of the front opening / closing cover 12A becomes possible.

  In the second modification, as in the above-described embodiment, the front opening / closing cover 12A can be opened and closed only after the paper discharge option 280 is removed. Therefore, the operation order for operating the paper discharge option 280 and the front opening / closing cover 12A is defined. it can. Thus, the front opening / closing cover 12A is not forcibly opened without moving the sheet discharging option 280, and damage to the sheet discharging option 280 or the front opening / closing cover 12A can be prevented.

(Third Modification of Image Forming Apparatus According to This Embodiment)
Next, a third modification in which the image forming apparatus according to the above embodiment is modified will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the discharge option 180 as a moving member is provided. However, the third modification is a configuration in which a scanner (image reading unit) as a moving member is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the scanner 310 according to the third modified example is disposed on the upper part of the apparatus, and is supported in a cantilever manner by a support part 320 provided in the apparatus body 12. Yes. The scanner 310 is provided with a platen 312 on which an original to be read is placed. A platen cover 314 serving as an opening / closing unit that holds a document placed on the platen 312 is provided above the platen 312.

  The scanner 310 reads an image from a document placed on the platen 312, converts the read image into an electrical image signal, and inputs the image signal to the exposure unit 30. The exposure unit 30 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 based on the digital image data of the document read by the scanner 310.

  The third modified example is the same as the above embodiment except that there is no paper discharge option and the scanner 310 is provided, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  A latch mechanism (not shown) for locking the paper discharge unit cover 12B to the device main body 12 is provided between the device main body 12 and the paper discharge unit cover 12B. This latch mechanism is configured in the same manner as the latch mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 5, and the latch mechanism has an operation button 392 (FIG. 12B) as a release operation part for releasing the locked state of the paper discharge part cover 12B. )) Is provided.

  When the operation button 392 is pressed by the operator, the locked state between the paper discharge unit cover 12B and the apparatus main body 12 is released, and the paper discharge unit cover 12B can be opened and closed.

  The scanner 310 is rotatably attached to the support part 320 and can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body. FIG. 12A shows a state in which the scanner 310 is closed, and FIG. 12B shows a state in which the scanner 310 is opened.

  When the scanner 310 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 12, the scanner 310 covers and hides the operation button 392 and prohibits the release operation of the operation button 392 (see FIG. 12A). As a result, the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B is prohibited.

  When the scanner 310 is released from the apparatus main body 12, the operation button 392 is exposed, and the operation button 392 can be released (see FIG. 12A). Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B becomes possible.

  In the third modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, since the paper discharge unit cover 12B can be opened and closed only after the scanner 310 is moved, the operation sequence for operating the scanner 310 and the paper discharge unit cover 12B can be defined. Accordingly, the paper discharge unit cover 12B is not forcibly opened without moving the scanner 310, and damage to the scanner 310 and the paper discharge unit cover 12B can be prevented.

  In the third modification, the operation button 92 is hidden by the scanner 310 to prohibit the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B. However, as shown in FIG. It may be configured that the opening and closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B is prohibited by locking a latch mechanism that locks the printer main body 12 to the apparatus main body 12.

  In the latch mechanism 390 according to this configuration, a link member 396 whose intermediate portion is rotatably supported is provided across the apparatus main body 12 and the support portion 320. A claw piece 394 is formed at the lower end portion (one end portion) of the link member 396, and this claw piece 394 is engaged with the claw piece 393 formed at the end portion on the swing center side of the paper discharge unit cover 12B. Is possible. The lower end portion of the link member 396 is urged by a compression spring 397 in a direction in which the claw piece 394 engages with the claw piece 393.

  The upper end portion (other end portion) of the link member 396 is in contact with the lower end portion on the opening / closing center side of the scanner 310, and when the scanner 310 is opened, the upper end portion of the link member 396 is pushed. When the upper end portion of the link member 396 is pushed, the lower end portion of the link member 396 is moved in a direction opposite to the engaging direction of the claw piece 394 and the claw piece 393 against the compression spring 397, and the claw piece 394 and the claw piece 396 are moved. The engaged state with the piece 393 is released (see FIG. 13B). Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B becomes possible.

  On the other hand, when the scanner 310 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 12, the latch mechanism 390 is locked in a state where the claw piece 394 of the link member 396 is engaged with the claw piece 393, and the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover 12B is performed. It is prohibited (see FIG. 13A).

  In the above embodiment, the paper discharge option or the scanner is used as the moving member. However, the moving member of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sheet is reversed when forming images on both sides of the paper. A reversing unit having a reversing path may be used as long as the member is movably attached to the apparatus main body.

  The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state where the front opening / closing cover and the paper discharge unit cover are opened in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a paper discharge option is attached in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the paper discharge option is removed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a latch mechanism according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the paper discharge option according to the present embodiment is swingably attached to the apparatus main body. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first modification according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the paper discharge option is attached in the first modification according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the paper discharge option is removed in the first modification example according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a latch mechanism in a second modification according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the paper discharge option is removed in the second modification example according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a state in which the scanner is opened in the third modification example according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing a state in which the scanner is closed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the opening / closing operation of the paper discharge unit cover is prohibited by locking the latch mechanism in the third modification example according to the present embodiment, and FIG. (B) shows a state in which the scanner is opened.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming apparatus 12A Front opening / closing cover (opening / closing member, jam clear cover, parts replacement cover)
12 Device body 12B Paper discharge cover (opening / closing member, jam clear cover, parts replacement cover)
80 Discharge option (moving member)
90 Latch mechanism 92 Operation button (release operation part)
290 Latch mechanism 310 Scanner (moving member, image reading unit)
390 Latch mechanism 392 Operation button (release operation part)

Claims (9)

An opening and closing member attached to the apparatus main body so as to be opened and closed;
The device main body or the opening / closing member is provided at an upper portion of the opening / closing member so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, and the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is prohibited at the first position. A moving member that enables opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A latch mechanism for locking the opening / closing member to the apparatus main body;
A release operation portion provided in the latch mechanism, for releasing the locking state of the opening and closing member;
With
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving member hides the release operation unit at the first position and prohibits the release operation of the release operation unit. A latch mechanism for locking the opening / closing member to the apparatus main body;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving member locks the latch mechanism at the first position and disables the latch mechanism from being unlocked.   The moving member is detachably attached to the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member, and prohibits an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member at an attachment position attached to the apparatus main body or the opening / closing member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member can be opened and closed at a removal position removed from the image forming apparatus.   The moving member is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be openable and closable. The moving member prohibits the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member in a closed position closed with respect to the apparatus main body, and The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member is enabled.   6. The jam clear cover according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member is a jam clear cover that is opened when a paper jam generated in a conveyance path formed in the apparatus main body is cleared. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member is a part replacement cover that is opened when a component provided in the apparatus main body is replaced.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving member is a paper discharge option for stacking paper discharged from the apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving member is an image reading unit that reads an image from a document.

Images