JP2008203762A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus having improved safety features, where such a failure is prevented that the apparatus becomes operatable even though the outer cover is kept open, resulting from the erroneous detection by an outer cover opening/closing detecting device. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 includes: the outer cover 30 having a projection 32 disposed at the inside thereof, freely opening/closing so as to expose the inside of the apparatus; the outer cover opening/closing detecting device 40 for detecting that the outer cover 30 is closed with the insertion of the projection 32 of the outer cover 30 into the opening part 42 disposed at the inside of the apparatus when the outer cover 30 is closed; and an erroneous detection preventing means 50 for preventing the erroneous detection by the outer cover opening/closing detecting device 40, resulting from the intrusion of a foreign substance into the opening part 42. Consequently, the image forming apparatus 1 having improved safety features is provided, where such the failure is prevented that the apparatus becomes operatable even though the outer cover 30 is kept open, and also, there is no possibility that the user catches his/her finger in the rotating roller or the user touches a high-voltage functional member and gets an electric shock. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus represented by a copying machine or a printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses represented by copying machines and printers are provided with openable and closable exterior covers that can expose structures inside the apparatus at various locations. By opening these exterior covers, the paper that has jammed in the paper conveyance path inside the apparatus is removed, the toner container is replaced, and other maintenance work is performed.

  In such an image forming apparatus, if the operation of the image forming apparatus is performed with the exterior cover open, a rotating member such as a paper transport roller is exposed to the outside, and the user is likely to pinch their hands. It becomes dangerous. Furthermore, since it becomes possible to put a hand in a high voltage location, there is a possibility that a problem such as an electric shock from the user may occur.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, an exterior cover opening detection device that detects the opening of the exterior cover is arranged at a key point in the image forming apparatus. As a result, when the exterior cover is in an open state, the rotation of the rotating member is stopped or the power supply to each functional member is stopped so that the image forming apparatus cannot be operated. Examples of such image forming apparatuses can be found in Patent Documents 1 to 3.
JP-A-11-184329 (page 3-4, FIG. 7) JP 2004-271551 A (3rd page, FIG. 1) JP 2007-17658 (page 4-5, FIG. 3)

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, an exterior cover provided with a projection on the inside, an opening provided at a location corresponding to the projection on the inner frame adjacent to the exterior cover, It has an exterior cover open / close detection sensor (interlock switch) provided inside the opening, and a protrusion is inserted into the opening to detect the closure of the exterior cover by contacting the exterior cover open / close detection sensor. Yes. However, in this configuration, by inserting a foreign object into the opening, the apparatus power supply that can easily operate the image forming apparatus can be turned on. As a result, the sheet transport roller rotates or power is applied to the high-voltage functional member while the exterior cover remains open, and there is a possibility that the user may pinch a finger or get an electric shock. In particular, in recent years, there has been a concern about infant accidents in office equipment, and there is a possibility that an infant may put a finger into the opening in the image forming apparatus and turn on the apparatus power. It is necessary to pay sufficient attention.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an image forming apparatus including an exterior cover open / close detection device that detects the closure of the exterior cover by inserting a projection of the exterior cover into an opening provided inside the device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus excellent in safety by preventing an apparatus from being operable even though the exterior cover remains open due to erroneous detection of the exterior cover open / close detection apparatus. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an openable and closable exterior cover that is provided with a protrusion on the inside so that the inside of the apparatus can be exposed, and the protrusion of the exterior cover is provided inside the apparatus when the exterior cover is closed. In an image forming apparatus comprising an exterior cover open / close detection device that detects the closure of the exterior cover by being inserted into the opened opening, erroneous detection of the exterior cover open / close detection device due to entry of foreign matter into the opening is detected. It was decided to provide means for preventing false detection.

  In the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, the exterior cover open / close detection device is provided on the inner frame adjacent to the exterior cover, in the opening corresponding to the protrusion, and on the inner side of the opening. An exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor, and the erroneous detection preventing means uses the shutter provided in the opening, and uses the shutter to close the opening as well as to open the exterior cover. And an opening / closing mechanism that opens the opening.

  In the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, the exterior cover open / close detection device is provided on the inner frame adjacent to the exterior cover, in the opening corresponding to the protrusion, and on the inner side of the opening. An exterior cover open / close detection sensor movable between a portion exposed to the outside through the opening and a portion where the internal frame prevents exposure to the outside, and the erroneous detection preventing means includes the exterior cover open / close detection The sensor is retracted to a non-exposed position with respect to the opening with the opening of the exterior cover, and is provided with a sensor moving mechanism that moves to the exposed position with respect to the opening with the closing of the exterior cover.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the exterior cover open / close detection device includes an exterior cover open / close detection sensor, and the opening provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the internal frame adjacent to the exterior cover, A string-like member installed through the inside of the opening, and a sensor operating mechanism that is connected to the string-like member and activates the exterior cover open / close detection sensor. The operation of the sensor operating mechanism is prevented by loosening the string-like member with the opening, and the tension of the string-like member is strengthened together with the closing of the exterior cover to enable the operation of the sensor operating mechanism by inserting the protrusion into the opening. It was.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, an openable / closable exterior cover that is provided with a protrusion on the inner side so that the inside of the apparatus can be exposed, and an opening in which the protrusion of the exterior cover is provided inside the apparatus when the exterior cover is closed. In an image forming apparatus provided with an exterior cover open / close detection device that detects closure of an exterior cover by being inserted into a cover, false detection prevention prevents false detection of the exterior cover open / close detection device due to entry of foreign matter into the opening Since the means is provided, it is possible to prevent the apparatus from being in an operable state even though the exterior cover remains open. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with excellent safety that does not cause a user to pinch a finger between rotating rollers or touch a high voltage functional member to get an electric shock.

  The exterior cover open / close detection device includes an opening provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the internal frame adjacent to the exterior cover, and an exterior cover open / close detection sensor provided inside the opening. The false detection preventing means includes a shutter provided in the opening, and an opening opening / closing mechanism that uses the shutter to close the opening together with the opening of the exterior cover and open the opening together with the closing of the exterior cover. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the exterior cover open / close detection device due to the entry of foreign matter into the opening with a simple configuration linked to the opening / closing of the exterior cover. Therefore, an image forming apparatus with further improved safety can be obtained.

  In addition, the exterior cover open / close detection device includes an opening provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the inner frame adjacent to the exterior cover, and a position provided inside the opening and exposed to the outside through the opening. And an exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor movable between the outer frame and a position where the internal frame prevents exposure to the outside, and the erroneous detection preventing means opens the exterior cover opening / closing sensor together with the opening of the exterior cover. With the simple structure linked to the opening and closing of the exterior cover, similar to the above configuration, the sensor movement mechanism that moves to the exposed position with respect to the opening with the closure of the exterior cover is retracted. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the exterior cover open / close detection device due to the entry of foreign matter into the opening. Therefore, an image forming apparatus with further improved safety can be obtained.

  In addition, the exterior cover open / close detection device is installed through an exterior cover open / close detection sensor, an opening provided at a location corresponding to the protrusion of the internal frame adjacent to the exterior cover, and the inside of the opening. A string-like member and a sensor operating mechanism that is connected to the string-like member and activates the exterior cover open / close detection sensor, and the false detection prevention means operates by opening the exterior cover and loosening the string-like member. Since the mechanism operation is blocked and the outer cover is closed and the tension of the string-like member is strengthened to enable the operation of the sensor operating mechanism by inserting the protrusion into the opening. With a simple configuration linked to the opening / closing of the outer cover, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the exterior cover opening / closing detection device due to the entry of foreign matter into the opening. Further, it is not necessary to dispose the exterior cover open / close detection sensor in the vicinity of the opening by installing the string-like member. Thereby, the freedom degree of the layout of the functional member in an apparatus increases, for example, a high voltage functional member etc. can be arrange | positioned on the back side of an apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the safety of the image forming apparatus.

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

  First, an image output operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described while explaining the outline of the structure with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate the sheet conveyance path and conveyance direction. FIG. 2 depicts a state in which the exterior cover on the front of the image forming apparatus is opened.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cassette type paper feeding unit 20 is disposed in the lower part of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. The cassette type paper supply unit 20 is provided with a general general-purpose paper cassette 21 and a large capacity paper cassette 22. Two general-purpose paper cassettes 21 having the same capacity are arranged in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 1, two large-capacity paper cassettes 22 having the same capacity are arranged in the horizontal direction at the same height to form an upstream large-capacity paper cassette 22A and a downstream large-capacity paper cassette 22B. In these paper cassettes, paper P such as cut paper before printing is stacked and stored, and the paper P is separated and sent out one by one.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a manual paper feed unit 3 is provided outside the upper right side of the main body 2. The manual paper feed unit 3 is loaded with paper P of a size that is not in the cassette type paper feed unit 20, a thick paper, or an OHP sheet that is to be fed one by one.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a vertical conveyance unit 4 therein. The vertical conveyance unit 4 is located on the right side that is the paper feeding direction in terms of the cassette type paper feeding unit 20, and is located on the left side in terms of the manual paper feeding unit 3. The paper P sent out from the cassette type paper feeding unit 20 is conveyed vertically upward along the side surface of the main body 2 by the vertical conveyance unit 4, and the paper P sent out from the manual paper feeding unit 3 is conveyed substantially horizontally to the left. Of the two large-capacity paper cassettes 22, the paper P sent out from the left upstream large-capacity paper cassette 22 </ b> A was sent almost horizontally right above the right downstream large-capacity paper cassette 22 </ b> B. Then, it is conveyed vertically upward along the side surface of the main body 2.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a document feeder 5 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, and an optical unit 6 is provided below the document feeder 5. An operation panel 7 is provided in front of the document feeder 5 at a position where the user can check the display from the outside or perform operations by pressing a button. When the user copies a document, a document on which images such as characters, graphics, and patterns are drawn is stacked on the document feeder 5, and printing conditions are input to the operation panel 7 to start printing. The document feeding unit 5 separates the documents one by one and feeds the document, and the optical unit 6 reads the image data. Thereafter, the optical unit 6 irradiates the image forming unit 8 with laser light while controlling based on the image data.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming unit 8 and a transfer unit 9 are provided on the downstream side of the vertical conveyance unit 4 in the sheet conveyance direction and below the optical unit 6. In the image forming unit 8, an electrostatic latent image of a document image is formed by the laser light emitted from the optical unit 6, and a toner image is developed from the electrostatic latent image. The toner image formed by the image forming unit 8 is transferred by the transfer unit 9 onto the pre-printing paper P sent in synchronization by the vertical conveyance unit 4.

  A fixing unit 10 is provided on the downstream side of the transfer unit 9. The paper P carrying the unfixed toner image in the transfer unit 9 is sent to the fixing unit 10 where the toner image is heated and pressed by a heat roller and a pressure roller to be fixed.

  A branch portion 11 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing portion 10 and in the vicinity of the left side surface of the main body 2. When the double-sided printing is not performed, the paper P discharged from the fixing unit 10 is discharged from the branching unit 11 to a paper discharge tray 12 (see FIG. 2) provided outside the left side surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

  A double-sided printing unit 13, which is a double-sided printing device, is provided below the portion from the image forming unit 8 to the branching unit 11 and above the cassette type paper feeding unit 20. When performing double-sided printing, the paper P that has been printed on the first side and is discharged from the fixing unit 10 is sent to the double-sided printing unit 13 through the branching unit 11. The paper P sent to the duplex printing unit 13 is then sent to the right side of the main body 2 with the conveyance direction switched for printing the second side, and again passes through the vertical conveyance unit 4 to the transfer unit 9. Sent.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the front portion of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the exterior cover opened state of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged top view of the horizontal cross section showing the exterior cover closed state of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 5 shows the exterior cover opened state of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged front view of the vertical section showing the closed state of the outer cover of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view of the vertical section showing the opened state of the outer cover of the image forming apparatus. 3 is an enlarged perspective view with the exterior cover on the front side of the image forming apparatus slightly opened.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an exterior cover 30 above the cassette type paper feeding unit 20 in the front portion. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the exterior cover 30 is supported on the exterior frame 2 a of the main body 2 by an opening / closing mechanism 31 provided at the right end thereof. The exterior cover 30 is rotatable in a horizontal plane around the location of the opening / closing mechanism 31. The exterior cover 30 is openable and closable with respect to the front surface of the main body 2. By opening the exterior cover 30, the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1 can be exposed as shown in FIG. The user opens the exterior cover 30 and performs replacement of a toner container (not shown), paper jam processing, and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a protrusion 32 is provided inside the upper left end of the exterior cover 30. The protrusion 32 is provided so as to protrude substantially horizontally toward the main body 2. In addition, a magnet (not shown) is provided inside the outer cover 30. The magnet is disposed so as to face the main body 2 and is attracted to the inner frame of the main body 2 when the exterior cover 30 is closed. Thereby, the exterior cover 30 is not opened unintentionally.

  An exterior cover open / close detection device 40 is provided at a location corresponding to the protrusion 32 inside the exterior cover 30 at the upper left end of the main body 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 includes an opening 42 and an exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 in a housing 41 that is one of internal frames of the main body 2.

  The opening 42 is provided on the front surface of the housing 41. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the opening 42 is disposed at a position corresponding to the protrusion 32 inside the exterior cover 30 and has a size that allows the protrusion 32 to be inserted. When the exterior cover 30 is closed, the protrusion 32 is inserted into the opening 42.

  The exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 is provided inside the opening 42. The exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 is an interlock switch, and is configured by a so-called micro switch. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 is arranged so that the lever portion 43 a faces the opening 42. When the exterior cover 30 is closed, the tip of the protrusion 32 inserted into the opening 42 comes into contact with the lever 43a of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 so that the switch is turned on, and the closure of the exterior cover 30 is detected. . As a result, the apparatus power supply capable of operating the image forming apparatus 1 can be turned on.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, an erroneous detection preventing means 50 is provided around the exterior cover opening / closing detection device 40. The false detection prevention means 50 plays a role of preventing erroneous detection of the exterior cover opening / closing detection device 40 due to foreign matter intrusion into the opening 42 of the exterior cover opening / closing detection device 40. And a mechanism 60.

  The shutter 51 is disposed inside the housing 41 of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 and just inside the opening 42 and between the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the shutter 51 is composed of a plate-like member having a size larger than the opening 42, and is leaned so as to be substantially vertical. The shutter 51 is slid in the left-right direction by the opening opening / closing mechanism 60 and includes a slide mechanism (not shown). When the shutter 51 is positioned at a position corresponding to the opening 42, the opening 42 is completely blocked as shown in FIG.

  The opening opening / closing mechanism 60 moves the shutter 51 in the left-right direction as described above, and includes a wire 61, a connecting member 62, and a spring 63. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the drawing of the connecting member 62 and the spring 63 is omitted.

  One end of the wire 61 is coupled to the shutter 51 via the connecting member 62 and the other end is coupled to the opening / closing mechanism 31 of the exterior cover 30 so as to extend in the left-right direction of the main body 2. In the vicinity of the opening / closing mechanism 31, the wire 61 is hooked on the guide pin 64. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting position of the wire 61 at the opening / closing mechanism 31 is farther from the opening 42 of the exterior cover opening / closing detection device 40 when the exterior cover 30 is opened than when the exterior cover 30 is closed. It is provided in the place where it becomes a shape.

  The connecting member 62 is a member that connects the wire 61 and the shutter 51. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connecting member 62 includes a belt-like portion 62 a that extends in the left-right direction one by one above and below. The upper and lower belt-like portions 62 a are provided so as to straddle the opening 42, and as shown in FIG. 6, when the opening 42 is in an open state due to the movement of the shutter 51, the connecting member 62 is not blocked by the opening 42. I have to.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spring 63 is provided on the opposite side of the wire 61 and the connecting member 62 across the shutter 51, that is, on the left side of the shutter 51 when viewed from the front. The spring 63 is constituted by a tension spring, and one end is coupled to the shutter 51 and the other end is coupled to the exterior frame 2 a on the left side of the main body 2. A force that urges the shutter 51 to the left acts on the spring 63.

  Next, operations of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 and the erroneous detection prevention means 50 as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  4 and 6 depict the closed state of the exterior cover 30. FIG. At this time, the shutter 51 of the erroneous detection preventing means 50 is located on the left side with respect to the opening 42 so as not to block the opening 42 of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40.

  The leftward movement of the shutter 51, that is, the movement to the position where the opening 42 is opened is performed by the force acting on the spring 63 of the opening opening / closing mechanism 60. Note that the tension of the wire 61 installed between the shutter 51 and the opening / closing mechanism 31 of the exterior cover 30 acts, and the shutter 51 does not move to the left from the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

  The protrusion 32 of the exterior cover 30 is inserted into the opening 42. And the front-end | tip of the protrusion 32 contacts the lever part 43a of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43, and the closure of the exterior cover 30 is detected. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 can be operated and the apparatus power supply is in an ON state.

  Here, when the exterior cover 30 is opened, the locations of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 and the erroneous detection prevention means 50 are in the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting position of the wire 61 at the opening / closing mechanism 31 of the outer cover 30 is farther from the outer cover opening / closing detection device 40 when the outer cover 30 is opened than when the outer cover 30 is closed. The wire 61 is pulled in the direction of the opening / closing mechanism 31 because the wire 61 is provided in the shape. As a result, the shutter 51 moves in the direction of closing the opening 42 against the elastic force of the spring 63, that is, to the right in FIGS. 5 and 7, and completely closes the opening 42.

  In the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43, the switch is turned off when the protrusion 32 is separated, and the exterior cover 30 is detected to be opened. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 is in a power-off state where operation is impossible. In the exterior cover open / close detection device 40, since the opening 42 is closed by the shutter 51, a foreign object cannot be inserted from the opening 42 to turn on the apparatus power.

  When the outer cover 30 is closed again, the shutter 63 is pulled to the left in FIGS. 5 and 7 together with the wire 61 and the connecting member 62 by the action of the spring 63, and the opening 42 is opened.

  In this way, the protrusion 32 is provided on the inside, and the openable / closable exterior cover 30 that can expose the inside of the apparatus, and the opening in which the protrusion 32 of the exterior cover 30 is provided inside the apparatus when the exterior cover 30 is closed. In the image forming apparatus 1 including the exterior cover opening / closing detection device 40 that detects the closure of the exterior cover 30 by being inserted into the portion 42, erroneous detection of the exterior cover opening / closing detection device 40 due to foreign matter intrusion into the opening 42. Therefore, the apparatus can be prevented from being in an operable state even when the exterior cover 30 remains open. Therefore, it is possible to provide the image forming apparatus 1 that is excellent in safety without causing the user to pinch a finger between the rotating rollers or touch the high-voltage functional member to get an electric shock.

  The exterior cover open / close detection device 40 includes an opening 42 provided at a location corresponding to the protrusion 32 of the housing 41, which is one of the internal frames close to the exterior cover 30, and an inner side of the opening 42. The exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 is provided, and the erroneous detection preventing means 50 uses the shutter 51 provided in the opening 42 and the shutter 51 to close the opening 42 together with the opening of the exterior cover 30. Since the opening / closing mechanism 60 that opens the opening 42 together with the closing of the exterior cover 30 is provided, the opening / closing detection of the exterior cover due to the intrusion of foreign matter into the opening 42 by a simple configuration linked to the opening / closing of the exterior cover 30. False detection of the device 40 can be prevented. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 with further improved safety can be obtained.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged top view of the horizontal section showing the closed state of the exterior cover of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged top view of the horizontal section showing the opened state of the exterior cover of the image forming apparatus. The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, and therefore, the configuration common to the first embodiment is described in the drawings, and The description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 includes an opening 42 and an exterior cover open / close in a housing 41 that is one of the internal frames of the main body 2. And a detection sensor 43.

  The exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 is disposed on a slide mechanism (not shown) and is provided inside the opening 42. By the sliding mechanism of the exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43, the exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43 is exposed to the outside through the opening 42 (see FIG. 8) and the housing 41 is prevented from being exposed to the outside (see FIG. 9). ) To the left and right.

  The erroneous detection preventing means 50 includes a sensor moving mechanism 70. The sensor moving mechanism 70 includes a wire 71 and a spring 72.

  One end of the wire 71 is directly coupled to the exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43 and the other end is coupled to the opening / closing mechanism 31 of the exterior cover 30, and is constructed to extend in the left-right direction of the main body 2. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connecting portion of the wire 71 at the opening / closing mechanism 31 is farther from the opening 42 of the outer cover opening / closing detection device 40 when the outer cover 30 is opened than when the outer cover 30 is closed. It is provided in the place where it becomes a shape.

  The spring 72 is provided on the opposite side of the wire 71 across the exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43, that is, on the left side of the exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43 when viewed from the front. The spring 72 is constituted by a tension spring, and one end is coupled to the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 and the other end is coupled to the exterior frame 2 a on the left side of the main body 2. A force that urges the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 to the left acts on the spring 72.

  Next, operations of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 and the erroneous detection prevention means 50 as described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the exterior cover 30 is in the closed state, the erroneous detection preventing means 50 causes the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 to be exposed to the opening 42 by the action of the spring 72 of the sensor moving mechanism 70. The slide is moved. Thereby, the tip of the protrusion 32 of the exterior cover 30 inserted into the opening 42 comes into contact with the lever portion 43a of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43, and the closure of the exterior cover 30 is detected.

  Here, when the exterior cover 30 is opened, as shown in FIG. 9, the false detection preventing means 50 causes the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 to be installed in the housing 41 against the elastic force of the spring 72 of the sensor moving mechanism 70. Is retracted to the non-exposed portion, that is, to the right side with respect to the opening 42. As a result, in the exterior cover open / close detection device 40, even if a foreign object is inserted through the opening 42, the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 cannot be turned on, so the apparatus power supply cannot be turned on. .

  In this manner, the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 includes an opening 42 provided at a location corresponding to the protrusion 32 of the housing 41, which is one of the internal frames close to the exterior cover 30, and the opening 42. An exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43 provided on the inner side and movable between a portion exposed to the outside through the opening 42 and a portion where the housing 41 prevents the exposure to the outside is provided. Since the exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43 is provided with a sensor moving mechanism 70 that retreats to an unexposed location with respect to the opening 42 when the exterior cover 30 is opened and moves to an exposed location with respect to the opening 42 when the exterior cover 30 is closed. Similar to the first embodiment, the exterior cover by foreign matter intrusion into the opening 42 has a simple configuration linked to the opening and closing of the exterior cover 30. It is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the opening and closing detecting device 40. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 with further improved safety can be obtained.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 is a partially enlarged top view of the horizontal section showing the closed state of the exterior cover of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged top view of the horizontal section showing the state where the exterior cover of the image forming apparatus is slightly opened, and FIG. It is a horizontal cross-section part enlarged top view which shows the state which opened the exterior cover completely. The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, and therefore, the configuration common to the first embodiment is described in the drawings, and The description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 includes an opening 42 provided in the housing 41 that is one of the internal frames of the main body 2, and the exterior cover. An open / close detection sensor 43, a sensor operating mechanism 44, a wire 45 as a string-like member, and a plurality of guide pins 46 are provided.

  The exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 is disposed not behind the opening 42 but behind the opening 42 and slightly behind the front surface of the main body 2. A sensor operating mechanism 44 is provided in the vicinity of the lever portion 43 a of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43.

  The sensor operating mechanism 44 is formed of a stick-like member that can rotate in a horizontal plane around the support shaft 44a. As the sensor operating mechanism 44 rotates, the tip of the sensor operating mechanism 44 contacts / separates the lever 43a of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43, and the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 is turned on / off. The sensor operating mechanism 44 is urged to rotate in a direction away from the lever portion 43a, that is, in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. Note that the sensor operating mechanism 44 does not rotate in the direction away from the lever portion 43a (counterclockwise) beyond the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 due to the action of a stopper (not shown).

  The wire 45 that is a string-like member has one end connected to the sensor operating mechanism 44 and the other end connected to a location near the opening / closing mechanism 31 of the exterior cover 30. The wire 45 is constructed so as to extend in the front-rear direction along the left side surface of the main body 2, and further to extend in the left-right direction of the main body 2. One end of the wire 45 is connected to the stick portion of the sensor operating mechanism 44, and the sensor operating mechanism 44 can be pulled and rotated by its movement.

  Two of the guide pins 46 are provided immediately inside the opening 42, and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction so as to separate the opening 42. The wire 45 is hooked on the guide pin 46 closer to the left side surface of the main body 2 and is installed in a shape that bends at a substantially right angle. As a result, the wire 45 passes just inside the opening 42. The vertical position of the wire 45 at the opening 42 is a position corresponding to the protrusion 32 of the exterior cover 30.

  The erroneous detection preventing means 50 is provided as a lever member 52 connected to the opening / closing mechanism 31 of the exterior cover 30. The lever member 52 is provided so as to protrude from the opening / closing mechanism 31. One end of the wire 45 of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 is coupled to the tip of the lever member 52. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the distal end of the lever member 52, which is the connecting portion of the wire 45, is more open to the opening 42 of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 when the exterior cover 30 is opened than when the exterior cover 30 is closed. On the other hand, it is provided at a nearby location.

  Next, operations of the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 and the erroneous detection prevention means 50 as described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the exterior cover 30 is in the closed state, the protrusion 32 of the exterior cover 30 pushes the wire 45 inside the opening 42 caught on the tip thereof so as to project rearward, thereby opening the opening. 42 is inserted. As a result, tension is applied to the wire 45, and the sensor operating mechanism 44 is pulled against the spring force of the spring at the location of the exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor 43, and rotated to the front side, that is, clockwise in FIG. ing. As a result, the tip of the sensor operating mechanism 44 comes into contact with the lever portion 43a of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43, and the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 detects the closure of the exterior cover 30.

  Here, when the exterior cover 30 is slightly opened, as shown in FIG. 11, the protrusion 32 cancels the contact with the wire 45 and goes out of the opening 42. Thereby, since the tension of the wire 45 is weakened, the sensor operating mechanism 44 rotates counterclockwise by the elastic force of the spring at the location of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43. As a result, the tip of the sensor operating mechanism 44 is separated from the lever portion 43 a of the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43, and the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 detects the opening of the exterior cover 30. At this point, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot be operated.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, when the exterior cover 30 is completely opened, the distance between the sensor operating mechanism 44 and the lever member 52 of the erroneous detection preventing means 50 is shortened by the action of the erroneous detection preventing means 50. Looseness occurs in the wire 45 installed therebetween. Thereby, in the exterior cover open / close detection device 40, even if a foreign object is inserted from the opening 42, the looseness of the wire 45 cannot be eliminated and the sensor operating mechanism 44 cannot be operated. It is impossible to make this state.

  In this way, the exterior cover open / close detection device 40 includes the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 and the opening 42 provided at the location corresponding to the protrusion 32 of the housing 41 that is one of the internal frames close to the exterior cover. And a wire 45, which is a string-like member installed through the inside of the opening 42, and a sensor operating mechanism 44 that is connected to the wire 45 and operates the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43, thereby preventing erroneous detection. The means 50 prevents the operation of the sensor actuating mechanism 44 by loosening the wire 45 along with the opening of the exterior cover 30, and strengthens the tension of the wire 45 while closing the exterior cover 30, thereby inserting the projection 32 into the opening 42. Since the operation of the sensor operating mechanism 44 is enabled, a simple configuration interlocked with opening and closing of the exterior cover 30 as in the above embodiment. More, it is possible to prevent the erroneous detection of exterior cover close detection device 40 due to foreign matter entering the opening 42. And, by installing the wire 45, it is not necessary to arrange the exterior cover open / close detection sensor 43 in the vicinity of the opening 42. Thereby, the freedom degree of the layout of the functional member in an apparatus increases, for example, a high voltage functional member etc. can be arrange | positioned on the back side of an apparatus. Therefore, the safety of the image forming apparatus 1 can be further improved.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used in general image forming apparatuses.

1 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an exterior cover opened state of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged top view of a horizontal section showing a closed state of an exterior cover of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged top view of a horizontal section showing an external cover opened state of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged front view of a vertical cross section illustrating a closed state of an exterior cover of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged front view of a vertical cross section showing an exterior cover opened state of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged top view of a horizontal cross section showing an exterior cover closed state of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a horizontal cross-section part enlarged top view which shows the exterior cover open state of the image forming apparatus of FIG. It is a horizontal cross-section part enlarged top view which shows the exterior cover closed state of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a horizontal cross-section part enlarged top view which shows the state which opened the exterior cover of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 10 for a while. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged top view of a horizontal section showing a state in which an exterior cover of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 10 is completely opened.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body 30 Exterior cover 32 Projection 40 Exterior cover open / close detection device 41 Housing (inner frame)
42 Opening 43 Exterior Cover Open / Close Detection Sensor 44 Sensor Actuation Mechanism 45 Wire (String Member)
46 Guide pin 50 False detection preventing means 51 Shutter 52 Lever member 60 Opening / closing mechanism 61 Wire 62 Connecting member 63 Spring 70 Sensor moving mechanism 71 Wire 72 Spring

Claims (4)

Openable and closable exterior cover with projections on the inside that allows the inside of the device to be exposed, and when the exterior cover is closed, the projections of the exterior cover are inserted into openings provided in the interior of the device. In an image forming apparatus provided with an exterior cover open / close detection device for detecting the closure of
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a false detection prevention unit that prevents false detection of the exterior cover open / close detection device due to foreign matter intrusion into the opening.   The exterior cover open / close detection device includes the opening provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion of an internal frame adjacent to the exterior cover, and an exterior cover open / close detection sensor provided inside the opening. The false detection preventing means includes a shutter provided in the opening, and an opening / closing mechanism that uses the shutter to close the opening when the exterior cover is opened and open the opening when the exterior cover is closed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The exterior cover open / close detection device includes an opening provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the inner frame adjacent to the exterior cover, and a position exposed inside the opening and exposed to the outside through the opening. And an exterior cover opening / closing detection sensor movable between the outer frame and a position where the internal frame prevents exposure to the outside, and the erroneous detection preventing means opens the exterior cover opening / closing sensor together with the opening of the exterior cover. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor moving mechanism that is retracted to a non-exposed portion with respect to the opening and moves to the exposed portion with respect to the opening portion together with closing of the exterior cover.   The exterior cover open / close detection device is installed to pass through the exterior cover open / close detection sensor, the opening provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the inner frame adjacent to the exterior cover, and the inside of the opening. A string-like member and a sensor operating mechanism that is connected to the string-like member and activates the exterior cover open / close detection sensor, and the false detection preventing means loosens the string-like member while opening the exterior cover. 2. The sensor operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the sensor operating mechanism is inhibited, and the tension of the string-like member is strengthened together with the closing of the exterior cover to enable the operation of the sensor operating mechanism by inserting the protrusion into the opening. Image forming apparatus.

Images