JP2009014969A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize the area needed for opening and closing of an opening and closing door and enhance the workability in jam processing in a case in which an external attachment device is connected in an image forming device capable of connecting with the external attachment device and having an opening part on a connecting surface for connecting the attachment device and the opening and closing door for covering or opening the opening part. <P>SOLUTION: The device includes a guide means for guiding the opening and closing door in a direction parallel to the connecting surface in opening and closing of the opening and closing door. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that can be connected to an external accessory device and has an opening / closing door that covers or opens an opening used for jamming of recording paper.

  An image forming apparatus of a process in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of a charged photosensitive drum, then the electrostatic latent image is converted into a toner image by a developing device, transferred to a recording paper, and then fixed by a fixing device. well known.

  The image forming apparatus is configured by covering the outer peripheral surface with a mounting member in consideration of protection of each mechanism unit constituting the image forming apparatus and consideration of safety of the user.

  In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, a recording paper that is conveyed along a predetermined mechanism unit may be jammed inside the mechanism unit or between adjacent mechanism units, that is, a so-called jam may occur. When a jam occurs, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is usually stopped, and the image forming operation is resumed when the jammed recording paper is removed by the user. Hereinafter, the action of removing the jammed recording paper performed by the user when the jam occurs will be referred to as jam processing.

  Normally, an opening is disposed at a portion of the mounted member that faces the mechanism portion related to the conveyance of the recording paper, and the opening can be moved between a position where the opening is covered and a position where the opening is opened. Members are arranged. Hereinafter, a member capable of moving between a position where the opening is covered and a position where the opening is opened will be referred to as an opening / closing door.

  The opening / closing door can be disposed at a position that covers the opening during normal image formation, and can be disposed at a position that opens the opening when required by the user. For example, when a jam occurs, the opening is opened, and the user can remove the jammed recording paper from the mechanism exposed from the opening, that is, perform jam processing.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, the open / close door is arranged in the image forming apparatus via a hinge, and is configured in the form of a door that can be rotated about the hinge.

  FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement of a mechanism unit related to recording sheet conveyance in a conventional image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus shown in the figure, each mechanism part inside the apparatus is configured and arranged so that the recording paper on which the image has been formed is discharged to the left side in the figure. A paper feed mechanism section for feeding paper is disposed on the left side of the drawing, and a paper discharge mechanism section for discharging recording paper is disposed. The recording paper stored in the recording paper storage section is fed by the paper feeding mechanism section on the right side of the figure, and the toner image is transferred and fixed by the image forming / fixing section disposed in the center of the image forming apparatus. Then, the paper is discharged through the paper discharge mechanism on the left side of the figure.

  In such an image forming apparatus, in order to facilitate processing of jamming of recording paper that occurs in the paper feed mechanism unit and the paper discharge mechanism unit, the side surface portion on the right side of the figure and the paper discharge mechanism unit arrangement site are illustrated. An opening is disposed on the left side surface, and an opening / closing door is disposed in each opening via a hinge mechanism. The open / close door disposed in the image forming apparatus via the hinge mechanism can be opened and closed by the user turning about the hinge mechanism portion.

  The broken lines in the figure indicate a state in which two open / close doors arranged on the left and right of the image generating apparatus via hinge mechanisms are opened. As shown in the drawing, when opening and closing the doors arranged via the hinge mechanism, it is necessary to secure a space that does not hinder the two doors from rotating around the hinge mechanism part. The That is, when the image forming apparatus is installed, it is necessary to secure an area for turning the opening / closing door.

  Incidentally, some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, and fax machines are configured so that a large amount of image formation can be efficiently performed by connecting an external accessory device. Examples of the external attachment device include a large-capacity paper feeding device that stores a large amount of recording paper, and a finisher that performs punching processing and binding processing on an image-formed recording paper. A large amount of image formation can be efficiently executed in conjunction with the attached device. These external attachment devices can be easily connected to the parts for operation linkage with the recording paper transport mechanism of the image forming apparatus. For example, a device relating to storage of recording paper such as a large capacity paper feeding device is connected in the vicinity of the paper feeding mechanism unit, and a device relating to post-processing of recording paper such as a finisher is a paper ejection mechanism of the image forming apparatus. Connected in the vicinity of the unit.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which an external device is connected to the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 15A, a large-capacity paper feeding device, which is a device for storing a large amount of recording paper in the image forming apparatus, and a finisher, which is a device for punching and binding the image-formed recording paper, are connected. It shows the state.

  The large capacity sheet feeding device is connected to the right side surface of the image forming apparatus in the vicinity of the sheet feeding mechanism section so as to operate efficiently in cooperation with the sheet feeding mechanism section of the image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, the surface connecting the accessory device in the image forming apparatus is referred to as a connection surface. Therefore, the large-capacity paper feeding device is connected to the connection surface on the right side of the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, the finisher is connected to the left side surface portion in the vicinity of the paper discharge mechanism portion of the image forming apparatus so as to operate efficiently in cooperation with the paper discharge mechanism portion in the image forming apparatus. That is, the finisher is connected to the connection surface on the left side of the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, in order to facilitate the processing of the jam of the recording paper generated in the paper feeding mechanism and the paper ejection mechanism in the conventional image forming apparatus, the right side of the drawing and the paper ejection mechanism part are arranged. An opening is disposed on a side surface on the left side of the figure, and an opening / closing door is disposed on each opening via a hinge mechanism. Openings are arranged on the left and right side portions of the image forming apparatus, that is, the connection surfaces connecting the accessory devices, and opening / closing doors are arranged on the respective openings via hinge mechanisms.

  When an external accessory device is connected, the opening or door that is placed on the connection surface of the image forming device is blocked by the opposing accessory device. In addition, there is a risk of reducing workability during parts maintenance.

  For example, when a paper jam occurs in the paper feed mechanism when a large-capacity paper feeder is connected, and it is necessary to open the open / close door on the connection surface on the right side of the figure during jam processing, the door opens and closes. Since the door cannot be opened because it is obstructed by the large-capacity paper feeder, the user will be forced to move the large-capacity paper feeder to a position where it will not interfere with the opening and closing of the door, reducing workability. Let

  Similarly, when a paper jam occurs in the paper discharge mechanism when the finisher is connected, the finisher can be retracted to a position that does not hinder the opening and closing door arranged on the connection surface on the left side of the figure. It will force users. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the large-capacity paper feeding device and the finisher are retracted to a position where there is no hindrance for opening the left and right side opening / closing doors.

  As described above, a space for moving the large-capacity sheet feeding device and the finisher to a position that does not hinder the opening of the left and right side opening / closing doors is required, which increases the installation area of the image forming apparatus, In the jam processing, it is necessary to move the large-capacity paper feeding device and the finisher to a position where there is no hindrance to open the opening / closing door, which reduces the workability of the jam processing.

  By the way, a structure technique of an image forming apparatus that opens and closes by opening and closing the door by moving it in a direction parallel to the surface of the door, that is, a sliding door type has been proposed (Patent Document 1). The sliding door type opening / closing door can reduce the space required for opening / closing as compared with the opening / closing door configured to rotate around the hinge mechanism.

However, the structure proposed in the above-mentioned patent document relates to an image forming apparatus that is used alone, and is not based on an image forming apparatus that can be connected to an external attached device. However, the technology is not capable of coping with a decrease in jam processing operability in an image forming apparatus capable of connecting the image forming apparatus or an increase in the installation area of the image forming apparatus.
JP 2004-50438 A

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and can connect an external accessory device, and has an opening on a connection surface for connecting the accessory device. In an image forming apparatus having an opening / closing door that is covered or opened, an image forming apparatus having a small area required for opening / closing the opening / closing door at the time of installation and having good workability for jamming when an auxiliary device is connected is provided.

The object is achieved by the following means.
(1) An image forming apparatus that can be connected to an external accessory device and is mounted with a mounting member around the periphery.
Having an opening in a connection surface for connecting the accessory device of the mounted member;
An open / close door that covers or opens the opening;
Guidance means for guiding the opening / closing door in a direction parallel to the connection surface when opening and closing the opening / closing door;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
(2) The guide means guides the door in a direction intersecting the connection surface prior to guiding the door in a direction parallel to the connection surface when the door is moved from a position covering the opening. The image forming apparatus as described in (1) above.
(3) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the opening / closing door is provided with a mechanism portion of the image forming apparatus.
(4) The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the opening / closing door has at least one bent portion, and can be bent at the bent portion.

  According to the invention described in the claims, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that has a small area necessary for installation and that has good workability for jam processing when an external auxiliary device is connected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus to which an external accessory device can be connected. A is an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system can be configured by connecting an external large-capacity sheet feeding device LT or a post-processing device FS as shown in the figure. The image forming system operates a connected large-capacity paper feeding device LT or post-processing device FS in conjunction with image formation of the image forming device A, thereby forming a large amount of images or post-processing of image-formed recording paper. Can be executed efficiently.

  The image forming apparatus A includes an image forming unit 1, a fixing device 9, and a recording paper conveyance system. The image forming unit 1 includes a charging unit 3, an image exposure unit 4, a developing device 5, a transfer unit 6, a charge removing unit 7 </ b> A, a separation claw 7 </ b> B, a cleaning unit 8, and the like disposed around the image carrier 2. .

  The recording paper conveyance system includes a paper feeding mechanism unit that feeds the recording paper S to the image forming unit 1 and includes a paper feeding cassette 10, a first paper feeding unit 11, and a second paper feeding unit (registration roller) 12. The recording sheet S on which the image is transferred is conveyed from the image forming unit 1 to the fixing device 9, the recording sheet S on which the image is fixed by the fixing device 9, the discharge means 14 for discharging the sheet, and the front and back of the recording sheet S A reversing conveyance unit 15 for reversing and conveying is provided.

  The first paper feeding means 11 has a plurality of paper feeding means, and separates and feeds recording paper S of a plurality of sizes stored in a plurality of paper feeding cassettes 10 one by one.

  The document d placed on the document table of the automatic document feeder DF is conveyed by the DF paper feeding means 21 and the document image is read by the image reading device.

  In the image forming unit 1, processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, separation, and cleaning are performed. An image is transferred to the recording paper S fed from the paper feeding cassette 10 by the transfer means 6. The recording paper S carrying the transferred image is fixed by the fixing device 9 and discharged from the paper discharge port 19 by the paper discharge means 14. Note that the recording sheet S after fixing is discharged by reversing the front and back or image formation on both sides of the recording sheet S via the reversing conveyance unit 15 as necessary.

  The large-capacity paper feeding device LT can store a large amount of recording paper. When connected to the image forming apparatus A, the large-capacity paper feeding device LT can perform a large amount of image formation in conjunction with the operation of the image forming apparatus A without supplying the recording paper. Allows to run continuously.

  The large capacity sheet feeding device LT is connected to the right side of the image forming apparatus A near the second sheet feeding means (registration roller) 12 in order to operate in conjunction with the sheet feeding operation of the image forming apparatus A. The right side surface of the image forming apparatus A is a connection surface for connecting the large capacity sheet feeding device LT. The recording sheet S stored in the LT sheet feeding unit 20 of the large capacity sheet feeding device LT is fed to the second sheet feeding unit 12 via the sheet feeding port 18 of the image forming apparatus A.

  The post-processing device FS is a finisher, and when connected to the image forming apparatus A, accepts the recording paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus A in conjunction with the operation of the image forming apparatus A, for example, alignment, cover, etc. And post-processing such as binding needle hitting.

  The post-processing device FS is connected to the left side of the image forming apparatus A in the vicinity of the paper discharge means 14 in order to operate in conjunction with the paper discharge operation of the image forming apparatus A. The left side surface of the image forming apparatus A is a connection surface that connects the post-processing apparatus FS.

  The illustrated post-processing device FS includes an inlet conveyance unit 30, a shift unit 31, a stacker unit 32, a staple unit 33, a cover sheet feeding unit 34, and a sheet discharging unit 35. The post-processing device FS receives the recording paper S discharged from the paper discharge port 19 of the image forming apparatus A, and superimposes a predetermined front cover and back cover on the received plurality of recording papers S or a plurality of recording papers S. A predetermined recording sheet is inserted in the middle of the sheet, or a post-processing such as forming a booklet is performed by ejecting a binding needle to a predetermined number of recording sheets S and binding the sheets.

Note that an opening and an opening / closing door, which will be described later, are arranged on each connection surface connecting the large-capacity paper feeding device LT and the post-processing device FS in the image forming apparatus A, and the large capacity connected to the image forming apparatus A. The paper feeding device LT and the post-processing device FS can be retracted to a position where there is no hindrance in opening and closing when opening and closing the doors arranged on the respective connection surfaces.
<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 2 is an external view of the image forming apparatus A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2A is a front view of the image forming apparatus A, FIG. 2B is a left side view, and FIG. 2C is a right side view.

  The image forming apparatus A is configured by covering the outer peripheral surface with a mounting member 100 in order to protect each built-in mechanism and to consider the safety of the user.

  A part of the mounted member 100 is configured to be movable between a position where each mechanism part is covered and a position where each mechanism part is exposed, and is arranged at a position where each mechanism part is covered during normal image formation. In addition, when necessary, it is possible to move each mechanism to a position where it is exposed or covered by a user operation, such as internal inspection and maintenance, or jam processing.

In FIG. 2A, reference numeral 100A denotes a front door. The front door 100A is closed during normal image formation, and is opened to supply toner or inspecting the image forming unit 1 or the fixing device 9, and the image forming unit 1 is opened. Alternatively, the fixing device 9 can be exposed. Reference numerals 100B _{1 to} B ₃ denote recording paper supply doors that are opened and closed by the user when the recording paper is supplied to the cassette 10.

  The left side surface of the image forming apparatus A is a connection surface for connecting an auxiliary device such as the post-processing device FS, and a left side door 110DL is disposed below the paper discharge port 19 as shown in FIG. .

  The left-side door 110DL arranged on the connection surface connecting the post-processing device FS is the open / close door described in the claims, and covers the opening 100HL arranged on the left-side connection surface by a user operation. It is possible to move between the position and the position where the opening 100HL is opened. When the opening 100HL is opened, the paper discharge means 14 and the reverse conveying unit 15 are exposed from the opening 100HL.

  The left side door 110DL is provided with a pull handle 110DLH. The user puts a finger on the pull handle 110DLH and pulls the left side door 110DL in the direction indicated by the arrow XL, that is, the front side of the front side of the image forming apparatus. It can move from the position which coat | covered 100HL, and can open the opening part 100HL. Since the paper discharge unit 14 and the reverse conveyance unit 15 are exposed from the opened opening 100HL, the user can perform necessary inspections and jam processing.

  Similarly, the right side surface of the image forming apparatus A is a connection surface for connecting an accessory device such as a large capacity sheet feeding device LT, and a right side door 110DR is provided below the sheet feeding port 19 as shown in FIG. It is arranged.

  The right side door 110DR disposed on the connection surface for connecting the large capacity sheet feeding device LT is an open / close door in the claims, and covers the opening 100HR disposed on the right connection surface by a user operation. It is possible to move between the position and the position where the opening 100HR is opened. When the opening 100HR is opened, the first paper feeding means 11 is exposed from the opening 100HR.

  A pull handle 110DRH is arranged on the right side door 110DR, and the user puts a finger on the pull handle 110DRH and pulls the left side door 110DR in the direction indicated by the arrow XR, that is, the front front side of the image forming apparatus. It can move from the position which coat | covered 100HR, and can open the opening part 100HR. Since the paper feed mechanism section is exposed from the opened opening section 100HR, the user can perform necessary inspections and jam processing.

  Hereinafter, details of the left side door 110DL disposed on the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus A will be described with reference to FIGS. The right side door 110DR has the same technical concept as the left side door 110DL except that the arrangement position and the left-right direction of movement are opposite to each other.

  The left side door 110DL is movable between a position covering the opening 100HL and an opened position, and is arranged on the connection surface on the left side of the image forming apparatus A through a guide means for guiding the movement.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the left guide plate 113L according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide plate 113L according to the first embodiment is configured in a form in which a guide hole 113LG is arranged at the center of the metal plate. The guide hole 113LG is a long hole formed along the longitudinal direction of the left guide plate 113L, and the width direction dimension thereof is configured such that a guide roller 111RL disposed on the left side door body 111DL described later can be loosely inserted.

  The left guide plate 113L is a member that functions as a guide unit that guides the movement of the left side door 110DL, and also functions as a member that supports the left side door 110DL.

  In the first embodiment, the two left guide plates 113L face each other at the upper and lower positions sandwiching the opening 100HL of the image forming apparatus A, and the longitudinal directions of the respective guide holes 113LG correspond to those of the image forming apparatus A. Arranged parallel to the left connection surface. When the guide roller 111RL of the left side door main body 111DL is loosely inserted into the guide hole 113LG of the left guide plate 113L disposed in the image forming apparatus A, the left guide plate 113L supports the left side door main body 111DL. The left side door body 111DL is guided to move along the guide hole 113LG through the guide roller 111RL, that is, the movement of the left side door body 111DL in a direction parallel to the surface of the mounted member.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating attachment of the left guide plate 113L to the image forming apparatus A. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the image forming apparatus A in a state where the left guide plate 113L is attached. FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. 4B is a left side view, and FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the attachment of the guide plate 113L as viewed from the upper surface side of the image forming apparatus A. FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the left side surface of the image forming apparatus A has a left side surface in which a part of the mounted member 100 is cut out with an opening 100HL disposed below the paper discharge port 19 interposed therebetween. A door mounting portion 100ZL is arranged. Through the opening 100HL, the paper discharge unit 14 (not shown) and the reverse conveying unit 15 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus A are exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the two left guide plates 113L are arranged on the upper and lower wall surfaces of the left side door mounting portion 100Z at symmetrical positions with the opening 100HL interposed therebetween. The left guide plate 113L disposed on the upper wall surface of the left side door mounting portion 100ZL is classified as the left guide plate 113LA, and the left guide plate 113L disposed on the lower wall surface is denoted as the left guide plate 113LB.

  And as shown in FIG.4 (c), left guide plate 113LA, B is arrange | positioned in the left side door attaching part 100ZL in parallel with the surface of the to-be-mounted member 100 by the guide hole 113LG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the left side door 110DL according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 5, 111DL is a left side door main body, and 111RLA and 111RLB are guide rollers rotatably arranged on the left side door main body 111DL.

  The left side door 110DL is supported and attached to the image forming apparatus A by loosely inserting the guide roller 111RLA and the guide roller 111RLB into the guide holes 113LG of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB.

  The left side door 110DL attached by loosely inserting the guide roller 111RLA and the guide roller 111RLB into the guide holes 113LG of the upper and lower left guide plates 113LA and 113LB is guided by the guide rollers 111RLA and 111RLB to the upper and lower guide holes 113LG. It is possible to move.

  110DLH is a puller arranged on the left side door body 111DL. The user of the image forming apparatus A can move the left side door 110DL under the guidance of the guide hole 113LG by engaging a finger with the pull handle 110DLH, that is, open and close the left side door 110DL. .

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the left side door 110DL to the image forming apparatus A and the state of its operation.

  6A, FIG. 6A shows that the left side door 110DL is moved to the image forming apparatus A by loosely inserting the guide roller 111RLA and the guide roller 111RLB of the left side door 110DL into the guide holes 113LAG of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB. It is a figure which shows the state to which A was attached. 6A is a front view of the image forming apparatus A to which the left side door 110DL is attached, and a lower left figure is the left side door 110DL attached to the image forming apparatus A. The partial view seen from the left side and the upper left view are partial cross-sectional views of the left side door 110DL attached to the image forming apparatus A as seen from above the image forming apparatus A.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in the left side door 110DL, the guide roller 111RLA and the guide roller 111RLB are located at the illustrated left end of the guide hole 113LG.

  The left side door 110DL covers the opening 100HL when the guide roller 111RLA and the guide roller 111RLB are located at the illustrated left end of the guide hole 113LG. When the image forming apparatus A performs a normal image forming operation, the left side door 110DL is disposed at a position covering the opening 100HL.

  When the user opens the left side door 110DL arranged at a position covering the opening 100HL, he puts his finger on the pull 110DLH of the left side door 110DL and puts the guide rollers 111RLA and 5B on the left guide plate 113LA in the direction indicated by the arrow. The guide rollers 111RLA and 5B are moved along the guide hole 113LG of 113LB until they reach the right end of the 113LB guide hole 113LAG in the figure.

  As the left side door 110DL is pulled in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing, the left side door 110DL is guided in a direction parallel to the surface of the mounted member 100 on the left side of the image forming apparatus A through the guide holes 113LG of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB. Then, it moves from the position where the opening 100HL is covered. When the guide rollers 111RLA and 5B shown in FIG. 6B reach the illustrated right end position of the 113LB guide hole 113LG, the opening 100HL is released from the covering by the left side door 110DL.

  When the guide roller 111RLA and the guide roller 111RLB of the left side door 110DL are located at the right end of the guide hole 113LG in the drawing, the opening 100HL is opened, and the paper discharge means 14 and the reverse conveying unit 15 are exposed from the opening 100HL.

  Thus, when the left side door 110DL is moved from the position where the opening 100HL is covered to the position where the opening 100HL is opened, that is, when the left side door 110DL is opened, the left side door 110DL is moved to the left side of the image forming apparatus A. This is done by moving parallel to the surface of the surface member 100.

  When closing the opening 100HL, the left side door 110DL is moved along the guide holes of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB until the guide roller 111RLA and the guide roller 111RLB are positioned at the illustrated left end of the guide hole 113LG. The opening 100HL is covered with the left side door 110DL by moving in parallel with the surface of the mounted member 100 on the left side of the image forming apparatus A.

As described above, the left side door 110DL disposed in the image forming apparatus A through the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB is guided by the guide holes 113LG of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB, and is mounted on the left side surface of the image forming apparatus. Since it moves in parallel with the member 100, when the left side door 110DL is opened, a space is not required as compared with a hinge type door that is opened by rotation. Further, when an external accessory device such as a finisher is attached to the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus, the accessory device is retracted when the left side door 110DL needs to be opened during the recording paper jam processing or the like. The left side door 110DL that can move in the direction parallel to the connection surface on the left side of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is arranged as compared with the image forming apparatus that has a hinge type door. By using the image forming apparatus, the distance for retracting the attached device can be shortened, the space secured around the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the workability of the jam processing can be improved.
<Embodiment 2>
The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment includes guide means for guiding the movement of the opening / closing door between the position where the opening is covered and the position where the door is opened in parallel to the connection surface of the image forming apparatus. However, when the opening / closing door is moved from the position where the opening is covered, the guiding means can be guided in a direction intersecting the connection surface prior to guiding in the direction parallel to the connection surface. .

  Hereinafter, as Embodiment 2 of the present invention, when the opening / closing door is moved from the position covering the opening, it has a guide means for guiding in a direction intersecting the connection surface prior to guiding in the direction parallel to the connection surface. The image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 in which an opening / closing door is arranged on the left side surface of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 7 is an external view of an image forming apparatus A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 7A is a front view of the image forming apparatus A, and FIG. 7B is a left side view.

  The image forming apparatus A is configured by covering the outer peripheral surface with a mounting member 100 in order to protect each built-in mechanism and to consider the safety of the user.

  The left side surface of the image forming apparatus A is a connection surface for connecting an accessory device, and a left side door 120DL is disposed as shown in FIG.

  The left side door 120DL is an open / close door, and can be moved between a position covering the opening 100HL disposed on the mounted member and a position opening the opening 100HL by a user operation. The opening 100HL is disposed at a position opposite to the paper discharge unit 14 and the reverse conveyance unit 15. When the opening 100HL is opened, the paper discharge unit 14 and the reverse conveyance unit 15 are exposed from the opened opening 100HL. The left side door 120DL is provided with a pull handle 120DLH. The user puts a finger on the pull handle 120DLH and pulls the left side door 120DL in the direction indicated by the arrow XL, that is, the front side of the front side of the image forming apparatus. It can move from the position which coat | covered 100HL, and can open the opening part 100HL. Since the paper discharge means 14 and the reverse conveyance unit 15 are exposed from the opened opening 100HL, the user can perform necessary inspections and jam processing from the opening 100HL.

  The left side door 120DL is movable between a position where the opening 100HL is covered and an open position, and is arranged in the image forming apparatus A via a guide means for guiding the movement.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the left guide plate 123L according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The left guide plate 123L is a member that functions as a guide unit that guides the movement of the left side door 120DL, and also functions as a member that supports the left side door 120DL.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the guide plate 123L according to the second embodiment is configured in such a manner that a guide hole 123LG is arranged at the center of the metal plate. The guide hole 123LG includes a long hole portion P formed in a linear shape along the longitudinal direction of the left guide plate 123L, and a long hole portion Q intersecting the long hole portion P with a predetermined angle. Each of the elongated hole portions P and the elongated hole portion Q is formed so that a guide roller 121RL disposed on the left side door body 121DL, which will be described later, can be loosely inserted.

As shown in detail in Q, when the guide roller 121RL that is loosely inserted into the guide hole 123LG is positioned at the end of the long hole portion Q, the long hole portion Q is connected to the guide roller 121RL positioned at the end of the long hole portion Q. center and the elongated hole center line CL _P straight line parallel to the L of P as a, and the center line of the elongated hole P, the distance r of the structure to dimensions greater than the thickness t of the left side door body 121DL described later Is done.

  In the second embodiment, the two left guide plates 123L face each other at the upper and lower positions sandwiching the opening 100HL of the connection surface of the image forming apparatus A, and the longitudinal direction of the long hole portion P is the image forming apparatus. The left side door 120DL is attached to the two left guide plates 123L so as to be parallel to the left connection surface of A, and the guide roller 121RL of the left side door 120DL is loosely inserted into the guide hole 123LG. When positioned at the terminal end of Q, the surface of the left side door 120DL is arranged to have the same height as the connection surface of the image forming apparatus A.

  When the left guide plate 123L is arranged in the image forming apparatus A, the elongated hole portion P is arranged in parallel with the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus A, and the movement direction is connected when the left side door 120DL is moved. The elongated hole portion R functions as a guiding means for guiding the left side door 120DL in a direction intersecting the connection surface.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating attachment of the left guide plate 123L to the image forming apparatus A. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating the image forming apparatus A with the left guide plate 123L attached thereto. FIG. 9A is a front view, FIG. 9B is a left side view, and FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the attachment of a guide plate 123L as viewed from the upper surface side of the image forming apparatus A.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the left side connection surface of the image forming apparatus A is provided with a left side door mounting portion 100ZL that surrounds the opening portion 100HL and has a part of the mounted member 100 cut away. Yes. Through the opening 100HL, the paper discharge unit 14 (not shown) and the reverse conveying unit 15 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus A are exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the two left guide plates 123L are arranged on the upper and lower wall surfaces of the left side door mounting portion 100Z at symmetrical positions with the opening 100HL interposed therebetween. The left guide plate 123L disposed on the upper wall surface of the left side door mounting portion 100ZL is illustrated as the left guide plate 123LA, and the left guide plate 123L disposed on the lower wall surface of the left is illustrated as the left guide plate 123LB.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (c), the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB are arranged so that the long hole portion P of the guide hole 113LG is parallel to the connection surface and each guide hole 123LG is viewed from the top. It arrange | positions at the left side door attaching part 100ZL so that it may overlap. When arranged in this way, the elongated hole portion Q of the guide hole 113LG is arranged in a direction intersecting the connection surface.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the left side door 120DL according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 10, 121DL is a left side door body, and 112DLA and 112DLB are left side door arms fixed to the upper and lower end surfaces of the left side door body 121DL.

  The guide roller 121RLA and the guide roller 121RLB are guide rollers that are rotatably disposed on the left side door arms 112DLA and 112DLB, respectively.

  The left side door 120DL is attached to the image forming apparatus A by gently inserting the guide roller 121RLA and the guide roller 121RLB into the guide holes 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB.

  The left side door 120DL attached by loosely inserting the guide roller 121RLA and the guide roller 121RLB into the guide holes 123LG of the upper and lower left guide plates 123LA and 123LB is guided by the guide rollers 121RLA and 121RLB into the upper and lower guide holes 123LG. It is possible to move.

  As described above, the thickness t of the left side door body 121DL is the center of the guide roller 121RL when the guide roller 121RL that is loosely inserted into the long hole portion Q of the guide plate 123L is positioned at the end of the long hole portion Q. The distance between the straight line L parallel to the center line of the long hole portion P of the guide plate 123L and the center line of the long hole portion P of the guide plate 123L is smaller than the distance r.

  120DLH is a puller arranged on the left side door body 121DL.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the left side door 120DL to the image forming apparatus A and the state of its operation. 11, FIG. 11A shows a state where the image forming apparatus A is attached by loosely inserting the guide roller 121RLA and the guide roller 121RLB of the left side door 120DL into the guide holes 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB. FIG. 11A is a front view of the image forming apparatus A to which the left side door 120DL is attached, and the lower left figure is the left side door 120DL attached to the image forming apparatus A. The partial view seen from the left side and the upper diagram on the left are partial sectional views of the left side door 120DL attached to the image forming apparatus A as seen from above the image forming apparatus A.

  In the left side door 120DL shown in FIG. 11A, the guide roller 121RLA and the guide roller 121RLB are located at the terminal position of the elongated hole portion Q in the guide hole 123LG, and the left side door 120DL includes the guide roller 121RLA and the guide roller 121DLA. When the roller 121RLB is located at the terminal position of the long hole portion Q of the guide hole 123LG, the roller 100RLB covers the opening 100HL. When the left side door 120DL is in a position covering the opening 100HL, the surface thereof is the same as the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus A, as shown in FIG. Be placed. When causing the image forming apparatus A to perform a normal image forming operation, the left side door 120DL is disposed at a position that covers the opening 100HL.

  When the user opens the left side door 120DL from the position where the opening 100HL is covered, a finger is put on the pulling handle 120DLH of the left side door 120DL, and the guide rollers 121RLA and 5B are inserted into the guide holes 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB. Along the hole portion Q, the guide hole 123LG is pulled out to a position where it reaches a portion where the long hole portion Q and the long hole portion P intersect. The elongated hole portion Q of the guide hole 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB guides the guide rollers 121RLA and 5B of the left side door 120DL in a direction crossing the connection surface.

  FIG. 11B shows that the guide roller 121RLA and the guide roller 121RLB are guided from the position where the left side door 120DL covers the opening 100HL along the elongated hole portion Q of the guide hole 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB. It is a figure which shows the state which reached | attained the site | part which the long hole part Q and the long hole part P in the hole 123LG cross | intersect. The left side door 120DL, which is guided by the long hole portion Q in the direction intersecting the surface of the mounted member and reaches the portion where the long hole portion Q and the long hole portion P intersect, has the long hole portion Q formed by the guide roller 121RL. Since the distance r moving toward the center line of the long hole portion P is configured to be larger than the thickness t of the left side door body 121DL, the left side door 120DL is connected from the position covering the opening 100HL. By moving a distance r larger than the thickness t of the left side door main body 121DL in the direction of the surface, the left side door main body 120DL is disposed away from the connection surface.

  Next, the user pulls the left side door 120DL disposed away from the connection surface in the right direction along the elongated hole portion P of the guide hole 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB, and guide rollers 121RLA and 5B. Is moved until it reaches the right end of the elongated hole portion P of the guide hole 123LG of the left guide plate 123LA, 123LB.

  As the left side door 120DL is pulled in the right direction along the elongated hole P of the guide hole 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB, the guide rollers 121RLA and 5B of the left side door 120DL are guided by the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB. It is guided by the long hole portion P of the hole 123LG, and moves from a position covering the opening 100HL in parallel to the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus A. When the guide rollers 121RLA and 5B reach the terminal position of the long hole portion P of the 123LB guide hole 123LG, the opening 100HL is released from the covering by the left side door 120DL. This position is the position shown in FIG. 11C, and the paper discharge means 14 and the reverse conveyance section 15 are exposed from the opened opening 100HL.

  Thus, in order to move the left side door 120DL from the position where the opening 100HL is covered to the position where the opening 100HL is opened, that is, to open the opening 100HL, the left side door 120DL is first moved to the left side. This is done by pulling out from the connection surface to a state separated from the connection surface, and then moving the left side door 120DL parallel to the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus A.

  When covering the opening 100HL, first, the left side door 120DL at the position where the opening 100HL is opened is guided by the elongated hole portion P of the guide hole 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB. The left side surface of the mounting member 100 is moved in parallel to the surface of the mounting member 100 until it reaches a portion where the elongated hole portion Q and the elongated hole portion P intersect in the guide hole 123LG.

  Next, the guide rollers 121RLA and 5B are guided in the direction intersecting the surface of the mounted member by the elongated hole portion Q of the guide hole 123LG of the left guide plates 123LA and 123LB, and the left side door 120DL is covered with the opening 100HL. To move. The left side door 120DL that has moved to a position that covers the opening 100HL has the same surface as the surface of the mounted member 100 on the left side of the image forming apparatus A, and covers the opening 100HL.

  Thus, in addition to the guide means for guiding the left side door 120DL in parallel to the surface of the mounted member, the left side door 120DL is provided with a guide means for guiding the left side door 120DL in a direction intersecting the surface of the mounted member. When the door 120DL is at a position covering the opening 100HL, the door 120DL can be arranged with a preferable appearance such that the surface thereof is the same as the connection surface on the left side of the image forming apparatus A.

When opening the left side door 120DL, first, the left side door 120DL located at a position covering the opening 100HL disposed on the same plane as the surface of the mounted member 100 on the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus A. Is pulled out in a state of projecting from the left-side mounted member 100, and then moved parallel to the surface of the pulled-out mounted member up to a position where the opening 100HL is opened, so the left-side door 120DL is opened. At this time, a space is not required as compared with a hinge-type door that is opened by turning. In addition, when an external accessory device such as a finisher is attached to the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus, if the left side door 120DL needs to be opened, for example, when the recording paper is jammed, the accessory device However, as compared with an image forming apparatus provided with a hinge-type door, an image provided with a left side door 120DL movable parallel to the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. By using the forming apparatus, the distance for retracting the attached apparatus can be shortened, the space secured around the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the workability of the jam processing can be improved.
<Embodiment 3>
As Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a part of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus is fixed to the opening / closing door in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 described above, and is fixed to the opening / closing door as the opening / closing door moves. It is also possible to configure a part of the mechanism of the image forming apparatus to move from the image forming apparatus. For example, when the reversing conveyance unit 15 is fixed to the left side door and the left side door is at a position covering the opening 100HL, the reversing conveyance unit 15 reverses the recording paper and opens the opening. The left side door is moved, and the reverse conveying unit 15 fixed to the left side door is pulled out. With such a configuration, the opening / closing door is moved to open the opening, the internal mechanism exposed from the opening is inspected and jammed, and the reversing conveyance unit 15 pulled out together with the left side door. An image forming apparatus that can easily perform inspection and jam processing can be provided.

In addition, the mechanism part fixed to an opening / closing door is not limited to a reverse conveyance part.
<Embodiment 4>
The open / close door in the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above may be formed by connecting a plurality of members so as to be bendable.

  That is, the opening / closing door is divided into a plurality of parts, and the end portions of the divided plurality of covering member bodies are connected to bendable through, for example, hinge means to be bent portions, and the plurality of connected covering member bodies are connected. Are arranged in a state where they are connected in a planar shape (a state where they are not bent) and a state where they are bent at the bent portion.

  When the opening / closing door that can be bent at the bent portion is in a position covering the opening of the image forming apparatus, the opening / closing door is disposed in a state where the covering member main body is connected in a plane and the opening of the image forming apparatus is opened. In this case, the opening and closing of the door can be reduced from the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, as an example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a configuration in which one folding part is arranged on the left side door in the above-described first embodiment so that the folding can be performed will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the left side door 130DL according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The left side door main body constituting the left side door 130DL in the fourth embodiment is divided into a left side door main body A131DLA and a left side door main body B131DLB, and the respective end surface portions are provided with hinge means 131HA and hinge means 131HB. Connected.

  The left side door main body A131DLA and the left side door main body B131DLB, which are connected via hinge means, are arranged in a plane with their respective end faces butted together, and the hinge means 131HA and 131HB are used as pivot axes. It is possible to rotate and bend the arrangement. A portion connected through the hinge means 131HB is a bent portion.

  12A shows a state in which the left side door main body A131DLA and the left side door main body B131DLB are arranged in a planar shape, and FIG. 12A shows the left side door main body A131DLA and the left side door main body B131DLB being bent. Shows the state of being arranged.

  In addition, although the left side door in Embodiment 4 is divided into two parts, the number of divisions is not limited to two, and three or more, that is, two or more bent portions may be used.

  131RLA and 131RLB shown in FIG. 12 are guide rollers rotatably disposed on the left side door main body A131DLA.

  The left side door 130DL is attached to the image forming apparatus A by gently inserting the guide roller 131RLA and the guide roller 131RLB into the guide holes 113LAG and 113LBG of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the left side door 130DL to the image forming apparatus A and the state of its operation. 13, FIG. 13A shows a state where the guide roller 131RLA and the guide roller 131RLB of the left side door 130DL are attached to the image forming apparatus A by loosely inserting them into the guide holes 113LAG of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB. Indicates. In the left side door 130DL shown in FIG. 13 (a), the guide roller 131RLA and the guide roller 131RLB are located at the left end of the guide hole 113LG, and covers the opening 100HL of the left side door 130DL. When the left side door 130DL is in a position covering the opening 100HL, the left side door main body A131DLA and the left side door main body B131DLB are arranged in a planar shape with their respective end surfaces abutted to cover the opening 100HL. When the image forming apparatus A performs a normal image forming operation, the left side door 130DL is disposed at a position covering the opening 100HL.

  When the user opens the left side door 130DL arranged at the position covering the opening 100HL, the finger is applied to the pull handle 130DLH and the guide rollers 131RLA and 5B are moved along the guide holes 113LG of the left guide plates 113LA and 113LB. The guide rollers 131RLA and 5B are moved until they reach the illustrated right end of the 113LB guide hole 113LAG.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a state in which the guide rollers 131RLA and 5B have reached the right end of the 113LB guide hole 113LG. The left side door 130DL shown in FIG. 13B is in a position where the opening 100HL is opened, and the paper discharge means 14 and the reverse conveying unit 15 are exposed from the opening 100HL.

  When the left side door 130DL is opened, the left side door 130DL moves parallel to the left connection surface of the image forming apparatus when the opening 100HL is opened. Do not need. In addition, when the left side door 130DL is opened when an external attachment device is attached, the attachment device needs to be retracted, but the embodiment is compared with an image forming apparatus provided with a hinge type door. By using the image forming apparatus 4, the distance for retracting the accessory device can be short, and the space secured around the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, when the left side door 130DL is pulled out to the position where the opening 100HL is opened, the left side door body B131DLB is rotated with the hinge means 131HA and 131HB of the bent portion as the rotation axis. Can be bent. FIG. 13C shows a state in which the left side door main body B131DLB of the left side door 130DL pulled out to the position where the opening 100HL is opened is bent with the hinge means 131HA and 131HB being used as the rotary shaft. It is. As shown in FIG. 13C, by bending the left side door main body B131DLB, the protrusion of the left side door 130DL pulled out to the position where the opening 100HL is opened to the front side of the image forming apparatus A is reduced. In addition, the user can perform work in a wide space without being obstructed by the left side door 130DL when inspecting a necessary portion or performing jam processing from the opening 100HL.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus to which an external accessory device can be connected. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the left guide plate 113L which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining attachment to the image forming apparatus A of the left guide plate 113L. It is a figure explaining left side door 110DL concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining attachment to the image forming apparatus A of left side door 110DL, and the state of the operation | movement. It is an external view of the image forming apparatus A which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the left guide plate 123L which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining attachment to the image forming apparatus A of the left guide plate 123L. It is a figure explaining left side door 120DL concerning Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining attachment of the left side door 120DL to the image forming apparatus A and a state of its operation. It is a figure explaining left side door 130DL concerning Embodiment 4 of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the attachment of the left side door 130DL to the image forming apparatus A and the state of its operation. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an arrangement of a mechanism unit related to conveyance of recording paper in a conventional image forming apparatus. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which an external device is connected to an image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image formation part 2 Image carrier 3 Charging means 4 Image exposure means 5 Developing apparatus 6 Transfer means 9 Fixing apparatus 10 Paper feed cassette 11 1st paper feed means,
12 Second paper feeding means (registration roller)
14 sheet ejection device 15 reverse conveying unit 18 feed port 19 discharge outlet 100 covered state member 100A front door 100B ₁ .about.B ₃ paper replenishing door 100HL, 100HR opening 100ZL left side door mounting portion 110DR right side door 110DL left side Door (Embodiment 1)
113L Left guide plate (Embodiment 1)
120DL left side door (Embodiment 2)
123L Left guide plate (Embodiment 2)
130DL left side door (Embodiment 4)
131H Hinge means (Embodiment 4)
A Image forming device LT Large-capacity paper feeder FS Post-processing device S Recording paper

Claims (4)

It is an image forming apparatus that can be connected to an external accessory device and is covered with a covering member.
Having an opening in a connection surface for connecting the attachment device of the mounted member;
A door that covers or opens the opening;
Guidance means for guiding the opening and closing door in a direction parallel to the connection surface when opening and closing the opening and closing door;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The guide means guides the door in a direction intersecting the connection surface before guiding the door in a direction parallel to the connection surface when the door is moved from a position covering the opening. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing door is provided with a mechanism portion of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing door has at least one bent portion and can be bent at the bent portion.

Images