JP2009223203A - Opening and closing mechanism and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the number of parts, in such a configuration that a plurality of members including an opening and closing cover are operated. <P>SOLUTION: An operation button 80 is operated in the closed state of the opening and closing cover 50, to operate a first fixing mechanism 60 and open the opening and closing cover 50. The operation button 80 is operated in the opened state of the opening and closing cover 50, to actuate a second fixing mechanism 70. Since the first fixing mechanism 60 and the second fixing mechanism 70 are actuated by the operation button 80 like this way, the number of parts can be reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an opening / closing mechanism and an image forming apparatus.

  As an image forming apparatus, a printer disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, a first exterior cover and a second exterior cover that are opened in the event of a paper jam or maintenance due to a trouble are integrated on the front side of the entire apparatus.

  The first exterior cover and the second exterior cover are opened at different positions for double-sided printing and single-sided printing. That is, the first exterior cover is opened for troubles such as paper jam during double-sided printing, and the first and second exterior covers are opened and closed together for troubles during single-sided printing.

Since single-sided printing is frequently used, the first outer cover and the second cover for single-sided printing are opened using an easy-to-understand second operation button provided on the front side of the apparatus main body. A first operation button used for the first exterior cover that opens and closes during duplex printing is provided on the side surface of the apparatus main body. As a result, malfunctions can be prevented, making it easy to understand and improving operability.
JP 2002-351128 A

  This invention makes it a subject to reduce a number of parts in the structure which operates the several member containing an opening / closing part.

  An opening / closing mechanism according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an opening / closing portion provided in the apparatus main body so as to be openable / closable, a unit fixable to the opening / closing section, and fixing the opening / closing section to the apparatus main body and releasing the fixing. A single fixing mechanism that can selectively operate the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism, a second fixing mechanism that fixes the unit to the opening / closing portion and releases the fixing. And an operation unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the opening / closing mechanism can operate the first fixing mechanism in a closed state of the opening / closing portion, and the opening / closing portion in the opened state. The second fixing mechanism can be operated.

  The opening / closing mechanism according to a third aspect of the present invention is the opening / closing mechanism according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first fixing mechanism is a release position where the fixing position fixed to the apparatus main body and the fixing to the apparatus main body are released. A first fixing member that is provided in the opening / closing part so as to be movable between positions, and moves from the fixed position to the release position by operation of the operation part to release the fixing of the opening / closing part to the apparatus main body. The second fixing mechanism is movably provided on the unit, fixed to the first fixing member to fix the unit to the opening / closing part, and when the opening / closing part is closed, the operation part operates to operate the operation unit. The first fixed member that moves to the release position moves integrally with the first fixed member, and the fixed state with the first fixed member is maintained. In the open state of the opening / closing part, the operation part moves to the release position. First The fixed member relative movement and a second fixing member fixed state is released with the first fixing member.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, the second fixing mechanism moves integrally with the first fixing member that moves to the release position. As described above, the biasing member that biases the second fixing member toward the first fixing member, and the opening of the opening / closing portion, the second fixing member is moved against the biasing force of the biasing member. A movement blocking member for blocking.

  An opening / closing mechanism according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the opening / closing mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the movement preventing member is swingably supported by the second fixing member and hits the unit. The swinging member swings by its own weight when the opening / closing part is open to a blocking position where the movement of the second fixing member is blocked.

  An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a first conveyance path for conveying a recording medium on which an image is formed, and recording in which an image is formed on one side through the first conveyance path during double-sided image formation. The 2nd conveyance path which guides a medium to a 1st conveyance path again, and the 2nd conveyance path are provided with the opening-and-closing mechanism of any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-5 formed in the unit.

  According to the structure of Claim 1 of this invention, compared with the case where it does not have this structure, in a structure which operates the several member containing an opening / closing part, a number of parts can be reduced.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the configuration is not provided, the fixing mechanism to be operated is selected depending on the open / closed state of the open / close section, and the number of parts can be reduced.

  According to the structure of Claim 3 of this invention, compared with the case where this structure is not provided, the fixing mechanism operated with a simple structure can be selected.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select a fixing mechanism operated with a simple configuration as compared with the case where the configuration is not provided.

  According to the structure of Claim 5 of this invention, compared with the case where it does not have this structure, the fixing mechanism operated with a simple structure can be selected.

  According to the structure of Claim 6 of this invention, compared with the case where it does not have this structure, in a structure which operates the several member containing an opening / closing part, a number of parts can be reduced.

Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.
(Configuration of image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment)
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes an apparatus main body 12, and sheets P as an example of a recording medium are stacked and stored in a lower portion of the apparatus main body 12. A paper feed tray 14 is disposed.

  The recording medium is not limited to paper, and a sheet-like member such as a plastic film or other media on which an image is recorded may be used.

  A pickup roll 16 is disposed immediately above the leading end side (left end side in FIG. 1) of the sheet feeding tray 14 to contact the leading end side of the upper surface of the sheet P and feed the sheet P from the sheet feeding tray 14.

  Further, the apparatus main body 12 is formed with a first conveyance path 22 that extends from the leading end of the paper feed tray 14 and is gently curved and extends substantially vertically upward on the front side of the apparatus (left side in FIG. 1). Has been.

  Along the first transport path 22, a plurality of (for example, two) transport roller pairs 24 that sandwich and transport the paper P in order from the upstream side in the paper transport direction, and electrostatically attract the paper P on which an image is to be formed. An endless transport belt 26 is disposed to be transported.

  The conveyor belt 26 is wound around a winding roller 27 disposed above and a winding roller 29 disposed below, and one of the winding roller 27 and the winding roller 29 is in a predetermined direction (see FIG. 1, the conveyance belt 26 is rotated (circulation driven) in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1) by being driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

  On the upstream side of the conveyance belt 26 in the sheet conveyance direction, a charging roll 31 that charges the surface of the conveyance belt 26 and presses the sheet P electrostatically attracted to the conveyance belt 26 against the conveyance belt 26 is attached to the conveyance belt 26. Adjacent to each other.

  Further, in the lateral direction opposite to the conveyance belt 26 with the first conveyance path 22 interposed therebetween, process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K as examples of a photosensitive cartridge including a photosensitive member are provided in the first conveyance path. 22 are arranged in a column in the apparatus main body 12 in a substantially vertical direction. The process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K correspond to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black colors, and images of the respective colors can be formed.

  Each process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K is provided with a photosensitive drum 30 that rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise in FIG. 1).

  Around the photosensitive drum 30, the charging roller 32 for charging the photosensitive drum 30 and the charged photosensitive drum 30 are exposed to the photosensitive drum 30 in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 30. An exposure device 34 for forming an electrostatic latent image thereon and a developing roller 36 for developing toner by attaching each color toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are respectively transferred to the paper P at a predetermined transfer position in the lateral direction facing the photosensitive drum 30 on the inner peripheral side of the conveying belt 26 as shown in FIG. A transfer device 38 for transferring is provided.

  On the downstream side in the paper transport direction from the transport belt 26, a fixing device 40 that fixes the transferred toner image onto the paper P, a transport roll pair 42 that sandwiches and transports the paper P, and a discharge roll pair that discharges the paper P to the discharge tray 20. 44 are arranged in this order.

  Further, a second conveyance path 46 for inverting the paper P on which an image is formed on one side and returning it to the first conveyance path 22 is formed facing the first conveyance path 22 with the conveyance belt 26 interposed therebetween. Has been.

  A plurality (for example, three) of conveyance roller pairs 48 for nipping and conveying the paper P downward are arranged in the second conveyance path 46, and when an image is formed on both sides, the image is formed on one side. The discharged paper P is switched back by the discharge roll pair 44 and guided to the second conveyance path 46, conveyed downward by the plurality of conveyance roll pairs 48, and sent back to the first conveyance path 22.

  Next, an image forming operation for forming an image in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when an image is formed on the paper P, the paper P taken out from the paper feed tray 14 is first transported upward through the first transport path 22 by the plurality of transport roll pairs 24. Then, it is fed to the conveyor belt 26. The paper P sent to the transport belt 26 is pressed against the transport belt 26 by the charging roll 31 and is electrostatically attracted to the transport belt 26 to be charged and transported upward, and each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black Are sequentially fed to a predetermined transfer position corresponding to the above.

  On the paper P sent to the predetermined transfer position, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 30 are transferred by the transfer device 38 to form a full color image. Further, the toner image conveyed and transferred to the fixing device 40 is fixed by the fixing device 40.

  When an image is formed only on one side of the paper P, the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roll pair 44 after the toner image is fixed.

  When images are formed on both sides of the sheet P, after the image is formed on one side, the sheet P is switched back by the discharge roll pair 44, reversed, and sent to the second conveyance path 46. Further, the sheet is fed again from the second conveyance path 46 to the first conveyance path 22, an image is formed on the opposite side where no image is recorded in the same manner as described above, an image is formed on both sides of the paper P, and the discharge roll pair 44 to the discharge tray 20. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

(Configuration of Opening / Closing Mechanism According to Image Forming Apparatus of This Embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover 50 is closed in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover 50 is opened in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment with the opening / closing cover 50 removed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the opening / closing mechanism 11 according to the present embodiment includes an opening / closing cover 50 as an example of an opening / closing portion provided on the apparatus main body 12 so as to be openable / closable.

  The opening / closing cover 50 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 12 by a support portion 61 provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body 12. The opening / closing cover 50 is opened by rotating from the apparatus main body 12 side to the outside of the apparatus (in the direction A in FIG. 3) and tilting to the open position. Further, the opening / closing cover 50 is closed by rotating from the opened state toward the apparatus main body 12 (in the direction B in FIG. 3) and standing vertically to the closed position.

  The opening / closing cover 50 is provided with a conveyance path unit 54 having a second conveyance path 46 so as to be fixed. Both sides of the transport path unit 54 are supported by support portions 59. The transport path unit 54 is provided with a transport path surface of the second transport path 46 and a plurality of (for example, two) transport roll pairs 48.

  Further, the transport path unit 54 is configured to be opened and closed integrally with the opening / closing cover 50. The conveyance path unit 54 is opened together with the opening / closing cover 50 by rotating from the apparatus main body 12 side to the apparatus outer side (in the direction A in FIG. 3) and tilting to the open position. The conveyance path unit 54 is closed together with the opening / closing cover 50 by rotating from the opened state toward the apparatus main body 12 (in the direction B in FIG. 3) and standing vertically to the closed position.

  By opening the conveyance path unit 54 together with the opening / closing cover 50, it is possible to attach and detach components such as the process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K and replace the components. Further, the first conveyance path 22 is opened, and a jam (paper jam) generated in the first conveyance path 22 can be eliminated. In FIG. 3, components such as process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K accommodated in the apparatus main body 12 are omitted.

  The unit that can be fixed to the opening / closing cover 50 is not limited to the transport path unit 54, and may be a transfer unit having a transfer device or a unit having other components.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening / closing mechanism 11 according to the present embodiment fixes the opening / closing cover 50 to the apparatus main body 12 and also releases the first fixing mechanism 60 that releases the fixing and the conveyance path unit 54 to the opening / closing cover. 50 and a second fixing mechanism 70 for releasing the fixing, and an operation button 80 as a single operation unit capable of selectively operating the first fixing mechanism 60 and the second fixing mechanism 70. ing. In FIG. 4, the conveyance path unit 54 is indicated by dots.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the second fixing mechanism 70 in a state where the opening / closing cover 50 is closed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first fixing mechanism 60 and the second fixing mechanism 70 as viewed from the conveyance path unit 54 side and from the lower side in a state where the opening / closing cover 50 is closed.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the first fixing mechanism 60 and the second fixing mechanism 70 in a state where the opening / closing cover 50 is opened. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the second fixing mechanism 70 in a state where the opening / closing cover 50 is opened. That is, FIG. 8 is a diagram in which the first fixing mechanism 60 is omitted from FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the swing member 74 in a state where the opening / closing cover 50 is opened. That is, FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the second fixing member 72 is omitted from FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first fixing mechanism 60 includes a first fixing member 62 movably provided on the opening / closing cover 50. The first fixing member 62 is formed in a rod shape elongated along the rotation axis direction S of the opening / closing cover 50, and the opening / closing cover is provided by support portions 65 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction S). 50 is movably supported.

  Protruding portions 63 projecting toward the apparatus main body 12 are formed at both longitudinal ends of the first fixing member 62. A hook-shaped hook 63 </ b> A is formed at the tip of the protruding portion 63. The apparatus main body 12 is provided with a latching portion (not shown) on which the hook 63A is latched.

  The first fixing member 62 has a fixed position where the hook 63A is fixed to the apparatus main body 12 by the hook 63A being hooked on the hook portion of the apparatus main body 12, and the hook 63A hooking to the apparatus main body 12 is released. Thus, it moves along the rotational axis direction S of the opening / closing cover 50 between the release position where the fixing to the apparatus main body 12 is released.

  The configuration for fixing the first fixing member 62 to the apparatus main body 12 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, a hook is provided on the apparatus main body 12 side, and a hooking portion is provided on the first fixing member 62 side. A structure may be sufficient and the various members for fixing the 1st fixing member 62 to the apparatus main body 12 can be used.

  The first fixing member 62 is an urging member that urges the first fixing member 62 in a fixing direction (C direction in the drawing) in which the hook 63A is hooked on the apparatus main body 12 and the first fixing member 62 is fixed. As an example, a push spring 64 is provided.

  Accordingly, when the operation button 80 is not operated in the closed state of the opening / closing cover 50, the hook 63 </ b> A is hooked on the hooking portion of the apparatus main body 12, and the first fixing member 62 is fixed to the apparatus main body 12. Is fixed to the apparatus main body 12.

  Further, when the operation button 80 is pressed, the first fixing member 62 moves in an anti-fixing direction (D direction in the figure) opposite to the fixing direction against the urging force of the urging member 64, When the hook 63 </ b> A latched on the apparatus main body 12 is detached from the latching portion of the apparatus main body 12, the first fixing member 62 is fixed to the apparatus main body 12, and the opening / closing cover 50 can be opened.

  The urging member that urges the first fixing member 62 is not limited to the push spring 64, and may be a spring such as a tension spring or an elastic body such as rubber, and the first fixing member 62 may be urged. Any member may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second fixing mechanism 70 includes a second fixing member 72 movably provided in the transport path unit 54. In the present embodiment, the second fixing member 72 is supported by the support portion 79 provided in the transport path unit 54 so as to be slidable along the fixing direction and the release direction (C direction and D direction in the drawing). ing.

  The second fixing member 72 is disposed between the conveyance path unit 54 and the first fixing member 62, and is fixed to the first fixing member 62 to fix the conveyance path unit 54 to the opening / closing cover 50.

  Specifically, the second fixing member 72 is fixed to the first fixing member 62 as described below. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second fixing member 72 is formed with a plurality of projecting portions 73 projecting along the release direction (D direction in the drawing). The protruding portion 73 is inserted into an insertion portion 66 provided on the first fixing member 62, and the second fixing member 72 is fixed to the first fixing member 62. The second fixing member 72 provided in the transport path unit 54 is fixed to the first fixing member 62 provided in the opening / closing cover 50, whereby the transport path unit 54 is fixed to the opening / closing cover 50, and the transport path unit 54 becomes a state which cannot be removed from the opening / closing cover 50.

  In addition, the second fixing member 72 moves integrally with the first fixing member 62 that moves to the release position by the operation of the operation button 80 in the closed state of the opening / closing cover 50, and the fixed state with the first fixing member 62 is maintained. Maintained.

  Specifically, the second fixing member 72 is urged in a release direction (D direction in the figure) by a pressing spring 78 as an example of an urging member. The second fixing member 72 moves integrally with the first fixing member 62 following the first fixing member 62 that moves to the release position along the D direction in the middle.

  In the present embodiment, the push spring 78 is disposed between the push plate 77 provided in the transport path unit 54 and the second fixing member 72, and one end portion of the push spring 78 pushes the push plate 77 and the push spring 78. When the other end of the second member pushes the second fixing member 72, the second fixing member 72 is urged along the release direction (D direction in the figure).

  Further, the second fixing member 72 moves relative to the first fixing member 62 that moves to the release position by the operation of the operation button 80 in the opened state of the opening / closing cover 50, and the fixed state with the first fixing member 62 is released. Is done.

Specifically, the second fixing member 72 moves relative to the first fixing member 62 as follows. That is, the second fixing member 72 includes a swinging member 74 as an example of a movement blocking member that blocks the movement of the second fixing member 72 against the urging force of the pressing spring 78 when the opening / closing cover 50 is opened. Is provided.
The swing member 74 is formed in a drop shape in a side view, and a protrusion 76 is formed on the top thereof. The swing member 74 is swingably supported by the second fixed member 72 by the shaft portion 71, and the projecting portion 76 faces the transport path unit 54 (see FIGS. 7, 8, and 9). The protrusion 76 can swing between a separation position (see FIGS. 5 and 6) at which the protrusion 76 is separated from the conveyance path unit 54.

  Further, the swinging member 74 is configured such that the protruding portion 76 formed on the upper portion thereof is always positioned upward due to its own weight, and when the open / close cover 50 is closed, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In addition, when the open / close cover 50 is in the open position, it is located at the facing position as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the swing member 74 hits the rib 13 formed in the transport path unit 54 at the facing position, and the second fixing member 72 along the release direction (D direction in the figure). Movement is blocked. As shown in FIG. 7, the first fixing member 62 is formed with a recess 67 into which the swinging member 74 located at the facing position is inserted.

  As described above, the operation button 80 can operate the first fixing mechanism 60 when the opening / closing cover 50 is closed, and can operate the second fixing mechanism 70 when the opening / closing cover 50 is opened.

  The operation unit is not limited to the operation button 80, and may be an operation lever or the like, as long as the operation unit can selectively operate the first fixing mechanism 60 and the second fixing mechanism 70.

(Operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment)
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when opening and closing the opening / closing cover 50 and removing the transport path unit 54 from the opening / closing cover 50, the operator first presses the operation button 80.

  As a result, the first fixing member 62 slides in the release direction (D direction in the drawing), the hook 63A on the first fixing member 62 comes off from the apparatus main body 12, and the opening / closing cover 50 can be opened. At this time, the second fixing member 72 is urged by the push spring 78 and slides in the release direction (D direction in the drawing) integrally with the first fixing member 62, so that the protruding portion of the second fixing member 72 73 is inserted into the insertion portion 66 of the first fixing member 62, the second fixing member 72 remains fixed to the first fixing member 62, and the state where the transport path unit 54 is fixed to the opening / closing cover 50 is maintained. The

  Next, the operator opens the opening / closing cover 50. When the opening / closing cover 50 is opened and closed, the swinging member 74 rotates due to its own weight, and the protruding portion 76 of the swinging member 74 moves to the opposing position and enters the fixing direction side of the rib 13 of the transport path unit 54.

  Next, the operator presses the operation button 80. As a result, the protrusion 76 of the swinging member 74 hits the rib 13 of the apparatus main body 12 and the movement of the second fixing member 72 in the releasing direction (D direction in the figure) is prevented, and only the first fixing member 62 is detected. Moves in the release direction (D direction in the figure), the protrusion 73 of the second fixing member 72 comes out of the insertion portion 66 of the first fixing member 62, and the operator removes the transport path unit 54 from the opening / closing cover 50. be able to.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made.

(Modification of the opening / closing mechanism according to this embodiment)
First, the configuration of an opening / closing mechanism according to a modification will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus to which an opening / closing mechanism according to a modification is applied. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing a configuration of an opening / closing mechanism according to a modification.

  In this modification, instead of the swing member 74 as an example of the movement blocking member, a stopper 110 described later is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the opening / closing mechanism 100 according to the modification includes a link member 102 disposed between the conveyance path unit 54 attached to the opening / closing cover 50 and the apparatus main body 12.

  One end portion of the link member 102 is rotatably attached to the apparatus main body 12 by the support portion 103, and the other end portion of the link member 102 is along the rotation axis direction of the link member 102 as shown in FIG. A projecting portion 104 is formed. Further, the other end of the link member 102 is supported by the opening / closing cover 50 by a slide rail portion (not shown) so as to be slidable with respect to the opening / closing cover 50, and slides in the direction E shown in FIG. When the opening / closing cover 50 is closed, it slides to the opposite side to the direction E shown in FIG.

  In addition, the opening / closing mechanism 100 according to the modification includes a stopper 110 as an example of a movement blocking member that blocks the movement of the second fixing member 72 as illustrated in FIG. 11. The stopper 110 is formed in a rod shape elongated along the rotation axis direction of the link member 102. A protrusion 116 protruding to the second fixing member 72 is formed at one end of the stopper 110, and a tension spring 114 and a slide plate 106 as urging members are disposed at the other end of the stopper 110. Yes.

  An intermediate portion of the stopper 110 is rotatably supported by the transport path unit 54 by the rotation shaft 112, and a blocking position where the protruding portion 116 moves to the second fixing member 72 side to prevent the movement of the second fixing member 72. The stopper 110 rotates between the protruding portion 116 and the retracted position where the protruding portion 116 retracts from the second fixing member 72.

  In the blocking position, as shown in FIG. 12, the stopper 110 enters the concave portion 118 formed in the second fixing member 72 and attempts to move along the release direction (D direction in the figure). The movement of the second fixing member 72 is prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the tension spring 114 urges the stopper 110 to the retracted position. The biasing member is not limited to the tension spring 114, and may be a spring such as a push spring, an elastic body such as rubber, or the like, as long as it is a member that biases the stopper 110.

  The slide plate 106 is provided in the conveyance path unit 54 so as to be slidable in the F direction in FIG. 11 and the opposite direction along the link member 102, and one end of the slide plate 106 is rotatably connected to the stopper 110. In addition, a contact plate 108 is formed at the other end of the slide plate 106 so that the projection 104 of the link member 102 that moves relative to the slide plate 106 in the direction E in FIG.

(Operation of the opening / closing mechanism according to the modification)
Next, the operation of the opening / closing mechanism according to the modification will be described.

  In the opening / closing mechanism 100 according to the modified example, when the opening / closing cover 50 is opened, the link member 102 moves relative to the slide plate 106 in the direction E in FIG. 11, facing the urging force of the tension spring 114, The slide plate 106 is moved in the direction F in FIG.

  As a result, the stopper 110 rotates to the blocking position, and the protrusion 116 enters the recess 118 formed in the second fixing member 72.

  Next, the operator presses the operation button 80. Thereby, the protrusion 116 prevents the movement of the second fixing member 72 in the releasing direction (D direction in the figure), and only the first fixing member 62 moves in the releasing direction (D direction in the figure). The protrusion 73 of the second fixing member 72 is removed from the insertion portion 66 of the first fixing member 62, and the operator can remove the transport path unit 54 from the opening / closing cover 50.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the open / close cover is closed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the opening / closing cover is opened in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment with the opening / closing cover removed. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the second fixing mechanism in a state where the opening / closing cover is closed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism as viewed from the conveyance path unit side and from the lower side in a state where the opening / closing cover is closed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism in a state where the opening / closing cover is opened. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the second fixing mechanism in a state where the opening / closing cover is opened. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the swing member in a state where the opening / closing cover is opened. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus to which an opening / closing mechanism according to a modification is applied. FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing an opening / closing mechanism according to a modification. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an opening / closing mechanism according to a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Opening / closing mechanism 22 1st conveyance path 46 2nd conveyance path 50 Opening / closing cover 54 Conveyance path unit (unit)
60 First fixing mechanism 62 First fixing member 70 Second fixing mechanism 72 Second fixing member 74 Oscillating member (movement preventing member)
78 Press spring (biasing member)
80 Operation buttons (operation unit)
100 Opening / closing mechanism 110 Stopper (movement blocking member)

Claims (6)

An opening / closing part provided on the apparatus main body so as to be opened and closed;
A unit that can be fixed to the opening and closing unit;
A first fixing mechanism for fixing the opening / closing portion to the apparatus body and releasing the fixing;
A second fixing mechanism for fixing the unit to the opening and closing unit and releasing the fixing;
A single operation unit capable of selectively operating the first fixing mechanism and the second fixing mechanism;
Opening and closing mechanism equipped with.   2. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit can operate the first fixing mechanism in a closed state of the opening / closing unit, and can operate the second fixing mechanism in an opened state of the opening / closing unit. The first fixing mechanism includes:
Provided in the opening / closing section to be movable between a fixed position fixed to the apparatus main body and a release position where the fixing to the apparatus main body is released, and moved from the fixed position to the release position by operation of the operation section And a first fixing member for releasing the fixing of the opening / closing portion with respect to the apparatus main body,
The second fixing mechanism includes:
The first unit is movably provided in the unit, fixed to the first fixing member to fix the unit to the opening / closing part, and moved to the release position by operation of the operation part when the opening / closing part is closed. Moves integrally with the fixing member to maintain the fixed state with the first fixing member, and moves relative to the first fixing member that moves to the release position by the operation of the operation portion when the opening / closing portion is open. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a second fixing member that is released from a fixed state with the first fixing member. The second fixing mechanism includes:
A biasing member that biases the second fixing member toward the first fixing member so as to move integrally with the first fixing member that moves to the release position;
A movement preventing member that prevents movement of the second fixing member against the urging force of the urging member in the open state of the opening and closing unit;
The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 3, comprising:   The movement preventing member is swingably supported by the second fixing member, and swings by its own weight in the open state of the opening / closing part to a blocking position where the movement of the second fixing member is prevented by hitting the unit. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is a moving member. A first conveyance path for conveying a recording medium on which an image is formed;
A second transport path that guides the recording medium that has passed through the first transport path during double-sided image formation and image-formed on one side to the first transport path;
The opening / closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second transport path is formed in the unit.
An image forming apparatus provided.

Images