JP2010002609A - Opening/closing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent or restrain an inside opening/closing part from interfering with its body of the device, when an outside opening/closing part is closed, in a state with the inside opening/closing part open. <P>SOLUTION: In an opening/closing device 50, an opening/closing cover 52 is rotatably supported by an opening/closing cover hinge 54 of the body 12 of the device. On the inside of the opening/closing cover 52, the inside opening/closing part 56 is rotatably supported by the inside opening/closing hinge 58 of the opening/closing cover 52. Accordingly, the inside opening/closing part 56 is brought to an opening position toward the body 12 of the device from the opening/closing cover 52 side. Above the transformer unit 72, a rib 74 is disposed that avoids the inside opening/closing part 56 and transformer unit 72 from interfering from each other, due to the contact of a plate member 57B when the opening/closing cover 52 is closed, with the inside opening/closing part 56 open. In the middle of the transformer unit 72, a guide projection 80 for avoiding the leading end of the inside opening/closing part 56 and the guide member 78 of the body 12 of the device interfering with each other, by pressing the opening/closing part 56 toward the opening/closing cover 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an opening / closing device and an image forming apparatus including the opening / closing device.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses a structure in which a sub-rotation unit is rotatably supported by a double-sided unit, and the sub-rotation unit is opened simultaneously with opening the double-sided unit.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 below, an inner frame member is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the reversing conveyance unit, and after opening the reversing conveyance unit in a direction away from the apparatus main body, the inner frame member approaches the apparatus main body. An open structure is disclosed.

Further, Patent Document 3 below discloses a structure in which an inner conveyance member and an outer conveyance member constituting a double-side conveyance path are opened while maintaining a constant opening angle.
JP 2006-64727 A JP-A-8-202095 JP 2008-58449 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an opening / closing device and an image forming apparatus capable of preventing or suppressing the inner opening / closing portion from interfering with the apparatus main body when the outer opening / closing portion is closed with the inner opening / closing portion opened. And

  In order to solve the above problems, an opening / closing device according to the invention described in claim 1 includes an outer opening / closing portion that opens and closes around a first hinge provided below the device main body, and a lower portion of the outer opening / closing portion. An inner opening / closing portion opened from the outer opening / closing portion side to the device main body side, and at least one of the device main body and the inner opening / closing portion. When closing the outer opening / closing part with the inner opening / closing part opened, the inner opening / closing part is pushed in a direction approaching the outer opening / closing part to guide the inner opening / closing part so as not to interfere with the apparatus main body, And a guide projection arranged so as to be out of a guiding state when the outer opening / closing part is closed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the switchgear according to the first aspect, when the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, the tip of the inner opening / closing part collides with the apparatus main body. Before the operation, the inner opening / closing part is pushed by the guide projection, and interference between the tip of the inner opening / closing part and the apparatus main body is avoided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the opening / closing apparatus according to the second aspect, the fulcrum of the second hinge is in contact with the main body of the apparatus with respect to the fulcrum of the first hinge in a state where the outer opening / closing part is opened. A process of closing the outer opening / closing part, the fulcrum of the second hinge being arranged closer to the apparatus main body than the fulcrum of the first hinge, with the outer opening / closing part being closed, disposed on the opposite side Thus, the locus of the fulcrum of the second hinge is set so as to pass through the apex having the maximum height above the fulcrum of the first hinge and to be positioned below the apex with the outer opening / closing part closed. It is characterized by being.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the opening / closing device according to the second or third aspect, the outer opening / closing device is provided in at least one of the device main body and the inner opening / closing portion, and the inner opening / closing portion is opened. An auxiliary guide protrusion that guides a part of the inner opening / closing part so as not to interfere with the apparatus main body before the guide protrusion contacts at least one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part when the portion is closed. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the opening / closing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the guide protrusion is provided on one of the device main body and the inner opening / closing portion, and the device main body In addition, the other of the inner opening / closing portion is provided with a fitting hole in which the guide protrusion is fitted and the inner opening / closing portion is positioned with the outer opening / closing portion closed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the opening / closing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the positioning protrusion provided on one of the outer opening / closing portion and the inner opening / closing portion, And a positioning fitting hole provided on the other of the outer opening and closing portion and the inner opening and closing portion and into which the positioning protrusion is fitted in a state where the outer opening and closing portion is closed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the opening / closing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the positioning protrusion is provided in the outer opening / closing part, the guide protrusion is provided in the apparatus main body, and the inner opening / closing part is provided with the guide protrusion. The fitting hole and the positioning fitting hole are provided so as to penetrate therethrough.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: the opening / closing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects; A recording medium is transported between a part and an inner opening / closing part.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, it is possible to prevent or suppress the inner opening / closing part from interfering with the apparatus main body.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, it is possible to prevent or suppress the front end of the inner opening / closing part from interfering with the apparatus main body.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, it is possible to more effectively prevent or suppress the front end of the inner opening / closing part from interfering with the apparatus main body. Can do.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, when the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, it is possible to more reliably prevent or suppress a part of the inner opening / closing part from interfering with the apparatus main body. it can.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the inner opening / closing part can be easily positioned with respect to the apparatus main body with the outer opening / closing part closed.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the outer opening / closing part can be easily positioned with respect to the inner opening / closing part with the outer opening / closing part closed.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the configuration for positioning the outer opening / closing portion and the inner opening / closing portion is simplified as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, the inner opening / closing part can be prevented or suppressed from interfering with the apparatus main body.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus including an opening / closing device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus including the opening / closing device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body 12. A paper feed tray 14 in which sheets P as an example of a recording medium are stacked and stored in a lower portion of the apparatus main body 12. Is arranged. 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 paper feed roll 16 is disposed immediately above the front end side (the right end side in FIG. 1) of the paper feed tray 14 so as to contact the front end side of the upper surface of the paper P and feed the paper P from the paper feed tray 14.

  Further, the apparatus main body 12 is formed with a first conveyance path 22 that extends from the front end of the paper feed tray 14 and is gently curved and extends substantially vertically upward on the front side of the apparatus (right side in FIG. 1). Has been. Along the first transport path 22, a plurality (for example, two) of transport roller pairs 24 that sandwich and transport the paper P in order from the upstream side in the paper transport direction (sometimes simply referred to as “upstream side”), and the image An endless transport belt 26 is disposed that electrostatically attracts and transports the paper P to be formed.

  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 (circulated) in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1) by being driven to rotate in the clockwise 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.

  A plurality of process cartridges 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K corresponding to the respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are arranged in the lateral direction facing the conveyance belt 26 with the first conveyance path 22 interposed therebetween. Along the one conveyance path 22, the apparatus main body 12 is arranged in a column in a substantially vertical direction. Each process cartridge 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K is provided with a photosensitive drum 30 that rotates in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise 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.

  A transfer device 38 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 to the paper P at a predetermined transfer position is provided on the inner peripheral side of the conveyance belt 26 in the lateral direction facing the photosensitive drum 30. It has been.

  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.

  In addition, a second conveyance path 46 as an example of a recording medium conveyance path for inverting the sheet P on which an image is formed on one side and returning the sheet P to the first conveyance path 22 again is a first one across the conveyance belt 26. It is formed to face the conveyance path 22.

  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.

  Although not shown, a manual feed tray may be provided on the right side of the apparatus main body 12 in FIG. 1 and the manual feed tray and the second transport path 46 may be connected by a third transport path. Then, a pair of feeding rolls may be provided in the third transport path, and the paper P stacked on the manual feed tray may be sent to the second transport path 46.

  Next, an image forming operation in the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when an image is formed on the paper P in the image forming apparatus 10, first, the paper P taken out from the paper feed tray 14 passes through the first transport path 22 by a plurality of transport roll pairs 24. It is conveyed upward and fed into 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. 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.

  On the other hand, when forming an image on both sides of the paper P, after the image is formed on one side, the paper 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 surface where no image is recorded in the same manner as described above, and an image is formed on both sides of the paper P. 44 to the discharge tray 20. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

(Opening and closing device)
Next, the opening / closing device provided in the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with an opening / closing device 50 that opens and closes the second conveyance path 46. The opening / closing device 50 includes an opening / closing cover 52 as an example of an outer opening / closing portion provided on the device main body 12 so as to be openable / closable.

  The opening / closing cover 52 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 12 by an opening / closing cover hinge portion 54 as an example of a first hinge disposed at the lower part of the apparatus, and from the apparatus main body 12 side to the outside of the apparatus (see FIGS. 2 and 2). By rotating (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3 etc.) and tilting to the open position, the device main body 12 is opened. The open / close cover 52 is configured to stop at an open position shown in FIG. 3 by a stopper or the like (not shown). Further, the open / close cover 52 rotates from the opened state to the apparatus main body 12 side (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3 and the like) and is vertically closed to the close position to be closed to the apparatus main body 12 side (closed or closed). Closed).

  Further, the opening / closing device 50 includes an inner opening / closing portion 56 provided inside the opening / closing cover 52 (side facing the device main body 12) so as to be opened and closed. The inner opening / closing portion 56 is rotatably supported by the opening / closing cover 52 by an inner opening / closing portion hinge 58 as an example of a second hinge disposed at the inner lower portion of the opening / closing cover 52, and the device is opened from the opening / closing cover 52 side. By rotating to the main body 12 side (in the direction of arrow C in FIGS. 3 and 6 etc.) and tilting to the open position, the opening / closing cover 52 is opened to the apparatus main body 12 side. The inner opening / closing part 56 is configured to stop at an open position on the apparatus main body 12 side shown in FIG. 3 by a stopper or the like (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the opening / closing device 50, the fulcrum (rotation center) of the inner opening / closing part hinge 58 is the fulcrum (rotation) of the opening / closing cover hinge 54 with the opening / closing cover 52 opened. The fulcrum of the inner opening / closing part hinge 58 is more than the fulcrum of the opening / closing cover hinge 54 in a state in which the opening / closing cover 52 is closed. It is arranged on the 12 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the locus 66 through which the fulcrum of the inner opening / closing portion hinge portion 58 passes in the process of closing the opening / closing cover 52 passes through the apex 66 </ b> A having the maximum height above the fulcrum of the opening / closing cover hinge portion 54. In a state where the opening / closing cover 52 is closed, it is configured to reach a closing position 66B below the vertex 66A.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the opening / closing cover 52 has an outer conveyance surface formed of a concave curved surface constituting one conveyance surface of the second conveyance path 46 on the apparatus main body 12 side (inside the opening / closing cover 52). 52A. The inner opening / closing part 56 is composed of a curved plate-like member disposed along the outer conveying surface 52A, and the other conveying surface of the second conveying path 46 on the outer side of the inner opening / closing part 56 (on the side opposite to the apparatus main body 12). An inner conveyance surface 56A made up of a convex curved surface is provided.

  A handle 57 that is gripped when the inner opening / closing part 56 is opened is provided on the front surface of the inner opening / closing part 56 (on the side opposite to the inner opening / closing part hinge 58). . The handle 57 includes a pair of left and right side portions 57A that protrude toward the apparatus main body 12 and a plate-like member 57B that extends substantially horizontally across the side portion 57A. The inner opening / closing part 56 is opened to the apparatus main body 12 side by gripping the plate-like member 57B. The plate-like member 57B is provided to be inclined with respect to the wall surface of the inner opening / closing part 56 so that the opening on the inner opening / closing part hinge part 58 side becomes large.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus main body 12 includes a transformer unit 72 in which a transport belt 26 and the like are disposed at a position facing the opening / closing cover 52. In the present embodiment, the transformer unit 72 is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 12. A central portion of the transformer unit 72 on the upper side of the device is provided with a pair of ribs 74 as an example of auxiliary guide protrusions protruding toward the inner opening / closing portion 56 at a position facing the handle 57 of the inner opening / closing portion 56. An upper inclined surface 72A is formed at the upper end of the transformer unit 72 so as to recede toward the apparatus main body 12, and the pair of ribs 74 are disposed substantially parallel to the upper inclined surface 72A along the vertical direction. Yes. Moreover, the corner | angular part of the upper end part of a pair of rib 74 is formed in circular arc shape.

  The pair of ribs 74 contact the plate member 57B of the handle 57 provided on the inner opening / closing portion 56 when the opening / closing cover 52 is closed with the inner opening / closing portion 56 opened to the apparatus main body 12 side. 56, and the handle 57 is configured to be pushed in a direction that does not catch on the upper end of the transformer unit 72 (in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 7 and the like).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a casing 76 constituting the fixing device 40 (see FIG. 1) is provided above the transformer unit 72 in the upper part of the apparatus main body 12. A guide member 78 for guiding the conveyed paper P is provided on the upper side. The end of the guide member 78 on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction is provided so as to protrude from the outer wall surface of the housing 76 toward the opening / closing cover 52.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of left and right guide protrusions 80 as an example of guide protrusions protruding toward the inner opening / closing part 56 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the transformer unit 72 at positions facing the inner opening / closing part 56. It has been. The guide protrusion 80 is formed in a substantially cross shape, and is formed such that the width of the root portion on the transformer unit 72 side is larger than the tip portion. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and the like, a pair of left and right projecting portions 60 projecting toward the transformer unit 72 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the inner opening / closing portion 56 at positions facing the pair of left and right guide projections 80. It has been. On the lower side of the protrusion 60, an inclined surface is formed so that the upper side protrudes toward the transformer unit 72.

  When the opening / closing cover 52 is closed with the inner opening / closing portion 56 open to the apparatus main body 12 side, the pair of guide protrusions 80 release the contact between the plate-like member 57B of the inner opening / closing portion 56 and the rib 74 of the transformer unit 72. After that, when the projecting portion 60 of the inner opening / closing portion 56 comes into contact, the inner opening / closing portion 56 is pushed in a direction approaching the opening / closing cover 52 (a direction in which the inner opening / closing portion 56 closes to the opening / closing cover 52 side). . In other words, when the opening / closing cover 52 is closed with the inner opening / closing portion 56 opened to the apparatus main body 12 side, the plate of the inner opening / closing portion 56 is brought into contact before the guide protrusion 80 and the protruding portion 60 of the inner opening / closing portion 56 contact each other. After the plate-like member 57B and the rib 74 of the transformer unit 72 are in contact with each other and the contact between the plate-like member 57B and the rib 74 is released, the protruding portion 60 of the inner opening / closing portion 56 and the guide protrusion 80 of the transformer unit 72 are in contact with each other. It is configured as follows.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the like, the protrusion 60 of the inner opening / closing portion 56 is fitted with a guide protrusion 80 in a state where the opening / closing cover 52 is closed to the apparatus main body 12 side. A fitting hole 62 for positioning 56 is provided. The fitting hole 62 is formed of a substantially circular recess formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the guide protrusion 80.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, when a jam (paper jam) occurs in the second transport path 46 by the above-described image forming operation, the opening / closing device 50 is operated to remove the jammed paper P. Specifically, the operator rotates the opening / closing cover 52 around the opening / closing cover hinge 54 in the direction of arrow A to open the opening / closing cover 52 to the outside of the apparatus with respect to the apparatus main body 12 (transformer unit 72). . At this time, the inner opening / closing part 56 rotatably supported by the opening / closing cover 52 is also opened integrally with the opening / closing cover 52 (see FIG. 3, the paper P at the time of jamming is omitted in FIG. 3). . In the open position shown in FIG. 3, the open / close cover 52 is opened about 90 ° with respect to the apparatus main body 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the inner opening / closing portion 56 is rotated in the direction of arrow C around the inner opening / closing portion hinge 58, so that the inner opening / closing portion 56 is moved from the opening / closing cover 52 side to the device main body 12 side (transformer unit). 72 side). At that time, the inner opening / closing part 56 is opened by gripping the handle 57 (see FIG. 4) of the inner opening / closing part 56. With the inner opening / closing part 56 opened, the paper P at the time of jamming is removed.

  Thereafter, in a normal operation, the inner opening / closing part 56 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow C from the apparatus main body 12 side to close the inner opening / closing part 56 to the opening / closing cover 52 side (see FIG. 3). Rotate in the B direction and close to the apparatus main body 12 side.

  However, depending on the operator, the opening / closing cover 52 may be rotated in the direction of arrow B and closed to the apparatus main body 12 side with the inner opening / closing portion 56 opened to the apparatus main body 12 side. In the opening / closing device 50, the locus 66 (see FIG. 3) through which the fulcrum of the inner opening / closing portion hinge 58 passes gradually rises as the opening / closing cover 52 is closed. It passes through the apex 66A having the maximum height on the upper side, and reaches the closing position 66B on the lower side from the apex 66A with the open / close cover 52 closed. At that time, the inner opening / closing part 56 and the opening / closing cover 52 operate as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the opening / closing cover 52 is rotated in the direction of arrow B and closed to the apparatus main body 12 side (transformer unit 72 side) (FIG. 7 shows the opening / closing cover 52 from the open position to the apparatus main body 12 side. The plate-like member 57B of the inner opening / closing part 56 is lifted in the direction of arrow D while sliding on the edge of the rib 74 of the transformer unit 72. As shown in FIG. 8, when the opening / closing cover 52 is further rotated in the direction of arrow B and is closed to the apparatus main body 12 side (transformer unit 72 side) (FIG. 8 shows the opening / closing cover 52 from the open position to the apparatus main body 12. The bottom end of the plate-like member 57B of the inner opening / closing part 56 is further lifted in the direction of arrow D while sliding on the edge of the rib 74 of the transformer unit 72. This prevents the handle 57 of the inner opening / closing part 56 from being caught near the upper end of the transformer unit 72.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the opening / closing cover 52 is further rotated in the direction of the arrow B and is closed to the apparatus main body 12 side (transformer unit 72 side) (FIG. 9 shows that the opening / closing cover 52 is moved from the open position to the apparatus main body 12 When the plate member 57B of the inner opening / closing portion 56 gets over the rib 74 of the transformer unit 72, the direction in which the plate member 57B of the inner opening / closing portion 56 is lifted is changed from the arrow D direction to the arrow E. Change direction.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the opening / closing cover 52 is further rotated in the direction of arrow B and closed to the apparatus main body 12 side (transformer unit 72 side) (FIG. 10 shows the opening / closing cover 52 from the open position to the apparatus main body 12. The projecting portion 60 of the inner opening / closing portion 56 is lifted in the direction of arrow F while sliding on the guide projection 80 of the transformer unit 72. That is, the place where the inner opening / closing portion 56 and the transformer unit 72 slide is changed from the plate-like member 57B and the rib 74 to the protruding portion 60 and the guide protrusion 80, and the direction in which the plate-like member 57B of the inner opening / closing portion 56 is lifted is also the direction of arrow E To the arrow F direction.

  When the direction in which the plate-like member 57B of the inner opening / closing part 56 is lifted is changed to the direction of arrow F, the tip of the inner opening / closing part 56 immediately before the tip of the inner opening / closing part 56 and the guide member 78 of the apparatus main body 12 collide. And the guide member 78 of the apparatus main body 12 are prevented from interfering with each other. Thus, the fulcrum of the inner opening / closing part hinge 58 passes through the vertex 66A having the maximum height above the fulcrum of the opening / closing cover hinge 54, and the opening / closing cover 52 is closed and the lower side of the vertex 66A. When reaching the closing position 66B, even if the tip of the inner opening / closing part 56 approaches the apparatus main body 12, the tip of the inner opening / closing part 56 is prevented from interfering with the guide member 78 and the like of the apparatus main body 12.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the opening / closing cover 52 is further rotated in the direction of arrow B and the opening / closing cover 52 is completely closed to the apparatus body 12 side (transformer unit 72 side) (FIG. 2 shows the opening / closing cover 52). Is closed about 90 ° from the open position to the apparatus main body 12 side), the tip of the guide projection 80 of the transformer unit 72 is fitted into the fitting hole 62 provided in the protruding portion 60 of the inner opening / closing portion 56, and the inner opening / closing is performed. The part 56 is positioned with respect to the transformer unit 72. When the inner opening / closing part 56 is closed toward the apparatus main body 12, the guide protrusion 80 does not interfere with the inner opening / closing part 56. In this state, the operation of closing the opening / closing cover 52 to the apparatus main body 12 side (transformer unit 72 side) is completed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the opening / closing device 90 according to the second embodiment, a pair of left and right as an example of a positioning projection that protrudes toward the inner opening / closing portion 56 is provided at the intermediate portion of the outer conveyance surface 52A of the opening / closing cover 52. Positioning projections 92 are provided. A pair of left and right fitting holes as an example of a positioning fitting hole into which the positioning projection 92 is fitted in the outer conveyance surface 56A of the inner opening / closing portion 56 with the opening / closing cover 52 closed to the apparatus main body 12 side. 94 is provided. The fitting hole 94 has a substantially circular cross section, and is provided so as to penetrate the protruding portion 60 of the inner opening / closing portion 56 in the thickness direction. The fitting hole 94 is configured such that the tip end portion of the guide projection 80 of the transformer unit 72 fits into the fitting hole 94 of the inner opening / closing portion 56 with the opening / closing cover 52 closed to the apparatus main body 12 side. Yes.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the opening / closing cover 52 is closed to the apparatus main body 12 side (transformer unit 72 side), the distal end portion of the guide projection 80 of the transformer unit 72 is fitted into the fitting hole 94 from the inside of the inner opening / closing portion 56. The inner opening / closing part 56 is positioned with respect to the transformer unit 72. At that time, the positioning projection 92 of the opening / closing cover 52 is fitted into the fitting hole 94 from the outside of the inner opening / closing portion 56, and the opening / closing cover 52 is positioned with respect to the inner opening / closing portion 56.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st and 2nd embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
First, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus including an opening / closing device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an intermediate transfer belt 104 wound around a plurality of rollers at a substantially central portion of the apparatus main body 102. Four image forming units 110Y, 110C, 110M, and 110K are provided along the side running side. Each image forming unit 110Y, 110C, 110M, and 110K is provided with a photosensitive drum 112. Around the photosensitive drum 112, a charging unit, a developing device, a cleaning unit, and the like are disposed, and a primary transfer roller 108 is provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 104 at a position facing each photosensitive drum 112. . In the present embodiment, the four image forming units 110Y, 110C, 110M, and 110K are arranged in the order of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black from the left in the drawing.

  An optical writing device 114 is provided below the image forming units 110Y, 110C, 110M, and 110K. Although not shown, the optical writing device 114 has a polygon mirror, a group of mirrors, and the like, and irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 112 of each color image forming unit with light-modulated laser light.

  Two stages of paper feed cassettes 116A and 116B are disposed below the apparatus main body 102, and paper feed means 118A and 118B corresponding to the respective paper feed cassettes are provided. Each of the paper feeding units 118A and 118B includes a calling roller, a supply roller, and a separation roller. In order to transport the paper P (recording medium) fed by the paper feeding means 118A and 118B, a pair of transport rollers 120 and 120 are provided. A registration roller pair 122 is provided above the upper conveyance roller pair 120 (downstream in the sheet conveyance direction). A secondary transfer roller 124 is provided above the registration roller pair 122 so as to face the transfer counter roller 106 that is one of the rollers around which the intermediate transfer belt 104 is stretched.

  A fixing device 126 is provided above the secondary transfer roller 124. Above the fixing device 126, first to third switching claws 128, 129, and 130 for switching the paper transport direction are arranged. Has been. Further, a conveyance roller pair 132 is disposed on the downstream side of the fixing device 126. The upper surface of the apparatus main body 102 is configured as a paper discharge tray 136, and a paper discharge roller pair 134 for discharging the paper P to the paper discharge tray 136 is disposed on the upper left side of the fixing device 126.

  A switchback conveyance path 152 and a refeed path 154 are formed in the duplex unit 150. The switchback conveyance path 152 is provided with a first reverse roller pair 156 and a second reverse roller pair 158. The first reverse roller pair 156 and the second reverse roller pair 158 are configured to be able to rotate forward and backward. A pair of conveyance rollers 160 and 162 are arranged at a position where the refeed path 154 is divided into approximately three equal parts. The above-described third switching claw 130 is disposed immediately next to the first reversing roller pair 156 and located at the entry portion from the switchback conveyance path 152 to the refeed path 154.

  A manual feed tray 164 is provided on the side surface of the duplex unit 150. In order to feed the sheet P from the manual feed tray 164, a sheet feeding unit 166 including a calling roller, a supply roller, and a separation roller is provided. A refeed roller 168 is disposed so as to be located inside the apparatus at the side of the paper feed means 166. The driven rollers are in pressure contact with the upper and lower sides of the refeed roller 168, respectively. The re-feed roller 168 is configured to be able to rotate forward and reverse. When the paper P is re-feeded from the re-feed path 154, the re-feed roller 168 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing, and the paper P is fed from the manual feed tray 164. In the case of paper, it is rotated clockwise in the figure.

  Next, an image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described.

  The photosensitive drums 112 of the image forming units 110Y, 110C, 110M, and 110K are rotationally driven in the clockwise direction in the figure, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 112 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity by a charging unit. The charged photoconductor surface is irradiated with laser light from the optical writing device 114, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 112 surface. At this time, the image information exposed to each photosensitive drum 112 is single-color image information obtained by separating a desired full-color image into color information of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and the electrostatic latent image formed in this way. Each color toner is applied to the image from the developing device and visualized as a toner image.

  Further, the intermediate transfer belt 104 is driven to run counterclockwise in the drawing as indicated by an arrow, and the intermediate transfer belt 104 is moved from the photosensitive drum 112 by the action of the primary transfer roller 108 in each of the image forming units 110Y, 110C, 110M, and 110K. Each color toner image is sequentially superimposed and transferred.

  On the other hand, the paper P is selectively fed from the paper feed cassettes 116A and 116B or the manual feed tray 164, and the secondary transfer position is timed by the registration roller pair 122 with the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 104. The toner images on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 104 are collectively transferred onto the paper P by the secondary transfer roller 124. The paper P to which the toner image has been transferred passes through the fixing device 126, whereby the toner image is fixed on the paper P. The paper P is discharged by a paper discharge roller pair 134 to a paper discharge tray 136 formed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 102.

  When printing on both sides of the sheet, the first and second reversing roller pairs 156, 158 are rotated by switching the first to third switching claws 128, 129, 130 on the sheet having the toner image fixed on one side of the sheet. To enter the switchback conveyance path 152. Further, the first and second reversing roller pairs 156 and 158 are rotated in the reverse direction to reverse the paper P, and the paper P is fed into the refeed path 154. The sheet is transported in the refeed path 154 by the transport roller pair 160 and 162, and further sent to the registration roller pair 122 by the refeed roller 168. Then, the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 104 to the back surface of the paper P, and the back image is fixed by the fixing device 126, whereby an image is formed on the back surface of the paper P.

(Opening and closing device)
Next, the opening / closing device provided in the image forming apparatus 100 of the third embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with an opening / closing device 180 that opens and closes the refeed path 154. The opening / closing device 180 includes the above-described double-sided unit 150 as an example of an outer opening / closing portion provided in the device main body 102 so as to be openable / closable.

  The duplex unit 150 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 102 by a hinge portion 182 as an example of a first hinge disposed at the lower part of the apparatus, and moves from the apparatus main body 102 side to the outside of the apparatus (in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 13). F) It is opened with respect to the apparatus main body 102 by rotating and tilting to the open position. The duplex unit 150 is supported by the apparatus main body 102 by a link mechanism (not shown), and stops at the open position shown in FIG.

  The opening / closing device 180 includes an inner opening / closing portion 184 that can be opened and closed inside the double-sided unit 150 (on the side facing the device main body 102). The inner opening / closing part 184 is rotatably supported by the double-sided unit 150 by a hinge part 186 as an example of a second hinge disposed at the lower inner side of the double-sided unit 150, and from the double-sided unit 150 side to the apparatus main body 102 side. By rotating (in the direction of arrow H in FIG. 13) and tilting to the open position, the double-sided unit 150 is opened to the apparatus main body 102 side. The inner opening / closing unit 184 includes a secondary transfer roller 124, one driven roller of the registration roller pair 122, one driven roller of the conveyance roller pair 162, and one driven roller of the refeed roller 168. ing.

  In the opening / closing device 180, the hinge unit 186 of the inner opening / closing unit 184 is positioned outside the device with respect to the hinge unit 182 in a state where the duplex unit 150 is opened to the outside of the device main body 102. When closed to the apparatus main body 102 side, the hinge part 186 of the inner opening / closing part 184 is positioned above the hinge part 182.

  On both sides in the width direction of the apparatus main body 102, a pair of left and right guide protrusions 190 as an example of guide protrusions protruding toward the inner opening / closing part 184 are provided at positions facing the inner opening / closing part 184. The guide protrusion 190 is formed so that the tip portion protrudes in a sharp shape. Wall surfaces that can come into contact with the guide protrusion 190 when the duplex unit 150 is closed on both sides in the width direction of the inner opening / closing section 184 at a position facing the guide protrusion 190 with the inner opening / closing section 184 opened to the apparatus body 102 side. 184A is formed. In the present embodiment, the wall surface 184A is an inclined surface such that the upper side protrudes toward the apparatus main body 102 with respect to the lower side. When the double-sided unit 150 is closed with the inner opening / closing part 184 open to the apparatus main body 102 side, the guide protrusion 190 contacts the wall surface 184A of the inner opening / closing part 184 to guide the inner opening / closing part 184 and The unit 184 is configured to be pushed in a direction approaching the duplex unit 150 (a direction in which the inner opening / closing unit 184 is closed toward the duplex unit 150).

  The wall surface 184A of the inner opening / closing part 184 is provided with a pair of left and right fitting holes 192 as an example of a fitting hole in which the guide protrusion 190 is fitted and the inner opening / closing part 184 is positioned with the duplex unit 150 closed. It has been. The fitting hole 192 is constituted by a recess formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the guide protrusion 190. The re-feed path 154 has one side (inner side of the apparatus) constituted by the conveying surface of the inner opening / closing part 184, and the other side (outside of the apparatus) constituted by the conveying surface of the duplex unit 150. When closed to the side, a refeed path 154 is formed.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, when a jam (paper jam) occurs in the refeed path 154 due to the above-described image forming operation, the duplex unit 150 is rotated in the direction of arrow G shown in FIG. At this time, the inner opening / closing part 184 that is rotatably supported by the duplex unit 150 is also opened integrally with the duplex unit 150. Further, the inner opening / closing part 184 is rotated in the direction of arrow H shown in FIG. 13 to open from the duplex unit 150 side to the apparatus main body 102 side (in FIG. 13, the paper P at the time of jamming is omitted). In this state, the jammed paper P is removed.

  Thereafter, depending on the operator, the duplex unit 150 may be rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow G and closed to the apparatus main body 102 side while the inner opening / closing part 184 is opened to the apparatus main body 102 side. In this case, when the double-sided unit 150 is closed to the apparatus main body 102 side, the wall surface 184A of the inner opening / closing part 184 is lifted to the double-sided unit 150 side while sliding the guide projection 190 of the apparatus main body 102 (the inner opening / closing part 184 is 150 side). By lifting the inner opening / closing part 184 toward the duplex unit 150, the vicinity of the middle part of the inner opening / closing part 184 does not interfere with the intermediate transfer belt 104 of the apparatus main body 102 and the guide surface of the conveyance path.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the duplex unit 150 is further rotated and closed to the apparatus main body 102 side, the tip of the guide projection 190 of the apparatus main body 102 is fitted to the wall surface 184 </ b> A of the inner opening / closing part 184. The inner opening / closing portion 56 is positioned with respect to the apparatus main body 102 by being fitted into the hole 192. In this state, the operation for closing the duplex unit 150 toward the apparatus main body 102 is completed.

[Supplementary explanation of the above embodiment]
(1) In the first and second embodiments, the transformer unit 72 is detachably provided to the apparatus main body 12, but the transformer unit 72 may be configured integrally with the apparatus main body 12. That is, the “apparatus main body” of the present invention includes a unit and the like that are detachably provided on the apparatus main body in addition to members provided integrally with the apparatus main body.

  (2) In the first to third embodiments, the guide protrusions 80 and 190 are provided on the apparatus main body. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and guide protrusions are provided on the inner opening / closing part or both the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part. Also good. That is, any structure may be used as long as the guide protrusion is provided on at least one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part. Further, the shapes and positions of the guide protrusions 80 and 190 are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be used.

  (3) In the first to third embodiments, the fitting holes 62, 92, and 192 for positioning into which the guide protrusions 80 and 190 are fitted are provided in the inner opening and closing part. A guide protrusion may be provided on the part, and a fitting hole for positioning the inner opening / closing part may be provided on the apparatus main body. That is, a guide protrusion is provided on one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part, and a fitting hole is provided on the other of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part so that the guide protrusion is fitted with the opening / closing cover (outer opening / closing part) closed. Any configuration may be used. Further, the shapes of the fitting holes 62, 92, and 192 are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be used.

  (4) In the first and second embodiments, the apparatus main body is provided with the rib 74 as an example of the auxiliary guide protrusion, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary opening is provided to the inner opening / closing section or both the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing section. Guide protrusions may be provided. That is, the auxiliary guide protrusion may be provided on at least one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part. Further, the shape and position of the auxiliary guide protrusion are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be used.

  (5) In the second embodiment, the positioning projection 92 is provided on the opening / closing cover 52, and the fitting hole 94 as an example of the positioning fitting hole in which the positioning projection 92 is fitted is provided on the inner opening / closing portion 56. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a positioning fitting hole may be provided in the opening / closing cover (outer opening / closing portion), and a positioning protrusion may be provided in the inner opening / closing portion. That is, a positioning protrusion is provided on one of the inner opening / closing part and the outer opening / closing part, and the positioning protrusion is fitted to the other of the inner opening / closing part and the outer opening / closing part with the outer opening / closing part closed to the apparatus body side. Any configuration may be used as long as a fitting hole is provided. Further, the shapes and positions of the positioning protrusions and the positioning fitting holes are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations may be used.

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

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an opening / closing device used in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the state which open | released the opening / closing cover in the opening / closing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the opening / closing cover and inner side opening / closing part which are used for the opening / closing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the transformer unit provided in the apparatus main body used for the opening / closing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. In the opening / closing apparatus according to the first embodiment, the opening / closing cover is opened in the event of a jam (paper jam), and the inner opening / closing part is opened to the apparatus main body side. In the opening / closing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is a block diagram which shows the state which the plate-shaped member of the inner side opening / closing part contacted the rib in the process of closing an opening / closing cover in the state which opened the inner side opening / closing part to the apparatus main body side. In the opening / closing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is a block diagram which shows the state which the plate-shaped member of an inner side opening / closing part moves, sliding a rib in the process of closing an opening / closing cover in the state which opened the inner side opening / closing part to the apparatus main body side. . In the opening / closing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, in the process which closes an opening / closing cover in the state which opened the inner side opening / closing part to the apparatus main body side, it is a block diagram which shows the state which the contact between the plate-shaped member of the inner opening / closing part and the rib removed. is there. In the opening / closing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is a block diagram which shows the state which the protrusion part of an inner side opening / closing part moves, sliding a guide protrusion in the process of closing an opening / closing cover in the state which opened the inner side opening / closing part to the apparatus main body side. . It is a block diagram which shows the opening / closing apparatus used for the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the opening / closing apparatus used for the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment, the double-side unit is opened to the outside of the apparatus, and the inner opening / closing part is opened to the apparatus main body side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Apparatus main body 46 2nd conveyance path (recording medium conveyance path)
50 Opening / closing device 52 Opening / closing cover (outer opening / closing part)
54 Opening / closing cover hinge (first hinge)
56 Inner opening / closing part 58 Inner opening / closing part hinge part (second hinge)
62 Fitting hole 66 Trajectory 66A Vertex 66B Closed position (the position of the fulcrum of the second hinge with the outer opening / closing part closed)
72 Transformer unit (main unit)
74 Ribs (Auxiliary guide protrusions)
80 Guide protrusion 90 Opening and closing device 92 Positioning protrusion 94 Fitting hole (positioning fitting hole)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 102 Apparatus main body 150 Duplex unit (outer opening / closing part)
154 Re-feed path (recording medium transport path)
180 Opening / closing device 182 Hinge part (first hinge)
184 Inner opening / closing part 186 Hinge part (second hinge)
190 Guide protrusion 192 Fitting hole P Paper (recording medium)

Claims (8)

An outer opening / closing portion that is opened and closed around a first hinge provided below the apparatus body;
An inner opening / closing part that is opened / closed around a second hinge provided below the outer opening / closing part, and that is opened from the outer opening / closing part side to the apparatus main body side;
Provided in at least one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part, and when the outer opening / closing part is closed in a state where the inner opening / closing part is opened, the inner opening / closing part is pushed in a direction approaching the outer opening / closing part. A guide protrusion arranged to guide the inner opening / closing part so as not to interfere with the apparatus main body, and to deviate from the guiding state when the outer opening / closing part is closed;
A switchgear characterized by comprising:   When the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, the inner opening / closing part is pushed by the guide protrusion before the tip of the inner opening / closing part collides with the apparatus main body. The opening / closing device according to claim 1, wherein interference between the distal end of the device and the device main body is avoided. The fulcrum of the second hinge is disposed on the opposite side of the apparatus main body with respect to the fulcrum of the first hinge in a state where the outer opening / closing part is opened, and the outer opening / closing part is closed, The fulcrum of the second hinge is disposed closer to the apparatus body than the fulcrum of the first hinge,
In the process of closing the outer opening / closing part, the locus of the fulcrum of the second hinge passes through the vertex having the maximum height above the fulcrum of the first hinge, and is lower than the vertex with the outer opening / closing part closed. The switchgear according to claim 2, wherein the switchgear is set to be located on a side.   Provided on at least one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part, and when the outer opening / closing part is closed with the inner opening / closing part opened, the guide projection contacts at least one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part. The opening / closing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an auxiliary guide protrusion that guides a part of the inner opening / closing part so as not to interfere with the apparatus main body. The guide protrusion is provided on one of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part,
The other of the apparatus main body and the inner opening / closing part is provided with a fitting hole in which the guide protrusion is fitted and the inner opening / closing part is positioned with the outer opening / closing part closed. The switchgear according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A positioning protrusion provided on one of the outer opening and closing portion and the inner opening and closing portion;
A positioning fitting hole which is provided on the other of the outer opening and closing part and the inner opening and closing part and in which the positioning protrusion is fitted in the closed state of the outer opening and closing part;
The switchgear according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switchgear is provided. The positioning protrusion is provided on the outer opening / closing part, and the guide protrusion is provided on the apparatus main body,
The opening / closing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the inner opening / closing portion is provided so that the fitting hole and the positioning fitting hole penetrate therethrough. The switchgear according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided in a recording medium conveyance path provided in the apparatus main body,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a recording medium is conveyed between the outer opening / closing part and the inner opening / closing part.

Images