JP2012252046A - Cover opening/closing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cover opening/closing device that has a configuration to surely prevent a cover from being a half-closed state by surely achieving a closed state thereof.SOLUTION: A cover opening/closing device comprises: a rotating member 201; a lock member 204 for driving which is detachably engaged with respect to the rotating member 201; a lock member 205 for holding which is provided on an immobile portion located near a cover and detachably engaged with respect to the rotating member 201; an elastic body 202 which urges the rotating member 201 in a closing direction of the cover; and a damper member 203 which is attached to the rotating member 201. The lock member 204 for driving and the lock member 205 for holding have a relationship with each other set, so that an engaging/detaching state thereof is switched when a rotation angle of the rotating member 201 reaches a predetermined angle. Upon closing the cover, the lock member 204 for driving engages with the rotating member 201 in response to release of the engagement of the lock member 205 for holding. Then, by the urging of the elastic body 202, the cover is moved towards a closing position in a buffered manner with the assist of the damper member 203.

Description

  The present invention relates to a cover opening / closing device and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a mechanism for reliably setting a cover in a closed state.

An image forming apparatus is one of apparatuses provided with an openable / closable cover.
In the image forming apparatus, devices for performing processing necessary for image formation are provided in a casing, and a cover provided on a part of the wall surface of the casing may be opened and closed during maintenance.
A structure using a hinge shaft is known as a cover support structure that can be opened and closed (for example, Patent Document 1).

In this structure, in addition to the case of opening and closing by the operating force of the operator, there is a configuration in which an elastic body that imparts turning habits is provided at the opening and closing fulcrum to provide assistance during opening and closing.
In order to give assistance, the cover is urged in the opening direction to facilitate the opening, and when closing, the cover is closed by operating the cover against the urging. May be intended to be recognizable.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a conventional example using a configuration for biasing in the opening direction. In FIG. 9, the cover K can be opened and closed by swinging around the hinge axis KA1.
The hinge shaft KA1 is equipped with an elastic body B such as a string spring that has one end in the winding direction locked on the cover side and the other end in the winding direction locked on the apparatus main body side provided with the cover.

  On the other hand, on the swing end side of the cover K, a lock lever LB that can be engaged and disengaged by swinging with respect to a lock pin CL provided on the apparatus main body side is provided. The closed state of the cover K can be maintained by engaging the locking lever LB.

  When opening the cover K, the engagement between the locking lever LB and the locking pin CL is released, and then the cover K is swung in the opening direction, so that the elastic body B is biased almost automatically. The cover K can be opened.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, when the cover K is opened, the burden of operating force can be reduced, but the locking lever LB is perpendicular to the swinging direction of the cover K as shown in FIG. 9B. In the case where it is provided on both sides corresponding to the width direction, an engagement state can be obtained only on one side in the width direction, so-called a phenomenon called single closing may occur. That is, one side in the width direction is lifted and cannot be locked.

  That is, when a uniform closing force is applied to both sides in the width direction when closing the cover K, the engagement between the locking pin CL and the locking lever LB is performed on both sides in the width direction, but only on one side in the width direction. In the case where a closing force is applied, the engaged state may be obtained only on the side where the closing force is applied.

  For example, in the case of a cover provided to open the conveyance path in the image forming apparatus, the conveyance path is often located on the center side in the width direction. Often. For this reason, when a closing force is applied to the center in the width direction, a force is exerted on both sides of the width direction. However, if a closing force is applied to only one side in the width direction, the side where the closing force is not applied in the width direction of the cover will rise As a result, the engagement between the locking pin and the locking lever may be incomplete.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a cover opening / closing apparatus and an image forming apparatus having a configuration capable of reliably preventing the occurrence of a one-side closing phenomenon by reliably obtaining a closed state in view of the problems in the conventional cover opening / closing apparatus. To provide an apparatus.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) a rotatable member that is coaxially supported and rotatable with an openable / closable cover;
A drive locking member provided on the cover and detachable from the rotating member;
A holding lock member which is provided in a stationary part located in the vicinity of the cover and is detachable with respect to the rotating member;
An elastic body biasing the rotating member in the closing direction of the cover;
A damper member attached to the rotating member,
The driving lock member and the holding lock member are set to have a relationship in which the disengagement state is switched between each other when the rotation angle of the rotation member reaches a predetermined angle,
When the cover is closed, the drive lock member is engaged in response to the engagement of the holding lock member being released, and the movement of the cover to the closed position is performed by the urging of the elastic body. A cover opening and closing device that travels while being buffered by a damper member.

(2) The cover opening and closing device according to (1), wherein a one-way clutch is interposed between the damper member and the rotating member so as to be interlocked.

(3) The damper member attached to the rotating member includes a meshing gear in a tooth portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member, and the tooth portion of the rotating member is disposed on the damper before the cover reaches the closed position. The cover opening / closing device according to (1) or (2), wherein the cover opening / closing device is formed in a region where the meshing of the member with the gear can be released.

(4) An image forming apparatus using the cover opening / closing device according to any one of claims (1) to (3).

According to the present invention, when the rotation angle of the rotating member reaches a predetermined angle, the engagement / disengagement relationship between the driving lock member interlocked with the cover side and the holding lock member positioned on the non-moving portion side is switched.
As a result, when the state in which the engagement / disengagement relationship is obtained as the relationship in which the drive lock member is engaged when the holding lock member is released when the cover is closed is set, the engagement of the drive lock member causes elasticity. The cover can be moved almost automatically in the closing direction through the biasing of the rotating member from the body.
In addition, when the cover approaches the closed position, the swing speed decreases due to the braking action by the damper member, and the cover swings by increasing the torque when reaching the closed position due to the relationship between the rotational speed and the torque. It is possible to prevent a situation where one end in the width direction is lifted up by efficiently holding the end.

It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the image forming apparatus using the cover opening / closing apparatus by this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of a cover used in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the principal part structure of the cover opening / closing apparatus by this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the one aspect | mode at the time of cover opening in the principal part structure shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the aspect near the cover open end in the principal part structure shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state during a cover closing operation in the main configuration shown in FIG. 3. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the partial modification of the principal part structure shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the modification regarding the other part of the principal part structure shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the principal part structure of the conventional cover opening / closing apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to illustrated embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a formability device to which a cover opening / closing device according to the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming apparatus main body.

In the image forming apparatus main body 1, a document reading unit 2 that optically reads image information is disposed on the top of the housing.
When image information is read from the document D mounted on the scanning device 10 provided in the document reading unit 2, writing light corresponding to the image information is emitted from the exposure unit 3 by the exposure light L and the image forming unit 4. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 5 disposed in

The electrostatic latent image is subjected to a visible image process by a developing device provided in the image forming unit 4, and then transferred to a transfer sheet. The transferred transfer sheet is heated by a heating roller 21 provided in the fixing device 20. In the process of being nipped and conveyed by the pressure path roller 31, it is fixed and discharged by heat and pressure.
The transfer paper P is selected from the paper feed units 12 to 14 such as a plurality of trays and is conveyed toward the transfer position.

  In such an image forming apparatus 1, the cover 100 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the conveyance path K from the paper supply unit, and when the jam occurs, the cover 100 is opened to expose the conveyance path to the outside. Be able to.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the cover 100. In FIG. 2, the cover 100 has a rotating shaft 101 serving as a rocking fulcrum at the rocking base end. There is provided a locking lever 102 that can be engaged and disengaged by swinging with respect to a locking pin 1A.

The main member of the cover opening / closing device 200 shown in FIG. 3 and subsequent figures is attached to the swing base end of the cover 100.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of a main part of the cover opening / closing device 200.
In the figure, a cover opening / closing device 200 includes a rotating member 201 provided coaxially with the rotating shaft 101 of the cover 100, an elastic body 202 such as a coiled spring that urges the rotating member 201 in the closing direction of the cover 100, A damper member 203 attached to the rotating member 201, a driving lock member 204 and a holding lock member 205 that can be engaged and disengaged according to the rotational position of the rotating member 201 are provided.

Hereinafter, each member will be described.
The rotating member 201 is a member that is supported so as to be able to rotate independently of the rotating shaft 101, and one end of the elastic body 202 in the chord winding direction is hooked on a locking portion 201A formed on the surface.

  As described above, the elastic body 202 has one end in the string winding direction hooked on the rotating member 201 side, and the other end in the string winding direction is hooked on the locking portion 1B provided on the stationary part on the apparatus main body side. It has a habit of moving the parts closer together. For this reason, the rotating member 201 is given the habit of rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 3, and this direction corresponds to the direction of closing the cover 100.

On the peripheral surface of the rotating member 201, a tooth portion 201G is formed in a circumferential length portion corresponding to a region extending from the closed position to the open position of the cover 100, and the gear of the damper member 203 meshes with the tooth portion 201A. ing.
The damper member 203 is a buffer member provided with a reduction gear, and has a habit of reducing the rotation of the rotating member 201.

In the vicinity of the rotating member 201, a configuration is provided in which the driving lock member 204 and the holding lock member 205 can be engaged with each other at a predetermined angle.
Each of the lock members 204 and 205 is a flexible resin member having a rocking end on the rotating member 201 side, and will be described later with reference to FIG. It can be detached from the engaging portion of the member. FIG. 3B shows a state where the driving lock member 204 rides on the disengagement member and is disengaged from the engaging portion of the rotating member.

  That is, the rotation member 210 is formed with engagement holes 201B and 201C that can be engaged and disengaged for each lock member, and when these engagement holes 201B and 201C are rotated to a predetermined angle position, Release members 206 and 207 for releasing any engagement of the block members are provided correspondingly.

  The release member 206 intended for the drive lock member 204 is provided in the non-moving portion, and the installation position thereof is more than the fully open position of the cover when the cover is rotated with the fully closed position as the initial position (home position). The front side is a position where the engagement of the lock member 204 can be released.

  On the other hand, the release member 207 for the holding lock member 205 is provided on the cover 100 side, and when the driving lock member 294 is re-engaged with the engagement hole 201B, the holding lock member 205 is engaged. It is a position where can be released.

  As a result, when the cover 100 is opened, when the driving lock member 204 is disengaged on the front side of the fully opened position of the cover 100, the holding lock member 205 is replaced by the engagement hole. Engage with 201C.

  Due to the relationship between the lock member and the engagement hole on the rotating member side, as shown in FIG. 4, when the cover 100 is swung in the direction to open from the closed position, the drive interlocks with the swing of the cover 100. The lock member 204 can rotate the rotation member 201 in the opening direction of the cover 100, and before reaching the fully open position, the drive lock member 204 is disengaged as shown in FIG. Then, the holding lock member 205 is engaged. When the holding lock member 205 is engaged, the rotation of the rotating member 201, that is, the rotation in the closing direction due to the urging of the elastic body 202 is suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the cover 100 is swung from the fully open position toward the fully closed position, as shown in FIG. 6, the driving lock member 204 is re-engaged with the engaging portion 201B when it is rotated to some extent from the fully open position. At the same time, the holding lock member 206 is disengaged as shown in FIG. Thereby, the urging force of the elastic body 202 acting on the rotating member 201 is transmitted to the driving lock member 204, and the cover 100 is driven in the closing direction.

  When the lock members 204 and 205 described above are described with reference to the drive lock member 204 in FIG. 3B, the length (L) of the inclined portion penetrating through the engagement portion 201B is indicated by reference numeral 204A. The relationship is greater than the plate thickness (T) of the rotating member 201, and can be reliably detached from the engaging portion 201 </ b> B of the rotating member 201 when pushed by the release member 205.

  When the cover 100 is swung in the closing direction to some extent from the fully open position, the engagement / disengagement relationship of the lock member is switched as described above, and in particular, the urging force of the elastic body 202 is used. The labor burden when closing 100 can be reduced.

  When the cover 100 swings to the fully closed position, the damper member 203 slowly moves to the closed position due to the slow speed action, and rotates from the relationship with the torque when the speed reduction is replaced with the rotation speed. By increasing the torque, it is possible to increase the cover closing force at the closed position, and it is possible to prevent a situation where one side in the width direction of the cover 100 is lifted and to prevent the occurrence of the one-side closing.

Next, a modification of the main part of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the main part. In FIG. 7, the one-way clutch gear 300 is disposed in the damper member 203 so as to have a meshing relationship with the rotating member 201. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the configurations of the lock members and the engaging portions are the same as those shown in FIG.

  When the rotating member 201 rotates in the opening direction of the cover 100, the one-way clutch gear 300 makes a transmission relationship with the damper member 203 free, and when the rotating member 201 rotates in the closing direction of the cover 100. In this case, the function of the damper member 203 is exhibited. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the rotation of the rotating member 201 is transmitted to the damper member 203 via the one-way clutch gear 300 when rotating in the closing direction.

  Accordingly, since the function of the damper member 203 is not exhibited when the cover 100 is opened, the opening can be quickly performed. When the cover 100 is closed, the function of the damper member 203 is the same as in the case of the above-described configuration. Can be used.

  In such a configuration, when the cover 100 is opened, an operation can be performed with a light force. When the cover 100 is closed, if the cover 100 is closed to a certain extent from the fully opened position, the elastic body is biased almost automatically. Can be swung toward the closed position. Further, when reaching the closed position, the lift is prevented by the strength of the torque due to the slow speed, and the occurrence of one-sided closure is suppressed. Thus, the opening operability of the cover 100 can be improved by using the one-way clutch gear.

Next, another example relating to the main configuration will be described.
FIG. 8 shows a configuration for the case where the one-way clutch gear 300 shown in FIG. 7 is used.
In the drawing, the tooth portion 201G formed on the rotating member 201 is formed in a circumferential region where the meshing with the one-way clutch gear 300 is released immediately before the cover 100 reaches the closed position.

  That is, when the cover 100 swings to a position immediately before the closing position, the meshing between the one-way clutch gear 300 that transmits the function of the damper member 203 and the teeth on the rotating member 201 side is released (in FIG. 8, reference numeral 201GA). In a state where the root circle indicated by) is exposed), the function of the damper member 203 cannot be exhibited. Thereby, immediately before reaching the closed position of the cover 100, the urging force of the elastic body 202 can be used effectively, so that the closing force of the cover 100 can be increased. As a result, the cover 100 can be prevented from being lifted at the closed position, and can be prevented from being partially closed.

  In addition, regarding the release of meshing with the tooth portion 201G on the rotating member 201 side, it is possible to target meshing with the damper member 203 as shown in FIG. 3 without using the one-way clutch gear 300. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 100 Cover 200 Cover opening / closing device 201 Rotating member 201B, 201C Engagement hole 202 Elastic body 203 Damper member 204, 205 Lock member 206, 207 Disengagement member

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1124353

Claims (4)

A rotatable member that is coaxially supported and rotatable with an openable / closable cover;
A drive locking member provided on the cover and detachable from the rotating member;
A holding lock member which is provided in a stationary part located in the vicinity of the cover and is detachable with respect to the rotating member;
An elastic body biasing the rotating member in the closing direction of the cover;
A damper member attached to the rotating member,
The driving lock member and the holding lock member are set to have a relationship in which the disengagement state is switched between each other when the rotation angle of the rotation member reaches a predetermined angle,
When the cover is closed, the drive lock member is engaged in response to the engagement of the holding lock member being released, and the movement of the cover to the closed position is performed by the urging of the elastic body. A cover opening and closing device that travels while being buffered by a damper member.   2. The cover opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein a one-way clutch is interposed between the damper member and the rotating member so as to be interlocked.   The damper member attached to the rotating member includes a gear engaged with a tooth portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotating member, and the tooth portion of the rotating member is a gear of the damper member before the cover reaches the closed position. 3. The cover opening / closing device according to claim 1, wherein the cover opening / closing device is formed in a region where the meshing with the cover can be released.   An image forming apparatus using the cover opening / closing device according to claim 1.

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