JP2016137647A - Fixing mechanism and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the installation workability when a worker places a device body on an installation base and make movement after the installation easy.SOLUTION: A fixing mechanism fixes an installation base 3, on which a device body 2 is placed, to an installation surface 28. The fixing mechanism includes: a fixing part 30 which fixes the installation base 3 to the installation surface 28 so that the installation base 3 does not move in a state where the device body 2 is not placed on the installation base 3; and a release part 40 which releases a fixing state of the fixing part 30 in a state where the device body 2 is placed on the installation base 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

  The present invention relates to a fixing mechanism that fixes an installation base on which an apparatus main body such as an image forming apparatus main body is mounted to an installation surface, and an image forming apparatus including the fixing mechanism.

  Move to an installation base (for example, a paper feed desk that feeds recording paper) on which an apparatus main body (for example, an electronic apparatus main body such as an image forming apparatus main body) is mounted while the apparatus main body is mounted on the installation base To make this possible, casters are provided at the bottom of the installation table. Thereby, the apparatus main body mounted on the installation stand can be easily moved to another installation location. On the other hand, after the movement, a fixing member is also provided to fix the installation base on which the apparatus main body is placed.

  On the other hand, since there is such a caster, for example, when an operator places the device main body on the installation table, if the operator's body or the device main body carelessly touches the installation table, the installation table moves due to the reaction. As a result, the mounting position shifts and the apparatus main body cannot be correctly mounted on the installation base. For this reason, it takes a lot of time to install the device main body on the installation base, and the time for the operator to hold the device main body becomes longer, resulting in a problem that the installation workability is deteriorated. This problem becomes prominent when the caster is provided at the bottom of the installation base as described above and the weight of the device main body is heavy.

  In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the burden on the user when moving the apparatus main body is reduced and the fixing to a predetermined place after the movement is easily performed is described in detail on the left and right sides of the bottom wall of the apparatus main body. The casters are installed on the left and right sides of the center of gravity of the main body of the main body with respect to the direction of movement of the main body, and fixed members are arranged at the four corners of the bottom of the main body so that each fixing member can be moved up and down by lever operation. The structure which provides the fixing mechanism which locks / unlocks the grounding state is described.

JP 2013-244707 A

  However, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration that the apparatus main body and the installation base are configured separately and the apparatus main body is mounted on the installation base for use. That is, the caster and the fixing member are directly provided on the apparatus main body. Therefore, the above-described problem occurs when the apparatus main body is placed on an installation table with casters.

  The present invention was devised to solve such problems. The purpose of the present invention is to prevent the operator's body and the device body itself from being installed carelessly when the operator places the device body on the installation table. A fixing mechanism that can prevent the installation table from moving even when touched, and thereby improve the installation workability of the apparatus main body to the installation table, and an image forming apparatus including the fixing mechanism are provided. There is.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the fixing mechanism of the present invention is a fixing mechanism that fixes an installation base on which an apparatus main body is placed on an installation surface, and in a state where the apparatus main body is not placed on the installation base, A fixing unit that fixes the installation table to the installation surface so that the installation table does not move, and a release unit that releases the fixed state of the fixing unit in a state where the device main body is mounted on the installation table; It is characterized by having.

  According to this configuration, when the apparatus main body is placed on the installation base, the installation base is fixed to the installation surface, and this fixed state can be released after the equipment main body is placed on the installation base.

  According to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the fixing portion is provided on the installation base, and the release portion is provided on the device main body.

  According to this configuration, the installation base is not unintentionally released before the device main body is placed on the installation base.

  Further, according to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the device main body is provided with a handle portion that can be stored in the device main body, and the release portion is fixed when the handle portion is stored. It may be configured to release the fixed state of the installation table by the unit.

  According to this configuration, after the fixed state of the installation base is released, the handle portion is stored in the apparatus main body, so that the handle portion does not get in the way.

  Further, according to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the handle portion is configured to linearly move along the substantially horizontal direction with respect to the device main body, and the release main body is mounted on the installation base. After being placed, the fixed state of the installation table by the fixing unit may be released in conjunction with a storing operation by linear movement of the handle unit to the device main body.

  According to this structure, since the handle part before operation protrudes in the substantially horizontal direction from the side wall of an apparatus main body, it can be utilized also as a handle at the time of installing an apparatus main body in an installation stand.

  Further, according to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the handle portion is configured to rotate about a rotation axis substantially along the horizontal direction with respect to the device main body, and the release main body is installed on the device main body. After being placed on the table, the fixing unit may be released from the fixed state in conjunction with the rotation of the handle unit around the rotation axis to the device body. .

  According to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the front fixing portion includes an engaging member that engages with the handle portion, and the engaging member is arranged when the device main body is placed on the installation base. It is good also as a structure which served as the positioning member which positions the said apparatus main body.

  According to this structure, the installation work to the apparatus main body to an installation stand becomes still easier.

  Further, according to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the fixing portion may be configured to include a fixing member that is vertically movable and is fixed to the installation surface in the lowered state.

  According to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the fixing unit holds the fixing member in a lowered state when the device main body is not placed on the installation base, while the device main body is the installation base. In this state, the stopper may be provided with a stopper member that releases the holding of the fixed member in the lowered state and allows the fixed member to move vertically.

  Moreover, according to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, it may be configured to further include a post-installation fixing portion that fixes the installation base in a state where the device main body is placed on the installation base.

  According to this configuration, the fixing unit for mounting the device main body on the installation base and the fixing unit for fixing the installation base again after the device main body is moved to the installation location can be configured separately.

  According to the fixing mechanism of the present invention, the post-installation fixing portion may be configured to be vertically extendable and fix the installation table to the installation surface in the extended state.

  According to this configuration, the fixed portion can be implemented with a simple configuration after installation.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the fixing mechanism having the above-described configuration, the apparatus main body, and the installation base, wherein the apparatus main body is the image forming apparatus main body.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus main body is placed on the installation base, the installation base is fixed with respect to the installation surface, and the fixed state is released after the image forming apparatus main body is placed on the installation base. Can do.

  According to the present invention, when the device main body is placed on the installation table, the installation table is fixed to the installation surface, and this fixed state can be released after the device main body is placed on the installation table. Therefore, the installation workability of the apparatus main body on the installation stand is improved, and the movement after the installation can be performed smoothly.

1 is a schematic front view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a fixing mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a fixing mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to a sixth embodiment.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Description of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view according to an embodiment of an image forming apparatus in which an apparatus main body of the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus main body and an installation base is applied to a paper feed desk for feeding recording paper.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a copying function of reading an original and forming an image on a sheet. The apparatus housing includes an image forming apparatus main body 2 and a paper feed desk 3. Yes. That is, the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 and used.

  The image forming apparatus main body 2 includes an image reading device 4, a document conveying device (ADF) 5 provided on the upper side of the image reading device 4, an image forming unit 6 and a paper discharge tray 7 provided on the lower side of the image reading device 4. The sheet feeding desk 3 includes a sheet feeding cassette 8 that feeds sheets to the image forming unit 6. Further, casters 9 are attached to the four corners of the bottom wall of the paper feed desk 3, and can be moved to the installation location with the image forming apparatus main body 2 placed thereon.

  The document conveying device 5 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the image reading device 4 by a hinge (fulcrum) on one side on the back side of the paper surface, and is opened and closed by raising and lowering an end portion on the front side of the paper surface. When the document conveying device 5 is opened, the upper portion of the image reading device 4 is opened so that the document can be placed manually. The document conveying device 5 automatically conveys the placed document on the image reading device 4.

  The image reading device 4 reads the placed document or the document conveyed from the document conveying device 5 to generate image data.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, image data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) or a monochrome image using a single color (for example, black). Are treated. The image forming unit 6 is provided with four developing devices 12 for forming four types of toner images, a photosensitive drum 13, a drum cleaning device 14, and four chargers 15, each of which includes black, cyan, magenta, And four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, which are associated with yellow and yellow.

  The drum cleaning device 14 removes and collects residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 13. The charger 15 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 13 to a predetermined potential. The optical scanning device 11 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 13 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 12 develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 13 to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 13. Through the above-described series of operations, a toner image of each color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13.

  An intermediate transfer belt 21 is disposed on the upper side of the photosensitive drum 13. The intermediate transfer belt 21 circulates in the direction of arrow C, the residual toner is removed and collected by the belt cleaning device 16, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 13 are sequentially transferred and superimposed. Thus, a color toner image is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  A nip area is formed between the transfer roller 17a of the secondary transfer device 17 and the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the sheet conveyed through the sheet conveyance path R11 is sandwiched and conveyed in the nip area. When the sheet passes through the nip area, the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred and conveyed to the fixing device 18.

  The fixing device 18 includes a fixing roller 18a and a pressure roller 18b that rotate with a sheet interposed therebetween. The fixing device 18 sandwiches the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred between the fixing roller 18a and the pressure roller 18b, and heats and presses the recording paper to fix the toner image on the recording paper.

  The paper feed cassette 8 is a tray for storing paper used for image formation, and is provided below the optical scanning device 11. The paper is pulled out from the paper feed cassette 8 by the pickup roller 23, transported through the paper transport path R 11, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 7 through the secondary transfer device 17 and the fixing device 18 and through the paper discharge roller 26. Is done.

  In the paper transport path R11, after the paper is temporarily stopped and the leading edges of the paper are aligned, the paper is fed in accordance with the transfer timing of the color toner image in the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 17a. A registration roller 24 for starting conveyance, a conveyance roller 25 for urging conveyance of the paper, and a paper discharge roller 26 are arranged.

  When image formation is performed not only on the front side but also on the back side of the paper, the paper is conveyed in the reverse direction from the paper discharge roller 26 to the reverse path Rr, so that the front and back of the paper are reversed and the paper is transferred to the registration roller 24. Then, the image is formed on the rear surface in the same manner as the front surface, and the paper is carried out to the paper discharge tray 7.

  In the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a fixing mechanism that fixes the paper feed desk 3 on which the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed to the installation surface 28. This fixing mechanism is provided at each of the four corners of the image forming apparatus main body 2 and the paper feed desk 3. Hereinafter, this fixing mechanism will be described in detail.

<Description of First Embodiment of Fixing Mechanism>
2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views showing an enlarged configuration of the fixing mechanism according to the first embodiment.

  The fixing mechanism according to the first embodiment is a fixing mechanism that fixes the paper feed desk 3 on which the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. In a state where the sheet feeding desk 3 is not moved, the sheet feeding desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28 so that the sheet feeding desk 3 does not move, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is fixed while the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the sheet feeding desk 3. And a release unit 40 for releasing the fixed state of the unit 30. The fixing unit 30 is provided in the paper feed desk 3, and the release unit 40 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the paper feed desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. Later, the release unit 40 on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side can be operated to release the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3. Further, according to this configuration, the fixed state of the paper feeding desk 3 is not unexpectedly released before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feeding desk 3.

  Hereinafter, the fixing unit 30 and the release unit 40 will be specifically described.

  The fixing portion 30 is roughly divided into a fixing rod 31 having a leg portion 31a that is separated from and contacting the installation surface 28, and a first operating rod 32, a second operating rod 33, and a third operation that move the fixing rod 31 up and down. A rod 34 and a biasing member 35 that biases the first operating rod 32 downward (that is, toward the installation surface 28) are provided.

  In the first operating rod 32, a support hole 32a formed at one end is rotatably inserted and supported on a first support shaft S1 formed in a horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. In the state, it is held in a substantially horizontal state (including the horizontal state). A long hole 32b that is long in the lateral direction is formed at the other end of the first operating rod 32.

  The third operating rod 34 bent in a substantially L shape has a support hole 34c formed in the bent portion, and a second support that is formed in a horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. A support hole 34c is rotatably inserted and supported on the shaft S2. The third operating rod 34 is formed with a long hole 34a in the lateral direction in one operating arm portion 34b extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the other operating arm portion extending in the approximately vertical direction. 34 d is arranged so as to protrude upward from an insertion hole 3 a formed in the upper surface of the paper feed desk 3.

  The second operating rod 33 held in a substantially vertical state (including a vertical state) has a lower end portion rotatably supported by the other end portion of the first operating rod 32 and an upper end portion thereof is a third operating rod 34. Is pivotally supported by the actuating arm 34b. That is, in the second operating rod 33, the lower locking shaft 33a formed at the lower end portion of the second operating rod 33 is inserted and locked in the loose hole 32b formed in the first operating rod 32. The upper locking shaft 33b formed at the upper end of the second operating rod 33 is inserted and locked in a loosely fitted state into the elongated hole 34a formed in the operating arm portion 34b of the third operating rod 34. Thereby, the locking structure of the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the second operating rod 33 is a loose fitting structure so that the second operating rod 33 moves up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 32 and the third operating rod 34. It has become.

  On the other hand, in the first operating rod 32, another elongated hole 32c that is long in the lateral direction is formed between the support hole 32a and the elongated hole 32b. The elongated hole 32c is formed at the upper end of the fixed rod 31. The formed locking shaft 31b is inserted and locked in a loosely fitted state. That is, the locking structure of the upper end of the fixed rod 31 is a loose-fitting structure so that the fixed rod 31 moves up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 32 and the third operating rod 34. Although not shown, the fixed rod 31 is provided so as to move up and down only in the vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3.

  Further, the first operating rod 32 is formed with a locking pin 32d protruding between the two long holes 32b, 32c, and an upper end portion of an urging member (for example, a coil spring) 35 is formed on the locking pin 32d. Is locked. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the biasing member 35 is locked to a locking pin S3 formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. Since the urging member 35 is locked in the extended state (that is, in a state in which force is applied in the contracting direction), the first operating rod 32 is always directed downward when no load is applied to each operating rod. (I.e., toward the installation surface 28), and by this urging force, the fixed rod 31 linked to the first operating rod 32 is also biased downward, and the leg portion 31a is installed on the installation surface. 28 is in pressure contact. FIG. 2A shows this state.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the release unit 40 is composed of a bar-like operation lever 41 that is long in the horizontal direction, and is inserted in the horizontal direction from the opening 2 a formed in the lower portion of the side wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2. In this state, it is slidably arranged in one direction in the horizontal direction (arrows AB direction in FIGS. 2A and 2B). As shown in FIG. 2A, the operation lever 41 has its tip portion opposed to the operating arm portion 34d of the third operating rod 34 when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. It is provided as follows.

  Although not shown, the operation lever 41 is unidirectional in the horizontal direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the image forming apparatus main body 2 (indicated by an arrow in FIGS. 2A and 2B). (A-B direction) is provided so as to be freely reciprocated. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the operation lever 41 has a structure that can be completely accommodated in the image forming apparatus main body 2 when pushed. Further, even when it is pulled out, it has a structure provided with a restricting portion (not shown) for restricting further pulling out in the vicinity of the pulling position shown in FIG. 2A. However, the operation lever 41 may have a structure that can be completely pulled out and separated from the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  According to the fixing structure according to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus main body 2 in the state before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feeding desk 3 and the state in which the operation lever 41 is pulled out is used as the paper feeding desk. 2, as shown in FIG. 2A, the fixed portion 30 is in a fixed state in which the leg portion 31 a of the fixing rod 31 is pressed against the installation surface 28, and the paper feed desk 3 is installed. It is fixed with respect to the surface 28. Accordingly, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 in this state, even if the operator's body or the image forming apparatus main body 2 itself touches the paper feed desk 3 inadvertently, the reaction will occur. Since the paper feed desk 3 does not move, the loading operation can be performed smoothly.

  On the other hand, when the operation lever 41 is pushed in after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, as shown in FIG. 2B, the third operating rod 34 is pushed in by the operation lever 41, and the second support shaft S2. The other actuating arm 34d pivots in the direction of the arrow A, and the one actuating arm 34b pivots upward. As a result of this rotation, the second operating rod 33 moves upward, and in conjunction with this, the first operating rod 32 rotates upward about the first support shaft S1. In conjunction with the turning operation of the first operating rod 32, the fixed rod 31 moves upward (as if pulling the urging member 35) against the urging force of the urging member 35, and the fixed rod 31 The 31 leg portions 31 a are separated from the installation surface 28. That is, the fixed state by the fixing unit 30 is released. Therefore, in this state, the image forming apparatus main body 2 can be freely moved to the installation location.

  Further, according to this configuration, the operation lever 41 is not disturbed because the operation lever 41 is stored in the image forming apparatus main body 2 after the fixed state of the sheet feeding desk 3 is released.

<Description of Embodiment 2 of Fixing Mechanism>
3A to 3C are schematic cross-sectional views showing an enlarged configuration of the fixing mechanism according to the second embodiment.

  The fixing mechanism according to the second embodiment is a fixing mechanism that fixes the paper feed desk 3 on which the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. In a state where the sheet feeding desk 3 is not moved, the sheet feeding desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28 so that the sheet feeding desk 3 does not move, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is fixed on the sheet feeding desk 3 while being fixed. The release part 60 which cancels | releases the fixed state of the part 50 is provided. The fixing unit 50 is provided in the paper feed desk 3, and the release unit 60 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the paper feed desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. Later, the release unit 60 on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side can be operated to release the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3. Further, according to this configuration, the fixed state of the paper feeding desk 3 is not unexpectedly released before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feeding desk 3.

  Hereinafter, the fixing unit 50 and the release unit 60 will be specifically described.

  The fixing portion 50 can be broadly divided into a fixing rod 51 having leg portions 51a that are separated from and contacting the installation surface 28, a first operating rod 52 and a second operating rod 53 that move the fixing rod 51 up and down, and a first And a biasing member 55 that biases the operating rod 52 downward (that is, toward the installation surface 28).

  In the first operating rod 52, a support hole 52a formed in a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction is rotatable on a first support shaft S11 formed in a horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. While being inserted and supported, it is held in a substantially horizontal state (including a horizontal state). The lower end portion of the second operating rod 53 held in a substantially vertical state (including the vertical state) is freely rotatable at one end portion side (right side in FIG. 3A) through the support hole 52a of the first operating rod 52. The upper end portion 53b of the second operating rod 53 passes through the insertion hole 3b formed in the upper wall of the sheet feeding desk 3 and the insertion hole 2f formed in the bottom wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2. And projecting upward (that is, inside the image forming apparatus main body 2).

  That is, a long hole 52b that is long in the lateral direction is formed at one end of the first operating rod 52, and a locking shaft 53a formed at the lower end of the second operating rod 53 is loosely fitted into the elongated hole 52b. It is inserted and locked in the state.

  In other words, the locking structure of the second operating rod 53 is a loose-fitting structure so that the second operating rod 53 moves up and down in the vertical direction in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 52. Although not shown, the second operating rod 53 is provided so as to move up and down only in the vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3.

  Further, another elongated hole 52c is formed in the first working rod 52 on the other end side (left side in FIG. 3A) through the support hole 52a. The upper end of the fixing rod 51 is formed in the elongated hole 52c. The locking shaft 51b formed in the portion is inserted and locked in a loosely fitted state. That is, the locking structure of the upper end of the fixed rod 51 is a loose-fitting structure so as to move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 52. Although not shown, the fixing rod 51 is also provided so as to move up and down only in a vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3.

  Further, the first operating rod 52 is provided with a locking pin 52d protruding on the other end side (left side in FIG. 3A) via the central elongated hole 52c, and urged against the locking pin 52d. An upper end portion of a member (for example, a coil spring) 55 is locked. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the urging member 55 is locked to a locking pin S13 formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. Since the urging member 55 is locked in an extended state (that is, a state in which force is applied in the contracting direction), the first operating rod 52 is always directed downward when no load is applied to each operating rod. (I.e., toward the installation surface 28), and by this urging force, the fixed rod 51 linked to the first operating rod 52 is also biased downward, and the leg portion 51a is placed on the installation surface. 28 is in pressure contact. 3A and 3B show this state.

  On the other hand, the release portion 60 includes a rod-shaped operation lever 61 and a pressing portion 62 extending from the base end portion of the operation lever 61 in a direction orthogonal to the operation lever. In the operation lever 61, a support hole 61a formed in a base end portion of the operation lever 61 is rotatable on a second support shaft S12 formed in a horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the image forming apparatus main body 2. It is held inserted and supported. The rotation range is about 90 degrees from the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. 3B to the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 3C.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, the operation lever 61 passes through the opening 2b formed in the lower portion of the side wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 in the state where the operation lever 61 is rotated to a substantially vertical state. It has a structure that can be completely stored. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, a regulation portion is provided that regulates the rotation by fixing the operation lever 61 in the image forming apparatus main body 2 in a completely stored state. As the restricting portion, various conventionally known structures can be used. For example, as the simplest structure, a claw piece provided on the operation lever 61 is provided with a locking protrusion provided on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side. It can be set as the structure which controls rotation by getting over and latching.

  According to the fixing structure according to the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus main body 2 in the state before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 and the operation lever 61 in the horizontal state shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the fixing portion 50 is in a fixed state in which the leg portion 51a of the fixing rod 51 is in pressure contact with the installation surface 28, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The desk 3 is fixed with respect to the installation surface 28. Accordingly, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 in this state, even if the operator's body or the image forming apparatus main body 2 itself touches the paper feed desk 3 inadvertently, the reaction will occur. Since the paper feed desk 3 does not move, the loading operation can be performed smoothly.

  At this time, the upper end portion 53 b of the second operating rod 53 protruding upward from the insertion hole 3 b of the paper feed desk 3 is used as a positioning member when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. Therefore, the placing operation becomes smoother.

  On the other hand, after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, when the operation lever 61 is rotated approximately 90 degrees from the horizontal state shown in FIG. 3B to the vertical state shown in FIG. 3C, as shown in FIG. The second operating rod 53 is pushed downward and moved by the pressing portion 62 provided at the lower portion of the operation lever 61, and the first operating rod 52 rotates around the first support shaft S11 in conjunction with this movement. . In conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 52, the fixed rod 51 moves upward (as if the biasing member 55 is pulled) against the biasing force of the biasing member 55, and the fixed rod 51 51 leg portions 51 a are separated from the installation surface 28. That is, the fixed state by the fixing unit 50 is released. Therefore, in this state, the image forming apparatus main body 2 can be freely moved to the installation location.

Further, according to this configuration, the operation lever 61 is not disturbed because the operation lever 61 is stored in the image forming apparatus main body 2 after the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3 is released.
<Description of Embodiment 3 of Fixing Mechanism>
4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views showing an enlarged configuration of the fixing mechanism according to the third embodiment.

  The fixing mechanism according to the third embodiment is a fixing mechanism that fixes the paper feed desk 3 on which the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. In a state where the sheet feeding desk 3 is not moved, the sheet feeding desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28 so that the sheet feeding desk 3 does not move, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is fixed on the sheet feeding desk 3 while being fixed. The release part 80 which cancels | releases the fixed state of the part 70 is provided. The fixing unit 70 is provided in the paper feed desk 3, and the release unit 80 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the paper feed desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. Later, the release unit 80 on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side can be operated to release the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3. Further, according to this configuration, the fixed state of the paper feeding desk 3 is not unexpectedly released before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feeding desk 3.

  Hereinafter, the fixing unit 70 and the release unit 80 will be specifically described.

  The fixing portion 70 is roughly classified as follows: a fixing rod 71 having a leg portion 71a that is separated from and contacting the installation surface 28; a first operating rod 72 and a second operating rod 73 that move the fixing rod 71 up and down; And an urging member 75 that urges the operating rod 72 downward (that is, toward the installation surface 28).

  The first operating rod 72 has a support hole formed in one end portion in the longitudinal direction (left end portion in FIG. 4A) on a first support shaft S21 formed in a horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. 72a is held in a substantially horizontal state (including a horizontal state) in a state in which it is rotatably inserted. At the other end portion (right end portion in FIG. 4A) of the first operating rod 72, the lower end portion of the second operating rod 73 held in a substantially vertical state (including the vertical state) is rotatably supported. . Specifically, a long hole 72b that is long in the lateral direction is formed in the other end portion of the first operating rod 72, and a locking shaft formed in the lower end portion of the second operating rod 73 in the long hole 72b. 73a is inserted and locked in a loosely fitted state. In other words, the locking structure of the second operating rod 73 is a loose-fitting structure so as to move up and down in the vertical direction in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 72. Although not shown, the second operating rod 73 is provided so as to move up and down only in the vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3.

  Further, the upper end 73 b of the second operating rod 73 passes upward through an insertion hole 3 c formed in the upper wall of the sheet feeding desk 3 and an insertion hole 2 g formed in the bottom wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 ( That is, they are arranged so as to protrude into the image forming apparatus main body 2. The upper end portion 73b of the second operating rod 73 is formed with teeth (rack gear) 73e that are continuous at a constant pitch along the height direction on the side surface thereof. The rack gear 73e is a part that cooperates with a release unit 80 described later.

  Further, the first operating rod 72 is formed with another elongated hole 72c that is long in the lateral direction between the support hole 72a and the elongated hole 72b and close to the elongated hole 72b. Further, a locking shaft 71b formed at the upper end of the fixing rod 71 is inserted and locked in a loosely fitted state. That is, the locking structure of the upper end of the fixed rod 71 is a loose-fitting structure so that the fixed rod 71 moves up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 72. Although not shown, the fixing rod 71 is also provided so as to move up and down only in a vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3.

  Further, the first operating rod 72 is formed with a locking pin 72d protruding between the support hole 72a and the elongated hole 72c, and a biasing member (for example, a coil spring or the like) 75 is provided on the locking pin 72d. The upper end is locked. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the urging member 75 is locked to a locking pin S23 formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. Since the urging member 75 is locked in the extended state (that is, in a state in which force is applied in the contracting direction), the first operating rod 72 is always directed downward when no load is applied to each operating rod. (I.e., toward the installation surface 28), and by this urging force, the fixed rod 71 linked to the first operating rod 72 is also biased downward, and the leg portion 71a is installed on the installation surface. 28 is in pressure contact. FIG. 4A shows this state.

  On the other hand, when a force pulling the second operating rod 73 is applied, the first operating rod 72 is moved upward with the first support shaft S21 as the rotation center in conjunction with the rising of the second operating rod 73. In conjunction with this, the fixing rod 71 also moves upward, and the leg portion 71a is separated from the installation surface 28. That is, the fixing of the fixing unit 70 is released. FIG. 4B shows this state.

  On the other hand, the release portion 80 includes a rod-shaped operation lever 81 and an engagement portion 82 extending from the base end portion of the operation lever 81 in a direction orthogonal to the operation lever. The engaging portion 82 is provided with a pinion gear 83 that is a circular gear, and a support hole 84 that passes through the central portion of the pinion gear 83 is formed. The operation lever 81 is supported in a state in which the support hole 84 is rotatably inserted into a second support shaft S22 that is formed in a support frame (not shown) in the image forming apparatus main body 2 so as to protrude in the horizontal direction. That is, the pinion gear 83 of the operation lever 81 is held in a state where it is rotatably supported. The rotation range is about 90 degrees from the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. 4A to the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 4B. The pinion gear 83 has a so-called one-way clutch structure that transmits rotational force only in one direction and freely rotates (idling) in the opposite direction. In the third embodiment, the rotation force is transmitted to the rack gear 73e in the rotation in the direction of the arrow R1 in the figure, and the rotation in the direction of the arrow R2 is idle and does not transmit the rotation force to the rack gear 73e.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the operation lever 81 passes through the opening 2 c formed in the lower portion of the side wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 and rotates in the image forming apparatus main body 2 in a state where the operation lever 81 is rotated to a substantially vertical state. It has a structure that can be completely stored. Although not shown in the drawings, a control unit is provided for fixing the operation lever 81 in the image forming apparatus main body 2 and restricting the rotation in the fully stored state. As the restricting portion, various conventionally known structures can be used. For example, as the simplest structure, a claw piece provided on the operation lever 81 is provided with a locking protrusion provided on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side. It can be set as the structure which controls rotation by getting over.

  According to the fixing structure according to the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus main body 2 in a state before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 and the operation lever 81 in the horizontal state shown in FIG. In the state of being placed on the paper feed desk 3, as shown in FIG. 4A, the fixing portion 70 is in a fixed state in which the leg portion 71 a of the fixing rod 71 is pressed against the installation surface 28. It is fixed with respect to the installation surface 28. Accordingly, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 in this state, even if the operator's body or the image forming apparatus main body 2 itself touches the paper feed desk 3 inadvertently, the reaction will occur. Since the paper feed desk 3 does not move, the loading operation can be performed smoothly.

  On the other hand, after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the operation lever 81 is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction R1 from the horizontal state shown in FIG. 4A to the vertical state shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4, the second operating rod 73 is moved upward by the cooperation of the pinion gear 83 of the operating lever 81 and the rack gear 73e of the second operating rod 73, and the first operating rod is interlocked with this movement. 72 pivots upward about the first support shaft S21. In conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 72, the fixed rod 71 moves upward against the urging force of the urging member 75, and the leg portion 71a of the fixed rod 71 moves away from the installation surface 28. . That is, the fixed state by the fixing unit 70 is released. Therefore, in this state, the image forming apparatus main body 2 can be freely moved to the installation location.

Further, according to this configuration, the operation lever 81 is not disturbed because the operation lever 81 is stored in the image forming apparatus body 2 after the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3 is released.
<Description of Embodiment 4 of Fixing Mechanism>
FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are schematic cross-sectional views showing an enlarged configuration of the fixing mechanism according to the fourth embodiment.

  The fixing mechanism according to the fourth embodiment is a fixing mechanism that fixes the paper feed desk 3 on which the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. In a state where the sheet feeding desk 3 is not moved, the sheet feeding desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28 so that the sheet feeding desk 3 does not move, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is mounted on the sheet feeding desk 3 and fixed. And a release unit 100 that releases the fixed state of the unit 90. The fixing unit 90 is provided in the paper feed desk 3, and the release unit 100 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the paper feed desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. Later, by operating the release unit 100 on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side, the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3 can be released. Further, according to this configuration, the fixed state of the paper feeding desk 3 is not unexpectedly released before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feeding desk 3.

  Hereinafter, the fixing unit 90 and the release unit 100 will be specifically described.

  The fixing portion 90 is roughly classified as follows: a fixing rod 91 having a leg portion 91a that is in contact with the installation surface 28; a first operating rod 92 and a second operating rod 93 that move the fixing rod 91 up and down; A first urging member 95 that urges the operating rod 92 upward (that is, in a direction away from the installation surface 28) and a second urging member 96 that urges the second operating rod 93 laterally. I have.

  The first operating rod 92 has a support hole formed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction (the left end portion in FIG. 5A) on a first support shaft S31 formed in a horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. 92a is held in a substantially horizontal state (including a horizontal state) in a state of being rotatably inserted. The other end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 5A) of the first operating rod 92 is an engagement receiving portion 92b that receives an engaging member 101 of a release portion 100 described later from below. Further, a locking shaft 92c is formed by projecting from the side surface of the engagement receiving portion 92b in the horizontal direction, and a slightly horizontally long locking hole 91b formed in the upper end portion of the fixing rod 91 is formed on the locking shaft 92c. Is inserted and locked in a loosely fitted state. That is, the locking structure of the upper end of the fixed rod 91 is a loose-fitting structure so that the fixed rod 91 moves up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 92. Although not shown, the fixing rod 91 is provided so as to move up and down only in the vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3.

  The first operating rod 92 has an upper end portion of a first urging member (for example, a coil spring) 95 locked on the lower surface side between the support hole 92a and the locking shaft 91c. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the first urging member 95 is locked so as to be received by a support frame 3F1 (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3. The first urging member 95 is locked in a compressed state (that is, a state in which the first operating rod 92 is pushed up).

  On the other hand, the second operating rod 93 is slidably arranged in one direction (the arrow AB direction in FIG. 5A) along the lower surface of the upper wall of the sheet feeding desk 3. More specifically, the second operating rod 93 has a slide recess 93a formed on the upper surface thereof, and the slide recess 93a has a side surface on the arrow A direction side formed on the inclined surface 93a1. Yes. That is, the inclined surface 93a1 is provided so as to be inclined from the direction of the arrow A toward the direction of the arrow B toward the bottom surface side of the sliding concave portion 93a.

  Further, on the lower surface side of the second operating rod 93, a stopper portion 93b that contacts the engagement receiving portion 92b of the first operating rod 92 and receives the rise of the engaging receiving portion 92b is formed.

  In such a configuration, the second operating rod 93 has one end of a second urging member (for example, a coil spring) 96 locked to the side surface on the arrow A side. On the other hand, the other end of the second urging member 96 is locked in such a way that it can be received by the support frame 3F2 in the paper feed desk 3. The second urging member 96 is locked in a compressed state (that is, a state in which a force acts so as to expand). FIG. 5A shows a state when the sheet is spread out.

  That is, the fixing unit 90 is configured so that the stopper portion 93b of the second operating rod 93 is the first when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is not placed on the sheet feeding desk 3, that is, when no load is applied to each operating rod. The first operating rod 92 is always pressed downward by abutting against the engagement receiving portion 92b of the first operating rod 92, and the fixed rod 91 linked to the first operating rod 92 is also directed downward by this pressing force. The leg portion 91a is pressed against the installation surface 28 and is in a fixed state. FIG. 5A shows this state. In this state, a first insertion hole 3f is provided on the upper wall of the paper feed desk 3 at a position facing the inclined surface 93a1 of the second operating rod 93, and faces the engagement receiving portion 92b of the first operating rod 92. The 2nd penetration hole 3g is provided in the position to perform.

  On the other hand, the release unit 100 includes a bar-shaped engagement member 101, a bar-shaped operation lever 102 that is engaged with the upper end of the engagement member 101, and a release bar that is formed to protrude downward from the bottom wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2. 105. When the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the release bar 105 passes through the first insertion hole 3 f formed in the upper wall of the paper feed desk 3 and the inclined surface 93 a 1 of the second operating rod 93. It is formed in the position which contacts.

  A pinion gear 103, which is a circular gear, is integrally formed at the upper end of the operation lever 102, and the engaging member 101 has teeth that are continuous at a constant pitch along the height direction on the side surface on the upper side. (Rack gear) 101a is formed.

  Although not shown, the engaging member 101 is provided so as to move up and down only in the vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the image forming apparatus main body 2. The lower end 101 b of the engaging member 101 passes through the insertion hole 2 h formed in the bottom wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 and the second insertion hole 3 g of the sheet feeding desk 3 facing the sheet feeding desk 3. It is arranged to enter the inside of.

  On the other hand, a support hole 104 that passes through the center of the pinion gear 103 is formed in the operation lever 102, and a second support shaft S <b> 32 that protrudes in the horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the image forming apparatus main body 2. The support hole 104 is supported in a state of being rotatably inserted. That is, the pinion gear 103 of the operation lever 102 is held in a state where it is rotatably supported. The rotation range is about 90 degrees from the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. 5B to the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 5C.

  Further, in the release unit 100, when the operation lever 102 is in the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. 5B, the lower end portion 101b of the engagement member 101 is inserted into the insertion hole h of the image forming apparatus main body 2 and the second of the sheet feeding desk 3. Through the insertion hole 3g, it abuts on the engagement receiving portion 92b of the first operating rod 91, and the engagement receiving portion 92b is always pushed downward. Further, when the operation lever 102 is in the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 5C, the lower end portion of the engaging member 101 can be completely stored in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the operation lever 102 passes through the opening 2d formed in the lower portion of the side wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 in the state where the operation lever 102 is rotated to a substantially vertical position. It has a structure that can be completely stored. Although not shown in the figure, a regulating portion is provided for regulating the operation lever 102 in the image forming apparatus main body 2 and regulating the rotation in the fully retracted state. As the restricting portion, various conventionally known structures can be used. For example, as the simplest structure, a claw piece provided on the operation lever 102 is provided with a locking protrusion provided on the image forming apparatus main body 2 side. It can be set as the structure which controls rotation by getting over.

  According to the fixing structure according to the fourth embodiment, in a state before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the sheet feeding desk 3, as shown in FIG. 91 a is in a fixed state where it is pressed against the installation surface 28, and the paper feed desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28. Accordingly, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 in this state, even if the operator's body or the image forming apparatus main body 2 itself touches the paper feed desk 3 inadvertently, the reaction will occur. Since the paper feed desk 3 does not move, the loading operation can be performed smoothly.

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, as shown in FIG. 5B, the operation lever 102 is rotated to a substantially horizontal state and placed on the paper feed desk 3. . In this case, first, the release rod 105 formed on the bottom wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 moves downward through the first insertion hole 3f of the sheet feeding desk 3 while contacting the inclined surface 93a1 of the second operating rod 93. To do. As a result, the second operating rod 93 slides in the direction of arrow A in the figure against the elastic force of the second urging member 96 (that is, so as to compress the second urging member).

  As a result, the stopper portion 93 b of the second operating rod 93 is disengaged from the engagement receiving portion 92 b of the first operating rod 92, and the first operating rod 92 is first supported by the upward biasing force of the first biasing member 95. An attempt is made to rotate upward about the axis S31. However, at this time, the engagement member 101 of the release unit 100 enters from the second insertion hole 3g of the sheet feeding desk 3, contacts the engagement receiving portion 92b of the first operating rod 92, and the engagement receiving portion 92b is Since the first operating rod 92 is pushed downward directly, the upward rotation of the first operating rod 92 is restricted. That is, since the fixed rod 91 linked to the first operating rod 92 is also kept pressed downward, the leg portion 91 a is pressed against the installation surface 28. As a result, even after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the fixed state by the fixing unit 90 is maintained.

  On the other hand, after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, when the operation lever 102 is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the R1 direction from the horizontal state shown in FIG. 5B to the vertical state shown in FIG. 5C, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement member 101 is pulled upward and moved into the image forming apparatus main body 2 by the cooperation of the pinion gear 103 of the operation lever 102 and the rack gear 101a of the engagement member 101, and in conjunction with this movement. Thus, the first operating rod 92 pivots upward about the first support shaft S31. In conjunction with the rotation of the first operating rod 92, the fixed rod 91 is moved upward by the biasing force (elastic force) of the first biasing member 95, and the leg portion 91a of the fixed rod 91 is installed. Move away from surface 28. That is, the fixed state by the fixing unit 90 is released. Therefore, in this state, the image forming apparatus main body 2 can be freely moved to the installation location.

  Further, according to this configuration, after the paper feeding desk 3 is released from the fixed state, the operation lever 102 is stored in the image forming apparatus main body 2, so that the operation lever 102 does not get in the way.

<Description of Embodiment 5 of Fixing Mechanism>
6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views showing an enlarged configuration of a fixing mechanism according to the fifth embodiment.

  The fixing mechanism according to the fifth embodiment is a fixing mechanism for fixing the paper feed desk 3 on which the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. In a state where the sheet feeding desk 3 is not moved, the sheet feeding desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28 so that the sheet feeding desk 3 does not move, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is fixed on the sheet feeding desk 3 while being fixed. And a release unit 120 that releases the fixed state of the unit 110. The fixing unit 110 is provided in the paper feed desk 3, and the release unit 120 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 2.

  According to this configuration, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the paper feed desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28, and the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3. Later, the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3 can be released by operating the fixing portion 110 of the paper feed desk 3 and the release portion 120 of the image forming apparatus main body 2. Further, according to this configuration, the fixed state of the paper feeding desk 3 is not unexpectedly released before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feeding desk 3.

  Hereinafter, the fixing unit 110 and the release unit 120 will be specifically described.

  The fixed portion 110 is compressed (that is, spread out) into a fixed rod 111 having a leg portion 111 a that is separated from and contacting the installation surface 28, and a fixed rod 111 between the leg portion 111 a and the bottom wall of the paper feed desk 3. ) And a female screw member 111b that is formed in the upper end portion of the fixing rod 111 and opens upward. Although not shown, the fixing rod 111 is provided so as to move up and down only in a vertical direction along a guide rail formed on a support frame (not shown) in the paper feed desk 3.

  In addition, an opening 3 h for projecting the female screw member 111 b of the fixing rod 111 upward is formed in the upper wall of the paper feed desk 3.

  On the other hand, the release portion 120 includes a fixed-side male screw rod 121 and a movable-side male screw rod 122 that are divided into a left and right side along a central axis direction of a cylindrical male screw rod. In the vertical direction. A support hole 124 is formed at the upper end of the movable-side male screw rod 122, and the support hole 124 rotates on a support shaft S41 formed in a horizontal direction on a support frame (not shown) in the image forming apparatus main body 2. It is supported in a freely inserted state. That is, the movable-side male screw rod 122 is held in a state of being rotatably supported. The rotation range is approximately 90 degrees from the approximately horizontal position shown in FIG. 6A to the approximately vertical position shown in FIG. 6B. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the movable-side male screw rod 122 passes through the opening 2e formed in the lower portion of the side wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 in a state in which the movable male screw rod 122 is rotated to a substantially vertical state. 2 has a structure that can be completely stored.

  In addition, an opening 2 i having the same shape is formed on the bottom wall of the image forming apparatus main body 2 so as to face the opening 3 h of the sheet feeding desk 3. The fixed-side male screw rod 121 and the movable-side male screw rod 122 are arranged as follows. , Facing the opening 2i in a state where the divided surfaces are combined.

  According to the fixing structure according to the fifth embodiment, in a state before the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 and in a state where the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, As shown in FIG. 6A, the fixing portion 110 is in a fixed state in which the leg portion 111 a of the fixing rod 111 is pressed against the installation surface 28, and the paper feed desk 3 is fixed to the installation surface 28. Accordingly, when the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3 in this state, even if the operator's body or the image forming apparatus main body 2 itself touches the paper feed desk 3 inadvertently, the reaction will occur. Since the paper feed desk 3 does not move, the loading operation can be performed smoothly.

  On the other hand, after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the fixing rod 111 is lifted, and the female screw member 111b is screwed into the fixed-side male screw rod 121 and the movable-side male screw rod 122 in the combined state. As shown in FIG. 6B, the leg portion 111 a of the fixing rod 111 is held in a state of being separated from the installation surface 28. That is, the fixed state by the fixing unit 110 is released. Therefore, in this state, the image forming apparatus main body 2 can be freely moved to the installation location.

  Further, according to this configuration, the movable-side male screw rod 122 is not disturbed because the movable-side male screw rod 122 is stored in the image forming apparatus body 2 after the fixed state of the paper feed desk 3 is released. Furthermore, after moving to a predetermined position, the fixing portion 110 can be brought into a fixed state again by removing the female screw member 111b of the fixing portion 110 from the fixed-side male screw rod 121 and the movable-side male screw rod 122.

<Description of Embodiment 6 of Fixing Mechanism>
In the first to fourth embodiments, it is described that after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is installed on the paper feed desk 3, the fixed state is released and the image forming apparatus 1 can be freely moved to a predetermined location. However, there is no particular limitation on fixing after movement. Therefore, with regard to fixing after movement, it is possible to fix the sheet feeding desk 3 again by performing an operation procedure opposite to the operation procedure for releasing the fixing described in each embodiment. However, in that case, the constituent member on the release portion side is exposed to the outside from the image forming apparatus main body 2, which is not preferable. In view of this, in the sixth embodiment, in addition to the fixing mechanism, the image forming apparatus 1 is further provided with a post-installation fixing unit when the image forming apparatus 1 is fixed again after the image forming apparatus 1 is moved to a predetermined location and installed. It is said.

  FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are schematic cross-sectional views showing an enlarged configuration of a post-installation fixing portion according to the sixth embodiment. However, although FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the case where the post-installation fixing portion is applied to the first embodiment, the present invention can be similarly applied to the other embodiments 2 to 4.

  That is, the post-installation fixing portion 150 according to the sixth embodiment divides the fixing rod 31 into two parts vertically, forms, for example, a bolt rod 151 on the lower end surface of the upper fixing rod 311, and forms the upper end surface of the lower fixing rod 312. For example, the lower fixing rod 312 is configured to be movable up and down by forming a nut rod 152 and screwing the nut rod 152 into the bolt rod 151.

  Thus, after the image forming apparatus main body 2 is placed on the paper feed desk 3, the fixed state is released according to the first to fourth embodiments, the image forming apparatus 1 is moved to a predetermined position, and then fixed on the lower side. What is necessary is just to make the leg 31a contact | abut to the installation surface 28 (state of FIG. 7B) by rotating the collar 312 to a reverse screw direction, and making it fall. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 1 after the movement can be fixed again without using the fixing mechanism of the first to fourth embodiments.

  The fixing mechanism according to the present invention is provided at each of the four corners of the image forming apparatus 1. However, for example, the fixing mechanism may be provided at only two locations, one on the left and one on the left, or only two in the front and rear. Good. Further, depending on circumstances, it may be provided only at one place, or may be provided at only three places among the four corners.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, such an embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image forming apparatus main body (equipment main body)
2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2i Opening 2f, 2g, 2h Insertion hole 3 Paper feed desk (mounting table)
3a to 3c insertion hole 3f first insertion hole 3g second insertion hole 3h opening 3F1, 3F2 support frame 9 caster 28 installation surface 30, 50, 70, 90, 110 fixing part 31, 51, 71, 91, 111 fixing rod 31a, 51a, 71a, 91a, 111a Leg 32, 52, 72, 92 First operating rod 32a, 52a, 92a Support hole 32b, 32c, 34a, 52b, 52c, 72b, 72c Slot 32d, 52d, 72d Stop pin 33, 53, 73, 93 Second operating rod 33a Lower locking shaft 33b Upper locking shaft 34 Third operating rod 34b, 34d Operating arm portion 34c, 72a, 84, 104 Support holes 35, 55, 75, 115 Biasing member 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 Release part 41, 61, 81, 102 Operation lever (handle part)
53a, 73a Locking shaft 53b, 73b Upper end portion 62 Pressing portion 73e Teeth (rack gear)
82 engaging portion 83 pinion gear 92b engaging receiving portion 92c locking hole 93a sliding recess 93a1 inclined surface 93b stopper portion 95 first urging member 96 second urging member 101 engaging member 105 release rod 111b female screw member 121 fixed Side male screw rod 122 Movable side male screw rod 311 Upper fixed rod 312 Lower fixed rod 150 Fixed portion 151 after installation 151 Bolt rod 152 Nut rod S1, S11, S21, S31 First support shaft S2, S12, S22, S32 Second support shaft

Claims (11)

A fixing mechanism for fixing an installation table on which an apparatus main body is placed to an installation surface,
In a state where the device main body is not placed on the installation base, a fixing portion that fixes the installation base to the installation surface so that the installation base does not move, and the equipment main body is placed on the installation base And a release part that releases the fixed state of the fixing part in a state. The fixing mechanism according to claim 1,
The fixing mechanism, wherein the fixing portion is provided on the installation base, and the release portion is provided on the device main body. The fixing mechanism according to claim 1 or 2,
The device body is provided with a handle so that the device body can be stored.
The said release part is set as the structure which cancels | releases the fixed state of the said installation stand by the said fixing part, when the said handle part is stored. The fixing mechanism according to claim 3,
The handle is configured to linearly move along a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the device body,
The release part releases the fixed state of the installation base by the fixing part in conjunction with a storing operation by linear movement of the handle part to the equipment main body after the device main body is placed on the installation base. A fixing mechanism characterized by being configured. The fixing mechanism according to claim 3,
The handle portion is configured to rotate around a rotation axis along a substantially horizontal direction in the device body,
The release unit is configured to fix the installation table by the fixing unit in conjunction with a rotation operation of the handle unit around the rotation axis after the device body is placed on the installation table. A fixing mechanism characterized by being configured to release the state. A fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:
The front fixing portion includes an engaging member that engages with the handle portion;
The engagement mechanism serves as a positioning member that positions the device main body when the device main body is placed on the installation base. A fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The fixing mechanism includes a fixing member that is vertically movable and includes a fixing member that is fixed to the installation surface when the fixing unit is in a lowered state. The fixing mechanism according to claim 7,
The fixing unit holds the fixing member in a lowered state in a state where the device main body is not placed on the installation base, while the fixing portion holds the fixing member in a state where the device main body is placed on the installation base. A fixing mechanism comprising a stopper member that releases the holding of the member in a lowered state and allows the movement of the fixing member to move up and down. A fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A fixing mechanism, further comprising a post-installation fixing portion for fixing the installation base in a state where the device main body is placed on the installation base. The fixing mechanism according to claim 9,
The post-installation fixing portion is configured to be vertically extendable and configured to fix the installation base to the installation surface when in an extended state. A fixing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the device main body, and the installation base.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the apparatus main body is an image forming apparatus main body.

Images