JP2016173404A - Apparatus and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device having a removable toner supply container 200 as a mounting body protruding to the outside of the device body, in which an interlock switch 310 as closed-state detecting means detecting the closed state of a front cover member 40 can be easily used when the toner supply container 200 is mounted on the device.SOLUTION: Junction means 400 is arranged between the front cover 40 and the interlock switch 310. The switch 310 is operated by transferring an approach action of the front cover member 40 to the toner supply container 200, to the interlock switch 310 via the junction means 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4a

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus can inspect and replace a developing device and a process unit in an apparatus main body by opening a front cover member of the apparatus main body. In order to prevent an operation state that is dangerous for the operator from occurring during the inspection and replacement, a mechanism called an interlock is provided. This interlock mechanism opens and closes the DC power supply voltage of a load drive circuit device such as a motor, for example, using an interlock switch linked to opening and closing of a front cover member of the apparatus main body. As a result, even if the main power supply of the apparatus main body is turned on, if the front cover member or the like is opened, the load drive voltage is not applied and the load does not move, which is dangerous for the operator. The situation will not occur.

By the way, there is a demand for a user with a large printing amount to increase the toner cartridge replacement period by increasing the toner storage amount. In view of this, a toner replenishing container such as a large additional toner hopper having an increased toner storage capacity has been proposed in which a front cover member can be opened and connected to a developing device.

However, since the image forming apparatus has a small internal empty space for compactness, the front cover member cannot be normally closed when a large toner replenishing container is mounted, and is in a “half-open state”. In this half-open state, the image forming apparatus cannot be operated by the interlock.

In order to enable the image forming apparatus to operate even in the “half-open state”, a separate mechanism for releasing the interlock of the apparatus main body is required. If such an interlock release mechanism is separately provided outside the apparatus main body, the apparatus becomes complicated and the cost increases. In addition, since the separate interlock release mechanism projects to the outside of the apparatus main body, the general user who does not need a large toner replenishing container is limited in terms of installation space of the image forming apparatus. .

Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 3032249) and Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-228678) disclose an invention in which a relay member for releasing an interlock switch is incorporated in a developing device or a process unit. ing. The relay member is configured to release the interlock switch in conjunction with the front cover member. The invention described above is for preventing the situation where the interlock is released and blank paper is printed unnecessarily by closing the front cover member with the developing device and the process unit not attached to the apparatus main body. However, it does not solve the above-described problems associated with the installation of a large toner supply container.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in a device in which a mounting body projecting outside the device main body can be detachably attached to a mounting position provided in the device main body, a cover member An object of the present invention is to make it possible to use a closed state detecting means for detecting the closed state when the mounting position is closed with a simple configuration even when the mounting body is mounted.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is an apparatus capable of detachably mounting a mounting body projecting to the outside of the apparatus main body with respect to a mounting position provided in the apparatus main body. A cover member movably disposed on the main body and capable of opening and closing the mounting position; a closed state detecting means disposed on the apparatus main body for detecting a closed state in which the mounting position is closed by the cover member; and the cover An approaching action of the cover member with respect to the mounting body mounted at the mounting position is provided between the member and the closed state detecting means, and the closed state detecting means is operated by transmitting the movement of the cover member to the closed state detecting means. Relay means, and when the mounting position is closed by the cover member, the closed state detection means is activated by the closing operation of the cover member, and in the state where the mounting body is mounted at the mounting position, For wearing body Serial is a device which is characterized in that approaching operation of the cover member is adapted to operate the the closed state detection means is transmitted to the closed state detecting means through said relay means.

The present invention has relay means for transmitting the approaching action of the cover member with respect to the mounting body attached to the apparatus main body to the closed state detecting means on the main body side, so that the approaching action of the cover member is relayed even when the mounting body is used. The closed state detecting means can be operated by transmitting to the closed state detecting means. Therefore, even when the mounting body is used, it is possible to operate the closed state detecting means with the cover member by adding the relay means, so that the apparatus cost can be reduced.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with a cover member opened. FIG. 3 is a side view of the image forming apparatus with a cover member opened. FIG. 3 is a side view of the image forming apparatus with a cover member closed. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus in a state where a toner supply container is mounted. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where a toner supply container is mounted. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus illustrating a state where an additional cover member is attached to the toner supply container. It is a perspective view of an additional cover member. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus showing a state in which a front cover member is closed toward a toner supply container having an additional cover member attached thereto. It is a perspective view of the relay means comprised with two members. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in which a toner supply container including a two-member relay unit is mounted and a front cover member is opened. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in which a toner supply container including a two-member relay unit is mounted and a front cover member is closed. FIG. It is a perspective view of the relay means comprised by 1 member. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in which a toner supply container including a one-member relay unit is mounted and a front cover member is opened. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in which a toner supply container including a one-member relay unit is mounted and a front cover member is closed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a toner supply container provided with an optical relay unit. It is sectional drawing of the toner replenishment container provided with the electrical relay means. It is a side view of an image forming apparatus using a wire interlocked with a rotation support shaft of a front cover member as a relay unit. It is a side view of the image forming apparatus in a state where a wire is pressed by a wire pressing portion formed on an additional cover member.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus is used in, for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a laser printer, a full color laser printer, and the like. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1000, and FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view thereof. The image forming apparatus 1000 is a monochrome image forming apparatus, but the present invention is naturally applicable to a color image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus 1000 is detachably equipped with a process unit 100. This process unit 100 constitutes a first mounting body of the present invention, and is a unit in which a photoconductor 110, a developing unit 120, a charging roller 130, a cleaning device 140, and a waste toner container 150 are integrated. It is. If necessary, the process unit 100 has the front cover member 40 opened slightly toward the front with the rotation fulcrum 38 as the center as shown in FIGS. 200 or the additional cover member 60 can be detachably connected. As will be described later, the front cover member 40 is configured to be interlocked with the interlock of the apparatus main body. When the front cover member 40 is opened, the drive voltage of the load is maintained even if the main power of the apparatus main body is turned on. Is not applied, the image forming apparatus cannot be operated.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
The drum-shaped photoconductor 110 of the process unit 100 is located almost in the center of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1000. The photoconductor 110 is configured to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The photoconductor 110 is not limited to a drum shape, but may be a belt shape.

A charging roller 130 and a transfer roller 10 are disposed above and below the photoconductor 110. A developing roller 121 of the developing unit 120 is disposed on the right side of the photoconductor 110, and a cleaning device 140 is disposed on the left side. The charging roller 130 is applied with a predetermined bias by a high voltage power source, and comes into contact with the surface of the photoconductor 110 so that the surface of the photoconductor 110 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential.

A writing device 11 is disposed above the charging roller 130. The writing device 11 is configured to be able to expose the surface of the photoreceptor 110 based on image data using a laser or LED. An electrostatic latent image pattern is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 110 uniformly charged by the charging roller 130 by exposure from the writing device 11.

The developing unit 120 of the process unit 100 includes a toner container 123 and a developing roller 121 and a supply roller 122 disposed in the toner container 123. The developing roller 121 carries a developer, and a predetermined developing bias is applied from a high voltage power source. The toner carried on the developing roller 121 adheres to the electrostatic latent image pattern on the surface of the photosensitive member 110 by an electric field formed between the photosensitive member 110 and the developing roller 121, whereby the electrostatic latent image becomes a toner image. As visualized. The supply roller 122 has a sponge-like surface layer impregnated with toner. The supply roller 122 is in contact with the developing roller 121 and simultaneously supplies necessary toner to the developing roller 121 and removes unnecessary toner.

A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 10 by a high voltage power source, and the toner image visualized on the surface of the photoconductor 110 is transferred to the surface of the paper supplied between the transfer roller 10 and the photoconductor 110 by the transfer bias. Is done. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 12 where the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed is further conveyed and discharged by the discharge roller 13 to the discharge stack unit 19 on the upper surface of the main body. After the toner image is transferred to the sheet, the surface of the photoconductor 110 is subjected to removal of transfer residual toner by the cleaning device 140, and the transfer residual toner is stored in the waste toner storage unit 150 of the cleaning device 140.

A drawer-type paper feed tray 14 is disposed below the transfer roller 10, and a paper feed roller 15 is disposed above the front side of the paper feed tray 14. A relay roller 16 and a timing roller 17 are disposed above the paper feed roller 15. The paper P in the paper feed tray 14 is supplied from the paper feed roller 15 to the relay roller 16 and from the relay roller 16 to the timing roller 17, and the timing roller 17 regulates the front end position of the paper P. In synchronization with the toner image formed on the photoconductor 110, the paper P is sent out from the timing roller 17, and the toner image on the photoconductor 110 is transferred to the paper at the transfer nip between the photoconductor 110 and the transfer roller 10. Transferred to P.

<Operation of image forming apparatus>
When the image forming apparatus 1000 receives a print command by operating the operation panel or the like, the paper P is conveyed one by one from the uppermost layer of the stacked sheet bundle of the paper feed tray 14 by the paper feed roller 15, and the leading edge of the paper P is moved. It reaches the timing roller 17 via the relay roller 16. Thereafter, the relay roller 16 continues to rotate, so that the sheet skew is corrected at the nip of the timing roller 17.

On the other hand, an electrostatic latent image is drawn by the writing device 11 on the surface of the photoconductor 110 charged by the charging roller 130 in response to a print command by operating the operation panel or the like. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by the toner T supplied to the surface of the photoreceptor 110 by the supply roller 122 and the developing roller 121. The visualized toner image is transferred to the paper P fed out from the timing roller 17 toward the transfer roller 10 in synchronization with the formation of the toner image.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the photosensitive member 110 and the charging roller 130 disposed around the photosensitive member 110 are configured as an all-in-one cartridge unit (hereinafter referred to as AIO). In addition, the AIO is discharged by cleaning the developing roller 121, the supply roller 122, a case that covers and supports these from the outside, a toner storage portion 123 that stores toner T, and toner on the surface of the photosensitive member. A waste toner storage unit 150 for storing waste toner is included.

When the toner image is transferred to the paper P, the paper P is conveyed to the fixing roller 12a and the pressure roller 12b, and the toner image is heated and fixed by the pressure roller 12b facing the fixing roller 12a to form an image. Then, the paper P is sequentially discharged to the paper discharge stack unit 19 by the paper discharge roller 18, and the printing operation is completed.

<Interlock mechanism>
The image forming apparatus 1000 includes an opening / closing detection mechanism for the front cover member 40 for operating and releasing the interlock of the apparatus main body. Inspection / replacement of the process unit 100 and the like is performed by opening the front cover member 40 downward as shown in FIG. 3, but a large number of devices using a high-voltage power source are arranged in the apparatus main body. Therefore, in order to prevent an operation state that is dangerous for the operator, a mechanism called an interlock that is interlocked with the opening / closing detection mechanism of the front cover member 40 is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1000. With this interlock mechanism, when the front cover member 40 is opened, the interlock switch 310 of FIG. 4a is shut off (OFF operation), thereby shutting off the power supply system including the high voltage power source and putting the device main body in an inoperative state. The

Further, when the front cover member 40 is closed as shown in FIG. 4B from the cover member opened state of FIG. 4A, the striker 41 formed as a projecting portion inside the upper end portion of the front cover member 40 is connected to the interlock switch. Press 310. As a result, the interlock switch 310 is turned ON to release the interlock, and the apparatus main body can be operated.

A first insertion hole 54 for inserting the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 is formed on the side surface of the apparatus main body as shown in FIG. When the front cover member 40 is closed as shown in FIG. 4b, the striker 41 is inserted into the first insertion hole 54, and the interlock switch 310 is turned on to release the interlock.

As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of left and right engagement holes 52a and 52b are formed on the side surface of the apparatus main body. A pair of left and right engaging claws 42a and 42b are inserted into and engaged with the engaging holes 52a and 52b, so that the closed state of the front cover member 40 is maintained. ing. By maintaining this closed state, the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 continues to press the interlock switch 310, and the interlock is maintained in the released state.

The operation and release of the interlock switch 310 are not limited to the configuration mechanically performed by the striker 41 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the optical sensor receiver 221 and the interlock switch 310 that also serve as an interlock switch can be optically or electrically turned on and off.

<Toner supply container>
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the image forming apparatus 1000 can be equipped with a large toner supply container 200 such as an additional toner hopper. By providing such a large toner replenishing container 200, the amount of toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 123 of the process unit 100 can be substantially increased. For this reason, the replacement period of AIO can be lengthened, and even a user with a large amount of printing can reduce the inventory quantity of AIO. In addition, the non-operation time of the image forming apparatus 1000 associated with the replacement of AIO can be shortened.

The mounting position of the toner supply container 200 with respect to the image forming apparatus 1000 is the same as the mounting position of the process unit 100 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. When the toner supply container 200 is mounted, the supply port 210 at the lower end thereof is connected to the toner storage portion 123 of the process unit 100.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the toner replenishing container 200 has a shape that largely protrudes to the outside of the apparatus main body. For this reason, since the conventional front cover member 40 cannot cover the toner supply container 200, it is necessary to replace it with a large cover member. However, when such a large cover member is used, the cost increases, and when the toner supply container 200 is not used, a storage space for the large cover member is also required.

Moreover, although the striker 41 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b must be disposed on the large cover member, it is not always easy to set the movement locus of the striker that can operate the interlock switch 310 on the main body side. Absent. If it is impossible or difficult to provide a striker that matches the position of the interlock switch 310 on the main body side on the cover side, another interlock switch is provided on the main body side in a form that matches the position of the striker provided on the large cover member side. It is necessary to provide. In this case, two interlock switches are required in the apparatus main body, and a significant design change and a significant cost increase of the apparatus main body cannot be avoided.

Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, even when the toner replenishing container 200 is attached, the conventional front cover member 40 can be used as it is to cover a part of the toner replenishing container 200, and the front cover member 40 is not covered enough. Only an additional cover member 60 described later is covered. By doing so, an excessive cost increase for the large cover member can be avoided, and a slight cost increase for the relatively small additional cover member 60 can be achieved. When the toner supply container 200 is not used, a limited storage space for the small additional cover member 60 is sufficient.

However, the posture of the front cover member 40 covering a part of the toner supply container 200 is a so-called “half-open state”. For this reason, the interlock cannot be released as it is. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the relay means described later is disposed between the striker 41 as the action part of the front cover member 40 and the interlock switch 310 as the closed state detection means on the main body side. The relay means transmits the predetermined position or posture state of the front cover member 40 in the “half open state” to the interlock switch 310 to release the interlock.

In this unlocked state, the front cover member 40 covers the inclined lower surface side of the toner supply container 200, and the pair of left and right engagement claws 42a and 42b of the front cover member 40 engage with the engagement holes 52a and 52b on the main body side. To do. By maintaining the engaged state of the front cover member 40, the interlock release operation of the interlock switch 310 is maintained, and the apparatus main body can be operated.

<Additional cover member>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 8, the additional cover member 60 that covers the upper portion of the toner supply container 200 will be described. The additional cover member 60 includes a horizontal upper plate portion 61 that substantially matches the upper surface height of the apparatus main body, a pair of left and right triangular plate portions 62 that extend perpendicularly downward from the left and right side edges of the upper plate portion, There is an inclined plate portion 63 folded inward from the front edge of the upper plate portion 61. The inclined plate portion 63 connects the distal end sides of the pair of left and right triangular plate portions 62 so that the additional cover member 60 has a predetermined strength as a whole.

The additional cover member 60 includes four engaging claws 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d for detachably mounting the additional cover member 60 on the apparatus main body on the base end side facing the apparatus main body as shown in FIG. 7b. ing. On the other hand, on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 1000, as shown in FIG. 7a, engagement holes 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d are disposed corresponding to the engagement claws 64a to 64d (the engagement holes 53d are formed). Hidden and invisible)

The four engagement claws 64a to 64d of the additional cover member 60 can be detachably engaged with the four engagement holes 53a to 53d on the main body side. Thus, when the toner replenishing container 200 is not used, the additional cover member 60 can be removed and the front cover member 40 can be closed as shown in FIG. 4B, so that the machine size is not unnecessarily increased for a user with a small printing amount. Just do it.

As shown in FIG. 8, the inclined plate portion 63 of the additional cover member 60 is formed with a pair of left and right engagement holes 63a and 63b that can be engaged with the pair of left and right engagement claws 42a and 42b of the front cover member 40. Yes. Further, a second insertion hole 69 is formed at one end of the inclined plate portion 63, and the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 passes through the second insertion hole 69 so that the first moving member 401 of the mechanical relay means 400 described later is provided. The end 401c is configured to be pressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 b, an insertion hole 62 d through which the pressing end portion 402 b of the second moving member 402 of the mechanical relay unit 400 is inserted is formed on the base end side of the triangular plate portion 62.

The additional cover member 60 may be formed separately from the toner supply container 200 or may be integrally formed with the toner supply container 200. That is, the additional cover member 60 can be configured by a part of the exterior of the toner supply container 200. However, the toner replenishing container 200 is often a single-use type, and the running cost increases if the toner replenishing container 200 itself is also used as an additional cover member. Therefore, it is desirable to configure the additional cover member 60 separately from the toner supply container 200 for cost reduction.

<Relay means>
The relay means can be any relay means such as a mechanical relay means, an optical relay means, or an electrical relay means. First, an embodiment of the mechanical relay unit 400 will be described. The mechanical relay unit 400 includes a first moving member 401 and a second moving member 402 having a predetermined length as shown in FIG. At both ends of the first moving member 401, a first guided pin 401a and a second guided pin 401b that extend short in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are disposed. The first moving member 401 and the second moving member 402 are connected to each other so that they can be bent with the second guided pin 401b as a hinge pin.

The protruding portions of the first guided pin 401a and the second guided pin 401b are arranged on the inner surface of the triangular plate portion 62 on one side of the additional cover member 60 (the right triangular plate portion 62 in FIG. 7b) as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b. It is slidably fitted to the formed long hole-shaped first rail part 62a and second rail part 62b. The first rail portion 62a is disposed in an inclined shape so as to be perpendicular to the inclined plate portion 63 at a position inside the second insertion hole 69 of the inclined plate portion 63, and the second rail portion 62b is an upper plate. It is disposed horizontally below the portion 61.

The second moving member 402 is disposed so as to be laterally movable between the horizontal guide portions 66 and 67 formed on the inner surface of the triangular plate portion 62 of the additional cover member 60. The lower end 402a of the one end portion of the second moving member 402 is slidably placed on the lower horizontal guide portion 67. The opposite end of the second moving member 402 is a pressing end 402 b that can press the interlock switch 310, and is inserted into the insertion hole 62 d of the pressing end 402 b additional cover member 60.

A stepped portion 68 rising vertically is formed at the end of the horizontal guide portion 67, and one end of a compression coil spring 70 as a biasing means is supported on the stepped portion 68. The other end of the compression coil spring 70 is in contact with the second moving member 402, and the second moving member 402 is always urged to the right in FIGS. 10a and 10b, that is, in a direction away from the interlock switch 310. .

In this way, when the front cover member 40 is open, the mechanical relay means 400 is reliably moved to a position where it does not act on the interlock switch 310, so that the opening / closing of the front cover member 40 can be reliably detected. . That is, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which it is erroneously detected that the front cover member 40 is in the closed state although the front cover member 40 is in the open state. Further, in the open state of the front cover member 40, the first moving member 401 can be reliably returned to the standby position in FIG. 10a by the urging force of the compression coil spring 70.

When the front cover member 40 is opened as shown in FIG. 10 a, the striker 41 disposed on the front cover member 40 does not contact the first moving member 401. For this reason, the mechanical relay unit 400 is moved to the right by the urging force of the compression coil spring 70, and the pressing end 402 b of the second moving member 402 is separated from the interlock switch 310. Accordingly, the interlock switch 310 is turned off, so that the control system of the image forming apparatus 1000 can recognize the open state of the front cover member 40.

Next, when the front cover member 40 approaches the toner supply container 200 and closes as shown in FIG. 10B, the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 passes through the second insertion hole 69 of the additional cover member 60. The end of the first moving member 401 is pressed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. Due to the pressing action of the striker 41, the mechanical relay means 400 moves to the left in FIG. 10 b against the urging force of the compression coil spring 70. At this time, the guided pins 401 a and 401 b at both ends of the first moving member 401 are guided by the first rail portion 62 a and the second rail portion 62 b of the additional cover member 60 to change the inclination of the first moving member 401. Thus, the pressing force of the striker 41 is efficiently transmitted to the second moving member 402.

Due to the transmission of this pressing force, the second moving member 402 moves to the left, that is, in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 10b, and the pressing end 402b of the second moving member 402 is the first insertion provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1000. It penetrates the hole 54 and acts on the interlock switch 310 to turn on the switch. As a result, the closed state of the front cover member 40 is detected, and the interlock is released to release the shut-off state of the power system including the high-voltage power source, so that the apparatus main body can be operated.

When the toner supply container 200 is not used, the additional cover member 60 shown in FIG. 7B is removed from the apparatus main body as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. When the front cover member 40 is closed in this state as shown in FIG. 4b, the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 directly acts (contacts) with the interlock switch 310 through the first insertion hole 54, whereby the front cover The closed state of the member 40 is detected.

As described above, without changing the shape of the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 or changing the position of the interlock switch 310, the toner supply container 200 can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1000. A lock mechanism (cover member open / close detection mechanism) can be configured. Therefore, it is not necessary to make a separate apparatus main body in order to establish the interlock mechanism depending on whether the toner replenishing container 200 is provided or not, so that the cost can be reduced. Further, when the toner supply container 200 is not provided, the size of the apparatus main body does not become unnecessarily large.

The mechanical relay means 400 can be disposed independently of the additional cover member 60 in addition to being incorporated in the additional cover member 60 as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b. However, in this case, since it is necessary to mount the additional cover member 60 and the mechanical relay unit 400 separately, the labor of the mounting operation increases, and the mechanical relay unit 400 may be forgotten to be mounted. Therefore, it is desirable that the mechanical relay means 400 is incorporated in the additional cover member 60 as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b.

<Modification of relay means>
Next, a modified example of the mechanical relay unit 400 will be described. The mechanical relay means 400 described above is composed of two moving members 401 and 402. In this case, the number of parts is two, and the number of assembly steps for connecting the two moving members 401 and 402 is also required. Therefore, the moving member 410 in FIG. 11 is a single moving member for reducing the number of parts and man-hours.

The moving member 410 is formed of an integral plate-like member, and one end side of the moving member 410 extends long and forms a pressing end portion 411 that contacts the interlock switch 310. In addition, the opposite side of the moving member 410 is wide, and an inclined portion 412 is formed at its end as a sliding surface with which the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 abuts. Further, the upper and lower side edges of the moving member 410 are guided portions 413 and 414 extending linearly in the horizontal direction, and a guided pin 415 is projected from a portion near the guided portion 413.

As shown in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, the moving member 410 is disposed so as to be movable left and right between the horizontal guide portions 66 and 67 formed on the inner surface of the triangular plate portion 62 of the additional cover member 60. Rotating members 65a, 65b, 65c such as rollers are vertically opposed to the horizontal guide portions 66, 67, and the upper and lower guided portions 413, 414 of the moving member 410 are horizontally held between these rotating members 65a-65c. It is configured to be guided in the direction.

Thus, the sliding load of the moving member 410 is reduced, the operating force when the front cover member 40 is closed is improved, the operability of the front cover member 40 is improved, and the interlock switch 310 is turned on. The OFF operation can be ensured. The rotating members 65a to 65c may be disposed on the upper and lower guided portions 413 and 414 of the moving member 410 instead of being disposed on the horizontal guide portions 66 and 67.

Further, a third rail portion 62c having a horizontal long hole shape is formed on the inner surface of the triangular plate portion 62, and a guided pin 415 of the moving member 410 is slidably inserted into the third rail portion 62c. A vertical step portion 68 is formed at the end of the horizontal guide portion 67, and a compression coil spring 70 is disposed between the step portion 68 and the moving member 410. The moving member 410 is always urged by the compression coil spring 70 in the right direction in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, that is, in the direction separating the mechanical relay means 400 from the interlock switch 310.

When the integral moving member 410 is used, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the striker 41 abuts the inclined surface 2035 of the moving member 410 in the arrow direction C, the contact portion of the striker 41 and the moving member An inclined portion 412 of 410 slides in a direction D perpendicular to the arrow direction C. Therefore, the sliding resistance between the striker 41 and the moving member 410 can be reduced by configuring at least one of the contact portion of the striker 41 and the inclined portion 412 with a low friction sliding member.

Thereby, the moving member 410 can be moved without the contact part of the striker 41 being caught by the inclined part 412, the operating force at the time of opening and closing of the front cover member 40 can be reduced, and operability is improved. The sliding member may be formed of a low frictional resistance sheet material such as a Teflon (registered trademark) tape that can be attached to the contact portion of the striker 41 or the inclined portion 412.

<Optical relay means>
FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the front cover member 40 is closed when an optical relay means is used as the relay means. An optical sensor transmitter 220 is attached inside the front end of the front cover member 40, and an optical sensor receiver 221 is disposed as an interlock switch on the apparatus main body side. The light emitted from the optical sensor transmitter 220 passes through the insertion hole 62d of the additional cover member 60 and the first insertion hole 54 on the main body side, and is received by the optical sensor receiver 221 so that the front cover member 40 is closed. A state is detected.

When the optical path from the optical sensor transmitter 220 to the optical sensor receiver 221 interferes with the toner supply container 200 or the like, the reflector 222 is disposed to bypass the optical path. By providing the reflecting plate 220, even if the toner replenishing container 200 is enlarged, the optical relay means can be operated reliably without the optical path being blocked by the container.

<Electrical relay means>
FIG. 14 shows an embodiment in which an electrical relay means is used as the relay means. A second interlock switch 320 is disposed at a place where the contact portion of the striker 41 of the front cover member 40 abuts (inside the inclined plate portion 63), and the second interlock switch 320 is electrically connected to the conductive wiring 330. The main body side interlock switch 310 is connected in parallel via terminals 340a and 340b. The conductive terminals 340a and 340b are disposed on the mounting surfaces of the additional cover member 60 and the main body facing each other.

The electrical relay means closes the front cover member 40 toward the toner supply container 200 as shown in FIG. 14 when the additional cover member 60 is mounted, so that the second interlock switch 320 is used by the striker 41 of the front cover member 40. Turns ON. As a result, the electric circuit state is the same as when the interlock switch 310 on the apparatus main body side is turned on. Therefore, the interlock of the apparatus main body is released, and the apparatus main body can be operated with the toner supply container 200 attached. In the case of this electrical relay means, the insertion hole 62d may be used for insertion of the conductive wiring 330.

<Relaying means by wire>
Next, as a modified embodiment of the mechanical relay means, an embodiment using a wire relay means will be described with reference to FIGS. 15a and 15b. In this modified embodiment, a switch pressing member 500 for operating the switch 310 is disposed in the vicinity of the interlock switch 310. The switch pressing member 500 is an operating member that operates an interlock switch 310 as a closed state detecting means. The switch pressing member 500 is slidably moved in the left-right direction and is urged to the left by the urging means.

On the other hand, a winding shaft 38 a is disposed coaxially with the rotation fulcrum 38 of the front cover member 40. The winding shaft 38a and the switch pressing member 500 are connected by a wire 510 serving as a relay unit. The wire 510 may be arranged in any route, but at least a part of the wire 510 is close to the side surface of the apparatus main body in order to abut the pressing portion 60a of the additional cover member 60 as described later. It arranges in. Here, the wire 510 is an example of a cord-like body, and a string or a lobe may be used instead of the wire 510.

When the wire 510 is used as the relay means in this way, the wire 510 resists the urging means of the switch pressing member 500 by closing the front cover member 40 in the direction of the arrow about the rotation fulcrum 38 as shown in FIG. Then, it is wound around the winding shaft 38a. Then, the switch pressing member 500 moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 15a, and the interlock switch 310 is turned ON, thereby releasing the interlock of the apparatus main body and enabling the apparatus main body to operate. On the other hand, when the front cover member 40 is opened, the switch pressing member 500 is moved to the left by the urging means, and the interlock switch 310 is turned OFF. As a result, the device main body is interlocked and the device main body cannot be operated. It becomes.

FIG. 15B shows a state in which the additional cover member 60 and the toner supply container 200 as the second mounting body are attached to the side surface of the apparatus main body. The additional cover member 60 is formed with a wire pressing portion 60a projecting toward the apparatus main body. Accordingly, when the additional cover member 60 is attached to the apparatus main body as shown in FIG. 15b, the wire 510 is pushed by the wire pressing portion 60a of the additional cover member 60 and bent to the left, and the substantial length of the wire is increased by the amount of the bending. Shorter.

For this reason, when the front cover member 40 is moved from the open position of FIG. 15B to the chain line position inclined toward the additional cover member 60, the interlock switch 310 is turned on by the switch pressing member 500. As a result, the interlock of the apparatus main body is released, and the apparatus main body can be operated with the toner supply container 200 attached.

That is, in the above modified embodiment, the wire pressing portion 60a of the additional cover member 60 enables the operation of the wire 510 as the relay means. Note that a protrusion having the same function as that of the wire pressing portion 60 a can be provided on the toner supply container 200 instead of the additional cover member 60.

<Summary>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. And this invention is equipped with the structure described below at least.

(Configuration 1)
A device capable of detachably mounting a mounting body (200) protruding outside the device main body with respect to a mounting position provided in the device main body,
A cover member (40) movably disposed in the apparatus body and capable of opening and closing the mounting position;
A closed state detecting means (310) disposed in the apparatus main body and detecting a closed state in which the mounting position is closed by the cover member (40);
An approaching action of the cover member (40) with respect to the mounting body (200) mounted between the cover member (40) and the closed state detecting means (310) and mounted at the mounting position is the closed state. Relay means (400) for transmitting to the detection means (310) and operating the closed state detection means (310),
When the mounting position is closed by the cover member (40), the closed state detecting means (310) is activated by the closing operation of the cover member (40), and the mounting body (200) is mounted at the mounting position. In this state, the approaching action of the cover member (40) with respect to the mounting body (200) is transmitted to the closed state detecting means (310) via the relay means (400), and the closed state detecting means (310). A device characterized in that it operates.
According to the configuration 1, the relay unit (400) that transmits the approaching action of the cover member (40) to the mounting body (200) mounted on the apparatus main body to the closed state detection unit (310) on the main body side is provided. Even when the body (200) is used, the approaching action of the cover member (40) can be transmitted to the closed state detecting means (310) via the relay means (400) to operate the closed state detecting means (310). it can. Therefore, even when the mounting body (200) is used, it is possible to operate the closed state detecting means (310) with the cover member (40) by adding the relay means (400), thereby reducing the apparatus cost.

(Configuration 2)
A part of the mounting body (200) mounted at the mounting position can be covered with the cover member (40), and another part of the mounting body (200) is covered with an additional cover member (60). The apparatus of configuration 1, characterized in that it is enabled.
According to the configuration 2, the mounting body (200) can be protected by both the cover member (40) and the additional cover member (60), and the cost of the cover member (40) can be reduced because the cover member (40) is not wasted. The additional cover member (60) is not necessarily separate from the mounting body (200). It is also possible to use the additional cover member (60) as the exterior of the mounting body (200) itself.

(Configuration 3)
The apparatus of Configuration 2, wherein the relay means (400) is disposed on the additional cover member (60).
According to the configuration 3, since it is not necessary to separately mount the relay unit (400) and the additional cover member (60) on the main body, the mounting workability is good, and forgetting to mount the relay unit (400) is prevented. Can do.

(Configuration 4)
A first mounting body (100) that does not protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body and a second mounting body (200) that protrudes to the outside of the apparatus main body can be mounted on the mounting position provided on the apparatus main body, respectively. A device, the device comprising:
A cover member (40) movably disposed in the apparatus body and capable of opening and closing the mounting position;
A closed state detecting means (310) disposed in the apparatus main body and detecting a closed state in which the mounting position is closed by the cover member (40);
An approaching action of the cover member (40) with respect to the second mounting body (200) disposed between the cover member (40) and the closed state detecting means (310) and mounted at the mounting position is described above. Relay means (400) for transmitting to the closed state detecting means (310) and operating the closed state detecting means (310),
When the mounting position is closed by the cover member (40) in a state where the first mounting body (200) is mounted at the mounting position, the closed state detecting means (310) is detected by a closing operation of the cover member (40). ) Is activated,
When the second mounting body (200) is mounted at the mounting position, the cover member (40) approaches the second mounting body (200) via the relay means (400) in the closed state. An apparatus characterized in that the closed state detecting means (310) is operated by being transmitted to the detecting means (310).

  According to the configuration 4, the relay unit (400) transmits the approaching action of the cover member (40) to the second mounting body (200) mounted on the apparatus main body to the closed state detection unit (310) on the main body side. Even when the second mounting body (200) is used, the approaching action of the cover member (40) is transmitted to the closed state detecting means (310) via the relay means (400), and the closed state detecting means (310) is transmitted. Can be operated. Therefore, even when the second mounting body (200) is used, it is possible to operate the closed state detection means (310) with the cover member (40) by adding the relay means (400). It is not necessary to change the configuration of the apparatus main body when using the two-attached body (200), thereby reducing the apparatus cost. Further, the closed state detecting means (310) can be operated in a state where the cover member (40) is brought close to the second mounting body (200) to eliminate the overhang of the cover member (40) and the outer shape of the apparatus is made compact. .

(Configuration 5)
A part of the second mounting body (200) mounted at the mounting position can be covered by the cover member (40), and another part of the second mounting body (200) is covered by an additional cover member (60). The apparatus of the structure 4 characterized by being able to be covered by this.
According to Configuration 5, the mounting body can be protected by both the cover member (40) and the additional cover member (60), and the cover member (40) is not wasted, so that the cost can be reduced.

(Configuration 6)
The apparatus of Configuration 5, wherein at least a part of the relay means (400) is disposed on the additional cover member (60).
According to Configuration 6, since it is not necessary to separately mount the relay means (400) and the additional cover member (60) on the main body, the mounting workability is good, and forgetting to mount the relay means (400) is prevented. You can also.

(Configuration 7)
The additional cover member (60) is fixedly disposed on a side surface of the apparatus main body, and the additional cover member (60) includes a horizontal plate portion (61) extending in a horizontal direction from the side surface of the apparatus main body, and the horizontal plate. A pair of triangular plate portions (62) for connecting both end edges of the portion (61) and the side surface of the apparatus main body, and the triangular plate portions (62) are closed with the cover member (40) to add the additional The apparatus according to any one of configurations 4 to 6, wherein the second mounting body (200) is accommodated in a cover member (60).
According to the structure 7, the cover member (40) and the additional cover member (60) can constitute a triangular cover body that can easily secure the required strength, and can secure a sufficient internal space. Even the large second mounting body (200) can be easily accommodated.

(Configuration 8)
The relay means (400) has a movable member (401, 402, 410) movable between the cover member (40) and the closed state detecting means (310), and the relay member (400) is provided at one end of the movable member. Any one of configurations 4 to 7, wherein the closed state detecting means (310) is actuated by moving the moving member by contact of the action portion (41) formed on the cover member (40). Term equipment.
According to the configuration 8, since the moving member (401, 402, 410) which is the mechanical relay unit (400) is used as the relay unit, the structure of the relay unit is simplified, the number of parts is reduced, and malfunction is reduced. And reliability can be improved.

(Configuration 9)
The moving member (401, 402, 410) is urged by the urging means (70) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the moving member (401, 402, 410) moves by contact with the action portion of the cover member (40). The apparatus of the structure 8 to do.
According to the structure 9, the biasing means (70) prevents the moving member from rattling and can be operated stably, and the opening and closing of the cover member (40) is reliably detected to prevent malfunction and improve reliability. Can be planned. As the biasing means (70), an elastic member such as rubber can be used in addition to a spring such as a compression spring and a tension spring, and various springs such as a coil spring and a leaf spring can be used as the spring.

(Configuration 10)
The moving member (400) includes at least a first moving member (401) and a second moving member (402) that are movable in different directions, and the first moving member (401) is the cover member (40). The apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the second moving member (402) can be brought into contact with the closed state detecting means (310).
According to the configuration 10, by having at least the first moving member (401) and the second moving member (402) that are movable in different directions, the movement of the cover member (40) is made via the moving members (401, 402). Thus, it can be efficiently transmitted to the closed state detecting means (310), and the operability of the closed state detecting means (310) can be improved.

(Configuration 11)
The apparatus of Configuration 8 or 9, wherein a sliding surface (412) on which an action portion (41) of the cover member (40) slides is formed at an end of the moving member (410).
According to the configuration 11, the movement of the cover member (40) can be efficiently transmitted to the closed state detection means (310) via the moving member (410) by the sliding surface (412). The operability of the detection means (310) can be improved.

(Configuration 12)
12. The apparatus according to any one of configurations 8 to 11, wherein the moving member (410) is guided by roller members (65a to 65c).
According to the configuration 12, the movement member (410) is guided by the roller members (65a to 65c), whereby the movement of the cover member (40) is efficiently detected via the movement member (410). ) And the operability of the closed state detecting means (310) can be improved.

(Configuration 13)
The relay means includes an optical sensor transmitter (220) and an optical sensor receiver (221). The optical sensor transmitter (220) is disposed on the cover member (40) and the optical sensor receiver ( 221) is disposed in the apparatus main body, and the closed state detecting means (310) is activated when the light sensor receiver (221) receives light from the light sensor transmitter (220). The apparatus of the structure 4 or 5 to do.
According to the configuration 13, the space can be saved by optically configuring the relay unit with the optical sensor transmitter (220) and the optical sensor receiver (221).

(Configuration 14)
The closed state detecting means is constituted by a first switch (310), and the relay means is connected in parallel with the first switch (310) and is operated by the action portion of the cover member (40) ( 320). Apparatus according to configuration 4 or 5, characterized in that it has 320).
According to the structure 14, space saving can be achieved by electrically configuring the relay means with the second switch (320).

(Configuration 15)
The relay means has a cord-like body that moves by the closing operation of the cover member, and an operating member that is connected to the cord-like body and operates the closing state detecting means by the closing operation of the cover member. The apparatus of the structure 4 or 5 to be.
According to the configuration 15, by configuring the relay means with the cord-like body (510), the arrangement becomes easy, and the space can be saved.
(Configuration 16)
The closed state detecting means has an interlock switch (310), and the interlock switch (310) is connected by the closed state detection by the closed state detecting means to enable the device to operate. 16. The apparatus according to any one of 15 to 15.
According to the configuration 16, the safety of the apparatus is enhanced by the fact that the closed state detecting means has the interlock switch (310).

(Configuration 17)
A process unit (100) having a photoconductor (110) and a developing unit (120) with respect to a mounting position provided in the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus (1000) and not projecting to the outside of the apparatus main body; The image forming apparatus (1000) can be connected to a process unit (100) and can be mounted with a toner replenishing container (200) projecting outside the apparatus main body, and the image forming apparatus (1000) includes:
A cover member (40) movably disposed in the apparatus body and capable of opening and closing the mounting position;
An interlock switch (310) that is disposed in the apparatus main body and detects a closed state in which the mounting position is closed by the cover member (40);
An approaching action of the cover member (40) with respect to the toner supply container (200), which is disposed between the cover member (40) and the interlock switch (310) and is mounted at the mounting position, is the interlock. Relay means (400) for transmitting to the switch (310) and releasing the interlock switch (310).
When the mounting position is closed by the cover member (40), the interlock switch (310) is released by the closing operation of the cover member (40), and the toner is transferred to the process unit (100) at the mounting position. In a state where the replenishing container (200) is connected, the approaching operation of the cover member (40) with respect to the toner replenishing container (200) is transmitted to the interlock switch (310) via the relay means (400). An image forming apparatus (1000), wherein the interlock switch (310) is released.
According to the configuration 17, even when the toner replenishing container (200) is used, the approaching operation of the cover member (40) is transmitted to the interlock switch (310) via the relay unit (400), and the interlock switch (310) is transmitted. ) Can be activated. Accordingly, even when the toner replenishing container (200) is used, the interlock switch (310) can be operated by the cover member (40) by adding the relay means (400), and the toner replenishing container (200) is used. Even in such a case, it is not necessary to change the configuration of the apparatus main body, which can reduce the apparatus cost. Further, by bringing the cover member (40) closer to the toner supply container (200), it is possible to operate the interlock switch (310) in a state in which the protrusion of the cover member (40) is eliminated and the outer shape of the apparatus is made compact.

Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Needless to say. For example, the toner supply container 200 is exemplified as the mounting body in the embodiment, but the mounting body is not limited to the toner supply container 200.

Further, the number of mounting bodies or toner supply containers is not limited to one, and the case where two or more mounting bodies or toner supply containers are connected and mounted in series or in parallel is also included. An example of the case where there is one mounting body is a case where, for example, a standard process unit 100 and a large process unit integrally including a toner replenishing container 200 are selectively used according to applications. Further, the arrangement position of the cover member is not limited to the front surface of the apparatus main body like the front cover member 40. The present invention can be applied even when the cover member is disposed on the side surface or upper surface of the apparatus main body. The cover member includes a slidable member in addition to a rotatable member.

Further, the cover member is not limited to the case where the interlock switch 310 is operated only when the front cover member 40 is completely closed (closest to the toner supply container 200) as shown in FIG. The interlock switch 310 may be immediately activated by a movement in which the front cover member 40 moves slightly from the state shown in FIG. In this case, the front cover member 40 does not necessarily have to be completely closed as shown in FIG.

The relay means can be configured in a wide variety of ways. In addition to the above-described ones, for example, a mechanical relay means can use a flexible shaft or the like, and an electrical relay means can use electromagnetic waves. .

10: transfer roller 11: writing device 12: fixing device 12a: fixing roller 12b: pressure roller 13: discharge roller 14: paper feed tray 15: paper feed roller 16: relay roller 17: timing roller 18: paper discharge roller 19 : Discharge stacking part 38: rotation fulcrum 40: front cover member 41: striker 42a, 42b: engagement claw 52a, 52b: engagement hole 53a-53d: engagement hole 54: first insertion hole 60: additional cover member 61: Upper plate portion 62: Triangular plate portion 62a to 62c: Rail portion 63: Inclined plate portion 64a to 64d: Engaging claw 65a to 65c: Rotating member 66, 67: Horizontal guide portion 68: Step portion 69: Second insertion hole 70: compression coil spring 100: process unit 110: photoconductor 120: developing unit 121: developing roller 122: supply roller 123: toner storage unit 1 0: charging roller 140: a cleaning device 150: the waste toner storing portion 200: the toner supply container 220: optical sensor transmitting section 221: optical sensor receiving portion 222: reflector 310: interlock switch (closed state detection means)
320: Second interlock switch (closed state detection means)
330: Conductive wiring 340a, 340b: Conductive terminal 400: Mechanical relay means 401: First moving member 401a: First guided pin 401b: Second guided pin 401c: End portion 402: Second moving member 402a: One end portion Lower surface 402b: Pressing end 410: Moving member 411: Pressing end 412: Inclined part 413, 414: Guided part 415: Guided pin 500: Switch pressing member 510: Wire 1000: Image forming apparatus P: Paper T: Toner

Japanese Patent No. 3032249 JP-A-2-228678

Claims (17)

A device capable of detachably mounting a mounting body projecting outside the device body with respect to a mounting position provided in the device body, the device being
A cover member movably disposed in the apparatus body and capable of opening and closing the mounting position;
A closed state detecting means which is disposed in the apparatus main body and detects a closed state in which the mounting position is closed by the cover member;
The closed state detecting means is disposed between the cover member and the closed state detecting means and transmits an approaching action of the cover member to the mounting body mounted at the mounting position to the closed state detecting means. Relay means to operate,
When the mounting position is closed by the cover member, the closed state detecting means is activated by a closing operation of the cover member, and in a state where the mounting body is mounted at the mounting position, the cover member is attached to the mounting body. An approach characterized in that an approaching action is transmitted to the closed state detecting means via the relay means to operate the closed state detecting means.   The part of the mounting body mounted at the mounting position can be covered with the cover member, and the other part of the mounting body can be covered with an additional cover member. 1 device.   3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the relay means is disposed on the additional cover member. A device capable of mounting a first mounting body that does not protrude outside the apparatus main body and a second mounting body that protrudes outside the apparatus main body with respect to the mounting position provided in the apparatus main body, The device
A cover member movably disposed in the apparatus body and capable of opening and closing the mounting position;
A closed state detecting means which is disposed in the apparatus main body and detects a closed state in which the mounting position is closed by the cover member;
An approaching action of the cover member with respect to the second mounting body, which is disposed between the cover member and the closed state detecting means and is mounted at the mounting position, is transmitted to the closed state detecting means to detect the closed state. Relay means for operating the means,
When the mounting position is closed by the cover member in a state where the first mounting body is mounted at the mounting position, the closed state detecting means is activated by a closing operation of the cover member,
In a state where the second mounting body is mounted at the mounting position, an approaching action of the cover member with respect to the second mounting body is transmitted to the closed state detection unit via the relay unit, and the closed state detection unit is moved. A device characterized by being actuated.   A part of the second mounting body mounted at the mounting position can be covered with the cover member, and another part of the second mounting body can be covered with an additional cover member. The apparatus of claim 4.   6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least a part of the relay means is disposed on the additional cover member.   The additional cover member is fixedly disposed on a side surface of the apparatus main body, and the additional cover member includes a horizontal plate portion (61) extending in a horizontal direction from the side surface of the apparatus main body, and both ends of the horizontal plate portion (61). A pair of triangular plate portions that connect the edge and the side surface of the apparatus main body, and the second mounting body is accommodated inside the additional cover member by closing the triangular plate portions with the cover member. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that   The relay means has a moving member that can move between the cover member and the closed state detecting means, and the moving member is brought into contact with one end of the moving member so that the moving member is in contact with the moving member. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the closed state detecting means is operated by moving.   9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the moving member is urged by an urging means in a direction opposite to a direction in which the moving member moves in contact with the action portion of the cover member.   The moving member has at least a first moving member and a second moving member that are movable in different directions, and the first moving member can be brought into contact with an action portion of the cover member, and the second moving member 10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said device is capable of contacting said closed state detecting means.   The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a sliding surface on which an action portion of the cover member slides is formed at an end portion of the moving member.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the moving member is guided by a roller member.   The relay means includes an optical sensor transmitter and an optical sensor receiver, the optical sensor transmitter is disposed on the cover member, and the optical sensor receiver is disposed on the apparatus body, and the optical sensor transmitter 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the closed state detecting means is activated when the light sensor receiving unit receives light from the light sensor.   5. The closed state detecting means includes a first switch, and the relay means includes a second switch that is connected in parallel with the first switch and operates at the action portion of the cover member. Or 5 devices.   The relay means has a cord-like body that moves by the closing operation of the cover member, and an operating member that is connected to the cord-like body and operates the closing state detecting means by the closing operation of the cover member. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.   16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the closed state detecting means has an interlock switch, and the interlock switch is connected by the closed state detection by the closed state detecting means to enable the device to operate. Item 1. Device. A process unit that has a photosensitive member and a developing unit with respect to a mounting position provided on the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and that does not protrude to the outside of the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus capable of mounting a toner supply container that protrudes, and the image forming apparatus includes:
A cover member movably disposed in the apparatus body and capable of opening and closing the mounting position;
An interlock switch that is disposed in the apparatus body and detects a closed state in which the mounting position is closed by the cover member;
An operation of releasing the interlock switch by transmitting an approaching action of the cover member to the toner supply container mounted at the mounting position and disposed between the cover member and the interlock switch. And relay means to
When the mounting position is closed by the cover member, the interlock switch is released by a closing operation of the cover member, and the toner supply container is connected in the state where the toner supply container is connected to the process unit at the mounting position. An image forming apparatus, wherein an approaching action of the cover member with respect to a container is transmitted to the interlock switch via the relay means to release the interlock switch.