JP2018001491A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus which can smooth an operation for opening/closing a cover member.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes a housing 2, a first cover member 10, a second cover member 20, an image formation mechanism, a switch 3 and an action part 30. The switch 3 turns on/off power supply to the image formation mechanism. The action part 30 includes a movement member 4 and a lever member 40. The first cover member 10 rotates between the first open position and the first close position. The second cover member 20 rotates between the second open position and the second close position. The movement member 4 moves the lever member 40 to a position capable of contacting the switch 3 in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member 10 to the first close position. The lever member 40 turns on the switch 3 in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover member 20 to the second close position following the rotation of the first cover member 10 to the first close position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a housing, an upper cover, a front cover, a limit switch, and a lever member. The upper cover and the front cover are rotatable with respect to the housing. The lever member can move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the upper cover, and can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the front cover.

  The lever member has a contact portion that contacts the striker of the limit switch. The contact portion contacts the striker from above and turns on the limit switch. In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the front cover is closed, the lever member rotates, and the contact portion moves to a position where it can contact the striker. When the upper cover is closed while the front cover is closed, the lever member moves downward. When the lever member moves downward, the contact portion contacts the striker from above, and the limit switch is turned on.

  On the other hand, when the upper cover is closed before the front cover, the contact portion does not contact the striker and moves to a position below the striker. When the contact portion moves to a position below the striker, the contact portion cannot contact the striker from above even if the front cover is closed. As a result, the limit switch is not turned on.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes an interlocking mechanism. When the front cover is closed after the upper cover is closed, the interlocking mechanism operates to lift the upper cover in conjunction with the movement of the front cover closing and to close the upper cover again after the front cover is closed.

JP 2005-49466 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the front cover is closed, an operation of opening the already closed upper cover is performed. As a result, the smoothness of the operation of closing the front cover is impaired.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can smoothly open and close a cover member.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a housing, a first cover member, a second cover member, an image forming mechanism, a switch, and an action unit. The first cover member is provided on the first surface of the casing. The second cover member is provided on the second surface of the casing. The image forming mechanism forms an image on the sheet. The switch turns on / off the power supply to the image forming mechanism. The action part includes a moving member and a lever member. The first cover member rotates between a first open position and a first closed position. The second cover member rotates between a second open position and a second closed position. A position where the moving member can contact the switch in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position preceding the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position. The lever member is moved. The lever member turns on the switch in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position following the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position. The lever member can be brought into contact with the switch in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position preceding the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position. To turn. Further, the lever member turns on the switch in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position following the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position.

  According to the present invention, the operation of opening and closing the cover member can be smoothed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 1st cover member of a state A, and a 2nd cover member. It is a figure which shows the 1st cover member of a state B, and a 2nd cover member. It is a figure which shows the 1st cover member of a state C, and a 2nd cover member. It is a figure which shows the 1st cover member of the state D, and a 2nd cover member. It is a figure which shows a lever member. It is a figure which shows a lever member.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is not repeated.

  A schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 and 2 show an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a first cover member 10, a second cover member 20, an interlock switch 3 (switch), an action unit 30, and an image. Forming mechanism 100. The image forming mechanism 100 forms an image on a sheet.

  The first cover member 10 is provided on the first surface S1 of the housing 2 and rotates between a first open position and a first closed position. The first surface S1 is the upper surface of the housing 2, for example. The second cover member 20 is provided on the second surface S2 of the housing 2 and rotates between the second open position and the second closed position. The second surface S2 is the front surface of the housing 2, for example. In FIG. 1, the first cover member 10 is located at the first closed position, and the second cover member 20 is located at the second closed position. In FIG. 2, the 1st cover member 10 is located in a 1st open position, and the 2nd cover member 20 is located in a 2nd open position.

  The interlock switch 3 turns on / off the power supply to the image forming mechanism 100 according to the opening / closing of the first cover member 10 and the second cover member 20. For example, the interlock switch 3 enables power supply to the motor when the switch is on, and disables power supply to the motor when the switch is off. The motor is, for example, a conveyance motor that conveys a sheet.

  Next, the action part 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the action part 30 includes a moving member 4 and a lever member 40. The moving member 4 is provided in the housing 2 so as to be movable along a direction intersecting the first surface of the housing 2. For example, the moving member 4 is provided in the housing 2 so as to be movable along a direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the housing 2.

  FIG. 4 shows the first cover member 10 and the second cover member 20 in the state A. In the state A, the first cover member 10 is separated from the first closed position P1, and the second cover member 20 is separated from the second closed position P2.

  The lever member 40 is located in the downward direction 6A from the interlock switch 3. The lever member 40 is rotatably supported by the moving member 4 with the rotation shaft 41 as a rotation center. The lever member 40 includes a first arm portion 42, a second arm portion 43, a thin plate member 44, and a bearing portion 45. The first arm portion 42 contacts the second cover member 20. The second arm portion 43 contacts the interlock switch 3. The thin plate member 44 is disposed on the lever member 40 perpendicular to the rotation shaft 41.

  The lever member 40 is rotatable between the first rotation position P21 and the second rotation position P22. The action part 30 further includes a biasing part 60. The urging unit 60 urges the lever member 40 so that the lever member 40 rotates to the second rotation position P22. In the first rotation position P21, the first arm portion 42 protrudes downward from the bearing portion 45 along the vertical direction. In the second rotation position P22, the first arm portion 42 protrudes downward from the bearing portion 45 along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  Further, in both the first rotation position P21 and the second rotation position P22, the second arm portion 43 protrudes upward from the bearing portion 45 along a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  When the lever member 40 is located at the first rotation position P <b> 21, the second arm portion 43 of the lever member 40 can contact the button 5 of the interlock switch 3. When the lever member 40 is positioned at the second rotation position P22, the lever member 40 cannot contact the button 5 of the interlock switch 3.

  The lever member 40 is urged by the urging unit 60 so as to rotate to the second rotation position P22. Specifically, the lever member 40 is urged to rotate to the second rotation position P22 by the weight of the thin plate member 44 and the weight of the second arm portion 43. Therefore, when the second cover member 20 is separated from the second closed position P2, the lever member 40 is located at the second rotation position P22. As a result, when the second cover member 20 is separated from the second closed position P2, the lever member 40 cannot contact the button 5 of the interlock switch 3, and the interlock switch 3 is off. The urging unit 60 may include a spring that urges the lever member 40 to rotate to the second rotation position P22.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the action part 30 further includes a link part 50. The link part 50 is supported by the housing 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 51 as a rotation center. The link part 50 includes a first arm part 52, a second arm part 53, and a bearing part 54. The first arm portion 52 is in contact with the first cover member 10. The second arm portion 53 and the moving member 4 are connected.

  The first arm portion 52 protrudes from the bearing portion 54 in a predetermined direction. The second arm portion 53 protrudes from the bearing portion 54 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first arm portion 52 protrudes from the bearing portion 54.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the first cover member 10 is separated from the first closed position P <b> 1, the first arm portion 52 is not in contact with the first cover member 10. If the first arm portion 52 is not in contact with the first cover member 10, the rotating tip portion of the second arm portion 53 moves downward 6 </ b> A depending on the weight of the moving member 4 and the weight of the lever member 40. . When the turning tip of the second arm portion 53 moves in the downward direction 6A, the moving member 4 moves in the downward direction 6A, and the lever member 40 also moves in the downward direction 6A. When the lever member 40 moves in the downward direction 6A, the lever member 40 does not come into contact with the interlock switch 3. Therefore, when the first cover member 10 is separated from the first closed position P1, the lever member 40 does not contact the interlock switch 3, and the interlock switch 3 is off.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first cover member 10 has a protruding portion 11. The protruding portion 11 is provided on the inner surface of the first cover member 10 so as to protrude toward the inside of the housing 2, and abuts on the rotating tip portion of the first arm portion 52.

  The second cover member 20 has a protruding portion 21. The protruding portion 21 is provided on the inner surface of the second cover member 20 so as to protrude toward the inside of the housing 2, and abuts on the first arm portion 42 of the lever member 40.

  FIG. 5 shows the first cover member 10 and the second cover member 20 in the state B. In the state B, the first cover member 10 is separated from the first closed position P1, and the second cover member 20 is rotated from the position of the state A to the second closed position P2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the second cover member 20 rotates to the second closed position P <b> 2, the protruding portion 21 contacts the first arm portion 42 of the lever member 40. When the protruding portion 21 comes into contact with the first arm portion 42, the lever member 40 rotates to the first rotation position P21. When the lever member 40 is rotated to the first rotation position P <b> 21, the second arm portion 43 of the lever member 40 can come into contact with the button 5 of the interlock switch 3.

  FIG. 6 shows the first cover member 10 and the second cover member 20 in the state C. In the state C, the first cover member 10 rotates from the position of the state A to the first closed position P1, and the second cover member 20 is separated from the second closed position P2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the first cover member 10 rotates to the first closed position P <b> 1, the protruding portion 11 comes into contact with the rotation tip of the first arm portion 52, and the rotation tip of the first arm portion 52. Part moves downward 6A. When the turning tip of the first arm portion 52 moves in the downward direction 6A, the turning tip of the second arm portion 53 moves in the upward direction 6B, and the moving member 4 moves in the upward direction 6B. When the moving member 4 moves in the upward direction 6B, the lever member 40 moves in the upward direction 6B to a position P11 at which the lever member 40 can contact the button 5 of the interlock switch 3.

  FIG. 7 shows the first cover member 10 and the second cover member 20 in the state D. In the state D, the first cover member 10 is rotated from the position of the state A to the first closed position P1, and the second cover member 20 is rotated from the position of the state A to the second closed position P2.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the first cover member 10 is turned to the first closed position P1 and the second cover member 20 is turned to the second closed position P2, the second arm portion 43 of the lever member 40 is moved to the interlaced position. It contacts the button 5 of the lock switch 3. As a result, the interlock switch 3 is turned on. Note that the positions of the first cover member 10 and the second cover member 20 can transition from the state B to the state D, and can also transition from the state C to the state D.

[When transitioning from state B to state D]
When the first cover member 10 rotates from the state B shown in FIG. 5 to the first closed position P1, the state transitions to the state D shown in FIG. When the state B transitions to the state D, the projecting portion 11 comes into contact with the rotating tip of the first arm portion 52, and the moving member 4 moves in the upward direction 6B. When the moving member 4 moves in the upward direction 6B, the lever member 40 moves in the upward direction 6B.

  When the lever member 40 moves in the upward direction 6B, the first arm portion 42 and the protruding portion 21 are in sliding contact. Even if the lever member 40 moves in the upward direction 6B by the sliding contact between the protruding portion 21 and the first arm portion 42, the rotation position of the lever member 40 is maintained at the first rotation position P21.

  Further, when the lever member 40 located at the first rotation position P21 moves in the upward direction 6B, the second arm portion 43 comes into contact with the button 5 of the interlock switch 3, and the interlock switch 3 is turned on.

[When transition from state C to state D]
When the second cover member 20 rotates from the state C shown in FIG. 6 to the second closed position P2, the state transitions to the state D shown in FIG. When the state C changes to the state D, the projecting portion 21 contacts the first arm portion 42 of the lever member 40, and the lever member 40 rotates to the first rotation position P21. When the lever member 40 is pivoted to the first pivot position P21, the pivot tip of the second arm portion 43 contacts the button 5 of the interlock switch 3, and the interlock switch 3 is turned on.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the second cover member 20 is moved to the second closed position P <b> 2. In conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member 10 to the first closed position P1 that precedes the rotation of the first cover member 10, the moving member 4 moves the lever member 40 to a position P11 that can contact the interlock switch 3. Then, as described with reference to FIG. 7, in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover member 20 to the second closed position P2 following the rotation of the first cover member 10 to the first closed position P1, The lever member 40 turns on the interlock switch 3.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 5, in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover member 20 to the second closed position P2 that precedes the rotation of the first cover member 10 to the first closed position P1. The lever member 40 rotates to the first rotation position P21 that can contact the interlock switch 3. As described with reference to FIG. 7, in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member 10 to the first closed position P <b> 1 following the rotation of the second cover member 20 to the second closed position P <b> 2, The lever member 40 turns on the interlock switch 3.

  Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, even when the second cover member 20 is rotated to the second closed position P2 while the first cover member 10 is located at the first closed position P1, The interlock switch 3 can be turned on also when the first cover member 10 is rotated to the first closed position P1 while the two cover member 20 is located at the second closed position P2. Further, even if the second cover member 20 is rotated to the second closed position P2 while the first cover member 10 is located at the first closed position P1, for example, the first cover member 10 is not opened. Further, even if the first cover member 10 is rotated to the first closed position P1 in a state where the second cover member 20 is located at the second closed position P2, for example, the second cover member 20 is not opened. As a result, the operation of closing the first cover member 10 and the second cover member 20 can be performed smoothly.

  In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 4, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the lever member 40 is urged by the urging unit 60 to rotate to the second rotation position P <b> 22. The Therefore, it is possible to prevent the interlock switch 3 from being turned on when the second cover member 20 is not closed.

  Next, the thin plate member 44 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 show the lever member 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the urging unit 60 includes a thin plate member 44. The thin plate member 44 is disposed on the lever member 40 along one end surface 402 of the two end surfaces (end surface 401 and end surface 402) of the lever member 40 in the direction 6C in which the rotation shaft 41 extends. The thin plate member 44 urges the lever member 40 to rotate to the second rotation position P22 by its own weight.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the first arm portion 42 of the lever member 40 is located at the first rotation position P21, the direction 7A is in a direction between the direction 7B and the direction 7C. Thus, the thin plate member 44 is formed. The direction 7 </ b> A indicates a direction from the rotation center Q of the lever member 40 toward the center of gravity G of the lever member 40. A direction 7B indicates a direction in which the first arm portion 42 protrudes from the bearing portion 45. A direction 7 </ b> C indicates a direction in which the second arm portion 43 protrudes from the bearing portion 45. Of the two angles formed by the direction 7B and the direction 7C (angle θ1 and angle θ2 shown in FIG. 8), the smaller angle θ1 is larger than 90 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees. The direction 7A is a direction between the direction 7B and the direction 7C, and the direction 7B is the downward direction 6A, so that the lever member 40 is urged to rotate to the second rotation position P22 by its own weight. The

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the urging unit 60 includes the thin plate member 44. Therefore, for example, the lever member 40 can be urged to rotate to the second rotation position P22 without providing a spring. As a result, the number of parts of the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 9). According to the embodiment of the present invention, even when the second cover member 20 is rotated to the second closed position P2 while the first cover member 10 is located at the first closed position P1, the second cover member 20 is Even when the first cover member 10 is rotated to the first closed position P1 while being in the second closed position P2, the interlock switch 3 can be turned on.

  However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof (for example, the following (1)). In order to facilitate understanding, the drawings schematically show each component as a main component, and the thickness, length, number, and the like of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual for convenience of drawing. . Moreover, the shape, dimension, etc. of each component shown by said embodiment are an example, Comprising: It does not specifically limit, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate substantially from the effect of this invention.

  (1) In the embodiment of the present invention, the lever member 40 is disposed at the lower position of the interlock switch 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. The lever member 40 may be disposed at an upper position of the interlock switch 3. When the lever member 40 is disposed at the upper position of the interlock switch 3, the button 5 of the interlock switch 3 is disposed on the upper surface of the interlock switch 3. The link unit 50 moves the moving member 4 downward in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member 10 to the first closed position P1.

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and has industrial applicability.

1: Image forming apparatus 2: Housing 3: Interlock switch 4: Moving member 10: 1st cover member 20: 2nd cover member 30: Action part 40: Lever member 44: Thin plate-like member P1: 1st closed position P2 : Second closed position P21: first rotation position P22: second rotation position

Claims (4)

A housing,
A first cover member provided on the first surface of the housing;
A second cover member provided on the second surface of the housing;
An image forming mechanism for forming an image on a sheet;
A switch for turning on / off power supply to the image forming mechanism;
An action portion including a moving member and a lever member;
The first cover member rotates between a first open position and a first closed position;
The second cover member rotates between a second open position and a second closed position;
A position where the moving member can contact the switch in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position preceding the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position. The lever member is moved in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position following the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position. Switch on,
The lever member can be brought into contact with the switch in conjunction with the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position preceding the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position. The lever member turns on the switch in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover member to the first closed position following the rotation of the second cover member to the second closed position. An image forming apparatus. The lever member is rotatable between a first rotation position that can contact the switch and a second rotation position that cannot contact the switch,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the action portion further includes a biasing portion that biases the lever member so that the lever member rotates to the second rotation position.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the urging portion includes a thin plate-like member disposed on the lever member perpendicular to a rotation axis of the lever member.   The lever member is in sliding contact with the second cover member when the first cover member is rotated to the first closed position with the second cover member being in the second closed position. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images