JP2018180089A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus which prevents a foreign matter generated in an image formation unit from giving the harmful effect to a server unit.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes: an image formation unit 21; a server unit 31 which has a server function and can be operated independently of the image formation unit 21; and a cabinet 41 which forms a first space 42 storing the image formation unit 21 and a second space 43 storing the server unit 31. The cabinet 41 includes: a first access door 51 which is opened/closed for access to the image formation unit 21; and a second access door 52 which is opened/closed for access to the server unit 31. The image formation apparatus further includes a lock unit configured to regulate the operation of the second access door 52 from the close state to the open state at the operation of the first access door 51 from the close state to the open state, and to regulate the operation of the first access door 51 from the close state to the open state at the operation of the second access door 52 from the close state to the open state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  With regard to the conventional image forming apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-155954 simplifies the structure of the air lock door to minimize the occurrence of operation troubles and failures, and breaks down differential pressure management. An air lock door apparatus has been disclosed for the purpose of preventing a door from being opened simultaneously (Patent Document 1).

  The air lock door device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is constructed between a sliding first door and a second door provided before and after the entrance / exit passage of the pressure control chamber, and the first door and the second door. And a mechanical interlock member. Both ends of the mechanical interlock member lock the second door when permitting the opening of the first door, and via a mechanical interlock mechanism that locks the first door when permitting the opening of the second door. It is mechanically connected to the first door and the second door.

JP 2009-155954 A

  With the recent introduction of IT, there is an idea that in an image forming apparatus, an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper and a server unit having a server function are integrally provided. In such an image forming apparatus, foreign matters such as paper dust, dust, dust, toner and the like are easily generated in the image forming unit, and these foreign matters may adversely affect the server unit.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents foreign matter generated in an image forming unit from adversely affecting a server unit.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium, a server unit having a server function, and a server unit operable independently of the image forming unit, and an image forming unit A cabinet is provided which forms one space and a second space for storing the server unit. The cabinet has a first access door that is opened and closed to access the image forming unit, and a second access door that is opened and closed to access the server unit. The image forming apparatus restricts the operation of the second access door from the closed state to the open state when the first access door is operated from the closed state to the open state, and the second access door from the closed state to the open state And a lock configured to restrict movement of the first access door from the closed state to the open state.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the image forming unit is accessed with the first access door in the open state, the second access door is locked in the closed state. Further, when the server unit is accessed with the second access door in the open state, the first access door is locked in the closed state. This can prevent the foreign matter generated in the image forming unit from adversely affecting the server unit.

Also preferably, the second access door is disposed below the first access door.
According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the foreign matter generated in the image forming unit tends to be directed to the server unit, so that the effect of the present invention is more effectively exhibited.

  Also preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an operation panel operated when using the image forming unit and the server unit. The first access door, the second access door and the operation panel are provided on the front side of the cabinet.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the image forming unit and the server unit can be accessed using the wide space existing on the front side of the cabinet. In addition, when the operation panel is operated at the same time as accessing the image forming unit and the server unit, the workability is improved.

  Preferably, when the server unit is not stored in the second space, the lock unit performs an operation from the closed state to the open state of the first access door regardless of the open / closed state of the second access door. Configured to regulate.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter generated in the image forming unit from adversely affecting the server unit taken out from the second space.

  Preferably, the lock unit is operated from the closed state to the open state of the first access door by operating the operation unit operated when the first access door and the second access door are opened and closed, and the operation unit. Restrict the movement of the second access door from the closed state to the open state, and restrict the movement from the closed state of the second access door to the open state, for the first access. And an actuating member operable between a second state permitting movement of the door from the closed state to the open state.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, any one of the first access door and the second access door can be selectively locked in the closed state in conjunction with the operation on the operation unit. .

  Also preferably, the cabinet is opened and closed to access a third access door that is opened and closed to access a first part of the image forming unit, and a second part of the image forming unit that is different from the first part. And a fourth access door. The first access door is provided to cover the third access door and the fourth access door from the outside of the cabinet. The movement from the closed state to the open state of the third access door and the fourth access door is restricted when the first access door is in the closed state, and allowed when the first access door is in the open state .

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the locking of the third access door and the fourth access door to the closed state can be realized with a simpler configuration.

  Preferably, the first access door is provided so as to be pivotable about the first axis. The third access door is provided rotatably about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the third access door can be more reliably obtained in the closed state by covering the third access door with the first access door having the rotation axes orthogonal to each other. Can.

  Preferably, the first access door engages with the third access door and the fourth access door when the first access door is closed, and the third access door and the fourth access door Includes a positioning member for positioning the at the predetermined position.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the external appearance of the image forming apparatus can be improved by accurately positioning the third access door and the fourth access door.

  Preferably, the first access door is provided so as to be pivotable about the first axis. The lock portion is provided on the end side of the first access door that is radially spaced from the first axis.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the lock portion is provided at a position away from the rotation axis of the first access door in the radial direction, thereby closing the first access door more firmly. It can be locked.

  Preferably, the lock portion is connected to the first intermediate member provided on the first access door and the first intermediate member, and the operation from the closed state of the first access door to the open state is the first intermediate member. Via the second access door, and a second intermediate member provided on the second access door, the first operation member operating to restrict movement of the second access door from the closed state to the open state; [2] The operation of the second access door from the closed state to the open state is transmitted by being transmitted to the second access door from the closed state to the open state through the second intermediate member. And a second actuating member that operates to regulate.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, it is possible to selectively lock one of the first access door and the second access door in the closed state in conjunction with the opening operation of the access door. it can.

  Preferably, the first access door includes a first door and a second door that can be opened and closed independently of each other. The lock portion restricts the operation of the second access door from the closed state to the open state when the first door portion and the second door portion operate from the closed state to the open state, and the second access When the door is operated from the closed state to the open state, the operation of the first door and the second door from the closed state to the open state is restricted.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured in this manner, when the image forming unit is accessed with at least one of the first door and the second door opened, the second access door is locked in the closed state. Ru. When the server door is accessed with the second access door in the open state, the first door and the second door are locked in the closed state. This can prevent the foreign matter generated in the image forming unit from adversely affecting the server unit.

  Preferably, the lock unit regulates the operation of the second access door from the closed state to the open state when the first door is operated from the closed state to the open state, and the lock unit is operated from the closed state of the second access door. The first lock mechanism that restricts the movement of the first door from the closed state to the open state during the open state, and the second access door during the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second door. A second lock mechanism that restricts the movement from the closed state to the open state and restricts the movement from the closed state to the open state of the second door when the second access door operates from the closed state to the open state And.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the structure for selectively locking any one of the first and second door portions and the second access door in the closed state is a simple structure. It can be realized.

  Preferably, the first door, the second door and the second access door are provided on the same side of the cabinet and are rotatable about axes parallel to each other. The first lock mechanism portion and the second lock mechanism portion are respectively provided at one end and the other end in the axial direction of the pivot axis of the first door portion, the second door portion and the second access door.

  According to the image forming apparatus configured in this manner, the lock portion is provided by effectively utilizing the spaces on both sides in the axial direction of the pivot axis of the first door portion, the second door portion, and the second access door. be able to.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that prevents foreign matter generated in the image forming unit from adversely affecting the server unit.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an internal structure of the image forming apparatus in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mode of use of the image forming apparatus in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another mode of use of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state of the second access door before and after opening and closing in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state of the second access door before and after opening and closing in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the component (at the time of locking of the door for 2nd access) of a lock part. It is a perspective view which shows the component (at the time of locking of the door for 1st access) of a lock part. It is a perspective view which shows the lock part (at the time of locking of the door for 2nd access) seen from the inside of a cabinet. It is a perspective view which shows the lock part (at the time of locking of the door for 1st access) seen from the inside of a cabinet. It is a perspective view which shows the lock part at the time of locking of the 1st door for access, and at the time of storing of a server part. It is sectional drawing which shows a lock part at the time of locking of the 1st door for access, and at the time of storing of a server part. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lock portion when the first access door is locked and the server portion is not stored. It is sectional drawing which shows the lock part at the time of locking of the 1st door for access, and at the time of non-storage of a server part. FIG. 14 is a front view showing a first access door, a third access door, and a fourth access door in the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the first access door, the third access door, and the fourth access door as viewed from the arrow direction on the XVI-XVI line in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a modified example of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 15; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the fourth access door as viewed in the direction of the arrows on line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17; FIG. 16 is a front view showing an image forming apparatus (only a first access door and a second access door) in a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a side view showing the image forming apparatus as viewed from the arrow direction on the line XX-XX in FIG. 19; FIG. 21 is a side view showing the image forming apparatus as viewed from the arrow direction on line XXI-XXI in FIG. 19;

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an internal structure of the image forming apparatus in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a mode of use of the image forming apparatus in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another mode of use of the image forming apparatus in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, image forming apparatus 100 has an image forming unit 21 for forming an image on a sheet as a recording medium, and a server function, and can be operated independently of image forming unit 21. And a server unit 31.

  The image forming unit 21 is an MFP (Multifunctional Peripherals) having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function.

  The image forming unit 21 includes an image forming unit 22, a sheet feeding cassette 25 (25A, 25B), a sheet conveying unit (not shown), a sheet discharging unit 17, a toner cartridge 23, and a waste toner box (WTB: Waste It includes a Toner Box 24, a scanner unit 19, and an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 10.

  The image forming unit 22 is a general term for means for forming an image on a sheet. The image forming unit 22 includes an image forming unit and an intermediate transfer belt. The image forming unit comprises a photosensitive member, a charging device, a developing device, a primary transfer roller, a cleaning blade and the like, and is a toner image having a color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K). On the surface of the intermediate transfer belt. The toner images of the respective colors are superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt.

  The sheet feeding cassette 25 is provided below the image forming unit 22. The paper feed cassette 25 is configured to be able to store paper. The paper feed cassette 25 stores a plurality of sheets of paper. The sheet feeding cassette 25A and the sheet feeding cassette 25B are provided side by side vertically. Typically, sheets of different sizes are stored in the sheet feeding cassette 25A and the sheet feeding cassette 25B.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the sheet feeding cassettes 25 are provided in two stages has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and one stage of sheet feeding cassettes 25 may be provided. A paper feed cassette 25 may be provided.

  A sheet conveyance unit (not shown) is provided on the side of the image forming unit 22 and the sheet feeding cassette 25. The sheet conveyance unit includes various types of rotating rollers, a secondary transfer roller, and a fixing device. The sheet conveyance unit conveys the sheet stored in the sheet feeding cassette 25 to the sheet discharge unit 17 through the secondary transfer unit between the intermediate transfer belt and the secondary transfer roller.

  The color toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt moves to a secondary transfer portion between the intermediate transfer belt and the secondary transfer roller. The sheet stored in the sheet feeding cassette 25 is conveyed to a secondary transfer portion between the intermediate transfer belt and the secondary transfer roller by various rotating rollers. The color toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred to the surface of the sheet at the secondary transfer portion. The color toner image is fixed on the surface of the sheet by a fixing device. The sheet on which the image is formed by the above process is discharged to the sheet discharge unit 17.

  The toner cartridge 23 is provided above the image forming unit 22. The toner cartridge 23 contains toner for replenishing the developing device. The waste toner box 24 is provided in front of the image forming unit 22. The waste toner box 24 contains toner that has not been used for image formation on paper. The toner cartridge 23 and the waste toner box 24 are provided detachably to the image forming apparatus 100.

  The server unit 31 is provided below the image forming unit 21. The server unit 31 has a plurality of server functions such as a database server, a web server, an application server, and an FTP server (file server). The server unit 31 has a network IF. The server unit 31 is configured to be connectable to an external network via the network IF.

  The server unit 31 is configured to be able to mutually transmit and receive data with the image forming unit 21. For example, the stored document stored in the server unit 31 is transmitted to the image forming unit 21 and the document is formed on a sheet by the image forming unit 21 or the data scanned by the image forming unit 21 is stored in the server unit The data can be transmitted to 31 and stored in the server unit 31.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is provided independently of the first power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to the image forming unit 21 and the first power supply unit, and supplies power to the server unit 31. And a second power supply unit (not shown). The first power supply unit and the second power supply unit are formed of, for example, a power cord.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a cabinet 41. The cabinet 41 is a housing that forms the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100. The cabinet 41 forms a first space 42 for storing the image forming unit 21 and a second space 43 for storing the server unit 31.

  As a typical example, the image forming apparatus 100 (cabinet 41) has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a front side 41A, a rear side 41B, a right side 41C, a left side 41D, a top 41E, and a bottom 41F.

  The front side surface 41A, the rear side surface 41B, the right side surface 41C, and the left side surface 41D are disposed to face sideways (horizontally). The front side surface 41A is usually disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 where the user of the image forming apparatus 100 stands. An operation panel 18 is provided on the front side surface 41A. The operation panel 18 is provided adjacent to the sheet discharge unit 17. The operation panel 18 is operated by the user when operating the image forming unit 21 and the server unit 31.

  The rear side surface 41B is disposed on the back side of the front side surface 41A and on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 100. The right side surface 41C is disposed on the right side of the image forming apparatus 100 as viewed from the front side. At the position of the right side surface 41C that partitions and forms the first space 42, a vertical conveyance door (not shown) that is opened and closed when a sheet jam occurs in the sheet conveyance unit is provided. The left side surface 41D is disposed on the left side of the image forming apparatus 100 as viewed from the front side. At the positions of the right side surface 41C and the left side surface 41D which define the second space 43, vent holes for taking the outside air into the second space 43 are provided.

  The top surface 41E is arranged to face vertically upward. The scanner unit 19 of the image forming unit 21 and the automatic document feeder 10 are provided on the top surface 41E. The bottom surface 41F is disposed on the back side of the top surface 41E and directed vertically downward. The bottom surface 41F is disposed to face the installation surface (floor) on which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed. A plurality of casters (wheels) 46 are attached to the bottom surface 41F.

  The cabinet 41 has a first access door (MFP door) 51, a third access door 53, and a fourth access door 54 (54A, 54B).

  The first access door 51 is opened and closed in order to access the image forming unit 21. The third access door 53 is opened and closed in order to access the image forming unit 22, the toner cartridge 23 and the waste toner box 24 in the image forming unit 21. The fourth access door 54 is opened and closed in order to access the paper feed cassette 25 of the image forming unit 21.

  The third access door 53 is provided on the front side surface 41A. The third access door 53 defines the first space 42 in the closed state. The third access door 53 is provided below the sheet discharge unit 17 and the operation panel 18. The third access door 53 is provided to face the image forming unit 22, the toner cartridge 23, and the waste toner box 24 in the first space 42.

  The third access door 53 is provided rotatably around a central axis 113 as a second axis. The central axis 113 extends in the horizontal direction. The central shaft 113 is disposed on the lower end side of the third access door 53 (side adjacent to the sheet feeding cassette 25). The third access door 53 is opened from the closed state by being rotated about the central axis 113, and maintenance of the image forming unit 22 is performed in the open state, and the toner cartridge 23 and the waste are removed. The toner box 24 may be replaced.

  The fourth access door 54 is provided on the same surface of the cabinet 41 as the surface on which the third access door 53 is provided. The fourth access door 54 is provided on the front side surface 41A. The fourth access door 54 defines the first space 42 in the closed state. The fourth access door 54 is provided adjacent to the third access door 53. The fourth access door 54 is provided below the third access door 53. The fourth access door 54 is provided integrally with the sheet feeding cassette 25.

  The fourth access door 54 is provided slidably in the front-rear direction. The fourth access door 54 is opened from the closed state by being pulled to the front side of the front side surface 41A, and in the open state, the sheet is fed to the sheet feeding cassette 25.

  In the present embodiment, a fourth access door 54A is provided corresponding to the paper feed cassette 25A, and a fourth access door 54B is provided corresponding to the paper feed cassette 25B. The fourth access door 54A and the paper feed cassette 25B are provided side by side vertically.

  The first access door 51 is provided on the same surface of the cabinet 41 as the surface on which the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 are provided. The first access door 51 is provided on the front side surface 41A. The first access door 51 is provided below the operation panel 18. The first access door 51 is provided in the vertical direction between the operation panel 18 and a second access door 52 described later.

  The first access door 51 is provided so as to cover the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 from the outside of the cabinet 41 in the closed state. The first access door 51 is two-dimensionally overlapped with the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 in the closed state. The first access door 51 is provided so as to partially cover the third access door 53 and partially cover the fourth access door 54 in the closed state. The first access door 51 is provided to cover the right side portions of the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 in the closed state.

  The first access door 51 is provided rotatably about a central axis 111 as a first axis. The central axis 111 extends in the vertical direction. The central axis 111 is disposed on one end side of the front side surface 41A (side adjacent to the right side surface 41C). The first access door 51 is opened from the closed state by being pivoted about the central axis 111. In the open state, the opening operation of the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 are performed. Opening operation is possible.

  When the first access door 51 is in the closed state, the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 are in the closed state. When accessing the image forming unit 22, the toner cartridge 23, and the waste toner box 24, the first access door 51 is first opened, and then the third access door 53 is opened. When the paper feed cassette 25 is accessed, the first access door 51 is first opened, and then the fourth access door 54 is opened.

  In the closed state of the third access door 53 pivotable about the central axis 113, a gap may be generated between the end in the width direction of the cabinet 41 and the main body of the cabinet 41. In the present embodiment, the end portion of the third access door 53 where the gap is generated is pushed by the first access door 51 which can pivot around the central axis 111 orthogonal to the central axis 113. The closed state of the access door 53 can be obtained more reliably. Thereby, the appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 can be improved.

  The cabinet 41 further includes a second access door (server door) 52. The second access door 52 is opened and closed in order to access the server unit 31.

  The second access door 52 is provided on the same surface of the cabinet 41 as the surface on which the first access door 51 is provided. The second access door 52 is provided on the front side surface 41A. The second access door 52 defines the second space 43 in the closed state. The second access door 52 is provided adjacent to the first access door 51. The second access door 52 is provided below the first access door 51. The second access door 52 is provided below the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54.

  The second access door 52 is provided rotatably about the central shaft 112. The central axis 112 extends in the horizontal direction. The central shaft 112 is disposed on the lower end side (the side adjacent to the bottom surface 41F) of the second access door 52. The second access door 52 is opened from the closed state by being rotated about the central axis 112, and maintenance of the server unit 31 is performed in the open state.

  The second access door 52 is not limited to the swing type, and may be a slide type similar to the fourth access door 54.

  In FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 in which the second access door 52 is opened and the first access door 51, the third access door 53, and the fourth access door 54 are closed. It is shown. FIG. 4 shows the image forming apparatus 100 in which the first access door 51 is opened and the third access door 53, the second access door 52, and the fourth access door 54 are closed. It is done.

  5 and 6 are perspective views showing the state of the second access door before and after opening and closing in the image forming apparatus in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, image forming apparatus 100 further includes a lock portion 61. The lock portion 61 restricts the operation of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state when the first access door 51 is moved from the closed state to the open state, and the second access door 52 is closed. Is configured to restrict the operation of the first access door 51 from the closed state to the open state.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing components of the lock portion (when the second access door is locked). FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing components of the lock portion (during locking of the first access door). FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the lock portion (when the second access door is locked) viewed from the inside of the cabinet. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lock portion (when the first access door is locked) viewed from the inside of the cabinet.

  The structure of the lock 61 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10. The lock 61 includes an operation part 62 and an operation member 64.

  The operation unit 62 is operated by a service person or a user when the first access door 51 and the second access door 52 are opened and closed. The operating member 64 regulates the operation of the first access door 51 from the closed state to the open state by operating the operation unit 62, and the operation of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state. The first state (the states shown in FIGS. 8 and 10) and the operation of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state are restricted, and the first access door 51 from the closed state to the open state is restricted. It operates between the second state (the state shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9) which permits the operation.

  The operation unit 62 is configured of a key cylinder in which a key hole 63 is provided along the axial direction of the central axis 101. In the keyhole 63, a key managed by a serviceman or a user is inserted. The key is rotated about the central axis 101 in a state of being inserted into the keyhole 63.

  The actuating member 64 is coupled to the operating unit 62. The actuating member 64 is disposed inside the cabinet 41. The actuating member 64 has a plate shape extending in the radial direction from the central axis 101. The operating member 64 has a first state (shown in FIGS. 8 and 10) facing vertically upward and a second state (horizontally facing) (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 10) when the key inserted in the operation unit 62 is rotated. 7 and the state shown in FIG. 9). Here, the key can be removed from the keyhole 63 only when the actuating member 64 is in the first and second states described above. Therefore, the actuating member 64 is always in the first and second states. In one of two states.

  The first access door 51 is provided with a first insertion hole 56. The first insertion hole 56 is disposed in the same plane as the actuating member 64 having a plate shape. The first insertion holes 56 are disposed at positions radially outward from the central axis 101 and above the central axis 101. A second insertion hole 57 is provided in the second access door 52. The second insertion hole 57 is disposed in the same plane as the actuating member 64 having a plate shape. The second insertion holes 57 are disposed at positions radially outward from the central axis 101 and to the side of the central axis 101.

  When the operation member 64 is pulled out of the second insertion hole 57 and inserted into the first insertion hole 56 by the rotation operation of the key inserted into the operation portion 62, the closed state of the first access door 51 The first state (the state shown in FIGS. 8 and 10) is obtained in which the operation to the open state is restricted and the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second access door 52 is permitted. Further, when the operation member 64 is pulled out of the first insertion hole 56 and inserted into the second insertion hole 57 by the rotation operation of the key inserted into the operation portion 62, the second access door 52 is closed. A second state (state shown in FIGS. 7 and 9) is obtained in which the operation from the state to the open state is restricted and the operation from the closed state to the open state of the first access door 51 is permitted.

  In the image forming unit 21, foreign matters such as paper dust, dust, dust, and toner are easily generated. When such foreign matter reaches the server unit 31, it causes a failure such as an operation failure or a short circuit of the server unit 31.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the second access door 52 is locked in the closed state when the image forming unit 21 is maintained with the first access door 51 opened. Further, when the server unit 31 is maintained with the second access door 52 opened, the first access door 51 is locked in the closed state, so the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 are also opened. It is also locked closed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter generated in the image forming unit 21 from reaching the server unit 31 and to prevent the malfunction and failure of the server unit 31.

  The lock portion 61 is a position away from the central axis 111, which is the rotational center of the first access door 51, in the radial direction from the central axis 112, which is the rotational center of the second access door 52. It is provided at a position separated in the direction.

  According to such a configuration, even when an external force is applied to the first access door 51 and the second access door 52, the first access door 51 and the second access door 52 are more firmly closed. It can be held in the state. In addition, since there is no mechanism (such as a shaft or a hinge) rotatably supporting the first access door 51 and the second access door 52 at the position where the lock portion 61 is provided, there is no space restriction. A more robust locking mechanism can be realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by locking the first access door 51 in the closed state, the locked state of the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 can be obtained, so the lock portion 61 can be simplified. It can be configured.

  The number of access doors (third access door 53 and fourth access door 54) disposed inside the first access door 51 is not limited to the above. For example, the third access door 53 is divided into two access doors, one of which is opened and closed to access the toner cartridge 23, and the other of which is the image forming unit 22 and the waste toner box 24. It may be configured to be opened and closed to access the

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the lock portion when the server portion is stored when the first access door is locked. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the lock portion when the server portion is stored when the first access door is locked. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the lock portion when the first access door is locked and the server portion is not stored. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the lock portion when the first access door is locked and the server portion is not stored.

  In FIGS. 11 and 13, the portion of the second access door 52 provided with the second insertion hole 57 in FIGS. 9 and 10 is broken.

  The structure of the lock 61 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. When the server 31 is not stored in the second space 43, the lock 61 is a second access door 52. The first access door 51 is configured to regulate the operation from the closed state to the open state regardless of the open / closed state of the first access door 51.

Specifically, the lock portion 61 further includes a restricting member 66 and a biasing member 69.
The regulating member 66 is attached to a top plate 47 that separates the first space 42 and the second space 43. The restriction member 66 is provided slidably along the axial direction (front-rear direction) of the central axis 101. The restricting member 66 is provided between the central axis 101 and the second insertion hole 57 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

  The restricting member 66 has an abutting portion 68 and a stopper portion 67 as its component parts. The contact portion 68 is disposed in the second space 43. The abutting portion 68 is urged toward one side along the axial direction of the central axis 101 (the far side in the cabinet 41 as viewed from the second access door 52) by abutting on the server portion 31. . The stopper portion 67 is disposed in the first space 42. The stopper portion 67 is provided in a plate shape along the axial direction of the central axis 101. The stopper portion 67 is provided between the first insertion hole 56 and the second insertion hole 57 in the radial direction outer side centering on the central axis 101 and in the circumferential direction centering on the central axis 101.

  The biasing member 69 is composed of a coil spring extending in the axial direction of the central axis 101. The biasing member 69 is provided to bias the regulating member 66 to the other side along the axial direction of the central axis 101 (the front side in the cabinet 41 as viewed from the second access door 52).

  Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when server portion 31 is stored in second space 43, urging member 68 is biased by contact portion 68 by server portion 31, whereby regulating member 66 is biased by biasing member 69. Against the biasing force received from the rear side of the cabinet 41. At this time, the stopper portion 67 is positioned at a position shifted from the actuating member 64 in the axial direction of the central axis 101. In this case, the actuating member 64 operates between the first state inserted into the first insertion hole 56 and the second state inserted into the second insertion hole 57 without interference with the stopper portion 67.

  With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, on the other hand, when server portion 31 is not stored in second space 43, restricting member 66 is biased by biasing member 69 so that the front side of cabinet 41 is located. Slide to At this time, the stopper portion 67 is disposed at a position overlapping the actuating member 64 in the axial direction of the central axis 101. In this case, the actuating member 64 can not operate from the first state inserted into the first insertion hole 56 to the second state inserted into the second insertion hole 57 due to interference with the stopper portion 67. . Therefore, regardless of the open / close state of the second access door 52, the operation from the closed state to the open state of the first access door 51 is restricted.

  According to such a configuration, when the serviceman pulls the server unit 31 out of the second space 43 and performs maintenance outside the machine, the first access door 51 is opened and foreign matter is not stored in the server unit 31. It can prevent mixing.

  The structure of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be described collectively. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment forms an image on a sheet as a recording medium. A server unit 31 having a server function and operable independently of the image forming unit 21, a first space 42 for storing the image forming unit 21, and a second space 43 for storing the server unit 31; And a cabinet 41 to be formed. The cabinet 41 has a first access door 51 opened and closed to access the image forming unit 21, and a second access door 52 opened and closed to access the server unit 31. The image forming apparatus 100 restricts the operation of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state when the first access door 51 is operated from the closed state to the open state, and the second access door 52 is closed. It further includes a lock portion 61 configured to restrict the operation of the first access door 51 from the closed state to the open state when operating from the state to the open state.

  According to the image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter generated in the image forming unit 21 from adversely affecting the server unit 31.

  The image formed by the image forming unit in the present invention may be either color or monochrome. The image forming unit is not limited to the MFP, and may be a copier, a printer, a facsimile, or the like.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 15 is a front view showing a first access door, a third access door, and a fourth access door in the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the first access door, the third access door, and the fourth access door as viewed in the direction of arrows on line XVI-XVI in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus in the present embodiment has basically the same structure as that of the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the overlapping structure will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, first access door 51 further includes positioning member 71, positioning member 72 and positioning member 73.

  The positioning member 71 has a pin shape, and is provided so as to project from the first access door 51 toward the third access door 53. The positioning member 72 has a pin shape, and is provided so as to protrude from the first access door 51 toward the fourth access door 54A. The positioning member 73 has a pin shape, and is provided so as to protrude from the first access door 51 toward the fourth access door 54B.

  The third access door 53 is provided with a pin hole 74. A pin hole 75 is provided in the fourth access door 54A. A pin hole 76 is provided in the fourth access door 54B. The pin holes 74, the pin holes 75, and the pin holes 76 have an elongated opening shape that is short in the vertical direction and long in the horizontal direction.

  When the first access door 51, the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 are closed, the positioning member 71, the positioning member 72 and the positioning member 73 respectively have the pin holes 74 and the pin holes 75. And the pin holes 76 are engaged. Thus, the third access door 53, the fourth access door 54A, and the fourth access door 54B are positioned at predetermined positions in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 17 is a front view showing a modified example of the image forming apparatus in FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the fourth access door as viewed in the direction of the arrows on line XVIII-XVIII in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in this modification, pin hole 74, pin hole 75 and pin hole 76 have an elongated opening shape which is long in the vertical direction and short in the horizontal direction.

  When the first access door 51, the third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 are closed, the positioning member 71, the positioning member 72 and the positioning member 73 respectively have the pin holes 74 and the pin holes 75. And the pin holes 76 are engaged. Thus, the third access door 53, the fourth access door 54A, and the fourth access door 54B are positioned at predetermined positions in the horizontal direction.

  According to such a configuration, the external appearance of the image forming apparatus can be improved by aligning the positions of the third access door 53, the fourth access door 54A, and the fourth access door 54B.

  According to the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 2 of the present invention configured as described above, the effects described in Embodiment 1 can be similarly obtained.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 19 is a front view showing the image forming apparatus (only the first access door and the second access door) in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a side view showing the image forming apparatus as viewed from the arrow direction on the line XX-XX in FIG. FIG. 21 is a side view showing the image forming apparatus as viewed in the direction of arrows on line XXI-XXI in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus in the present embodiment basically has the same structure as that of the image forming apparatus 100 in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the overlapping structure will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, in the present embodiment, a first door 51A and a second door 51B that can be opened and closed independently of each other are provided as the first access door 51. The third access door 53 and the fourth access door 54 (54A, 54B) in the first embodiment are not provided.

  The first door 51A and the second door 51B are provided side by side vertically. The first door 51A and the second door 51B are provided above the second access door 52. The first door 51A and the second door 51B are provided on the front side surface 41A. The first door 51A and the second door 51B define the first space 42 in the closed state.

  The first door portion 51A is provided rotatably about the central axis 121. The central axis 121 extends in the horizontal direction. The central axis 121 is disposed on the lower end side of the first door 51A (the side adjacent to the second door 51B). The first door 51A is opened from the closed state by being pivoted about the central axis 121. In the open state, for example, maintenance of the image forming unit 22 is performed, the toner cartridge 23, and the like. The waste toner box 24 may be replaced.

  The second door 51 </ b> B is provided rotatably about the central shaft 122. The central axis 122 extends in parallel with the central axis 121. The central axis 122 extends in the horizontal direction. The central shaft 122 is disposed on the lower end side (the side adjacent to the second access door 52) of the second door 51B. The second door 51B is opened from the closed state by being pivoted about the central shaft 122. In the open state, for example, the sheet is fed to the sheet feeding cassette 25.

  The second access door 52 is provided on the front side surface 41A. The second access door 52 defines the second space 43 in the closed state. The second access door 52 is provided rotatably about the central axis 123. The central axis 123 extends parallel to the central axis 121 and the central axis 122. The central axis 123 extends in the horizontal direction. The central shaft 123 is disposed on the upper end side of the second access door 52 (the side adjacent to the second door 51B). The second access door 52 is opened from the closed state by being rotated about the central axis 123, and maintenance of the server unit 31 is performed in the open state.

  The lock portion 61 restricts the operation of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state when the first door 51A or the second door 51B is operated from the closed state to the open state. When the second access door 52 is operated from the closed state to the open state, the operation from the closed state to the open state of the first door 51A and the second door 51B is restricted.

  The structure of the lock 61 will be specifically described. The lock 61 includes a first lock mechanism 91 and a second lock mechanism 81.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the first door 51A is operated from the closed state to the open state, the first lock mechanism 91 is operated from the closed state to the open state of the second access door 52. When the second access door 52 operates from the closed state to the open state, the operation from the closed state to the open state of the first door portion 51A is restricted.

  The first lock mechanism 91 includes a first intermediate member 109, a first actuating member 97, a second intermediate member 108, and a second actuating member 92.

  The first intermediate member 109 comprises a gear. The first intermediate member 109 is provided to the first door 51A. The first intermediate member 109 is provided on an axis of a central axis 121 which is a swing center of the first door 51A. The first intermediate member 109 rotates about the central axis 121 in accordance with the opening and closing operation of the first door 51A.

  The first actuating member 97 has a bar shape extending in the vertical direction. The first operation member 97 is disposed to face the first intermediate member 109 in the horizontal direction. A gear (not shown) is provided on the surface of the first actuating member 97 facing the first intermediate member 109. The first operating member 97 is connected to the first intermediate member 109 via the gear. The first operation member 97 and the first intermediate member 109 constitute a rack and pinion that converts the rotational movement associated with the opening and closing operation of the first door 51A into a linear movement.

  The second access door 52 is provided with a recess 52 p. The recess 52 p is provided at a position radially away from the central axis 123 which is the rotational center of the second access door 52. The first operating member 97 has a tip 99 as its component part. The tip 99 is disposed to face the recess 52 p in the vertical direction.

  When the first door 51A is operated from the closed state to the open state, the first actuating member 97 is lowered by the transmission of the opening operation of the first door 51A. At this time, the operation of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state is restricted by the engagement of the tip 99 with the recess 52p. At the time of operation from the open state to the closed state of the first door 51A, the first actuating member 97 is raised by the transmission of the closing operation of the first door 51A. At this time, movement of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state is permitted by disengaging the tip end 99 from the recess 52p.

  The second intermediate member 108 comprises a gear. The second intermediate member 108 is provided on the second access door 52. The second intermediate member 108 is provided on an axis of a central axis 123 which is a swing center of the second access door 52. The second intermediate member 108 rotates about the central axis 123 along with the opening and closing operation of the second access door 52.

  The second operating member 92 has a bar shape extending in the vertical direction. The second operating member 92 is disposed to face the second intermediate member 108 in the horizontal direction. A gear (not shown) is provided on the surface of the second operating member 92 facing the second intermediate member 108. The second operating member 92 is connected to the second intermediate member 108 via the gear. The second operation member 92 and the second intermediate member 108 constitute a rack and pinion that converts the rotational movement accompanying the opening and closing operation of the second access door 52 into a linear movement.

  The first door 51A is provided with a recess 51p. The recessed portion 51p is provided at a position away from the central axis 121, which is the rotational center of the first door 51A, in the radial direction. The second operating member 92 has a tip 94 as its component part. The tip portion 94 is disposed to face the recess 51 p in the vertical direction.

  When the second access door 52 is operated from the closed state to the open state, the second operation member 92 is lowered by the transmission of the opening operation of the second access door 52. At this time, the tip portion 94 engages with the recess 51p, thereby restricting the operation of the first door 51A from the closed state to the open state. At the time of operation of the second access door 52 from the open state to the closed state, the second operation member 92 is raised by the transmission of the closing operation of the second access door 52. At this time, movement of the first door portion 51A from the closed state to the open state is permitted by disengaging the tip end portion 94 from the concave portion 51p.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the second lock mechanism 81 operates from the closed state of the second access door 52 to the open state when the second door 51B operates from the closed state to the open state. When the second access door 52 operates from the closed state to the open state, the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second door portion 51B is restricted.

  The second lock mechanism 81 includes a first intermediate member 106 (corresponding to the first intermediate member 109 in the first lock mechanism 91) and a first actuating member 87 (a first actuating member 97 in the first lock mechanism 91). Correspondence, the second intermediate member 107 (corresponding to the second intermediate member 108 in the first lock mechanism 91), and the second actuation member 82 (corresponding to the second actuation member 92 in the first lock mechanism 91). Have.

  The second access door 52 is provided with a recess 52 q (corresponding to the recess 52 p in the first lock mechanism 91). The first operation member 87 has a tip 89 (corresponding to the tip 99 of the first lock mechanism 91). The second door 51B is provided with a recess 51q (corresponding to the recess 51p in the first lock mechanism 91). The second operation member 82 has a tip 84 (corresponding to the tip 94 of the first lock mechanism 91).

  When the second door 51B is operated from the closed state to the open state, the first actuating member 87 is lowered by the transmission of the opening operation of the second door 51B. At this time, the tip portion 89 engages with the recess 52 q, thereby restricting the operation of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state. At the time of operation of the second door 51B from the open state to the closed state, the first operation member 87 is raised by the transmission of the closing operation of the second door 51B. At this time, movement of the second access door 52 from the closed state to the open state is permitted by disengaging the tip portion 89 from the recess 52 q.

  When the second access door 52 is operated from the closed state to the open state, the second operation member 82 is lowered by the transmission of the opening operation of the second access door 52. At this time, the tip portion 84 engages with the recess 51 q, thereby restricting the operation of the second door 51 B from the closed state to the open state. At the time of operation of the second access door 52 from the open state to the closed state, the second operation member 82 is lifted by the transmission of the closing operation of the second access door 52. At this time, movement of the second door 51B from the closed state to the open state is permitted by disengaging the tip portion 84 from the recess 51q.

  The first lock mechanism 91 and the second lock mechanism 81 are provided in the axial direction of the pivot shaft (central axes 121, 122, 123) of the first door 51A, the second door 51B, and the second access door 52. It is provided at one end and the other end respectively. According to such a configuration, by arranging the first lock mechanism 91 and the second lock mechanism 81 in a wider space, the lock 61 with high reliability can be configured.

  According to the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 3 of the present invention configured as described above, the effects described in Embodiment 1 can be similarly obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the first access door 51 and the second access door 52 are provided on the front side surface 41A of the cabinet 41 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vertical conveyance door provided on the right side surface 41C and opened and closed when a sheet jam occurs in the sheet conveyance unit is the first access door in the present invention, and is provided on the right side surface 41C. The punching plate may be used as the second access door in the present invention by making it possible to open and close the punching plate provided with the vent leading to the above.

  Moreover, although the above embodiment demonstrated the lock part 61 comprised with a mechanical mechanism, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a detection unit for detecting the opening and closing operation of the first access door and the second access door, and the opening and closing operation of the first access door and the second access door based on the opening and closing operation detected by the detection unit. The lock portion in the present invention may be configured of a lock mechanism electrically operated to selectively lock either one in the closed state.

  It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all the modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

  The present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus in which a server unit is integrally provided.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 automatic document feeder, 17 discharge unit, 18 operation panel, 19 scanner unit, 21 image forming unit, 22 image forming unit, 23 toner cartridge, 24 waste toner box, 25, 25A, 25B paper feed cassette, 31 server unit , 41 cabinet, 41A front side surface, 41B rear side surface, 41C right side surface, 41D left side surface, 41E top surface, 41F bottom surface, 42 first space, 43 second space, 47 top plate, 51 first access door, 51A first 1 door part, 51B second door part, 51p, 51q, 52p, 52q recessed part, 52 second access door, 53 third access door, 54, 54A, 54B fourth access door, 56 first insertion hole, 57 second insertion hole, 61 lock portion, 62 operation portion, 63 key hole, 64 actuating member, 66 regulating member, 67 stopper portion, 68 contact portion, 69 biasing member, 71, 72, 73 positioning member, 74, 75, 76 pin hole, 81 second lock mechanism portion, 82, 92 second actuating member, 84, 89, 94, 99 tip portion , 87, 97 first operation member, 91 first lock mechanism portion, 100 image forming apparatus, 101, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123 central axis, 106, 109 first intermediate member, 107, 108 second Intermediate member.

Claims (13)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium;
A server unit having a server function and operable independently of the image forming unit;
And a cabinet forming a first space for storing the image forming unit and a second space for storing the server unit.
The cabinet has a first access door opened and closed to access the image forming unit, and a second access door opened and closed to access the server unit,
When the first access door is operated from the closed state to the open state, the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second access door is restricted, and the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second access door is performed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a lock portion configured to restrict an operation of the first access door from a closed state to an open state during operation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second access door is disposed below the first access door. It further comprises an operation panel operated when using the image forming unit and the server unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first access door, the second access door, and the operation panel are provided on a front side surface of the cabinet.   When the server unit is not stored in the second space, the lock unit operates from the closed state to the open state of the first access door regardless of whether the second access door is open or closed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is configured to regulate. The lock portion is
An operation unit operated when opening and closing the first access door and the second access door;
A first state that restricts the operation of the first access door from the closed state to the open state by operating the operation unit, and permits the operation of the second access door from the closed state to the open state And an operation member operated between the second state which restricts the movement of the second access door from the closed state to the open state and allows the operation of the first access door from the closed state to the open state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The cabinet is opened and closed to access a third access door that is opened and closed to access a first part of the image forming unit, and a second part of the image forming unit different from the first part. And a fourth access door,
The first access door is provided to cover the third access door and the fourth access door from the outside of the cabinet.
The operation from the closed state to the open state of the third access door and the fourth access door is restricted when the first access door is in the closed state, and the first access door is in the open state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is allowed from time to time. The first access door is rotatably provided about a first axis,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the third access door is rotatably provided about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.   The first access door engages with the third access door and the fourth access door when the first access door is closed, and the third access door and the fourth access The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a positioning member that positions the door in a predetermined position. The first access door is rotatably provided about a first axis,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lock portion is provided on an end side of the first access door which is radially separated from the first axis. The lock portion is
A first intermediate member provided on the first access door;
The movement from the closed state to the open state of the first access door, which is connected to the first intermediate member, is transmitted through the first intermediate member, whereby the second access door is opened from the closed state. A first actuating member operative to regulate movement to a state;
A second intermediate member provided on the second access door;
The movement from the closed state to the open state of the second access door, which is connected to the second intermediate member, is transmitted through the second intermediate member to open the first access door from the closed state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a second actuating member operable to restrict movement to a state. The first access door includes a first door and a second door that can be opened and closed independently of each other,
The lock portion restricts the operation of the second access door from the closed state to the open state when the closed state of at least one of the first door portion and the second door portion is moved to the open state. The first access door and the second access door are configured to restrict the movement from the closed state to the open state when the second access door is operated from the closed state to the open state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of to 10. The lock portion is
When the first door is operated from the closed state to the open state, the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second access door is restricted, and the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second access door A first lock mechanism that restricts the movement of the first door from the closed state to the open state;
When the second door is operated from the closed state to the open state, the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second access door is restricted, and the operation from the closed state to the open state of the second access door The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a second lock mechanism that restricts the movement of the second door from the closed state to the open state. The first door, the second door, and the second access door are provided on the same side of the cabinet and are rotatable about axes parallel to one another.
The first lock mechanism portion and the second lock mechanism portion are respectively provided at one end and the other end in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the first door portion, the second door portion and the second access door An image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

Images