JP3957644B2 - Opening and closing mechanism - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an open / close member provided substantially horizontally on the upper surface of a device, with a hinge provided on the back side of the device as a fulcrum, and a free end located on the front side of the device, with a hand in a substantially vertical plane. It is related with the opening-and-closing mechanism which can be opened and closed by.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a scanner is provided with a document presser for holding a document placed on a document table. This document retainer is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus, and there is a document retainer itself provided with an automatic document feeder. The document presser can be opened and closed in a substantially vertical plane by using a hinge provided on the back side of the image forming apparatus as a fulcrum and holding the free end located on the front side of the image forming apparatus. The opening / closing operation is possible. The user puts his / her hand on the front side of the document holder, pushes the document holder up and down, and opens and closes it.
[0003]
A toggle mechanism is incorporated in the hinge of the opening / closing mechanism. As a result, when the document retainer is opened to the predetermined angle and released, the document retainer reaches the opening limit by itself and maintains that state. Further, when the document retainer is closed to a different angle and the hand is released, it comes into close contact with the upper surface of the image forming apparatus by itself.
[0004]
Here, if the user is a short person or a person with a disability due to illness or injury, etc., and the hand cannot reach a high place, the document retainer is opened and the document retainer is closed. The problem of being unable to do so arises.
[0005]
As measures against this, the opening limit of the document presser is regulated by using a member such as a stopper, or as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the opening limit of the document presser is adjusted by using a lock member in addition to this stopper. An open / close mechanism that can be used is proposed.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-296710
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the opening limit of the document presser that can be put on the free end of the document presser differs depending on the user. For this reason, like the above opening / closing mechanism, restricting the opening limit to a predetermined angle by the stopper causes a problem that the operability is deteriorated. Further, the operation for adjusting the opening limit of the document presser requires a user to move to the back side of the apparatus or to extend the hand to the back side, which is very troublesome. It is even more inconvenient for people with disabilities due to illness or injury.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an open / close member provided substantially horizontally on the top surface of the device is freely positioned on the front side of the device with a hinge provided on the back side of the device as a fulcrum. To provide an opening / closing mechanism capable of setting an opening limit of an opening / closing member to a desired angle from a front side of a device by a simple operation in an opening / closing mechanism capable of opening and closing in a substantially vertical plane by placing a hand on an end. With the goal.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an open / close member provided substantially horizontally on an upper surface of a device, with a hinge provided on the back side of the device as a fulcrum, and a free end located on the front side of the device. In the opening / closing mechanism that can be opened and closed in a substantially vertical plane, an opening limit setting means for the opening / closing member is provided on the back side of the device, and an operating means for operating the opening limit setting means is provided on the front surface of the device. Placed on the side.
[0010]
According to this configuration, the opening limit of the opening / closing member can be set to a desired angle from the front side of the device. As a result, the user himself / herself can set the opening limit of the opening / closing member at a desired angle, which can solve the problem that the user cannot reach the opening / closing member. In addition, since it is not necessary for the user to move to the back side of the device or to extend his / her hand in order to set the opening limit of the opening / closing member, it is very convenient because it does not take time and effort.
[0011]
Further, an operation member is provided on the side surface of the device, with the vicinity of the hinge as a fulcrum, the front side of the device as a free end, and an opening limit of the opening / closing member set by changing its own angle.
[0012]
According to this configuration, a desired opening / closing member opening limit can be easily set by simply changing the angle of the operation member directly by hand. As a result, the opening / closing member opening limit setting means can be obtained with a simpler configuration. As a result, the structure can be simplified and an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In addition, since the operation can be easily performed from the front side of the device, it is convenient without taking time and effort.
[0013]
Moreover, while the tension | tensile_strength point of the string-like member connected with the said opening-and-closing member becomes the opening limit of an opening-and-closing member, the feeding amount adjustment member of this string-like member was arrange | positioned in the front side of the said apparatus.
[0014]
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily adjust the desired opening limit of the opening / closing member simply by adjusting the feeding amount of the string-like member. As a result, an opening / closing member opening limit setting means can be obtained without forming a complicated configuration. Further, since the operation can be performed from the front side of the device, it is convenient because it does not take time and effort.
[0015]
Further, the string-like member is fed out from the electric reel, and the operating means for the electric reel is arranged on the front side of the device.
[0016]
According to this configuration, it is possible to automatically and quickly adjust the feeding amount of the string-like member. As a result, for example, if a button with a predetermined opening limit set in advance is provided on the operating means, the opening limit of the opening and closing member can be set more easily by simply pressing this button, reducing the work time. And operability can be improved. In addition, since the electric reel and its operating means need only be connected by a signal cable, the opening / closing mechanism can be made more compact.
[0017]
Further, when the rack protruding from the device is engaged with the opening / closing member, the opening limit of the opening / closing member becomes the limit, and a pinion rotation operation member for changing the protruding amount of the rack is arranged on the front side of the device. .
[0018]
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily adjust the desired opening limit of the opening / closing member simply by adjusting the protruding amount of the rack. As a result, an opening / closing member opening limit setting means can be obtained without forming a complicated configuration. Further, since the operation can be performed from the front side of the device, it is convenient because it does not take time and effort.
[0019]
The pinion is rotated by a motor, and operating means for the motor is arranged on the front side of the device.
[0020]
According to this configuration, it is possible to automatically and quickly adjust the amount of protrusion of the rack. As a result, for example, if a button with a predetermined opening limit set in advance is provided on the operating means, the opening limit of the opening and closing member can be set more easily by simply pressing this button, reducing the work time. And operability can be improved. Further, since it is only necessary to connect the motor and its operating means with a signal cable, the opening / closing mechanism can be made more compact.
[0021]
In addition, when the crank rod protruding from the device is engaged with the opening / closing member, the opening limit of the opening / closing member becomes the limit, and the crank operation member that changes the protruding amount of the crank rod is placed on the front side of the device. Arranged.
[0022]
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily adjust the desired opening limit of the opening / closing member simply by adjusting the protrusion amount of the crank rod. As a result, an opening / closing member opening limit setting means can be obtained without forming a complicated configuration. Further, since the operation can be performed from the front side of the device, it is convenient because it does not take time and effort.
[0023]
The crank is rotated by a motor, and operating means for the motor is arranged on the front side of the device.
[0024]
According to this configuration, it is possible to automatically and quickly adjust the protrusion amount of the crank rod. As a result, for example, if a button with a predetermined opening limit set in advance is provided on the operating means, the opening limit of the opening and closing member can be set more easily by simply pressing this button, reducing the work time. And operability can be improved. Further, since it is only necessary to connect the motor and its operating means with a signal cable, the opening / closing mechanism can be made more compact.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, it is assumed that the device provided with the opening / closing mechanism is designed as an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a scanner.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a main body 2 and a document presser 3, and an opening / closing mechanism 4 is provided therebetween.
[0027]
The main body 2 is provided with a document reading unit 20, a copy operation unit 21, and a copy paper discharge unit 22. The document reading unit 20 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 2, the copy operation unit 21 is provided on the front side, and the copy paper discharge unit 22 is provided in the lower body of these. The original is placed on the original reading unit 20, the original holder 3 is closed, and a predetermined operation is performed by the copy operation unit 21, so that the copied paper is discharged to the copy paper discharge unit 22.
[0028]
The document presser 3 serving as an opening / closing member is opened and closed within a substantially vertical plane by placing a hand on the free end located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 with a hinge 40 provided on the back side of the image forming apparatus 1 as a fulcrum. (Arrow A). The document retainer 3 is opened to place or remove the document on the document reading unit 20, and is closed to retain the document during copying. When performing this opening / closing operation, the user puts his / her hand on the opening / closing operation portion 3 a of the document retainer 3. Since the document presser 3 is provided with an automatic document device 30, it is possible to continuously copy by placing a plurality of documents on the document presser 3.
[0029]
The opening / closing mechanism 4 is provided with a hinge 40, an engagement member 41, a locking pin 42, and an operation lever 43 that is an operation means for an opening limit setting means.
[0030]
Two hinges 40 are provided on the back side of the image forming apparatus 1 between the main body 2 and the document retainer 3, one on each side. This hinge 40 incorporates a toggle mechanism as described above. As a result, when the document retainer 3 is opened to a predetermined angle and released, the document retainer 3 alone reaches the opening limit and maintains that state. Further, when the document retainer 3 is closed to an angle different from this and the hand is released, it comes into close contact with the upper surface of the main body 2 and is completely closed.
[0031]
The operating lever 43 that is an operating means of the opening limit setting means is provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1 with the vicinity of the hinge 40 as a fulcrum and the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 as a free end. The engaging member 41 has a plate shape, is attached to a shaft 43 a that is a fulcrum of the operation lever 43, and engages with a locking pin 42 provided on the side surface of the document presser 3. The engaging member 41 serves as an opening limit setting unit.
[0032]
Here, when the angle of the operation lever 43 is changed up and down (arrow B), the angle of the engaging member 41 changes, and the engaging position with the locking pin 42 provided on the document presser 3 changes. Therefore, the opening limit of the document presser 3 can be set by changing the angle of the operation lever 43. Note that a frictional force is applied to the fulcrum portion of the operation lever 43 to such an extent that the angle cannot be easily changed even if the hand is released from the operation lever 43.
[0033]
In this way, the opening limit of the document presser 3 that is an opening / closing member can be set to a desired angle from the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the user himself / herself can set the opening limit of the document retainer 3 at a desired angle, so that the problem that the user cannot reach the document retainer 3 can be solved. Further, since it is not necessary for the user to move to the back side of the image forming apparatus 1 or to extend his / her hand in order to set the opening limit of the document presser 3, it is very convenient because it does not take time and effort.
[0034]
Further, the desired opening limit of the document presser 3 can be easily set by simply changing the angle of the operating lever 43, which is the operating means of the opening limit setting means, directly by hand. As a result, the structure can be simplified and an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed.
[0035]
FIG. 2 is a side view of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a wire 44 as a string member, a back side pulley 45, a front side pulley 46, a tension adjustment pulley 47, and a wire feed amount adjustment member. An operation lever 48 is provided.
[0036]
One end of the wire 44 that is a string-like member is connected to the front side slightly from the hinge 40 of the document presser 3 that is an opening and closing member, and the other end is connected to the lowermost end of the operation lever 48 that is a feed amount adjustment member of the wire 44. ing. The wire 44 is hung between the back side pulley 45 and the front side pulley 46 attached to the main body between the document presser 3 and the operation lever 48. The tension adjustment pulley 47 is attached to the main body 2 via a spring 49 and automatically adjusts the tension of the wire 44.
[0037]
The operation lever 48 that is a feed amount adjusting member of the wire 44 can be rotated within a predetermined angle range around the fulcrum 48a. As described above, the wire 44 is connected to the lowermost end of the operation lever 48.
[0038]
In this configuration, the tension point of the wire 44 connected to the document retainer 3 becomes the opening limit of the document retainer 3. That is, the wire 44 functions as an opening limit setting means. Here, if the angle of the operation lever 48 is changed up and down (arrow C), the feeding amount of the wire 44 connected thereto changes, so that the opening limit of the document presser 3 to which the wire 44 is connected on the other side can be set (arrow D). ). Therefore, the desired opening limit of the document presser 3 can be easily adjusted simply by adjusting the feeding amount of the wire 44 as a string-like member by the operation lever 48. Note that a frictional force is applied to the fulcrum 48a of the operation lever 48 to such an extent that even if the hand is released from the operation lever 48, the angle cannot be easily changed.
[0039]
Note that the wire 44 may be a member made of a material other than metal such as synthetic fiber as long as it has a string shape.
[0040]
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the knob 49 is attached to the image forming apparatus so that the tension point of the wire 44 that is a string-like member becomes the opening limit of the document presser 3 that is an opening / closing member. 1 is disposed on the front side of the wire 1 and is used as a feed amount adjusting member for the wire 44. The wire 44 is hung on the pulleys 50 to 52, and a tension adjusting spring 53 is attached between the pulleys 50 and 51.
[0041]
Also in this configuration, when the knob 49 is moved back and forth (arrow E), the feed amount of the wire 44 changes, and the opening limit of the document presser 3 can be set (arrow F). Therefore, the desired opening limit of the document presser 3 can be easily adjusted simply by adjusting the feed amount of the wire 44 that is a string-like member by the knob 49 that is a feed amount adjusting member. Note that a frictional force is applied to the attachment portion of the knob 49 to such an extent that the knob 49 does not move and remains in place even when the knob 49 is released.
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing a hinge portion of an opening / closing mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, as in the second and third embodiments, the wire 44 is fed out so that the tension point of the wire 44 that is a string-like member becomes the opening limit of the document pressing member that is an opening and closing member. An electric reel 54 is provided on the inner side of the main body 2 below the hinge 40.
[0043]
The drive unit of the electric reel 54 is composed of a stepping motor, and includes an electromagnetic brake (not shown) for holding rotation when the power is off. The operating means of the electric reel 54 is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 (not shown). This operation means is constituted by, for example, a button group in which several opening limits are set in advance, or a numeric keypad for inputting a desired opening limit numerically. The other end of the wire 44 is connected to the document pressing side hinge piece 40a.
[0044]
When the user sets the opening limit of the document presser 3 using the operating means provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, a predetermined angle is set in the direction in which the electric reel 54 feeds the wire 44 based on this setting. (Arrow G in FIG. 4B). Here, when energization of the electric reel 54 is stopped, the rotation is held by the electromagnetic brake. Next, when the document retainer 3 is opened (arrow H), the wire 44 fed out from the electric reel 54 is gradually pulled up, and when the wire 44 is in tension, the document retainer 3 reaches the opening limit.
[0045]
In this way, it is possible to automatically and quickly adjust the feeding amount of the wire 44 that is a string-like member. As a result, if a button having a predetermined opening limit set in advance as described above is provided as an operation means, the opening limit of the document presser 3 can be set more simply by pressing this button. It becomes possible to shorten the working time and improve the operability. Further, since the electric reel 54 and its operating means need only be connected by a signal cable, the opening / closing mechanism 4 can be made more compact.
[0046]
The driving and control of the electric reel 54 may be another member having a function equivalent to that of a stepping motor or an electromagnetic brake. For example, the rotation angle may be controlled by an encoder using a servo motor.
[0047]
FIG. 5 is a side view of an essential part showing an engaging part of an image forming apparatus and its opening / closing mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, an operation pulley 55, a driven pulley 56, an endless belt 57, and a rack 58 are provided on the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. The driven pulley 56 is provided with a pinion 59 so as to rotate in the same direction as the rotation thereof.
[0048]
An endless belt 57 is hung on an operation pulley 55 attached to the front side of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 and a driven pulley 56 attached to the back side. The driven pulley 56 is provided with the pinion 59 as described above, and the pinion 59 rotates in the same direction as the driven pulley 56 rotates. Therefore, the operation pulley 55, the driven pulley 56, and the endless belt 57 are the rotation operation members of the pinion 59. A rack 58 meshes with the pinion 59, and the upper end of the rack 58 protrudes from the upper surface of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. A locking pin 60 is provided at the upper end of the rack 58 and engages with an engaging member 61 provided on the document pressing member 3 as an opening / closing member (see FIG. 5B).
[0049]
According to this configuration, the opening limit of the document retainer 3 is the time when the locking pin 60 of the rack 58 protruding from the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 is engaged with the engagement member 61 of the document retainer 3. That is, the rack 58 functions as an opening limit setting means. Here, when the operation pulley 55 is rotated back and forth (arrow I), the pinion 59 rotates together with the driven pulley 56 via the endless belt 57, and the amount of protrusion of the rack 58 meshing with the pinion 59 changes (arrow J). The opening limit of the document presser 3 that engages with the rack 58 can be set (arrow K). Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the desired opening limit of the document retainer 3 only by adjusting the protruding amount of the rack 58. Note that a frictional force is applied to the shaft of the operation pulley 55 to such an extent that the operation pulley 55 stops without rotating even if the hand is released from the operation pulley 55.
[0050]
In addition, the rotation operation member of the pinion 59 may not have a configuration such as the above-described two pulleys and an endless belt hanging on the two pulleys. For example, the operation pulley may be replaced with an operation member such as a lever. Further, the pinion 59 may be rotated by a motor, and the motor operating means may be arranged on the front side of the image forming apparatus. The operation means includes, for example, a button group in which several opening limits are set in advance, and a numeric keypad for inputting a desired opening limit numerically.
[0051]
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing a hinge portion of an opening / closing mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, a crank 62, a crank rod 63, and a locking pin 64 are provided at the hinge 40 portion of the opening / closing mechanism 4.
[0052]
The drive part of the crank 62 is comprised by the stepping motor, and is equipped with the electromagnetic brake for rotation holding | maintenance at the time of electricity supply OFF (not shown). The crank 62 is provided inside the main body 2 below the hinge 40. The operation means of the crank 62 is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 (not shown). This operation means is constituted by, for example, a button group in which several opening limits are set in advance, or a numeric keypad for inputting a desired opening limit numerically. A crank rod 63 is attached to the crank 62, and an upper portion of the crank rod 63 protrudes from the upper surface of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. The crank rod 63 is provided with a groove 63a, and a locking pin 64 provided on the document pressing side hinge piece 40a is inserted into the groove 63a.
[0053]
When the user sets the opening limit of the document presser 3 using the operating means provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, a predetermined angle is set in the direction in which the crank 62 pushes up the crank rod 63 based on this setting. (Arrow L in FIG. 6B). Here, when energization of the motor is stopped, its rotation is held by the electromagnetic brake. Next, when the document retainer 3 is opened (same arrow M), the locking pin 64 provided on the document retainer side hinge piece 40a gradually rises along the groove 63a provided on the crank rod 63, and these are engaged. In the combined state, the document retainer 3 opens and reaches the limit. That is, the crank rod 63 functions as an opening limit setting means.
[0054]
In this way, it is possible to easily adjust the desired opening limit of the document retainer 3 simply by adjusting the protrusion amount of the crank rod 63. Further, the amount of protrusion of the crank rod 62 can be adjusted automatically and quickly. As a result, if a button having a predetermined opening limit set in advance as described above is provided as an operation means, the opening limit of the document presser 3 can be set more simply by pressing this button. It becomes possible to shorten the working time and improve the operability. Further, since the motor and its operating means need only be connected by a signal cable, the opening / closing mechanism 4 can be made more compact.
[0055]
The drive and control of the crank 62 may be another member having a function equivalent to that of a stepping motor or an electromagnetic brake. For example, the rotation angle may be controlled by an encoder using a servo motor. In addition, the rotation operation of the crank 62 is not necessarily performed automatically by a motor or the like. As in the fifth embodiment, a rotation operation member such as two pulleys and an endless belt hanging on these pulleys is used. You may use it manually.
[0056]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the engaging member 41 that constitutes the opening / closing mechanism 4, the locking pin 42, and the operating lever 43 that is the operating means of the opening limit setting means Although provided on the left side, these may be provided on the right side of the image forming apparatus 1. In the second to sixth embodiments, the opening / closing mechanism 4 may be provided at any location such as the left side or the right side of the image forming apparatus 1 or the inside of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
According to the configuration of the present invention, the opening limit of the opening / closing member can be set to a desired angle from the front side of the device. As a result, the user himself / herself can set the opening limit of the opening / closing member at a desired angle, which can solve the problem that the user cannot reach the opening / closing member. In addition, since it is not necessary for the user to move to the back side of the device or to extend his / her hand in order to set the opening limit of the opening / closing member, it is very convenient without taking time and effort.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing a hinge part of an opening / closing mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view of an essential part showing an engaging portion of an image forming apparatus and an opening / closing mechanism thereof according to a fifth embodiment. Perspective view [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body 3 Document holding | pressing 4 Opening / closing mechanism 40 Hinge 41, 61 Engagement member 42, 60, 64 Locking pin 43, 48 Operation lever 44 Wire 49 Knob 54 Electric reel 58 Rack 59 Pinion 62 Crank 63 Crank rod

Claims (8)

Opening and closing the opening / closing member provided approximately horizontally on the upper surface of the device in a substantially vertical plane by placing a hand on the free end located on the front side of the device with the hinge provided on the back side of the device as a fulcrum In the opening and closing mechanism capable of
An opening / closing mechanism characterized in that an opening limit setting means for the opening / closing member is provided on the back side of the device, and an operating means for operating the opening limit setting means is disposed on the front side of the device.   2. The device according to claim 1, wherein an operation member is provided on a side surface of the device, with the vicinity of the hinge as a fulcrum and the front side of the device as a free end, and an opening limit of the opening / closing member is set by changing its own angle. The opening and closing mechanism described in 1.   2. The tension point of the string-like member connected to the opening / closing member becomes an opening limit of the opening / closing member, and the feeding amount adjusting member of the string-like member is disposed on the front side of the device. Opening and closing mechanism.   4. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the string-like member is fed out from the electric reel, and an operating means of the electric reel is arranged on the front side of the device.   The time when the rack protruding from the device engages with the opening / closing member is the opening limit of the opening / closing member, and the pinion turning operation member that changes the protruding amount of the rack is arranged on the front side of the device. 2. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that:   6. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the pinion is rotated by a motor, and operating means of the motor is arranged on the front side of the device.   When the crank rod protruding from the device is engaged with the opening / closing member, the opening limit of the opening / closing member becomes the limit, and a crank operation member for changing the protruding amount of the crank rod is arranged on the front side of the device. 2. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein   8. The opening / closing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the crank is rotated by a motor, and operating means of the motor is arranged on the front side of the device.

Images