JP4721467B2 - Image forming apparatus, paper feed unit, and paper feed tray locking method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that locks a paper feed tray by fitting the paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, it is possible to print a form at high speed and with high quality by feeding preprinted paper on which a form has already been printed onto a paper feed tray and overlay printing the back-end data on the preprinted paper. it can.

  However, in order to perform such use, preprinted paper must be inserted in advance into the paper feed tray of the printer, which poses a security problem. Therefore, a locking mechanism is required for recent printers.

  Conventionally, there are roughly two methods for locking the printer and the paper feed tray.

  The first is a method using a method in which a cam rotates.

  A cam is a mechanical element having an arbitrary shape, and is an element that gives an arbitrary motion to the other party by direct contact thereof.

  16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining a conventional paper feed tray locking method.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (a), the conventional locking device is composed of a cylinder part 7 and a cam 8, and the cam 8 is rotated by inserting a key into the cylinder part 7 and turning the key. Yes.

  The cylinder is a cylindrical or cylindrical mechanical element. In FIG. 16A, the cylinder portion 7 is rotated by inserting and rotating a key.

  In this first method, a button for pulling out the sheet feeding tray itself is not prepared, and a type of pulling out by applying a predetermined force in and out (shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 described later), etc. In addition, it can be used by sandwiching a cam in the recessed portion to be locked.

  The second is a method using a method in which the latch moves.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (b), the conventional locking device is composed of a cylinder part 7 and a latch 9, and the latch 9 is moved by inserting a key into the cylinder part 7 and turning the key.

  This second method is used by arranging a latch so as to prevent the button from being pressed when the release button is to be pressed when the paper feed tray is pulled out (shown in FIG. 10 described later). Is possible.

  Here, locking of the paper feed tray will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, in the conventional locking of the paper feed tray, the user inserts a key into the cylinder portion 7 and rotates the key 8 to rotate the cam 8. The cam 8 is caught in the recess 5 and locked.

  Similarly, the above-described method in which the latch moves can be locked by hooking the latch 9 (FIG. 16B) to the recess 5.

  Here, two methods are considered for the first method of locking the image forming apparatus and the paper feed tray.

  In the first method, as described in Patent Document 1, a cylinder that can be opened / closed with a key is installed on the paper feed tray side, and a recess in which a cam is sandwiched is installed on the image forming apparatus side.

Also, as described in Patent Document 2, the second method is to install a cylinder that can be opened / closed with a key on the image forming apparatus side, and a recess in which a cam is sandwiched on the paper feed tray side. Yes.
JP 2001-121895 A JP 2004-075293 A

  The feature of Patent Document 1 is that the cylinder portion 7 is provided on the paper feed tray side and the concave portion 5 is provided on the main body side. The feature of Patent Document 2 is that the cylinder portion 7 is provided on the main body side and the concave portion 5 is provided on the paper feed tray side. Both correspond to the conventional locking method shown in FIG.

  However, in the locking methods shown in the above two patent documents, the following attachment conditions are assumed.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the mounting conditions of the conventional locking method.

  The first mounting condition is that when the concave portion 5 is fixed, the shape of the cam 8 and the position of the cylinder portion 7 are determined, and a certain range in which the cam 8 reaches the concave portion 5 (on the broken line 1901 in FIG. 18A). ) Need to be provided with a cylinder portion 7.

  The second mounting condition is that when the cylinder portion 7 is fixed, the shape of the cam 8 and the position of the concave portion 5 are determined, and within a certain range within which the cam 8 can reach (within the broken line circle 1902 in FIG. 18B). It is that it is necessary to provide the recessed part 5 in this. As a result, there were the following problems.

  First, when the cylinder and the recess are separated from each other, it is necessary to enlarge the cam. For this reason, there is a problem that the cost increases or the position where the enlarged cam is installed is limited, and it becomes impossible to install depending on the place.

  Further, when the cam is downsized, the cam and the recess need to be close to each other, and there is a problem that the mounting position of the cylinder is limited.

  Further, as in Patent Document 2, in order to provide the cylinder on the image forming apparatus main body side, it is necessary to improve the image forming apparatus main body. For users who already have the image forming apparatus, the user destination Therefore, the image forming apparatus must be improved (repaired). For this reason, there is a problem that the burden on the maintenance manager is large and the installation cost increases.

  Next, problems of the image forming apparatus to which the back cover can be attached will be described.

  In this type of image forming apparatus, a paper feed tray whose depth of the paper feed tray is longer than the depth of the image forming apparatus main body can be mounted. In this case, the paper feed tray is attached to the image forming apparatus in a state of protruding from the back surface of the image forming apparatus main body (a back cover 15 in FIG. 14 described later).

  In this type of image forming apparatus, the back cover covers (covers) the protruding portion of the paper feed tray that is mounted so as to protrude from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and prevents dust.

  The conventional back cover can be easily removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus by lifting the back cover while rotating it in the direction of an arrow 15a in FIG. Therefore, even if the paper feed tray is locked, if the back cover is removed, the paper may be stolen from the back of the image forming apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to use a fixing mechanism (a locking mechanism) provided in advance to prevent a paper feed tray mounted on an image forming apparatus from sliding due to its own weight or vibration, and to increase the degree of freedom of a key attachment position. It is to provide a mechanism for locking the paper feed tray.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a storage unit for retractably storing a paper feed tray for storing paper to be fed to the image forming apparatus, and a fitting for fitting the paper feed tray and the storage unit. and a section, the paper feed tray, by enabling fitted into the fitting portion includes a locking portion for locking further the engagement which is the fitting portion and the fitted state comprising a fixing portion for fixing the stop portion, when the paper feed tray is stored in the storage unit, the locking unit becomes the fitted state by the locking portion comes into contact with the fitting portion, The fixing portion pushes the locking portion against the fitting portion according to rotation of a key inserted into an insertion port of a cylinder into which a key is inserted in order to lock the paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus. A cam is provided that suppresses the operation of the engaging portion by being applied .

  According to the present invention, since the paper feed tray can be locked using the locking mechanism prepared in advance in the paper feed tray, it is possible to realize the locking of the paper feed tray with the degree of freedom of the key attachment position. it can.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which the locking method according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a paper feed tray mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 99. Reference numeral 2 denotes a paper feed tray mounted on the paper feed unit 3. The paper feed tray is also referred to as a “paper feed cassette”, but in this embodiment is referred to as a “paper feed tray”.

  Hereinafter, the paper feed tray 2 and the paper feed unit 3 are illustrated and described, but the paper feed tray 1 and the image forming apparatus main body 99 have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the paper feed tray 1 and the paper feed tray 2 are referred to as “paper feed tray”, and the image forming apparatus main body 99 and the paper feed unit 3 are referred to as “image forming apparatus main body”.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of pulling out the paper feed cassette shown in FIG. 1 from the image forming apparatus main body.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed cassette is supported by the image forming apparatus main body so as to be slidable inward and outward (arrow direction in the figure). The paper feed cassette can be pulled out of the main body of the image forming apparatus by sliding the paper feed cassette with a predetermined force in the inward / outward direction (arrow direction in the figure).

  Hereinafter, a fixing mechanism (a locking mechanism) of the image forming apparatus main body will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining the paper feed tray shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The paper feed tray as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has some kind of fixing mechanism (locking mechanism), and is locked so that the paper feed tray is not easily detached from the image forming apparatus main body during transportation.

  In the locking method of this embodiment, the sheet feeding tray is locked by restricting the fixing mechanism (locking mechanism) so that it cannot be released.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part A shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the paper feed tray is provided with a hook 4 and a spring 6 as locking portions, and the spring 6 always pushes up the hook 4.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the image forming apparatus main body of the present embodiment. FIG. 5B corresponds to an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, a concave portion 5 as a fitting portion is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side.

  6 is a cross-sectional view of the hook 4 and the spring 6 shown in FIG. 4 and the recess 5 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the hook 4 is fitted into the recess 5, thereby realizing a fixing mechanism (a locking mechanism).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the hook 4 that has been caught in the recess 5 by pulling the paper feed tray as shown in FIG. Go down. As a result, the lock is released and the paper feed tray can be slid.

  In other words, the engaging portion (hook 4) is fitted to the engaging portion when the engaging portion contacting the fitting portion (recessed portion 5) is not fixed by a fixing portion (cam 8 shown in FIG. 7 described later). The paper feed tray can be slid out of the part, and the paper feed tray cannot be slid when the locking part fitted to the fitting part is fixed by the fixing part.

  Hereinafter, the locking method in this embodiment is demonstrated. The locking method of this embodiment uses a method of locking by restricting the movement of the hook 4 by the fixing portion (cam 8). This will be described in detail below.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the concave portion 5 (FIG. 5) is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, and the hook 4 (FIG. 4) and the spring 6 (FIG. 4) are provided on the paper feed tray side. When the paper feed tray is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the paper feed tray has a locking mechanism that always pushes up the hook 4 by the spring 6 and hooks the hook 4 to the recess 5 as shown in FIG. Have.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the locking configuration of the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the cylinder portion 7 shown in FIG. 7 is installed in the paper feed tray and is rotatably supported on the paper feed tray side. As shown in FIG. 7, the cylinder portion 7 is provided with a key insertion slot 7a and a projection 7b that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the key inserted into the key insertion slot 7a on the front surface thereof. . 7 shows an example in which a pipe-like key called an ace key or the like is used in the cylinder part 7 from the shape of the key hole shown in the key insertion slot 7a, but any shape of the key is used. Good.

  Further, a cam 8 is mounted on the projection 7b of the cylinder portion 7, and when the projection 7b of the cylinder portion 7 is rotated, the cam 8 is also rotated together with the projection 7b.

  When the user inserts a key into the key insertion port 7a of the cylinder part 7 and rotates the key, the protrusion 7b of the cylinder part 7 also rotates, and the cam 8 attached to the protrusion 7b moves. As shown in FIG. 7A, the cam 8 functions as a fixing portion of the hook 4 and restricts the movement of the hook 4 by the cam 8 (fixes the hook 4 that contacts (hangs on) the recess 5 by the cam 8. ) Is configured as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the user has pulled the paper feed tray in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 as a result of restricting the movement of the hook 4 (the result of fixing the hook 4 in contact with the recess 5 by the cam 8). 2 (even if a predetermined force is applied in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2), since the hook 4 that is in contact with the recess 5 is fixed by the cam 8, the hook 4 is not lowered (the hook 4 is not detached from the recess 5). The paper tray cannot be pulled out.

  On the other hand, as an unlocking method, the user inserts a key into the key insertion slot 7a of the cylinder part 7 and rotates the key in the direction opposite to that at the time of locking, whereby the projection 7b of the cylinder part 7 rotates. Then, the cam 8 attached to the protrusion 7b moves, and the restriction of the hook 4 is released (the fixing of the hook 4 contacting the recess 5 by the cam 8 is released) as shown in FIG. 7B.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, as a result of releasing the restriction of the hook 4 (result of releasing the fixation of the hook 4 contacting the recess 5 by the cam 8), as shown in FIG. 2, in the direction of the arrow in FIG. When the user pulls the paper feed tray (when a predetermined force is applied in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2), the hook 4 is lowered (the hook 4 is detached from the recess 5) and the paper feed tray is pulled out (the arrow in FIG. 2). Slide in the direction).

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of attachment of the cylinder portion 7 shown in FIG. 7 to the paper feed tray 2 (paper feed tray 1).

  7 and 8, the configuration has been described in which the cam 8 is attached to the protrusion 7 a of the cylinder portion 7 and the movement of the hook 4 is regulated by the cam 8, but the key inserted into the cylinder portion 7 is rotated. Accordingly, the latch (latch 9 shown in FIG. 16B) may be moved to restrict the movement of the hook 4 (fix the hook 4).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the cylinder portion 7 (see FIG. 5B) is not limited by the position of the recess 5 (FIG. 5B) because of the configuration in which the movement of the locking portion such as the hook 4 is restricted and locked. 7) can be mounted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, since the cylinder unit 7 (FIG. 7) is mounted on the paper feed tray, the locking mechanism is not changed without changing the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 99 and the paper feed unit 3. It can be attached. Therefore, it is possible to easily adopt the locking method of the present embodiment even for image forming apparatuses already on the market.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, the storage unit that retractably stores the paper feed tray that stores the paper to be fed to the image forming apparatus, the paper feed tray, and the storage unit are fitted. A fitting portion (recess 5) for joining, and the paper feed tray is engaged with the fitting portion by engaging with the engaging portion (hook 4) and engaging with the fitting portion. It has a fixing part (cylinder part 7 and cam 8) which fixes the state where the stop part was fitted. The fixing portion is maintained so that the engagement between the locking portion and the fitting portion is maintained with the rotation of the cylinder portion 7 in which the key insertion port 7a is formed and the key inserted in the insertion port 7a. And a cam 8 that moves to the center.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, since the paper feed tray can be locked using the locking mechanism prepared in advance in the paper feed tray, the image forming apparatus main body is modified and unnecessary additional parts are increased. In addition, the paper feed tray can be locked with a degree of freedom in the key attachment position.

  20A and 20B, when the paper feed unit 3 and the image forming apparatus main body 99 are combined and used, similarly, the hook 4 and the paper feed unit of the paper feed tray stored in the paper feed unit 3 are used. It can lock using the fixing mechanism (locking mechanism) which contacts with the recessed part 5 of this and locks.

  Hereinafter, the configuration when the paper feeding unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus and used will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B.

  20A and 20B, (a) is a view of opening and closing of the image forming apparatus main body 99 and the paper feed tray 1 used in the first embodiment.

  20A and 20B, (b) is a diagram of opening and closing of the paper feed unit 3 and the paper feed tray 2 that are externally attached to the image forming apparatus main body 99 when a plurality of sizes of printing paper are stored in the image forming apparatus. .

  20A and 20B, (c) is a diagram in which (a) and (b) of FIGS. 20A and 20B are combined. In this case, in order to prevent the sheet from being taken out from the sheet feeding tray, it is necessary to provide a fixing mechanism not only to the image forming apparatus main body 99 but also to the sheet feeding unit 3.

  The configuration of the fixing mechanism attached to the paper feeding unit 3 is the same as the configuration described in the fixing mechanism of the image forming apparatus main body 99, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the paper feed unit 3 according to the first embodiment includes the storage unit that retractably stores the paper feed tray 2 that stores the paper fed to the paper feed unit 3, the paper feed tray 2, and the storage. An engaging portion (hook 5) for engaging the engaging portion, and the sheet feeding tray 2 has a locking portion (hook 4) for engaging with the engaging portion by being able to be engaged, It has a fixing part (cylinder part 7 and cam 8) for fixing the fitted state of the fitting part and the locking part.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, since the paper feed tray can be locked using the locking mechanism prepared in advance in the paper feed tray, the image forming apparatus main body is modified and unnecessary additional parts are increased. In addition, the paper feed tray can be locked with a degree of freedom in the key attachment position.

  Therefore, even for a conventional image forming apparatus already on the market, a paper feed tray to which this embodiment is applied by a serviceman (as shown in FIG. The paper feed tray can be easily locked by simply replacing the paper feed tray.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the configuration using the fixing mechanism in which the hook 4 of the sheet feeding tray is brought into contact with the concave portion 5 of the image forming apparatus main body and locked is described. However, the fixing mechanism (locking mechanism) may be configured such that the concave portion of the paper feed tray comes into contact with the convex portion (hook or the like) of the image forming apparatus main body and locks.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the movement of the hook 4 is directly regulated by the cam 8 has been described. However, when the cylinder portion 7 and the hook 4 cannot be brought close to each other due to the empty space of the image forming apparatus main body and it is difficult to increase the size of the cam 8, the cam 8 (or latch) attached to the cylinder portion 7 is provided. The case where it does not reach the hook 4 directly can be considered. In this case, a mechanism and a member for restricting the movement of the hook 4 are added between the cam 8 and the hook 4. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a locking configuration according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a seesaw 10 is provided between the cam 8 and the hook 4. The seesaw 10 is rotatably attached to a paper feed tray on a shaft 10a.

  Then, when the user inserts a key into the key insertion port 7a of the cylinder part 7 and rotates the key, the cam 8 attached to the protrusion 7b of the cylinder part 7 rotates (moves), and FIG. As shown in a), the seesaw 10 is pushed and moved (turned), and the seesaw 10 restricts the movement of the hook 4 (the hook 4 is fixed in a state of being in contact with the recess 5).

  As shown in FIG. 9A, as a result of restricting the movement of the hook 4 (the result of fixing the hook 4 in contact with the recess 5 by the cam 8 and the seesaw 10), as shown in FIG. Is pulled (even if a predetermined force is applied in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2), the hook 4 is not lowered and the paper feed tray cannot be pulled out.

  As an unlocking method, the user inserts a key into the cylinder portion 7 and rotates the key 8 in the direction opposite to the time of locking, thereby rotating the cam 8 attached to the cylinder portion 7. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9B, the seesaw 10 is lowered, and the restriction of the hook 4 by the seesaw 10 can be released.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, as a result of releasing the restriction of the hook 4 (result of releasing the fixation of the hook 4 in contact with the recess 5 by the cam 8 and the seesaw 10), as shown in FIG. When the paper tray is pulled (when a predetermined force is applied in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2), the hook 4 is lowered and the paper feed tray can be pulled out (slid in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2).

  As described above, the main body of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a storage unit that stores the paper feed tray so that the paper feed tray can be pulled out, and a fitting unit (recess 5) for fitting the paper feed tray and the storage unit. ), And the paper feed tray fixes the engagement portion (hook 4) that is locked by being able to be fitted to the fitting portion, and the fitting portion and the locking portion are fitted. It has a fixed part (cylinder part 7, cam 8).

  In addition, the fixed portion of the present embodiment includes a first portion (cylinder portion 7 and cam 8) that moves according to the rotation of the key inserted into the key insertion port 7a, the first portion, and the locking portion ( Provided between the hooks 4) and moved so that the engagement between the engaging portion and the fitting portion (recessed portion 5) is maintained by being pushed by the first portion when the first portion moves. The second part (seesaw 10) is provided.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cylinder portion 7 and the hook 4 cannot be brought close to each other and the cam 8 is difficult to increase in size due to the empty space of the image forming apparatus main body. The paper feed tray can be locked.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the fixing portion (the cylinder portion 7, the cam 8, etc.) is provided on the sheet feeding tray side and the fixing portion fixes the hook 4 of the sheet feeding tray has been described. However, when the cylinder portion 7 and the hook 4 cannot be brought close to each other and it is difficult to increase the size of the cam 8, the fixing portion (the cylinder portion 7, the cam 8, etc.) is not limited to the paper feed tray but on the image forming apparatus main body side. You may make it provide. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state where the sheet feeding unit and the image forming apparatus are combined. FIG. 19A shows a state in which the paper feed unit 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 99. Moreover, in (b), (c), and (d) of FIG. 19, each represents a state where the cylinder portion 7 is provided at a different position. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to the respective drawings.

  FIG. 19B is a diagram in which the cylinder portion 7 is provided in the paper feed tray 1 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 99 described in the first and second embodiments.

  FIG. 19C is a diagram in which the cylinder portion 7 is provided in the paper feed tray 2 mounted on the paper feed unit 3 described in the first and second embodiments.

  FIG. 19D is a diagram in which the cylinder portion 7 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 99 described in the third embodiment.

  The configuration of the fixing mechanism of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the fixing mechanism described in the second embodiment.

  This will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, a cylinder portion 7, a cam 8, a seesaw 10, and a recess 5 are provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, and a hook 4 is provided on the paper feed tray side.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 19D, the cylinder portion 7 in which the key insertion opening 7a is formed and the rotation of the key inserted in the insertion opening 7a. Provided between the first part (cam 8) that moves, the first part and the locking part (hook 4), and is pushed by the first part when the first part moves, and engages with the locking part A fixing portion including a second portion (seesaw 10) that moves so as to maintain the fitting with the portion (recess 5) is provided on the image forming apparatus main body 99 side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20B (c), when the image forming apparatus main body 99 is mounted on the paper feeding unit 3 and used, only the image forming apparatus main body 99 is prevented in order to prevent the paper from being taken into the paper feeding tray 2. In addition, it is necessary to attach a fixing mechanism to the paper feeding unit 3 as well. The configuration of the fixing mechanism attached to the paper feeding unit 3 is the same as the configuration of the fixing mechanism of the image forming apparatus main body 99 described in the present embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the paper feed unit 3 according to the third embodiment includes the storage unit that retractably stores the paper feed tray 2 that stores the paper to be fed to the image forming apparatus, the paper feed tray 2, and the storage unit. And the sheet feeding tray 2 includes a locking portion (hook 4) for locking the fitting by allowing the sheet feeding tray 2 to be fitted to the fitting portion, Further, the sheet feeding unit 3 includes a fixing portion (cylinder portion 7, cam 8, and seesaw 10) for fixing the fitted state of the fitting portion and the locking portion.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus main body 99 or the paper feeding unit 3 can be used even when the cylinder portion 7 and the hook 4 cannot be brought close to each other and it is difficult to increase the size of the cam 8. A fixing mechanism can be attached to the.

  As shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 7), the image forming apparatus main body 99 or the paper feed unit 3 may be provided with a fixing portion (cylinder portion 7 and cam 8) that does not include the seesaw 10. Good. In the case of this configuration, the cylinder portion 7, the cam 8, and the recess 5 shown in FIG. 7 are provided on the image forming apparatus main body 99 or the paper feed unit 3 side, and the hook 4 is provided on the paper feed tray side.

  In the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, by pulling the paper feed tray with a predetermined force in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, the paper feed tray fixing mechanism (locking mechanism) is released. The locking method in the image forming apparatus configured to take out the paper feed tray has been described.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, some image forming apparatuses include a release button and a release lever for releasing a fixing mechanism (a locking mechanism) on the paper feed tray. In the following embodiment, a locking method in the image forming apparatus having such a configuration will be described.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a locking method in an image forming apparatus having a release button and a release lever for releasing a fixing mechanism (a locking mechanism) on a paper feed tray will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the paper feed tray has a release button will be described, but the same applies to the case where the paper feed tray has a release lever.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which the locking method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

  FIG. 10A corresponds to a diagram illustrating the entire image forming apparatus. FIG. 10B corresponds to an enlarged view of a portion C shown in FIG. FIG. 10C corresponds to a state in which the paper feed tray 18 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body 17.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the fixing mechanism (locking mechanism) of the paper feed tray 18 is released by pressing the lock release button 11 of the paper feed tray 18.

  In such a configuration, the lock state of the paper feed tray 18 can be maintained (that is, locked) by restricting the lock release button 11 of the paper feed tray 18.

  Hereinafter, the locking method in this embodiment is demonstrated. As described above, the locking method of the present embodiment uses a method of locking by restricting the lock release button 11. This will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a locking configuration according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A corresponds to a view showing the front cover portion of the paper feed tray 18. Moreover, FIG.11 (b) respond | corresponds to the enlarged view of the B section shown to Fig.11 (a). Moreover, FIG.11 (c) respond | corresponds to the figure which shows the detail of the locking structure of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the locking method according to the present embodiment is such that the user inserts a key into the key insertion port 7 a of the cylinder unit 7 attached to the paper feed tray 18 and rotates the key, thereby rotating the cylinder unit 7. The cam 8 attached to the protrusion 7b is rotated (the cam 8 is rotated to a state shown by shading in the figure). The movement of the release button 11 is physically restricted by the cam 8 so that the release button 11 cannot be pressed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, even if the user tries to press the release button 11, the release button 11 cannot be pressed and the paper feed tray 18 cannot be taken out (that is, can be locked). .

  As an unlocking method, a user inserts a key into the key insertion slot 7a of the cylinder portion 7 and rotates the key in the direction opposite to that at the time of locking, so that the cam 8 attached to the projection 7b of the cylinder portion 7 is used. Rotate (return from the shaded state to the original state). As a result, the restriction of the release button 11 by the cam 8 can be released, and the release button 11 can be pressed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user can press the release button 11 and take out the paper feed tray 18 as shown in FIG. 10C.

  In FIG. 11C, the configuration in which the cam 8 is mounted on the projection 7a of the cylinder portion 7 and the movement of the release button 11 is regulated by the cam 8 is described. By rotating, the latch (latch 9 shown in FIG. 16B) may be moved to restrict the movement of the release button 11 (fix the release button 11).

  As described above, since the shape of the cam 8 can be reduced by mounting the cylinder portion 7 in the vicinity of the release button 11 and the release lever (not shown), the cylinder portion 7 including the cam 8 can be downsized. is there.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the movement of the release button 11 is directly regulated by the cam 8 has been described. However, when the cylinder portion 7 and the release button 11 cannot be brought close to each other due to the space available in the image forming apparatus main body and it is difficult to increase the size of the cam 8, the cam 8 attached to the projection 7b of the cylinder portion 7 (or It is conceivable that the latch does not reach the release button 11 directly. In this case, a mechanism and a member for physically restricting the movement of the release button 11 are added between the cam 8 and the release button 11. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a locking configuration according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the connecting bar 12 is attached to the cam 8 ′. The connecting bar 12 is attached so as to slide in the direction of the release button 11 when the cam 8 'rotates.

  Then, when the user inserts a key into the key insertion port 7a of the cylinder portion 7 attached to the paper feed tray and rotates the key, the cam 8 'attached to the cylinder portion 7 rotates, and the cam 8' The attached connecting bar 12 is slid to the back of the release button 11 (FIG. 12A). In this way, the connection bar 12 is slid to the rear of the release button 11 and the release button 11 cannot be pushed by physically restricting the movement of the release button 11. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, even if the user tries to press the release button 11, the release button 11 is blocked by the connecting bar 12 and cannot be pressed, and the paper feed tray 18 cannot be taken out.

  As an unlocking method, a user inserts a key into the key insertion port 7a of the cylinder part 7 and rotates the key in the direction opposite to that at the time of locking, thereby rotating the cam 8 'attached to the cylinder part 7. Then, the connecting bar 12 attached to the cam 8 is returned to the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12B, the release button 11 can be pressed when the connecting bar 12 is returned. As a result, the restriction of the release button 11 by the cam 8 can be released, and the release button 11 can be pressed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user can press the release button 11 and take out the paper feed tray 18 as shown in FIG. 10C.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus in which a recess is provided in the front cover portion of the paper feed tray, and a release button and a release lever are provided in the recess, the release button and the release lever are covered with a cover and blindfolded. And configured to limit contact with the release lever. With this configuration, the same effect as when the paper feed tray is locked is obtained.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a locking method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, the blindfold plate 14 shown in FIG. 13B is mounted in the recess 13 provided in the front cover portion of the paper feed tray shown in FIG. 13A as shown in FIG.

  Then, a user inserts a key into the key insertion port 7a of the cylinder part 7 of the blind cover 14 attached to the recess 13 of the paper feed tray and rotates the key so that the cam attached to the protrusion 7b of the cylinder part 7 8 rotates, and a state as shown in FIG. As a result, the cam 8 is caught in the gap (recess) in the recess 13 of the paper feed tray in FIG. 13A, so that the blindfold plate 14 attached to the recess 13 of the paper feed tray cannot be removed. As a result, the release button and release lever provided in the recess 13 of the paper feed tray can be hidden, and even if the user tries to operate the release button or release lever in the recess 13, the user cannot operate it and take out the paper feed tray. (Ie, it can be locked).

  As an unlocking method, a user inserts a key into the key insertion slot 7a of the cylinder portion 7 and rotates the key in the opposite direction to that at the time of locking, whereby the cam 8 attached to the cylinder portion 7 rotates. The cam 8 is detached from the recess 13 of the paper feed tray, and the blindfold plate 14 attached to the recess 13 of the paper feed tray is removed. As a result, the user can operate by freely touching the release button or release lever in the recess 13 of the paper feed tray, and can pull out the paper feed tray.

  As described above, the paper feed tray is longer than the depth of the image forming apparatus and is attached to the image forming apparatus in a state of protruding from the back surface of the image forming apparatus and protrudes beyond the image forming apparatus. The back cover that covers the protruding part of the installed paper feed tray can be removed by rotating it. The back cover prevents the back cover from rotating when the paper feed tray is installed in the image forming apparatus. The rotation prevention unit is provided on the lower surface of the paper feed tray when the paper feed tray is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  With the above configuration, the sheet feeding tray can be locked regardless of the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body (regardless of the presence or absence of a recess or the like for locking the image forming apparatus main body).

[Seventh Embodiment]
In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus to which a back cover can be attached will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment can mount a paper feed tray whose depth of the paper feed tray is longer than the depth of the image forming apparatus main body. As shown in FIG. 14, such a paper feed tray is mounted in a state of protruding from the back surface of the image forming apparatus main body.

  In FIG. 14, reference numeral 15 denotes a back cover, which covers (covers) the protruding portion of the paper feed tray that protrudes from the main body of the image forming apparatus and protects it from dust. The back cover 15 can be removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus by lifting the back cover so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow 15a in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the back cover of the present embodiment will be described in comparison with a conventional back cover with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the back cover shown in FIG. 15A corresponds to a conventional back cover, and FIG. 15B corresponds to the back cover of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the conventional back cover rotates the back cover 15 upward as indicated by an arrow 15a even when the paper feed tray is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. Thus, it can be removed from the image forming apparatus main body.

  Therefore, even if the paper tray is locked as shown in the first to sixth embodiments, the back cover 15 is removed, and the paper in the paper tray from the back is stolen. There was a risk of it. In the present embodiment, a mechanism for preventing such sheet theft from the back surface is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 15B, the back cover of the present embodiment is provided with a connecting plate 16 on the lower surface of the back cover 15. The connecting plate 16 is provided so that the connecting plate 16 comes to the lower surface of the paper feed tray when the paper feed tray is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

  As a result, while the paper feed tray is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the connecting plate 16 functions as a rotation preventing member, and the rear cover 15 cannot rotate in the direction of the arrow 15a and can be removed from the image forming apparatus main body. Disappear. Note that the mounting order is the order in which the back cover 15 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, and then the paper feeding tray is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body without the paper feeding tray mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. It becomes.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus to which the back cover can be attached, the back cover with the anti-theft measures of the present embodiment is used simultaneously with the locking structure of the paper feed tray shown in the first to sixth embodiments. By doing so, it is possible to easily take measures to prevent paper theft from the back without attaching a key to the back cover 15.

  As described above, since no key is provided on the back cover, no modification (configuration change) of the main body of the image forming apparatus is required, so the above-described antitheft measures can be taken even for users who already have the image forming apparatus. It is possible to easily take measures against theft of paper by easily attaching the rear cover of the present embodiment to the user.

  In addition, all the structures which combined the said 1st Embodiment-7th Embodiment are also contained in this invention.

  In addition, each structure mentioned above and its content are not limited to this, It cannot be overemphasized that it is comprised with various structures and content according to a use and the objective.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a lock mechanism provided in advance to prevent the paper feed tray mounted on the image forming apparatus from sliding due to its own weight or vibration is used. It is possible to provide a mechanism for locking the paper feed tray with a degree of freedom of the attachment position.

It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which can apply the locking method which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of pulling out the paper feed tray illustrated in FIG. 1 from the image forming apparatus main body. It is a side view for demonstrating the paper feed tray shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the A section shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the image forming apparatus main body of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the hook and spring shown in FIG. 4, and the recessed part shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the locking structure of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed an example of the attachment to the paper feed tray of the cylinder part shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the locking structure of 2nd this embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which can apply the locking method which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the locking structure of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the locking structure of 4th this embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the locking method in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image forming apparatus which shows 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the back cover shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the conventional paper feed tray locking method. It is a figure explaining the conventional paper feed tray locking method. It is a figure explaining the attachment conditions of the conventional locking method. It is a figure explaining the example of the attachment position of the cylinder attached to an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus and a paper feeding unit that can implement the locking configuration of the present invention, and a diagram illustrating a usage form when these are used in combination. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus and a paper feeding unit that can implement the locking configuration of the present invention, and a diagram illustrating a usage form when these are used in combination.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Paper feed tray 3 Paper feed unit 4 Hook 5 Recess 6 Spring 7 Cylinder 8 Cam 9 Latch 10 Seesaw 11 Release button 12 Connection bar 13 Front cover with a recess 14 Blindfold metal 15 Back cover 16 Connection plate 99 Image forming apparatus main body

Claims (8)

In the image forming apparatus,
A storage unit for retractably storing a paper feed tray for storing paper to be fed to the image forming apparatus;
A fitting portion for fitting the sheet feeding tray and the storage portion;
The paper feed tray includes a locking portion that locks by being able to be fitted to the fitting portion,
Furthermore, a fixing portion for fixing the engaging portion in a fitting state with the fitting portion is provided,
When the paper feed tray is stored in the storage portion, the locking portion is in a fitted state when the locking portion contacts the fitting portion,
The fixing portion pushes the locking portion against the fitting portion according to rotation of a key inserted into an insertion port of a cylinder into which a key is inserted in order to lock the paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: a cam that suppresses the operation of the engaging portion when being applied . When the operation of the locking portion is not suppressed by the fixing portion, the sheet feeding tray can be detached from the storage portion of the image forming apparatus by being pulled forward, and the engaging portion can be removed by the fixing portion. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the operation of the stop portion is suppressed, the storage portion can not be detached even when a force to pull forward is applied to the paper feed tray. The image forming apparatus described. Before SL fixing unit, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that provided on either of the paper feed tray or the image forming apparatus. Before SL fixing unit, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is installed in the paper tray to be housed in the image forming apparatus. The fixed portion,
Provided between the front Symbol cam of the locking unit, itself rotates in the same direction in response to rotation of said cam in order to lock the paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus, the locking portion 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a member that moves so as to suppress an operation of the locking portion by being pressed against the fitting portion . The paper feed tray has a depth longer than that of the image forming apparatus and is attached to the image forming apparatus in a state of protruding from the back surface of the image forming apparatus.
Removably provided by rotating a back cover that covers the protruding portion of the paper feed tray mounted protruding from the image forming apparatus;
The back cover is arranged when the paper feed tray is attached to the paper feed unit and the image forming apparatus so that the back cover cannot be rotated when the paper feed tray is attached to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation prevention unit positioned on a lower surface of the paper feed tray. In a paper feeding unit that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body,
A storage unit for retractably storing a paper feed tray for storing paper to be fed to the image forming apparatus;
A fitting portion for fitting the sheet feeding tray and the storage portion;
The paper feed tray includes a locking portion that locks by engaging with the fitting portion,
Further comprising a fixing portion for fixed the locking portion which is the engaging portion and the fitted state,
When the paper feed tray is stored in the storage unit, the locking unit comes into a fitted state by contacting the fitting unit,
The fixing portion pushes the locking portion against the fitting portion according to rotation of a key inserted into an insertion port of a cylinder into which a key is inserted in order to lock the paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus. sheet feeding unit, characterized in Rukoto comprises suppressing cam operation of the locking portion by applying. A method of locking a paper feed tray in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus or a paper feeding unit attached to the image forming apparatus is
A storage unit for retractably storing a paper feed tray for storing paper to be fed to the image forming apparatus;
A fitting portion for fitting the sheet feeding tray and the storage portion;
The paper feed tray includes a locking portion that locks by being able to be fitted to the fitting portion,
The image forming apparatus or the paper feeding unit further includes a fixing portion that fixes a state where the fitting portion and the locking portion are fitted,
When the paper feed tray is stored in the storage unit, the locking unit comes into a fitted state by contacting the fitting unit,
The fixing portion pushes the locking portion against the fitting portion according to rotation of a key inserted into an insertion port of a cylinder into which a key is inserted in order to lock the paper feed tray to the image forming apparatus. A cam that suppresses the operation of the locking portion by hitting,
When the operation of the locking portion is suppressed by the fixing portion, the paper feed tray is removed from the storage portion even when a force for pulling forward is applied to the paper feed tray. A method for locking a paper feed tray in an image forming apparatus,