JP5033676B2 - Open / close detection device, document conveying device equipped with the same, and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an open / close detection device that detects an open state of an open / close member. The present invention also relates to a document conveying device and an image forming apparatus equipped with the open / close detection device.

  Some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and facsimiles include a document conveying device that automatically sends a plurality of documents to a document reading unit. The document conveying device separates and conveys one sheet at a time from the uppermost layer of the bundle of documents stacked on the document placing tray. The original is read by the original reading unit, and then discharged onto a document discharge tray provided on the most downstream side of the original conveyance path.

  When copying an original with the image forming apparatus, there are cases where it is desired to use an original in a form such as a booklet that cannot be placed on the original placement tray of the original conveying apparatus, or to individually read one by one. In order to meet such a requirement, the document conveying device can open the document conveying device itself with respect to the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. Each document is placed on the platen glass provided on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus, which appears by opening the document conveying device, one by one.

  In the document conveying apparatus having such a configuration, it is necessary to prevent the document feeding section from operating when the document conveying apparatus is open with respect to the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. For this reason, some document feeders include an opening / closing detection device that detects opening / closing with respect to the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

The document conveying apparatuses (image forming apparatuses) described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 include an open / close detection device provided with an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter and a detected member that appears and disappears in a detection unit of the sensor. . These open / close detection devices are attached to a document transport device that opens and closes with respect to the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. An open state of the transfer device can be detected.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-14638 (page 4, FIG. 5-5) JP-A-7-319332 (page 4, FIG. 6) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-102070 (page 8-9, FIG. 5-6)

  Here, in the document conveying apparatus having the above-described configuration, a document jam can occur on the document conveying path formed inside the apparatus. When a document jam occurs, it is necessary to remove the jammed document. As a jam handling method of the document conveying apparatus, a method is generally employed in which the document conveying path inside the apparatus is exposed by opening the exterior cover and the document is removed.

  The document conveying apparatuses (image forming apparatuses) described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are provided with an open / close detection device to prevent the operation of the document feeding section when the document conveying apparatus is open with respect to the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. can do. However, it is necessary to provide an open / close detection device for the exterior cover for dealing with the document jam so that the document feeding section does not operate when the exterior cover is opened. As a result, the conventional document conveying device requires two open / close detection devices, and there is a high possibility that the component cost and assembly cost will increase. Further, since it is necessary to secure an installation space and wiring space for the two open / close detection devices, there is a possibility that the size of the document conveying device is increased and the wiring is complicated.

  In the document conveying device, when the document passes through the conveyance space provided between the conveyance guides, the document contacts the conveyance guide to generate friction, and the document and the conveyance guide may be electrostatically charged. . In some cases, the user who handles the document conveying device is charged with static electricity. As described above, the static electricity generated by the document, the conveyance guide, and the user adversely affects the sensor of the open / close detection device, which may cause malfunction of the sensor. If two opening / closing detection devices are arranged, there is a possibility that the sensor must be arranged near the document conveyance path due to the installation space, and there is a concern that the sensor may malfunction due to the influence of static electricity.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an openable / closable body that can be opened and closed with respect to the surface of the device main body, and an openable / closable exterior that is provided on the openable / closable body itself so that the internal structure of the openable / closable body can be exposed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an open / close detection device that can detect the open state of each cover with a configuration that achieves cost reduction and space saving and that can perform stable detection without malfunction. . It is another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive, compact and highly reliable document conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus equipped with such an open / close detection device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an openable / closable body that can be opened and closed with respect to the surface of a device main body, and an openable / closable exterior cover that is provided on the openable / closable body itself so as to expose an internal structure of the openable / closable body The open / close detection device detects each open state, and the open / close detection device includes a detected member that is displaced in conjunction with each displacement of the open / close body and the exterior cover, and the detected member And a single sensor that detects the displacement, and this sensor can identify that an open state of at least one of the opening / closing body and the exterior cover has occurred.

  The open / close detection device having the above-described configuration includes an arm member that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the exterior cover and that contacts the detected member in the process of the displacement to displace the detected member. Is displaced directly in conjunction with the displacement of the opening / closing body, and the sensor detects the movement of the opening / closing body and the exterior cover through the member to be detected.

  Further, in the open / close detection device having the above-described configuration, the detected member always maintains a constant posture with respect to the open / close body provided with the detected member when the arm member is not in contact with the sensor. The posture is changed in accordance with the displacement of the opening / closing body provided with the sensor.

  In the present invention, the open / close detection device having the above-described configuration is mounted on the document conveying device which is the openable / closable member that is openable and closable with respect to the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the open / close detection device having the above-described configuration is mounted on the image forming apparatus with respect to the document conveying device that is the openable / closable member that can be opened and closed with respect to the upper surface of the main body.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, each of an openable / closable body that can be opened and closed with respect to the surface of the apparatus main body, and an openable / closable exterior cover that is provided on the openable / closable body and that allows the internal structure of the openable / closable body to be exposed. An open / close detection device that detects an open state, wherein the open / close detection device detects a detected member that is displaced in conjunction with each displacement of the open / close body and the exterior cover, and detects the displacement of the detected member. A single sensor, and this sensor can identify that an open state of at least one of the opening / closing body and the exterior cover has occurred, thereby preventing an increase in parts cost and assembly cost Can do. Further, it is possible to reduce the installation space and wiring space related to the open / close detection device. In addition, because the installation space can be reduced, it is highly possible that the open / close detection device can be placed at a location away from the document conveyance path or in a narrow space, and it is possible to prevent the influence of static electricity on the document conveyance path and the user. is there. In this way, each open state of the opening / closing body and the exterior cover provided on the opening / closing body itself can be detected with a configuration in which cost is reduced and space is saved, and a malfunction occurs. It is possible to provide an open / close detection device capable of stable detection.

  The open / close detection device includes an arm member that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the exterior cover and that contacts the detected member in the course of the displacement to displace the detected member. Since the sensor detects the movement of the opening and closing body and the exterior cover through the member to be detected, the single sensor is used to detect the movement of the opening and closing body. Each open state with the exterior cover can be detected. And since an opening / closing detection apparatus can be obtained with such a simple structure, it is possible to achieve further cost reduction and space saving. In addition, depending on the shape of the arm member, it becomes possible to place the open / close detection device in a location further away from the document conveyance path or in a confined space, and adverse effects due to static electricity that the sensor may receive from the document conveyance path or the user. It becomes easy to avoid. Therefore, the operational stability of the open / close detection device can be further improved.

  Further, when the arm member is not in contact with the detected member, the detected member always maintains a fixed posture with respect to the opening / closing body provided with the detected member, and the sensor is a displacement of the opening / closing body provided with the sensor. Therefore, the configuration of the open / close detection device that can detect the open state of the open / close body can be obtained with a simple configuration without providing a detected member or sensor on the device body side. It is. Therefore, cost reduction and space saving of the open / close detection device can be further increased.

  In the present invention, the open / close detection device having the above-described configuration is mounted on the document transport device that is the openable / closable member that can be opened and closed with respect to the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body. It is possible to detect each open state with the exterior cover provided in the above in a configuration that is low cost and space saving, and can be stably detected without malfunctioning. A highly reliable document conveying apparatus can be obtained.

  In the present invention, the open / close detection device having the above-described configuration is mounted on the image forming apparatus with respect to the original conveyance device that is the openable / closable body with respect to the upper surface of the main body. Low cost, capable of detecting each open state of the exterior cover provided on the document feeder itself with a configuration that achieves cost reduction and space saving, and enables stable detection without malfunction. A compact and highly reliable image forming apparatus can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, regarding a document conveying device equipped with an open / close detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, an image output operation of an image forming device equipped with the document conveying device will be described with reference to FIG. Will be explained. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of an image forming apparatus. In the drawing, a solid line arrow indicates a sheet conveyance path and a conveyance direction, and a one-dot chain line arrow indicates a laser beam L.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a paper feed cassette 3 is disposed below the inside of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. The paper feed cassette 3 stores and accommodates paper P such as cut paper before printing. The sheets P are separated and sent one by one toward the upper left of the sheet cassette 3 in FIG. The paper feed cassette 3 can be pulled out horizontally from the front side of the main body 2.

  A first paper transport unit 4 is provided inside the main body 2 and to the left of the paper feed cassette 3. The first paper transport unit 4 is formed substantially vertically along the left side surface of the main body 2. The first paper transport unit 4 receives the paper P sent out from the paper feed cassette 3 and transports it to the transfer unit 10 vertically upward along the left side surface of the main body 2.

  A manual paper feed unit 5 is provided above the paper feed cassette 3 at a location on the right side which is the side opposite to the left side of the main body 2 where the first paper transport unit 4 is formed. Yes. In the manual sheet feeder 5, paper P of a size that is not contained in the paper cassette 3, thick paper, and OHP sheets that are to be fed one by one are placed.

  A second paper transport unit 6 is provided on the left side of the manual paper feed unit 5. The second paper transport unit 6 is located immediately above the paper feed cassette 3, extends substantially horizontally from the manual paper feed unit 5 to the first paper transport unit 4, and joins the first paper transport unit 4. Then, the second paper transport unit 6 receives the paper P or the like sent from the manual paper feed unit 5 and transports it to the first paper transport unit 4 substantially horizontally.

  On the other hand, a document conveying device 20 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, and an image reading device 7 is provided below the document conveying device 20. When a user copies a document, the document carrying device 20 is loaded with a document on which images such as characters, graphics, and patterns are drawn. The document conveying device 20 separates the documents one by one and sends out the documents, and the image reading device 7 reads the image data.

  The reading of the document image, that is, the start of printing is executed using an operation panel (not shown) provided on the front side of the image reading device 7 at the upper part of the main body 2. The user can input and set printing conditions such as the paper size to be used, enlargement / reduction, and presence / absence of double-sided printing from the operation panel.

  Information on the image data of the original is sent to the exposure device 8 disposed above the second paper transport unit 6 and in the center of the main body 2. The exposure device 8 irradiates the image forming unit 9 with laser light L controlled based on the image data.

  An image forming unit 9 and a transfer unit 10 are provided above the first paper transport unit 4 and to the left of the exposure device 8. In the image forming unit 9, an electrostatic latent image of the original image is formed by the laser light L irradiated by the exposure device 8, and a toner image is developed from the electrostatic latent image. The toner is supplied to the image forming unit 9 from a toner container 11 provided above the exposure device 8. The toner image formed by the image forming unit 9 is transferred by the transfer unit 10 to the pre-printing paper P sent in synchronization by the first paper transport unit 4.

  A fixing device 12 is provided above the transfer unit 10. The paper P carrying the unfixed toner image in the transfer unit 10 is sent to the fixing device 12, and the toner image is heated and pressed by a heat roller and a pressure roller to be fixed.

  A paper guide device 13 is provided above the fixing device 12. The paper P discharged from the fixing device 12 is discharged from the paper guide device 13 to the in-body paper discharge portion 14 provided in the cylinder of the image forming apparatus 1 when duplex printing is not performed.

  The discharge port portion from which the paper P is discharged from the paper guide device 13 toward the in-body paper discharge portion 14 functions as the switchback portion 15. When performing duplex printing, the switchback unit 15 switches the transport direction of the paper P discharged from the fixing device 12. Then, the paper P passes through the paper guide device 13 and is sent downward through the double-sided printing paper conveyance path 16 provided on the left side of the fixing device 12 and on the left side of the transfer unit 10, and again the first paper conveyance. It is sent to the transfer section 10 via the section 4.

  Next, the outline of the structure of the document conveying device 20 mounted on the upper surface of the main body 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of the document conveying device, FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from above the back side of the document conveying device, and FIG. 4 is a schematic left side view of the document conveying device. A solid line arrow in FIG. 2 indicates a sheet conveyance path and a conveyance direction. In FIG. 3, the drawing of the back cover of the document conveying device is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the document conveying device 20 includes a document placing tray 21, a document feeding unit 30, and a document discharge tray 22.

  The document placing tray 21 is provided on the upper portion of the document conveying device 20. Documents can be stacked on the document placing tray 21 from above. The document placing tray 21 is configured to be inclined downward from upstream to downstream in the document conveying direction, that is, from right to left in FIG.

  The document feeder 30 includes a document supply port 31 and a document supply device 50 at the downstream end of the document placement tray 21 in the document transport direction. The document supply device 50 separates the documents stacked on the document placement tray 21 one by one from the uppermost layer, and supplies the document toward the inside of the document feeding unit 30 through the document supply port 31. A document conveyance path 32 extends toward the inside of the document feeding unit 30 on the downstream side of the document supply port 31.

  The end of the document conveyance path 32 reaches the bottom surface of the document conveyance device 20, and a document reading unit 33 is provided at this position. The document sent to the document reading unit 33 is provided below the document transport path 32 further downstream, that is, while moving the position of the document reading unit 33 from left to right in FIG. The image data of the first surface, which is the lower surface, is read by the image reading device 7 of the main body 2 (see FIG. 1).

  A document branching section 34 is provided downstream of the document reading section 33 in the document transport path 32. When it is necessary to read the image data of both the front and back sides of the original, the original that has reached the original branching section 34 is distributed above the original conveying path 32, and the original reversing section 35 continues downstream in the original conveying direction. The transport direction is switched. The document whose transport direction is switched passes through the upper side of the document branching section 34 and is sent to the document transport path 32 on the upstream side of the document reading section 33, and the image data on the second surface is read again by the document reading section 33.

  A document discharge port 36 is provided downstream of the document branching section 34 and at the downstream end of the document transport path 32. The document whose image data has been read is discharged from the document discharge port 36 to the document discharge tray 22.

  The document discharge tray 22 is provided immediately below the document placement tray 21, and these trays are configured in two upper and lower stages. The document discharged to the document discharge tray 22 can be taken out from the front side of the document conveying device 20.

  The document loading tray 21 and the document discharge tray 22 are opposite to each other in the document transport direction, that is, in FIG. 2, the document loading tray 21 sends out the document to the left, and the document discharge tray 22 receives the document. It is configured to discharge toward the right. Thus, the document supply port 31 and the document discharge port 36 are provided on the same side of each tray, that is, on the left side in FIG. 2 with respect to the direction in which the document reading unit 33 exists. As shown in FIG. 2, the document transport path 32 extending from the document supply port 31 to the document discharge port 36 is provided in a U-shaped shape in the vertical direction, that is, in a U-shaped shape when viewed from the lateral direction. It has been.

  With the above configuration, the document conveying device 20 separates the documents stacked on the document placing tray 21 one by one into the document feeding unit 30, reads the image data by the document reading unit 33, and then reads the document. It discharges to the discharge tray 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the document conveying device 20 includes a hinge mechanism 23 at a lower portion on the back side. Two hinge mechanisms 23 are arranged substantially horizontally in parallel with the document conveying direction, that is, arranged side by side substantially horizontally in the left-right direction of the document conveying device 20 as viewed from the front, and have a rotation shaft extending substantially horizontally in the left-right direction. By this hinge mechanism 23, the document conveying device 20 is connected to a position on the back side of the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1 as a device (see FIG. 4). Then, as shown by a solid line and a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the document conveying device 20 is an openable / closable body that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 2 provided below by moving the front side up and down. ing.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the document feeding unit 30 of the document conveying device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 in addition to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional front view showing a document feeding portion of the document conveying device. In FIG. 5, solid arrows indicate the document conveyance path and conveyance direction.

  As described above, the document feeder 30 includes the document supply port 31 and the document supply device 50 at the downstream end of the document placement tray 21 in the document transport direction (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the document conveyance path 32 extends downward on the downstream side of the document supply port 31.

  The document supply device 50 is provided above a substantially central portion in the document width direction perpendicular to the document conveyance direction, and includes a pickup roller 51, a supply roller 52, and a separation pad 53.

  The pickup roller 51 is provided immediately downstream of the document supply port 31. The pickup roller 51 can swing up and down in a vertical plane around the rotation axis of the supply roller 52 by a drive mechanism (not shown). At the time of document supply, the pickup roller 51 contacts the uppermost downstream portion of the document stacked on the document placement tray 21 from above. The uppermost layer of the document is transferred to the supply roller 52 by the pickup roller 51 and conveyed to the inside of the document feeding unit 30 by the supply roller 52.

  The supply roller 52 is disposed on the downstream side of the pickup roller 51 so that the lower surface of the supply roller 52 protrudes into the document conveyance path 32. The separation pad 53 is disposed below the supply roller 52 and is in contact with the supply roller 52. The document is inserted through a conveyance nip formed by contact between the supply roller 52 and the separation pad 53.

  When a plurality of originals enter a conveyance nip formed by contact between the supply roller 52 and the separation pad 53, only the upper upper original that is overlapped is sent out by the supply roller 52. Due to the action of the separation pad 53, the overlapped lower document is not sent out, so that it is possible to prevent a problem of double feeding that the documents are fed in a superimposed manner.

  A registration roller pair 37 is provided on the document transport path 32 downstream of the document feeder 50. The registration roller pair 37 is composed of a registration roller 37a and a roller 37b that are in pressure contact with each other. The registration roller pair 37 corrects the oblique feed so that accurate reading can be performed on the document going to the document reading unit 33, and suitable timing. Measure and send out.

  A document reading section 33 is provided downstream of the registration roller pair 37. Here, the document conveyance path 32 extending from the document supply port 31 is curved so as to rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the front through the document supply device 50, the registration roller pair 37, and the document reading unit 33. Yes. Therefore, the document conveyance path 32 extends to the left and below in FIG. 5 on the upstream side of the document reading unit 33, and extends obliquely upward to the right on the downstream side.

  The document reading unit 33 includes a reading guide member 38. The reading guide member 38 is arranged to face the contact glass 7 a of the image reading device 7 of the main body 2 provided below the document reading unit 33. The reading guide member 38 extends long in the document width direction, that is, in the front-rear direction of the document conveying device 20, and has a shape in which a portion for guiding the document protrudes downward. In the closed state of the document conveying device 20 with respect to the image forming apparatus 1, the reading guide member 38 is below the document guide device 38 so that the document conveyed between the contact glass 7a and the contact glass 7a comes into contact with the contact glass 7a. I am guiding you.

  The document sent to the document reading unit 33 is moved further down on the document conveyance path 32, and in the middle of moving from the left to the right in the lower portion of the reading guide member 38 in FIG. When passing over the glass 7a, image data is read by a reading unit (not shown) arranged below the contact glass 7a.

  A document branching section 34 is provided downstream of the document reading section 33 in the document transport path 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the document branching section 34 is provided with a branching guide 39 that can swing in a vertical plane about a support shaft 39a that extends substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction. Note that the support shaft 39a of the branch guide 39 is located on the downstream side of the document roller 34a (described later) disposed on the most upstream side of the document reversing unit 35 with respect to the document branching unit 34.

  The branch guide 39 extends long in the front-rear direction of the document conveying device 20, that is, in the document width direction, and has a wedge shape so that the vertical cross-sectional shape viewed from the front of the front end on the upstream side in the document conveying direction is easy to sort the document. There is no. Further, the branch guide 39 is driven by a solenoid 40 (see FIG. 3) which is a driving device disposed on the back side thereof, and changes its posture so that the leading end on the upstream side in the document conveying direction is swung up and down.

  In addition, a document reversing unit 35 is arranged downstream of the document branching unit 34 above the document transport path 32 disposed below. When it is necessary to read the image data of both the front and back sides of the document, the posture of the branch guide 39 of the document branching unit 34 is changed downward, and the document from which the image data on the first surface is read by the document reading unit 33 is converted into the document. The document is fed from the conveyance path 32 to the document reversing unit 35.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the document reversing unit 35 is disposed above the document discharge port 36, and includes a conveyance roller pair 41 and a reversing tray 42. Note that the conveyance guide below the document reversing unit 35 is configured integrally with the branch guide 39.

  The conveyance roller pair 41 is disposed at the most upstream portion of the document reversing unit 35 with respect to the document branching portion 34, and is in contact with each other to form a conveyance nip for conveying the document, and a driven roller 41b. It consists of The transport roller 41a is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 5 by a motor (not shown). The driven roller 41b can swing in a vertical plane around a support shaft 41c disposed on the downstream side with respect to the document branching portion 34, and is in contact with / separated from the conveying roller 41a disposed on the lower side. Can be selected. The reversing tray 42 is disposed immediately below the document placing tray 21 with a relatively narrow gap, and extends obliquely upward similarly to the document placing tray 21 (see FIG. 2).

  In the document reversing unit 35, the downstream portion of the document conveyed from the left to the right in FIG. 5 through the document branching unit 34 is temporarily sent to the reversing tray 42, and the upstream portion of the document is conveyed to the pair of conveyance rollers. When the position 41 is reached, the conveyance direction of the document is switched from right to left by reversing the rotation of the conveyance roller 41a while the document is held in the nip between the conveyance roller 41a and the driven roller 41b.

  On the other hand, a double-sided document transport path 43 is provided above the document reading unit 33 and the document branching unit 34 and between the portion where the document supply device 50 is disposed. The double-sided reading document conveyance path 43 extends leftward in FIG. 5 from the position of the document reversing unit 35, and joins a position upstream of the registration roller pair 37 in the document conveyance path 32. As a result, the document whose conveyance direction has been switched by the document reversing unit 35 is sent to the document conveyance path 32 through the upper side of the document reading unit 33 and the document branching unit 34, reaches the document reading unit 33 again, and is lowered. The image data of the second surface, which is the side surface, is read.

  A document discharge port 36 and a document discharge roller pair 44 are provided on the downstream side of the document branching section 34 and at the downstream end of the document transport path 32. The document for which image data has been read is discharged from the document discharge port 36 to the document discharge tray 22 (see FIG. 2) by the document discharge roller pair 44.

  Further, the document feeding unit 30 includes an exterior cover 45 on the upper side thereof as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The exterior cover 45 is provided at a lower left portion in FIG. 5 and can be opened by lifting the document placement tray 21 around the axis of a support shaft 45a extending substantially horizontally in the document width direction. Yes (see FIG. 12). By opening the exterior cover 45, a portion of the document conveyance path 32 formed inside the apparatus, on the side close to the document placement tray 21 and located on the upper side of the apparatus, can be partially exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the document conveying device 20 includes an open / close detection device 60 on the back side thereof. The open / close detection device 60 is provided in the document conveying device 20 that is an openable / closable body that can be opened and closed with respect to the surface of the main body 2 and the document conveying device 20 itself, and is openable and closable so that the internal structure of the document conveying device 20 can be exposed. Each open state of the outer cover 45 is detected.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the open / close detection device 60 of the document conveying device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a perspective view of the position of the opening / closing detection device of the document conveying device as viewed from the back side, FIG. 7 is a rear view showing the location of the document feeding portion of the document conveying device, and FIG. 8 is a detected member and sensor of the opening / closing detection device. FIG. 9 is a left side view of the detected member of the open / close detection device. 6 and 7, the drawing of the back cover of the document conveying device is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the open / close detection device 60 includes a detected member 61, a sensor 62, an arm member 63, a spring 64, and an engagement piece 65. Each of these members is provided one by one.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the detected member 61 has an L shape when viewed from the side, and is arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the document feeder 20 (see FIG. 6). The detected member 61 includes a shaft portion 61 a that extends substantially horizontally in the left-right direction of the document conveying device 20 at a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction. The detected member 61 is supported by the main body portion of the document conveying device 20 by the shaft portion 61a, and can be rotated in a vertical plane around the axis line of the shaft portion 61a.

  Further, the detected member 61 includes a weight part 61b on the front side and a light shielding part 61c on the back side of the shaft part 61a. From the portion of the shaft portion 61a, the weight portion 61b extends downward, and the light shielding portion 61c extends substantially horizontally rearward. A light shielding plate 61d is provided at the tip of the light shielding portion 61c. The light shielding plate 61d has a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and this portion appears and disappears in the gap of the detection unit 62c of the sensor 62 as shown in FIGS.

  And the to-be-detected member 61 has the gravity center on the vertical line which passes through the location of the axial line of the axial part 61a. That is, in the detected member 61, the weight balance between the weight portion 61b on the front side of the shaft portion 61a and the light shielding portion 61c on the rear side is balanced. Therefore, the detected member 61 always maintains the posture shown in FIG. 9 in which the light shielding portion 61c extends rearward substantially horizontally, unless affected by an external force.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the sensor 62 is disposed at a position corresponding to the light shielding plate 61 d of the detected member 61. The sensor 62 includes a photo interrupter that is an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 62a and a light receiving unit 62b facing each other as shown in FIG. The sensor 62 is arranged such that the direction in which the light emitting portion 62a and the light receiving portion 62b face each other is perpendicular to the direction in which the detected member 61 extends from the position of the shaft portion 61a toward the light shielding plate 61d. Yes.

  A gap serving as the detection unit 62c is provided between the light emitting unit 62a and the light receiving unit 62b of the sensor 62. The sensor 62 identifies that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 62a is incident on the light receiving unit 62b, and detects the presence of another member in the detection unit 62c by shielding this light. As described above, the light shielding plate 61d of the detection member 61 appears and disappears in the detection unit 62c, and thus the sensor 62 detects the displacement of the detection member 61.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the arm member 63 is provided near the exterior cover 45 of the document feeder 30. The arm member 63 has a link shape that extends in the document conveyance direction, that is, in the left-right direction when viewed from the back side, and includes a shaft portion 63a that extends substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction. The arm member 63 is supported by the main body portion of the document conveying device 20 by the shaft portion 63a, and can rotate in a vertical plane around the axis of the shaft portion 63a.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a first engagement portion 63b and a second engagement portion 63c are provided at the left and right ends of the arm member 63, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first engaging portion 63 b is a portion corresponding to the weight portion 61 b of the detected member 61, located above the first engaging portion 63 b, and directed rearward from the main body portion of the arm member 63. It extends. When the arm member 63 is rotationally displaced in the clockwise direction when viewed from the back side, the first engaging portion 63b comes into contact with the weight portion 61b of the detected member 61, and the detected member 61 is displaced. As shown in FIG. 7, the second engaging portion 63 c is positioned opposite to the first engaging portion 63 b with the shaft portion 63 a therebetween, and extends upward from the main body portion of the arm member 63.

  A spring 64 is provided below the location of the second engaging portion 63c, as shown in FIG. The spring 64 is provided between the main body portion of the document conveying device 20 and the arm member 63, and urges the second engaging portion 63 c of the arm member 63 upward.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the engagement piece 65 is provided on the exterior cover 45 and extends downward from a position on the inner surface of the exterior cover 45. The distal end of the engagement piece 65 is located immediately above the second engagement portion 63c of the arm member 63, and the second engagement is performed during normal operation of the document feeder 20, that is, when the exterior cover 45 is closed. It is in contact with the upper end of the portion 63c.

  Next, the operation of the open / close detection device 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 in addition to FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8. 10 is a left side view showing the posture of the detected member and sensor, showing the state when the document feeder is closed, and FIG. 11 is a left side view showing the posture of the detected member and sensor similar to FIG. FIG. 12 is a rear view showing the same position of the document feeding unit as in FIG. 7 and shows the state when the exterior cover is opened. FIG. 13 is the same as FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the position of the open / close detection device when viewed from the back side, and shows a state when the exterior cover is opened. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the drawing of the back cover of the document feeder is omitted.

  When the document conveying device 20 is in a closed state with respect to the main body 2, that is, in a substantially horizontal state as shown by a solid line in FIG. 4, the detected member 61 and the sensor 62 of the open / close detection device 60 are as shown in FIG. Holds the posture shown in. Since the detected member 61 is not affected by an external force, the light shielding portion 61c is held in a posture that extends rearward substantially horizontally. The sensor 62 holds a posture corresponding to the displacement of the main body portion of the document conveying device 20 in which the sensor 62 is provided and is in a substantially horizontal state.

  At this time, in the sensor 62, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 10, the light shielding plate 61d of the detected member 61 is present in the detection unit 62c. As a result, the light emitted from the sensor 62 is shielded, and the open / close detection device 60 identifies the positional relationship between the detected member 61 and the sensor 62, and the document conveying device 20 is in a closed state with respect to the main body 2 and the exterior cover. 45 also detects that it is in a closed state.

  Next, when the document feeder 20 is opened with respect to the main body 2, that is, in a state indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the detected member 61 and the sensor 62 of the open / close detection device 60 are in the posture shown in FIG. Change the posture. Since the detected member 61 is not affected by an external force, the light shielding portion 61c is held in a posture that extends rearward substantially horizontally. The sensor 62 changes its posture to a posture corresponding to the displacement of the main body of the document conveying device 20 in the inclined state where the sensor 62 is provided.

  That is, when the detected member 61 is not affected by the external force, the detected member 61 always maintains a fixed posture with respect to the document conveying device 20 provided with the detected member 61, and the sensor 62 is provided with the document conveying device provided with the sensor 62. The posture is changed corresponding to 20 displacements.

  At this time, in the sensor 62, as shown in FIG. 11, the light shielding part 61c and the light shielding plate 61d of the detected member 61 are separated from the detection part 62c. Thereby, the light emitted from the sensor 62 is received as it is, and the open / close detection device 60 detects the positional relationship between the detected member 61 and the sensor 62 and at least one of the document conveying device 20 and the outer cover 45 is in an open state. To identify.

  On the other hand, when the document conveying device 20 is closed with respect to the main body 2 and the exterior cover 45 is opened, the document feeding unit 30 of the document conveying device 20 has the form shown in FIG. As the exterior cover 45 is opened, the engagement piece 65 provided on the exterior cover 45 is also raised. As a result, there is no member that abuts against the tip of the second engaging portion 63c and resists the elastic force of the spring 64, and the arm member 63 is urged by the spring 64 so that it can be seen from the back side as shown in FIG. It is rotationally displaced clockwise as seen.

  In the course of the displacement of the arm member 63, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first engaging portion 63b comes into contact with the weight portion 61b of the detected member 61, and the detected member 61 is displaced. The detected member 61 is rotationally displaced by the portion of the weight portion 61b being pushed down by the first engaging portion 63b of the arm member 63, and the portion of the light shielding portion 61c is lifted. As a result, the light emitted from the sensor 62 is received as it is, and the open / close detection device 60 detects the positional relationship between the detected member 61 and the sensor 62, and at least one of the document conveying device 20 and the exterior cover 45 is in an open state. Identify something.

  The document conveying device 20 stops the operation of the document feeding unit 30 based on the information that at least one of the document conveying device 20 and the exterior cover 45 is in an open state by the open / close detection device 60.

  As described above, the document conveying device 20 that is an openable / closable body that can be freely opened and closed with respect to the surface of the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 that is a device, and the internal structure of the document conveying device 20 provided in the document conveying device 20 itself. Is an open / close detection device 60 that detects each open state of the openable / closable exterior cover 45 that can be exposed, and the open / close detection device 60 detects the displacement of each of the document conveying device 20 and the external cover 45. A detected member 61 that is displaced in conjunction with it and a single sensor 62 that detects the displacement of the detected member 61 are provided, and this sensor 62 opens at least one of the document conveying device 20 and the outer cover 45. Since it is possible to identify the occurrence of the state, it is possible to prevent an increase in parts cost and assembly cost. Moreover, the installation space and wiring space related to the open / close detection device 60 can be reduced. Further, since the installation space can be reduced, it is highly possible that the open / close detection device 60 can be arranged in a place away from the document conveyance path 32 or in a narrow space, and the influence of static electricity on the document conveyance path 32 and the user can be prevented. Is also possible. In this way, it is possible to detect the open state of each of the document conveying device 20 and the exterior cover 45 provided on the document conveying device 20 itself with a configuration that achieves cost reduction and space saving. It is possible to provide the open / close detection device 60 that can perform stable detection without malfunction.

  Further, the open / close detection device 60 includes an arm member 63 that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the exterior cover 45 and that contacts the detected member 61 in the course of the displacement to displace the detected member 61, and the detected member Reference numeral 61 denotes a displacement that is directly interlocked with the displacement of the document conveying device 20, and the sensor 62 detects the movement of the document conveying device 20 and the outer cover 45 through the detected member 61. The sensor 62 can detect the open state of the document feeder 20 and the exterior cover 45. Since the open / close detection device 60 can be obtained with such a simple configuration, it is possible to further reduce the cost and save space. In addition, depending on the shape of the arm member 63, the open / close detection device 60 can be disposed further away from the document conveyance path 32 or in a narrow space, and the sensor 62 is caused by static electricity received from the document conveyance path or the user. It is easy to avoid adverse effects. Therefore, the operational stability of the open / close detection device 60 can be further improved.

  When the arm member 63 is not in contact with the detected member 61, the detected member 61 always maintains a fixed posture with respect to the document conveying device 20 provided with the detected member 61, and the sensor 62 is a document provided with the sensor 62. Since the posture is changed in response to the displacement of the conveying device 20, the configuration of the open / close detection device 60 that can detect the open state of the document conveying device 20 can be simplified without providing the detected member 61 and the sensor 62 on the main body 2 side. It is possible to obtain with a simple configuration. Therefore, cost reduction and space saving of the open / close detection device 60 can be further increased.

  In the present invention, since the open / close detection device 60 having the above-described configuration is mounted on the document transport device 20 that is an openable / closable body that can be opened and closed with respect to the upper surface of the main body 2, it is provided on the document transport device 20 and the document transport device 20 itself. Low-cost, compact, reliable that can detect each open state of the exterior cover 45 with a configuration that is low cost and space-saving and that can be stably detected without malfunction. A highly original document conveying device 20 can be obtained.

  In the present invention, the open / close detection device 60 having the above-described configuration is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 with respect to the document transport device 20 that is an openable / closable body that can be opened and closed with respect to the upper surface of the main body 2. Each open state of the exterior cover 45 provided on the document feeder 20 itself can be detected with a configuration that achieves cost reduction and space saving, and stable detection without malfunction is possible. In addition, an inexpensive, compact, and highly reliable image forming apparatus 1 can be obtained.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used in all document conveying apparatuses applicable to image forming apparatuses.

1 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of an image forming apparatus equipped with a paper guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional front view of the document conveying device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the original conveying apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic left side view of the document conveying device in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional front view showing a document feeding portion of the document conveying device of FIG. 2. It is the perspective view which looked at the location of the opening / closing detection apparatus of FIG. 3 from the back side. FIG. 6 is a rear view illustrating a portion of the document feeding unit in FIG. 5. It is a perspective view of the to-be-detected member and sensor of the opening / closing detection apparatus of FIG. It is a left view of the to-be-detected member of FIG. FIG. 9 is a left side view showing the detected member and the attitude of the sensor in FIG. 8 and shows a state when the document feeder is closed. FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the detected member and the posture of the sensor similar to FIG. 9 and shows a state when the document conveying device is opened. FIG. 8 is a rear view showing a portion of the document feeding portion similar to FIG. 7 and shows a state when the exterior cover is opened. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a position of the open / close detection device similar to FIG. 6 as seen from the back side, and shows a state when the exterior cover is opened.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image forming device (equipment)
2 Body (equipment body)
7 Image Reading Device 20 Document Feeder (Opening / Closing Body)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Document loading tray 22 Document discharge tray 23 Hinge mechanism 30 Document feeding part 32 Document conveyance path 45 Exterior cover 60 Opening / closing detection device 61 Detected member 62 Sensor 63 Arm member 64 Spring 65 Engagement piece

Claims (5)

An open / close detection device for detecting each open state of an open / close body that can be opened and closed with respect to the surface of the device main body and an openable / closable exterior cover that is provided on the open / close body and that allows the internal structure of the open / close body to be exposed. Because
A detected member that is rotatably supported by the opening / closing body and always maintains a constant posture unless affected by external force ;
An arm member that is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the outer cover and contacts the detected member in the course of the displacement to displace the detected member;
A biasing member provided on the opening / closing body and biasing the arm member in a direction to open the exterior cover;
It is possible to identify that an open state has occurred in at least one of the opening / closing body and the exterior cover by detecting relative displacement of the detected member while being fixed to the opening / closing body and displacing with the opening / closing body. and a single sensor such,
Close detection device, characterized in that it comprises a. The arm member contacts the detected member when the outer cover is open to displace the detected member, and does not contact the detected member when the outer cover is closed. The opening / closing detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the member is held in a certain posture . The axial direction of the rotating shaft of the opening / closing body and the axial direction of the support shaft of the exterior cover are substantially orthogonal to each other, and the arm member has an axial direction of the shaft portion thereof with respect to the axial direction of the support shaft of the exterior cover. The open / close detection device according to claim 1, wherein the open / close detection device is provided so as to be substantially parallel .   4. An original conveying apparatus comprising the open / close detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the open / close body is openable and closable with respect to an upper surface of an image forming apparatus main body.   An image forming apparatus comprising: the document conveying device provided as the opening / closing member that is openable / closable with respect to the upper surface of the main body, wherein the opening / closing detection device according to claim 1 is mounted.

Images