JP5286241B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a panel that rotates upward by opening on the front or side of an apparatus main body.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses such as printers and multifunction peripherals, various measures have been taken to reduce the space of the apparatus and improve workability in operation. For example, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to save space of the apparatus and improve workability when the paper cassette is pulled out, the position of the handle portion of the paper cassette and the position above the paper cassette are included. The panel (front cover) is devised.

  More specifically, the handle portion of the paper feed cassette is provided without protruding from the apparatus main body, while a recess is formed at the lower end of the center portion of the front cover toward the back of the apparatus. In this configuration, since the handle portion of the paper feed cassette does not protrude from the apparatus main body, the space of the apparatus can be saved. Further, by providing the concave portion in the front cover, it is possible to grip the handle portion of the sheet feeding cassette from above and from below, and to easily pull out the sheet feeding cassette. However, in this configuration, the front cover has an L-shaped cross section and may interfere with members inside the apparatus when opening and closing, so the front cover is divided into two parts on the left and right, and each has a rotating shaft on one end side on the left and right sides. As a fulcrum, it is configured to open sideways (opened as a whole).

  Further, in the image forming apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, a guide for guiding the movement of the process cartridge inside a panel (cover) that rotates upward when the process cartridge in and out of the apparatus is inserted and removed. Is provided. In this configuration, in a state where the panel is rotated and opened, the process cartridge is slid along the guide portion, whereby the process cartridge can be easily attached and detached, and the replacement work is facilitated.

JP 2008-176188 A JP 2005-266670 A JP 2006-58350 A

  However, in the case where the panel is configured to be opened horizontally as in Patent Document 1, when the internal process cartridge is taken in and out, the loading and unloading is performed completely by the user, so that it is difficult to carry out the work. Will occur. Therefore, in this respect, the configurations of Patent Documents 2 and 3 that improve the workability by providing a guide portion on the panel are desirable. However, when the panel is opened upward as in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the panel is cross-sectioned. If it is not configured in a shape other than L-shape (for example, substantially plate-like in plan view), there is a possibility of interference with members inside the apparatus when the panel is opened and closed as described above. In addition, there arises a problem that the degree of freedom in designing the apparatus is lowered. The latter problem is true not only for a panel provided with an upper opening on the front surface of the image forming apparatus, but also for a panel provided with an upper opening on the side surface of the apparatus main body.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to increase the degree of freedom in designing the apparatus by eliminating the restriction of the shape of the panel that rotates by opening upward on the front or side of the main body. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving workability in a state where a panel is opened.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a main panel that rotates so as to open upward with respect to the front or side surface of the apparatus main body. A sub-panel formed to be depressed toward the bottom, and having a lower part opened, and a connection mechanism for connecting the main panel and the sub-panel so that the main panel rotates independently of the sub-panel, A guide portion is formed on the upper surface of the sub panel for guiding movement of the unit inside the apparatus when the main panel is rotated and opened.

  According to the above configuration, the sub-panel is formed so as to be recessed from the central lower portion in the closed state of the main panel toward the inside of the apparatus, and the lower part is opened. Therefore, in the closed state of the main panel, the main panel and the sub-panel have a substantially L-shaped cross section as a whole. The main panel and the sub panel are connected by a connecting mechanism, and the main panel rotates independently of the sub panel. As a result, while avoiding the sub panel from interfering with the unit inside the apparatus main body, only the main panel can be rotated upward to open the main panel smoothly.

  In other words, in the above configuration, the main panel and the sub-panel, which are separate members, are connected by a connecting mechanism, whereby the cross-sectional shape of the entire panel can be changed from the original L-shape as the main panel rotates. This makes it possible to avoid the interference described above when the panel rotates. Therefore, in the design of the panel, the restriction on the cross-sectional shape can be eliminated, and the degree of freedom in designing the panel can be increased.

  Therefore, in an image forming apparatus having an upper opening panel, for example, a design design is provided such that a handle portion for pulling out a paper feed tray is provided below the main panel, and the space above the handle portion is widened by the recessed shape of the sub panel. It becomes possible, and the design freedom of the apparatus can be increased. In such an image forming apparatus, since the space above the handle portion of the paper feed tray is wide, the user can easily grip the handle portion and easily pull out the paper feed tray. Therefore, the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in designing the panel and the device is greatly improved in the convenience of the device.

  Moreover, since both panels are connected by the connection mechanism so that the main panel rotates independently of the sub panel, only the main panel can be rotated without rotating the sub panel. This makes it possible to adopt the configuration of the present invention in which the guide portion is provided in the sub-panel that does not rotate, unlike the conventional case in which the guide portion is provided in the rotating panel. Therefore, it can be said that the degree of freedom in designing the panel is increased from this point. In addition, by providing the guide portion on the sub-panel in this way, when the main panel is rotated and opened, the movement when the unit is attached to and detached from the inside of the apparatus is guided by the guide portion. Can be easily performed, and the workability can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the connection mechanism may be configured to move the sub panel in a direction toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel rotates in the opening direction.

  In this configuration, the connecting mechanism causes the sub panel to move in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel rotates in the opening direction, and does not rotate integrally with the main panel. Interference with the unit inside the apparatus main body can be reliably avoided.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the coupling mechanism is provided on the sub panel, and is provided on the main panel, the first boss projecting in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel, You may have a press member which presses the said 1st boss | hub in the direction which goes to the inside of an apparatus with rotation in an opening direction.

  The pressing member presses the first boss in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus along with the rotation of the main panel in the opening direction, so that the sub panel provided with the first boss is reliably in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus. Can be moved.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the sub-panel has a second boss protruding in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel, and the second boss is supported inside the apparatus. A guide member for guiding the movement of the sub-panel may be provided.

  In this configuration, as the main panel rotates in the opening direction, the guide member guides the movement of the sub panel while supporting the second boss. Therefore, the sub panel is moved to an appropriate position as the main panel rotates. It becomes possible to make it.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, when the guide member has been rotated in the opening direction of the main panel, the uppermost portion of the sub panel is positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the unit to be attached to and detached from the apparatus. It is desirable to guide the movement of the sub-panel while supporting the second boss.

  When the rotation of the main panel in the opening direction is completed by the movement of the sub-panel by the guide member, the top of the sub-panel comes to the same height as the bottom of the unit. Thus, it can be used as a guide when the unit is attached or detached, and the unit can be easily attached to or detached from the inside of the apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the coupling mechanism, the second boss, and the guide member are provided in two each corresponding to both ends of the sub-panel in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel. It is desirable.

  In this configuration, the sub-panel is coupled to the main panel at both ends in the direction parallel to the rotation axis by the two coupling mechanisms, and the movement of the sub-panel is guided by the two second bosses and the two guide members. As the main panel rotates, the sub panel can be stably moved in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus without tilting.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the pressing member is formed in a shape having a long hole in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the main panel, and the first boss is formed on the pressing member. It is desirable to be inserted into the elongated hole and in contact with the pressing member.

  Since the first boss is inscribed in the elongated hole of the pressing member, when the main panel is rotated in the opening direction, the first boss can be surely pressed in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus by the inner surface of the pressing member. It becomes possible.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the pressing member and the first boss are located below a rotation axis of the main panel.

  With such a positional relationship, when the main panel is rotated in the opening direction, the first boss can be reliably pressed in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus by the pressing member, and the sub-panel is reliably moved in the above direction. It becomes possible.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the main panel is positioned in a direction parallel to the rotation axis with respect to the sub panel by contacting the main panel with a positioning contact portion of the sub panel in a closed state of the main panel. A positioning boss is preferably provided.

  In the closed state of the main panel, the positioning boss of the main panel and the positioning contact portion of the sub panel come into contact with each other and positioning in the direction parallel to the rotation axis is performed. Can prevent sticking.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a concave portion having an inverted concave shape with an open bottom is formed in a central lower portion of the main panel in a closed state, and the concave portion is rotated in the opening direction of the main panel. When the movement is completed, it is formed in a shape curved toward the inside of the apparatus in the closed state of the main panel so that the end face of the recess is positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the unit to be attached to and detached from the inside of the apparatus. It is desirable.

  In this case, when the main panel is opened, the end surface of the recess at the center bottom of the main panel comes to the same height as the bottom surface of the unit inside the device. It can be used as a guide when performing, and the workability at the time of attaching / detaching and replacing the unit can be further improved.

  According to the present invention, since only the main panel can be rotated by being opened upward without rotating the sub panel, it is possible to avoid the sub panel from interfering with the unit inside the apparatus main body when the main panel is rotated. it can. Therefore, the structure which provides a sub panel in a main panel is employ | adopted, and the design freedom of a panel and an apparatus can be increased. In addition, when the main panel is opened, the guide part on the top surface of the sub panel guides the movement of the unit when it is attached to or detached from the inside of the device, so that the unit can be easily attached and removed and the workability can be improved. Can do.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) And (b) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the image forming apparatus provided with the front panel of this invention, (a) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance in the closed state of the said front panel. (B) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance in the open state of the said front panel. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance inside the said front panel. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the said front panel. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance inside the said main panel in the state which rotated and opened the main panel of the said front panel with respect to the apparatus main body. (A) is the perspective view which expands and shows the A section of FIG. 5, (b) is a perspective view which expands and shows the B section of FIG. It is a perspective view of the rotating shaft of the said main panel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the said rotating shaft and a press member. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance from one direction of the sub panel of the said front panel. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the C section of FIG. It is a perspective view of the external appearance from the other direction of the sub panel. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the D section of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the said rotating shaft and a 1st boss | hub. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a front side inside the image forming apparatus. (A) is the perspective view which expands and shows the E section of FIG. 14, (b) is a perspective view which expands and shows the F section of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the positioning part of the said sub panel. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus with the main panel closed. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the main panel is rotated from a closed state and opened. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the main panel is further rotated and opened. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the main panel has been rotated in the opening direction. It is the perspective view which looked at the above-mentioned sub panel from one direction in the closed state of FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the above-mentioned sub panel from the other direction in the closed state of FIG. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the sub panel viewed from one direction in the open state of FIG. 20. In the open state of FIG. 20, it is the perspective view which looked at the said sub panel from the other direction. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment or detachment part of the container unit of the said image forming apparatus in the open state of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, before describing the front panel of the image forming apparatus, which is the point of the present invention, the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus will be described.

(1. Configuration of entire image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side (front side) of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1 is composed of, for example, a copying machine that performs monochrome printing.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed cassette 2 that stores sheets stacked on the lower part of the main body. Above this paper feed cassette 2 is formed a paper transport path 4 that extends substantially vertically from the bottom of the main body toward the top of the main body and further extends to the left to reach the paper discharge unit 3 formed on the top surface of the main body. . A pickup roller 5, a feed roller 6, a registration roller pair 7, an image forming unit 8, a fixing unit 9, and a discharge roller pair 10 are arranged in this order from the upstream side substantially along the sheet conveyance path 4. A reading unit 11 that scans and reads a document image is provided at the top of the main body.

  The paper feed cassette 2 is provided with a paper stacking plate 12 that is rotatably supported with respect to the paper feed cassette 2 by a rotation fulcrum 12a provided at the rear end in the paper transport direction. The paper stacked on the paper 12 is pressed against the pickup roller 5. A retard roller 13 is disposed so as to be in pressure contact with the feed roller 6. When a plurality of sheets are simultaneously fed by the pickup roller 5, the feed roller 6 and the retard roller 13 feed the sheets. It is configured so that only the topmost sheet is conveyed.

  Then, the paper that is rolled up by the feed roller 6 and the retard roller 13 is conveyed to the registration roller pair 7, and the timing is adjusted by the registration roller pair 7 and supplied to the image forming unit 8.

  The image forming unit 8 forms a predetermined toner image on a sheet by an electrophotographic process. The image forming unit 8 is a photosensitive drum 14 that is an image carrier that is rotatably supported in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. A charging device 15, a developing device 16, a cleaning device 17, a transfer roller 18 disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum 14 across the sheet conveyance path 4, and the left side of the photosensitive drum 14. It is comprised from the exposure unit (LSU) 19 arrange | positioned in the direction. A toner container 20 that replenishes toner to the developing device 16 is disposed in the vicinity of the developing device 16.

  The charging device 15 is provided with a conductive rubber roller 15 a connected to a power source (not shown), and the conductive rubber roller 15 a is disposed so as to contact the photosensitive drum 14. Then, when the photosensitive drum 14 rotates, the conductive rubber roller 15a comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 and is driven to rotate. At this time, a predetermined voltage is applied to the conductive rubber roller 15a, whereby the photosensitive drum 14 is rotated. The surface of the film is uniformly charged.

  Next, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data read by the reading unit 11 is formed on the photosensitive drum 14 by the laser beam from the exposure unit (LSU) 19. Subsequently, the developing device 16 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 14. Thereafter, the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 is transferred by the transfer roller 18 to a sheet supplied to a transfer position formed at the nip portion between the photosensitive drum 14 and the transfer roller 18.

  The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 14 and conveyed toward the fixing unit 9. The fixing unit 9 is disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 8 in the sheet conveyance direction. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred in the image forming unit 8 is heated and pressed by a heating roller 21 provided in the fixing unit 9 and a pressure roller 22 pressed against the heating roller 21. As a result, the toner image transferred to the paper is fixed.

  The paper on which the image is formed in the image forming unit 8 and the fixing unit 9 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 3 by the discharge roller pair 10. On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 after the transfer is removed by the cleaning device 17. The photosensitive drum 14 is charged again by the charging device 15 and image formation is performed in the same manner.

  The layout inside the apparatus main body can be changed as appropriate. For example, the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 14 is reversed from the above, and the positional relationship between the drum unit including the photosensitive drum 14 and the developing device 16 is reversed from the above, and the sheet conveyance path is set in accordance with this. Of course, it is also possible.

(2. Front panel)
By the way, the above-described toner container 20 is replaced with a new toner container by the user when the toner is supplied to the developing device 16 and becomes empty. The photosensitive drum 14, the charging device 15, and the cleaning device 17 are integrated as a drum unit. The drum unit and the developing device 16 are process cartridges that need to be replaced periodically due to their mechanical life. The toner container 20 and the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the inside of the apparatus by opening and closing the front panel provided on the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

  For example, FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the external appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 including the front panel 30, and FIG. 2A shows the external appearance of the front panel 30 in the closed state. FIG. 2B shows the external appearance of the front panel 30 in the open state. The toner container 20 or a container unit CU (hereinafter also referred to simply as a unit) as a process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the inside of the apparatus with the front panel 30 shown in FIG. 2B open. It becomes possible. Hereinafter, details of the front panel 30 in the present embodiment will be described.

  For convenience of explanation below, directions are defined as follows. First, in the image forming apparatus 1 described above, the front-rear direction, that is, the drum axis direction of the photosensitive drum 14 is the Z direction, and the left-right direction is the X direction of two directions orthogonal to each other in a cross section perpendicular to the Z direction. The vertical direction is defined as the Y direction. In addition, although the positive / negative direction of each direction of X, Y, and Z shall not be ask | required here, in each drawing, for the sake of convenience, the direction of the arrow (left to right, bottom to top, front to back) ) Are unified.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the inside of the front panel 30 (inside the apparatus), and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the front panel 30. The front panel 30 includes a main panel 40, a sub panel 50, and a coupling mechanism 60.

  The main panel 40 is a panel that is provided on the front surface (front side surface) of the apparatus main body, and rotates upward with respect to the apparatus main body. The upper opening means a state in which the rotation shaft 40a (see FIG. 7) of the main panel 40 is located along the horizontal direction (here, the X direction) and is located below the center of the main panel 40. When the main panel 40 is rotated with the rotation shaft 40a as a fulcrum, the movement of the upper portion of the main panel 40 relative to the apparatus main body is indicated. A handle portion 41 is formed on the outer surface of the main panel 40 so as to be slightly recessed toward the inside of the apparatus. The user can hold the handle portion 41 and rotate the main panel 40. Yes.

  The sub-panel 50 is a panel that is formed to be recessed from the center lower part of the main panel 40 toward the inside of the apparatus, and the lower part is opened. The connection mechanism 60 connects the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50 so that the main panel 40 rotates independently of the sub panel 50. Details of each component will be described below.

(2-1. Main panel)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an inner appearance of the main panel 40 in a state where the main panel 40 is rotated and opened with respect to the apparatus main body. A recess 42 is formed in the main panel 40. The recess 42 is formed on the back side in the Z direction at the center in the X direction of the main panel 40 in the open state of the main panel 40, and has a concave shape with the back side open. In other words, when the main panel 40 is in the closed state, the concave portion 42 is formed at a position corresponding to the lower center portion of the main panel 40 in the closed state, and can be said to have a reverse concave shape with the lower portion opened. In addition, the main panel 40 is arranged such that the end surface 42a of the concave portion 42 is positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the unit attached to and detached from the apparatus when the rotation of the main panel 40 in the opening direction is completed. In the closed state, it is formed in a shape curved toward the inside of the apparatus.

  6A is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion A in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion B in FIG. Two pressing members 43 and 43 are formed on the inner surface of the main panel 40, respectively. As the main panel 40 rotates in the opening direction, the pressing members 43 and 43 press first bosses 52 and 52 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, provided on the sub panel 50 in a direction toward the inside of the apparatus. It is formed at a position sandwiching the recess 42 of the main panel 40 from the outside in the X direction. The pressing members 43 and 43 are each formed in a shape having elongated holes 43a and 43a in a YZ cross section perpendicular to the rotation shaft 40a (see FIG. 7) of the main panel 40, and the elongated holes 43a and 43a have a second shape. One boss 52, 52 is inserted (see FIG. 17 and the like). The pressing members 43 and 43 are substantially inverted U-shaped and are erected on the inner surface of the main panel 40.

  A positioning boss 44 is formed in the vicinity of one pressing member 43 on the inner surface of the main panel 40. The positioning boss 44 is positioned in the X direction with respect to the sub panel 50 by contacting a positioning contact portion 55 (see FIG. 12) of a positioning portion 54 (described later) of the sub panel 50 when the main panel 40 is closed.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rotation shaft 40 a of the main panel 40. The main panel 40 is supported by the apparatus main body via a rotation shaft 40a provided in parallel with the X direction, and rotates so as to be opened upward with the rotation shaft 40a as a rotation fulcrum. Two rotation shafts 40a are provided at both ends in the X direction of the main panel 40 so as to be coaxial.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the rotation shaft 40a and the pressing member 43 in the YZ section. As shown in the figure, in the closed state of the main panel 40, the above-described pressing member 43 is positioned below the rotation shaft 40a (see the position of the solid line). As a result, the position of the pressing member 43 can be changed as the main panel 40 rotates.

  Here, the rotation direction in the direction of opening the main panel 40 is defined as the P direction, and the rotation direction in the closing direction is defined as the Q direction. When the main panel 40 is rotated in the P direction, the pressing member 43 provided on the main panel 40 also rotates in the same direction (P direction) with the rotation shaft 40a as a fulcrum and moves to the inside of the apparatus. (Refer to the position of the broken line). At this time, as described above, since the first boss 52 (see FIG. 9) is inserted into the elongated hole 43a of the pressing member 43, as a result, the pressing accompanying the rotation of the main panel 40 in the P direction. By changing the position of the member 43, it is possible to press the first boss 52 in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus (Z direction) on the inner surface of the pressing member 43. Since the pressing member 43 rotates about the rotation shaft 40a, the distance between the rotation shaft 40a and the pressing member 43 is always constant even when the position of the pressing member 43 changes.

(2-2. Subpanel)
Next, the sub panel 50 will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the sub panel 50 from one direction, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion C of FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the sub panel 50 from the other direction, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion D of FIG.

  The sub-panel 50 has a reverse concave shape in which the end surface 50a on the front side of the apparatus in the Z direction is open downward in the XY cross section, and the opening width in the Y direction continuously increases from the front side of the apparatus toward the inside of the apparatus. In order to decrease, the upper surface 50b is gently inclined downward from the front side of the apparatus toward the inside of the apparatus. Further, the inside of the apparatus in the Z direction of the upper surface 50b is curved so as to protrude upward, and the vicinity of both end portions in the X direction of the upper surface 50b is also curved so as to protrude upward. As a result, the sub-panel 50 has a shape that is recessed from the front side of the apparatus toward the inside of the apparatus and has a shape in which the lower part is opened. On the side opposite to the upper surface 50b of the sub-panel 50, Is formed. Hereinafter, the upper surface 50b of the sub panel 50 refers to the entire surface on the side opposite to the surface on which the space due to the depression of the sub panel 50 is formed.

  The reverse concave end surface 50a of the sub-panel 50 on the front side of the apparatus is in a positional relationship facing the end surface 42a of the concave portion 42 of the main panel 40 when the main panel 40 is closed. Thereby, in the closed state of the main panel 40, the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50 can be smoothly connected via the recess 42. Further, since the upper surface 50b of the sub-panel 50 is gently inclined downward from the front side of the device toward the inside of the device, the uppermost portion 50c of the upper surface 50b is formed on the uppermost surface side of the upper surface 50b.

  In such a sub-panel 50, a guide portion 51 is formed in the center of the upper surface 50b in the X direction. The guide unit 51 guides the movement of the unit inside the apparatus when the main panel 40 is rotated and opened, and is configured by a flat plate, for example. In particular, the guide unit 51 guides the movement of the unit in the Z direction, restricts the position in the X direction, and suppresses the displacement of the mounting position in the X direction. Note that the position (in particular, the position in the X direction) on the upper surface 50b of the guide portion 51 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the unit inside the apparatus.

  Moreover, the 1st boss | hub 52 * 52 and the 2nd boss | hub 53 * 53 are provided in the X direction both ends of the upper surface 50b of the subpanel 50, respectively. Further, a positioning portion 54 is provided on one end portion side in the X direction on the upper surface 50b of the sub-panel 50, and one first boss 52 is formed integrally with the positioning portion 54 (FIGS. 11 and 11). 12).

  The first bosses 52 and 52 are formed so as to protrude from the vicinity of both ends in the X direction of the upper surface 50b of the sub-panel 50 in the X direction parallel to the rotation shaft 40a of the main panel 40 and in opposite directions. At the same time, they are inserted into the elongated holes 43a and 43a of the pressing members 43 and 43 of the main panel 40 described above and inscribed in the pressing members 43 and 43, respectively. From this, it can be said that two first bosses 52 and two pressing members 43 are provided corresponding to both ends of the sub-panel 50 in the X direction.

  Here, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the rotation shaft 40a of the main panel 40 and the first boss 52 described above in the YZ section. As shown in the figure, in the closed state of the main panel 40, the first boss 52 described above is positioned below the rotation shaft 40a in the Y direction, and the rotation shaft 40a in the Z direction. And the position of the first boss 52 are substantially the same. As described above, since the first boss 52 is inserted into the elongated hole 43a of the pressing member 43, the opening direction of the main panel 40 is determined in the positional relationship between the first boss 52 and the rotating shaft 40a. 8, the first boss 52 is pressed toward the inside of the apparatus by the inner surface of the pressing member 43 due to the change in the position of the pressing member 43 shown in FIG. 50 can be moved in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus. Note that the distance between the rotation shaft 40a and the first boss 52 is not constant, and changes depending on the position change of the first boss 52 accompanying the rotation of the main panel 40.

  The second bosses 53 and 53 are arranged in the X direction parallel to the rotation axis 40a of the main panel 40 from the vicinity of both ends in the X direction on the upper surface 50b of the sub panel 50 on the inner side of the apparatus than the first bosses 52 and 52. And projecting in opposite directions to each other. In the Y direction, the second bosses 53 and 53 are located slightly higher than the first bosses 52 and 52.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the front side inside the apparatus. 15A is an enlarged perspective view showing an E portion of FIG. 14, and FIG. 15B is an enlarged perspective view showing an F portion of FIG. The above-described second bosses 53 and 53 are supported by rails 71 and 71 inside the apparatus. The rails 71 and 71 are guide members for guiding the movement of the sub panel 50 while supporting the second bosses 53 and 53 from below, and both ends of the sub panel 50 in the X direction parallel to the rotation shaft 40a of the main panel 40. It is provided corresponding to. When the main panel 40 rotates, the movement of the sub panel 50 in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus can be guided by the second bosses 53 and 53 moving on the rails 71 and 71.

  At this time, the rails 71 and 71 are formed so as to be inclined so that the inside of the apparatus is located above the front side of the apparatus, and the upper surface 50b of the sub-panel 50 is rotated with the rotation of the main panel 40 in the opening direction. In order to guide the movement of the sub-panel 50 while supporting the second bosses 53 and 53 so that the uppermost portion 50c (see FIG. 9) is at the same height as the bottom surface of the unit attached to and detached from the apparatus. It has become.

  Next, the positioning part 54 is demonstrated based on FIG. 12 and FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the positioning portion 54. The positioning portion 54 is a portion that positions the sub panel 50 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 40 a of the main panel 40, and includes a positioning contact portion 55 and a positioning boss insertion portion 56.

  The positioning contact portion 55 is a portion that contacts the positioning boss 44 of the main panel 40 when the main panel 40 is closed. The positioning contact portion 55 is formed to protrude in the X direction from the upper surface 50b of the sub-panel 50, and the contact surface with the positioning boss 44 is a convex surface. By the contact between the positioning boss 44 and the positioning contact portion 55, the main panel 40 is positioned relative to the sub panel 50 in the X direction.

  The positioning boss insertion portion 56 has an insertion port 56a through which the positioning boss 44 is inserted and removed when the main panel 40 is rotated. In the closed state of the main panel 40, the positioning boss 44 comes into contact with the positioning contact portion 55 while passing through the insertion port 56a.

(2-3. Connection mechanism)
3 and 4 includes the first boss 52 of the sub-panel 50 and the pressing member 43 of the main panel 40 described above. That is, by inserting the first boss 52 through the elongated hole 43 a of the pressing member 43, the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50 are coupled so that only the main panel 40 rotates with respect to the sub panel 50. As described above, two first bosses 52 and two pressing members 43 are provided corresponding to both ends of the sub-panel 50 in the X direction. Therefore, the coupling mechanism 60 including the first bosses 52 and the pressing members 43 is provided. It can also be said that two are provided corresponding to both ends of the sub-panel 50 in the X direction.

  Thus, since the front panel 30 is configured by connecting the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50, which are completely separate members, by the connecting mechanism 60, not only the main panel 40 is rotated with respect to the sub panel 50. As the main panel 40 rotates in the opening direction, the sub-panel 50 can be moved in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus.

(2-4. About opening and closing operation)
Hereinafter, the operation according to the configuration of the front panel 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 25, including the opening / closing operation of the main panel 40 and the movement of the sub panel 50 associated therewith.

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus when the main panel 40 is closed, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus when the main panel 40 is rotated and opened from the closed state of the main panel 40. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in a state where the main panel 40 is further rotated and opened from the state of FIG. 18, and FIG. 20 is a state in which the rotation of the main panel 40 in the opening direction is completed. It is sectional drawing of an apparatus.

  FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the sub panel 50 viewed from one direction in the closed state of FIG. 17, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the sub panel 50 viewed from the other direction. Further, FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the sub panel 50 viewed from one direction in the open state of FIG. 20, and FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the sub panel 50 viewed from the other direction. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a detachable portion of the container unit CU of the image forming apparatus 1 in the open state of FIG.

  In the state of FIG. 17, the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50 are positioned so as to have a cross-sectional shape in which the L-shaped front and back are reversed, and the sub-panel 50 constitutes the L-shaped bottom. At this time, the first boss 52 of the sub-panel 50 is inscribed in the elongated hole 43a of the pressing member 43 of the main panel 40. However, since the main panel 40 is not rotated, the first boss 52 is directed to the inside of the apparatus by the pressing member 43. Not receiving direction pressure. Further, the second boss 53 of the sub panel 50 is located on the rail 71 on the front side of the apparatus. In the closed state of the main panel 40, as shown in FIG. 16, the positioning boss 44 of the main panel 40 is in contact with the positioning contact portion 55, and the positioning of the main panel 40 in the X direction with respect to the sub panel 50 is performed. Has been done.

  From this state, as shown in FIG. 18, when the user holds the handle 41 (see FIG. 4) of the main panel 40 and rotates the main panel 40 in the opening direction (P direction), the pressing member 43 rotates. The first boss 52 of the sub-panel 50 receives a pressing force in the direction from the inner surface of the pressing member 43 toward the inside of the apparatus because it moves in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus while rotating around the moving shaft 40a. As a result, the sub panel 50 starts moving in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus. At this time, since the rail 71 is inclined upward from the front side of the apparatus toward the inside of the apparatus, the sub-panel 50 is in the state shown in FIG. 17 by the movement of the second boss 53 of the sub-panel 50 along the rail 71. It moves in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus while moving slightly upward. That is, although the main panel 40 is rotating, the sub panel 50 starts a linear movement, which is an operation different from the rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the main panel 40 is further rotated in the P direction, the pressing member 43 further moves in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus while further rotating around the rotation shaft 40a, and the first boss In order to press 52 in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus, the sub-panel 50 further moves in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus. At this time, since the rail 71 is inclined upward toward the inside of the apparatus, the sub-panel 50 moves in a direction toward the inside of the apparatus while moving further upward than the state of FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20, when the rotation of the main panel 40 in the P direction is completed (when the main panel 40 is completely opened), the second boss 53 moves along the rail 71, resulting in the sub panel 50. The uppermost portion 50c of the upper surface 50b is located at the same height as the bottom surface of the unit to be attached to and detached from the inside of the apparatus. As a result, as shown in FIG. 25, the container unit CU can be pulled out from the apparatus main body along the guide portion 51 while the container unit CU is supported from the lower surface by the uppermost portion 50c of the upper surface 50b of the sub-panel 50. At this time, the end surface 42a of the recess 42 of the main panel 40 is also positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the container unit CU, and the container unit CU can be supported from the lower surface.

  The operation when the main panel 40 is rotated in the closing direction (Q direction) is completely opposite to the above operation. At this time, since the rail 71 is lowered on the front side of the apparatus, the weight of the sub panel 50 is moved obliquely downward (on the front side of the apparatus) along the rail 71, that is, in the closed state of the main panel 40. The sub panel 50 acts to move to the original position. For this reason, the rotation operation of the main panel 40 in the closing direction can be performed smoothly.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the front panel 30 of the present embodiment, the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50 are coupled by the coupling mechanism 60, and only the main panel 40 is opened upward without rotating the sub panel 50. Therefore, when the main panel 40 is rotated, the sub panel 50 does not interfere with a unit inside the apparatus, and the main panel 40 can be opened smoothly. As a result, the configuration of the present embodiment in which the main panel 40 is provided with the sub-panel 50 can be adopted, and the degree of freedom in designing the front panel 30 can be increased.

  That is, by connecting the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50 with the connecting mechanism 60, as the main panel 40 rotates, as shown in FIGS. The cross-sectional shape can be changed. Thereby, in the design of the front panel 30, there is no reason or restriction to exclude the L-shaped cross section, and the degree of freedom in designing the front panel 30 can be increased.

  In addition, by adopting the front panel 30 of the present embodiment, the space above the handle portion 2a of the paper feed cassette 2 located at a lower stage than the front panel 30 as shown in FIG. The design design widened by the 50 recess shapes is possible, and the degree of freedom in designing the image forming apparatus 1 is also increased. At this time, the space above the handle portion 2a is expanded by the recess shape of the sub-panel 50, and the user can easily grip the handle portion 2a from above or from below, so the user holds the paper feed cassette 2 by holding the handle portion 2a. It becomes easy to pull out, and workability and operability can be improved. In addition, since the handle portion 2a of the paper feed cassette 2 can be provided so as not to protrude from the apparatus main body by the design of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2A, space saving of the apparatus can be achieved.

  In addition, since only the main panel 40 can be rotated without rotating the sub-panel 50 by the connecting mechanism 60, unlike the conventional case in which a guide portion is provided on the rotating panel, as in the present embodiment, the rotation is not possible. It is possible to employ a configuration in which the guide portion 51 is provided in the sub-panel 50 that does not move. Therefore, the variation of the formation position of the guide part 51 increases, and it can be said that the design freedom of the front panel 30 can be increased also from this point. Further, when the main panel 40 is rotated and opened by the guide 51, the movement when the container unit CU is attached to and detached from the inside of the apparatus is guided, so that the container unit CU can be easily attached and detached. The workability can be improved.

  The coupling mechanism 60 includes a first boss 52 and a pressing member 43, and the pressing member 43 has a first direction in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel 40 rotates in the opening direction. Since the boss 52 is pressed, the sub-panel 50 provided with the first boss can be moved in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel 40 rotates in the opening direction. The above movement of the sub panel 50 can reliably avoid the sub panel 50 from interfering with a unit inside the apparatus when the main panel 40 is rotated. Further, since the first boss 52 protrudes in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel 40 and is provided in the sub-panel 50, the pressing member 43 is moved to the first boss 52 with the rotation of the main panel 40. It is possible to easily realize the above-described configuration for pressing.

  Further, as the main panel 40 rotates in the opening direction, the rail 71 guides the movement of the sub panel 50 while supporting the second boss 53, so that the sub panel 50 is appropriately moved along with the rotation of the main panel 40. It can be moved to a position. Further, since the second boss 53 protrudes in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel 40 and is provided in the sub panel 50, the rail 71 supports the second boss 53 and guides the movement of the sub panel 50. The above configuration can be easily realized.

  Further, when the rotation of the main panel 40 in the opening direction is completed by the movement of the sub panel 50 along the rail 71, the bottom surface of the container unit CU in which the uppermost portion 50c of the upper surface 50b of the sub panel 50 is attached to and detached from the inside of the apparatus. Therefore, the uppermost part 50c can be used as a guide when the container unit CU is attached / detached, and the attaching / detaching work can be facilitated.

  Further, the coupling mechanism 60 (the first boss 52 and the pressing member 43), the second boss 53, and the rail 71 described above correspond to both ends of the sub panel 50 in the X direction parallel to the rotation shaft 40a of the main panel 40. 2 so that the sub panel 50 can be stably and smoothly moved in the above direction without tilting the sub panel 50 with respect to the direction toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel 40 rotates. Can be moved.

  Further, since the first boss 52 is inscribed in the elongated hole 43a of the pressing member 43, when the main panel 40 is rotated in the opening direction, the first boss 52 is directed to the inside of the apparatus by the inner surface of the pressing member 43. It is possible to reliably press in the direction. Further, since the pressing member 43 has a shape having the long hole 43a, the first boss 52 can change the relative position with the pressing member 43 within the formation range of the long hole 43a. Accordingly, it is possible to translate the sub panel 50 in the vertical direction while moving the sub panel 50 toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel 40 rotates.

  In addition, since the pressing member 43 and the first boss 52 are located below the rotation shaft 40a of the main panel 40, the first pressing member 43 causes the first boss 52 to rotate in the opening direction. The boss 52 can be reliably pressed in the direction toward the inside of the apparatus, and the sub-panel 50 can be reliably moved in the above direction.

  Further, in the closed state of the main panel 40, the positioning boss 44 of the main panel 40 and the positioning contact portion 55 of the sub panel 50 come into contact with each other, and positioning in the X direction parallel to the rotation shaft 40a is performed. Shaking of the X direction with respect to the sub panel 50 of the panel 40 can be prevented.

  Further, when the main panel 40 is opened (when rotation in the opening direction is completed), the end surface 42a of the recess 42 of the main panel 40 is at the same height as the bottom surface of the container unit CU inside the apparatus. Therefore, the end face 42a can be used as a guide for attaching / detaching the unit to / from the inside of the apparatus, and the workability of attaching / detaching and replacing the unit can be further improved.

  In the above description, the example in which the configuration in which the main panel 40 and the sub panel 50 are connected by the connecting mechanism 60 is applied to the front panel 30 provided in the front of the apparatus has been described. Can be applied to the panel on the side surface of the apparatus.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition to the copying machine shown in FIG. 1, the present invention has various functions such as a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction machine (copy, facsimile, scanner, printer, etc.), and is also called an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral). It is also applicable to other image forming apparatuses such as Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to a monochrome image forming apparatus but also to a tandem or rotary color image forming apparatus.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus provided with a panel that is opened and rotated on the front or side of the apparatus main body.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 30 Front panel 40 Main panel 40a Rotating shaft 42 Recessed part 42a End surface 43 Pressing member 43a Elongated hole 44 Positioning boss 50 Subpanel 50b Upper surface 50c Uppermost part 51 Guide part 52 First boss 53 Second boss 55 Positioning Contact portion 60 coupling mechanism 71 rail (guide member)
CU container unit

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus provided with a main panel that rotates so as to open upward with respect to the front or side of the apparatus main body,
A sub-panel formed to be depressed toward the inside of the apparatus from the center lower part in the closed state of the main panel, and the lower part is opened;
A connection mechanism that connects the main panel and the sub panel so that the main panel rotates independently of the sub panel;
On the upper surface of the sub panel, a guide portion is formed for guiding the movement of the unit inside the apparatus when the main panel is rotated and opened .
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-panel does not rotate with respect to the apparatus main body and only the main panel rotates with the rotation of the main panel in the opening direction .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism moves the sub panel in a direction toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel rotates in the opening direction. The coupling mechanism is
A first boss provided in the sub-panel and projecting in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel;
3. A pressing member that is provided on the main panel and presses the first boss in a direction toward the inside of the apparatus as the main panel rotates in the opening direction. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The sub-panel has a second boss protruding in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a guide member that guides the movement of the sub-panel while supporting the second boss is provided inside the apparatus.   The guide member is configured so that when the rotation of the main panel in the opening direction is completed, the uppermost part of the sub panel is positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the unit to be attached to and detached from the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movement of the sub-panel is guided while supporting the boss.   5. The coupling mechanism, the second boss, and the guide member are provided in two each corresponding to both ends of the sub-panel in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main panel. Or the image forming apparatus according to 5. The pressing member is formed in a shape having an elongated hole in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the main panel,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first boss is inserted into the elongated hole of the pressing member and is inscribed in the pressing member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pressing member and the first boss are located below a rotation axis of the main panel.   The main panel is provided with a positioning boss that performs positioning in a direction parallel to the rotation axis with respect to the sub panel by contacting the positioning contact portion of the sub panel in a closed state of the main panel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. In the central lower part in the closed state of the main panel, a concave part having an inverted concave shape with the lower part opened is formed,
The closed state of the main panel is such that the end surface of the concave portion is positioned at the same height as the bottom surface of the unit to be attached to and detached from the apparatus when the rotation of the main panel in the opening direction is completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed in a shape curved toward the inside of the apparatus.

Images