JP5800014B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that improves operability of opening and closing a cover of an image forming unit.

  Conventionally, when the image reading unit is arranged above the image forming unit, when it is necessary to open the cover provided on the image forming unit during maintenance such as replacement of consumables, the cover is opened when the cover is opened. In such a method, the distance between the image forming unit and the image reading unit is increased so that the image reading unit does not hit the image reading unit. However, when the size of the cover is increased, it is necessary to increase the distance between the two parts, and there is a problem that the height of the apparatus main body is increased. The document surface of the image reading unit inevitably becomes high, and there is a problem that the operability during document setting deteriorates.

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 3398061), the image reading unit is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the image forming unit (main body), and the image reading unit is tilted to be rotated and retracted. The cover can be opened and closed during replacement.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-354832) can open and close the cover when exchanging consumables by sliding the image reading unit back and forth horizontally with respect to the image forming unit. To.

  In the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-139963, the image reading unit is configured integrally with the cover of the image forming unit, and the image reading unit is also rotated together when the cover is opened.

  However, the above techniques have the following problems.

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 needs to be operated after the image reading unit is tilted when opening the cover, and requires two steps as the operation, and the operability is poor. In addition, when the image reading unit is tilted, if a document is placed on the reading surface of the image reading unit, the document may drop, and a lock mechanism that prevents the pressure plate holding the document against the reading surface from opening Is required.

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the image reading unit is slid horizontally with respect to the image forming unit in the front-rear direction and retracted. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a space necessary for the image reading unit to pop out when the main body is installed, which places restrictions on the installation location.

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 3, the image reading unit is tilted when the cover is opened. Therefore, when the document is placed on the reading surface of the image reading unit, the document may drop, and the document is read. A lock mechanism is required to prevent the pressure plate pressed against the surface from opening. In addition, since the image reading unit pops out from the main body installation area, it is necessary to secure a space necessary for the image reading unit to pop out when the main body is installed, and the installation place is restricted.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it increases the degree of freedom of an installation place of an image forming apparatus and further improves the operability of opening and closing a cover of an image forming unit.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is disposed on an upper part of an image forming unit that outputs an image to a recording sheet, a cover that is rotatably supported to open an upper surface of the image forming unit, and the image forming unit. An image reading unit, a support unit that supports the image reading unit so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and an interlocking unit that interlocks the rotation of the cover and the slide of the image reading unit, and opens the cover. In conjunction with the operation, the image forming apparatus retracts upward while keeping the image reading unit horizontal, and the urging force is always larger than the weight of the image reading unit in a slide range, and the image reading unit is moved upward. Urging means for urging the image forming apparatus; holding means for keeping the cover closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus; and releasing means for opening the cover with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus; Before and When closed state of the cover by the release means is released, the image reading unit rises opening of the cover is interlocked, the image reading unit, characterized in that the stop at a predetermined position.

  According to the present invention, the degree of freedom of the installation place of the image forming apparatus can be increased, and the operability of opening and closing the cover of the image forming unit can be improved.

1 is a schematic external view of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit 100 and an image reading unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a comparative example of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and an image reading unit. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a usage state of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover 10 is closed in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a cover 10 is opened in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention does not drop a document on the document surface of the image reading unit when the cover is opened and closed during maintenance such as replacement of consumables of the image forming unit, and the installation location of the main body. A mechanism for retracting the image reading unit without being restricted is provided.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit 100 and an image reading unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An image reading unit 200 is disposed above the image forming unit 100, and a space is provided between the image forming unit 100 and the image reading unit 200 so that the recording paper is discharged onto the upper surface portion 101 of the image forming unit 100. Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image forming unit 100 according to the present embodiment. The image forming unit 100 includes a writing unit 1, a photoconductor unit 2, an intermediate transfer unit 3, a paper feed cassette 4, a secondary transfer unit 5, a fixing unit 6, a paper discharge unit 7, and the like, and is full color according to a general electrophotographic process. Form an image. The writing unit 1 can be opened together with the cover in the direction indicated by the arrow A, and the photosensitive unit 2 can be taken out upward. Further, the secondary transfer portion 5 is opened in the direction of arrow B together with the cover, so that a paper jam can be easily handled. The image reading unit 200 includes a document table 201 and a pressure plate 202 that presses the document against the document table 201, and the pressure plate 202 is opened in the direction of arrow C.

  3a to 3d show a comparative example of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and an image reading unit, in which a cover provided on the upper part of the image forming unit is opened when a consumable part such as a photosensitive unit is replaced. A case where the technology is applied will be described.

  FIG. 3A is a comparative example in which the distance L between the image forming unit 100a and the image reading unit is large so that the cover does not hit the bottom surface of the image reading unit 200a when the cover 10a is opened. In this example, since a space equal to or larger than the size of the cover 10a is required between the image forming unit 100a and the image reading unit 200a, there is a problem that the height of the apparatus main body is increased. In addition, the reading surface on which the document of the image reading unit is set is inevitably high, and there is a problem that visibility and operability during document setting deteriorate.

  FIG. 3B is a comparative example in which the image reading unit 200b slides in the horizontal direction and retracts when the cover 10b is opened. In this case, since the image reading unit 200b is kept horizontal, the document placed on the reading surface of the image reading unit does not fall. However, since the image reading apparatus pops out from the main body installation area, it is necessary to secure a space necessary for the image reading apparatus to pop out when the main body is installed, and there is a problem that the installation place is restricted.

  FIG. 3c is a comparative example in which the image reading unit 200c is rotatably held with respect to the main body when the cover 10c is opened, and the image reading unit is inclined and retracted when the cover is opened and closed. In this example, when the image reading unit is tilted, if the document is placed on the reading surface of the image reading unit, the document may drop, and the pressure plate 202c that presses the document against the reading surface may not be opened. There is a problem that a locking mechanism is required.

  FIG. 3d is a comparative example in which the cover 10d and the image reading unit 200d are integrally formed, and the image reading unit is also rotated together when the cover is opened. In this example, when the cover is opened, the image reading unit is tilted, and when the document is placed on the reading surface of the image reading unit, the document may fall, and the pressure plate 202d holding the document against the reading surface is provided. There is a problem that a lock mechanism is required to prevent it from opening. Further, since the image reading unit pops out from the main body installation area, it is necessary to secure a space necessary for the image reading unit to pop out when the main body is installed, and there is a problem that the installation place is restricted.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the following configuration.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a usage state of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the cover 10 is closed, the image reading unit 200 is fixed downward.

  FIG. 4B shows an outline at the time of replacement of the photosensitive unit of the image forming unit 100. In conjunction with the opening of the cover, the image reading unit 200 is retracted upward. At this time, the image reading unit moves upward while maintaining the level, so that the document placed on the reading surface does not fall, and a lock mechanism that prevents the pressure plate 202 holding the document from opening is not necessary. .

  The space in the upper part of the main body where the image reading unit 200 is retracted is secured as a movable region of the platen 202 that presses down the document as shown in FIG. 4a, and the image reading unit does not move outside the main body installation region. There are no restrictions on the installation location.

  4B, a mechanism for retracting the image reading unit 200 upward in conjunction with the opening of the cover 10 when the photosensitive unit of the image forming unit 100 is replaced will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which the cover 10 is closed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  A leg portion 20 is provided at the lower part of the image reading unit 200, and the leg portion 20 includes a rack 21 and a convex portion 22 for retaining. Further, the image forming unit 100 includes a fitting portion 9 that holds the leg portion 20 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The fitting portion 9 engages with the retaining convex portion 22 of the leg portion 20 to limit the operation range of the image reading portion. Convex part 12 is provided.

  A compression spring 13 for urging the image reading unit 200 upward is attached to the lower portion of the leg portion 20. The biasing force of the spring 13 is set to be higher than the weight of the image reading device 200 and always biases the image reading unit 200 upward within the movable range of the leg portion 20.

  A gear 14 is provided on the rotation shaft of the cover 10 of the image forming unit 100 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the cover. An intermediate gear 15 is provided so as to mesh with the gear 14, and the intermediate gear 15 is meshed with a rack 21 provided on the leg portion 20 of the image reading unit 200. The intermediate gear 15 is a two-stage gear for adjusting the cover rotation angle and the vertical movement amount of the image reading unit 200.

  A claw 11 that engages with the main body of the image forming unit is provided on the rotational front end side of the cover 10 of the image forming unit to keep the cover closed, and the claw 11 is interlocked with a release lever 16.

  FIG. 6 shows a state where the cover 10 is opened in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When the operation lever 16 is operated and the claw 11 is disengaged from the engaging portion of the main body, the image reading portion 200 is raised by the urging force of the compression spring 13 and the cover 10 is also opened in conjunction with it.

  The rise of the image reading unit 200 stops at a position where the retaining projection 22 provided on the leg 20 engages the projection 12 of the image forming unit.

  At this time, the cover 10 maintains an opening angle sufficient for replacing the photosensitive unit. When the cover 10 is forcibly opened, the tooth is prevented from being damaged by releasing the meshing with the rack 21 due to the missing tooth portion 17 provided in the intermediate gear 15.

  As described above, when the cover of the image forming apparatus is opened, the reading apparatus horizontally retracts in conjunction with the image forming apparatus, so that the operation can be performed with one action (improvement in operability). Further, since the reading device is retracted upward, a retreat space is not required around the main body, and the degree of freedom of installation location is increased.

  Further, an urging means is provided to reduce the cover opening / closing force. Thereby, the operation force at the time of opening and closing the cover is reduced, and operability is improved.

  Moreover, in order to energize with a simple structure, the cost was reduced by using an inexpensive spring.

  In addition, the urging force of the urging means is always larger than the weight of the image reading unit in the slide range in order to surely urge the image reading unit upward so as not to drop unexpectedly. Thereby, it can always hold | maintain upward and a cover does not close arbitrarily and can prevent accidents, such as pinching a hand.

  Further, in order to easily retract the image reading unit when the cover of the image forming unit is opened and closed, the gears provided on the cover of the image forming unit and the rack provided on the slide mechanism of the image reading unit are interlocked. . Thereby, since it interlock | cooperates via a gear, the freedom degree of the layout of an interlocking mechanism goes up, and it can change stroke amount and power by changing the number of teeth of a gear.

  Further, even if the cover is forcibly opened, at least one of the gears that transmits the operation is a toothless gear in order to disengage the gear and the rack. As a result, it is possible to disengage the gears and prevent the gear from being damaged by applying an excessive force.

  Further, in order to adjust the opening / closing angle of the cover and the amount of movement of the image reading unit, at least one of the gears transmitting the operation is a two-stage gear so as to change the rotation speed. Thus, by changing the gear ratio, the cover opening / closing angle and the amount of movement of the image reading unit can be adjusted, and the number of parts can be reduced, leading to cost reduction.

  Further, in order to prevent the image reading unit from coming off, the leg portion of the image reading unit is provided with a retaining portion for limiting the amount of movement in the vertical direction. Thereby, when the gear is damaged, when the main body is lifted by holding the image reading unit, an accident such as the image reading unit coming off and falling can be prevented.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the preferred embodiments, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described ones and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Writing part 2 Photoconductor unit 3 Intermediate transfer unit 4 Paper feed cassette 5 Secondary transfer part 6 Fixing unit 7 Paper discharge part 9 Fitting part 10 Cover 11 Claw 12 Operation range restriction convex part 13 Compression spring 14 Gear 15 Intermediate gear 16 Operation Lever 17 Missing portion 20 Leg portion 22 Retaining convex portion 21 Rack 100 Image forming portion 101 Upper surface portion 200 Image reading portion 201 Document table 202 Pressure plate

Japanese Patent No. 3398061 JP 2004-354832 A JP 2008-139963 A

Claims (5)

An image forming unit for outputting an image to recording paper;
A cover rotatably supported to open the upper surface of the image forming unit;
An image reading unit disposed above the image forming unit;
Support means for supporting the image reading unit in a vertically slidable manner;
Interlocking means for interlocking the rotation of the cover and the slide of the image reading unit,
In conjunction with the operation of opening the cover, the image forming apparatus retracts upward while keeping the image reading unit horizontal.
An urging unit that urges the image reading unit upward in a sliding range that is always greater than the weight of the image reading unit;
Holding means for keeping the cover closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Release means for opening the cover with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus,
When the closed state of the cover is released by the release means,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the raising of the image reading unit and the opening of the cover are interlocked, and the image reading unit stops at a predetermined position. The interlocking means is interlocked by meshing between a gear provided on a rotation shaft of a cover of the image forming unit and a rack provided on a slide mechanism slidable in the vertical direction of the image reading unit. 1 Symbol placing the image forming apparatus. The gears constituting the interlocking means, wherein at least one of the gears that transmit the operation is a toothless gear that is disengaged from the rack when the cover is forcibly opened. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 . The gears constituting the interlocking means, wherein at least one of the gears that transmits the operation adjusts the opening / closing angle of the cover of the image forming unit and the moving amount of the image reading unit by changing the rotation speed. the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the a two-stage gear. Wherein the leg portion of the image reading unit, any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in by limiting the amount of vertical movement to have a retaining portion to prevent the dropping the image reading portion is disengaged The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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