JPH08190237A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an image forming device which is excellent in maintainability and handleability and where a high-quality image is formed without exerting an adverse influence on a read image or a written image by preventing radiant noise from being produced and mechanical vibration from being transmitted by surely grounding units which can be separately opened/closed. CONSTITUTION: This image forming device constituted of plural units 1 and 2 mutually coupled to be opened/closed is provided with flat outer peripheral parts (4a and 4b) 4 formed on the outer peripheral edges of the respective opposed surfaces of either unit and the other unit, and a conductive elastic member 5 arranged on the surface of the outer peripheral part 4 of either unit. Furthermore, it is provided with a conductive member 6 arranged on the surface of the outer peripheral part 4 of the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member 5 and compressing the conductive elastic member 5 at specified compressibility at the time of closing the unit, and a fixing means 8 fixing both units 1 and 2 in a closed state.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a copying machine, a facsimile,
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a scanner, or a multi-function peripheral having these functions, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus in which an upper unit including a scanner unit can be opened and closed with respect to a lower unit including a printer unit. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that shields noise leakage from a connecting portion when both units are closed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, a scanner, a scanner, or a multifunction machine having these functions together, a scanner section (image reading section) for reading an original image and the like is provided. A printer unit (image forming unit) that visualizes the image information read by the scanner unit and then transfers and fixes it on a transfer material such as recording paper is provided.
In many image forming apparatuses, the housing is divided into a lower unit and an upper unit, a printer unit is housed in the lower unit, and a scanner unit is housed in the upper unit. As the image forming apparatus having a structure in which it is divided into upper and lower units, a complete separation type (S / P machine) in which a scanner unit and a printer unit are completely independent and separated, and a scanner unit and a printer unit are independent. There are two types: open-close type (copier) that is structured and pivotally supported at one edge.

A complete separation type (S
/ P machine), a unit including a scanner unit and a unit of a printer unit are completely separated, and each unit constitutes a unit as an independent structural body, and each unit is electrically connected. Power supply and signal exchange between them are realized by cables. At the time of installation, only the unit of the scanner unit is placed on the upper part of the unit of the printer unit, and it is not fixed by screws or the like.

In this case, a plurality of conductive members are provided at a peripheral portion of the top plate of the printer section, which is located at a connecting portion between the lower unit having the printer section and the upper unit having the scanner section. Or, it is arranged so as to surround the entire circumference, and the scanner part bottom plate is provided with a concave part to which a part of the conductive member is fitted so that the positional relationship between the scanner part and the printer part is accurately determined, and electrical noise is There is a known technique for preventing the radiation of light into the air and preventing the vibration from being transmitted to other sources (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-296152). In the open / close type (copying machine), the upper unit of the scanner unit and the lower unit of the printer unit are separated, but they can be opened and closed or slidable by a hinge structure or a slide structure. This is a structure for determining the property, and usually both units are fixed in a connected state by a screw or the like. In this case as well, like the completely separated type (S / P machine) of the scanner section and the printer section,
It has been attempted to shield unnecessary radiation noise and prevent electric noise from being radiated to the outside by providing conductive members at appropriate places on the bottom surface of the upper unit and at appropriate places on the upper surface of the lower unit.

However, in any case, a metal plate spring having a spring property is used as the conductive member, and this conductive member is also used for positioning between the upper unit of the scanner unit and the lower unit of the printer unit. Since it is also used for both, it is not possible to completely close the gap formed between the upper unit and the lower unit, and the joint part of both units is not fixed securely, so groundability However, there is a problem that electrical noise is radiated to the outside, which adversely affects the read image and the written image, and high quality image formation cannot be performed.

[0006]

In the above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus, not only is it impossible to completely close the gap between the upper and lower units, but also the grounding property is not secured. However, there is a problem that electrical noise is radiated to the outside and adversely affects read images, written images, etc., and high-quality image formation cannot be performed.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention is to solve such a problem. That is, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus of a type in which an upper unit including a scanner unit is pivotally supported in an openable and closable manner with respect to a lower unit including a printer unit, when both units are in a joined state (closed state). By completely closing the gap formed at the joint part of both units and securely fixing it, grounding is secured and radiation noise is prevented from occurring, and also mechanical vibration is prevented from transmitting and the read image It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus which is excellent in maintainability, etc. and which is capable of forming a high quality image without adversely affecting a writing image and the like, and which is easily handled.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of units openably and closably connected to each other, one unit and the other unit. A flat outer peripheral edge portion provided on the outer peripheral edge of the facing surface, a conductive elastic member arranged on the surface of the outer peripheral edge portion of one of the units, and the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member. A conductive member (compression ratio regulating means) which is arranged on the surface of the outer peripheral edge and compresses the conductive elastic member at a predetermined compression ratio when the unit is closed.
And a fixing means for fixing both units in a closed state. The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that each of the outer peripheral edge portions is provided on an outer peripheral edge of a bottom plate of the one unit and an outer peripheral edge of a top plate of the other unit, respectively. Forming equipment.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect is characterized in that the conductive elastic member is configured to be compressed from 60% to 80%. Claim 4
In the invention, the compressibility restricting means comprises a protrusion electrically connected to and fixed to the conductive elastic member, and a groove formed in the conductive member and fitted into the protrusion. It is characterized by

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the compressibility restricting means is formed on the conductive member, and the protrusion is electrically connected to and fixed to the conductive elastic member. It is characterized in that it is configured to have a protrusion that covers both sides in the width direction. The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the fixing means positions and fixes the four corners of each unit.

According to the invention of claim 7, each of the above units is
It is characterized in that it is pivotably supported by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed. According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the conductive elastic member includes an elastic member located inside and a conductive fiber member covering an outer surface of the elastic member.

[0012]

The image forming apparatus having the above structure is
According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which an upper unit accommodating a scanner unit is rotatably supported with respect to a lower unit accommodating a printer unit, an outer peripheral edge portion (opposite surface) of one unit ( Corresponding to the conductive elastic member arranged on the edge of the side plate, a conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge of the opposite surface side of the other unit, and both members are engaged at the time of closing so that the conductive elastic member is predetermined. Since the gap between the units is completely closed and securely fixed by compressing at the compression rate of 2, the grounding state is secured and radiation noise is prevented, and the vibration absorption function of the elastic member prevents the machine from operating. It is also possible to prevent the transmission of mechanical vibration, form a high-quality image without adversely affecting the read image, the written image, and the like, improve the maintainability, and improve the handleability.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate (or side plate) of the upper unit of the upper and lower units pivotally supported to be openable and closable with each other, and the top plate (or the lower plate) of the lower unit. A conductive member is disposed on the outer peripheral edge of the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member disposed on one of the outer peripheral edges of the side plate, and both members are engaged with each other when the unit is closed. By compressing to a predetermined compression ratio, the gap between the units is completely closed and securely fixed, so grounding is reliably performed to prevent generation of radiant noise and vibration is absorbed to prevent mechanical vibration. It is possible to prevent transmission, perform high-quality image formation without adversely affecting read images, written images, etc., improve maintainability, and improve handleability.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, one of the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate of the upper unit and the outer peripheral edge portion of the top plate of the lower unit of the upper and lower units pivotally supported so as to be freely opened and closed. The conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion of the other unit in correspondence with the conductive elastic member arranged in step 1, and both members are engaged with each other when the unit is closed.
By compressing to a compression rate of 1 to completely close the gap between the units and securely fix it, grounding is more reliable to prevent generation of radiation noise and also to prevent transmission of mechanical vibrations and read images. It is possible to form a high-quality image without adversely affecting the written image, the written image, and the like, and reduce the change with time to improve the maintainability and handleability.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, one of the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate of the upper unit and the outer peripheral edge portion of the top plate of the lower unit of the upper and lower units pivotably supported with respect to each other. By arranging the groove portion of the conductive member on the outer peripheral edge portion of the other unit corresponding to the protrusion portion of the conductive elastic member arranged in the above and fitting both of them, the conductive elastic member is compressed to a predetermined compression when closed. Since it was compressed to a certain degree to completely close the gap between the opening and closing parts between the units and to securely fix it,
Grounding is made more reliable to prevent the generation of radiation noise and also to prevent the transmission of mechanical vibration to form a high quality image without adversely affecting the read image or the written image.
Furthermore, there is little change with time, and maintainability and handleability can be improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, one of the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate of the upper unit and the outer peripheral edge portion of the top plate of the lower unit of the upper and lower units pivotably supported with respect to each other. The protrusions of the conductive member are arranged on the outer peripheral edge of the other unit so as to correspond to the protrusions of the conductive elastic member arranged on the other side, and both widthwise sides of one protrusion are surrounded by the other protrusion. In addition, when closed, the conductive elastic member is compressed to a predetermined compression ratio to completely close the gap between the opening and closing parts between the units and to securely fix it, so that grounding is made more reliable and radiation noise is generated. In addition to preventing the transmission of mechanical vibration, high-quality image formation can be performed without adversely affecting the read image, the written image, and the like, and further maintainability and handleability can be improved with little change over time.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the conductive member is arranged at the outer peripheral edge portion of the upper and lower units which are pivotally supported to be openable and closable with respect to each other. Then, when the conductive elastic member is compressed and regulated at a predetermined compression rate when closed, each unit is positioned and fixed at four points (four corners), which completely closes the gap between the units and ensures Since it is fixed to the ground, the grounding is more reliable to prevent the generation of radiant noise and the transmission of mechanical vibration is also reliably prevented, and a high quality image is formed without adversely affecting the read image or the written image. It is possible to improve maintainability and handleability.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the hinge structure in which the upper and lower units, which are pivotally supported to be openable and closable with each other, are supported at two points, and the conductive unit is disposed on the outer peripheral edge of one unit. A conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion of the other unit corresponding to the elastic member, and the conductive elastic member is fixed in a compressed state at a predetermined compression rate to completely close the gap between the units and ensure it. Since it is fixed to, the grounding is surely prevented to prevent the generation of radiation noise and also the transmission of mechanical vibration to prevent high-quality image formation without adversely affecting read images, written images, etc.
In addition, expandability, maintainability, and handleability can be improved.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the conductive elastic member disposed on one outer peripheral edge of the upper and lower units pivotably supported with respect to each other is electrically conductive to cover the inner elastic member and the outer surface of the elastic member. Since it is composed of a conductive fiber member, and the conductive member is arranged at the outer peripheral edge of the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member, and is fixed by a predetermined compression when closing, The gap between the units can be completely closed and securely fixed, grounding is made more reliable, radiation noise is prevented from occurring, and mechanical vibration is also prevented from being transmitted, which adversely affects read images and written images. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus which can perform high-quality image formation without any use, is lightweight, is safe, has excellent maintainability, and is easy to handle.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration explanatory view of an electrophotographic color copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. This color copying machine is the above-mentioned open-close type, and is a color image reading device (scanner section). One unit (upper unit) 1 is located on the other unit (lower unit) 2 which is a color printer (printer unit), and is pivotally supported in the direction of arrow A by a hinge 9 or the like. There is. When the upper unit 1 is closed, both units 1 and 2 are fixed by fixing means 8 such as screws. A narrow strip-shaped flat surface is provided on each of the outer peripheral edge portions 4 of the surfaces of the units 1 and 2 facing each other so that the flat outer peripheral edge portions 4 face each other when the units are closed. The positional relationship is set.

The lower outer peripheral edge portion 4 (4
a) and the upper outer peripheral edge portion 4 (4b) of the other unit 2 facing the lower outer peripheral edge when closed, the conductive elastic member 5 or the compression rate regulating means 7 (conductive member 6) is fixed respectively. ing. The conductive elastic member 5 is in close contact with the outer peripheral edge of the other unit including the compression rate regulating means 7 to prevent the leakage of noise when both units are in the closed state, and the compression rate regulating means 7 is conductive. It is pressed against the elastic member 5 to compress it from 60% to 80%. The conductive elastic member 5 and the compression rate regulating means 7 (conductive member 6) are provided in either one of the units 1 and 2.

The color image reading apparatus, which is one of the units 1, includes a color sensor 1 for reading an image of a document 10 through an illumination lamp 11, a mirror group 12, and an imaging lens 13.
4, the color image information of the original 10 is read for each color separation of, for example, blue, green and red, and is converted into an electric image signal. ing. In this embodiment, the color sensor 14 includes color separation means for blue, green and red, and a charge-coupled device.
(c)), and three-color simultaneous reading is performed. Based on the intensity levels of the color separation image signals of blue (Blue), green (Red), and red (Red) obtained by the color image reading device that is the one unit 1 above, the color is processed by an image processing unit (not shown). A conversion process is performed to obtain color image data of black (Black), cyan (Cyan), magenta (Magenta), and yellow (Yellow). this,
To be more specific, the color printer of the other unit 2 described above is used for black (black) and cyan (C).
yan), magenta (Magenta), yellow (Y)
yellow) is visualized, and these are superimposed to form a four-color color image.

Next, the color printer of the other unit 2 will be described. The writing optical unit 15 converts the color image data from the color image reading device, which is the one unit 1, into an optical signal, and performs optical writing corresponding to the color original image of the original 10 to form a drum-shaped photoconductor. An electrostatic latent image is formed on 16. The writing optical unit 15 is composed of a laser oscillator 17, a light emission drive control unit (not shown), a polygon mirror 18, a rotation motor 19 thereof, an f / θ lens 20 and a reflection mirror 21.

The photoconductor 16 rotates counterclockwise in the direction of arrow B in the figure, around which the cleaning unit 22 including the pre-cleaning static eliminator and the static elimination lamp 2 are provided.
3, charger 24, potential sensor 25, black (Bla
ck) developing device 26, cyan (Cyan) developing device 27, magenta (Magenta) developing device 28, yellow (Ye)
developing device 29, developing density pattern detector 30,
The intermediate transfer belt 31 and the like are arranged. Each of the black developing devices 26 and the cyan (Cyan)
Developing device 27, the magenta developing device 2
8. The yellow developing device 29 causes the developing sleeves 26a, 27a, 2 to rotate the brush of the developer in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 16 to develop the electrostatic latent image.
8a, 29a, developing paddles 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b that rotate to scoop and stir the developer, and a developer concentration detection sensor 26 that detects the concentration of the developer.
c, 27c, 28c, 29c and the like.

In the standby state, each of the four black (B
The black developing device 26, the cyan developing device 27, the magenta developing device 28, and the yellow developing device 29 are provided on the four developing sleeves 26a, 27a, 28a, and 29a. The developer is in the state of decapsulation without developing, but next,
The order of development operations in the color image forming order is black (Bl
ack, Cyan, Magenta
An example of ta) and yellow will be described. When the copying operation is started, reading of a black (Black) image is started at a predetermined timing by the color image reading device which is the one unit 1 and latent image formation by optical writing with laser light is performed based on this image data. Begins.

In order to develop the latent image of the black (Black) image from the tip, the black (Black) image is developed.
Before the leading edge of the latent image reaches the developing position of the developing unit 26, the developing sleeve 26a is started to rotate so that the developer is erected and the latent image of the black (Black) image becomes black (B).
developed with toner of developer. After that, the developing operation of the latent image area of the black (Black) image is continued, but when the trailing edge of the latent image area passes the black (Black) developing position, the developer is quickly cut off on the developing sleeve 26a. Then, the development is disabled. This is completed at least before the leading end of the latent image of the cyan (Cyan) image by the next cyan (Cyan) image data arrives. The cutting of the developer is performed by switching the rotation direction of the developing sleeve 26a in the opposite direction to that during the developing operation.

Black (Bl formed on the photoconductor 16
ack) The toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 that is driven at the same speed as the photosensitive member 16 and the photosensitive member 16 and the intermediate transfer belt 3.
In the contact state, 1 is transferred by applying a predetermined bias voltage to the transfer bias roller 32. On the intermediate transfer belt 31, black (Black), cyan (Cyan), and magenta (Ma) are sequentially formed on the photoconductor 16.
The toner images of the same are sequentially aligned on the same surface to form a belt transfer image of four colors, and then the transfer paper 33 is collectively transferred.

In the photoconductor 16, black is used.
Next to the step, the cyan (Cyan) step proceeds, but at a predetermined timing, data reading of a cyan (Cyan) image by the color image reading device which is the one unit 1 starts, and laser light writing by the image data causes Cyan latent image formation begins. The cyan (Cyan) developing device 27 has its developing position passed after the trailing edge of the previous black (Black) latent image has passed and before the leading edge of the latent image of cyan (Cyan) has arrived. The rotation of the developing sleeve 27a is started to make the developer stand, and the latent image of the cyan (Cyan) image is developed with the toner of the cyan (Cyan) developer. After that, the latent image area development of the cyan (Cyan) image is continued, but when the trailing edge of the latent image area passes, the black (B)
Similarly to the case of the developing device 26, the cutting of the developing sleeve 27a is performed. Also in this case, the process is completed before the next leading edge of the latent image of magenta arrives. In addition, in the photoconductor 16, magenta (Magenta)
The description of the process and the yellow process is the same because the operations of reading image data, forming a latent image, and developing are the same as those of the black process and the cyan process described above, and thus overlap. The following description is omitted.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in an open state. The color image reading apparatus which is one unit 1 is a hinge that pivotally supports one end of each of the units 1 and 2. It is configured to be openable and closable around the structure 9 as a fulcrum, and the upper unit 1 is opened as illustrated. The other unit 2 has a main body 2A on the fixed side and an intermediate plate 2B pivotally supported by the main body 2A so as to be vertically movable. One end edge 4b of the main body 2A and three end edges 4b of the intermediate plate 2B. Each has a narrow strip-shaped protruding portion (a substantially horizontal protruding surface), and the conductive elastic member 5 or the conductive member 6 is fixed to the upper surface of this protruding portion. On the lower surface of the upper unit 1 and the lower surface of the outer peripheral edge portion 4a facing the respective end edges 4b of the lower unit 2, the compression ratio regulating means 7 (conductive member 6) is provided.
Alternatively, the conductive elastic member 5 is fixed. When the conductive elastic member 5 is arranged in the one unit 1, the conductive member 6 is arranged on the other unit 2 side, and conversely, the conductive elastic member 5 is arranged in the other unit 2. A conductive member 6 is arranged on one unit side 1.

The color image reading device which is the one unit 1 and the color printer which is the other unit 2 are fixed by a fixing means 8 such as a screw in a closed state during normal image formation. The fixing means 8 has four points, that is, a front side fixing portion 1a and a rear side fixing portion 1b (almost the same structure as the front side fixing portion 1a, not shown) of the color image reading apparatus which is one unit 1, as shown in the figure, The front side fixed part 2a and the rear side fixed part 2b of the color printer which is the other unit 2
4 points are fixed screw 8a, fixed screw 8b, fixed screw 8
It is fixed and fixed securely by the c and the fixing screw 8d.

Therefore, the upper unit 1 and the lower unit 2
Even if it can be opened and closed by the hinge portion 9, the fixing means 8 mechanically fixes it, and the electrically conductive elastic member 5 and the electrically conductive member 6 cooperate to ensure electrical grounding. It is possible to prevent mutual transmission of mechanical vibration between the unit 1 and the other unit 2 and to prevent generation of unnecessary radiation noise. In particular, the effect was remarkable in preventing the generation of high-frequency noise of 300 MHz or higher due to poor groundability.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of an example of the housing portion of the lower unit, in which the upper edges of the four side plates of the housing of the lower unit 2 are narrow strips extending horizontally in the outer diameter direction. There is an outer peripheral edge portion 4b, and the conductive elastic member 5 is arranged on the upper surface thereof, and the narrow outer peripheral edge portion 4a horizontally protruding to the lower end edges of the four side plates of the upper unit 1 shown in FIG. The conductive member 6 on which the compression rate regulating means 7 is formed is arranged corresponding to the conductive elastic member 5.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the structure of the conductive elastic member and the conductive member. The conductive elastic member 5 arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion 4 of one unit is electrically connected to the outer peripheral edge portion 4. And the conductive member 6 is formed of a groove 6a formed on the outer peripheral edge of the other unit. The left-right direction in FIG. 4 is the lateral direction (width direction) of the outer peripheral edge portion 4, and the protrusions 5a and the groove portions 6a extend over the entire length of the outer peripheral edge in the longitudinal direction.

The protruding portion 5a of the conductive elastic member 5 is composed of an internal elastic member 5b and a conductive fiber member 5c which covers the outer skin of the elastic member 5b. The elastic member 5b is made of a material such as foamed polyurethane and carbon-containing silicon rubber. As the conductive fiber member 5c, a nylon fabric (fiber) coated with silver, a metal wire mesh (tin-plated copper), or the like is used.

Regarding the dimensional relationship between the protrusion 5a and the groove 6a, the height of the protrusion 5a of the conductive elastic member 5 is a, the depth of the groove 6a formed in the conductive member 6 is b, and the compression is If the rate is k, b = k × a (where k is 0.6 to 0.
It is within 8). In the above embodiment, the example in which the protrusion and the groove are arranged over the entire length of each outer peripheral edge is shown, but the protrusion and the groove are arranged at predetermined intervals on the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral edge, respectively. Good.

FIG. 5 shows another configuration example, in which the conductive elastic member 5 arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion 4b of one unit is composed of a projection 5a which is electrically connected and integrally formed. 6 is formed by a protrusion 6b. This protrusion 5
a is arranged over the entire length of the outer peripheral edge portion 4 in the longitudinal direction. The dimensional relationship is b = k, where a is the height of the projection 5a of the conductive elastic member 5, b is the depth of the projection 6b formed on the conductive member 6, and k is the compression rate. × a (however, k
Is within the range of 0.6 to 0.8).

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the shield state according to the embodiment of FIG. 4, which is formed on the conductive member 6 arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion 4a of the bottom plate of the color image reading apparatus which is one unit 1. A state in which the protruding portion 5a of the conductive elastic member 5 compressed to 60% to 80% by being electrically connected to the outer peripheral edge portion 4b of the top plate of the color printer of the other unit 2 is fitted in the groove portion 6a. It is fixed by fixing means 8 (not shown).

Although FIG. 6 shows the shielded state in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 4, the description of the shielded state in the case of the protrusion 6b shown in FIG. 5 is the same, and since it overlaps, the following description will be made. Omit it. Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the two units are opened and closed in the vertical direction is shown, but this is only an example, and the two units are opposed to each other even when the units are opened and closed laterally or diagonally. The present invention can be applied to the surface. Further, the invention can be applied not only to an opening / closing type using a hinge but also to a facing surface between units of a sliding type using a sliding method.

[0039]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus has the upper unit that houses the scanner unit pivotally supported to the lower unit that houses the printer unit in an openable and closable manner. Then, the conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge of the opposing surface of the other unit so as to correspond to the conductive elastic member disposed on the outer peripheral edge of the opposing surface of the one unit, and the conductive elastic member is compressed to a predetermined compression. Since both units are supported in a closed state while being regulated by a fixed rate, the gap between the units is completely closed and securely fixed, so that grounding is surely prevented to prevent radiation noise and mechanical vibration. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus which is excellent in maintainability and the like, in which transmission is also prevented and a high quality image is formed without adversely affecting a read image or a written image.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, one of the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate of the upper unit and the outer peripheral edge portion of the top plate of the lower unit of the upper and lower units pivotably supported with respect to each other. A conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion of the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member arranged in (1), and the conductive elastic member is regulated to a predetermined compression rate to completely close the gap between the units. Since it is securely fixed, grounding is reliably performed to prevent the generation of radiation noise and also the transmission of mechanical vibration to prevent high-quality image formation without adversely affecting read images or written images. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to handle and has excellent maintenance properties.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, one of the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate of the upper unit and the outer peripheral edge portion of the top plate of the lower unit of the upper and lower units pivotally supported so as to be freely opened and closed. A conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge of the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member arranged in step S1, and the conductive elastic member is regulated to a compression rate of 60% to 80% to reduce the gap between the units. Since it is completely blocked and fixed securely, grounding is made more reliable to prevent the generation of radiant noise and also to prevent the transmission of mechanical vibration, which does not adversely affect the read image or the written image and is of high quality. It is now possible to provide an image forming apparatus which is easy to handle and has little change over time when image formation is performed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, one of the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate of the upper unit and the outer peripheral edge portion of the top plate of the lower unit of the upper and lower units pivotably supported with respect to each other. The groove of the conductive member is arranged at the outer peripheral edge of the other unit corresponding to the protrusion of the conductive elastic member arranged in the above, and the conductive elastic member is regulated to a predetermined compression rate to open and close between the units. Since the gap between the parts is completely closed and securely fixed, grounding is made more reliable, radiation noise is prevented from occurring, and mechanical vibration is also prevented from being transmitted, which adversely affects read images and written images. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus which is capable of high-quality image formation without any change, has little change over time, is excellent in maintainability, and is easy to handle.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, one of the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate of the upper unit and the outer peripheral edge portion of the top plate of the lower unit of the upper and lower units pivotably supported with respect to each other. The protruding portion of the conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion of the other unit in correspondence with the protruding portion of the conductive elastic member arranged in the above, and the conductive elastic member is regulated to a predetermined compression ratio so as to reduce the space between the units. Since the gap between the opening and closing parts is completely closed and securely fixed, grounding is made more reliable, radiation noise is prevented from occurring, and mechanical vibration is also prevented from being transmitted, which adversely affects read images and written images. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus which is capable of high-quality image formation without giving it, has little change over time, is excellent in maintainability, and is easy to handle.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the conductive elastic member is arranged on one outer peripheral edge of the upper and lower units pivotably supported to each other so as to correspond to the conductive elastic member on the other outer peripheral edge. Then, when the conductive elastic member is compressed and regulated at a predetermined compression rate when closed, each unit is positioned and fixed at four points (four corners), which completely closes the gap between the units and ensures Since it is fixed to the ground, the grounding is more reliable to prevent the generation of radiant noise and the transmission of mechanical vibration is also reliably prevented, and a high quality image is formed without adversely affecting the read image or the written image. It is now possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is excellent in maintenance properties and that is easy to handle.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the hinge structure in which the upper and lower units pivotally supported to be openable and closable with each other are supported by the two points is opened and closed, and the conductive member disposed on the outer peripheral edge portion of one unit. A conductive member is arranged on the outer peripheral edge portion of the other unit corresponding to the elastic member, and the conductive elastic member is fixed in a compressed state at a predetermined compression rate to completely close the gap between the units and ensure it. Since it is fixed to, the grounding is reliably performed to prevent the generation of radiation noise and also the transmission of mechanical vibrations, so that high-quality image formation can be performed without adversely affecting read images or written images. It has become possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is excellent in expandability and maintainability and that is easy to handle.

According to the invention of claim 8, the conductive elastic member disposed on one outer peripheral edge of the upper and lower units pivotally supported to be openable and closable with each other is electrically conductive to cover the inner elastic member and the outer skin of the elastic member. And a conductive fiber member, and the conductive member is disposed on the outer peripheral edge of the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member, and is compressed by a predetermined amount when the unit is closed and fixed by the fixing means, and a gap between the units is formed. Since it is completely blocked and securely fixed, grounding is made more reliable to prevent generation of radiation noise and also transmission of mechanical vibration is prevented, which does not adversely affect read images or written images. It has become possible to provide a lightweight, safe and easy-to-handle image forming apparatus that is capable of forming a high quality image and has excellent maintainability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a state of another main part of the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a state of another main part of the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating another main part of the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... One unit, 1a ... Front fixing part, 1b
... Rear side fixed part, 2 ... Other unit, 2a ...
Front side fixed part, 2b ... Rear side fixed part, 4 ... Outer peripheral edge part, 4a ... Outer peripheral edge part of bottom plate, 4b ... Outer peripheral edge part of top plate, 4c ... Front, rear, left and right side plates Outer peripheral edge portion, 4d ...
Outer peripheral portions of the front, rear, left and right side plates, 5 ... conductive elastic member, 5
a ... protrusions, 5b ... elastic members, 5c ... conductive fiber members, 6 ... conductive members, 6a ... grooves, 6
b ... Projection part, 7 ... Compression rate regulating means, 8 ... Fixing means, 8a ... Fixing screw, 8b ... Fixing screw, 8
c ... fixed screw, 8d ... fixed screw, 9 ... hinge structure, 10 ... document, 11 ... illumination lamp, 12
... Mirror group, 13 ... imaging lens, 14 ... color sensor, 15 ... writing optical unit, 16
... Photoconductor, 17 ... Laser oscillator, 18 ... Polygon mirror, 19 ... Rotation motor, 20 ... f
/ Θ lens, 21 ... Reflecting mirror, 22 ... Cleaning unit, 23 ... Eliminating lamp, 24 ... Charging device, 25 ... Potential sensor, 26 ... Black (Black) developing device, 26a ... Developing sleeve, 2
6b ... Development paddle, 26c ... Developer density detection sensor, 27 ... Cyan developing device, 27a
... Development sleeve, 27b ... Development paddle, 27c
・ ・ ・ Developer concentration detection sensor, 28 ・ ・ ・ Magenta developing device, 28a ・ ・ ・ Development sleeve, 28b ・ ・ ・ Development paddle, 28c ・ ・ ・ Development concentration detection sensor, 29 ・ ・ ・ Yellow ( Yellow) developing device, 29a ... developing sleeve, 29b ... developing paddle, 29c ... developer concentration detection sensor, 30 ...
-Developer density pattern detector, 31 ... Intermediate transfer belt, 32 ... Transfer bias roller, 33 ... Transfer paper.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G03G 21/16 H04N 1/00 D B41J 29/12 A G03G 15/00 554

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of units openably and closably connected to each other, wherein a flat outer peripheral edge portion provided on an outer peripheral edge of each facing surface of one unit and the other unit, and one of the units. A conductive elastic member disposed on the surface of the outer peripheral edge of the unit, and a conductive elastic member disposed on the surface of the outer peripheral edge of the other unit corresponding to the conductive elastic member and when the unit is closed. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a conductive member that compresses the sheet at a predetermined compression rate; and a fixing unit that fixes both units in a closed state. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the outer peripheral edge portions is provided on an outer peripheral edge of a bottom plate of the one unit and an outer peripheral edge of a top plate of the other unit, respectively. . 3. The conductive elastic member comprises 60% to 80%.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be compressed to%. 4. The conductive member has a protrusion that is electrically connected to and fixed to the conductive elastic member, and a groove formed in the conductive member and fitted into the protrusion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3. 5. The conductive member is formed on the conductive member and is electrically connected to and fixed to the conductive elastic member, and the conductive member covers both sides in the width direction of the conductive elastic member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a protrusion. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means positions and fixes four corners of each unit. 7. The unit according to claim 1, wherein each unit is pivotally supported by a hinge so as to be openable and closable.
The image forming apparatus according to 3, 4, 5 or 6. 8. The conductive elastic member comprises an elastic member located inside and a conductive fiber member covering an outer surface of the elastic member. 6
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus according to item 7.