JPH11160949A - Option device attaching equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the attaching work of an option device, without spoiling the appearance and increasing cost, in an option device attaching equipment. SOLUTION: This option device attaching equipment is provided with a metal plate made frame 26 which is provided in an equipment main body and having attaching holes such as screw holes 26a, an exterior cover 11 which is provided on the circumference of the equipment main body and having guiding holes 11b as non-through-holes which are faced inward in the state that thin parts are remained between the guiding holes 11b and an outside surface (s) in positions corresponding to the attaching holes, a positioning member such as a sheet member 28 which is for breaking through the thin parts from the outside to put it to the outside surface (s) based on the fixed parts such as the edges (c) and (d) of the exterior cover 11 as references and to specify the outside surface positions of the cover 11 corresponding to the guiding holes 11b, a bracket 30 for attaching the option device such as a transmitter-receiver to the outside of the cover 11 and an attaching members such as screw members 31 which are engaged with the attaching holes through the guiding holes 11b from the broken thin parts to fit the bracket 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applicable to office equipment such as printers, copiers and facsimile machines, and home electric equipment such as personal printers, copiers and facsimile machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optional device mounting device for mounting an optional device such as a handset or a sorter outside the device main body in such a device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of optional device mounting device, a screw hole is provided in a sheet metal frame provided in the device main body, and a screw hole is provided on an outer cover of the device main body in correspondence with the screw hole. When a bracket mounting hole is provided and an optional device is mounted, there is a type in which a screw member is passed through the bracket mounting hole and screwed into a screw hole of a frame to mount a bracket, and the optional device is mounted to the device body via the bracket.

However, when the optional device is not mounted on such an optional device mounting device, the bracket mounting hole of the outer cover is exposed, so that the external appearance is not good.

In some cases, the bracket mounting hole of the outer cover is closed with a cap when the optional device is not mounted.

[0005] However, such an optional device mounting device is still unsatisfactory in appearance and requires an extra cap, which increases the number of parts and increases the cost.

[0006] For this reason, in the prior art, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-295316, the bracket mounting hole of the outer cover is formed as a non-through hole, and when the optional device is mounted, the non-through hole is used. Is pierced by a screwdriver or the like to form a through hole, and a screw member is screwed into a screw hole of the frame through the through hole to attach a bracket.

[0007]

In general, however, optional devices are installed at a store before the delivery of the device, or at the place where the device is installed at the time of delivery or after the delivery, as requested by the user. For this reason, when installing optional equipment, it is necessary to remove the external cover once already assembled, protrude from the inside, penetrate the bracket mounting hole, and then re-attach the external cover. There was a problem that it was troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to facilitate the work of attaching an optional device to an optional device attaching device without deteriorating the appearance or increasing the cost.

[0009]

For this reason, the invention as set forth in claim 1 is provided in an apparatus for mounting an optional device in an apparatus main body 10 as in an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. A frame 26 made of sheet metal having an attachment hole such as a screw hole 26a;
0 and an outer surface s at a position corresponding to the mounting hole.
And an outer cover 11 having an inward and non-penetrating guide hole 11b while leaving a thin portion 11c between the outer cover 11 and the outer cover 11.
In order to pierce the thin portion 11c from outside, the outer surface of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the guide hole 11b is applied to an outer surface s of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the guide hole 11b with reference to a predetermined portion such as an end edge cd. A positioning member for specifying a position a, a bracket 30 for attaching an optional device such as a handset 24 to the outside of the outer cover 11, and the mounting hole is engaged with the mounting hole through the guide hole 11b from the pierced thin portion 11c. Attach the bracket 30;
And a mounting member such as a screw member 31.

[0010] In the first aspect of the present invention,
When attaching optional equipment such as the handset 24,
A positioning member is applied to an outer surface s of the outer cover 11 with reference to a predetermined portion of the outer cover 11, an outer surface position A of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the inner guide hole 11b is identified, and a driver 29 or the like is hit against the outer surface position A. The driver 29 or the like penetrates the thin portion 11c from the outside of the outer cover 11 and penetrates the guide hole 11b, and engages with the mounting hole through the penetrated guide hole 11b to mount the bracket 30 with the mounting member. The optional device is attached to the outside of the exterior cover 11 by using.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optional device mounting apparatus according to the first aspect, as in an embodiment described with reference to, for example, FIGS. 11 is a sheet member 28 to be attached to the outer surface s.

In the invention according to claim 2,
A sheet member 28 is used as a positioning member, and the sheet member 28 is attached to an outer surface s of the exterior cover 11 with reference to a predetermined portion.
The outer surface position A of the exterior cover 11 corresponding to 1b is specified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the option device mounting apparatus according to the first aspect, the bracket 30 is also used as the positioning member as in an embodiment described with reference to FIG. It is characterized by that.

In the invention according to claim 3,
A bracket 30 is used as a positioning member, and the bracket 30 is applied to the outer surface s of the exterior cover 11 with reference to a predetermined portion.
The outer surface position A of the exterior cover 11 corresponding to 1b is specified.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optional device-attached device, which is provided in the device main body 10 as shown in, for example, FIGS. A frame 40 made of sheet metal having a large mounting hole, and a guide hole provided in the periphery of the device main body 10 and located at a position corresponding to the mounting hole and facing inward and not penetrating except for a thin portion 11f between the outer surface s. An outer cover 11 having a mark such as a round groove 11g having an outer surface position a corresponding to the guide hole 11e, and having an outer surface 11a;
A bracket 21 for mounting an optional device such as a sorter 22, and a bracket 21 which is engaged with the mounting hole through the guide hole 11e from a place where the thin portion 11f has been pierced based on the mark of the exterior cover 11, and the bracket 21 is mounted. And a mounting member such as a screw member 42.
It is characterized by the following.

In the invention according to claim 4,
When attaching an optional device such as the sorter 22, the outer surface position of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the inner guide hole 11e is specified based on the mark of the outer cover 11, and the tapping screw 41 or the like is pushed into the outer surface position a. The thin portion 11f from outside of the outer cover 11 with the tapping screw 41 or the like.
Through the guide hole 11e, and the guide hole 11e
The bracket 21 is attached with the attaching member by engaging with the attaching hole through the outer cover 11 using the bracket 21.
Attach optional equipment to the outside of

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the optional device mounting apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the outer shape of the outer cover 11 is changed as in an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. Alternatively, the mark such as the round groove 11g is provided.

In the invention according to claim 5,
Based on the mark provided by changing the outer shape of the outer cover 11,
It penetrates the thin portion 11f and penetrates the guide hole 11e.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the optional device mounting apparatus according to the fifth aspect, for example, as shown in an embodiment described below, the outer surface s of the outer cover 11 is provided with a grain pattern, It is characterized in that the mark is provided with the outer surface position A of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the guide hole 11e as a smooth surface.

In the invention according to claim 6,
The guide hole 11 penetrates through the thin portion 11f with the smooth surface as a mark.
e.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a copying machine, which is an example of an optional device mounting device according to the present invention, showing a sorter mounted on the device body.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a copying machine. The device main body 10 is provided with an outer cover 11 made of resin on the entire periphery so as to cover the internal device, and a reading unit 13 is assembled on a main body 12. A front cover 14 is provided on the front side of the main body 12 so as to be openable and closable back and forth.
A paper feed cassette 15 is provided in two stages so as to be freely taken in and out from the front side. On the left side, a power switch 16 is provided in the upper part near the front, and a discharge port 1 for recorded paper is provided in the center.
7 is provided.

On the other hand, the reading section 13 is provided with a document presser 19 for pressing a copy document on the upper surface so as to be openable and closable up and down with the rear side as a fulcrum, and an operation panel 20 on the front side thereof as usual. .

In this copying machine, as an optional device, a sorter 22 is attached to the left side of the main body 12 via a bracket 21, and a handset 24 is mounted on a mounting table 23 on the right side of the reading unit 13. Be attached.

First, the mounting of the handset 24 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a sheet metal frame 26 of the reading unit 13 is provided in the device main body 10 where the handset 24 is attached. In the illustrated example, two screw holes 26a as shown in FIG. 2 are formed in the frame 26 as mounting holes.

On the other hand, the exterior cover 11 outside the frame 26 is provided with two bosses 11a projecting inward from the inner surface. Both bosses 11a are just frame 2
6 and a guide hole 11b is formed at the center.

Before the handset 24 is attached as an optional device, the guide holes 11b are directed inward and the screw holes 26 are provided.
At a position corresponding to a, a thin portion 11c is provided between the outer surface s and the outer surface s so as to be non-penetrating.

However, as shown in FIG. 1, when the handset 24 is attached as an optional device, as shown in FIG. 3, in this example, as a positioning member, a sheet bundled with the handset 24 as an optional device is used. The member 28 is used. The sheet member 28 has the same color as the outer cover 11 and is attached to the outer surface s of the outer cover 11 using, for example, a transparent double-sided tape.

The sheet member 28 has two positioning holes 28.
When the two adjacent side edges a and b are respectively adhered to the outer surface s of the outer cover 11 along the edges c and d of the outer cover 11, the positioning holes 28a become The outer surface position A of the exterior cover 11 corresponding to the guide hole 11b is specified.

Then, the tip of the driver 29 is inserted into the positioning holes 28a and hits the outer surface position A. The thin portion 11c is pierced from the outside of the outer cover 11 and penetrates each guide hole 11b.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
The vertical portion 30a of the sheet metal bracket 30 is superimposed on the bracket 8, and two insertion holes 30b provided in the vertical portion 30a are respectively aligned with the positioning holes 28a. In the illustrated example, a screw member 31 is used as an attachment member, and the screw member 31 is inserted into the positioning hole 28a of the sheet member 28 from the insertion hole 30b.
The bracket 30 is attached by screwing into the above-mentioned screw hole 26a of the frame 26 through the penetrated guide hole 11b.

Then, the horizontal portion 3 of the bracket 30
The mounting table 23 described above is mounted on the mounting cover 23 with screws or the like, and the outer cover 11 is mounted using a bracket 30 as shown in FIG.
The mounting table 23 is fixed to the outside of the device, and the transmitter / receiver 24 is mounted on the mounting table 23 as described above. FIG.
A middle code 32 is an electric cord for electrically connecting the handset 24 and the device main body 10.

In the illustrated example, the sheet member 28 is used as a positioning member.
Was attached to the outer surface s of the exterior cover 11, and the bracket 30 was attached to the outside of the outer cover 11 as it was. At this time, the sheet member 28 is attached to the exterior cover
1 and the same color.

However, the positioning holes 28 of the sheet member 28
a, the outer surface position of the outer cover 11 is specified, and the guide hole 26 is determined.
After passing through a, the sheet member 28 may be peeled off, and the bracket 30 may be directly attached to the outside of the exterior cover 11. At this time, the sheet member 28 does not need to be made the same color as the outer cover 11, and may be simply applied without being attached to the outer surface s of the outer cover 11. It is not limited to a sheet shape, but may be a plate shape or another shape.

Also, as shown in FIG.
By using as a positioning member, a dedicated positioning member may be eliminated. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a positioning hole 30d is formed in the above-described horizontal portion 30c of the bracket 30. Then, when attaching the handset 24 as an option, the bracket 30 is placed sideways and its horizontal portion 30c is applied to the outer surface of the outer cover 11,
The adjacent side edges e and f are respectively connected to the edges c and d of the exterior cover 11.
Along. Then, the positioning hole 30d specifies the outer surface position A of the exterior cover 11 corresponding to the inner guide hole 11b.

Then, the tip of the driver 29 is inserted into the positioning holes 30d and is brought into contact with the outer surface position a. The thin portion 11c is pierced from the outside of the exterior cover 11 and penetrates each guide hole 11b. Thereafter, the direction of the bracket 30 is changed, the vertical portion 30a is set up in the same manner as in the above-described example, and a screw member is screwed into the screw hole 26a of the frame 26 from the insertion hole 30b through the guide hole 11b penetrating therethrough. , And the handset 24 is attached to the bracket 30 via the mounting table 23 as shown in FIG.

In the above-described example, the positioning member is attached along the edges c and d of the exterior cover 11, but is not limited to the edges c and d. You may make it attach based on another predetermined site | part. In addition, although the outer surface position A of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the inner guide hole 11b is specified by the positioning hole of the positioning member, the outer surface position A is specified not only by the positioning hole but also by a dent or mark provided in the positioning member. It may be.

Further, in the above-described example, the thin portion 11c is pierced by using the driver 29, but it is needless to say that the thin portion 11c is not limited to the driver 29, but may be pierced by using another member.

Next, attachment of the sorter 22 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, a sheet metal frame 40 of the main body 12 is provided in the device main body 10 where the sorter 22 is attached. The frame 40 has two screw tapping holes 40a as shown in FIG. 6 as mounting holes.

On the other hand, the outer cover 11 outside the frame 40 is provided with two bosses 11d vertically protruding inward from the inner surface beside the discharge port 17. This boss 11
d is a height at which the tip just contacts the frame 40, and forms a guide hole 11e at the center.

Before the frame 40 is attached as an optional device, the guide hole 11e is also provided inwardly at a position corresponding to the screw tapping hole 40a and non-penetrating except for a thin portion 11f between the guide hole 11e and the outer surface s. . The thickness of the thin portion 11f is equal to the thickness of the thin portion 11c in the example described above.
2 mm to 1.5 mm is desirable. When the thickness is smaller than 0.2 mm, the outer surface s tends to be uneven, and when the thickness is larger than 1.5 mm, it is difficult to break through.

In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 7, the outer surface s of the outer cover 11 is concentric with the guide hole 11e as a mark indicating the position of the outer surface of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the guide hole 11e. A round groove 11g is provided.

The sorter 22 is an optional device.
In this example, as shown in FIG.
Based on the round groove 11g, the outer surface position A of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the inner guide hole 11e is specified, and the tip of the tapping screw 41 bundled with the sorter 22 is abutted against the outer surface position A. Then, the tapping screw 41 is screwed in to break through the thin portion 11f from the outside of the outer cover 11, and penetrate the guide hole 11e as shown in FIG.

After passing through the guide hole 11e, the tapping screw 4
Remove 1 Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the bracket 21 is superimposed on the outer surface s of the outer cover 11, and the two insertion holes 21a provided in the bracket 21 are fitted to the guide holes 11e respectively penetrating therethrough.

In this example, a screw member 42 is used as an attachment member. The screw member 42 is inserted through the insertion hole 21a of the bracket 21 and screwed into the screw tapping hole 40a of the frame 40 through the penetrated guide hole 11e.
Attach the bracket 21. Since both the bosses 11d have a height that comes into contact with the frame 40, even when the screw member 42 is tightened at this time, the outer cover 11 can be prevented from bending inward as in the above-described example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bracket 21 in the illustrated example is formed by bending a rod-shaped member into a U-shape. The bracket 21 is provided with two insertion holes 21a in a longitudinal mounting portion 21b and bent at both ends. The portion 21c is provided with a locking pin 43 that protrudes upward.

Then, the sorter 22 is attached to the outside of the outlet 17 of the main body 12 by being hooked on the hooking pin 43. The sorter 22 is provided with a plurality of trays 44 in a plurality of stages.

In the illustrated example, the screw tapping hole 40a is provided in the frame 40, but a self-tapping screw pilot hole may be provided. Also, the guide hole 11e
Is slightly larger than the screw tapping hole 40a and the self-tapping screw pilot hole, the screw member 42 can be screwed in even if the position of the frame 40 and the outer cover 11 is slightly shifted.

Further, in the illustrated example, the tapping screw 41
The guide hole 11e is penetrated by piercing the thin portion 11f by using the guide hole 11e.
e may be penetrated.

In the illustrated example, a circular groove 11g is provided concentrically with the guide hole 11e on the outer surface s of the outer cover 11 as a mark indicating the position of the outer surface of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the guide hole 11e. However, the outer surface position of the outer cover 11 corresponding to the guide hole 11e may be marked by changing the outer surface shape or sticking something in other ways without being limited to the round groove 11g. Good.

For example, the outer cover 11 is provided with a grain pattern on the outer surface, while the outer cover 1 corresponding to the guide hole 11e is provided.
The outer surface position A may be changed to a smooth surface and the outer surface shape may be changed to provide a mark at the outer surface position A.

The above-described example shows an example in which the handset 24 and the sorter 22 are attached to the copying machine as optional devices. However, even in the case of office equipment such as copiers and printers, it can be similarly applied to the case where a finisher, sorter stapler, reversing unit, duplex unit, paper feed unit, operation unit, etc. are installed as optional devices. it can.

[0053]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning member is applied to the outer surface of the outer cover, and the outer surface position of the outer cover corresponding to the inner guide hole is specified. A thin portion is pierced from the outside of the cover by a driver or the like to penetrate the guide hole, and is engaged with the mounting hole of the frame through the guide hole to mount a bracket with a mounting member, and to mount an optional device using the bracket.

Therefore, in response to a user's request, when the optional device is installed at the dealer before the delivery of the device, or when the optional device is installed at the place where the device is installed at the time of delivery or after the delivery, the exterior after the assembly is already installed. The bracket for mounting the optional device can be attached through the guide hole without removing the cover, and the mounting work of the optional device can be facilitated.

Since only an inexpensive positioning member is used, the cost does not increase, and when the optional device is not mounted, the guide hole does not penetrate, so that the appearance does not deteriorate.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, further,
Since the sheet member is used as the positioning member and the sheet member is attached to the outer surface of the outer cover, there is no need to hold the positioning member when piercing the thin-walled portion with a driver or the like, and the mounting work of the optional device is further facilitated. Can be.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
Since a bracket for mounting an optional device is used as a positioning member, a dedicated positioning member is not required, so that the number of components can be reduced and cost can be further reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the outer surface position of the outer cover corresponding to the inner guide hole is specified based on the mark of the outer cover, and a thin portion is formed from outside the outer cover by a driver or the like. Pierce through the guide hole, engage the mounting hole of the frame through the guide hole, mount the bracket with the mounting member, and mount the optional device using the bracket.

Therefore, similar to the first aspect of the present invention,
At the request of the user, when installing optional equipment at the dealer before the equipment is delivered, or when installing the optional equipment at the place of installation of the equipment at the time of delivery or after delivery, without removing the external cover already assembled In addition, a bracket for mounting an optional device can be mounted through the guide hole, and the mounting operation of the optional device can be facilitated.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is no need to use the “positioning member that contacts the outer surface of the outer cover based on the predetermined position” used in the first aspect of the present invention. And cost can be reduced. Also, when the optional device is not mounted, the guide hole does not penetrate, so the appearance can be improved, and when the optional device is mounted,
Based on the mark on the outer cover, the position where the driver can pierce can be easily specified.

According to the invention described in claim 5, further,
By forming a concave groove or the like at the time of molding the outer cover, the outer surface shape is changed and a mark is provided on the outer cover, so that there is no need to provide a separate marking step, and it is possible to reduce the cost without increasing the number of steps. it can.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, further,
While a grain pattern is provided on the outer surface of the outer cover, the mark is provided as a smooth surface at the outer surface position of the outer cover corresponding to the guide hole. Therefore, when the optional device is not attached, the mark is inconspicuous and the appearance can be improved. In addition, when the optional device is attached, the position where the optional device is broken through can be easily specified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a sorter is mounted on a main body of a copying machine as an example of an optional device mounting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged sectional view of a position where a handset as an optional device is attached.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining that a sheet member is attached to the outer surface of the outer cover and a guide hole is penetrated by a driver.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of the handset attachment bracket.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another method of penetrating the guide hole.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the copying machine at a position where a sorter as an optional device is mounted.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged surface view of the outer cover.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating that a guide hole of the exterior cover is penetrated by a tapping screw.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the exterior cover after passing through the guide hole.

FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating attachment of a sorter attachment bracket using the screw member.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Device main body 11 Exterior cover 11b Guide hole 11c Thin part 11e Guide hole 11f Thin part 11g Round groove (mark) 21 Bracket 22 Sorter (optional device) 24 Handset (optional device) 26 Frame 26a Screw hole (mounting hole) 28 Sheet Member (Positioning Member) 29 Driver 30 Bracket 31 Screw Member (Mounting Member) 40 Frame 40a Tapping Hole for Screw (Mounting Hole) 41 Tapping Screw 42 Screw Member (Mounting Member) cd Edge of Exterior Cover (Predetermined Part) s Outer surface of outer cover a. Outer surface position of outer cover corresponding to guide holes

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A frame made of sheet metal provided in an apparatus main body and having a mounting hole, and provided in the periphery of the apparatus main body, facing inward at a position corresponding to the mounting hole while leaving a thin portion between an outer surface and the frame. An exterior cover having a non-penetrating guide hole, and in order to pierce the thin portion from outside the exterior cover,
A positioning member that abuts on an outer surface of the outer cover with reference to a predetermined portion, and specifies an outer surface position of the outer cover corresponding to the guide hole; a bracket for mounting an optional device outside the outer cover; An attachment member for attaching the bracket by engaging the attachment hole from the thin portion through the guide hole and attaching the bracket. 2. The optional device mounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning member is a sheet member attached to an outer surface of the exterior cover. 3. The optional device mounting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said bracket is also used as said positioning member. 4. A frame made of sheet metal provided in the main body of the apparatus and having a mounting hole, and provided in the periphery of the main body of the apparatus, facing inward at a position corresponding to the mounting hole while leaving a thin portion between the outer surface and the frame. An exterior cover having a non-through guide hole at the same time, an exterior cover providing a mark indicating an outer surface position of the exterior cover corresponding to the guide hole, a bracket for attaching an optional device outside the exterior cover, and a mark of the exterior cover. And an attachment member for attaching the bracket by engaging the attachment hole through the guide hole from a position where the thin portion has been pierced. 5. The optional device mounting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said mark is provided by changing an outer surface shape of said exterior cover. 6. The optional device mounting device according to claim 5, wherein a grain pattern is provided on an outer surface of the outer cover, and the mark is provided as a smooth surface at an outer surface position of the outer cover corresponding to the guide hole. .