KR101530629B1 - Cover opening and closing unit and image forming apparatus having the same and cover removing and setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover opening and closing apparatus of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a cover detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus main body to which a developer cartridge, a developing apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a closed top container are mounted; And a locking device that fixes the cover to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the locking device is unlocked in a state where the closed container is removed from the image forming apparatus main body.

An image forming apparatus, a cover, a cover mounting unit, a closed top container, a locking device

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover opening and closing apparatus, an image forming apparatus having the cover opening and closing apparatus,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a cover opening / closing apparatus detachably installed in an image forming apparatus main body for maintenance of a developing apparatus and a transfer apparatus, will be.

Generally, an image forming apparatus includes a developer cartridge, a developing device including a photosensitive medium, and a transfer device having a predetermined lifetime, and each of these components is detachably mountable .

In the case of a component frequently replaced such as a developer cartridge, since it is often replaced by a user, it is provided in consideration of the user's accessibility and convenience as much as possible. However, in the case of a component such as a developing device or a transfer device, It is necessary to replace the parts with a specialized service technician. If the developing apparatus and the transferring apparatus are provided so as to facilitate user accessibility, there is a possibility that the image forming apparatus may malfunction due to a user's operation error or an error during disassembly / connection. Therefore, in the case of a component such as a developing apparatus or a transferring apparatus, it is generally protected through a separate cover unit so as not to be easily accessible by the user.

Meanwhile, in the case of a color image forming apparatus, a separate developing cartridge is provided for each color, and in the case of a high-speed color image forming apparatus, a separate developing apparatus is provided for each color. Each color developing apparatus is provided with a drain for discharging the waste developer, and the discharged waste developer is stored in a waste toner container installed detachably at the lower end of the developing apparatuses.

The above-mentioned closed container is generally removed before a maintenance operation such as repair or replacement of the developing apparatus or the transfer apparatus, and is mounted after both the developing apparatus and the transfer apparatus are mounted.

However, when the user inadvertently does not observe this order, or forgets to install the closed container, and the maintenance is completed, the inside of the image forming apparatus is contaminated due to the leakage of the waste developer generated during use of the image forming apparatus In particular, since the conventional cover unit merely serves to cover the developing apparatus and the transfer apparatus, it can be locked in a state in which the developing apparatus and the transfer apparatus are covered, irrespective of whether or not the waste container is installed , There is a problem that the user can not recognize the mistake in the maintenance process.

The connection structure between the drain from which the waste developer of the developing apparatus is discharged and the discharge port of the waste developer in the waste developer container is sealed by a sealing member having a predetermined thickness overlapping each other in order to prevent leakage of the waste developer. Therefore, the waste developer accumulated in the sealing member may be scattered in the process of releasing the connection between the waste developer container and the developing apparatus, thereby contaminating the inside of the image forming apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a cover opening / closing device having an improved structure to comply with a cover disassembly and assembly procedure for maintenance, and an image forming apparatus and a cover removing / There is a purpose.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cover opening / closing apparatus with improved structure for simplifying a connection structure between a developing apparatus and a closed waste receptacle, an image forming apparatus having the same, and a cover removing and mounting method.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover opening and closing apparatus for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a cover detachably mounted on a main body of an image forming apparatus to which a developer cartridge, a developing apparatus, a transferring apparatus, And a locking device that fixes the cover to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the locking device is unlocked in a state where the closed container is removed from the image forming apparatus main body.

It is preferable that the cover is mounted so as to cover the developing apparatus and the transferring apparatus, and it is preferable that the cover is mounted to the image forming apparatus main body in a state in which the developer cartridge and the waste toner collecting tube are exposed.

The locking device includes at least one rotation handle; A locking member provided to be capable of projecting and retracting in accordance with rotation of the rotary knob; A cam member that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary knob to project and retract the locking member; A restricting unit reciprocating between a first position for restricting rotation of the cam unit and a second position not interfering with the cam unit; And a sensing lever which moves according to whether or not the waste container is installed, and moves the restraint unit to the first position when the waste container is removed.

The locking member is preferably resiliently supported by a first elastic member disposed between the locking unit and the cam unit.

The cam member preferably includes a first cam profile and an engaging groove that protrude and sink the locking member.

The restraint unit includes a restraining lever that reciprocates between the first and second positions in association with a change in the position of the sensing lever. And a restraining pin which is provided so as to protrude / retract at one end close to the cam member of the restraining lever and which is inserted into the retaining groove formed in the recess at the first position.

Preferably, the sensing lever has a sensing protrusion formed at one end thereof to interfere with the upper end of the closed receptacle, and the sensing protrusion is formed with an inclined surface in both the mounting direction and the releasing direction of the closed sensing container.

Preferably, the sensing lever and the restraining lever are disposed perpendicular to each other, and the restraining lever is installed in a horizontal direction, and the sensing lever is installed in a vertical direction.

The cover opening / closing device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is preferably provided with an intermediate member for reciprocating the restraining lever in accordance with the upward and downward movement of the sensing lever. The intermediate member includes a first rack formed at the other end of the sensing lever, a second rack formed at the other end of the restraining lever, and a pinion engaged with the first and second racks good.

The cover opening / closing device may further include: a second elastic member for elastically supporting the restraining lever in the second positional direction; A third elastic member elastically supporting the restraining pin in a direction protruding from the restraining lever; And a fourth elastic member elastically supporting the sensing lever in a direction protruding from the cover.

In addition, it is preferable that a guide portion having a guide slope is formed at a position facing the detection lever, and the waste developer inlet for engaging with the discharge drain from which the waste developer is discharged from the developing device is formed to be inclined desirable. At this time, it is preferable that the height of the discharge port side end portion of the closed discharge port is higher than the height of the discharge port side end portion of the closed discharge port.

The cover opening and closing apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body on which the developing cartridge, the developing apparatus, the transfer apparatus and the closed top container are mounted so as to cover the developing apparatus and the transfer apparatus ; And a locking device for locking the cover to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the locking device is configured to release the locking from the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the closed container is removed, First and second rotary knobs provided so as to be rotatable between positions; A first cam member installed to rotate in conjunction with the first rotary knob; a second cam member installed to rotate in conjunction with the second rotary knob; A first locking member provided so as to be capable of projecting and retracting by the first cam member, and a second locking member provided to be capable of projecting and retracting by the second cam member; First and second elastic members elastically supporting the first and second locking members, respectively; First and second restricting units reciprocating between a first position for restricting rotation of the first and second cam units and a second position not interfering with the cam unit; And a sensing lever which is positionally changed in accordance with whether the closed container for cistern is mounted or not and moves the first and second restraint units together to the first position when the closed cistern is removed.

The first cam member includes: a first cam profile that protrudes and depresses the first locking member; And a first gear portion engaged with a reset member provided for initial position adjustment of the transfer device.

The reset member may include: a second gear portion that is engaged with the first gear portion; A second cam profile interfering with the first confining unit; And a first engaging groove in which the first restraining unit is interfered with at the first position.

The second cam member includes a third cam profile for projecting and depressing the second locking member; A fourth cam profile interfering with the second restraining unit; And a second engaging groove in which the second restraint unit is interfered with at the first position.

The first and second restraint units may include first and second restraint levers that reciprocate between the first and second positions in association with the positional change of the sense lever; And first and second restraining pins which are provided to be able to project and retract at one end of the first and second restraining levers close to the first and second restraining cam members and to be inserted into the retaining groove at the first position It is good to do.

The sensing lever includes a sensing protrusion interposed at one end with the upper end of the closed receptacle and having an inclined surface formed in both the mounting direction and the releasing direction of the closed receptacle.

The first and second restraining levers may be installed in a horizontal direction, and the sensing lever may be installed in a vertical direction.

The cover opening and closing device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is provided with first and second intermediate members for reciprocating the first and second restraining levers according to the upward and downward movements of the sensing lever, The second intermediate member includes first and second racks formed on both sides of the other end of the sensing lever, third and fourth racks formed on the other end of the first and second constraining levers, A first pinion which is engaged with the third rack, and a second pinion which is engaged with the second and fourth racks.

Preferably, the first and second restraining levers and the sensing lever include at least one sliding slot, and are slidably coupled to the cover with a fixing pin and a washer that penetrate the sliding slot.

The cover opening / closing device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may further include: third and fourth elastic members for elastically supporting the first and second restraining levers in the second positional direction; Fifth and sixth elastic members elastically supporting the first and second restraining pins in a direction protruding from the first and second restraining levers; And a seventh elastic member elastically supporting the sensing lever in a direction protruding from the cover.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image forming apparatus main body to which a developing apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a waste toner container are mounted; And a cover opening / closing device configured as described above and detachably attached to the main body so as to cover the developing device and the transfer device.

A cover removing method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: removing a spent waste container; A step of lowering the sensing lever interfering with the closed container; The first and second restraining levers are moved by the lowering of the sensing lever to separate the first and second restraining cam members from each other; And releasing the locking of the cover by turning the first and second rotary knobs.

A cover mounting method according to the present invention includes the steps of mounting a developing device and a transfer device to an image forming apparatus main body; Installing a closed waste container; The first and second restraining levers are moved by the rise of the sensing lever to release rotational interference of the first and second cam members; Locking the cover by turning the first and second rotary knobs; And a restraining pin provided at an end of the first and second restraining levers are protruded to restrain rotation of the first and second cam members to prevent the first and second rotating knobs from rotating in the unlocking direction The method comprising the steps of:

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover mounting method including: mounting a developing device and a transfer device to an image forming apparatus main body; Mounting a cover to cover the developing device and the transfer device; Locking the cover by turning the first and second rotary knobs; And installing a closed premises container.

A cover of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a cover plate mounted at a position where a developer cartridge, a developing apparatus, and a transfer unit installed in a main body of the image forming apparatus by a plurality of locking members; A plurality of rotary knobs for locking and releasing the cover plate by changing the projecting positions of the plurality of locking members; And a sensing lever mounted on the cover plate for regulating a rotation operation of the rotary knob when the closed container is not mounted.

The cover includes a plurality of cam members that are installed to interlock with the plurality of rotary knobs to project and retract the locking member; And a plurality of regulating units reciprocating between a first position for restricting rotation of the plurality of cam members and a second position for restricting the cam member.

At this time, it is preferable that the cover plate is not desorbed unless the closed container is firstly removed.

According to the present invention as described above, since the cover can be opened only after the waste sump canister is removed, the connection structure between the waste sludge drainage of the developing apparatus and the waste sludge injection port of the waste sludge sludge container can be simply configured, It is possible to prevent developer leakage that may occur during the developing apparatus replacement process.

In addition, since the cover can be removed and mounted only in a predetermined order, it is possible for the user to easily observe the disassembly and assembly procedure for maintenance.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2, a developer cartridge 2, a transfer device 3, a developing device 4, and a closed waste container 10 are detachably installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1 .

A paper feeding unit 1a for storing a plurality of sheets of paper is installed on the lower side of the main body 1 and the stored paper is picked up to form a printed image through the transferring device 3 and the developing device 4, (1b).

The developer cartridge 2, the transfer device 3, and the developing device 4 are parts having a certain lifetime. In particular, when the developer cartridge 2 is used in its entirety, it needs to be replaced for replenishment, and the developing device 4 must also be replaced if the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium does not maintain the photosensitive performance.

However, since the transfer device 3 and the developing device 4 have a longer lifetime than the developer cartridge 2 and the closed waste container box 10, they do not need to be frequently replaced. In particular, Since the point at which the device 4 is engaged is a portion where a print image is formed while the paper passes, it is preferable that it is blocked from the outside so that the printed image is not contaminated by dust or dirt.

1, the developer cartridge 2 and the closed waste container 10 are mounted without a separate cover means so that the user can easily access them, but the transfer device 3 and the developing device 4, it is installed so as to be covered by the cover 100, as shown in Fig. This prevents foreign substances such as dust from being introduced into the transferring device 3 and the developing device 4 from the outside, and prevents a general user who does not have the expert knowledge of the image forming device from moving the transferring device 3 and the developing device So that the device 4 can not be easily accessed, thereby preventing damage to the parts due to user's carelessness.

The cover opening / closing device of the image forming apparatus according to the best embodiment of the present invention includes a cover 100 and a locking device 200. The locking device 200 is configured such that when the closed container storage box 10 is removed So that the locking can be released.

The locking device 200 is for fixing the cover 100 to the image forming apparatus main body 1 and includes first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220, first and second cam members 211, The first and second locking members 212 and 222, the first and second elastic members 213 and 223, the first and second locking units 230 and 240, and the sensing lever 250 ).

The first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220 are provided to be rotatable between the locking position and the unlocking position of the locking device 200 and are preferably provided in a circular shape as shown in FIG. Do. The first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220 are provided with grip portions 210a and 220a that the user grips.

The first cam member 211 is installed to rotate in conjunction with the first rotary knob 210. The first cam member 211 includes a first cam profile 211a for protruding and retracting the first locking member 212 and a reset member 217 for adjusting the initial position of the transfer device 3 And a first gear portion 211b which is engaged with the first gear portion 211b.

The first locking member 212 is elastically supported by the first elastic member 213 in a direction toward the inside of the cover 100 so that when the first locking member 212 does not interfere with the first cam profile 211a, And protrudes outside the cover 100 when the first cam profile 211a contacts the first cam profile 211a. A locking groove (not shown) is formed at a position facing the first locking member 212 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 so that the first locking member 212 can be inserted therein, Can be fixed in position.

The reset member 217 includes a second gear portion 214 engaged with the first gear portion 211b and a second cam profile 215 contacting the first restricting unit 230. The reset gear 217 is connected to the first gear portion 211b, It is preferable that the first restricting unit 230 includes a first retaining groove 216 to which the first restricting unit 230 is hooked. The reset member 217 is for resetting the initial position of the intermediate transfer belt provided in the transfer device 3, and the operation thereof is not related to the gist of the present invention, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The second cam member 221 includes a third cam profile 221a that protrudes and retracts the second locking member 222 and a fourth cam profile 221b that contacts the second locking unit 240, And a second engaging groove 221c to which the second restricting unit 240 is hooked.

The second locking member 222 is elastically supported by the second elastic member 223 in a direction of being recessed toward the inside of the cover 100 so that when the second locking member 222 is not interfered with the third cam profile 221a And protrudes outside the cover 100 when the cover 100 is in contact with the third cam profile 221a. The cover 100 is provided with a locking groove (not shown) in which the first locking member 222 can be inserted, at a position facing the second locking member 222 of the image forming apparatus main body 1, Can be fixed in position.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second restraining units 230 and 240 are installed so as to reciprocate right and left in conjunction with a change in the vertical position of the sensing lever 250. The configuration of the first and second restricting units 230 and 240 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The sensing lever 250 is vertically installed on the cover 100 so that the sensing lever 250 can be positioned according to whether the closed container 30 is mounted or not. That is, when the closed surveillance container 10 is installed, the detection lever 250 interferes with the upper end of the closed surveillance container 10 and ascends. The first and second restraining units 230 and 240 may include a first and a second restricting members 230 and 240 interfering with the rotation of the first and second cam members 211 and 221, 1 position. The first and second restraining units 230 and 230 at the first position interfere with the first and second cam members 211 and 221 to rotate the first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220 Is prevented from rotating to the unlocking position. Therefore, the user can not open the cover 100 without leaving the closed premises 10.

4A, a sensing protrusion 251 is formed at one end of the sensing lever 250 so as to interfere with the upper end of the closed sensing fluid receiver tube 10, Is rounded or chamfered so as to have an inclined surface with respect to both the entering and leaving directions of the receptacle (10). In addition, first and second racks 252a and 252b for transporting the first and second restraint units 230 and 240 are provided at the other end of the sensing projection 251.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide slope 11 is formed at a position of the closed capturing receptacle 10 opposite to the sensing protrusion 251 so that the sensing protrusion 251 can rise smoothly. The discharge drain 4a from which the waste developer is discharged from the developing device 4 and the waste developer inlet 12 to be engaged with the sealing member 4b may be formed to be inclined. 4A and 4B, a height of the discharge direction side end portion of the closed container for a waste incinerator 10 is formed to be higher than a height of a side end portion of the closed waste canister container in the mounting direction, The member 4b is preferably provided in a shape corresponding thereto.

According to such a configuration, since the cover 100 is opened only after the waste toner container 10 is removed and the transfer device 3 and the developing device 4 can be maintained, It is possible to simplify the connection structure between the drain drain 4a and the closed-cell dispensing opening 12. In addition, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the closed mold agent due to the damage of the sealing member 4b. This is because the sealing member 4b which is interposed between the drain drain 4a and the waste compound injecting inlet 12 prevents the leakage of the waste compound from the waste drainage opening 4 and the mounting of the waste particulate collecting container 10 And there is no risk of collapse or damage during the overlapping process in the detachment operation.

9 to 12, a moving handle 15 is installed at a position opposite to the sensing protrusion 251 of the closed waste container 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention It is possible. The shifting knob 15 may be connected to the hinge supporter 16 in the vicinity of the approximate center of the closed waste bin 10 to be rotatable and foldable. The moving knob 15 is interfered with the sensing protrusion 251 when the closed bin container 10 is mounted in the image forming apparatus to restrict the sensing lever 250 from moving downward, When the image forming apparatus 10 is removed from the image forming apparatus, the user can easily use it as a moving handle capable of moving the closed up bin 10.

5A, the sensing lever 250 is formed with a sliding slot 251a, and at least one fixing pin 251b and a washer 251c penetrating the sliding slot 251a, (Not shown). Accordingly, when the waste container for cans 10 is removed, the sensing lever 250 is engaged with the movement of the first and second restraint units 230 and 240 so as to protrude in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6A , The first and second restricting units 230 and 240 are moved in the directions of arrows B1 and B2.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the first and second restricting units 230 and 240 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The first restraint unit 230 includes a first restraining lever 231 and a first restraining pin 232.

5A, the first restraining lever 231 has a first position for restricting the rotation of the first cam member 211 and a second position for restricting the rotation of the first cam member 211 and a second position for separating from the first cam member 211, The cover 100 is installed horizontally.

At least one first sliding slot 231a is provided in the first locking lever 231 and a first fixing pin 231b and a first washer 231c penetrating the first sliding slot 231a (Not shown). A third elastic member 235 is interposed between the cover 100 and the first restraining lever 231 to elastically support the first restraining lever 231 in the second positional direction. A third rack 231d is formed on the first restraining lever 231 so as to engage with the first pinion 233 which rotates according to the ascending and descending operations of the sensing lever 250.

The first restraining pin 232 is provided at one end of the first restraining lever 231 so as to be able to protrude and retract. 5A, when the first locking lever 231 is in the first position, the first locking groove 216 is provided at a position facing the reset member 217, And when the first restraining lever 231 is in the second position, it is disengaged from the first engaging groove 216. The first restraining pin 232 is elastically supported by the fifth elastic member 234 in a direction protruding outward from the first restraining lever 231.

The second restraining unit 240 includes a second restraining lever 241 and a second restraining pin 242.

5A, the second restraining lever 241 is provided between a first position for restricting the rotation of the second cam member 221 and a second position for separating the second cam member 221 from the second position, And is installed horizontally on the cover 100 so as to reciprocate.

At this time, at least one second sliding slot 241a is provided in the second locking lever 241, and a second fixing pin 241b and a second washer 241c penetrating the second sliding slot 241a are provided. (Not shown). A fourth elastic member 245 is interposed between the cover 100 and the second restraining lever 241 to elastically support the second restraining lever 241 in the second positional direction. A fourth rack 241d is formed on the second restraining lever 241 so as to engage with the second pinion 243 which rotates according to the ascending and descending operations of the sensing lever 250.

The second restraining pin 242 is provided at one end of the second restraining lever 241 so as to protrude and retract. 5A, when the second restraining lever 241 is in the first position, the second engaging groove 241 is provided at a position facing the second cam member 221, 221c when the second locking lever 241 is in the first position and is disengaged from the second locking groove 221c when the second locking lever 241 is in the second position. The second restraining pin 242 may be elastically supported by a sixth elastic member 244 in a direction protruding outward from the second restraining lever 241.

Hereinafter, the operation of the cover opening / closing device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 5A to 8B.

5A and 5B show a state in which the cover 100 according to the present invention is locked to the image forming apparatus main body 1. The image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided with the developer cartridge 2, ), The developing device 4, and the closed top container 10 are all mounted.

The first and second restraining pins 232 and 242 are configured such that the first and second rotatable knobs 210 and 220 can not rotate in the unlocking direction, Since the rotation of the members 211 and 221 is restrained, the user can not release the locking of the cover 100 before removing the closed top container 10.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the user takes out the closed top container (10), the sensing lever (250) interfering with the upper end of the closed top container (10) moves in the direction of arrow A . That is, the first and second restraining levers 231 and 241 are installed to move in the directions of arrows B1 and B2 in the drawing due to the elastic restoring force of the third and fourth elastic members 235 and 245, The first and second restraining levers 231 and 241 are arranged such that the end of the sensing lever 250 is in contact with the upper end of the closed surge tank 10 when the closed surge tank 10 is mounted When the closed bin container 10 is not moved in the directions B1 and B2, the restriction lever 250 is released in the direction A and moves in the directions B1 and B2 shown in FIG. Then, the first and second restricting units 230 and 240 move to the second position for canceling the interference of the first and second cam members 211 and 221.

Accordingly, since the first and second restricting pins 232 and 242 are separated from the first and second retaining grooves 216 and 221c, the user can easily grasp the first and second restricting pins 232 and 242 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, It is possible to release the locking of the cover 100 by rotating the rotary knob 210 (220).

When the locking of the cover 100 is released in this way, the transfer device 3 and the developing device 4 which are protected by the cover 100 are exposed, and maintenance work such as repair or replacement is possible.

It is most preferable that the cover 100 separated as described above is assembled in the reverse order as described above. 6A and 6B, when the user first mounts the cover 100 in a state where both the transferring device 3 and the developing device 4 are properly positioned, the first and second restraining units Since the first and second cam members 230 and 240 do not interfere with the first and second cam members 211 and 221 so that the user rotates the first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220, Can be locked. When the user mistakenly forgets to lock the cover 100 and closes the outer cover of the image forming apparatus body 1 which is not shown in the figure, the grip portion of the first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220 210a) 220a (refer to FIG. 1) interferes with the outer cover, thereby preventing the outer cover from being closed, thereby preventing the user from closing the outer cover without locking the cover 100 have.

On the other hand, although the user mounts the transfer device 3 and the developing device 4 and installs the cover 100, the user can also mount the closed up container 10 in a state where the cover 100 is forgotten to be locked . The sensing lever 250 is lifted along the guide slope 11 of the closed container 30 to move the first and second restraining levers 231 and 241 in the directions of arrows C1, C2 in the direction of restricting the rotation of the first and second cam members 211, The first and second restraining pins 232 and 242 are positioned in the second and third cam profiles 215 and 221b because the first and second cam members 211 and 221 are in the unlocked position, And is inserted into the inside of the first and second restraining levers 231 and 241.

Since the second and third cam profiles 215 and 221b are formed in a gentle curve, the user rotates the first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220 to rotate the first and second cam profiles 215 and 221b, The first and second restricting pins 232 and 242 do not interfere with the rotation of the first and second cam members 211 and 221 even when the cam members 211 and 221 are rotated, The first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220 can be rotated in the locking direction without locking the cover 100 to the image forming apparatus main body 1. When the first and second rotary knobs 210 and 220 are rotated to the locking position in the states of Figs. 8A and 8B, the state is the same as Figs. 5A and 5B.

9 to 12, the operation of mounting and dismounting the cover 100 is not limited to a large difference (for example, when the cover 10 is mounted on the cover 10) having the shift knob 15 according to another embodiment of the present invention, There is no. That is, the waste development container 10 provided with the shift knob 15 functions as the guide slope 11 in place of the shift knob 15 instead.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus main body 1 on which a transfer device 3, a developing device 4 and a closed top container 10 are mounted, and the transfer device 3 and the developing device 4 And a cover 100 mounted on the main body 1 so as to cover the cover 100. The cover is detachably installed by the cover opening / closing device configured as described above.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, all such appropriate modifications and changes, and equivalents thereof, should be regarded as within the scope of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is mounted on an image forming apparatus according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover is removed in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body by the cover opening / closing apparatus according to the present invention,

Fig. 4A is a side view showing the main part of Fig. 3,

4B is an enlarged perspective view of part I of FIG. 4A,

5A and 5B are views showing a locking state of the cover opening and closing apparatus according to the present invention,

6A and 6B are views showing a state in which the closed container is removed in a locked state of the cover opening / closing device according to the present invention,

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing the unlocked state of the cover opening / closing device according to the present invention;

8A and 8B are views showing a state in which the closed top container is mounted in the unlocked state of the cover opening / closing device according to the present invention,

9 is a perspective view showing a state where a cover is mounted on an image forming apparatus equipped with a waste toner container according to another embodiment of the present invention,

10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover is removed in Fig. 9,

11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is mounted on a main body of an image forming apparatus provided with a waste toner container according to another embodiment of the present invention by a cover opening /

12 is a view showing the main part of Fig.

Description of the Related Art

One; An image forming apparatus main body 2; The developer cartridge

3; Transfer device 4; The developing device

10; Closed-cell countertop 100; cover

200; Locking devices 210, 220; The first and second rotary knobs

211,221; First and second cam members 212, 222; The first and second locking members

230,240; First and second restricting units 250; Sensing lever

Claims (20)

A cover detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus main body to which the developer cartridge, the developing apparatus, the transfer apparatus, and the waste toner container are mounted; And And a locking device for fixing the cover to the image forming apparatus main body, Wherein the locking device is unlocked in a state where the closed container is removed from the image forming apparatus main body. The electronic device according to claim 1, Wherein the developing device is mounted to the image forming apparatus body so as to cover the developing apparatus and the transfer apparatus, and the developer cartridge and the waste toner container are exposed. The locking device according to claim 1, At least one rotary knob; A locking member provided to be capable of projecting and retracting in accordance with rotation of the rotary knob; A cam member including a first cam profile that rotates in conjunction with rotation of the rotary knob to project and retract the locking member and protrude and sink the locking member; Wherein the locking member is resiliently supported by a first resilient member disposed between the cam member and the locking member, A restricting unit reciprocating between a first position for restricting rotation of the cam member and a second position not interfering with the cam member; And And a sensing lever which is positionally changed in accordance with whether the closed container is mounted or not, and moves the restraint unit to the second position when the closed container is removed. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, A restraining lever reciprocating between the first and second positions in association with a change in position of the sensing lever; And And a restraining pin which is provided so as to protrude and retreat from one end of the restraining lever close to the cam member and to be inserted into a retaining groove formed in the cam member at the first position. 5. The method of claim 4, The sensing lever may have a sensing protrusion formed at one end thereof to interfere with the upper end of the closed receptacle, Wherein the detection protrusions are formed with inclined surfaces in both the mounting and dismounting directions of the closed container, Wherein the restraining lever is installed in a horizontal direction, and the sensing lever is installed in a vertical direction. 6. The method of claim 5, And an intermediate member for reciprocating the restraining lever in accordance with the upward and downward movement of the sensing lever, Wherein the intermediate member comprises: A first rack formed at the other end of the sensing lever; A second rack formed at the other end of the restraining lever; And And a pinion engaged with the first and second racks, respectively. The method according to claim 6, A second elastic member for elastically supporting the restraining lever in the second positional direction; A third elastic member elastically supporting the restraining pin in a direction protruding from the restraining lever; And And a fourth elastic member elastically supporting the detection lever in a direction protruding from the cover. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the closed- Wherein a guide portion having a guide slope is formed at a position facing the detection lever. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the closed- A waste developer inlet for engaging with a discharge drain from which the waste developer is discharged from the developing device is formed obliquely, The closed- Wherein a height of the discharge direction side end portion of the closed container on top of the closed container is higher than a height of an end portion of the closed container on the side of the mounting direction of the closed container. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the closed- And a shift knob capable of rotating and folding is installed at a position facing the detection lever. A cover detachably mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the developer cartridge, the developing apparatus, the transferring apparatus, and the waste toner container are mounted so as to cover the developing apparatus and the transferring apparatus; And And a locking device for fixing the cover to the image forming apparatus main body, Wherein the locking device is configured to release the locking from the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the closed top container is removed, First and second rotary knobs provided to be rotatable between a locking position and a unlocking position; A first cam member installed to rotate in conjunction with the first rotary knob; a second cam member installed to rotate in conjunction with the second rotary knob; A first locking member provided so as to be capable of projecting and retracting by the first cam member, and a second locking member provided to be capable of projecting and retracting by the second cam member; First and second elastic members elastically supporting the first and second locking members, respectively; First and second restricting units reciprocating between a first position for restricting rotation of the first and second cam members and a second position not interfering with the first and second cam members; And And a sensing lever which moves in accordance with whether or not the closed-type cistern is installed and moves the first and second restraint units together to the second position when the closed cistern is removed, Device cover opening / closing device. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, A first cam profile projecting and depressing the first locking member; And And a first gear portion engaged with a reset member provided for adjusting an initial position of the transfer device. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the reset member comprises: A second gear portion engaged with the first gear portion; A second cam profile interfering with the first confining unit; And And a first engaging groove in which the first restraining unit is interfered with at the first position. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second cam member A third cam profile for protruding and depressing said second locking member; A fourth cam profile interfering with the second restraining unit; And And a second engaging groove in which the second restraining unit is interfered with at the first position. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first and second restraint units comprise: First and second restraining levers provided in a horizontal direction reciprocating between the first and second positions in cooperation with a change in the position of the sensing lever; And The first and second restricting levers being provided so as to protrude and retract from one end of the first and second restricting levers that are adjacent to the first and second cam members, ≪ / RTI > The sensing lever is installed in a vertical direction and interferes with the upper end of the closed-ended cistern, and a sensing protrusion having an inclined face is formed in both the mounting and dismounting directions of the closed- Wherein the first and second locking levers and the sensing lever are slidably coupled to the cover with a fixing pin and a washer that penetrate the sliding slot. Of the cover opening / closing device. 16. The method of claim 15, First and second intermediate members for reciprocating the first and second restraining levers according to the upward and downward movements of the sensing lever, Wherein the first and second intermediate members comprise: First and second racks formed on both sides of the other end of the sensing lever; Third and fourth racks respectively formed at the other ends of the first and second restraining levers; A first pinion engaged with the first and third racks; And And a second pinion which is engaged with the second and fourth racks. 17. The method of claim 16, Third and fourth elastic members elastically supporting the first and second restraining levers in the second positional direction, respectively; Fifth and sixth elastic members elastically supporting the first and second restraining pins in a direction protruding from the first and second restraining levers; And And a seventh elastic member elastically supporting the detection lever in a direction protruding from the cover. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus main body to which a developer cartridge, a developing apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a waste toner container are mounted; And And a cover opening / closing device detachably attached to the main body so as to cover the developing device and the transferring device, The cover opening / A cover detachably mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the developer cartridge, the developing apparatus, the transferring apparatus, and the waste toner container are mounted so as to cover the developing apparatus and the transferring apparatus; And And a locking device for fixing the cover to the image forming apparatus main body, Wherein the locking device is configured to release the locking from the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the closed top container is removed, First and second rotary knobs provided to be rotatable between a locking position and a unlocking position; A first cam member installed to rotate in conjunction with the first rotary knob; a second cam member installed to rotate in conjunction with the second rotary knob; A first locking member provided so as to be capable of projecting and retracting by the first cam member, and a second locking member provided to be capable of projecting and retracting by the second cam member; First and second elastic members elastically supporting the first and second locking members, respectively; First and second restricting units reciprocating between a first position for restricting rotation of the first and second cam members and a second position not interfering with the first and second cam members; And And a sensing lever which moves in accordance with whether or not the closed-type cistern is installed and moves the first and second restraint units together to the second position when the closed cistern is removed, Device. delete delete

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