TWI663867B - Hinge assembly and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming device and a hinge assembly. The image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a cover unit configured to be disposed on an upper side of the main body to press a manuscript; and at least one hinge assembly configured to connect the cover unit to the main body, wherein the The hinge assembly includes: a first body detachably mounted on the main body; a second body having a part fastened to the cover unit and another part hinged to the first body; a pressing unit accommodated in the Pressing the second body upward in the first body; and a pressure adjuster configured to adjust a hinge force between the first body and the second body.

Description

Hinge assembly and image forming device having the same [Cross Reference to Related Applications]

This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 876,982 filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on September 12, 2013, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 30, 2013 -0116509, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0130972, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 31, 2013, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 1, 2014 -0115326, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a hinge assembly and an image forming apparatus having the hinge assembly, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly that hingely connects a main body and a cover unit of the image forming apparatus to each other and an image forming apparatus having the hinge assembly.

The image forming device is a device (such as a photocopier, a scanner, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP)) that performs a document scanning function, and includes: a main body having a Scanning transparent plate for documents; and a cover unit that can cover the scanning transparent plate.

Generally, the cover unit is pivotally connected to the main body via at least one hinge assembly. As a type of hinge assembly for connecting the cover unit and the main body to each other, a hinge assembly may be used that applies a variable elastic pressing force to the cover unit according to the opening angle of the cover unit, so that the cover unit may have a Stop (pre-stop) function.

In this hinge assembly, a coil spring is usually installed as an elastic member that provides elastic pressing force. Ideally, the spring constant of this coil spring remains uniform. However, if the coil spring is used for a long time, the spring constant of the coil spring becomes relatively smaller than the spring constant when the coil spring was first manufactured due to the plastic deformation of the coil spring.

The problem is that if the spring constant of the coil spring becomes small due to the long-term use of the coil spring, it is difficult to achieve a smooth pre-stop of the cover unit. In addition, the scanning transparent plate and the cover unit may be damaged due to an impact applied to the body as the cover unit suddenly closes at high speed and collides with the upper side of the body.

In order to prevent the above-mentioned problems, there is a method of periodically replacing the hinge assembly with a new hinge assembly, but according to the method, it costs a lot to repair and replace the hinge assembly.

One or more embodiments have been made to address at least the above problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, the aspect of one or more embodiments solves the problem of plastic deformation of the elastic member (for example, a coil spring), thus realizing the pre-stop function in the hinge assembly connecting the main body of the image forming apparatus and the cover unit at a low cost.

According to an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided an image forming apparatus including: a main body; a cover unit configured to be disposed on an upper side of the main body to press an original document; and at least one hinge assembly for placing the A cover unit is connected to the main body, wherein the hinge assembly includes: a first body detachably mounted on the main body; and a second body, a part of which is fastened to the cover unit and another part is connected to the first body A body hinge connection; and a pressing force adjuster configured to adjust a hinge force between the first body and the second body.

The pressing force adjuster may include: a pressing unit accommodated in the first body to keep a pressing force applied to the second body; and an adjusting unit configured to adjust a pressure applied to the second body. The pressing force of the pressing unit is described.

The pressing unit may include: a pressing member configured to press the second body; and an elastic member configured to elastically support the pressing member in the first body, wherein the adjustment unit The degree of compression of the elastic member can be adjusted.

The adjustment unit may include: an elastic member support plate for supporting a distal end of the elastic member and being liftably accommodated in the first body; and a height adjustment member installed on the first body to adjust the position The height of the elastic member support plate is described.

The height adjustment member may include: a body portion that is engaged with the elastic member support plate and is fastened to the first body; and a head portion that is integrally formed on the body portion and is exposed to the first body Outside.

The body portion may include an engaging portion that is engaged with the elastic member support plate, and a fastening portion that is screw-locked to the first body and has a support plate placement surface for supporting the elastic member support plate.

An embedded nut member may be mounted on the first body to be screwed to the body portion of the height adjustment member.

The adjustment unit may further include a lock nut member which is engaged with the body portion of the height adjustment member.

The first body may include a height inspection opening that allows the elastic member support plate to be exposed to the outside of the first body, and wherein a plurality of height indicating scales indicating the height of the elastic member support plate may be formed in the Mentioned on the first body.

The adjusting unit is detachably screw-locked to the first body to support an end of the elastic member.

The adjustment unit in a hood shape may include: a side portion in which a thread for engaging with the first body thread is formed along the inner circumferential surface on the side portion; and a bottom portion to support the The end of the elastic member.

The second body may have a curved cam surface, and a pressing portion configured to press the cam surface of the second body may be formed to protrude from an upper surface of the pressing member.

A plurality of lubricant storage grooves filled with a lubricant may be formed on the pressing portion.

The elastic member may be composed of a coil spring.

The central axis of the coil spring can rotate with the second body The shafts are spaced a predetermined distance apart.

The first body may be mounted on a hinge mounting hole formed in the main body.

A first protruding portion for limiting an amount of the first body inserted into the hinge mounting hole may be formed on the first body.

A detachment preventing protrusion may be formed in the hinge mounting hole, and a second protruding portion trapped on the detachment preventing protrusion when the cover unit is lifted may be formed on the first body.

The adjusting unit may include: an elastic member supporting plate supporting a distal end of the elastic member; and a height adjusting member, a part of which is pivotably received in the first body, and the height adjusting member may be rotated according to rotation The height of the elastic member support plate is adjusted.

The height adjusting member may include: a rotating cam portion that is disposed to contact a lower end of the elastic member support plate; a rotating shaft that passes through the rotating cam portion and is engaged with the rotating cam portion, and both ends may be Pivotally supported on the first body; and a rotary button that engages from the outside of the first body to the end of the rotation shaft and rotates the rotation shaft in one direction or an opposite direction, And, the rotating cam portion may move the elastic member supporting plate according to the rotation of the rotary button to adjust the compression degree of the elastic member.

The first body may include: a first housing fastened to the main body; and a second housing in which the pressing unit and the elastic member support plate are accommodated, and have a housing slidably inserted into a lower end. The rotation shaft, wherein the second casing is inserted into the first casing, and The rotation shaft and the rotation cam member are positioned on a lower side of the second housing.

The second body may have a cutting groove on the bottom portion so that when the rotating cam member rotates, the inner bottom portion is not disturbed.

According to an aspect of one or more embodiments, there is provided a hinge assembly that connects a main body of an image forming apparatus and a cover unit disposed on the main body to press a document. The hinge assembly includes: a first body detachably mounted on the main body; a second body having a portion fastened to the cover unit and another portion connected to the first body hinge; and a pressure regulator For adjusting the hinge force between the first body and the second body.

1‧‧‧image forming device

1a‧‧‧Image forming device

10‧‧‧ main body

11‧‧‧Storage Tray

12‧‧‧ button board

13‧‧‧ top surface

14‧‧‧Scan transparent board

15‧‧‧Hinge mounting holes

15a‧‧‧Anti-detachment protrusion

17‧‧‧ Separation cover

20‧‧‧ cover unit

100‧‧‧ hinge assembly

100A‧‧‧ hinge assembly

110‧‧‧First Body

110'‧‧‧First Body

111‧‧‧shell

111'‧‧‧ shell

111a‧‧‧Side section

111b‧‧‧ bottom

111c‧‧‧accommodating chamber

111e‧‧‧Thread

112‧‧‧Support bracket

112a‧‧‧shaft hole

113‧‧‧ hinge shaft

113a‧‧‧ meshing ring

115‧‧‧ first highlight

116‧‧‧ Second highlight

116'‧‧‧ Second highlight

117‧‧‧ Embedded nut member

118‧‧‧ height check opening

119‧‧‧ Altitude indication scale

120‧‧‧Second Ontology

121‧‧‧ cover engaging part

122‧‧‧Hinge engaging part

122a‧‧‧ shaft hole

123‧‧‧Cam section

123a‧‧‧cam surface

130‧‧‧Pressing unit

140‧‧‧Pushing member

141‧‧‧upper surface

142‧‧‧Pushing part

142a‧‧‧Lubricant supply groove

143‧‧‧Spring support hole

150‧‧‧ Elastic member

160‧‧‧Pressing pressure adjustment unit

160'‧‧‧Pressure adjustment unit

161‧‧‧Side section

161a‧‧‧Thread

162‧‧‧ bottom

170‧‧‧ Elastic member support plate

171‧‧‧bolt insertion hole

180‧‧‧ height adjustment member

181‧‧‧Body

182‧‧‧Fastening part

182a‧‧‧Support plate placement surface

183‧‧‧ meshing part

185‧‧‧header

190‧‧‧Lock nut member

200‧‧‧ hinge assembly

210‧‧‧First Body

211‧‧‧First case

211a‧‧‧ meshing rib

211b‧‧‧perforation

211c‧‧‧accommodating chamber

211d‧‧‧first side wall

211e‧‧‧first support hole

211f‧‧‧Second sidewall

211g‧‧‧Second support hole

211h‧‧‧ bottom

211i‧‧‧Avoidance groove

212‧‧‧Second Shell

212a‧‧‧support bracket

212b‧‧‧shaft hole

212c‧‧‧ tapered surface

212d‧‧‧perforated

213‧‧‧ hinge shaft

213a‧‧‧Coupling ring

220‧‧‧Second Ontology

221‧‧‧ cover engaging part

222‧‧‧Hinge engaging part

222a‧‧‧shaft hole

223‧‧‧Cam section

223a‧‧‧curved surface

230‧‧‧Pressing unit

240‧‧‧Pushing member

241‧‧‧Curved upper part

250‧‧‧ Elastic member

260‧‧‧ Adjustment unit

270‧‧‧ Elastic member support plate

271‧‧‧Fastening member

271a‧‧‧ Insertion protrusion

273‧‧‧Elevated member

273a‧‧‧axis

273b‧‧‧ meshing protrusion

273c‧‧‧ bottom side

280‧‧‧ height adjustment member

281‧‧‧Rotating cam member

281a‧‧‧mesh hole

281b‧‧‧Insert

283‧‧‧rotation axis

283a‧‧‧end

283b‧‧‧end

283c‧‧‧perforation

283d‧‧‧Insert into groove

285‧‧‧Rotary knob

285a‧‧‧axis

285b‧‧‧perforation

285c‧‧‧perforation

286a‧‧‧first fixed pin

286b‧‧‧Second fixing pin

290‧‧‧bolt

C‧‧‧center axis

d‧‧‧distance

H1‧‧‧ opening

H2‧‧‧ opening

X‧‧‧rotation axis

△ L‧‧‧Lifting height

With reference to the drawings, the above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a separation of a cover unit from a main body of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along line I-I of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a lower end portion of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 3.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 5, explaining the use of a pressing force Program for adjusting unit to adjust pressing force of pressing unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another hinge assembly applicable to the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly illustrated in FIG. 8, taken along the line II-II of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10, which explains a procedure for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing unit using the pressing force adjusting unit.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly applied to the image forming apparatus described in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, which explains a procedure for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing unit using the pressing force adjusting unit.

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like parts throughout.

The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having printing, scanning, and photocopying functions. In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus is exemplified as an MFP, but the embodiment is not limited to the MFP, and can be applied to other types of image forming apparatuses such as a scanner in the same manner. As well as photocopiers.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view describing a state where a cover unit of FIG. 1 is separated from a main body.

Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 10, a cover unit 20, and two hinge assemblies 100.

The main body 10 is provided with a plurality of storage cassettes 11 accommodating print paper and a button plate 12 provided with a plurality of operation buttons for operating the image forming apparatus 1. An image forming section (not illustrated) for providing a printing function and a scanning section (not illustrated) for providing a scanning function are provided in the main body 10. Since the internal structure of the main body 10 is not required to explain one or more embodiments, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. On the upper surface 13 of the main body 10, a scanning transparent plate 14 is provided for placing an object (for example, a document, an ID card, or a card) to be scanned.

The cover unit 20 is pivotally connected to the main body 10 by two hinge assemblies 100. For example, the cover unit 20 may have a maximum rotation angle of 90 ° or more. Therefore, the cover unit 20 may have a closed position or an open position, wherein, in the closed position, the cover unit 20 covers and shields the upper surface 13 of the main body 10 configured with the scanning transparent plate 14, and in the open position, the upper surface of the main body 10 The surface 13 is exposed to the outside. For example, when a user places an object (such as a document) to be scanned on the scanning transparent plate 14, the cover unit 20 is disposed in the open position, and when the scanning work is performed, the cover unit 20 is disposed in the closed position. Position.

In addition to the function of covering the upper surface 13 of the main body 10, the cover unit 20 also provides a function of automatically feeding documents to be copied. The cover unit 20 also having the function of automatically feeding documents as described above is generally called an automatic document An automatic document feeder (ADF) has a complicated structure and a large weight compared to a cover unit that only performs a function of shielding the upper surface 13 of the main body 10.

Two hinge assemblies 100 are configured to pivotally connect the cover unit 20 to the main body 10. For example, each of the hinge assemblies 100 is mounted on the main body 10 in such a manner that an upper portion of the hinge assembly 100 is fixed to the cover unit 20 via thread engagement, and the hinge assembly 100 is inserted into the upper surface 13 formed on the main body 10 On the hinge mounting hole 15 (see Figure 2). In this example, the hinge assembly 100 pivotally connects the cover unit 20 to the main body 10. As described above, since the hinge assembly 100 is mounted on the main body 10 by simply being inserted into the hinge mounting hole 15 without the help of other fastening elements (for example, bolts), the cover unit 20 (where the hinge assembly 100 and The cover unit 20 is engaged) and can be easily separated from the main body 10 only by lifting the cover unit 20. Although the hinge assembly 100 is simply inserted into the main body 10 without using other fastening elements, the hinge assembly 100 is maintained in a downwardly pressed state due to the weight of the cover unit 20, and therefore unless the user or operator lifts the cover unit 20 Otherwise, the hinge assembly 100 is not separated from the main body 10.

The cover unit 20 can be pivoted relative to the main body 10 by using the hinge assembly 100 to a predetermined maximum rotation angle (for example, 120 °). In addition, the cover unit 20 may have a pre-stop function in a specific angle range (for example, 10 ° to 60 °) by using the hinge assembly 100. For example, if the cover unit 20 is moved to an angle of 40 ° relative to the main body 10 by a user's operation, the cover unit 20 remains at the angle (40 °) even if the user does not hold the cover unit 20. .

In the embodiment, it is exemplified that the image forming apparatus 1 has two hinge assemblies 100. However, in an alternative embodiment, the number of hinge assemblies provided in the image forming apparatus 1 may be changed to one, three, or the like.

3 to 5, the hinge assembly 100 will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly provided in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 3, taken along line I-I of FIG. 3.

The hinge assembly 100 includes a first body 110 mounted on the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1; a second body 120 mounted on the cover unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1; a pressing unit 130 configured to press the second body 120 upwards And a pressing force adjustment unit 160 configured to adjust a pressing force of the pressing unit 130 applied to the second body 120.

As described above, the first body 110 is detachably mounted on the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 by being inserted into the hinge mounting hole 15 (see FIG. 2). When the hinge assembly 100 is mounted on the main body 10, the first body 110 is kept simply inserted into the hinge mounting hole 15, and thus can be easily separated from the hinge mounting hole 15 when necessary.

The first body 110 includes a casing 111 in the form of a rectangular container and a pair of support brackets 112 extending upward from an upper portion of the casing 111.

The casing 111 includes a side portion 111 a and a bottom portion 111 b, and a receiving chamber 111 c for receiving the pressing unit 130 is formed in the casing 111. When the hinge assembly 100 is mounted on the main body 10, the housing 111 of the first body 110 is inserted into the hinge mounting hole 15 (see FIG. 2).

The pair of support brackets 112 corresponds to a portion where the second body 120 is hinge-engaged using a hinge shaft 113. On each of the support brackets 112, a shaft hole 112 a into which the hinge shaft 113 is inserted is formed. As illustrated in FIG. 4, two engagement rings 113 a are inserted into both end portions of the hinge shaft 113, and the hinge shaft 113 is prevented from being separated from the support bracket 112.

On the first body 110, a first protruding portion 115 is formed between the housing 111 and the support bracket 112 to protrude horizontally to the outside. When the hinge assembly 100 is installed in the hinge installation hole 15 (see FIG. 2) of the main body 10, the first protruding portion 115 of the first body 110 is intercepted on the upper surface 13 of the main body 10. Therefore, only the housing 111 of the first body 110 is inserted into the main body hinge mounting hole 15, and the support bracket 112 of the first body 110 is exposed outside the main body 10. As described above, the first protruding portion 115 limits the amount by which the first body 110 is inserted into the hinge mounting hole 15.

On the first body 110, a second protruding portion 116 is formed on a lower portion of the case 111. When the hinge assembly 100 mounted on the main body 10 is lifted together with the cover unit 20, the second protruding portion 116 of the first body 110 is trapped on the detachment preventing protrusion 15a (see FIG. 5) formed in the hinge mounting hole 15, And therefore, the hinge assembly 100 is prevented from being unintentionally detached from the hinge mounting hole 15. If it is necessary to separate the hinge assembly 100 from the hinge mounting hole 15, the hinge assembly 100 may be further pulled after being slightly inclined, so that the interception of the second protruding portion 116 is released.

An insert nut member 117 is provided in the center of the bottom portion 111b of the first body 110. For example, the insert nut member 117 may be mounted on the first body 110 via an insert molding process. Or, instead of insert nuts The member 117 and the female screw may be directly formed on the bottom portion 111b of the first body 110, and in this case, the embedded nut member may be omitted. The function of the insert nut member 117 as described above will be described in the following description of the pressing force adjustment unit 160.

The second body 120 includes a cover engaging portion 121 that is fixedly engaged with the cover unit 20 via a fastening element such as a bolt, and a hinge engaging portion 122 that is hinged with the support bracket 112 of the first body 110 via a hinge shaft 113. . A shaft hole 122 a through which the hinge shaft 113 passes is formed in the hinge engaging portion 122.

Since the second body 120 is hingedly engaged with the first body 110 using the hinge shaft 113, the second body 120 and the cover unit 20 engaged with the second body 120 can be wound around a rotation axis X passing through the center of the hinge shaft 113 ( (See FIG. 5) Pivot relative to the first body 110.

On the second body 120, a cam portion 123 is formed between the cover engaging portion 121 and the hinge engaging portion 122. The cam portion 123 has a curved cam surface 123 a that is in contact with the pressing unit 130 to receive a pressing force from the pressing unit 130. According to the rotation angle of the cover unit 20, the area of the cam surface 123a in contact with the pressing unit 130 changes, and thus the level of the pressing force provided from the pressing unit 130 changes according to the rotation angle of the cover unit 20.

Since the pressing unit 130 presses the second body 120 upward, the cover unit 20 connected to the second body 120 is prevented from being suddenly closed, and the cover unit 20 may have a pre-stop function in a specific angle range (for example, 10 ° to 60 °). .

The pressing unit 130 includes a pressing mechanism for pressing the second body 120. The member 140 and the elastic member 150 that provides a pressing force to the pressing member 140.

The pressing member 140 is accommodated in the housing 111 of the first body 110 so that the pressing member 140 can slide upward and downward. The shape of the pressing member 140 matches the shape of the accommodating chamber 111 c (see FIG. 5) provided in the casing 111 so that the upward / downward sliding of the pressing member 140 can be smoothly guided by the inner wall of the casing 111.

On the upper surface 141 of the pressing member 140, a pressing portion 142 that is in contact with the first body 110 is formed to protrude. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pressing portion 142 is configured to be in contact with the cam portion 123 of the second body 120, and thus the pressing force provided by the elastic member 150 is transmitted to the second body 120. A plurality of lubricant supply grooves 142 a are formed on the pressing portion 142. The lubricant supply groove 142 a is filled with a lubricant such as grease, and this lubricant is supplied between the pressing member 140 and the first body 110 to reduce the pressure between the pressing member 140 and the first body during the rotation of the cover unit 20. Friction between the bodies 110.

The elastic member 150 is composed of a coil spring accommodated in the casing 111 of the first body 110, and an upper portion of the elastic member 150 is inserted into a spring support hole 143 formed in the pressing member 140. The elastic member 150 is maintained in a compressed state in the housing 111, and thus the elastic member 150 may provide elastic pressing force to the cover unit 20 via the pressing member 140.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the central axis C of the elastic member 150 is spaced a predetermined distance d from the rotation axis X of the cover unit 20 and the first body 110 as described above. Therefore, the pressing force applied to the second body 120 by the elastic member 150 may serve as a force against the gravity acting on the cover unit 20 to close the cover unit 20. Therefore, the cover unit 20 is prevented from being suddenly closed, and the pre-stop function of the cover unit 20 Can be achieved.

It is desirable that the spring constant of the elastic member 150 be kept constant. However, the spring constant K1 of the elastic member 150 after long-term use of the elastic member 150 may be smaller than the initial spring constant K0 of the elastic member 150. Therefore, as time passes, the rigidity of the elastic member 150 decreases. The weakening of the rigidity of the elastic member 150 is usually caused by the plastic deformation of the elastic member 150.

If the rigidity of the elastic member 150 weakens with the passage of time, the elastic pressing force applied by the elastic member 150 to the cover unit 20 becomes insufficient, and therefore the cover unit 20 in the opened state is suddenly closed, or the cover unit 20 is pre-stopped The function cannot be realized.

Specifically, assuming that when the rotation angle of the cover unit 20 is 0 °, the compression length of the elastic member 150 is δ, the elasticity corresponding to F0 = K0 × δ will be pressed only when the rotation angle of the elastic member 150 is 0 °. In a state where pressure is applied to the cover unit 20, the cover unit 20 can be operated smoothly. However, if the elastic member 150 has a spring constant K1 smaller than the initial spring constant K0 due to the weakening of the rigidity of the elastic member 150 as described above, the elastic pressing force applied to the cover unit 20 by the elastic member 150 at a rotation angle of 0 ° is also Weakened to F1 = K1 × δ. This elastic pressing force F1 corresponds to a value that is reduced by ΔF = F0-F1 = (K0-K1) × δ compared to the initial elastic pressing force F0. The weakening of the elastic pressing force occurs not only at a rotation angle of 0 ° but also at other rotation angles under the same principle, and this causes the above-mentioned problem (the sudden closing of the cover unit and the pre-stop of the cover member cannot be achieved).

The pressing force adjustment unit 160 is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems caused by the weakening of the rigidity of the elastic member 150, and includes an elastic member support The stay plate 170, the height adjustment member 180, and the lock nut member 190.

The elastic member supporting plate 170 is configured to face the bottom portion 111 b of the casing 111 in the first body 110 and supports a lower end of the elastic member 150. The elastic member support plate 170 is substantially in the shape of a rectangular plate, and may or may have a different shape, such as a circular plate. A bolt insertion hole 171 through which the height adjustment member 180 passes is formed in a center portion of the elastic member support plate 170.

The height adjustment member 180 is in the shape of a bolt and includes a body portion 181 fastened to the first body 110 and a head portion 185 exposed outside the first body 110. The body portion 181 includes a fastening portion 182 that is screw-fastened to the embedded nut member 117 provided on the first body 110 and an engaging portion 183 that is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 171 and is engaged with the elastic member support plate 170. Threads for screw-fastening to the embedded nut member 117 are formed on the outer periphery of the fastening portion 182, and a support plate placement surface 182a for placing the elastic member support plate 170 is formed at the upper end of the fastening portion 182.

If the height adjustment member 180 is rotated in the forward direction, the height adjustment member 180 further enters the first body 110, and therefore the elastic member support plate 170 that is engaged with the height adjustment member 180 is lifted and disposed at a higher position. In this situation, the reduced length of the elastic member 150 supported on the elastic member support plate 170 is the same as the lifting amount of the elastic member support plate 170, and thus is in a state of being further compressed.

In the embodiment, the engaging portion 183 of the height adjustment member 180 is simply inserted into the bolt insertion hole 171 of the elastic member support plate 170. However, alternatively, threads may be formed on the outer periphery of the engaging portion 183 and the inner periphery of the bolt insertion hole 171, and thus the engaging portion 183 may be screwed tightly. Fix to the bolt insertion hole 171.

The lock nut member 190 is fastened to the fastening portion 182 of the height adjustment member 180. The lock nut member 190 is generally in a state where the lock nut member 190 is firmly tightened toward the first body 110 in order to prevent the natural release of the height adjustment member 180. If the height adjustment of the elastic member support plate 170 is necessary, the lock nut member 190 becomes spaced from the first body 110 so that the tightening of the first body 110 is released, and thus the height adjustment member 180 becomes accessible. Spin.

Referring to FIG. 6 illustrating a lower portion of the hinge assembly 100, a height inspection opening 118 configured so that the elastic member support plate 170 disposed in the housing 111 is exposed from the outside and a height inspection opening configured to indicate the amount of change in height of the elastic member support plate 170 A plurality of height indicating scales 119 are formed on a lower portion of the casing 111 of the first body 110. Therefore, when the height of the elastic member support plate 170 is adjusted, the operator can confirm the change in the height of the elastic member support plate 170 with eyes through the height inspection opening 118, and thus accurately adjust the elastic member support plate 170 through the height indication scale 119 the height of.

Referring to FIG. 7, a procedure for adjusting the pressing force of the elastic member 150 using the pressing force adjustment unit 160 will be described in more detail as follows.

As described above, if the rigidity of the elastic member 150 is weakened due to the plastic deformation of the elastic member 150 compared to the rigidity at the time of manufacturing the elastic member 150, the opened lid unit 20 may suddenly close or the pre-stop function of the lid unit 20 may occur. Problems that cannot be achieved. If such problems occur, the weakening rigidity of the elastic member 150 can be compensated by the user (or operator) using the pressing force adjustment unit 160 as described above to increase the pressing force of the elastic member 150. Sex.

First, the lock of the lock nut member 190 is released by rotating the lock nut member 190 in the opposite direction, so that the height adjustment member 180 becomes rotatable.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 7, by rotating the height adjustment member 180 in the forward direction, the elastic member support plate 170 engaged with the height adjustment member 180 is lifted up to the lifting height ΔL required to adjust the pressing force.

Then, the elastic member 150 is further compressed to a lifting height ΔL, and the elastic pressing force provided by the elastic member 150 to the cover unit 20 is increased by K1 × ΔL. Here, K1 represents the current spring constant of the elastic member 150 having a reduced rigidity. With the increased elastic pressing force K1 × ΔL of the elastic member 150 obtained by the operation of the height adjustment member 180, the above-mentioned elastic pressing force ΔF = F0-F1 = (K0-K1) × δ is compensated. The value of the lifting height ΔL of the elastic member 150 required to compensate for the weakened elastic pressing force can be determined from the data of the rigidity change of the elastic member 150 with the passage of time, or can be found by the operator through trial and error. .

Finally, if the height adjustment is completed, in order to prevent the natural release of the height adjustment member 180, the lock nut member 190 is rotated in the forward direction until the lock nut member 190 is in close contact with the first body 110.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the hinge assembly 100A will be described as a replacement of the above-mentioned hinge assembly 100.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another hinge assembly applicable to the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 8 taken along the line II-II of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10, which explains a procedure for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing unit using the pressing force adjusting unit.

8 to 11, the replacement hinge assembly 100A includes a first body 110 ′ mounted on the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1; a second body 120 mounted on a cover unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1; configured to face upward A pressing unit 130 ′ that presses the second body 120; and a pressing force adjustment unit 160 ′ configured to adjust a pressing force applied to the pressing unit 130 of the second body 120.

The second body 120 and the pressing unit 130 of the hinge assembly 100A are provided in the same manner as the second body 120 and the pressing unit 130 of the hinge assembly 100 described above.

The first body 110 'and the pressing force adjustment unit 160' of the hinge assembly 100A and the first body 110 and the pressing force adjustment unit 160 of the hinge assembly 100 as described above are compared with each other as follows.

According to the first body 110 'of the hinge assembly 100A, the casing 111' is in the form of a cylinder with the upper and lower sides open, and the casing 111 of the hinge assembly 100 described above is in the shape of a rectangular container. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a thread 111 e for fastening the pressing force adjustment unit 160 ′ is formed on a lower portion of an outer surface of the housing 111 ′ of the hinge assembly 100A.

The second protruding portion 116 'is formed on the first body 110' of the hinge assembly 100A. The second protruding portion 116 'performs the same function as the second protruding portion 116 (see FIG. 3) provided on the hinge assembly 100 as described above. That is, when the hinge assembly 100A is mounted on the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 When being lifted together with the cover unit 20, the second protruding portion 116 'of the first body 110' is caught on the detachment preventing protrusion 15a (see FIG. 5) formed in the hinge mounting hole 15, and therefore the hinge assembly 100A is prevented from being inadvertently中 detaching hinge mounting hole 15.

The pressing force adjustment unit 160 ′ of the hinge assembly 100A is different from the pressing force adjustment unit 160 of the hinge assembly 100 described above in that the pressing force adjustment unit 160 ′ is composed of a cover-shaped single member. The pressing force adjustment unit 160 ′ includes a side portion 161 and a bottom portion 162. A thread 161a for fastening to the case 111 'is formed on an inner surface of the side portion 161, and a bottom portion 162 supports a lower end of the elastic member 150.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, if it is necessary to adjust the pressing force of the elastic member 150 because the rigidity of the elastic member 150 is weakened, the pressing force is adjusted by rotating the pressing force adjusting member 160 ′ fastened to the first body 110 ′. The unit 160 'is lifted up to the height ΔL required to adjust the pressing force. Therefore, the elastic member 150 supported by the pressing force adjustment unit 160 'is further compressed to its height ΔL, and thus the pressing force of the elastic member 150 that has been reduced due to the weakening of the rigidity of the elastic member 150 can be compensated.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 12 to 17, the arrangement of the image forming apparatus 1 a and the hinge assembly 200 applied to the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly applied to the image forming apparatus described in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross section taken along line III-III illustrated in FIG. 13 Face view. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, which explains a procedure for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing unit using the pressing force adjusting unit. The image forming apparatus 1 a according to the second embodiment has most of the settings similar to those of the aforementioned image forming apparatus 1, but the location of the hinge assembly 200 and the arrangement of the hinge assembly 200 are slightly different.

In other words, referring to FIG. 12, a part of the upper side of the image forming apparatus (1 a) according to the second embodiment is constituted by the separation cover 17.

The separation cover 17 is detachably engaged to the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1 a to form a part of the hinge mounting hole 15. The separation cover 17 is configured in consideration that the hinge assembly 200 is fastened to the image forming apparatus 1 a using bolts. When the elasticity of the elastic member 250 of the hinge assembly 200 is adjusted, in order to expose the rotary button 285 mounted on the hinge assembly 200 to the outside, the separation cover is separated from the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1a. Therefore, the user can adjust the elasticity of the elastic member 250 by operating the rotary button 285 when the separation cover 17 is separated from the main body 10.

13 and FIG. 14, the hinge assembly 200 applied to the image forming apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment includes a first body 210 mounted on the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1a; and a cover unit 20 mounted on the image forming apparatus 1a. A second body 220; and a pressing force adjuster for adjusting a hinge pressure between the first body 210 and the second body 220. In the case of the second exemplary embodiment, the pressing force adjuster may include a pressing unit and an adjusting unit 260.

The first body 210 maintains the state where the first body is inserted into the hinge mounting hole (see FIG. 2), but is different from the first book of the first embodiment described above. The body 110 and the first body 210 are fastened to the inside of the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 a using bolts 290.

The first body 210 includes a first casing 211 in the shape of a rectangular container, and a second casing 212 that is press-engaged at an inner side of the first casing 211.

An engaging rib 211a is protrudedly formed on the first housing 211, and a through hole 211b for engaging the bolt 290 is formed in the engaging rib 211a. The engaging rib 211 a is formed on one side of the first housing 211 that is engaged to a part of the main body 10 in a parallel manner.

The first casing 211 has an opening H1 at the upper side so that the second casing 212 can be inserted, and in the first casing, a part of the accommodation adjustment unit 260 and the accommodation chamber 211c of the second casing 212 are formed. In this state, the adjustment unit 260 is disposed at the lower side of the second casing 212 so as to apply pressure to the elastic member 250 of the pressing unit 230 disposed inside the second casing 212.

The first housing 211 includes a first support hole 211e and a second support hole 211g. A first support hole 211e is formed on the first side wall 211d, and supports an end of the rotation shaft 283 of the height adjustment member 280. The second support hole 211g is formed on the second side wall 211f facing the first side wall 211d, and a part of the rotary button 285 is pivotally engaged with the second side wall 211f.

In the bottom portion 211h of the receiving chamber 211c, an avoidance groove 211i is formed so that when the rotating cam member 281 of the adjustment unit 260 is rotated, a part of the cam member 281 is not disturbed by the bottom surface 211h.

The second casing 212 is inserted into the opening of the first casing 211 H1, and in this case, the second housing can be engaged in a compressed state without the need for a separate thread engagement, or can be fastened to the first housing 211 using a predetermined engagement thread. In this case, the second casing 212 forms a tapered surface 212c at a lower portion of the side portion so that the second casing 212 can be easily inserted into the first casing 211.

The second casing 212 includes a pair of support brackets 212a extending upward from the upper portion.

The second body 220 is hingedly connected to a pair of support brackets 212a through a hinge shaft 213, and a shaft hole 212b for inserting each of the hinge shafts 213 is formed. In this case, two coupling rings 213a are inserted at both ends of the hinge shaft 213 to prevent the hinge shaft 213 from being separated from the pair of support brackets 212a.

In the second housing 212, a pressing unit 230 is elastically disposed. In this situation, the pressing unit 230 presses a part of the second body 220 whose hinge is connected to the hinge shaft 213, and provides a hinge pressure between the first body 210 and the second body 220.

The second body 220 is formed in a similar manner to the second body 120 of the first embodiment. In other words, the second body 220 includes a cover engaging portion 221 fixedly engaged with the cover unit 20 via a fastening element such as a bolt, and the pair of support brackets 212a of the first body 210 via a hinge shaft 213 Engaged hinge engaging portion 222. A shaft hole 222 a through which the hinge shaft 213 passes is formed in the hinge engaging portion 222.

Because the second body 220 is hingedly engaged with the first body 210 using the hinge shaft 213, the second body 220 and the second body 220 are engaged with each other. The closed cover unit 20 is pivotable relative to the first body 210 about a rotation axis X (see FIG. 15) passing through the center of the hinge shaft 213.

On the second body 220, a cam portion 223 is formed between the cover engaging portion 221 and the hinge engaging portion 222. The cam portion 223 has a curved surface 223 a that is in contact with the pressing unit 230 to receive a pressing force from the pressing unit 230. According to the rotation angle of the cover unit 20, the area of the cam surface 223a in contact with the pressing unit 230 changes, and thus the level of the pressing force provided from the pressing unit 230 changes according to the rotation angle of the cover unit 20.

As described above, the pressing force adjuster may include the pressing unit 230 and the adjusting unit 260.

The pressing unit 230 includes a pressing member 240 that presses the second body 220 when the curved upper portion 241 is in contact with the second body 220 and an elastic member 250 that provides a pressing force to the pressing member 240. The pressing unit 230 has the same arrangement as the pressing unit 130 of the first embodiment, and therefore, it will not be explained in detail.

The adjustment unit 260 includes an elastic member support plate 270 that supports the end of the elastic member 250, and a part of the adjustment unit 260 is pivotably received in the first body 210, and the adjustment unit 260 includes an elastic member support plate 270 that can be adjusted according to rotation The height of the height adjustment member 280.

The elastic member support plate 270 includes a fastening member 271 and a raising member 273 that raises the fastening member 271.

The fastening member 271 fixedly supports a lower portion of the elastic member 250, and can firmly support the elastic member 250 because an insertion protrusion 271a inserted into the elastic member 250 is formed.

The raising member 273 is slidably inserted into the perforation 212d, in which the shaft 273a is formed on the bottom of the second housing 212, and the fastening member 271 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 273b formed at the upper side of the shaft. The elevation member 273 has a plate shape in which a bottom side 273c that is in contact with the rotary cam member 281 has a predetermined space.

The raising member 273 presses the elastic member 250 while rising along the perforation 212d of the second housing 212 by the rotation of the rotation cam member 281 of the height adjusting member 280.

15, the height adjustment member 280 includes a rotation cam member 281, a rotation shaft 283, and a rotation button 285.

In the rotation cam member 281, an engagement hole 281a through which the rotation shaft 283 passes is formed. In this state, the rotation cam member 281 is rotated by the rotation shaft 283 by the first fixing pin 286a. Therefore, in order to rotate the rotation cam member 281 with the rotation shaft 283, the end of the first fixing pin 286a is inserted into the insertion groove 281b of the rotation cam member 281, and the other end is inserted into the insertion groove 283d of the rotation shaft 283. The rotating cam member 281 and the rotating shaft 283 are connected to each other in a fixed state.

Regarding the rotating cam member 281, the length from the engaging hole 281a to the upper end is greater than the length from the engaging hole 281a to the lower end, and a cam surface is formed in the outer circumference of the rotating cam member 281, and the cam surface can be rotated with the rotation shaft 283 While pushing up the raising member 273.

The rotation shaft 283 is pivotably inserted into the first casing 211 of the first body 210 and is disposed to be roughly orthogonal to the length direction of the first casing 211. The end 283a of the rotation shaft 283 and the first support of the first housing 211 The hole 211e is pivotally engaged, and the other end 283b of the hole 285b passing through the rotary button 285 is engaged with the rotary button 285. In this state, the rotation shaft 283 is engaged with the rotation button 285 using the second fixing pin 286b in a fixed state so that the rotation button 285 rotates as the rotation button 285 rotates. To this end, the second fixing pin 286b can pass through the perforation 283c formed at the other end 283b of the rotation shaft 283 and the perforation 285c formed on the shaft 285a of the rotation button 285 at the same time, and mesh with the perforation 283c and the perforation 285b.

The rotary button 285 is placed in a state where the rotary button is exposed outside the first housing 211 of the first body 210. This arrangement of the rotary button 285 makes it easy for the user to approach the rotary button 285 when the separation cover 17 is separated from the main body 10.

In the state of the rotary button 285, the shaft 285a passing through the second support hole 211g is engaged with the support hole of the first housing 211.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, before the rotary cam member 281 is rotated, when the rotary button 285 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow A as illustrated in FIG. 17, the rotary cam member 281 is in the direction of the arrow A along with the rotary shaft 283 Rotate up to the rotation angle of the rotary button 285.

The lifting member 273 of the elastic member supporting plate 270 that is in contact with the cam surface of the rotating cam member 281 is further entered into the second housing 212 of the first body 210 by rotating the cam member 281, and therefore, is engaged with the lifting member 273 The fixed member 271 rises a predetermined height (ΔL) and is placed at a higher position. In this situation, the length of the elastic member 250 supported by the fastening member 271 is reduced by the width of the rising member 273 that has risen, and therefore, a more compressed state is maintained. The pushing member 140 may be The increased elasticity provides elastic pressing force to the cover unit 20.

As described above, according to one or more embodiments, if the cover unit 20 is suddenly closed or the pre-stop function of the cover unit 20 cannot be achieved because the rigidity of the elastic members 150, 250 provided in the hinge assemblies 100, 100A, 200 is weakened, When executed, the compression lengths of the elastic members 150 and 250 are adjusted via the pressing force adjusters provided on the hinge assemblies 100, 100A, and 200 without replacing the entire hinge assembly, and therefore, the above problems can be easily solved to save the hinge Replacement cost of modules 100, 100A, 200.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with the examples, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make some modifications and retouching without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a cover unit configured to be disposed on an upper side of the main body to press a manuscript; and at least one hinge assembly for connecting the cover unit to the main body, wherein the hinge The assembly includes: a first body detachably mounted on the main body; a second body having a portion fastened to the cover unit and another portion hinged to the first body; and a pressure adjuster, which is configured To adjust the hinge force between the first body and the second body, wherein the pressing force adjuster includes a pressing unit, the pressing unit is accommodated in the first body to continuously perform the second body A pressing force is applied, wherein the pressing unit includes a pressing member configured to press the second body, wherein the second body has a curved cam surface, and wherein the pressing unit is configured to press the first The pressing portions of the cam surfaces of the two bodies are formed to protrude from the upper surface of the pressing member, and a plurality of lubricant supply grooves filled with lubricant are formed in Said thrusting the upper portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing force adjuster further comprises: an adjusting unit configured to adjust a pressing force applied to the pressing unit of the second body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressing unit further comprises: an elastic member configured to elastically support the pressing member in the first body, wherein the adjusting unit adjusts the The degree of compression of the elastic member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment unit includes: an elastic member support plate for supporting a distal end of the elastic member and accommodably accommodated in the first body; and a height adjustment member, Mounted on the first body to adjust the height of the elastic member support plate. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the height adjustment member includes: a body portion that is engaged with the elastic member support plate and is fastened to the first body; and a head portion that is integrally formed on the first body On the body part and exposed outside the first body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the body portion includes: an engaging portion that is engaged with the elastic member support plate; and a fastening portion that is screw-fastened to the first body and has a structure for supporting the first body. The support plate mounting surface of the elastic member support plate is described. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an embedded nut member is mounted on the first body to be screwed to the body portion of the height adjustment member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment unit further includes a lock nut member which is engaged with the body portion of the height adjustment member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the height inspection opening allows the elastic member supporting plate to be exposed to the outside of the first body, and wherein a plurality of height indicating scales indicating the height of the elastic member supporting plate are formed On the first body. An image forming apparatus includes: a main body; a cover unit configured to be disposed on an upper side of the main body to press a manuscript; and at least one hinge assembly for connecting the cover unit to the main body, wherein the hinge The assembly includes: a first body detachably mounted on the main body; a second body having a portion fastened to the cover unit and another portion hinged to the first body; and a pressure adjuster, which is configured In order to adjust the hinge force between the first body and the second body, the pressing force adjuster includes a pressing unit accommodated in the first body to continuously apply a pressing force to the second body. And an adjusting unit configured to adjust a pressing force of the pressing unit applied to the second body, wherein the pressing unit includes: a pressing member configured to press the second body, and an elastic member, Configured to elastically support the pressing member in the first body, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts a degree of compression of the elastic member, and the adjustment unit The outer surface is detachably screwed to the body to support the first end of the elastic member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the adjustment unit includes: a side portion, wherein a thread for engaging with the first body thread is formed along the inner circumferential surface on the side portion; and a bottom portion For supporting the end of the elastic member.