JP6805944B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a fixing unit and a fixing cover. The fixing unit is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the apparatus. The fixing cover covers the attachment / detachment direction of the fixing unit. The fixing unit is integrally formed with the fixing cover.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-53987

However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the fixing unit is integrally configured with the fixing cover, it is necessary to remove the fixing unit when opening and closing the fixing cover. For example, when a jam occurs in the fixing unit, it is necessary to open and close the fixing cover. In this case as well, it is necessary to remove the fixing unit, and the jam treatment may not be easy.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily processing jam.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a housing, an image forming portion, a cover, and a regulating member. The housing has an opening and a support shaft. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The cover is rotatably supported around the support shaft and opens and closes the opening. The regulating member regulates the angle at which the cover is opened in contact with the cover. The opening exposes the image forming portion to the outside of the housing. The cover has a first hole and a second hole. Either one of the first hole and the second hole is selectively fitted with the support shaft. When the first hole is fitted to the support shaft, the regulating member is in contact with the cover, and when the second hole is fitted to the support shaft, the regulating member is Does not come into contact with the cover.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, jams can be easily processed.

It is a side view which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the angle which opens the back cover is regulated. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the angle which opens a back cover is not regulated. It is a side view which shows the state which the 1st hole is fitted with a support shaft. (A) is a side view which shows the back cover. (B) is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft. It is a perspective view which shows the hole part. It is a side view which shows the state which the 2nd hole is fitted with the support shaft. (A) is a side view which shows the back cover. (B) is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft. It is a side view which shows the state which the regulation member does not regulate the angle which opens the back cover. (A) is a side view which shows the back cover. (B) is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft. It is a side view which shows the state which the support shaft was removed from a hole part. (A) is a side view which shows the back cover. (B) is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 8). In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description is not repeated.

First, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is a printer. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 10, a cassette feeding section 11, a transport section 12, an image forming section 14, a discharging section 18, and a discharging tray 19. The image forming unit 14 includes a transfer unit 13, a developing unit 16, and a fixing unit 2. The fixing unit 2 includes a fixing portion 17. The housing 10 includes a back cover 3.

FIG. 1 shows the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z axis is parallel to the vertical direction. In the following description, the positive side of the X-axis may be referred to as the front side, and the negative side of the X-axis may be referred to as the back side.

The cassette feeding unit 11 supplies the paper to the conveying unit 12. The transport unit 12 transports the paper to the discharge unit 18 via the transfer unit 13 and the fixing unit 17. Paper corresponds to an example of a "recording medium".

The image forming unit 14 forms an image on paper. The image forming unit 14 includes a photoconductor drum 141. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 141. The developing unit 16 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. The transfer unit 13 transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 141 onto the paper. As a result, an image is formed on the paper.

The fixing portion 17 includes a heating roller 171 and a pressure roller 172. The fixing portion 17 heats and pressurizes the paper by sandwiching the paper between the heating roller 171 and the pressure roller 172, and fixes the image formed on the paper to the paper. The ejection unit 18 ejects the paper to the ejection tray 19. The discharge tray 19 is loaded with the paper discharged by the discharge unit 18.

The back cover 3 constitutes a part of the side surface of the housing 10. The back cover 3 is made of, for example, a resin. Specifically, the back cover 3 constitutes a side surface of the housing 10 on the negative direction side (back side) of the X axis. The back cover 3 corresponds to an example of a "cover".

Next, the operation of the back cover 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the angle at which the back cover 3 is opened is restricted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 has an opening 101 on the back surface side (negative direction side of the X axis). The opening 101 exposes the image forming portion 14 to the outside of the housing 10. In the embodiment of the present invention, the opening 101 exposes the fixing unit 2 to the outside of the housing 10. The back cover 3 opens and closes the opening 101. Further, the back cover 3 includes a plurality of ribs 12a. The rib 12a forms a part of the transport portion 12. Specifically, the rib 12a constitutes a part of the transport unit 12 that transports the paper from the fixing unit 2 to the discharge unit 18.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the opening angle of the back cover 3 is restricted, the user can visually recognize the fixing unit 2 through the opening 101. Therefore, the user can easily handle the jam generated in the fixing unit 2. In this embodiment, the back cover 3 is opened at an angle of 80 degrees with respect to the Z axis.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment of the present invention, the back cover 3 constitutes a part of the transport unit 12 that transports the paper from the fixing unit 2 to the discharge unit 18. Therefore, the user can easily handle the jam generated in the transport unit 12 between the fixing unit 2 and the discharge unit 18 by opening the back cover 3.

Next, the operation of the back cover 3 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the angle at which the back cover 3 is opened is not regulated.

As shown in FIG. 3, in a state where the opening angle of the back cover 3 is not regulated, the fixing unit 2 is taken out from the inside of the housing 10 in the negative direction of the X-axis through the opening 101. Further, the fixing unit 2 is taken into the housing 10 through the opening 101. In this embodiment, the back cover 3 is opened at an angle of 150 degrees with respect to the Z axis.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, a state in which the angle at which the back cover 3 is opened is restricted will be described. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the first hole 311 is fitted with the support shaft 5. FIG. 4A is a side view showing the back cover 3. FIG. 4B is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft 5.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the housing 10 includes a regulating member 4 and a support shaft 5. The regulating member 4 is arranged on the back surface side of the housing 10. Further, the regulating member 4 includes a protruding portion 41 and a main body portion 42. The protruding portion 41 is formed so as to protrude in the negative direction of the X-axis of the main body portion 42.

The support shaft 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape (or a cylindrical shape) and rotatably supports the back cover 3. The support shaft 5 is made of metal. The support shaft 5 is made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel. The support shaft 5 is arranged at the end of the housing 10 on the negative direction side (rear side) in the X-axis direction. Specifically, a pair of support shafts 5 are arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction of the rear end portions of the housing 10.

The back cover 3 has a cover member 30 and a support portion 31. The cover member 30 is formed in a flat plate shape and opens and closes the opening 101. Specifically, the cover member 30 is arranged on the back cover 3 on the negative direction side (back side) of the X axis with respect to the support portion 31.

The support portion 31 supports the cover member 30. The support portion 31 is arranged on the back cover 3 on the positive direction side (front side) of the X-axis with respect to the cover member 30. The support portion 31 has an engaging portion 32. The engaging portion 32 is arranged on the side (front side) of the support portion 31 that is separated from the cover member 30.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the support portion 31 further includes a hole portion 310. The hole 310 has a first hole 311 and a second hole 312. Either one of the first hole 311 and the second hole 312 selectively fits with the support shaft 5. In FIG. 4B, the first hole 311 is fitted with the support shaft 5. The first hole 311 is formed in a circular shape having a diameter of D1. The diameter D1 is slightly larger than the diameter D5 of the support shaft 5. For example, the diameter D1 is 0.2 mm larger than the diameter D5. When the first hole 311 is fitted to the support shaft 5, the back cover 3 rotates about the support shaft 5. Further, the second hole 312 is formed in a circular shape having a diameter of D2. The diameter D2 is slightly larger than the diameter D5 of the support shaft 5. For example, the diameter D2 is 0.2 mm larger than the diameter D5. When the second hole 312 is fitted with the support shaft 5, the back cover 3 rotates about the support shaft 5.

The first hole 311 and the second hole 312 are formed along a direction (straight line LA) parallel to the cover member 30 (see FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b)). Specifically, the straight line LA is parallel to the cover member 30. The straight line LA indicates a straight line connecting the center point P1 of the first hole 311 and the center point P2 of the second hole 312. In the present embodiment, the second hole 312 is arranged on the side of the first hole 311 away from the cover member 30.

The protruding portion 41 is engaged with the engaging portion 32. Specifically, the lower surface of the protruding portion 41 is engaged with the engaging portion 32. As a result, the angle θ at which the back cover 3 is opened is restricted to the first angle θ1. The first angle θ1 is, for example, 80 degrees.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, in the embodiment of the present invention, in order to regulate the angle θ at which the regulating member 4 opens the back cover 3, the jam generated around the fixing unit 2 is prevented. Easy to handle.

Next, the hole 310 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the hole 310. As shown in FIG. 5, the hole 310 further includes a first communication portion 313 and a second communication portion 314 in addition to the first hole 311 and the second hole 312.

The first communication portion 313 communicates the first hole 311 and the second hole 312. When an external force F1 (see FIG. 4A) acts on the back cover 3, the support shaft 5 moves relatively from the first hole 311 to the second hole 312 via the first communication portion 313. The width D3 of the first communication portion 313 is smaller than the diameter D5 of the support shaft 5.

For example, the width D3 is 2 mm smaller than the diameter D5. Therefore, for example, when the first hole 311 is fitted to the support shaft 5 and the back cover 3 is rotated about the support shaft 5, the support shaft 5 moves from the first hole 311 to the second hole 312. Can be suppressed. Further, for example, when the second hole 312 is fitted to the support shaft 5 and the back cover 3 is rotated about the support shaft 5, the support shaft 5 moves from the second hole 312 to the first hole 311. Can be suppressed. It is preferable to increase the difference between the width D3 and the diameter D5 so that the first communication portion 313 is easily elastically deformed.

Specifically, the first communication portion 313 is formed between the first hole 311 and the second hole 312. The external force F1 acts in a direction parallel to the cover member 30 and away from the support portion 31. When the external force F1 acts on the back cover 3, the support shaft 5 presses the first communication portion 313, the first communication portion 313 is elastically deformed, and the support shaft 5 moves from the first hole 311 to the second hole 312. To do. The first communication portion 313 is expanded by the support shaft 5.

The width D3 indicates the minimum value of the distance of the first communication portion 313 in the direction orthogonal to the straight line LA. In other words, the width D3 indicates the shortest distance between two faces parallel to each other in the Y-axis direction in the first communication portion 313. Two surfaces parallel to each other in the Y-axis direction in the first communication portion 313 are included in the surfaces forming the periphery of the hole portion 310.

Further, when the support shaft 5 is fitted with the second hole 312, the support shaft 5 presses the first communication portion 313 by the external force acting in the direction opposite to the external force F1 on the back cover 3. The 1-communication portion 313 is elastically deformed, and the support shaft 5 moves from the second hole 312 to the first hole 311.

The second communication portion 314 communicates with the second hole 312. The second hole 312 and the second communication portion 314 are formed along a direction intersecting the cover member 30 (see FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b)). That is, the second hole 312 and the second communication portion 314 are formed along the direction intersecting the straight line LA. When an external force acts on the back cover 3, the support shaft 5 moves from the second hole 312 to the outside of the hole 310 via the second communication portion 314, and the back cover 3 is removed from the housing 10. The width D4 of the second communication portion 314 is smaller than the diameter D5 of the support shaft 5.

For example, the width D4 is 2 mm smaller than the diameter D5. Therefore, for example, when the second hole 312 is fitted to the support shaft 5 and the back cover 3 is rotated about the support shaft 5, the support shaft 5 is moved from the second hole 312 to the outside of the hole 310. It can be suppressed from moving. It is preferable to increase the difference between the width D4 and the diameter D5 so that the second communication portion 314 is easily elastically deformed. Specifically, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8.

The width D4 indicates the shortest distance among the distances between two surfaces parallel to each other in the Y-axis direction in the second communication portion 314. Two surfaces parallel to each other in the Y-axis direction in the second communication portion 314 are included in the surfaces forming the periphery of the hole portion 310.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, in the embodiment of the present invention, the support shaft 5 is formed via the first communication portion 313 by the external force F1 acting on the back cover 3. It moves relatively from the first hole 311 to the second hole 312. Therefore, the user can move the support shaft 5 from the first hole 311 to the second hole 312 by applying an external force F1 to the back cover 3. Therefore, the user can shift from the state in which the opening angle θ of the back cover 3 is regulated to the state in which the opening angle is not regulated.

Further, by applying an external force F1 to the back cover 3, the first communication portion 313 is elastically deformed, and the support shaft 5 moves from the first hole 311 to the second hole 312. Therefore, the user can easily shift the back cover 3 from the state in which the opening angle θ is regulated to the state in which the opening angle θ is not regulated.

Further, the second hole 312 is formed in a direction parallel to the cover member 30 with respect to the first hole 311 and the first communication portion 313 is formed in a direction parallel to the cover member 30. Further, the external force F2 (see FIG. 4A) acting on the back cover 3 when opening and closing the back cover 3 acts in a direction substantially orthogonal to the cover member 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the support shaft 5 from moving from the first hole 311 to the second hole 312 via the first communication portion 313 by the external force F2 acting on the back cover 3 when the back cover 3 is opened and closed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 7, a state in which the regulating member 4 does not regulate the angle θ at which the back cover 3 is opened will be described. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the second hole 312 is fitted with the support shaft 5. FIG. 6A is a side view showing the back cover 3. (B) is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft 5. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state in which the regulating member 4 does not regulate the angle θ at which the back cover 3 is opened. FIG. 7A is a side view showing the back cover 3. FIG. 7B is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft 5.

FIG. 6 is different from FIG. 5 in that the second hole 312 is fitted to the support shaft 5. That is, in FIG. 5, the first hole 311 is fitted to the support shaft 5, whereas in FIG. 6, the second hole 312 is fitted to the support shaft 5.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the second hole 312 is fitted with the support shaft 5. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the protruding portion 41 is not engaged with the engaging portion 32. Therefore, the regulating member 4 does not regulate the angle θ at which the back cover 3 is opened.

FIG. 7 is different from FIG. 6 in that the angle θ at which the back cover 3 is opened is larger than the angle θ (first angle θ1) at which the back cover 3 is opened in FIG. That is, in FIG. 7, the angle θ at which the back cover 3 is opened is the second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 is, for example, 150 degrees.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, the second angle θ2 is set so that the upper end of the back cover 3 is located below the straight line LU. The straight line LU indicates a position through which the lower end of the fixing unit 2 passes when the fixing unit 2 is attached / detached in the direction DR parallel to the X axis. That is, the fixing unit 2 can be attached to and detached from the directional DR through the opening 101.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 7, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the second hole 312 is fitted with the support shaft 5, the back cover 3 is opened. The fixing unit 2 is detachably configured via the 101. Therefore, the user can attach / detach the fixing unit 2 by fitting the second hole 312 with the support shaft 5.

Next, a state in which the support shaft 5 is removed from the hole 310 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6, and 8. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the support shaft 5 is removed from the hole 310. FIG. 8A is a side view showing the back cover 3. FIG. 8B is a side view showing the vicinity of the support shaft 5. FIG. 8 is different from FIG. 6 in that the support shaft 5 is moved to the outside of the hole 310 and removed. That is, in FIG. 6, the support shaft 5 is fitted to the second hole 312, whereas in FIG. 8, the support shaft 5 moves to the outside of the hole portion 310 and is removed.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an external force F3 acts on the support portion 31 of the back cover 3, so that the support shaft 5 is formed through the second hole 312 through the second communication portion 314. It moves to the outside of the unit 310.

Specifically, the second communication portion 314 is formed between the second hole 312 and the outside of the hole 310. The external force F3 acts on the support portion 31 in a direction intersecting the cover member 30 (for example, a direction orthogonal to the cover member 30). When the external force F3 acts on the back cover 3, the support shaft 5 presses the second communication portion 314, the second communication portion 314 is elastically deformed, and the support shaft 5 is moved from the second hole 312 to the outside of the hole 310. Moving. The second communication portion 314 is expanded by the support shaft 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the support shaft 5 is removed from the hole 310.

As shown in FIG. 8, since the support shaft 5 is removed from the hole 310, the back cover 3 is removed from the housing 10.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6 and 8, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second communication portion 314 is caused by the external force F3 acting on the support portion 31 of the back cover 3. The support shaft 5 moves from the second hole 312 to the outside of the hole 310, and the back cover 3 is removed from the housing 10. Therefore, the user can easily remove the back cover 3 by applying an external force F3 to the support portion 31 of the back cover 3. Therefore, for example, if the back cover 3 is damaged, the back cover 3 can be easily replaced.

Further, the second hole 312 is formed in a direction parallel to the cover member 30 with respect to the first hole 311 and the second communication portion 314 is formed in a direction intersecting the cover member 30 with respect to the second hole 312. To. Therefore, since the second communication portion 314 is formed in the direction intersecting the direction in which the first hole 311 and the second hole 312 are arranged, the support shaft 5 is formed in the first hole 311 via the first communication portion 313. It is possible to prevent the support shaft 5 from accidentally moving from the second hole 312 to the outside of the hole 310 via the second communication portion 314 when moving from the second hole 312 to the second hole 312.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) to (3) shown below). The drawings are schematically shown mainly for each component for easy understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each component shown are different from the actual ones for the convenience of drawing creation. In some cases. Further, the shape, dimensions, and the like of each component shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially deviating from the configuration of the present invention.

(1) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, in the embodiment of the present invention, the cover is the back cover 3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The cover may open and close the opening 101. For example, the cover may be arranged on the front side.

(2) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, in the embodiment of the present invention, the opening 101 exposes the fixing unit 2 to the outside of the housing 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The opening 101 may expose the image forming portion to the outside of the housing 10. For example, the opening 101 may expose the developing portion to the outside of the housing 10.

(3) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, in the embodiment of the present invention, the back cover 3 has the second communication portion 314 in addition to the first hole 311 and the second hole 312. The invention is not limited to this. The back cover 3 may have a first hole 311 and a second hole 312. For example, the back cover 3 may be composed of the first hole 311 and the second hole 312 and the first communication portion 313.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and has industrial applicability.

1 Image forming device 10 Housing 101 Opening 12 Conveying part 12a Rib 14 Image forming part 2 Fixing unit 17 Fixing part 171 Heating roller 172 Pressurizing roller 3 Back cover 30 Cover member 31 Support part 310 Hole part 311 First hole 312 Second Hole 313 1st communication part 314 2nd communication part 4 Regulatory member 41 Protruding part 42 Main body 5 Support shaft D1, D2, D5 Diameter D3, D4 Width DR direction F1 to F3 External force θ Angle θ1 First angle θ2 Second angle

Claims (8)

A housing with an opening and a support shaft,
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
It is provided with a cover that is rotatably supported around the support shaft and opens and closes the opening, and a regulating member that contacts the cover and regulates the angle at which the cover is opened.
The opening exposes the image forming portion to the outside of the housing.
The cover includes a flat plate-shaped cover member that opens and closes the opening, a support portion supported by the support shaft, and has a first hole and a second hole.
The support portion
The first hole and the second hole , the first hole and the second hole are communicated with each other, and the first communication portion having a width smaller than that of the second hole and the second hole are communicated with each other. It has a second communication portion whose width is smaller than the two holes and an engaging portion that abuts on the regulating member.
When an external force acts on the cover, the support shaft moves relatively from the first hole to the second hole through the first communication portion, and the first communication portion and the second communication portion are communicated with each other. Fitted with the second hole sandwiched between the parts ,
When the first hole is fitted to the support shaft, the regulating member comes into contact with the engaging portion , and the first hole abuts on the engaging portion .
An image forming apparatus in which the regulating member does not abut on the engaging portion when the second hole is fitted to the support shaft. By external force before Symbol cover, the support shaft via the first communicating portion is relatively moved to the second hole from the first hole, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The first communication portion is formed between the first hole and the second hole.
When the external force acts on the cover, the support shaft presses the first communication portion, the first communication portion is elastically deformed, and the support shaft moves from the first hole to the second hole. , The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. Before Symbol The first hole and the second hole, the cover member and are formed along a direction parallel to an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 or claim 3. By external force before Symbol cover, the support shaft is moved from the second hole through the second communicating portion on the outside of the first hole and the second hole, said cover said housing The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which is removed from the image forming apparatus. Before SL and the second hole and the second communicating portion is formed along a direction intersecting with the cover member, the image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The image forming part is
A fixing unit for fixing an image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium,
A discharge unit that discharges the recording medium on which an image is formed to the outside,
A transport unit for transporting the recording medium from the fixing unit to the discharge unit is further provided.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover constitutes a part of the transport portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the second hole is fitted to the support shaft, the cover is configured so that the fixing unit can be attached and detached through the opening.

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