JP2007036371A - Image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a scanner to be opened or closed safely and smoothly, while saving space, regardless of the open/close state of an original cover in an image-forming device having the openable/closable scanner, where the original cover that can be opened and closed is provided on the upper portion of a printer. <P>SOLUTION: The original cover, where the scanner has an open/close hinge, has an open-angle regulating means for regulating the maximum open angle to the printer section; weight balance mechanisms, which reduce the load in open/close operation, is provided in the scanner and the original cover each; and the weight balance mechanism in the original cover acts so that the moment is canceled (1) where the scanner is opened while the original cover is open. The open/close hinge of the original cover is provided at the printer coaxially with the open/close hinge of the scanner, and each has the weight balance mechanism, thus preventing the original cover from moving, even if the scanner is opened while the original cover is open (2). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a scanner unit for reading a document is provided on an upper part of a printer unit for forming an image on a recording material so as to be freely opened and closed.

  In recent years, in image forming apparatuses as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) that have functions as facsimiles, copiers, and printers, as shown in Fig. 20 and Fig. 18, after image formation for the purpose of saving installation space The recording material P is discharged and stacked in a discharge stacking space 3 formed between a scanner unit 1 as a document reading unit and a printer unit 2 as an image forming unit provided therebelow. Paper delivery is becoming mainstream.

  In such an image forming apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 17, an apparatus in which the upper surface side of the casing of the printer unit 2 needs to be opened and closed as a maintenance cover 14, or a recording paper loaded and discharged is used. There is an apparatus in which the scanner unit 1 is configured to open and close with respect to the printer unit 2 for easy removal.

  In such an image forming apparatus, the paper discharge stacked paper P is a paper discharge tray portion comprising a top cover 16 constituting the exterior of the printer portion 1 and a maintenance cover 14 that is opened and closed for cartridge replacement and jam processing. The recording paper P is discharged and stacked.

  In the image formation of the above configuration, the document holding surface 4 that has a document placement surface on which a document is placed and presses and holds the document on the document placement surface can be opened and closed in the same direction as the scanner unit 1 as image reading means. Is supported by the scanner unit 1. In addition, the document stacking tray 6 and the documents stacked on the document stacking tray 6 are transported U-turns one by one to the document retainer 4, and after the document is read by the scanner unit 1, the document discharge tray 27 (the upper surface of the document retainer also serves as the document retainer) Some have automatic document feeding means (ADF) 5 that leads to (4).

  As previously disclosed in JP-A-8-101466 and JP-A-2002-365743, the hinge unit 15 of the scanner unit 1 and the hinge unit 19 of the document holder 4 have a conventional weight balance mechanism using a cam and a compression spring. Is generally provided to assist the opening and closing operations of the scanner unit 1 and the document presser 4 with a light force. The maximum opening angle is also regulated here.

Moreover, as a prior art example, patent document 3 and patent document 4 can be mention | raise | lifted, for example.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-101466 JP 2002-365743 A JP 2001-022143 A Japanese Patent Registration No. 0231451

However, in the image forming apparatus in which the document retainer 4 is provided in the scanner unit 1 and the scanner unit 1 and the document retainer 4 are provided to be freely openable and closable in the same direction as in the conventional example, the document retainer 4 is closed. Then, even if the lock release button 20a is released, the weight balance at the hinge part 15 is maintained, so the scanner part 1 is not opened unless the user lifts it. (Figure 18⇒Figure 17)
When the lock release button 20a is released with the document presser 4 opened, the center of gravity has moved rearward, so that the weight balance at the hinge portion 15 has been lost. Open momentarily at the moment of releasing. Furthermore, since the document presser 4 is opened integrally with the scanner unit, the center of gravity of the scanner unit 1 moves further rearward, and the opening speed of the scanner unit 1 is accelerated. (Figure 18⇒Figure 19)
Therefore, there is a risk that the scanner unit 1 itself or the hinge unit 15 may be damaged by an impact when the scanner unit 1 opens and stops.

  In addition, when the printer unit 1 is smaller and lighter than the scanner unit 1, there is a risk that the apparatus itself may fall over.

  Further, in the apparatus in which the document retainer 4 is provided with the ADF 5 as described above, since the center of gravity is further rearward, the danger increases.

Also, if the document holder 4 is opened and the scanner unit 1 is opened, the required range required to open and close the scanner unit 1 will be widened, and depending on the installation location, the document holder 4 may hit the wall and be damaged. is there. (L1 in FIG. 18 expands to L2 in FIG. 19)
In order to solve such a problem, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-022143, in addition to the scanner unit and printer unit locking mechanism, the document holding unit and scanner unit are also provided with a locking mechanism. It has been devised that the scanner unit can be opened with respect to the printer unit only when is locked.

  However, this configuration imposes a confusing operation procedure for the user, and requires a space for the lock mechanism itself, leading to an increase in the size and cost of the device.

  Furthermore, the danger when the locking mechanism does not operate reliably increases.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, the document pressing opening angle restricting means is provided so that the maximum opening angle of the document pressing unit does not open more than a predetermined angle with respect to the printer unit, not the scanner unit.

  Alternatively, the rotation support unit for the document presser is provided coaxially with the rotation support unit for the scanner unit in the printer unit so that the maximum opening angle of the document presser unit with respect to the printer unit is held constant regardless of the opening angle of the scanner unit. It is characterized by taking.

  The above-described mechanism can be more effective by having a weight balance mechanism for reducing the load during opening and closing of each of the scanner unit and the document presser.

  In addition, even in a device in which the document presser is provided in the scanner unit so that it can be opened and closed, the scanner unit can be opened and closed laterally with respect to the printer unit, and the document presser can be opened and closed backward with respect to the printer unit (scanner unit). It is characterized by.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the scanner unit can be smoothly opened and closed even when the document presser is opened without providing a special mechanism, so the user pays special attention to the opening and closing operation of the scanner unit. It can be opened and closed naturally.

  Further, the required range required for opening and closing the scanner with the document presser open is narrowed, and even if the apparatus is installed close to the wall, the document presser will not hit and be damaged.

  In addition, there is no risk of the scanner unit being opened violently, and there is no risk of damage to the device or tipping over.

  L2 in FIG. 19 becomes smaller as L3 in FIG. 6 and L4 in FIG.

(Example 1)
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the image forming apparatus embodying the present invention as seen from the front right side of the apparatus. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the scanner unit 1 is opened with the document retainer 4 closed. -2 indicates a state in which the scanner unit 1 is opened with the document presser 4 opened.

  4 is a main longitudinal sectional view of the state of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a main longitudinal sectional view of the state of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a scanner unit 1 as an image reading unit is arranged on the upper part of the printer unit 2, and a discharge stacking space unit 3 is formed between the printer unit 2 and the scanner unit 1. .

  In FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, opening the scanner unit 1 makes it possible to open the maintenance cover 14 above the printer unit and form an opening 13.

  Maintenance such as replacement of the cartridge 7 and jam processing can be performed from the opening 13.

  On the other hand, the lower part of the printer unit 2 has a cassette 9 as a recording material stacking unit on which the recording material P is stacked, and the cassette 9 is pulled out to the front of the apparatus. A toner image is formed on the recording material P separated and fed by the pickup roller 11 by the developing cartridge 7 having the photosensitive drum 12 and the transfer roller 10, and the toner image on the recording material P is transferred by the fixing device 8. Pressed and heated to form a fixed image as a recording material P on which an image is recorded on a paper discharge tray composed of a printer unit exterior upper portion 16 and a maintenance cover 14, and is discharged and stacked from the rear to the front of the apparatus. The

  The scanner unit 1 is a flatbed type scanner unit 1 having a document placement surface and a document holding tray 6 and documents are fed U-turned to the document holder 4 by U-turn and automatically fed to the scanner surface. It is composed of a sheet-through scanner having an automatic document feeder (ADF) 5 loaded on a certain document discharge tray 27.

  The scanner unit 1 is provided so as to be openable and closable at a predetermined angle with respect to the printer unit 2 around the hinge unit 15.The hinge unit 15 is configured to open and close the scanner unit 1 as described in the background section. A weight balance mechanism (not shown) that is supported (composed of a cam and a compression spring that is normally used in a copying machine or the like) is provided.

  Further, the document presser 4 having the ADF is also provided so as to be openable and closable by a predetermined angle with respect to the scanner unit 1 around the hinge unit 19, and similarly, a weight balance mechanism for supporting the opening and closing operation is provided.

  In the vicinity of the hinge portion 15 of the scanner unit 1, there is a link 21 as a document presser opening angle restricting means that connects the document presser 4 and the printer unit 2 through the through-hole 25 provided in the housing of the scanner unit 1. Is provided. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, one end of the link 21 is rotatably connected to the shaft 22 of the document presser 4 and the other end is connected to the shaft 23 provided in the printer unit 2 with the length of the slide groove 24. It is slidably connected in the range.

  FIG. 3 shows the state in which both the document presser 4 and the scanner unit 1 are closed with respect to the printer unit 2, and the lock lever 20 is hooked on the hook unit 32 provided on the bottom surface of the scanner unit 1 and locked. Yes.

  At this time, when the lock release button 20a is pressed, the lock is released and the scanner unit 1 is slightly opened by the pop-up spring 34. At this time, since the scanner unit 1 is balanced by the weight balance mechanism of the 15 hinges, the user can lift and open the scanner unit 1 together with the document presser 4 to the state shown in Fig. 4 with a light force. The scanner 1 can maintain this state by a weight balance mechanism. At this time, the link 21 slides from the upper end of the slide groove 24 to the vicinity of the center with respect to the shaft 23 on the printer 2 side.

  Fig. 5 shows the state where only the document holder 4 is opened. The link 21 slides to the lower end of the slide groove 24 with respect to the shaft 23 on the printer side 2. At this time, if the lock release button 20a is pressed to release the lock, the center of gravity of the scanner unit 1 is located behind the device by opening the document presser 4, so the balance by the weight balance mechanism of the hinge 15 is lost, so the scanner unit 1 tries to open. However, since the document presser 4 is connected to the printer unit 2 by the link 21, it cannot be opened any more, so only the scanner unit 1 tries to open. At this time, the weight balance mechanism of the hinge part 19 of the document holder 4 is resistant to the phenomenon that the scanner part 1 tries to open, so the scanner part 1 does not open suddenly even if the lock is released.

  Therefore, it opens slowly until it reaches the state shown in Fig.-6, or it is balanced and stops in the middle of opening. Therefore, the user can safely open the scanner unit 1 even when the document presser 4 is opened.

(Example 2)
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are perspective views of another image forming apparatus embodying the present invention as seen from the front right side of the apparatus. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the scanner unit 1 is opened with the document presser 4 closed. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the scanner unit 1 is opened with the document presser 4 opened.

  FIG. 10 is a main longitudinal sectional view of the state of FIG. 7, and FIG. 12 is a main longitudinal sectional view of the state of FIG.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the scanner unit 1 is provided so as to be openable and closable at a predetermined angle with respect to the printer unit 2 around the hinge unit 15, and the hinge unit 15 has a scanner as described in the background section. A weight balance mechanism (not shown) for supporting the opening / closing operation of the part 1 (consisting of a cam and a compression spring normally used in a copying machine or the like) is provided.

  Further, the document presser 4 having an ADF is also provided so as to be openable and closable at a predetermined angle with respect to the printer unit 2 around the hinge portion 35, and similarly, a weight balance mechanism for supporting the opening and closing operation is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, the document presser 4 is provided with a leg portion 37, and the leg portion 37 is provided with a hinge portion 35.

  Here, the hinge part 35 of the document holder 4 is provided coaxially with the hinge part 15 of the scanner part 1. The scanner unit 1 is provided with a notch 36 for avoiding interference with the leg 37 of the document presser 4.

  FIG. 9 shows the state in which both the document presser 4 and the scanner unit 1 are closed with respect to the printer unit 2, and the lock lever 20 is hooked on the hook portion 32 provided on the bottom surface of the scanner unit 1 and locked. Yes.

  At this time, when the lock release button 20a is pressed, the lock is released and the scanner unit 1 is slightly opened by the pop-up spring 34. At this time, the scanner unit 1 is balanced by the weight balance mechanism of the 15 hinges, and the paper retainer 4 is balanced by the weight balance mechanism of the hinge 35. The scanner unit 1 can be lifted and opened together with the document presser 4 to the state shown, and the scanner 1 can maintain this state by the weight balance mechanism. At this time, since the hinge part 35 of the document holder 4 and the hinge part 15 of the scanner part 1 are on the same axis, the scanner part 1 and the document holder 4 are opened together.

  FIG. 11 shows a state where the document presser 4 is open. Since the document presser 4 is opened and closed by a hinge unit 35 having a weight balance mechanism provided between the document holder 4 and the printer unit 1, the movement of the center of gravity of the scanner unit 1 by opening the document holder 4 or the weight at the hinge unit 15 There is no loss of balance in the balance mechanism. Therefore, the user can easily open the scanner unit 1 to the state shown in FIG. 11, and the scanner unit 1 can hold the opened state by the weight balance mechanism of the hinge 15.

Example 3
13 to 16 are perspective views of another image forming apparatus embodying the present invention as seen from the front right side of the apparatus.

  In this embodiment, the cassette 9 is pulled out to the front of the apparatus, but the recording material P is discharged from the left to the right as viewed from the front of the apparatus and loaded on the tray.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the scanner unit 1 provided on the upper part of the printer unit 2 is opened and closed in the left-right direction of the apparatus by a hinge unit 15 provided with a weight balance mechanism provided on the left side surface of the apparatus.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the document pressing portion 4 is opened and closed in the front-rear direction of the apparatus by a hinge portion 19 provided with a weight balance mechanism provided at the rear of the scanner portion 1.

  FIG. 14 shows a state in which the scanner unit 1 is opened with the document retainer 4 closed, and FIG. 16 shows a state in which the scanner unit 1 is opened with the document retainer 4 opened.

  As shown in Fig. 16, the document holder 4 is opened as shown in Fig. 19 shown in the previous example by providing the opening direction of the scanner unit 1 and the opening direction of the document holder 4 in the direction perpendicular to each other. Even if the scanner part 1 is opened, there is no need for a large rear space, or the center of gravity moves and the scanner part does not open vigorously.

The perspective view which looked at the image forming device of the 1st example which carried out the present invention from the front right side of the device (the state where the scanner part was opened with the document presser closed) The perspective view which looked at the image forming device of the first example which carried out the present invention from the front right side of the device (the state where the scanner part was opened with the document presser opened) 1 is a main longitudinal sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment in which the present invention is implemented (a state where both a document presser and a scanner unit are closed) 1 is a main longitudinal sectional view of an image forming apparatus (FIG. 1) of a first embodiment embodying the present invention. 1 is a main longitudinal sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment in which the present invention is implemented (the scanner unit is closed and only a document presser is opened); FIG. 2 is a main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment embodying the present invention (FIG. 2). The perspective view which looked at the image forming apparatus of the 2nd example which carried out the present invention from the front right side of the apparatus (the state where the scanner part was opened with the document presser closed) The perspective view which looked at the image forming apparatus of the 2nd example which carried out the present invention from the front right side of a device (state which opened the scanner part in the state where the manuscript presser was opened) Main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment embodying the present invention (state where both the document presser and the scanner unit are closed) Main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment (FIG. 7) embodying the present invention. Main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment embodying the present invention (the scanner unit is closed and only the document presser is opened) Main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment embodying the present invention (FIG. 8) The perspective view which looked at the image forming apparatus of the 3rd example which carried out the present invention from the right side of the front of the apparatus (the state where both the document presser and the scanner part are closed) The perspective view which looked at the image forming apparatus of the 3rd example which carried out the present invention from the front right side of the apparatus (the state where the scanner part was opened with the document presser closed) The perspective view which looked at the image forming apparatus of the 3rd example which carried out the present invention from the front right side of the apparatus (the state where the scanner part was closed and only the manuscript presser was opened) The perspective view which looked at the image forming device of the 3rd example which carried out the present invention from the front right side of a device (state which opened the scanner part in the state where the manuscript presser was opened) Main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the conventional example (FIG. 21) Main longitudinal sectional view of an image forming apparatus (FIG. 20) of a conventional example Main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the conventional example (when the scanner unit is opened with the document presser opened) The perspective view which looked at the image forming apparatus of the prior art from the front right side of the apparatus (the state where both the document presser and the scanner unit are closed) The perspective view which looked at the image forming apparatus of the prior art from the front right side of the apparatus (the state where the scanner unit is opened with the document presser closed) Main longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the conventional example (the scanner unit is closed and only the document presser is opened)

Explanation of symbols

1 Scanner section
2 Printer section
3 Recording material loading space
4 Original presser
5 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
6 Document tray
7 Developer cartridge
8 Fixing unit
9 Recording material loading means (cassette tray)
10 Transfer roller
11 Pickup roller
12 Photosensitive drum
13 Printer opening
14 Maintenance cover
15 Scanner open / close hinge (equipped with weight balance mechanism)
19 Original presser opening / closing hinge (equipped with weight balance mechanism) (located in the scanner section)
20 Lock lever
21 links
22 Link rotation axis
23 Link slide shaft
24 Link slide groove
35 Original presser opening / closing hinge (equipped with weight balance mechanism) (located in the printer)
37 Original presser foot
36 Notch in scanner (space to escape 37)

Claims (6)

  A printer unit having an image forming unit for recording an image on a recording material, and a scanner unit as an image reading unit for reading the document and supplying the read image information to the image forming unit at the top of the printer unit; The scanner unit is an image forming apparatus supported to be openable and closable with respect to the printer unit. The scanner unit has a document placement surface on which a document is placed, and the document is pressed against the document placement surface to be held. An image forming apparatus comprising: a document pressing opening angle regulating unit that is supported by the scanner unit so as to be openable and closable so as not to be opened more than a predetermined angle with respect to the printer unit.   In an image forming apparatus having weight balance means for assisting opening / closing of the scanner unit and opening / closing of the document presser, the document for an operation of opening the scanner unit with the document presser opened. The weight balance means of the presser is configured to suppress a phenomenon in which the scanner unit attempts to open due to the movement of the center of gravity due to the opening of the document presser. Image forming apparatus.   A printer unit having an image forming unit for recording an image on a recording material, and a scanner unit as an image reading unit for reading the document and supplying the read image information to the image forming unit at the top of the printer unit; The scanner unit is an image forming apparatus supported to be openable and closable with respect to the printer unit. The scanner unit has a document placement surface on which a document is placed, and the document is pressed against the document placement surface to be held. An image forming apparatus, wherein an original presser to be supported is supported on the printer unit so as to be openable and closable coaxially with an opening / closing support shaft of the scanner unit.   A printer unit having an image forming unit for recording an image on a recording material, and a scanner unit as an image reading unit for reading the document and supplying the read image information to the image forming unit at the top of the printer unit; In the image forming apparatus, the scanner unit is connected to the printer unit by a rotation support member that can be freely opened and closed. The scanner unit has a document placement surface on which a document is placed, and the document is placed on the document placement surface. An image forming apparatus characterized in that a document presser for pressing and holding is provided in the scanner unit so as to be openable and closable around a rotation support member provided in a direction perpendicular to the rotation support member of the scanner unit.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the scanner unit is opened and closed laterally with respect to the printer unit, and the document presser is opened and closed rearward by a rotation support unit provided in the scanner unit.   The document presser includes a document stacking tray and a document auto-feeding unit that transports the documents loaded on the document stacking tray one by one U-turn, reads the document by the scanner unit, and guides the document to a document discharge tray. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

Images