Image forming device

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming device, which can release the connection between the assembly and disassembly part and the power transmission member in conjunction with the opening action of the cover member, and can reduce the external force required to move the cover member from the open state. The image forming device includes a power transmission member, a force applying part, a cam and a linkage mechanism. The power transmission member is configured to be able to move between a connection position connected to the assembly and disassembly part and a release position where the connection with the assembly and disassembly part is released, and transmits the driving force of the driving part to the assembly and disassembly part in a state connected to the assembly and disassembly part. The force applying part applies force to the power transmission member in a first direction from the release position toward the connection position. The cam rotates from the first position to the second position, so that the power transmission member is displaced from the connection position to the release position, and at the second position, the force applying part applies force in a second direction toward the first position. The linkage mechanism is linked to the state change of the cover member from the closed state to the open state, so that the cam rotates from the first position to the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a detachable part such as a developing device detachably provided inside a housing is connected to a power transmission member that transmits the driving force of a motor to the detachable part. This connection is sometimes released in conjunction with the opening of a cover member that is opened and closed when the detachable part is attached or detached.

[0003] For example, an image forming device including a force-applying portion, a cam, and a linkage mechanism is known. The force-applying portion applies force to the power transmission member in a direction from a release position where the connection with the mounting and dismounting portion is released toward a connection position where the connection with the mounting and dismounting portion is connected. The cam is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position, and the power transmission member is moved from the connection position to the release position by rotating from the first position to the second position. The linkage mechanism is linked to a state change of the cover member from a closed state to an open state, so that the cam rotates from the first position to the second position, and is linked to a state change of the cover member from an open state to a closed state, so that the cam rotates from the second position to the first position.

[0004] Furthermore, in the above image forming apparatus, when the cover member is in the open state, the cam is not urged by the urging portion in the direction from the second position toward the first position. Therefore, when the cover member is closed, the cover member may not move smoothly from the open state. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of releasing the connection between an attaching and detaching portion and a power transmission member in conjunction with an opening operation of a cover member and capable of reducing the external force required to operate the cover member from an open state.

[0006] The image forming device of the present invention includes: a cover member capable of opening and closing an opening of the shell leading to a detachable part detachably arranged inside the shell; a power transmission member configured to be displaceable between a connection position connected to the detachable part and a release position in which the connection with the detachable part is released, and to transmit the driving force of the driving part to the detachable part in a state connected to the detachable part; a force applying portion that applies force to the power transmission member in a first direction, the first direction being from the release position toward the connection position; a cam configured to be rotatable between a predetermined first position and a second position, and by rotating from the first position to the second position, the power transmission member is displaced from the connection position to the release position, and at the second position, the power transmission member is forced in a second direction by the force applying portion, the second direction being toward the first position; and a linkage mechanism that is linked to the state change of the cover member from a closed state to an open state, and causes the cam to rotate from the first position to the second position.

[0007] According to the present invention, the connection between the attaching and detaching portion and the power transmission member can be released in conjunction with the opening operation of the cover member, and the external force required to operate the cover member from the open state can be reduced.

[0008] This specification is presented in a simplified form, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, to summarize the concepts described in the following detailed description. This specification is not intended to limit the important features and essential features of the subject matter described in the claims, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims. In addition, the subject matter described in the claims is not limited to implementations that solve some or all of the disadvantages described in any part of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a driving force supply unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a driving force supply unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a clutch portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6It is a perspective view showing the structure of a clutch portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a clutch portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a clutch portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a clutch portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a clutch portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of embodying the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0020] [Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 100]

[0021] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the structure of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is described. Here, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 100 .

[0022] In addition, for convenience of explanation, in the setting state ( Figure 1 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction D1. Figure 1 The right side of the paper surface of the image forming apparatus 100 shown is the front side (front side) to define the front-back direction D2. In addition, the left-right direction D3 is defined with reference to the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 in the above-described setting state.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 100 is a printer that forms an image by an electrophotographic method. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be a facsimile machine, a copy machine, a multifunction peripheral, or the like.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 includes a housing 1. The housing 1 accommodates components of the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0025] A sheet storage unit 2 for storing sheets for forming images and a front cover 3 that can open and close the sheet storage unit 2 are provided at the lower front of the housing 1. In addition, an opening 7 (see FIG. 1 ) formed at the upper portion of the housing 1 is provided that can be opened and closed. Figure 3 The upper cover 5 is provided at the rear end of the upper part of the housing 1 and rotates in the direction D4 (see Figure 3 ) is rotated. A paper discharge unit 4 for discharging a sheet having an image formed thereon is provided on the upper cover 5. The upper cover 5 is an example of a cover member of the present invention.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, a sheet conveying path 11 , a lifting plate 12 , a pickup roller 13 , a paper feed roller 14 , a conveying roller 15 , an image forming unit 16 , a fixing device 17 , and a paper discharge roller 18 are provided inside the housing 1 .

[0027] The sheet conveying path 11 is a sheet conveying path from the sheet storage unit 2 to the paper discharge unit 4. The lifting plate 12 is rotatably provided at the bottom of the sheet storage unit 2, and pushes up the sheet stack stored in the sheet storage unit 2 to a contact position with the pickup roller 13.

[0028] The pickup roller 13 contacts the top sheet of the sheet stack pushed up by the lifting plate 12 and conveys the sheet to the feed roller 14. The feed roller 14 forms a nip with a separation member (not shown) and conveys one or more sheets conveyed by the pickup roller 13 to the conveying roller 15.

[0029] The conveying roller 15 conveys the sheet to the image forming unit 16 at a predetermined timing. The image forming unit 16 forms a toner image on the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller 15 .

[0030] The fixing device 17 fixes the toner image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit 16 , onto the sheet. The paper discharge roller 18 discharges the sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 17 to the paper discharge unit 4 .

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the image forming section 16 includes a photosensitive drum 21 , a charging roller 22 , a light scanning device 23 , a developing device 24 , a transfer roller 25 , and a cleaning roller 26 .

[0032] An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21. The charging roller 22 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The optical scanning device 23 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light based on image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface.

[0033] The developing device 24 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 using toner. Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the developing device 24 includes a developing roller 24A, which conveys the toner contained in the developing device 24 to the area facing the photosensitive drum 21. The developing device 24 is detachably disposed in the housing 1. The opening 7 of the housing 1 (see FIG. 1 ) Figure 3 ) leads to the developing device 24 provided inside the housing 1. The upper cover 5 is opened and closed when the developing device 24 is installed or removed. The developing device 24 is an example of an installable and detachable portion of the present invention.

[0034] The transfer roller 25 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 developed by the developing device 24 onto the sheet conveyed by the conveying roller 15. The cleaning roller 26 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 25.

[0035] The lifting plate 12, the pickup roller 13, the paper feed roller 14, the conveying roller 15, the fixing device 17, the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing device 24 are driven by a driving force supply unit 30 (see Figure 3 ) is driven by the driving force supplied. The driving force supply unit 30 is provided on the left outer wall 6 of the housing 1 (refer to Figure 1 ) on the inner side.

[0036] [Structure of the driving force supply unit 30]

[0037] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the structure of the driving force supply unit 30 is described. Here, Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing the housing 1 with the left outer wall 6 removed and the upper cover 5 opened. Figure 4 The gear cover 53 is removed (see Figure 3 ) is a three-dimensional view of the shell 1 in the state.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the driving force supply portion 30 includes an inner wall 31 , a driving motor 32 , and a power transmission mechanism 33 .

[0039] The inner wall 31 and the left outer wall 6 of the housing 1 (see Figure 1 ) are relatively uprightly arranged. An accommodation space for accommodating various parts of the power transmission mechanism 33 is formed between the inner wall 31 and the left outer wall 6. In addition, the inner wall 31 also functions as a support portion for supporting the drive motor 32 and various parts of the power transmission mechanism 33.

[0040] The drive motor 32 generates a driving force which is supplied to the driven parts such as the developing device 24. The drive motor 32 is disposed on the wall surface on the right side of the inner wall 31. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the drive motor 32 includes a drive shaft 32A protruding from the inner wall 31 toward the left outer wall 6 and a drive gear 32B rotating integrally with the drive shaft 32A. The drive motor 32 is an example of a drive unit of the present invention.

[0041] The power transmission mechanism 33 transmits the driving force of the driving motor 32 to the driven parts such as the developing device 24. The power transmission mechanism 33 includes Figure 4 The first gear 41, the second gear 42, the third gear 43, the fourth gear 44, the fifth gear 45, the sixth gear 46, the seventh gear 47, the eighth gear 48, the ninth gear 49, the tenth gear 50, the eleventh gear 51 and the twelfth gear 52 are shown. In addition, the power transmission mechanism 33 includes Figure 3 The gear cover 53 is shown.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the gear cover 53 is mounted on the wall surface on the left side of the inner wall 31. An accommodation space for accommodating each gear included in the power transmission mechanism 33 is formed between the gear cover 53 and the inner wall 31. Each gear included in the power transmission mechanism 33 is supported by either or both of the inner wall 31 and the gear cover 53 so as to be rotatable.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the first gear 41 is closer to the driving gear 32B. Figure 4 The first gear 41 is disposed adjacent to the driving gear 32B on the left side of the paper. The first gear 41 is meshed with the driving gear 32B and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the driving gear 32B.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the second gear 42 is closer to the first gear 41. Figure 4 The second gear 42 is disposed adjacent to the first gear 41 on the left side of the paper. The second gear 42 is meshed with the first gear 41 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the first gear 41.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the third gear 43 is closer to the second gear 42. Figure 4 The third gear 43 is disposed adjacent to the second gear 42 on the left side of the paper. The third gear 43 is meshed with the second gear 42 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the second gear 42.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the fourth gear 44 is closer to the third gear 43. Figure 4 The fourth gear 44 is arranged adjacent to the third gear 43 on the left side of the paper. The fourth gear 44 meshes with the third gear 43 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the third gear 43. The fourth gear 44 is arranged so as to be able to engage with the driven shaft 24B of the developing device 24 (see Figure 7) is connected. The fourth gear 44 supplies the driving force supplied from the third gear 43 to the developing device 24 while being connected to the driven shaft 24B. In the developing device 24, the developing roller 24A is rotated by the driving force supplied from the fourth gear 44 via the driven shaft 24B. The fourth gear 44 is an example of a power transmission member of the present invention.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the fifth gear 45 is closer to the fourth gear 44. Figure 4 The fifth gear 45 is disposed adjacent to the fourth gear 44 at the lower right side of the paper. The fifth gear 45 is meshed with the fourth gear 44 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the fourth gear 44.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the sixth gear 46 is closer to the fifth gear 45. Figure 4 The sixth gear 46 is arranged adjacent to the fifth gear 45 on the lower side of the paper. The sixth gear 46 meshes with the fifth gear 45 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the fifth gear 45. The sixth gear 46 is connected to the rotation shaft of the lifting plate 12 and supplies the driving force supplied from the fifth gear 45 to the lifting plate 12. The lifting plate 12 rotates by the driving force supplied from the sixth gear 46.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the seventh gear 47 is closer to the fourth gear 44. Figure 4 The seventh gear 47 is arranged adjacent to the fourth gear 44 at the lower left side of the paper. The seventh gear 47 is meshed with the fourth gear 44 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the fourth gear 44. The seventh gear 47 is connected to the rotating shaft of the conveying roller 15 and supplies the driving force supplied from the fourth gear 44 to the conveying roller 15. The conveying roller 15 rotates by the driving force supplied from the seventh gear 47.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the eighth gear 48 is closer to the fourth gear 44. Figure 4 The eighth gear 48 is disposed adjacent to the fourth gear 44 on the left side of the paper. The eighth gear 48 meshes with the fourth gear 44 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the fourth gear 44. The eighth gear 48 is connected to the rotation shaft of the photosensitive drum 21 and supplies the driving force supplied from the fourth gear 44 to the photosensitive drum 21. The photosensitive drum 21 rotates by the driving force supplied from the eighth gear 48.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the ninth gear 49 is closer to the fourth gear 44. Figure 4 The ninth gear 49 is disposed adjacent to the fourth gear 44 on the upper left side of the paper. The ninth gear 49 is meshed with the fourth gear 44 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the fourth gear 44.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the tenth gear 50 is closer to the ninth gear 49. Figure 4 The upper side of the paper is provided adjacent to the ninth gear 49. The tenth gear 50 is meshed with the ninth gear 49, and receives the driving force supplied from the ninth gear 49 to rotate.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the eleventh gear 51 is closer to the tenth gear 50. Figure 4 The eleventh gear 51 is arranged adjacent to the tenth gear 50 on the upper left side of the paper. The eleventh gear 51 is meshed with the tenth gear 50 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the tenth gear 50. The eleventh gear 51 is connected to the driven shaft of the fixing device 17 and supplies the driving force supplied from the tenth gear 50 to the fixing device 17. In the fixing device 17, the internal fixing roller is driven by the driving force supplied from the tenth gear 50.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the twelfth gear 52 is closer to the sixth gear 46. Figure 4 The twelfth gear 52 is arranged adjacent to the sixth gear 46 on the left side of the paper surface. The twelfth gear 52 is meshed with the sixth gear 46 and rotates by receiving the driving force supplied from the sixth gear 46. The twelfth gear 52 is connected to the rotating shaft of the paper feed roller 14 and supplies the driving force supplied from the sixth gear 46 to the paper feed roller 14. The paper feed roller 14 rotates by the driving force supplied from the twelfth gear 52. In addition, the pickup roller 13 rotates in conjunction with the paper feed roller 14.

[0055] Here, in the image forming apparatus 100, the connection between the fourth gear 44 and the developing device 24 is released in conjunction with the opening of the top cover 5. Specifically, the driving force supply unit 30 includes Figure 5 and Figure 6 The clutch portion 34 is shown.

[0056] [Structure of the Fourth Gear 44 and the Clutch Unit 34]

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 3 to Figure 8 , the structure of the fourth gear 44 and the clutch unit 34 will be described. Figure 5 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the clutch unit 34 in a state where the top cover 5 is opened. Figure 6 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the clutch portion 34 in a state where the top cover 5 is closed. Figure 5 and Figure 6 3 shows the inner wall 31 in a state where each gear included in the power transmission mechanism 33 is removed. Figure 7 4 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch portion 34 showing a state in which the fourth gear 44 is connected to the developing device 24. Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the clutch portion 34 showing a state in which the fourth gear 44 and the developing device 24 are disconnected.

[0058] The fourth gear 44 is provided at a connection position (see Figure 7 ) and the release position for releasing the connection with the driven shaft 24B (refer to Figure 8 ) between them.

[0059] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the fourth gear 44 has a gear portion 44A, a support portion 44B, a bearing portion 44C, a spring receiving portion 44D, a rotation shaft 44E, a connection portion 44F, and a pressed portion 44G. For example, the fourth gear 44 is integrally formed of a material such as synthetic resin.

[0060] The gear portion 44A is formed in an annular shape, and teeth for meshing with other gears are formed on the outer peripheral surface. The support portion 44B is formed in a disc shape on the right side of the gear portion 44A, and supports the gear portion 44A, the bearing portion 44C, the spring housing portion 44D, and the rotation shaft 44E.

[0061] The bearing portion 44C is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes leftward from the center of the left side surface of the support portion 44B. The bearing portion 44C is formed inside the gear portion 44A. A rotation shaft 53A (see FIG. 5A ) protrudes rightward from the right side surface of the gear cover 53. Figure 7 ) is inserted into the bearing portion 44C. The fourth gear 44 is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 53A of the gear cover 53. In addition, the fourth gear 44 is supported by the rotating shaft 53A of the gear cover 53 so as to be movable in the left-right direction D3.

[0062] The spring receiving portion 44D is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding to the left from the left side surface of the support portion 44B. The spring receiving portion 44D is formed on the inner side of the gear portion 44A and on the outer side of the bearing portion 44C. Figure 7 As shown, a coil spring 61 is accommodated between the outer peripheral portion of the bearing portion 44C and the inner peripheral portion of the spring accommodation portion 44D.

[0063] The rotation axis 44E is formed so as to extend from the center of the right side surface of the support portion 44B toward the biasing direction D5 (see Figure 7 The rotating shaft 44E is coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft 53A of the gear cover 53. The rotating shaft 44E receives the driving force supplied from the third gear 43 and rotates.

[0064] The connecting portion 44F is provided at the extended end of the rotating shaft 44E. The connecting portion 44F is formed so as to be able to be connected to the connected portion 24C (see Figure 7 ) meshing shape. The fourth gear 44 is connected to the developing device 24 by meshing the connecting portion 44F with the connected portion 24C. The position where the connecting portion 44F meshes with the connected portion 24C (see Figure 7) is the connection position. In addition, the position where the connection portion 44F is disengaged from the connected portion 24C (refer to Figure 8 ) is the release position. The fourth gear 44 is displaced between the connection position and the release position by moving in the left-right direction D3.

[0065] The pressed portion 44G is formed to cover the base end of the rotation shaft 44E on the right side surface of the support portion 44B. The pressed portion 44G is formed to be able to contact the pressing member 63 (see Figure 7 )touch.

[0066] The clutch unit 34 includes a coil spring 61 (see Figure 7 )、Cam 62 (refer to Figure 5 ), pressing member 63 (refer to Figure 5 ) and the link mechanism 64 (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0067] The coil spring 61 biases the fourth gear 44 in the direction D5 (see FIG. 1 ) from the release position toward the connection position. Figure 7 ) Apply force. Figure 7 As shown, the coil spring 61 is provided between the gear cover 53 and the fourth gear 44. In addition, the coil spring 61 is accommodated in the spring accommodation portion 44D of the fourth gear 44. The coil spring 61 is an example of a force application portion of the present invention. In addition, the force application direction D5 is an example of the first direction of the present invention. In addition, other units capable of applying force to the fourth gear 44 in the force application direction D5 may be used instead of the coil spring 61.

[0068] The cam 62 is arranged to be able to be located at a predetermined first position P1 (refer to Figure 6 ) and the second position P2 (reference Figure 5 The cam 62 rotates from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thereby displacing the fourth gear 44 from the connecting position to the releasing position.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the cam 62 has a first rotating portion 62A, a first inclined portion 62B, a second inclined portion 62C, a protruding portion 62D, and an engaged portion 62E.

[0070] The first rotating portion 62A is provided so as to be rotatable about the rotating shaft 44E of the fourth gear 44. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the first rotating portion 62A is formed in a ring shape surrounding the rotating shaft 44E.

[0071] The first inclined portion 62B is in a pressing direction D6 (see FIG. 5 ) of the first rotating portion 62A, which is opposite to the biasing direction D5. Figure 8) end, that is, the left end, forms a second rotation direction D8 (refer to Figure 5 ) The first inclined surface 62B1 inclined to the left (see Fig.10 ). The first inclined portion 62B is an example of an inclined portion of the present invention. In addition, the second rotation direction D8 is an example of a second direction of the present invention.

[0072] The second inclined portion 62C, like the first inclined portion 62B, forms an inclined surface inclined to the left along the second rotation direction D8 at the left end of the first rotation portion 62A. The first inclined portion 62B and the second inclined portion 62C are provided symmetrically about the rotation axis of the first rotation portion 62A.

[0073] The protrusion 62D is provided to protrude from the outer peripheral portion of the first rotating portion 62A to the radially outer side of the first rotating portion 62A. The engaged portion 62E is provided at the protruding end of the protrusion 62D for the engaging pin 72B (see Figure 5 )insert.

[0074] The pressing member 63 rotates in conjunction with the cam 62 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and moves the fourth gear 44 in the pressing direction D6 (see Figure 8 The pressing direction D6 is an example of the third direction of the present invention.

[0075] Specifically, the pressing member 63 is disposed so as to be displaceable in the pressing direction D6 on the side closer to the pressing direction D6 than the cam 62. Figure 6 ) The first inclined portion 62B and the second inclined portion 62C are rotated to displace in the pressing direction D6, thereby pressing the pressed portion 44G of the fourth gear 44 in the pressing direction D6. The first rotation direction D7 is an example of the fourth direction of the present invention.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressing member 63 has a second rotating portion 63A, a first contact portion 63B, and a second contact portion 63C.

[0077] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the second rotating portion 63A is formed in an annular shape surrounding the rotating shaft 44E of the fourth gear 44. The second rotating portion 63A is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first rotating portion 62A.

[0078] The first contact portion 63B protrudes from the outer peripheral portion of the second rotating portion 63A to the radially outer side of the second rotating portion 63A, and contacts the first inclined portion 62B of the cam 62. The first contact portion 63B is an example of a contact portion of the present invention.

[0079] The second contact portion 63C, like the first contact portion 63B, protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the second rotating portion 63A and contacts the second inclined portion 62C of the cam 62. The first contact portion 63B and the second contact portion 63C are provided point-symmetrically about the rotation axis of the second rotating portion 63A.

[0080] The pressing member 63 is provided on the rotation restricting portion 31A (see Figure 5 ) limits the rotation around the rotating shaft 44E of the fourth gear 44.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the rotation limiting portion 31A is a guide cutout formed between the first limiting portion 31B and the second limiting portion 31C. The first limiting portion 31B is a wall portion erected on the inner wall 31 along the outer periphery of the first rotating portion 62A of the cam 62. The first limiting portion 31B is disposed at the rear side of the cam 62. In addition, the second limiting portion 31C is a wall portion erected on the inner wall 31 along the outer periphery of the first rotating portion 62A of the cam 62, similarly to the first limiting portion 31B. The second limiting portion 31C is disposed at the lower side of the cam 62.

[0082] The first and second restricting portions 31B and 31C are provided to sandwich the protruding end of the second contact portion 63C of the pressing member 63. The pressing member 63 is restricted from rotating about the rotation shaft 44E of the fourth gear 44 by the first and second restricting portions 31B and 31C sandwiched between the second contact portion 63C.

[0083] The link mechanism 64 is linked to the change of the state of the upper cover 5 from the closed state to the open state, so that the cam 62 moves from the first position P1 (refer to Figure 6 ) to the second position P2 (refer to Figure 5 The link mechanism 64 is an example of a linkage mechanism of the present invention.

[0084] Furthermore, the link mechanism 64 rotates the cam 62 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in conjunction with the change in state of the upper cover 5 from the open state to the closed state.

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the link mechanism 64 has a first link member 71 and a second link member 72 .

[0086] The first link member 71 is a member formed into a strip in one direction. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first link member 71 has an engaged portion 71A, a long hole portion 71B, and an engaging pin 71C.

[0087] The engaged portion 71A is provided at one end portion of the first link member 71 in the longitudinal direction. The engaged portion 71A is formed in a hook shape and engages with an engagement pin 5A (see FIG. 1 ) provided on the upper cover 5. Figure 3 ) snap in. Figure 3 As shown, the engagement pin 5A is provided to protrude leftward from the lower side of the left end portion of the upper cover 5. The first link member 71 is supported to be rotatable about the engagement pin 5A by the engagement of the engaged portion 71A with the engagement pin 5A.

[0088] The long hole portion 71B is formed in the first link member 71 along the longitudinal direction of the first link member 71. The engagement pin 31D (see Figure 5 ) is inserted into the long hole portion 71B. Figure 5 As shown, the engaging pin 31D is provided to protrude to the left from the inner wall 31. The engaging pin 31D is provided on the upper side of the cam 62. The engaging pin 31D inserted into the long hole portion 71B defines the moving path of the engaging pin 71C of the first link member 71 when the upper cover 5 is opened or closed. In addition, the long hole portion 71B and the engaging pin 31D define the rotation range of the upper cover 5. Specifically, the upper cover 5 can be rotated upward along the rotation direction D4 until the end of the long hole portion 71B on the engaging pin 71C side contacts the engaging pin 31D.

[0089] The engagement pin 71C is provided at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the first link member 71. The engagement pin 71C is provided to protrude to the right. The engagement pin 71C is inserted into the long hole portion 72A of the second link member 72.

[0090] The second link member 72 is a member formed into a strip in one direction. Figure 5 As shown, the second link member 72 has a long hole portion 72A and an engaging pin 72B.

[0091] The long hole portion 72A is formed in the second link member 72 along the longitudinal direction of the second link member 72. The engagement pin 71C of the first link member 71 is inserted into the long hole portion 72A.

[0092] The engaging pin 72B is provided at one end portion of the second link member 72 in the longitudinal direction. The engaging pin 72B is provided to protrude to the left. The engaging pin 72B is inserted into the engaged portion 62E of the cam 62. As the engaging pin 72B is inserted into the engaged portion 62E, the second link member 72 is supported by the engaged portion 62E to be rotatable.

[0093] Here, the operation of the link mechanism 64 when the top cover 5 is opened and closed will be described.

[0094] If the cover 5 from Figure 6 The upper cover 5 is closed in the rotation direction D4 (refer to Figure 3) rotates upward, the first link member 71 engaged with the upper cover 5 is lifted upward, and the engaging pin 71C of the first link member 71 is displaced upward. If the engaging pin 71C contacts the upper end of the long hole portion 72A of the second link member 72, an upward lifting force is applied to the second link member 72 by means of the contact portion between the end and the engaging pin 71C, and the second link member 72 is lifted upward. As a result, an upward lifting force is also applied to the protrusion 62D of the cam 62 engaged with the second link member 72, and the cam 62 rotates from the first position P1 to the second position P2 along the first rotation direction D7. In addition, the rotation of the cam 62 in the first rotation direction D7 beyond the second position P2 is blocked by the engaging pin 31D (refer to Figure 5 ) restrictions. Figure 5 As shown, when the upper cover 5 is in the opened state, the second link member 72 lifted upward and the protruding portion 62D of the cam 62 are stretched so as to be continuous in substantially one direction.

[0095] On the other hand, if the cover 5 is Figure 5 The upper cover 5 is opened in the state shown in the figure along the rotation direction D4 (refer to Figure 3 ) rotates downward, the first link member 71 engaged with the upper cover 5 is pressed downward, and the engaging pin 71C of the first link member 71 is displaced downward. If the engaging pin 71C contacts the lower end of the long hole portion 72A of the second link member 72, a downward pressure is applied to the second link member 72 by means of the contact portion between the end and the engaging pin 71C. As a result, a downward pressure is also applied to the protrusion 62D of the cam 62 engaged with the second link member 72, and the cam 62 rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1 along the second rotation direction D8. In addition, the rotation of the cam 62 in the second rotation direction D8 beyond the first position P1 is limited by a limiting protrusion 31E (refer to Figure 6 )limit.

[0096] Next, refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the contact portion between the cam 62 and the pressing member 63 is described. Here, Fig. 9 The upper cover 5 is closed, that is, the cam 62 is arranged at the first position P1 (refer to Figure 6 ) is a perspective view of the structure of the clutch portion 34. In addition, Fig.10 The upper cover 5 is open, that is, the cam 62 is arranged at the second position P2 (refer to Figure 5 ) is a three-dimensional diagram of the structure of the clutch portion 34 in the state.

[0097] like Fig.10As shown in FIG. 1 , the first inclined portion 62B of the cam 62 has a first flat surface 62B2. In addition, the second inclined portion 62C is also formed in the same manner as the first inclined portion 62B.

[0098] The first flat surface 62B2 is a surface that is continuous with the end portion of the first inclined surface 62B1 in the second rotation direction D8 and is a surface that is parallel to the left end surface of the first rotation portion 62A.

[0099] On the other hand, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the first contact portion 63B of the pressing member 63 has a second flat surface 63B1 and a second inclined surface 63B2 .

[0100] The second flat surface 63B1 is a surface formed along the outer periphery of the second rotating portion 63A and parallel to the left end surface of the first rotating portion 62A of the cam 62. Fig. 9 As shown, when the cam 62 is arranged at the first position P1 (refer to Figure 6 ), the second flat surface 63B1 is in surface contact with the left end surface of the first rotating portion 62A of the cam 62.

[0101] The second inclined surface 63B2 is a surface continuous with the end of the second flat surface 63B1 in the second rotation direction D8, and is a surface parallel to the first inclined surface 62B1 of the first inclined portion 62B of the cam 62. The second inclined surface 63B2 is formed when the cam 62 is moved from the first position P1 (refer to Figure 6 ) to the second position P2 (refer to Figure 5 ) during rotation, the first inclined surface 62B1 of the first inclined portion 62B is in surface contact (see Fig.10 ). The second inclined surface 63B2 is an example of a contact surface of the present invention. Thus, the displacement of the pressing member 63 along the pressing direction D6 accompanying the rotation of the cam 62 is smoothly achieved. In addition, the first contact portion 63B may not have the second inclined surface 63B2.

[0102] In addition, when the upper cover 5 changes state from the closed state to the open state, the biasing force in the biasing direction D5 generated by the coil spring 61 is converted to the second rotation direction D8 (see FIG. 1 ) at the contact portion between the second inclined surface 63B2 and the first inclined surface 62B1. Fig.10 ). Therefore, the cam 62 is subjected to the force of the coil spring 61 which is switched to the second rotation direction D8.

[0103] Here, when the upper cover 5 is changing from the closed state to the open state, if the first contact portion 63B goes over the first flat surface 62B2 of the first inclined portion 62B, the cam 62 will not be subjected to the force of the coil spring 61 switched to the second rotation direction D8 when the upper cover 5 is in the open state. Therefore, when the upper cover 5 is closed, the upper cover 5 may not move smoothly from the open state.

[0104] In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cam 62 is in the second position P2 (see Figure 5 ) is subjected to the force of the coil spring 61 which is switched to the second rotation direction D8. That is, when the upper cover 5 changes state from the closed state to the open state, the first contact portion 63B does not go over the first flat surface 62B2 of the first inclined portion 62B (see Fig.10 ).

[0105] Specifically, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the cam 62 is arranged at the second position P2 (see Figure 5 ), the second inclined surface 63B2 of the first contact portion 63B is in surface contact with the first inclined surface 62B1 of the first inclined portion 62B (see Fig.10 ).

[0106] For example, by adjusting the distance of the first inclined surface 62B1 along the second rotation direction D8 and the rotation angle of the cam 62 when rotating from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the first contact portion 63B can be prevented from rising over the first flat surface 62B2 of the first inclined portion 62B.

[0107] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes Figure 3 The closed limiting portion 8 is shown.

[0108] The closing restriction portion 8 can restrict the state change of the upper cover 5 from the open state to the closed state. For example, the closing restriction portion 8 is configured to be able to change its posture between a restriction posture that restricts the state change of the upper cover 5 from the open state and a storage posture that is stored in the recessed portion formed on the upper part of the opening portion 7 according to the user's operation. In this way, the upper cover 5 can be prevented from automatically closing due to its own weight and the force of the coil spring 61 converted to the second rotation direction D8.

[0109] In addition, the closing restriction section 8 may be realized by a configuration different from the configuration described above. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 may not include the closing restriction section 8 .

[0110] Thus, in the image forming apparatus 100, the cam 62 is in the second position P2 (refer to Figure 5) is urged in the second rotation direction D8 by the coil spring 61. Thus, the connection between the developing device 24 and the fourth gear 44 is released in conjunction with the opening of the top cover 5, and the external force required to move the top cover 5 from the open state can be reduced.

[0111] In addition, the fourth gear 44 may be connected to the photosensitive drum 21 , a drum unit including the photosensitive drum 21 , the fixing device 17 , and the like.

[0112] In addition, for example, the following mechanism may be provided to replace the link mechanism 64, which uses a metal wire and is linked to the state change of the upper cover 5 from the closed state to the open state to rotate the cam 62 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This mechanism may not be linked to the state change of the upper cover 5 from the open state to the closed state to rotate the cam 62 from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0113] In addition, the structures of the cam 62 and the pressing member 63 are not limited to the structures described above, and can be arbitrarily changed within a range that does not hinder the purpose of the present invention.

[0114] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above content, but is defined by the description of the claims, so it can be considered that the embodiments described in this specification are only illustrative, not limiting. Therefore, all changes that do not depart from the scope and limits of the claims, as well as contents that are equivalent to the scope and limits of the claims, are included in the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An image forming device, Features include: a cover member capable of opening and closing an opening of the housing leading to a detachable portion detachably provided inside the housing; A power transmission member is arranged to be displaceable between a connection position connected to the detachable portion and a release position to release the connection with the detachable portion, and transmits the driving force of the driving portion to the detachable portion in a state connected to the detachable portion; a force applying portion for applying force to the power transmission member in a first direction from the release position toward the connection position; a cam, arranged to be rotatable between a predetermined first position and a second position, and displace the power transmission member from the connection position to the release position by rotating from the first position to the second position, and being urged in a second direction by the urging portion at the second position, the second direction being toward the first position; as well as a linkage mechanism that links with the state change of the cover member from the closed state to the open state to rotate the cam from the first position to the second position, The power transmission member has a rotation axis along the first direction that is rotated by the driving force of the driving unit. The cam is configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis. The cam comprises: a first rotating portion rotating about the rotating shaft; and an inclined portion inclined along the second direction toward the third direction at an end of the first rotating portion in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The image forming device includes a pressing member, which is configured to be able to displace along the third direction at a side closer to the third direction than the cam, and to press the power transmission member in the third direction by displacing in the third direction through the inclined portion rotating in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first rotating part is formed in a ring shape, The pressing member comprises: an annular second rotating portion surrounding the rotating shaft, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the first rotating portion; and a contact portion protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the second rotating portion toward the radial outer side of the second rotating portion and contacting the inclined portion. The image forming apparatus includes a rotation restricting portion that restricts the pressing member from rotating about the rotation axis.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The contact portion has a contact surface that comes into surface contact with the inclined portion.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The linkage mechanism is linked to the change in state of the cover member from the open state to the closed state, and rotates the cam from the second position to the first position.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that A closing restricting portion capable of restricting the cover member from changing its state from an open state to a closed state is included.

Images