Opening and closing member of image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an opening / closing member of an image forming apparatus. The opening / closing member of the image forming apparatus includes: an outer opening / closing member that constitutes a part of an outer surface of the image forming apparatus and that can be opened and closed; an opening / closing device includes an outer opening / closing member that faces an inner surface of the outer opening / closing member and that can be opened and closed together with the outer opening / closing member, and a housing portion that forms a housing space by protruding from the inner opening / closing member toward the outer opening / closing member, and that allows a member housed in the housing space to be taken out when the outer opening / closing member and the inner opening / closing member are opened.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202111042990.1, filed on September 7, 2021, entitled "Opening and Closing Components of an Image Forming Apparatus and an Image Forming Apparatus". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the opening and closing components of an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-341726 discloses an electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: an electrophotographic image forming section that uses a powder toner as a developer; a frame that houses the image forming section; and a cover that opens and closes an opening provided in the frame and has reinforcing ribs on its back side, wherein a portion of the ribs provided on the back side of the cover is removed to flatten it and form a non-rib portion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Here, if the rigidity of the external opening and closing component that constitutes part of the outer surface of the image forming apparatus is low, it may impair the product quality of the apparatus. On the other hand, if the rigidity of the external opening and closing component is increased by adding reinforcing ribs or increasing the height of the reinforcing ribs, shrinkage marks will occur, thereby deteriorating the appearance of the external opening and closing component and potentially impairing the product quality of the apparatus.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to suppress the reduction in product quality of the device caused by the external opening and closing components, compared to increasing the rigidity of the external opening and closing components by adding or strengthening reinforcing ribs.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an opening and closing component of an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: an outer opening and closing component that forms part of the outer surface of the image forming apparatus and is capable of opening and closing; an inner opening and closing component that faces the inner surface of the outer opening and closing component and is capable of opening and closing together with the outer opening and closing component; and a storage portion that forms a storage space by protruding from the inner opening and closing component toward the outer opening and closing component, wherein a component stored in the storage space can be removed when the outer opening and closing component and the inner opening and closing component are opened.

[0007] According to the second aspect of this disclosure, the inner opening and closing component has a long side direction and a short side direction, and the storage portion is formed using the long side direction of the inner opening and closing component.

[0008] According to the third aspect of this disclosure, the storage section is formed such that the storage space extends in the direction of the long side.

[0009] According to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, a reinforcing rib protruding from the inner opening / closing member toward the outer opening / closing member is formed in a direction intersecting the long side direction, and the storage portion is formed such that the storage space extends in the intersecting direction.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the storage space of the storage section is located between a plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0011] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the portion of the storage space that forms the storage section and protrudes toward the external opening / closing member contacts the external opening / closing member.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, the storage section is closer to the user-use portion used by the user when the outer opening / closing component and the inner opening / closing component are opened and closed, compared to the rotation center of the outer opening / closing component and the inner opening / closing component.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, at least a portion of the storage section is located within the range that connects the user-use sections to each other.

[0014] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, the inner opening and closing component is located away from the rotation center and biased towards the user's side.

[0015] According to the tenth aspect of this disclosure, the inner opening and closing components are interconnected with the user-accessible parts used by the user when the inner opening and closing components and the outer opening and closing components are opened.

[0016] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, the opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus further includes a limiting component, one end of which is mounted on the inner opening and closing component and the other end of which is mounted on the image forming apparatus, limiting the degree of opening of the inner opening and closing component relative to the image forming apparatus when the inner opening and closing component is opened.

[0017] According to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure, an opening and closing component for an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: an outer opening and closing component capable of opening and closing relative to the image forming apparatus and being opened during maintenance operations, the outer opening and closing component having a surface constituting an outer surface of the image forming apparatus; and an inner opening and closing component located inside the outer opening and closing component and opening and closing together with the outer opening and closing component, such that the user-use portion of the outer opening and closing component used by the user when open is interconnected with each other.

[0018] According to the thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: an image forming section for forming an image; an outer opening / closing member that forms part of the outer surface of the apparatus and is capable of opening and closing; an inner opening / closing member located on the inner surface side of the outer opening / closing member and capable of opening and closing together with the outer opening / closing member; and a storage section that forms a storage space by protruding from the inner opening / closing member toward the outer opening / closing member, and a component stored in the storage space can be removed when the outer opening / closing member and the inner opening / closing member are opened.

[0019] According to the fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising: an image forming section that forms an image; an outer opening and closing member that is openable and closable relative to the image forming section and is opened during maintenance operations, the outer opening and closing member having a surface constituting the outer surface of the apparatus; and an inner opening and closing member located inside the outer opening and closing member and opening and closing together with the outer opening and closing member, such that the user-use portion of the outer opening and closing member used by the user when open is interconnected with each other.

[0020] (Effect)

[0021] According to the first solution, compared with the case where the rigidity of the external opening and closing component is increased by adding or strengthening the reinforcing ribs, the reduction in product quality of the device caused by the external opening and closing component can be suppressed.

[0022] According to the second solution, compared to the case where the storage section is not formed using the long side direction, it is possible to store long strip components.

[0023] According to the third solution, compared to the case where the storage section is not formed in a way that extends the storage space in the same direction as the long side, the manufacturing of the mold can be made easier.

[0024] According to the fourth solution, compared to the case where the storage section is not formed in a way that extends the storage space in the same direction as the intersection, the storage section can be used in conjunction with the reinforcing ribs that extend in the intersection direction.

[0025] According to the fifth solution, compared to the case where the storage space of the storage part is not located between the reinforcing ribs, it is possible to reduce the amount of material used by omitting the reinforcing ribs.

[0026] According to the sixth solution, compared to the case where the portion forming the storage space does not protrude outward from the opening and closing component and comes into contact with the outer opening and closing component, the inner opening and closing component can be used to strengthen the outer opening and closing component.

[0027] According to the seventh solution, compared to the case where the storage section is not approached from the rotation center to the user's use section, it is easier to remove the components stored in the storage space.

[0028] According to the eighth solution, the rigidity of the user-use parts can be improved compared to the case where the storage part is not located in the area where the user-use parts are interconnected.

[0029] According to the ninth solution, compared to the case where the inner opening and closing component is not located at a position away from the rotation center but biased towards the user's side, the amount of material used in the inner opening and closing component can be reduced.

[0030] According to the tenth solution, the rigidity of the opening and closing components can be improved compared to the case where the internal opening and closing components do not connect the user-accessible parts to each other.

[0031] According to the eleventh solution, compared to the case where there is no limiting member that is installed at one end in the inner opening and closing component and at the other end in the image forming apparatus and limits the degree of opening when the inner opening and closing component is opened, the load on the outer opening and closing component affected by the limiting member can be reduced.

[0032] According to the twelfth solution, compared with the case where the rigidity of the external opening and closing component is increased by adding or strengthening the reinforcing ribs, the reduction in product quality of the device caused by the external opening and closing component can be suppressed.

[0033] According to the thirteenth solution, compared with the case where the rigidity of the external opening and closing component is increased by adding or strengthening the reinforcing ribs, the reduction in product quality of the device caused by the external opening and closing component can be suppressed.

[0034] According to the fourteenth solution, compared with the case where the rigidity of the external opening and closing component is increased by adding or strengthening the reinforcing ribs, the reduction in product quality of the device caused by the external opening and closing component can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image forming apparatus to which this embodiment is applied.

[0036] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the exposure apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 2 (a) is a three-dimensional view of the exposure apparatus. Figure 2 (b) is Figure 2 A sectional view of section IIB-IIB in (a).

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating the external components of the image forming apparatus.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the open and closed lid, viewed from the inside.

[0039] Figure 5 It is a diagram illustrating the structure of the opening and closing lid. Figure 5(a) is an exploded perspective view of the open and closed lid as seen from the outer cover side. Figure 5 (b) is an exploded perspective view of the open and closed lid as seen from the inner lid side.

[0040] Figure 6 It is a 3D diagram illustrating the cleaning stick.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the outer cover, viewed from the back.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a picture showing the inner cover as viewed from the surface. Figure 8 (a) is the front view. Figure 8 (b) and Figure 8 (c) is a local magnification. Figure 8 (a) is a three-dimensional diagram.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a rear view of the inner cover, viewed from the back.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the function of hard keys. Figure 10 (a) represents the state where the hard key does not interfere with the rotating steering wheel. Figure 10 (b) is the state of interference.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a rear view illustrating the inner cover of the recessed section involved in the modified example.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the opening and closing cover involved in the variation example.

[0047] Figure 13 Based on Figure 12 A sectional view of line XIII-XIII. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] [Overall structure of image forming apparatus 1]

[0050] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image forming apparatus 1 applied in this embodiment.

[0051] Image forming apparatus 1 is generally referred to as a tandem type image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 10 that forms images corresponding to image data of each color, a control unit 41 that controls the overall operation of image forming apparatus 1, and a paper holding unit 42 that holds the paper supplied to image forming apparatus 1. In addition, image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, an image processing unit 43 that performs predetermined image processing on image data received from a personal computer (PC) 2 or an image reading device 3.

[0052] Image forming apparatus 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and image forming unit 10 is an example of an image forming unit.

[0053] The image forming unit 10 includes four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K (collectively referred to as "image forming units 11") arranged side by side at a certain interval. Each image forming unit 11 includes: a photosensitive drum 12 that forms an electrostatic latent image and holds a toner image; a charger 13 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 with a preset potential; an exposure device 14 that exposes the photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charger 13 based on each color image data; a developer 15 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12; and a drum cleaner 16 that cleans the surface of the transferred photosensitive drum 12.

[0054] Each image forming unit 11 is similarly configured except for the toner contained in the developer 15, forming toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively.

[0055] In addition, the image forming unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 20 for multiple transfers of toner images formed by the photosensitive drums 12 of each image forming unit 11, a primary transfer roller 21 for sequentially transferring toner images formed by each image forming unit 11 onto the intermediate transfer belt 20, and a secondary transfer roller 22 for transferring the toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 onto paper as recording material, a belt cleaner 23 for cleaning the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 after secondary transfer, and a fixing device 30 for fixing the toner images after secondary transfer onto the paper.

[0056] In this image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 10 performs image forming operations based on various control signals supplied from the control unit 41. That is, under the control of the control unit 41, the image processing unit 43 performs image processing on the image data input from the PC 2 or the image reading device 3 and supplies it to each image forming unit 11. Then, in each image forming unit 11, the photosensitive drum 12 is charged based on the charger 13, exposed based on the exposure device 14, and developed based on the electrostatic latent image of the developer 15, forming toner images of various colors on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0057] Then, the toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 12 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 20 via the primary transfer roller 21.

[0058] Furthermore, the synthetic toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section T, which is the area where the secondary transfer roller 22 is arranged, as the intermediate transfer belt 20 moves. When the synthetic toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer section T, paper is supplied from the paper holding section 42 to the secondary transfer section T in a timing corresponding to the timing of the synthetic toner image's arrival at the secondary transfer section T. Then, in the secondary transfer section T, the synthetic toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the conveyed paper along with the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roller 22.

[0059] Then, the paper with the toner image transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 30, where it undergoes a heat and pressure-based fixing process, and the toner image is fixed onto the paper. The paper with the toner image fixed is then conveyed to the paper loading section of the ejection section of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0060] On the other hand, the toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 20 after the secondary transfer is completed is removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 by the belt cleaner 23. In this way, the image forming in the image forming apparatus 1 repeatedly performs a cycle corresponding to the number of printed sheets.

[0061] In addition, the image forming unit 10 is equipped with a rotary handle 24 for performing a retraction operation, which is an operation to retract the intermediate transfer belt 20 from the photosensitive drum 12 of each image forming unit 11 (see reference). Figure 3 or Figure 10 The retraction operation of the rotating handle 24 is performed while removing paper stuck in the paper transport path within the image forming apparatus 1.

[0062] [Explanation of Exposure Device 14]

[0063] Next, the structure of the exposure apparatus 14 in this embodiment will be described.

[0064] Figure 2 Figures (a) to (b) show the exposure apparatus 14 used in this embodiment. Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view of the exposure device 14. Figure 2 (b) is Figure 2 A sectional view of section IIB-IIB in (a).

[0065] Exposure device 14 in Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 1 shown is positioned vertically below the photosensitive drum 12, and the photosensitive drum 12 is exposed from below. Figure 2As shown in (a), the exposure apparatus 14 is equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) printhead (LPH) 140.

[0066] The LPH140 includes: a housing 141; an LED array 143 having multiple light-emitting elements; an LED circuit board 142 on which a signal generation circuit (not shown) driving the LED array 143 is mounted; a rod-shaped lens array 144 that causes light emitted from the LED array 143 to image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12; and a frame 145 that reinforces the housing 141. Furthermore, the LPH140 has a first positioning portion 146 at both ends of the photosensitive drum 12 along the axial direction for positioning the LPH140 relative to the photosensitive drum 12 in the X1 direction, and a second positioning portion 147 for positioning the LPH140 in the Y1 direction.

[0067] Additionally, in the following explanations, sometimes... Figure 2 The optical axis direction of the rod lens array 144 in the LPH140 shown in (a) (the direction in which light is emitted from the light-emitting elements of the LED array 143) is referred to as the Y1 direction. Additionally, the main scanning direction, i.e., the photosensitive drum 12 (see reference 144), is sometimes referred to as the Y1 direction. Figure 1 The axial direction of the scanning direction is called the Z1 direction. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to both the sub-scanning direction (Y1 direction) and the Z1 direction is sometimes called the X1 direction.

[0068] The housing 141 is formed of resin material such as ABS and supports the LED circuit board 142 and the rod lens array 144.

[0069] The frame 145 is formed of a metal material such as steel or SUS, and the housing 141 is mounted on the side opposite to the rod-shaped lens array 144.

[0070] The rod lens array 144 is arranged along the Z1 direction, which is the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 12, and is formed with a width in the X1 direction, which is the moving direction of the photosensitive drum 12. Furthermore, the rod lens array 144 is configured, for example, by arranging a plurality of refractive index distribution type lenses that form upright, equal-magnification real images along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 12. The rod lens array 144 also causes light emitted from the LED array 143 to image onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0071] An LED array 143 is mounted on an LED circuit board 142. The LED array 143 is composed of multiple LED chips, each having a light-emitting element (LED) and arranged in the Z1 direction. Thus, multiple light-emitting elements are arranged along the Z1 direction on the LED circuit board 142. Furthermore, each light-emitting element is arranged such that it emits light in the Y1 direction toward the photoreceptor drum 12 side (the rod lens array 144 side). In this embodiment, the LED array 143 is arranged in a staggered pattern such that the light-emitting elements at the boundaries of adjacent LED chips coincide in the Z1 direction.

[0072] When the exposure apparatus 14 is disposed in the image forming apparatus 1, the first positioning part 146 and the second positioning part 147 abut against a housing member (not shown) that houses and supports the photosensitive drum 12 within the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, the first positioning part 146 abuts against the housing member of the photosensitive drum 12 in the X1 direction, and the second positioning part 147 abuts against the housing member of the photosensitive drum 12 in the Y1 direction.

[0073] Therefore, the LPH140 is positioned relative to the photosensitive drum 12 in both the X1 and Y1 directions at both ends in the Z1 direction. Moreover, the LPH140 is arranged at a position where the distance between the rod lens array 144 of the LPH140 and the photosensitive drum 12 is the same as the focal length of the rod lens array 144.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the central part in the Z1 direction of the LPH140, that is, the area sandwiched between the (2) first positioning parts 146 and the (2) second positioning parts 147 located at both ends in the Z1 direction of the LPH140, does not contact the photosensitive drum 12 and becomes a state of floating from the photosensitive drum 12.

[0075] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment uses an electrophotographic method to form an image by transferring toner attached to a photoreceptor onto a recording material, but it is not limited to this. For example, an inkjet method can also be used to form an image by spraying ink onto a recording material.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 that forms a color image has been described, but it is also possible for the apparatus to form a black (K) toner image (black and white image) instead of a color image.

[0077] [External components of image forming apparatus 1]

[0078] Next, the external components of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0079] Figure 3This is a perspective view illustrating the external components of the image forming apparatus 1, showing the state with the opening / closing cover 45 open relative to the frame 44. Furthermore, a portion of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1 is omitted from the illustration.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, as an external component, a frame 44, which is composed of multiple parts that house the constituent parts used to perform various functions of the image forming apparatus 1; and an opening / closing cover 45, which, together with the frame 44, forms the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "apparatus outer surface"), and can be opened and closed relative to the frame 44. Furthermore, the opening / closing cover 45 is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, and therefore can be called a front cover; also, since it is a component that is opened during maintenance of the image forming apparatus 1, it can be called a maintenance cover.

[0081] The opening and closing cover 45 is an example of an opening and closing component.

[0082] The term "component" in this specification is not limited to a component consisting of only a single component, but may also refer to a component that combines multiple components.

[0083] The rotation center 46 of the opening / closing cover 45 when it rotates relative to the frame 44 is located on the lower side, near the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus 1. The rotation center 46 is located away from the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0084] Additionally, a magnet 47 is mounted on the frame 44 at a position slightly above the rotation center 46, and an iron plate component 451 is mounted on the opening / closing cover 45. Through the magnetic force of the magnet 47, the magnet 47 and the iron plate component 451 attract each other and adhere tightly, thereby maintaining the opening / closing cover 45 in an upright position, and keeping the opening / closing cover 45 closed.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the opening and closing cover 45 is closed, the opening and closing cover 45 constitutes part of the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0086] Rotation center 46 is an example of a rotation center.

[0087] Furthermore, the two ends of the frame 44 and the opening / closing cover 45 in the direction extending from the rotation center 46 are connected by a strip 48 made of resin. More specifically, one end of the strip 48 is threadedly fixed to the position of the frame 44 between the rotation center 46 and the magnet 47 in a direction intersecting with the rotation center 46. The other end of the strip 48 is threadedly fixed to the position of the opening / closing cover 45 between the rotation center 46 and the iron plate component 451.

[0088] Therefore, when the cover 45 is opened, the weight of the cover 45 applies tension to the belt 48, preventing interference with the mounting surface of the image forming apparatus 1 and maintaining the tilted state. Thus, when the cover 45 is opened, it is supported by the two belts 48 and tilts laterally.

[0089] The 48 is an example of a limiting component.

[0090] The cover 45 has handles 452 for use when opening. The handles 452 are recessed at both ends in the direction extending from the rotation center 46. When the cover 45 is in the closed state, the user can easily open it against magnetic force by placing their hand on either or both of the two handles 452.

[0091] Steering wheel 452 is an example of a user-accessible component.

[0092] The opening and closing cover 45 is normally closed and opened for maintenance, etc. That is, when the opening and closing cover 45 is opened, the interior of the image forming apparatus 1 can be accessed. For example, the paper holding part 42 can be pulled out, and the toner cartridges 49Y, 49M, 49C, and 49K (also collectively referred to as "toner cartridges 49") containing yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner supplied to the developer 15 of the image forming unit 10 can be removed. The toner cartridges 49 are detachably mounted on the frame 44 and are replaced when the remaining toner is low.

[0093] Therefore, by opening and closing the cover 45, in addition to replenishing paper to the paper holding section 42 and replacing the toner cartridge 49, maintenance operations such as paper jamming in the paper transport path within the image forming apparatus 1 and toner cleaning (described later) can also be performed.

[0094] Alternatively, a storage medium such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) can be installed in the toner cartridge 49. In this case, the storage medium stores information related to the usage of the toner cartridge 49, such as information indicating the type of toner cartridge 49 and the rotational speed of the rotating component (for conveying toner) located inside the toner cartridge 49.

[0095] Here, a storage section 7 is formed in the opening and closing cover 45. This storage section 7 is used to store the cleaning stick 8 that is used regularly.

[0096] The cleaning rod 8 is used to move towards the photosensitive drum 12 located in the image forming section 10 (see reference 45) when the cover 45 is open. Figure 1The space A between the exposure device 14 and the exposure apparatus 14 (refer to) Figure 2 (b) in the Z1 direction (refer to) Figure 2 To remove toner, insert it into (a) or (b)).

[0097] Storage unit 7 is an example of a storage unit, and cleaning stick 8 is an example of a component stored in a storage space.

[0098] Additionally, an interlocking component 91 and a key 92 are installed on the opening / closing cover 45. The interlocking component 91 is used to detect when the opening / closing cover 45 is closed.

[0099] The hard key 92 is a component used to prevent the opening / closing cover 45 from closing when performing a retraction operation using the rotating handle 24, and can be rotated via shaft 92a (see reference). Figure 4 Rotate around the center.

[0100] [The structure of the opening and closing cover is 45 degrees]

[0101] Next, the structure of the opening and closing cover 45 will be explained.

[0102] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the open / closed cover 45 as seen from the inside. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the opening and closing cover 45. Figure 5 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the open / closed cover 45 as seen from the side of the outer cover 5. Figure 5 (b) is an exploded perspective view of the open / closed cover 45 as seen from the inner cover 6 side.

[0103] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the opening / closing cover 45 includes an outer cover 5 located on the outside of the opening / closing cover 45 and an inner cover 6 located on the inside. The inner cover 6 is threadedly fixed to the outer cover 5 and integrated with it. Specifically, the inner cover 6 and the outer cover 5 are assembled such that the back surface 6b of the inner cover 6 faces the back surface 5b of the outer cover 5. Figure 4 The middle image shows the screw head, indicating that the mounting screw 453 is inserted into the surface 6a of the inner cover 6. There are five mounting screws 453 in total, installed on the protrusion 54 formed on the back 5b of the outer cover 5 (see reference). Figure 7 The internal thread of the cover 45. Thus, the opening and closing cover 45 adopts a dual structure based on the outer cover 5 and the inner cover 6.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), the surface 5a of the outer cover 5 becomes the surface 45a of the opening and closing cover 45. When the opening and closing cover 45 is closed, the surface 5a of the outer cover 5, i.e. the surface 45a of the opening and closing cover 45, constitutes part of the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0105] The outer cover 5 is an example of an external opening and closing component, the back surface 5b of the outer cover 5 is an example of the inner surface of the external opening and closing component, and the inner cover 6 is an example of an internal opening and closing component.

[0106] [Instructions for outer cover 5]

[0107] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer cover 5 has a connection with the frame 44 (see reference). Figure 3 The engaging portion 51 is the part that forms the rotation center 46 described above. The rotation center 46 of the image forming apparatus 1 is located near the outer cover 5.

[0108] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), the outer cover 5 has a sidewall portion 5c protruding from the surface 5a toward the back surface 5b. A partially recessed handle recess 52 is formed in this sidewall portion 5c. This handle recess 52 corresponds to... Figure 4 The handle 452 of the cover 45 shown is for opening and closing.

[0109] [Instructions for the inner lid 6]

[0110] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), the inner cover 6 has a recess from the surface 6a to the back surface 6b to form a recess for receiving the cleaning stick 8 (see reference). Figure 4 The storage space 61a has a storage recess 61. The cleaning rod 8 is stored in the storage recess 61 from the surface 6a side of the inner cover 6. This storage recess 61 is equivalent to Figure 4 The storage section 7 shown above.

[0111] Storage space 61a is an example of storage space.

[0112] like Figure 5 As shown in (a) and (b), the inner cover 6 has a partially recessed handle recess 62. This handle recess 62 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle recess 52 of the outer cover 5, such as... Figure 4 As shown, in the opening and closing cover 45, the handle recess 62 of the inner cover 6 is located adjacent to the handle recess 52 of the outer cover 5.

[0113] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), the inner cover 6 has a reinforcing rib 63 protruding toward the outer cover 5. The reinforcing rib 63 is formed on the back surface 6b side of the inner cover 6. In other words, the reinforcing rib 63 is formed on the surface of the inner cover 6 opposite to the outer cover 5. The rigidity of the inner cover 6 can be improved by the reinforcing rib 63.

[0114] Reinforcing rib 63 is an example of a reinforcing rib.

[0115] Here, as described above, the inner cover 6 is located inside the opening / closing cover 45 and opens and closes together with the outer cover 5. Furthermore, the inner cover 6...Figure 4 The handles 452 of the cover 45 shown are related to each other, more specifically Figure 5 The handle recesses 52 shown are connected to each other. That is, the handle recess 62 of the inner cover 6 is located between a pair of handle recesses 52 of the outer cover 5, and bears the load when the handle recess 62 is pressed inward.

[0116] As a result, the rigidity of the cover 45 is increased, which can suppress the deformation of the cover 45 caused by the external force acting on the handle 452 when opening the cover 45. The user can easily open it with one hand by placing their hand on either of the pair of handles 452.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the storage recess 61 of the inner cover 6 is located closer to the handle 452 than the rotation center 46 in the direction intersecting the rotation center 46. In other words, the position of the storage recess 61 when the cover 45 is opened or closed is a position away from the rotation center 46 and closer to the user.

[0118] Alternatively, a structure can be adopted in which the storage recess 61 is located near the rotation center 46, but in this embodiment, it is easier to remove the cleaning rod 8 stored in the storage recess 61.

[0119] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the receiving recess 61 is located in the area R (refer to the area with the slashes) that is clamped or even surrounded by a pair of handles 452.

[0120] Alternatively, the structure in which the receiving recess 61 is located outside the region R can be adopted. However, in this embodiment, even without ribs, the rigidity of the handle 452 can be improved by the concave-convex shape of the receiving recess 61.

[0121] To further explain, such as Figure 4 As shown, the inner cover 6 is located away from the rotation center 46 in the cross direction and is positioned towards the handle 452. A structure could also be adopted to improve the rigidity of the opening / closing cover 45 by making the dimensions of the inner cover 6 in the cross direction the same as the outer cover 5; however, in this embodiment, by miniaturizing the inner cover 6, the amount of material used in the inner cover 6 can be reduced.

[0122] [Instructions for Cleaning Stick 8]

[0123] Figure 6 This is a 3D diagram illustrating the cleaning stick 8.

[0124] like Figure 6As shown, the cleaning stick 8 includes: a long strip portion 81 in the shape of a long strip, which has a flat surface 81a; a holding portion 82 formed at one end of the long strip portion 81; the other end 83 of the long strip portion 81; and a non-woven cleaning portion 84 provided on the flat surface 81a of the long strip portion 81.

[0125] In this embodiment, the cleaning part 84 is not provided along the elongated part 81, but is provided at three spaced-apart locations, including one location provided at the other end 83.

[0126] [Structure of outer cover 5]

[0127] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the outer cover 5 as seen from the back 5b.

[0128] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer cover 5 has a mounting strap 48 on the back 5b (see reference). Figure 4 The end of the outer cover 5 has a mounting portion 53. In addition, as described above, the outer cover 5 has a protrusion 54 on the back side 5b for mounting the inner cover 6.

[0129] Furthermore, the outer cover 5 has a reinforcing rib 55 on the back 5b that strengthens the connection between the strap mounting portion 53 and the protrusion 54.

[0130] These mounting parts 53, protrusions 54, and reinforcing ribs 55 are all located on the periphery of the back 5b of the outer cover 5, not in the center. Therefore, even if shrinkage marks occur on the surface 5a side of the outer cover 5, it can prevent a significant impact on product quality.

[0131] It should be noted that when shrinkage marks may occur on the periphery of the outer cover 5, embossing, i.e., processing with pleated patterns, can also be performed on the periphery.

[0132] [Structure of the inner cover 6]

[0133] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the inner cover 6 as viewed from surface 6a. Figure 8 (a) is the front view. Figure 8 (b) and (c) are local magnifications. Figure 8 A three-dimensional diagram of (a). More specifically, Figure 8 (b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the cut 61d together with the cleaning rod 8. Figure 8 (c) is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the cut 61e together with the cleaning rod 8. Figure 9 This is a rear view of the inner cover 6 as seen from the back 6b.

[0134] like Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9As shown, the inner cover 6 has a long side direction X2 and a short side direction Y2, and the receiving recess 61 is formed using the long side direction X2. Therefore, it can accommodate long strip components.

[0135] Additionally, the long side direction X2 is relative to the rotation center 46 (for example, refer to...). Figure 3 The direction of extension is the same as the direction of the short side Y2, which is the direction that intersects with the rotation center 46 or is the same as the direction of intersection.

[0136] The long side direction X2 is an example of the long side direction, and the short side direction Y2 is an example of the short side direction.

[0137] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the storage space 61a of the storage recess 61 is configured to include the cleaning rod 8 (see reference). Figure 6 The first storage space 61b corresponds to the shape of the cleaning stick 8, and the second storage space 61c is used when the cleaning stick 8 is removed. The first storage space 61b is formed in a direction that extends in the same direction as the long side X2. The second storage space 61c extends wide in the direction of the short side Y2 from the middle position of the first storage space 61b. More specifically, the second storage space 61c is not located in the center of the first storage space 61b, but is located near one end.

[0138] In addition, the bottom surface of the second storage space 61c is deeper than the bottom surface of the first storage space 61b, so that the cleaning stick 8 can be pinched when it is taken out, making it easier to take out the cleaning stick 8.

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 8 (a) and Figure 9 As shown, the receiving recess 61 has cutouts 61d and 61e formed at both ends of the first receiving space 61b. The length between the cutouts 61d and 61e is shorter than the total length of the cleaning rod 8. Therefore, as... Figure 8 As shown in (b) and (c), the two ends of the cleaning rod 8, which enters the first storage space 61b from the surface 6a side, are located near the opposite surface (back side 6b) compared to the surface 6a, through the cutouts 61d and 61e. That is, while bending the cleaning rod 8, the holding part 82 passes through the cutout 61d, and the other end 83 passes through the cutout 61e, thereby storing the cleaning rod 8 in the storage recess 61.

[0140] Therefore, even without providing other components to press the cleaning stick 8 stored in the storage recess 61, it is possible to prevent it from falling out of the first storage space 61b. In addition, the cleaning stick 8 can be easily stored and removed.

[0141] In addition, Figure 8In (b), the sweeping stick 8 is stored in the storage recess 61 in a manner that allows the non-woven fabric cleaning part 84 to be seen, but it is not limited to this posture. Figure 8 In the position shown in (b), it is easy to check the contamination of the cleaning section 84. However, there is a possibility of toner contamination due to the opening and closing of the cover 45. If the cleaning stick 8 is stored in a position where the non-woven cleaning section 84 is not visible, it is not possible to check the contamination of the cleaning section 84 by simply opening the cover 45. Furthermore, the toner contamination due to the opening and closing of the cover 45 is reduced.

[0142] As described above, reinforcing rib 63 is formed on the back surface 6b of the inner cover 6, such as Figure 9 As shown, a reinforcing rib 63 is formed in a direction different from the long side direction X2, that is, in a direction intersecting the long side direction X2. Compared with the case where the reinforcing rib 63 is formed in the same direction as the long side direction X2, the reinforcing rib 63 of this embodiment can effectively suppress the torsion of the inner cover 6 caused by external forces and can improve rigidity.

[0143] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the inner cover 6 has a mounting portion 64 for mounting the iron plate component 451, a mounting portion 65 for mounting the interlocking component 91, and a mounting portion 66 for mounting the hard key 92 on the surface 6a.

[0144] [Explanation of Hard Key 92]

[0145] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the function of hard key 92. Figure 10 (a) represents the state where the hard key 92 does not interfere with the rotating handle 24. Figure 10 (b) represents the state of interference. Additionally, in Figure 10 For ease of explanation, the diagram of opening and closing the cover 45 is omitted.

[0146] As described above, the hard key 92 is mounted on the opening and closing cover 45, and the rotating handle 24 is mounted on the image forming unit 10 inside the device (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0147] Without performing a retraction operation using the rotating handle 24, such as Figure 10 As shown in (a), when the opening and closing cover 45 is to be raised, the hard key 92 does not interfere with the rotating handle 24, and the opening and closing cover 45 can be closed.

[0148] On the other hand, when a retraction operation is performed using the rotating handle 24, such as Figure 10 As shown in (b), even if the opening / closing cover 45 is to be raised, the hard key 92 will be in the depth direction with the rotating handle 24. Figure 2Interference occurs when the opening / closing cover 45 overlaps in the Z1 direction, preventing it from closing. This prevents the image forming apparatus from activating when the opening / closing cover 45 is closed during retraction.

[0149] Furthermore, by performing a return operation when the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped from the factory, the effects of vibration and shaking during transport are reduced. Therefore, even when a return operation is performed when the product is shipped from the factory, the key 92 can close the opening / closing cover 45 without interfering with the rotating handle 24. In order to allow for position changes of the key 92 relative to the opening / closing cover 45, the key 92 is mounted on the rotating shaft 92a.

[0150] [The significance of making the opening and closing cover 45 a dual structure]

[0151] Here, the significance of the dual structure of the opening and closing cover 45 through the outer cover 5 and the inner cover 6 will be explained. As will be explained below, this significance exists in multiple ways.

[0152] [First meaning]

[0153] In the past, reinforcing ribs were sometimes added to improve the rigidity of the outer cover. However, this sometimes resulted in shrinkage marks on the surface of the outer cover, which deteriorated its appearance. Using such an aesthetically unappealing outer cover in a product could lead to a decrease in product quality, and therefore is not preferred.

[0154] Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing a storage portion with a storage space formed by protruding toward the outer cover 5 to the inner cover 6, and installing the inner cover 6 onto the outer cover 5, the rigidity can be improved and the appearance deterioration caused by shrinkage marks can be prevented, thus suppressing the reduction in the product quality of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0155] Alternatively, it is preferable to use reinforcing ribs 63 on the inner cover 6 as structural components and to form decorative components on the outer cover 5 without reinforcing ribs, etc. However, when reinforcing ribs 55 and protrusions 54 are provided, rigidity can be ensured while suppressing the deterioration of appearance by positioning the reinforcing ribs at the periphery rather than the center.

[0156] [Second meaning]

[0157] In addition, the outer cover is a component that is opened and closed during maintenance operations. For example, in the case of an image forming apparatus used in electrophotography, if there are reinforcing ribs in the area where toner cleaning is performed, it will be difficult to perform toner cleaning.

[0158] Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing the reinforcing ribs on the surface of the inner cover 6 opposite to the outer cover 5, rather than on the surface of the opening and closing cover 45 opposite to the frame 44 of the image forming apparatus 1, both rigidity is improved and toner cleaning is made easier.

[0159] [Third meaning]

[0160] Sometimes, an outer cover with a modified structure, tailored to the product's specifications, is installed on the product and thus completed as a product. In this case, since the outer cover cannot be shared, it needs to be designed and manufactured separately according to the product's specifications. This serves as a manufacturing guideline for inventory management or production management, making it difficult to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0161] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, configured to form a color image based on toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) (see reference). Figure 1 However, it is not limited to this, and it can also be configured to have only one image forming unit 11K to form a black and white image based on a toner image of black (K).

[0162] In a structure having four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "color image forming structure") and a structure having only one image forming unit 11K (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "black and white image forming structure"), the shape of the hard key 92 that interferes with the rotary handle 24 is different when the shape of the rotary handle 24 used for the retraction operation is different. Furthermore, in both the color and black and white image forming structures, sometimes the sweeping rod 8 (see, for example, reference...) Figure 5 The lengths are different.

[0163] To address the different shapes of components in such color image forming structures and black-and-white image forming structures, it is necessary to design, manufacture, and manage inventory for both types.

[0164] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 1 is manufactured as a product under another company's brand, the external components of the image forming apparatus 1 are sometimes changed according to each other's specifications because the appearance design is based on the other company's specifications. As a result, the number of other different combinations of color / black and white and appearance designs increases, making it difficult to reduce manufacturing costs by designing, manufacturing, and managing inventory for each combination.

[0165] Therefore, in this embodiment, two types are prepared: one where the interior cover 6 has a color image forming structure and the other where it has a black and white image forming structure. By changing the exterior cover 5 according to the appearance design, the variety of opening and closing covers 45 can be achieved.

[0166] More specifically, in the color image forming structure and the black and white image forming structure, the mounting part 66 of the inner cover 6 ( Figure 8 The shapes of (a) are different from each other. Additionally, the cleaning rod 8 (see, for example, the one housed in the recess 61 of the inner cover 6) is also different.Figure 5 When the length of the inner cover 6 is different in the color image forming structure and the black and white image forming structure, the receiving recess 61 ( Figure 8 The shapes of (a) are different. Therefore, there are two cases: one is to prepare a color image forming structure for the inner cover 6, and the other is to prepare a black and white image forming structure.

[0167] In addition, the outer cover 5 located on the front of the image forming apparatus 1 is not particularly affected by the color image forming structure and the black and white image forming structure, and can be changed according to the appearance design.

[0168] In this way, the inner cover 6 is classified according to the internal structure and even the performance of the device, and the outer cover 5 is designed and manufactured separately through appearance design. On this basis, the structure of the opening and closing cover 45 is manufactured by threading the inner cover 6 and the outer cover 5 together, so as to cope with the production of multiple varieties in small quantities.

[0169] [Various variations]

[0170] Next, various modifications can be considered for the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. One example will be described below as one of the various modifications.

[0171] Figure 11 This is a rear view illustrating the inner cover 6 of the receiving recess 61 in the modified example, and is a view of the inner cover 6 viewed from the rear side 6b, compared with the case of this embodiment. Figure 9 correspond.

[0172] Figure 11 The storage recess 61 shown is formed in a direction different from the long side direction X2. That is, the storage recess 61 in the modified example extends in a direction intersecting the long side direction X2, which is different from the present embodiment in that it extends in the same direction as the long side direction X2.

[0173] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the reinforcing ribs 63 extend in a direction intersecting the long side direction X2, and the receiving recesses 61 are located between the reinforcing ribs 63. Therefore, the receiving recesses 61 can function as reinforcing ribs, and by omitting the reinforcing ribs, the amount of molding material used can be reduced.

[0174] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the direction in which the reinforcing rib 63 extends is different from the direction in which the receiving recess 61 extends, but the direction in which the reinforcing rib 63 extends can also be the same as the direction in which the receiving recess 61 extends.

[0175] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the modified example of the opening and closing cover 45, which differs from the case of this embodiment. Figure 4 correspond. Figure 13 Based on Figure 12Sectional view of XIII-XIII.

[0176] like Figure 12 As shown, the opening and closing cover 45 involved in the modified example differs from that in this embodiment, and the structure for mounting the strap 48 also differs from that in this embodiment. That is, in the modified example, the structure in which the strap 48 is mounted on the inner cover 6 differs from that in this embodiment where it is mounted on the outer cover 5.

[0177] More specifically, in Figure 12 The inner cover 6 shown includes an extension 67 that extends to the mounting position of the strap 48. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a strap mounting portion 53 for mounting the strap 48 in the outer cover 5 (see reference). Figure 7 This prevents shrinkage marks from forming on the surface 5a of the outer cover 5. Furthermore, by employing a structure that mounts the strap 48 to the inner cover 6, which has a higher rigidity than the outer cover 5, the strap 48 can be more securely mounted to the opening / closing cover 45.

[0178] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the second storage space 61c of the storage recess 61, which protrudes from the inner cover 6 toward the outer cover 5, contacts the outer cover 5. Furthermore, at this position, the outer cover 5 and the inner cover 6 are fixed together using mounting screws 453. That is, in the modified example, a structure is adopted in which the bottom surface of the storage recess 61 contacts the protrusion 54 of the outer cover 5 and can be threaded for fixation.

[0179] Therefore, the inner cover 6 can be used to reinforce the outer cover 5.

[0180] The threaded fastening position is different from other mounting screws 453 (refer to...) Figure 4 Unlike the inner cover 6, the outer cover 5 is not located at the periphery of the inner cover 6. Therefore, the spacing of the mounting screws 453 is shortened, allowing for a more secure integration of the outer cover 5 and the inner cover 6 together with the other mounting screws 453. Furthermore, with this threaded fastening structure, the number of mounting screws 453 can be reduced while ensuring the necessary rigidity, improving the ease of assembly of the opening and closing cover 45.

[0181] The second storage space 61c is an example of a portion that protrudes outward from the opening and closing mechanism.

[0182] in addition, Figure 13 The structure shown is illustrated as a variation, but it can also be considered for application in this embodiment.

Claims

1. An opening / closing component of an image forming apparatus, comprising: An external opening and closing component forms part of the outer surface of the image forming apparatus and is capable of opening and closing, allowing access to the interior of the image forming apparatus when in the open state; An inner opening / closing component is located on the inner surface side of the outer opening / closing component and has a facing surface opposite to the inner surface, and can be opened and closed together with the outer opening / closing component. The storage section forms a first storage space by protruding from the opposite face to the outer opening and closing member, and forms a second storage space by protruding from the opposite face toward the outer opening and closing member beyond the first storage space. When the outer opening and closing member and the inner opening and closing member are opened, the component stored in the first storage space and the second storage space can be taken out.

2. The opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inner opening and closing component has a long side direction and a short side direction. The storage section is formed along the long side of the inner opening and closing component.

3. The opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The storage section is formed such that the first storage space extends in the same direction as the long side.

4. The opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The storage section is located at one end of the long side of the first storage space.

5. The opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inner opening and closing component has a long side direction and a short side direction. The length of the shorter side of the second storage space is longer than the length of the shorter side of the first storage space.

6. The opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The component being stored has: an elongated portion extending in the same direction as the long side of the storage portion; and a cleaning portion provided at one end of the elongated portion. The second storage space is located on the opposite side of the end side of the said side in the long side direction.

7. The opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The storage section contains components that are used when the parts are removed.

8. The opening and closing component of the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The image forming apparatus houses various components that perform the functions of the image forming apparatus when housed inside.

Images