Attachment structure, electronic device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent false or unnecessary removal of a function expansion unit, while ensuring easy removability of the function expansion unit.SOLUTION: An attachment structure 9 comprises: a pair of positioning shafts 21 that is provided on a function expansion unit; a pair of positioning holes 31 that is provided in an electronic device 10 and allows insertion of the pair of positioning shafts 21; lock members 22 that are provided on the function expansion unit; lock engagement parts 32 that are provided in the electronic device 10 and can be engaged with the lock members 22; and a cover member 40 that covers the pair of positioning shafts 21, pair of positioning holes 31, lock members 22, and lock engagement parts 32. The cover member 40 is provided, on the inner face 40c thereof, lock release regulation parts 40b that regulate the movement of the lock members 22 in a lock release direction A2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure for attaching a function expansion unit to an electronic device, an electronic device, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some electronic devices, such as image forming apparatuses, are configured so that a function expansion unit, such as a card reader that reads information from an IC card, can be attached as an option.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2006-235189A) discloses a structure for mounting a scanner unit on top of a printer unit, in which a guide pin provided on the bottom of the scanner unit is inserted into a fitting hole provided on the top surface of the printer unit (Fig. 16). Patent Document 1 also discloses a structure that includes an unlock lever that releases the locked state (Fig. 17).

[0004] In order to make it easy to remove the function expansion unit from the electronic device, it is preferable to provide an unlocking lever that can be operated from the outside. However, if such an unlocking lever is provided, there is a risk that a user or the like may inadvertently operate the unlocking lever.

[0005] To solve this problem, Patent Document 1 proposes attaching a protective cover that prevents the exposure of the unlocking lever. However, simply attaching the protective cover may cause the members that make up the locking mechanism to be displaced or deformed, and the locked state to be released, if a force is applied to forcibly remove the function expansion unit. On the other hand, if a fastener such as a screw is used to firmly attach the function expansion unit, there is a problem that the installation and removal of the function expansion unit becomes troublesome. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to ensure easy attachment and detachment of a function expansion unit while preventing unauthorized or unnecessary removal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an mounting structure for attaching a function expansion unit to an electronic device, comprising a pair of positioning axes provided on the function expansion unit, a pair of positioning holes provided on the electronic device into which the pair of positioning axes can be inserted, a locking member provided on the function expansion unit, a lock engagement portion provided on the electronic device and engageable with the locking member, and a cover member covering the pair of positioning axes, the pair of positioning holes, the locking member and the lock engagement portion, and an unlocking restriction portion is provided on the inner surface of the cover member for restricting movement of the locking member in the unlocking direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure easy attachment and detachment of a function expansion unit while preventing unauthorized or unnecessary removal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is an oblique view of a function expansion unit and an operation panel showing an attachment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a function expansion unit and an operation panel showing an attachment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views for explaining a procedure for attaching a function expansion unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views for explaining a procedure for attaching a function expansion unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views for explaining a procedure for attaching a function expansion unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is an external view showing a state in which a common cover member is attached to the back of both the function expansion unit and the operation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a reference diagram for explaining a mechanism for releasing a locked state. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the inside. [Figure 11] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 8 showing a state in which the cover member according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the operation panel. [Figure 12] 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a function expansion unit and an operation panel are connected via a wiring member. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a function expansion unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a function expansion unit and an operation panel showing a first modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention. [Figure 15] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover member is attached to a function expansion unit and an operation panel, illustrating a first modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention, in which a function expansion unit and an operation panel are connected via a wiring member. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a function expansion unit and an operation panel showing a third modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover member is attached to a function expansion unit and an operation panel, illustrating a third modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention, in which a function expansion unit and an operation panel are connected via a wiring member. FIG. [Figure 20]13 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention, in which the function expansion unit and the operation panel are connected by a wiring member and the wiring member is further covered by a cover member. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The mounting structure according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking as an example an embodiment in which a function expansion unit is mounted on an operation panel of an image forming apparatus as an example of an electronic device. In each of the drawings for explaining the present invention, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are given the same reference numerals as far as possible for distinction, and the description will be omitted after it has been described once.

[0011] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> FIG. 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet supply unit 1 that supplies sheets as recording media, an image reading unit 2 that reads image information of an original, and a sheet discharge unit 3 that discharges sheets on which an image has been formed. A touch panel type operation panel 10 is provided on the upper front surface of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 10 is an operation unit through which an operator inputs printing commands and the like. The operation panel 10 is not limited to a touch panel type, and may be a button type or the like.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet supply unit 1, an image reading unit 2, a sheet discharge unit 3, an image forming unit 4 having an image carrier on the surface of which a toner image is carried, a transfer unit 5 for transferring the toner image to a sheet, a fixing unit 6 for fixing the toner image to the sheet, and a control unit 7 for controlling various operations of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 7 controls, for example, a sheet supply operation of the sheet supply unit 1, a sheet discharge operation of the sheet discharge unit 3, an image forming operation of the image forming unit 4, a transfer operation of the transfer unit 5, and a fixing operation of the fixing unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 7 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O interface, and the like. The control unit 7 also controls various operations of the sheet supply unit 1, the sheet discharge unit 3, the image forming unit 4, the transfer unit 5, and the fixing unit 6 based on the printing conditions, the print mode, the print command, and the like set by the operation of the operation panel 10. The control unit 7 also generates image data from image information of the document read by the image reading unit 2 or image information sent from a terminal device. The image forming apparatus is not limited to an electrophotographic type, but may be an inkjet type or a stencil printing type, and may be any type that forms an image on a sheet.

[0015] <Operation of the image forming device> Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0016] When an instruction to start printing is given to the image forming apparatus 100, the image reading unit 2 reads image information of the document, and the control unit 7 generates image data from the read image information. Then, the image forming unit 4 starts an image forming operation based on the generated image data, and a toner image is formed on the image carrier. The image data may be formed based on image information sent from a terminal device. Furthermore, the image may be not only an image having meaning such as characters and figures, but also an image having no meaning such as a pattern.

[0017] The toner image formed on the image carrier is transferred to a sheet in the transfer section 5. This sheet is supplied from the sheet supply section 1. The sheet may be paper such as plain paper, thick paper, postcards, envelopes, thin paper, coated paper, tracing paper, or may be an OHP sheet, plastic film, prepreg, copper foil, or the like. The sheet to which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing section 6, where the toner image is fixed to the sheet. Thereafter, the sheet is transported to the sheet discharge section 3 and discharged outside the apparatus.

[0018] <Function expansion unit> In addition, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1, a function expansion unit 20 can be attached to the side of the operation panel 10. The function expansion unit 20 is, for example, a card reader that reads information such as a user ID from a card for user authentication. Note that the function expansion unit 20 attached to the operation panel 10 is not limited to a card reader. For example, it may be a unit having other expansion functions, such as a numeric keypad unit provided with a numeric keypad.

[0019] <Mounting structure configuration> Next, a mounting structure for mounting the function expansion unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention to the operation panel 10 will be described.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a function expansion unit 20 and an operation panel 10, illustrating the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] 3, the expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10 are provided with a mounting structure 9 for mounting the expansion unit 20 to the operation panel 10. Specifically, the mounting structure 9 includes a pair of positioning shafts 21, a pair of locking members 22, a pair of holding members 23 for holding each of the locking members 22, a pair of spring members 24 for pressing each of the locking members 22, and a pair of stopper members 25 for restricting movement of each of the locking members 22, which are provided on the function expansion unit 20, and a pair of positioning locking members 30 on the operation panel 10.

[0022] The positioning shaft 21 is a straight rod-shaped member with a circular cross section, and is provided so as to protrude from the unit body 26 of the expansion unit 20. In order to ensure rigidity, the positioning shaft 21 is preferably made of, for example, a metal material. In the embodiment of the present invention, a pair of positioning shafts 21 are integrally configured via a support plate 27 fixed to the unit body 26. However, the positioning shafts 21 are not limited to being integral with each other, and may be separate bodies.

[0023] The locking member 22 is held by a holding member 23 so as to be movable in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 3. In this case, the holding member 23 has a guide shaft 23a extending in a direction perpendicular or intersecting the axial direction of the positioning shaft 21. The locking member 22 is held so as to be slidable along the guide shaft 23a in a direction perpendicular or intersecting the axial direction of the positioning shaft 21 (the direction of arrow A). In addition, the holding member 23 including the guide shaft 23a is preferably made of a metal material to ensure rigidity. Meanwhile, the locking member 22 is preferably made of a resin material with a small friction coefficient to ensure slidability relative to the guide shaft 23a.

[0024] The guide shaft 23a also holds a spring member 24. The spring member 24 is a coil spring, and the guide shaft 23a is inserted through the center line of the coil spring. This allows the spring member 24 to be held so as to be expandable and contractible in the axial direction of the guide shaft 23a.

[0025] The stopper member 25 is a member that restricts the movement of the locking member 22 against the pressing force of the spring member 24 so that the locking member 22 does not fall off the guide shaft 23a. That is, the locking member 22 is abutted against the stopper member 25 by the pressing force of the spring member 24, whereby the movement of the locking member 22 is restricted and the locking member 22 is held at a predetermined position.

[0026] The positioning locking member 30 is provided on the operation panel 10 and cooperates with the positioning shaft 21 and the locking member 22 to position and lock the function expansion unit 20. Specifically, the positioning locking member 30 has a positioning hole 31 into which the positioning shaft 21 can be inserted and a lock engagement portion 32 that can engage with the locking member 22.

[0027] The operation panel 10 also includes a rear cover 34 that is detachable from the housing body 33 of the operation panel 10. When the rear cover 34 is attached to the housing body 33, the opening of the housing body 33 is closed and each positioning lock member 30 is covered so as not to be seen from the outside. The housing body 33 also includes a plurality of engaging recesses 33a for fixing the rear cover 34. The rear cover 34 is fixed to the housing body 33 by engaging the plurality of engaging protrusions 34a provided on the rear cover 34 with the corresponding engaging recesses 33a of the housing body 33.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10, showing the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the spring member 24 is held in a state of being compressed in the axial direction of the guide shaft 23a between the base end side of the guide shaft 23a and the locking member 22. Therefore, the locking member 22 is pressed in the locking direction, which is the direction of the arrow A1 in the figure, by the elastic force of the spring member 24. Meanwhile, the stopper member 25 restricts the movement of the locking member 22 in the locking direction A1 against the pressing force of the spring member 24. In this case, the stopper member 25 has a hole 25a that allows only the tip portion 22a of the locking member 22 to pass through. Therefore, when the locking member 22 is pressed in the locking direction A1, only the tip portion 22a passes through the hole 25a of the stopper member 25, and the other portion 22b is abutted against the stopper member 25, thereby restricting the movement of the locking member 22 in the locking direction A1.

[0030] <Procedure for installing the function expansion unit> Next, a procedure for attaching the function extension unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] First, when attaching the function extension unit 20 to the operation panel 10, as shown in FIG. 3, the rear cover 34 of the operation panel 10 is removed to expose the pair of positioning lock members 30.

[0032] Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the ends of the pair of positioning shafts 21 of the function expansion unit 20 are arranged to face the positioning holes 31 of each positioning lock member 30.

[0033] 5, the function expansion unit 20 is brought closer to the operation panel 10 in the direction of the arrow B in the figure, which is the mounting direction, and each positioning shaft 21 is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole 31. At this time, the corner 25c of the stopper member 25 approaching the corner 30a of the positioning lock member 30 and the corner 30a of the positioning lock member 30 are provided with inclined surfaces 250, 300 that are inclined with respect to the mounting direction B of the function expansion unit 20. Therefore, even if the corner 25c of the stopper member 25 and the corner 30a of the positioning lock member 30 come into contact with each other when the function expansion unit 20 is mounted, the inclined surfaces 250, 300 come into contact with each other, so that the function expansion unit 20 is smoothly guided.

[0034] 6, when the pair of positioning shafts 21 further enter into each positioning hole 31, the tip 22a of each locking member 22 comes into contact with the corner 30a of the positioning locking member 30, and each locking member 22 is pushed and moved in the unlocking direction A2, which is the opposite direction to the locking direction A1. At this time, in order to smoothly move each locking member 22 in the unlocking direction A2, the tip 22a of each locking member 22 is provided with an inclined surface 220 that is inclined with respect to the mounting direction B of the function expansion unit 20. In other words, when the tip 22a of each locking member 22 comes into contact with the corner 30a of the positioning locking member 30, the inclined surfaces 220, 300 come into contact with each other, and each locking member 22 is smoothly pushed and moved in the unlocking direction A2, which is the opposite direction to the locking direction A1.

[0035] 7, when the pair of positioning shafts 21 are completely inserted into the positioning holes 31, the tip 22a of each locking member 22 climbs over the corner 30a of the positioning locking member 30 to enter a locked state in which it engages with the lock engagement portion 32. That is, when the tip 22a of each locking member 22 climbs over the corner 30a of the positioning locking member 30, the locking members 22 are pushed in the locking direction A1 by the pressure of the spring member 24, so that the tip 22a of each locking member 22 enters a state in which it engages with the lock engagement portion 32. In this state, the positioning shafts 21 are inserted into the positioning holes 31, so that the function expansion unit 20 is also positioned.

[0036] Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, a common cover member 40 is attached to the rear of both the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10. As a result, the entire mounting structure 9 including the positioning shaft 21, the lock member 22, and the positioning lock member 30 is covered by the cover member 40, and the mounting structure 9 is not visible from the outside. The cover member 40 also has a plurality of engaging protrusions 40a that can be engaged with the engaging recess 26a provided in the unit body 26 of the function expansion unit 20 and the engaging recess 33a of the operation panel 10. Therefore, the cover member 40 is fixed to the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10 by engaging each of the engaging protrusions 40a of the cover member 40 with each of the engaging recesses 26a, 33a of the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10. This completes the attachment of the function expansion unit 20 to the operation panel 10.

[0037] <Procedure for removing the function expansion unit> Furthermore, when removing the function expansion unit 20 from the operation panel 10, the removal is basically performed in the reverse order to the installation procedure.

[0038] First, the common cover member 40 is removed to expose the mounting structure 9. Next, each locking member 22 is moved in an unlocking direction A2, which is the opposite direction to the locking direction A1, to release the engagement of each locking member 22 with each lock engagement portion 32. This releases the locked state. In the embodiment of the present invention, in order to facilitate the release of the locked state, as shown in FIG. 3, a convex knob 22c is provided on each locking member 22. The user or worker can easily release the locked state by, for example, pinching the knob 22c to move each locking member 22 in a direction in which they approach each other (unlocking direction A2).

[0039] Then, with the locked state remaining released, the function expansion unit 20 is moved in the direction opposite to the mounting direction B (removal direction C in FIG. 9, described later) to pull out each positioning shaft 21 from each positioning hole 31. This causes the function expansion unit 20 to be removed from the operation panel 10. After the function expansion unit 20 has been removed, a rear cover 34 is attached to the operation panel 10 to make each positioning lock member 30 invisible from the outside.

[0040] <Issues with the locking mechanism> In a mounting structure for mounting a function expansion unit to an electronic device such as an operation panel, measures to prevent the function expansion unit from being inadvertently removed may be required. For example, in an image forming apparatus installed in a commercial facility such as a convenience store, if the function expansion unit is easily removable, there is a risk that a customer or the like may remove the function expansion unit by mistake, and there is also a risk that the function expansion unit may be illegally removed for the purpose of theft or mischief.

[0041] On the other hand, if screws or the like are used to firmly attach the function expansion unit, the problem arises that the work of attaching and removing the function expansion unit becomes troublesome. Therefore, in the mounting structure of the function expansion unit, it is required that the mounting and removal be easy while preventing unauthorized or unnecessary removal.

[0042] In this regard, the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the locking member 22 that is movable in the locking and unlocking directions, and therefore the function expansion unit 20 can be easily attached and fixed, and can also be easily removed, without using fastening members such as screws. After attachment, the mounting structure 9 is covered by the cover member 40 and cannot be seen from the outside, which prevents a customer or the like from accidentally operating the locking member 22 to inadvertently remove the function expansion unit 20, and also suppresses unauthorized access to the mounting structure 9, thereby reducing the occurrence of damage caused by theft or vandalism.

[0043] However, simply attaching the cover member 40 may not be enough to maintain the attached state of the function expansion unit 20 when a force is applied to forcibly remove the function expansion unit 20 for the purpose of theft or mischief. For example, if a force is applied to the function expansion unit 20 to forcibly remove it, and the members constituting the locking mechanism are displaced or deformed, the locked state may be released, and the function expansion unit 20 may be removed illegally.

[0044] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, in order to ensure easy attachment and detachment of the function expansion unit while preventing unauthorized or unnecessary removal, an unlocking prevention structure as described below is adopted. The unlocking prevention structure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0045] <Mechanism for unlocking the device> First, the mechanism by which the locked state is released will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] 9, when a pulling force in the removal direction C acts on the function expansion unit 20 in the locked state, the unit body 26 is pulled in the removal direction C, and the pair of holding members 23 are also pulled in the removal direction C. At this time, a force in the removal direction C also acts on the pair of locking members 22, but since each locking member 22 is engaged with the lock engagement portion 32, the movement of each locking member 22 in the removal direction C is restricted. As a result, each holding member 23 is bent, and each holding member 23 is deformed in a direction approaching each other as shown by the arrow D in FIG. In particular, in the embodiment of the present invention, each holding member 23 is formed in an L-shape having two extension parts 23e, 23g extending from the bent part 23f in two directions perpendicular or intersecting each other, so that when one extension part 23g fixed to the support plate 27 is pulled in the removal direction C, bending occurs starting from the bent part 23f, and the other extension parts 23e holding the locking members 22 are deformed so as to approach each other in the direction of the arrow D. In addition, with the deformation of each extension part 23e, the locking members 22 are also displaced in a direction approaching each other, so that each locking member 22 moves in the lock release direction A2 in which the engagement with the lock engagement part 32 is released. As a result, the engagement of each locking member 22 with each lock engagement part 32 is released, and the function expansion unit 20 is removed from the operation panel 10.

[0047] In order to prevent the above-mentioned removal of the function expansion unit 20, it is necessary to restrict the movement (displacement) of the locking member 22 in the unlocking direction A2. For this reason, the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with the following unlocking prevention structure.

[0048] <Unlock prevention structure according to this embodiment> FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover member 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the inside.

[0049] 10, a pair of lock release restricting portions 40b serving as an unlocking prevention structure is provided on the inner surface 40c of the cover member 40. Each of the lock release restricting portions 40b is formed of an annular projection protruding from the inner surface 40c of the cover member 40.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 8, showing a state in which the cover member 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the operation panel 10. As shown in FIG.

[0051] 11, in a state in which the cover member 40 is attached, each unlocking restriction portion 40b is disposed between a pair of locking members 22. That is, each unlocking restriction portion 40b is disposed downstream of the pair of locking members 22 in the unlocking direction A2 and at a position close to or in contact with each locking member 22.

[0052] In this way, each of the lock release restricting parts 40b is disposed downstream of the pair of lock members 22 in the unlocking direction A2 and in a position approaching or contacting each of the lock members 22, thereby preventing the lock members 22 from being disengaged from the lock engagement parts 32. That is, even if each of the lock members 22 tries to move in the unlocking direction A2, each of the lock members 22 comes into contact with each of the lock release restricting parts 40b, so that the movement of each of the lock members 22 in the unlocking direction A2 is restricted, and therefore the disengagement of each of the lock members 22 is prevented. In particular, in the embodiment of the present invention, since each of the lock release restricting parts 40b is configured by a ring-shaped protrusion, the deformation and damage of the lock release restricting part 40b when the lock member 22 comes into contact with the lock member 22 is less likely to occur compared to the case where each of the lock release restricting parts 40b is a plate-shaped protrusion. Therefore, the movement of the lock member 22 in the unlocking direction A2 can be tightly restricted. Therefore, according to the mounting structure 9 of the embodiment of the present invention, even if a force is applied to forcibly remove the function expansion unit 20 for the purpose of theft or vandalism, the engagement of each lock member 22 with each lock engagement portion 32 can be maintained so that it is not released, thereby preventing unauthorized or unnecessary removal of the function expansion unit 20.

[0053] In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the unlocking restriction portion 40b is provided on the inner surface 40c of the cover member 40, the presence of the unlocking restriction portion 40b is not visible from the outside. Therefore, it is difficult for anyone other than a specific user or operator to guess at a glance how to release the locked state. Therefore, according to the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the risk of unauthorized removal for the purpose of mischief or theft can be reduced, and reliability is improved. In addition, since the unlocking restriction portion 40b is not exposed to the outside when the cover member 40 is attached, the aesthetic appearance of the appearance is not impaired, and good design properties can be ensured.

[0054] With the cover member 40 attached, the unlocking restricting portion 40b may be in contact with the locking member 22, or may be disposed out of contact with the locking member 22. However, if the unlocking restricting portion 40b is disposed out of contact with the locking member 22, the unlocking restricting portion 40b needs to be disposed in a position capable of coming into contact with the locking member 22 so as to restrict movement of the locking member 22 in the unlocking direction A2.

[0055] 12, when the mounting structure 9 includes a wiring member 42 that electrically connects the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10, it is also possible to prevent unlocking by using the wiring member 42. The unlocking prevention structure using the wiring member 42 will be described below.

[0056] 12 is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable that electrically connects the printed circuit board 28 mounted on the function expansion unit 20 and the connector 35 provided on the operation panel 10. Information read by the card reader that is the function expansion unit 20 is sent to a control unit of the image forming apparatus main body via the wiring member 42.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent unlocking, the wiring member 42 is arranged to pass between the pair of holding members 23. That is, by arranging the wiring member 42 between the mutually opposing extension portions 23e of each holding member 23, it is possible to suppress deformation of the extension portions 23e in a direction in which they approach each other. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the locking member 22 in the unlocking direction A2 accompanying deformation of each extension portion 23e, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent release of the locked state.

[0058] Even if the unlocking restricting portion 40b is damaged due to being unable to withstand the load caused by the pulling force, the wiring member 42 located between the holding members 23 can function as a buffer member that suppresses sudden deformation of the holding members 23. This makes it possible to prevent the function expansion unit 20 from being pulled out with force, thereby improving safety.

[0059] 12, when the wiring member 42 is arranged to be bent, the resistance force when the function expansion unit 20 is pulled out can be increased, so that the function expansion unit 20 can be more reliably prevented from being pulled out forcefully. That is, even if the wiring member 42 is pulled when the function expansion unit 20 is removed, the wiring member 42 comes into contact with the wiring path member 36 at the bent portion, generating resistance force, so that the pulling of the wiring member 42 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress the function expansion unit 20 from being pulled out forcefully. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the wiring path member 36 is provided in the housing body 33 of the operation panel 10, but the wiring path member 36 may be provided in the function expansion unit 20 instead of the operation panel 10.

[0060] As described above, the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the locked state from being released, thereby improving reliability. In addition, unauthorized or unnecessary removal of the function expansion unit 20 can be prevented without using fastening members such as screws, so easy attachment and detachment of the function expansion unit 20 can be ensured. In other words, the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention can both ensure easy attachment and detachment of the function expansion unit 20 and prevent unauthorized or unnecessary removal, simply by attaching and detaching the cover member 40.

[0061] <Installability of function expansion units> Furthermore, the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention also has the following characteristic portions in order to improve the ease of mounting the function expansion unit 20. The ease of mounting in the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0062] First, in the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in order to accurately mount the function expansion unit 20, a pair of positioning shafts 21 are each formed of a rod-shaped member having a circular cross section, as shown in Fig. 3. Of the pair of positioning holes 31 into which the positioning shafts 21 are inserted, one first hole is a circular hole 31A serving as a primary reference, and the other second hole is an elongated hole 31B serving as a secondary reference.

[0063] The positioning hole 31 serving as the primary reference is formed by a circular hole 31A having approximately the same diameter as the positioning shaft 21. On the other hand, the positioning hole 31 serving as the secondary reference is formed by an elongated hole 31B extending radially from the center of the other positioning hole 31 (circular hole 31A) and having a width larger than the diameter of the positioning shaft 21 in the X direction in FIG. 3. The width of the elongated hole 31B in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction is formed to be approximately the same as the diameter of the positioning shaft 21. Therefore, when the pair of positioning shafts 21 are inserted into each positioning hole 31, the primary reference position of the function expansion unit 20 is determined by the positioning hole 31 (circular hole 31A) of the primary reference, and the rotational direction and Y direction position of the function expansion unit 20 centered on the primary reference position are determined by the positioning hole 31 (elongated hole 31B) of the secondary reference.

[0064] In this manner, in the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pair of positioning shafts 21 are both circular in cross section, and one of the pair of positioning holes 31 is the circular hole 31A serving as the main reference, and the other is the elongated hole 31B serving as the sub reference, thereby improving the mounting accuracy of the function expansion unit 20. For example, in the case of a mounting structure in which each positioning shaft 21 and each positioning hole 31 are both configured by a shaft and a hole having a rectangular cross section, it is difficult to determine a surface serving as a positioning reference, and it is difficult to achieve positioning accuracy. In contrast, in the case of the embodiment of the present invention, by positioning the positioning shaft 21 having a circular cross section and the positioning hole 31 (circular hole 31A) having a circular cross section, it is possible to determine one position serving as the reference (main reference) of the function expansion unit 20 relative to the operation panel 10. Then, by inserting the other positioning shaft 21 into the positioning hole 31 of the elongated hole 31B, the rotation of the function expansion unit 20 around the main reference position is restricted, so that the position of the function expansion unit 20 can be determined with high accuracy. This improves the positional accuracy of the function expansion unit 20 relative to the operation panel 10, allowing accurate installation of the function expansion unit 20. In addition, the relative positional accuracy of the locking member 22 and the lock engagement portion 32 is also improved, reducing engagement failures of the locking member 22 and improving installation ease and reliability.

[0065] To improve positioning accuracy, it is preferable that the positioning shafts 21 are disposed as far apart as possible. Therefore, in the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the locking member 22, the holding member 23, the spring member 24, and the stopper member 25 constituting the locking mechanism are disposed between the pair of positioning shafts 21, and the pair of positioning shafts 21 are disposed on both ends of the unit body 26 in the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to improve the positioning accuracy compared to when the positioning shafts 21 are disposed close to each other. However, the arrangement of the positioning shafts 21 is not limited to the configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention, and may be changed as appropriate depending on the layout of other components, etc.

[0066] In addition, in the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in order to improve mounting performance, the holding member 23 that holds the locking member 22 and the stopper member 25 that restricts the movement of the locking member 22 are positioned as follows. Hereinafter, the positioning structure for the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0067] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the function expansion unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 13, the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 are configured to be attachable to the positioning shaft 21. Specifically, in Fig. 13, an extension 23g of the holding member 23 extending in a direction perpendicular or intersecting the axial direction of the positioning shaft 21 is formed with a shaft insertion hole 23b through which the positioning shaft 21 is inserted. Meanwhile, an extension 23e of the holding member 23 extending in the axial direction of the positioning shaft 21 is provided with a guide shaft 23a that holds the lock member 22 and the spring member 24. Similarly to the holding member 23, the stopper member 25 is formed in an L-shape and has two extensions 25e and 25g that extend from a bent portion 25f in two directions perpendicular or intersecting each other. In FIG. 13, an extension 25g of the stopper member 25 extending in a direction perpendicular or intersecting the axial direction of the positioning shaft 21 is formed with a shaft insertion hole 25b through which the positioning shaft 21 is inserted, and an extension 25e of the stopper member 25 extending in the axial direction of the positioning shaft 21 is formed with a hole 25a through which the tip 22a of the locking member 22 is inserted.

[0069] The positioning shaft 21 is inserted into the shaft insertion holes 23b, 25b of the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25, whereby the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 are positioned with reference to the positioning shaft 21. That is, the circular inner circumferential surfaces of the shaft insertion holes 23b, 25b of the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 come into contact with the circular outer circumferential surface of the positioning shaft 21, whereby the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 are positioned with reference to the positioning shaft 21.

[0070] In addition, the holding member 23 is fastened to the support plate 27 by a screw 41 after the positioning shaft 21 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 23b, thereby restricting the rotation of the holding member 23 around the positioning shaft 21. On the other hand, the stopper member 25 is attached by inserting the positioning shaft 21 into the shaft insertion hole 25b of the stopper member 25 after the holding member 23 is attached to the positioning shaft 21. At this time, the stopper member 25 is inserted between the pair of support pieces 23d of the holding member 23, thereby restricting the rotation of the stopper member 25 around the positioning shaft 21.

[0071] Thus, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 are positioned with reference to the same positioning axis 21, the relative positional accuracy of the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 is improved. Furthermore, the improvement in the relative positional accuracy of the holding member 23 and the stopper member 25 also improves the positional accuracy of the locking member 22. This ensures good operation and locking state of the locking member 22, improving attachment ease.

[0072] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, in order to improve attachment, the positioning hole 31 and the lock engagement portion 32 on the operation panel 10 side are provided in the same positioning lock member 30, rather than in separate members. This eliminates the assembly error between the members when the positioning hole 31 and the lock engagement portion 32 are configured as separate members, and prevents the relative positional deviation between the positioning hole 31 and the lock engagement portion 32 due to the assembly error between the members. Thus, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the relative positional accuracy between the positioning hole 31 and the lock engagement portion 32 is improved, so that the positioning shaft 21 can be smoothly inserted into the positioning hole 31 and the lock member 22 can be reliably engaged with the lock engagement portion 32, improving attachment.

[0073] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the lock engagement portion 32 is formed as a groove having a U-shaped cross section (see FIG. 3), thereby improving the dimensional accuracy of the lock engagement portion 32. That is, the lock engagement portion 32 may be a shape other than a U-shape, such as a circular hole, but a circular hole tends to be more difficult to machine than a U-shaped groove and therefore less dimensionally accurate. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the lock engagement portion 32 is formed as a groove having a U-shaped cross section, thereby improving the dimensional accuracy of the lock engagement portion 32 and reducing the occurrence of lock failures due to dimensional variations. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the lock engagement portion 32 may be a semicircular shape, a circular arc shape, an elliptical arc shape, or the like, as long as it can engage with the lock member 22 at least in the removal direction of the extension unit (upward direction in FIG. 3). Therefore, the "U-shaped cross section" as used herein includes a semicircular cross section, a circular arc cross section, an elliptical cross section, and the like, in addition to a U-shape.

[0074] As described above, according to the mounting structure 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mountability of the function expansion unit 20 can be improved, which makes it easier to mount the function expansion unit 20. Furthermore, the improved mountability can reduce the occurrence of mounting failures, so the function expansion unit 20 can be mounted reliably, improving reliability.

[0075] In order to improve the attachment, as in the embodiment of the present invention, inclined surfaces 220, 300, 250 (see Figs. 3, 5, 6) may be provided at the location where the locking member 22 and the positioning locking member 30 contact each other and at the location where the stopper member 25 and the positioning locking member 30 contact each other. In this case, the attachment of the function extension unit 20 can be performed more smoothly by suppressing the catching caused by the contact between the members, and the attachment is further improved. Furthermore, as in the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the convex knob portion 22c on the locking member 22, the locking member 22 can be easily operated, and the locked state can be easily released to remove the function extension unit 20. Note that the inclined surfaces 220, 300, 250 as described above may be provided only at least one of the locations where the locking member 22 and the positioning locking member 30 contact each other and the locations where the stopper member 25 and the positioning locking member 30 contact each other.

[0076] [Modification of mounting structure] Next, modified examples of the mounting structure according to the present invention will be described. Note that in the following modified examples, the description of the same configuration parts as in the above embodiment of the present invention will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0077] <First Modification> FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a function expansion unit 20 and an operation panel 10 showing a first modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention.

[0078] 14, the locking member 22 and the lock engaging portion 32 are provided one by one, not in pair. Also, since there is only one locking member 22, the extension unit 20 is provided with one each of the holding member 23 that holds the locking member 22, the spring member 24 that presses the locking member 22, and the stopper member 25 that restricts the movement of the locking member 22.

[0079] In this way, one each of the locking member 22 and the locking engagement portion 32 may be provided. Even in this case, one locking member 22 engages with one locking engagement portion 32, thereby preventing the extension unit 20 from being detached from the operation panel 10.

[0080] Furthermore, when there is one lock engagement portion 32, there may also be one unlock restriction portion 40b, as shown in Fig. 15. The single unlock restriction portion 40b is disposed downstream of the lock member 22 in the unlocking direction A2 and in a position approaching or contacting the lock member 22, thereby restricting movement of the lock member 22 in the unlocking direction A2. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized or unnecessary removal of the function extension unit 20.

[0081] In the first modified example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the locking member 22, the lock engagement portion 32, and the lock release regulating portion 40b are all provided one each on the master reference side (the circular hole 31A side), but the locking member 22, the lock engagement portion 32, and the lock release regulating portion 40b may also be provided one each on the slave reference side (the long hole 31B side).

[0082] <Second Modification> FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention, in which the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10 are connected via a wiring member 42. As shown in FIG.

[0083] In the second modified example of FIG. 16, as in the first modified example described above, there is only one locking member 22. However, even when there is only one locking member 22, as in the case of FIG. 16, two holding members 23 may be provided and the wiring member 42 may be disposed between the opposing extension portions 23e of the two holding members 23.

[0084] In this case, even if a forceful removal force is applied to the function expansion unit 20, the wiring member 42 can suppress deformation of the extensions 23e in the direction in which they approach each other, making it difficult to release the locked state. Note that the holding member 23 on which the locking member 22 is not provided does not need to hold the locking member 22, so the guide shaft 23a (see FIG. 4) that holds the locking member 22 may be omitted, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0085] <Third Modification> FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a function expansion unit 20 and an operation panel 10 showing a third modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention.

[0086] 17, the arrangement of the members constituting the mounting structure 9 is opposite to that of the embodiment of the present invention. That is, in the third modification, the operation panel 10 is provided with a pair of positioning shafts 21, a pair of locking members 22, a pair of holding members 23, a pair of spring members 24, and a pair of stopper members 25. Meanwhile, the function extension unit 20 is provided with a pair of positioning locking members 30 having a positioning hole 31 and a lock engagement portion 32.

[0087] In this case, when the function expansion unit 20 is brought close to the operation panel 10, the pair of positioning shafts 21 on the operation panel 10 side are inserted into the pair of positioning holes 31 on the function expansion unit 20 side, and the pair of locking members 22 on the operation panel 10 side engage with the pair of locking engagement parts 32 on the function expansion unit 20 side, thereby entering a locked state. In this manner, the members provided on the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10 may be reversed from those in the above embodiment of the present invention. Note that here, a pair of each of the locking members 22 and the locking engagement parts 32 is provided, but as in the first modified example (see FIG. 14), one each of the locking members 22 and the locking engagement parts 32 may be provided on the master reference side or the slave reference side. In addition, in Figure 17, each of the components constituting the mounting structure 9 provided on the operation panel 10 is arranged to protrude from the housing main body 33, and each of the components constituting the mounting structure 9 provided on the function expansion unit 20 is arranged within the unit main body 26, but this is not limited to the above, and each of the components constituting the mounting structure 9 provided on the operation panel 10 may be arranged within the housing main body 33, and each of the components constituting the mounting structure 9 provided on the function expansion unit 20 may be arranged to protrude from the unit main body 26.

[0088] 18, in the third modified example, a pair of unlocking restricting portions 40b are provided on the inner surface 40c of the cover member 40 attached to the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10, thereby restricting the movement of the pair of locking members 22 in the unlocking direction A2. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized or unnecessary removal of the function expansion unit 20.

[0089] 19, in the third modified example, a wiring member 42 that connects the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10 may be disposed between the two holding members 23. In this case, the wiring member 42 can suppress deformation of the holding members 23 in the direction in which they approach each other, so that the release of the locked state can be more reliably prevented.

[0090] <Fourth Modification> FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the mounting structure according to the present invention, in which the function expansion unit 20 and the operation panel 10 are connected by a wiring member 42, and the wiring member 42 is further covered by a cover member 40.

[0091] In the fourth modified example of FIG. 20, a cover member 40 is attached so as to cover a bent portion 42a of a wiring member 42.

[0092] In this case, when the function expansion unit 20 is pulled in the removal direction, even if the wiring member 42 is pulled together with the function expansion unit 20, the bent portion 42a of the wiring member 42 is held down by the cover member 40 so as not to jump out of the wiring path member 36. This makes it possible to more reliably generate resistance due to contact between the bent portion 42a and the wiring path member 36 when the wiring member 42 is pulled, and prevents the function expansion unit 20 from being pulled out forcefully. In addition, such a configuration of the cover member 40 can also be applied to a configuration in which the members provided in the function expansion unit 20 and the members provided in the operation panel 10 are interchanged as shown in FIG. 19.

[0093] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above by taking as an example an attachment structure for a function expansion unit attached to an operation panel, the attachment structure according to the present invention can also be applied to attachment structures for function expansion units for electronic devices other than operation panels, such as PCs (Personal Computers) or tablet terminals. By applying the attachment structure according to the present invention to attachment structures for function expansion units for such electronic devices, it is possible to prevent unauthorized or unnecessary removal while ensuring easy attachment and detachment of the function expansion unit.

[0094] To summarize the above-described aspects of the present invention, the present invention includes at least the following aspects.

[0095] [First aspect] The first aspect is an attachment structure for attaching a function expansion unit to an electronic device, comprising: a pair of positioning axes provided on the function expansion unit; a pair of positioning holes provided on the electronic device into which the pair of positioning axes can be inserted; a locking member provided on the function expansion unit; a lock engagement portion provided on the electronic device and engageable with the locking member; and a cover member covering the pair of positioning axes, the pair of positioning holes, the locking member and the lock engagement portion, wherein an unlocking restriction portion is provided on the inner surface of the cover member for restricting movement of the locking member in the unlocking direction.

[0096] [Second aspect] The second aspect is an attachment structure for attaching a function expansion unit to an electronic device, comprising a pair of positioning axes provided on the electronic device, a pair of positioning holes provided on the function expansion unit into which the pair of positioning axes can be inserted, a locking member provided on the electronic device, a lock engagement portion provided on the function expansion unit and engageable with the locking member, and a cover member covering the pair of positioning axes, the pair of positioning holes, the locking member and the lock engagement portion, and an unlocking restriction portion is provided on the inner surface of the cover member to restrict movement of the locking member in the unlocking direction.

[0097] [Third aspect] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the locking member is a pair of locking members, and includes a pair of holding members that hold the pair of locking members movably in a locking direction and an unlocking direction that intersect with the axial direction of the positioning axis, and a wiring member that electrically connects the electronic device and the function expansion unit, and the wiring member is arranged between the pair of holding members so that the wiring member comes into contact with the holding members when the pair of holding members are deformed to approach each other.

[0098] [Fourth aspect] A fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the wiring member is arranged so as to be bent along a wiring path member provided in a housing main body of the electronic device.

[0099] [Fifth aspect] A fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the lock engagement portion is a groove that engages with the lock member at least in the removal direction of the expansion unit.

[0100] [Sixth aspect] A sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, comprising a retaining member that holds the locking member movable in a locking direction and an unlocking direction, a spring member that presses the locking member in the locking direction, and a stopper member that restricts movement of the locking member in the locking direction, wherein the retaining member and the stopper member each have a shaft insertion hole through which the positioning shaft is inserted, and the shaft insertion hole has an inner surface that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the positioning shaft.

[0101] [Seventh aspect] A seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when the function expansion unit is attached to the electronic device, an inclined surface inclined with respect to the installation direction of the function expansion unit is provided at at least one of the locations where the locking member and the positioning locking member contact each other or the locations where the stopper member and the positioning locking member contact each other.

[0102] [Eighth aspect] An eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the locking member has a convex knob portion.

[0103] [Ninth aspect] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the unlocking restriction portion has an annular shape and protrudes from an inner surface of the cover member.

[0104] [Tenth aspect] A tenth aspect is the fourth aspect, wherein the cover member covers at least a bent portion of the wiring member.

[0105] [Eleventh aspect] An eleventh aspect is an electronic device comprising the mounting structure of any one of the first to tenth aspects for mounting a function expansion unit.

[0106] [Twelfth aspect] A twelfth aspect is an image forming apparatus including the mounting structure according to any one of the first to tenth aspects for mounting a function expansion unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 9 Mounting structure 10 Operation panel (electronic device) 20 Function Expansion Unit 21 Positioning axis 22 Locking member 22c Knob 23 Retaining member 23b Shaft insertion hole 24 Spring material 25 Stopper member 25b Shaft insertion hole 30 Positioning lock member 31 Positioning hole 32 Lock engagement part 33 Main unit 36 Wiring route components 40 Cover member 40b Unlocking restriction section 40c Inner surface 42 Wiring materials 100 Image forming device 220 Slope 250 Slope 300 Slope [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-235189 A

Claims

1. An attachment structure for attaching a function expansion unit to an electronic device, A pair of positioning shafts provided in the function expansion unit; a pair of positioning holes provided in the electronic device, into which the pair of positioning shafts can be inserted; A lock member provided on the function expansion unit; a lock engagement portion provided in the electronic device and capable of engaging with the lock member; a cover member that covers the pair of positioning shafts, the pair of positioning holes, the lock member, and the lock engagement portion, An attachment structure, comprising: an unlocking restriction portion provided on an inner surface of the cover member for restricting movement of the locking member in an unlocking direction.

2. An attachment structure for attaching a function expansion unit to an electronic device, A pair of positioning shafts provided in the electronic device; a pair of positioning holes provided in the function expansion unit, into which the pair of positioning shafts can be inserted; a locking member provided in the electronic device; a lock engagement portion provided on the function expansion unit and capable of engaging with the lock member; a cover member that covers the pair of positioning shafts, the pair of positioning holes, the lock member, and the lock engagement portion, An attachment structure, comprising: an unlocking restriction portion provided on an inner surface of the cover member for restricting movement of the locking member in an unlocking direction.

3. The locking member is a pair of locking members, a pair of holding members that hold the pair of locking members movably in a locking direction and an unlocking direction that intersect with an axial direction of the positioning shaft; a wiring member electrically connecting the electronic device and the function expansion unit, The mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wiring member is disposed between the pair of holding members so that the wiring member comes into contact with the holding members when the pair of holding members are deformed so as to approach each other.

4. The mounting structure according to claim 3 , wherein the wiring member is arranged so as to be bent along a wiring path member provided in a housing body of the electronic device.

5. 3. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the lock engagement portion is a groove that engages with the lock member at least in a direction in which the expansion unit is removed.

6. a holding member that holds the locking member movably in a locking direction and an unlocking direction; a spring member that presses the locking member in a locking direction; a stopper member that restricts movement of the locking member in the locking direction, the holding member and the stopper member each have a shaft insertion hole through which the positioning shaft is inserted, 3. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the shaft insertion hole has an inner peripheral surface that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the positioning shaft.

7. An installation structure as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein an inclined surface inclined with respect to the installation direction of the function expansion unit is provided at at least one of the points where the locking member and the positioning locking member come into contact with each other when the function expansion unit is installed on the electronic device, or the points where the stopper member and the positioning locking member come into contact with each other.

8. 3. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the locking member has a convex knob.

9. 3. The mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the lock release restricting portion has an annular shape and protrudes from an inner surface of the cover member.

10. The mounting structure according to claim 4 , wherein the cover member covers at least a bent portion of the wiring member.

11. 3. An electronic device comprising the mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2 for mounting a function expansion unit.

12. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising the mounting structure according to claim 1 or 2 for mounting a function expansion unit.

Images