Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming device capable of suppressing attaching / detaching of a second substrate in a state where a first cover is closed.SOLUTION: An image forming device 1 comprises: a body housing 10 in which a first opening 11 and a second opening 12 are formed; a first cover 20 that opens / closes the first opening 11; a process unit attachable to / detachable from the body housing 10 through the first opening 11 in a state where the first cover 20 is opened; a second cover 90 that opens / closes the second opening 12; a first substrate 110 that is positioned in the body housing 10; a second substrate 120 that is electrically connected to the first substrate 110 and attachable to / detachable from the body housing 10 through the second opening 12; and a lock member 130 that can move, in association with movement of the first cover 20, with respect to the body housing 10 between an unblock position where the second cover 90 can move from a closed position to an open position while the first cover 20 is opened and a lock position where the second cover 90 is locked at the closed position while the first cover 20 is closed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been known that includes a main body housing, a first cover that opens and closes an opening formed on the front of the main body housing, a second cover that opens and closes an opening formed on the side of the main body housing, a first board located inside the main body housing, and a second board that is electrically connected to the first board (Patent Document 1). With this technology, the second board is detachable from the main body housing through the opening on the side of the main body housing when the second cover is open. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-070263 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge and the like can be replaced through an opening in the front of the main body housing when the first cover is open, and the operation of forming an image on a sheet is performed when the first cover is closed. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to prevent the second board from being attached or detached while the first cover is closed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming apparatus includes a main body housing, a first cover, a replacement unit, a second cover, a first board, a second board, and a locking member. The main body housing is formed with a first opening communicating in a first direction and a second opening communicating in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first cover is movable relative to the main body housing between a first closed position where the first opening is closed and a first open position where the first opening is opened. The replacement unit is attachable to and detachable from the main body housing through the first opening when the first cover is in the first open position. The second cover is movable relative to the main body housing between a second closed position where the second opening is closed and a second open position where the second opening is opened. The first substrate is located inside the main body housing. The second substrate is electrically connected to the first substrate and is detachable from the main body housing through the second opening. The locking member is movable relative to the main body housing in conjunction with movement of the first cover between an unlocked position, which is a position when the first cover is located in the first open position and allows the second cover to move from the second closed position to the second open position, and a locked position, which is a position when the first cover is located in the first closed position and locks the second cover in the second closed position.

[0006] The provision of the locking member makes it possible to prevent the second cover from moving from the second closed position where it closes the second opening while the first cover is in the first closed position, thereby making it possible to prevent the second board from being attached or detached while the first cover is closed.

[0007] The locking member may be mechanically connected to the first cover and may be linked to the movement of the first cover.

[0008] The locking member is mechanically connected to the first cover and moves in conjunction with the movement of the first cover, thereby reducing the cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0009] The second cover may have an engagement portion with which the locking member can be engaged. The locking member may be engaged with the engaging portion in the locked position to lock the second cover in the second closed position, and disengaged from the engaging portion in the unlocked position to allow the second cover to move from the second closed position to the second open position.

[0010] The engagement portion may be a hole that opens in the first direction when the second cover is in the second closed position. The locking member may be movable in a first direction relative to the main body housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, and may be inserted into the hole in the locked position and positioned outside the hole in the unlocked position.

[0011] The locking member is movable in a first direction, enters the hole in the locked position, and is positioned outside the hole in the unlocked position, so that with a simple configuration, the second cover can be prevented from moving from the second closed position when the first cover is positioned in the first closed position.

[0012] The image forming device may include a holder. The holder holds the second substrate and is detachable from the main body housing together with the second substrate.

[0013] By providing the holder, the second substrate can be attached or detached by holding the holder.

[0014] The second cover may be integral with the holder and may be positioned in the second open position by being detached from the main body housing.

[0015] The second cover is integral with the holder and is positioned in the second open position by being detached from the main body housing, thereby reducing the effort required to replace the second board.

[0016] The holder may have a claw for fastening the second substrate to the holder.

[0017] The holder has a claw, which allows the second substrate to be directly fastened to the holder, reducing the number of parts.

[0018] The first substrate may have a first connector, and the second substrate may have a second connector. The second connector is directly connected to the first connector when the second board is attached to the main body housing.

[0019] The first board has a first connector, and the second board has a second connector, so that the first board and the second board can be easily electrically connected, and the second board can be easily replaced.

[0020] The second opening may have a first edge and a second edge and may hold the holder between the first edge and the second edge. The main body housing may have a first guide and a second guide. The first guide extends from the first edge toward the inside of the main body housing. The second guide extends from the second edge toward the inside of the main body housing longer than the first guide.

[0021] Since the main body housing has the first guide and the second guide, the holder can be easily removed from the main body housing by pulling the holder while rotating it around the second edge side as a fulcrum, which makes it easy to remove the second substrate held by the holder from the main body housing.

[0022] The second cover may be rotatable relative to the main body housing between a second closed position and a second open position about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0023] The second cover may have a first end and a second end. The first end is proximate to the first opening when the second cover is in the second closed position. The second end is distal from the first opening when the second cover is in the second closed position. The second cover is rotatable relative to the main body housing between a second closed position and a second open position about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and is located at the second end. The hole as the engagement portion is located at the first end portion.

[0024] The second cover is rotatable around a rotation axis located at the second end, and the hole serving as the engagement portion is located at the first end, thereby preventing the second cover from being forcibly opened when the locking member is in the locked position and inserted into the hole.

[0025] The second substrate may be positioned at a position offset from the first substrate when viewed along the second direction in a state where it is attached to the main body housing. The second substrate may be fixed to the main body housing.

[0026] By fixing the second substrate to the main body housing, the second substrate can be firmly fixed to the main body housing.

[0027] The second substrate may include a DC / DC converter.

[0028] By having the DC / DC converter on the second board, the DC / DC converter can be replaced when the second board is replaced.

[0029] The image forming apparatus may include a coupling. The coupling transmits a driving force to the replacement unit and is movable relative to the main body housing between a transmitting position where the coupling is engaged with the replacement unit and a non-transmitting position where the coupling is disengaged from the replacement unit. The locking member may be mechanically connected to the coupling, and when in the locked position, place the coupling in the transmitting position, and when in the unlocked position, place the coupling in the non-transmitting position.

[0030] The locking member is mechanically connected to the coupling, and the locking member and the coupling move in conjunction with each other, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0031] The image forming apparatus may include an open / close detection sensor, and the first substrate may include a CPU. The open / close detection sensor detects whether the first cover is open or closed. The CPU may stop image formation when the open / close detection sensor detects that the first cover has been opened during image formation.

[0032] When the first cover is opened, the second substrate can be removed, but if the open / close detection sensor detects that the first cover has been opened during image formation, the image formation is stopped, thereby preventing the second substrate from being removed during image formation.

[0033] The replacement unit may have at least one of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] This can prevent the second board from being attached or detached while the first cover is closed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus as seen from the left. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a view showing the locking member in a locked position. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows the locking member in an unlocked position. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second substrate and a holder. [Figure 6] 1A is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is engaged with the engaging portion of the second cover at the locked position, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is disengaged from the engaging portion of the second cover at the unlocked position. [Figure 7] FIG. 6( a ) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 6( a ). [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first substrate and a second substrate. [Figure 9] 1A is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a CPU. [Figure 10] 10A is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment, in which a second cover is positioned in a second closed position, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment, in which a second cover is positioned in a second open position. [Figure 11]1A is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is engaged with the engaging portion of the second cover at the locked position, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is disengaged from the engaging portion of the second cover at the unlocked position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 1A is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is engaged with the engaging portion of the second cover at the locked position, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the locking member is disengaged from the engaging portion of the second cover at the unlocked position. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing a second cover of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an image forming apparatus according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Next, a first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 10, a first cover 20, a sheet supply unit 30, an image forming unit 40, and a discharge roller 81.

[0037] A first opening 11 is formed in the main body housing 10. The first opening 11 is formed on the front surface of the main body housing 10. The first opening 11 communicates between the inside of the main body housing 10 and the outside of the main body housing 10. The first opening 11 communicates in the front-rear direction. In the embodiment, the front-rear direction corresponds to the "first direction."

[0038] The first cover 20 opens and closes the first opening 11. The first cover 20 is movable relative to the main body housing 10 between a first closed position (see FIG. 3) and a first open position (see FIG. 4). The first closed position is a position where the first opening 11 is closed. The first open position is a position where the first opening 11 is opened. In the embodiment, the first cover 20 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 between the first closed position and the first open position around a rotation axis 20A located at the bottom. The rotation axis 20A extends in the left-right direction.

[0039] The sheet supply unit 30 supplies sheets S to the image forming unit 40. The sheet supply unit 30 is located at the bottom inside the main body housing 10. The sheet supply unit 30 includes a sheet tray 31 and a sheet supply mechanism 32. The sheet tray 31 stores sheets S to be supplied to the image forming unit 40. The sheet tray 31 is detachable from the main body housing 10. The sheet supply mechanism 32 supplies the sheets S stored in the sheet tray 31 to the image forming unit 40.

[0040] The image forming section 40 forms an image on a sheet S. The image forming section 40 includes an exposure unit 50, a process unit 60 as a replaceable unit, and a fixing unit .

[0041] The exposure unit 50 is located in the upper part of the main body housing 10. The exposure unit 50 includes a light source, a deflector, a lens, a mirror, etc. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam as shown by the imaginary line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 of the image forming section 40.

[0042] The process unit 60 is located inside the main body casing 10 between the exposure unit 50 and the sheet tray 31. The process unit 60 includes a drum unit 60A and a developing unit 60B that is detachable from the drum unit 60A.

[0043] The process unit 60 is detachable from the main body housing 10 through the first opening 11 when the first cover 20 is in the first open position. In other words, the drum unit 60A and the developing unit 60B are detachable from the main body housing 10 as the process unit 60 through the first opening 11 when the first cover 20 is in the first open position.

[0044] The drum unit 60A has a photosensitive drum 61, a charger 62, and a transfer roller 63. A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0045] The developing unit 60B has a developing roller 64, a supply roller 65, a layer thickness regulating blade 66, an agitator 67, and a toner storage section 68. The toner storage section 68 stores toner. The agitator 67 agitates the toner in the toner storage section 68. The agitator 67 also supplies toner to the supply roller 65. The supply roller 65 supplies toner to the developing roller 64. The layer thickness regulating blade 66 contacts the surface of the developing roller 64 and regulates the thickness of the toner on the developing roller 64 to a constant thickness.

[0046] The fixing unit 70 is located behind the process unit 60 inside the main body housing 10. The fixing unit 70 includes a heating unit 71, a pressure roller 72, and an intermediate discharge roller 73. The heating unit 71 includes a heater, a fixing belt, a nip plate, etc. The heating unit 71 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 72 is pressed against the heating unit 71.

[0047] In the image forming section 40, the charger 62 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam onto the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 61. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. The development roller 64 supplies toner to the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 61. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0048] The photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63 transport the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 30. As a result, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the sheet S. The heating unit 71 and the pressure roller 72 transport the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred. As a result, the toner image transferred onto the sheet S is fixed onto the sheet S. The intermediate discharge roller 73 transports the sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed towards the discharge roller 81.

[0049] The discharge rollers 81 are located above the fixing unit 70. The discharge rollers 81 discharge the sheet S, on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 40, onto the discharge tray 13. The discharge tray 13 is formed on the top surface of the main body housing 10.

[0050] 2, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a second cover 90. The main body housing 10 also has a second opening 12 formed therein.

[0051] The second opening 12 is formed on the left side surface of the main body housing 10. The second opening 12 communicates between the inside of the main body housing 10 and the outside of the main body housing 10. The second opening 12 communicates in the left-right direction. In the embodiment, the left-right direction corresponds to a "second direction intersecting with the first direction." In the embodiment, the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0052] The second cover 90 opens and closes the second opening 12. The second cover 90 is movable relative to the main body housing 10 between a second closed position shown by a solid line and a second open position shown by a virtual line. The second closed position is a position where the second opening 12 is closed. The second open position is a position where the second opening 12 is opened. In the first embodiment, the second cover 90 is positioned at the second open position by being detached from the main body housing 10. In the first embodiment, the second open position is a position where the second cover 90 is detached from the main body housing 10.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a locking member 130, a coupling 140, a cam 150, an open / close detection sensor 160, and a lever 170.

[0054] The first substrate 110 is located inside the main body housing 10. The first substrate 110 is fixed to the main body housing 10 with screws or the like. The first substrate 110 has a CPU 111 that controls the operations of the sheet supply unit 30, the image forming unit 40, and the like. The mounting surface of the first substrate 110, on which the main electronic components such as the CPU 111 are mounted, is perpendicular to the left-right direction. The mounting surface of the first substrate 110 faces outward in the left-right direction. Specifically, the mounting surface of the first substrate 110 faces left.

[0055] The second substrate 120 is a substrate that is electrically connected to the first substrate 110. The second substrate 120 is replaceable. The second substrate 120 is attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 10 through the second opening 12 of the main body housing 10. When attached to the main body housing 10, the second substrate 120 is positioned so as to overlap with the first substrate 110 when viewed in the left-right direction. In other words, when attached to the main body housing 10, the second substrate 120 faces the first substrate 110. When attached to the main body housing 10, the second substrate 120 is parallel to the first substrate 110.

[0056] The locking member 130 is movable relative to the main body housing 10 between a locked position shown in Fig. 3 and an unlocked position shown in Fig. 4 in conjunction with the movement of the first cover 20. The locked position is a position when the first cover 20 is located at the first closed position, and is a position where the second cover 90 is locked at the second closed position. The unlocked position is a position when the first cover 20 is located at the first open position, and is a position where the second cover 90 can be moved from the second closed position to the second open position.

[0057] In the embodiment, the locking member 130 is mechanically connected to the first cover 20 and moves in conjunction with the movement of the first cover 20. The locking member 130 is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the main body housing 10 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member 130 is supported by the main body housing 10.

[0058] The locking member 130 has a first arm 131, a second arm 132, and a connecting portion 133. The first arm 131 and the second arm 132 extend in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the first arm 131 is rotatably connected to the first cover 20. The second arm 132 is located below the first arm 131. The connecting portion 133 connects the first arm 131 and the second arm 132.

[0059] The locking member 130 moves forward from the locked position to the unlocked position in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover 20 from the first closed position shown in Fig. 3 to the first open position shown in Fig. 4. The locking member 130 moves backward from the unlocked position to the locked position in conjunction with the rotation of the first cover 20 from the first open position to the first closed position.

[0060] When the locking member 130 is in the locked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 engages with the second cover 90 to lock the second cover 90 in the second closed position. When the locking member 130 is in the unlocked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 disengages from the second cover 90 to allow the second cover 90 to move from the second closed position to the second open position.

[0061] The coupling 140 is a member that transmits a driving force to the process unit 60 (see FIG. 1). The coupling 140 is movable relative to the main body casing 10 between a transmitting position and a non-transmitting position.

[0062] The transmission position is a position where the coupling 140 is engaged with the process unit 60. In this embodiment, when the coupling 140 is located at the transmission position, the coupling 140 is engaged with the coupling of the developing unit 60B.

[0063] The non-transmitting position is a position where the coupling 140 is disengaged from the process unit 60. In this embodiment, when the coupling 140 is located in the non-transmitting position, the coupling 140 is disengaged from the developing unit 60B.

[0064] The coupling 140 is supported by the main body housing 10. As an example, the coupling 140 is movable in the left-right direction relative to the main body housing 10 between a transmitting position and a non-transmitting position.

[0065] The locking member 130 positions the coupling 140 in a transmitting position when in the locked position, and positions the coupling 140 in a non-transmitting position when in the unlocked position. The locking member 130 is mechanically connected to the coupling 140. More specifically, the locking member 130 is mechanically connected to the coupling 140 via a cam 150.

[0066] The cam 150 rotates to move the coupling 140 between the transmitting position and the non-transmitting position. The locking member 130 has a rear end of a first arm 131 rotatably connected to a protrusion 151 of the cam 150.

[0067] When the locking member 130 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position shown in Fig. 3, it rotates the cam 150 clockwise in Fig. 3, thereby moving the coupling 140 from the transmitting position to the non-transmitting position. When the locking member 130 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position shown in Fig. 4, it rotates the cam 150 counterclockwise in Fig. 4, thereby moving the coupling 140 from the non-transmitting position to the transmitting position.

[0068] The coupling 140 and the cam 150 can be configured in a known manner, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification.

[0069] The open / close detection sensor 160 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the first cover 20. The open / close detection sensor 160 is connected to the first board 110 and is capable of outputting a signal to the first board 110. As an example, the open / close detection sensor 160 is an interlock switch.

[0070] Lever 170 switches open / close detection sensor 160 between ON and OFF. Lever 170 is supported by main body housing 10. Lever 170 is movable relative to main body housing 10 between an active position shown in FIG. 3 and a separated position shown in FIG. 4. The active position is a position where lever 170 comes into contact with open / close detection sensor 160 to turn open / close detection sensor 160 ON. The separated position is a position where lever 170 is separated from open / close detection sensor 160 to turn open / close detection sensor 160 OFF.

[0071] In this embodiment, the lever 170 is swingable between an operative position and a separated position relative to the main body housing 10. The lever 170 is biased from the operative position toward the separated position by a spring.

[0072] The locking member 130 positions the lever 170 in the operating position when in the locked position, and positions the lever 170 in the separated position when in the unlocked position.

[0073] When the locking member 130 moves from the unlocked position shown in Fig. 4 to the locked position, the cam 150 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 4, causing the protrusion 151 of the cam 150 to swing the lever 170 from the separated position to the operative position shown in Fig. 3 against the biasing force of the spring. This turns on the open / close detection sensor 160, and the CPU 111 of the first board 110 determines that the first cover 20 is closed.

[0074] When the locking member 130 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, it rotates the cam 150 clockwise in FIG. 3, thereby moving the protruding portion 151 of the cam 150 away from the lever 170. As a result, the lever 170 swings from the operative position to the separated position shown in FIG. 4 due to the biasing force of the spring. This turns off the open / close detection sensor 160, and the CPU 111 of the first board 110 determines that the first cover 20 is open.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a holder 180. The holder 180 is a member that holds the second substrate 120. The holder 180 can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 10 together with the second substrate 120.

[0076] The holder 180 has two first claws 181 , two ribs 182 , and a second claw 183 . The first claws 181 are claws for fastening the second substrate 120 to the holder 180. In the first embodiment, the first claws 181 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the second substrate 120, one each.

[0077] The ribs 182 restrict movement of the second substrate 120 in the front-to-rear direction relative to the holder 180. The ribs 182 extend in the up-and-down direction. In the first embodiment, one rib 182 is provided on the front side and one on the rear side of the second substrate 120. The second substrate 120 is located between the two ribs 182.

[0078] The second claw 183 is a claw for fastening the holder 180 attached to the main body housing 10 to the main body housing 10. The second claw 183 is provided on the upper part of the holder 180.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the second cover 90 is integrated with the holder 180. The second cover 90 has an engagement portion 91. The locking member 130 can be engaged with the engagement portion 91 (see FIG. 6). The engagement portion 91 is a hole that opens in the front-rear direction when the second cover 90 is in the second closed position. The engagement portion 91 is located at the front end of the second cover 90 when the second cover 90 is in the second closed position.

[0080] 6(a), when the locking member 130 is in the locked position, it engages with the engaging portion 91 of the second cover 90 to lock the second cover 90 in the second closed position. Specifically, when the locking member 130 is in the locked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 enters the hole serving as the engaging portion 91. This prevents the second cover 90, holder 180, and second board 120 from being removed from the main body housing 10.

[0081] 6(b), when the locking member 130 is in the unlocked position, it disengages from the engaging portion 91 of the second cover 90, allowing the second cover 90 to move from the second closed position to the second open position. Specifically, when the locking member 130 is in the unlocked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 is positioned outside the hole that serves as the engaging portion 91. This allows the second cover 90, holder 180, and second board 120 to be removed from the main body housing 10.

[0082] 7, the second opening 12 of the main body housing 10 has a first edge 12A and a second edge 12B. In the first embodiment, the first edge 12A is the lower edge of the second opening 12, and the second edge 12B is the upper edge of the second opening 12. The second opening 12 holds a holder 180 integrated with the second cover 90 between the first edge 12A and the second edge 12B.

[0083] The main body housing 10 further has a first guide 14A and a second guide 14B. The first guide 14A and the second guide 14B guide the holder 180 when the holder 180 is attached to the main body housing 10. The first guide 14A extends from the first edge 12A toward the inside of the main body housing 10. Specifically, the first guide 14A extends from the first edge 12A toward the right.

[0084] The second guide 14B extends from the second edge 12B toward the inside of the main body housing 10. Specifically, the second guide 14B extends to the right from the second edge 12B. The second claw 183 of the holder 180 engages with the tip of the second guide 14B when the holder 180 is attached to the main body housing 10. The second guide 14B extends longer than the first guide 14A. In other words, the left-right dimension of the first guide 14A is smaller than the left-right dimension of the second guide 14B.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8, the first substrate 110 has a first connector C1. The second substrate 120 has a second connector C2. The second connector C2 is a connector that is directly connected to the first connector C1 of the first substrate 110 when the second substrate 120 is attached to the main body housing 10. The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 are electrically connected via the connectors C1 and C2.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 9( a ), the second substrate 120 has a DC / DC converter 121 . The DC / DC converter 121 converts, for example, a 24V DC voltage output from an AC / DC converter (not shown) that converts AC voltage supplied from a commercial power source into DC voltage, into a 3.3V DC voltage, and supplies the converted DC voltage to the first substrate 110, etc.

[0087] The mounting surface of second substrate 120, on which main electronic components such as first connector C1 and DC / DC converter 121 are mounted, faces first substrate 110 when second substrate 120 is attached to main body housing 10. The mounting surface of second substrate 120 faces the mounting surface of first substrate 110 when second substrate 120 is attached to main body housing 10.

[0088] When the open / close detection sensor 160 detects that the first cover 20 has been opened during image formation, the CPU 111 of the first substrate 110 stops the image formation. As an example, as shown in Fig. 9(b), when the CPU 111 receives a print job including a print command, image data, etc., it starts the image formation operation.

[0089] When the image formation operation starts, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the first cover 20 is opened based on the detection result of the open / close detection sensor 160 (S11). If the first cover 20 is not opened (S11, No), the CPU 111 determines whether or not the image formation has ended (S12).

[0090] If image formation has not ended (S12, No), CPU 111 repeats the processes of steps S11 and S12. If image formation has ended in step S12 (Yes), CPU 111 ends the process shown in Fig. 9(b). If first cover 20 is opened during image formation in step S11 (Yes), CPU 111 stops the image formation operation (S13) and ends the process shown in Fig. 9(b).

[0091] Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described. By providing the locking member 130, the image forming apparatus 1 can prevent the second cover 90 from moving from the second closed position where the second cover 90 closes the second opening 12 while the first cover 20 is located at the first closed position. This prevents the second substrate 120 from being attached or detached while the first cover 20 is closed.

[0092] The locking member 130 is mechanically connected to the first cover 20 and moves in conjunction with the movement of the first cover 20, thereby reducing the cost of the image forming apparatus 1 compared to a configuration in which, for example, the locking member is controlled to move in conjunction with the movement of the first cover and has a motor, solenoid, etc. that moves the locking member.

[0093] The locking member 130 is movable in the front-rear direction, and is inserted into the hole serving as the engagement portion 91 in the locked position, and is positioned outside the hole in the unlocked position. This makes it possible to prevent the second cover 90 from moving from the second closed position with a simple configuration while the first cover 20 is positioned in the first closed position.

[0094] The image forming apparatus 1 includes the holder 180 that holds the second substrate 120, so that the second substrate 120 can be attached or detached by holding the holder 180.

[0095] Since the second cover 90 is integrated with the holder 180 and is positioned in the second open position by being detached from the main body housing 10, there is no need to provide a separate cover for opening and closing the second opening 12, and there is no need to open and close a separate cover when replacing the second board 120. This saves time and effort when replacing the second board 120.

[0096] By having first claws 181, holder 180 can directly fasten second substrate 120 to holder 180. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to when, for example, the second substrate is fastened to the holder using screws or the like.

[0097] The first substrate 110 has the first connector C1, and the second substrate 120 has the second connector C2, so that the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 can be easily electrically connected. This allows the second substrate 120 to be easily replaced.

[0098] Since main body housing 10 has short first guide 14A and long second guide 14B, holder 180 can be easily removed from main body housing 10 by pulling while rotating holder 180 around second edge 12B as a fulcrum. This makes it easy to remove second substrate 120 held by holder 180 from main body housing 10.

[0099] Since the second substrate 120 has the DC / DC converter 121, when the second substrate 120 is replaced, the DC / DC converter 121 can be replaced.

[0100] The locking member 130 is mechanically connected to the coupling 140, and the locking member 130 and the coupling 140 move in conjunction with each other. This allows the number of parts to be reduced compared to, for example, a case in which a locking member and a member that moves the coupling 140 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the first cover 20 are separately provided.

[0101] When the first cover 20 is opened, the second substrate 120 can be removed, but if the open / close detection sensor 160 detects that the first cover 20 has been opened during image formation, the image formation is stopped, thereby preventing the second substrate 120 from being removed during image formation.

[0102] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiment. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a second cover 190 that opens and closes the second opening 12 of the main body housing 10.

[0104] The second cover 190 is supported by the main body housing 10. The second cover 190 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 about a rotation axis 190X between a second closed position shown in FIG. 10(a) and a second open position shown in FIG. 10(b). The rotation axis 190X extends in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is a direction "perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction."

[0105] In the second embodiment, the second substrate 120 is not held by a holder or the like but is directly attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 10 through the second opening 12. As an example, the second substrate 120 is electrically connected to the first substrate 110 located inside the main body housing 10 via connectors C1 and C2 (see FIG. 8). Note that, in the second embodiment as well, the second substrate 120 may be held by a holder and be attachable to and detachable from the main body housing 10 together with the holder through the second opening 12.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 11( b ), the second cover 190 has a first end 191 and a second end 192 .

[0107] When the second cover 190 is in the second closed position, the first end 191 is an end that is located in front of the second end 192. In other words, when the second cover 190 is in the second closed position, the first end 191 is an end that is closer to the first opening 11 (see FIG. 1) than the second end 192.

[0108] The second end 192 is an end that is located behind the first end 191 when the second cover 190 is located in the second closed position. In other words, the second end 192 is an end that is farther from the first opening 11 than the first end 191 when the second cover 190 is located in the second closed position.

[0109] Second cover 190 is rotatable relative to main body housing 10 between a second closed position and a second open position around a rotation axis 190X located at second end 192. Second cover 190 has an engagement portion 91. A hole serving as engagement portion 91 is located at first end 191.

[0110] 11(a), when the locking member 130 is in the locked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 enters the hole serving as the engagement portion 91. As a result, the second cover 190 is locked in the second closed position, and the second opening 12 is not opened, so that the second substrate 120 cannot be replaced.

[0111] 11(b), when the locking member 130 is in the unlocked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 is positioned outside the hole serving as the engagement portion 91. This allows the second cover 190 to move from the second closed position to the second open position, and the second substrate 120 can be replaced through the second opening 12 with the second cover 190 in the second open position.

[0112] In the second embodiment, the second cover 190 is rotatable about a rotation axis 190X located at the second end 192, and the hole serving as the engagement portion 91 is located at the first end 191. This makes it possible to prevent the second cover 190 from being forcibly opened when the locking member 130 is located at the lock position and inserted into the engagement portion 91 (hole).

[0113] Next, a third embodiment will be described. 12, in the third embodiment, the second substrate 120 is positioned at a position offset from the first substrate 110 when viewed along the left-right direction in a state where it is attached to the main body housing 10. In particular, the second substrate 120 is positioned closer to the first opening 11 than the first substrate 110 when viewed along the left-right direction in a state where it is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0114] The second substrate 120 is fixed to the main body housing 10. As an example, the second substrate 120 is fixed to the main body housing 10 by screws SC. In the third embodiment, the mounting surface of the second substrate 120 faces outward in the left-right direction. Specifically, the mounting surface of the second substrate 120 faces left.

[0115] The second substrate 120 has a connector C4. The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a harness H. The harness H has a connector C3 at one end and is electrically connected at the other end to the first substrate 110. The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 are electrically connected via the harness H by directly connecting the connector C3 of the harness H to the connector C4.

[0116] The second opening 12 and the second cover 190 are provided at a position and with a size corresponding to the second substrate 120 .

[0117] 13(a), when the locking member 130 is in the locked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 enters the hole serving as the engagement portion 91. As a result, the second cover 190 is locked in the second closed position, and the second opening 12 is not opened, so that the second substrate 120 cannot be replaced.

[0118] 13(b), when the locking member 130 is in the unlocked position, the rear end of the second arm 132 is positioned outside the hole serving as the engagement portion 91. This allows the second cover 190 to move from the second closed position to the second open position, and the second substrate 120 can be replaced through the second opening 12 with the second cover 190 positioned in the second open position.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the second substrate 120 is fixed to the main body housing 10, so that the second substrate 120 can be firmly fixed to the main body housing 10.

[0120] Although the embodiment has been described above, the image forming apparatus can be modified as appropriate as exemplified below.

[0121] 14(a) and 14(b), the second cover 190 may be rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 about a rotation axis 190X extending in the front-to-rear direction. In the example shown in FIG. 14(a), the second cover 190 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 about the rotation axis 190X located at the lower end. In the example shown in FIG. 14(b), the second cover 190 is rotatable relative to the main body housing 10 about the rotation axis 190X located at the upper end.

[0122] The holder for holding the second substrate does not have to have a claw for fastening the second substrate to the holder, in which case the second substrate can be fixed to the holder by, for example, a screw.

[0123] The locking member does not have to be mechanically connected to the coupling 140. In this case, the image forming apparatus may be provided with a separate member that moves the coupling in conjunction with the opening and closing of the first cover, in addition to the locking member.

[0124] The locking member may be controlled to move in conjunction with the movement of the first cover. For example, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the image forming apparatus 1 includes a drive unit 200 having a motor, a solenoid, and the like. The drive unit 200 is a device that moves the locking member 130 between the locked position shown in Figure 15(a) and the unlocked position shown in Figure 15(b).

[0125] When CPU 111 determines based on the detection result of open / close detection sensor 160 that first cover 20 has moved from the first closed position to the first open position, CPU 111 drives drive device 200 to move lock member 130 from the locked position to the unlocked position. When CPU 111 determines based on the detection result of open / close detection sensor 160 that first cover 20 has moved from the first opened position to the first closed position, CPU 111 drives drive device 200 to move lock member 130 from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0126] In the embodiment, the first substrate 110 has the CPU 111, but for example, the second substrate may have the CPU. In other words, the image forming apparatus may be configured so that the CPU can be replaced by replacing the second substrate.

[0127] In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a printer capable of forming only monochrome images, but for example, the image forming apparatus may be a printer capable of forming color images. The image forming apparatus may also be a copier, a multifunction peripheral, etc. In the embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is exemplified, but for example, an inkjet image forming apparatus, a dot impact image forming apparatus, etc. may also be used.

[0128] The replacement unit may be a drum unit 60A. The drum unit 60A as a replacement unit has a photosensitive drum 61 but does not have a developing roller. The replacement unit may be a developing unit 60B. The developing unit 60B as a replacement unit has a developing roller 64 but does not have a photosensitive drum.

[0129] The replaceable unit may be the fixing unit 70. The replaceable unit may be an ink cartridge, a ribbon cartridge, or the like.

[0130] The first opening may be an opening formed on the rear surface of the main body housing and communicating in the front-to-rear direction. The first opening may be an opening formed on the left or right side surface of the main body housing and communicating in the left-to-right direction. The first opening may be an opening formed on the top or bottom surface of the main body housing and communicating in the up-to-down direction.

[0131] The second opening may be an opening formed on the right side surface of the main body housing and communicating in the left-right direction. The second opening may be an opening formed on the front or rear surface of the main body housing and communicating in the front-rear direction. The second opening may be an opening formed on the top or bottom surface of the main body housing and communicating in the up-down direction.

[0132] The elements described in the embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1. Image forming device 10 Main unit housing 11 First opening 12 Second opening 20 First Cover 60 Process Unit 90,190 Second cover 110 First board 120 Second board 130 Locking member

Claims

1. a main body housing having a first opening communicating in a first direction and a second opening communicating in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first cover movable relative to the main body housing between a first closed position that closes the first opening and a first open position that opens the first opening; a replacement unit that is detachable from the main body housing through the first opening when the first cover is in the first open position; a second cover movable relative to the main body housing between a second closed position that closes the second opening and a second open position that opens the second opening; a first substrate located within the main body housing; a second substrate electrically connected to the first substrate, the second substrate being detachable from the main body housing through the second opening; an image forming apparatus comprising: a locking member that is movable relative to the main body housing in conjunction with movement of the first cover between an unlocked position, which is a position when the first cover is located at the first open position and allows the second cover to be moved from the second closed position to the second open position, and a locked position, which is a position when the first cover is located at the first closed position and locks the second cover at the second closed position.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is mechanically connected to the first cover and moves in conjunction with the movement of the first cover.

3. the second cover has an engaging portion with which the locking member can be engaged, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the locking member engages with the engagement portion in the locked position to lock the second cover in the second closed position, and disengages from the engagement portion in the unlocked position to allow the second cover to be moved from the second closed position to the second open position.

4. the engaging portion is a hole that opens toward the first direction when the second cover is positioned at the second closed position, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the locking member is movable in the first direction between the locked position and the unlocked position relative to the main body housing, and is inserted into the hole in the locked position and positioned outside the hole in the unlocked position.

5. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a holder for holding the second substrate, the holder being detachable from the main body housing together with the second substrate.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second cover is integral with the holder and is positioned at the second open position by being detached from the main body housing.

7. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the holder has a claw for fastening the second substrate to the holder.

8. the first substrate has a first connector; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second board has a second connector that is directly connected to the first connector when the second board is attached to the main body housing.

9. the second opening has a first edge and a second edge, and holds the holder between the first edge and the second edge; The main body housing includes: a first guide extending from the first edge toward the inside of the main body housing; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a second guide extending from the second edge toward the inside of the main body housing and longer than the first guide.

10. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second cover is rotatable relative to the main body housing between the second closed position and the second open position around a rotation axis perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

11. The second cover is a first end proximate the first opening when in the second closed position; a second end distal to the first opening when in the second closed position; the second cover is rotatable relative to the main body housing between the second closed position and the second open position about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and is located at the second end, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the hole is located at the first end.

12. The second substrate is When attached to the main body housing, the first substrate is positioned at a position offset from the first substrate when viewed along the second direction, 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is fixed to the main body housing.

13. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second circuit board has a DC / DC converter.

14. a coupling that transmits a driving force to the replacement unit, the coupling being movable with respect to the main body housing between a transmission position where the coupling is engaged with the replacement unit and a non-transmission position where the coupling is disengaged from the replacement unit; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is mechanically connected to the coupling, and when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member positions the coupling in the transmitting position, and when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member positions the coupling in the non-transmitting position.

15. an opening / closing detection sensor that detects opening / closing of the first cover; the first substrate has a CPU, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the CPU stops image formation when the open / close detection sensor detects that the first cover is opened during image formation.

16. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replacement unit has at least one of a photosensitive drum and a developing roller.

Images