Sheet conveying device

Abstract

To allow a user to replace components or perform maintenance in a narrow space to reduce a burden on the user.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 as a sheet conveying device comprises: a housing 50; a first cover 20 that covers a first area 101 inside the housing 50; a second cover 30 that covers a second area 102; a first connection part that connects the first cover 20 to the second cover 30 in a rotatable manner; a second connection part that connects the second cover 30 to the housing 50 in a rotatable manner; a first lock lever 140 that locks the first cover 20 to the housing 50; a second lock lever 150 that locks the second cover 30 to the housing 50; and a first operation part 25 that is provided on the first cover 20. Operating the first operation part 25 releases both the lock of the first cover 20 by the first lock lever 140 and the lock of the second cover 30 by the second lock lever 150.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sheet conveying device for an image forming apparatus or the like that has a function of conveying sheets such as print media. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there have been devices configured such that an upper cover can be opened and closed relative to a device body in order to replace parts or perform maintenance of the device (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-65125 A (see abstract) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if there is not enough space above the device, the top cover cannot be fully opened, and the user must first pull the device out of the narrow space before opening the top cover, which places a heavy burden on the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to enable part replacement or maintenance in a small space and reduce the workload of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sheet transport device of the present disclosure includes a device main body including a sheet transport path, a first cover covering a first region inside the device main body, a second cover covering a second region inside the device main body, a first connecting portion rotatably connecting the first cover to the second cover, a second connecting portion rotatably connecting the second cover to the device main body, a first locking mechanism that locks the first cover to the device main body, a second locking mechanism that locks the second cover to the device main body, and a first operating portion provided on the first cover. Operation of the first operating portion releases both the locking of the first cover by the first locking mechanism and the locking of the second cover by the second locking mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The sheet conveying device of the present disclosure has a first cover and a second cover, and the first cover and the second cover are unlocked by operating the first operating unit, making it possible to replace parts or perform maintenance in a small space and reducing the workload of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of an image forming apparatus as a sheet conveying device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a first cover as viewed from above, and FIG. 1C and 1D are perspective views of a second cover as viewed from above according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are perspective views of the second cover of the first embodiment as seen from below, and 1C and 1D are perspective views of the housing as seen from above. [Figure 5] 3 is a perspective view of the first cover and the second cover of the first embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first operating unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]1A is a cross-sectional view showing the first operating part, the first link member, and the first lock lever of the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view showing the contact portion between the first link member and the first lock lever. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of a first operating portion, a first link member, and a first lock lever according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first operating portion, a second link member, and a second operating portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the first operating portion, the second link member, and the second operating portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second lock lever and its surroundings according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the relationship between a second operating portion and a second lock lever according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 1A is a perspective view of a second cover and a head holder according to the first embodiment as seen from above, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a second cover and a head holder as seen from below. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first cover and a second cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment are open. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an operation when only the first cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is opened. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which only a first cover of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is open. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first cover and a second cover according to a second embodiment, as viewed from below. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first operating section of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first lock lever according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21]10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing a fitting shaft and its surroundings according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of a first operating portion and a first lock lever according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the connecting shaft and the first lock lever of the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which only the first cover of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is open. [Figure 25] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first cover and a second cover of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment are open. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first cover and a second cover of a modified example, as viewed from below. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first cover and a fitting shaft of a modified example. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first cover and the second cover of the image forming apparatus according to the modified example are open.

[0009] <Image forming device> An image forming apparatus 1 as a sheet conveying device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer that forms an image by an electrophotographic process. Note that the sheet conveying device is not limited to the image forming apparatus 1, and may be any device that conveys a sheet and performs some kind of processing.

[0010] The image forming device 1 comprises a media cassette 90 that stores sheet-like media M such as printing paper, a media supply section 110 that feeds the media M stored in the media cassette 90, an ID (image drum) unit 10 as an image forming unit that forms an image, a transfer unit 70 that transfers the image onto the media M, a fixing unit 80 that fixes the image onto the media M, a media discharge section 120 that discharges the media M, and a housing 50 as the device main body that stores these components.

[0011] A medium transport path (sheet transport path) P along which the medium M is transported is provided inside the housing 50. The medium transport path P has a paper feed transport path P1, a transfer transport path P2, and a discharge transport path P3, extending from the medium cassette 90 to a discharge port 123 (described later). The image forming apparatus 1 also has a first cover 20 and a second cover 30 that can be opened and closed and that cover the housing 50.

[0012] The medium cassette 90 stores media (sheets) M such as printing paper. The medium cassette 90 is removably attached to the bottom of the housing 50. The medium cassette 90 has a loading plate 91 that holds the media M loaded thereon.

[0013] The medium supply unit 110 has a pickup roller 111, a paper feed roller 112, and a separation roller 113. The pickup roller 111 pulls out the media M stored in the medium cassette 90 one by one. The paper feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 separate the pulled-out media M one by one and send them out to the paper feed transport path P1.

[0014] The medium supply unit 110 also has, along the paper feed path P1, a pair of rollers: an intermediate conveyance roller 114 and a conveyance roller 115. The conveyance roller 115 is also called a registration roller.

[0015] The intermediate conveying rollers 114 convey the medium M from the paper feed rollers 112 and the separation rollers 113 along the paper feed conveying path P1 to the conveying rollers 115. The conveying rollers 115 correct any skew of the medium M from the intermediate conveying rollers 114 and convey the medium M to the transfer unit 70 along the transfer conveying path P2.

[0016] The ID unit 10 includes a photosensitive drum 11 as an image carrier, a charging roller 12 as a charging member, a developing roller 14 as a developer carrier, a supply roller 15 as a supply member, a unit main body (main body portion) 16 that houses these components, and a toner cartridge 17 as a developer container. The ID unit 10 is also referred to as a process unit. An LED head 13 as an exposure unit (or light-emitting unit) is disposed opposite the photosensitive drum 11.

[0017] The photosensitive drum 11 is a cylindrical member having a photosensitive layer formed on the surface of a conductive support. The photosensitive layer is a laminate of a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer. The photosensitive drum 11 rotates, for example, clockwise in the drawing.

[0018] The LED head 13 has an LED array in which LEDs (light emitting diodes) are arranged as light emitting elements, and a lens array, and forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with light. The LED head 13 is held by a head holder 60 (FIG. 5) connected to the second cover 30.

[0019] The charging roller 12 is disposed so as to come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and rotates following the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11. A charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 12, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged.

[0020] The developing roller 14 is disposed so as to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and rotates in the opposite direction to the photosensitive drum 11 (the direction in which the surface moves at the contact point is the forward direction). A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 14, and the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is developed with toner.

[0021] Supply roller 15 is disposed so as to contact the surface of developing roller 14, and rotates in the same direction as developing roller 14 (the direction in which the surface moves in the contact area is opposite to that of developing roller 14). A supply voltage is applied to supply roller 15, and it supplies toner to developing roller 14. Developing roller 14 and supply roller 15 constitute a developing unit.

[0022] The toner cartridge 17 contains toner as a developer and is attached to the unit body 16 of the ID unit 10. The toner cartridge 17 supplies toner to a developing section including the developing roller 14 and the supply roller 15. The toner is, for example, black toner, but is not limited to this.

[0023] The toner cartridge 17 has a toner container 17a that contains toner and an operation lever 17b (see FIG. 14), and is detachably attached to the unit body 16 of the ID unit 10.

[0024] The transfer unit 70 is disposed on the opposite side of the transfer transport path P2 from the ID unit 10. In this example, the transfer unit 70 is disposed on the −Z side (below) of the ID unit 10.

[0025] The transfer unit 70 has a transfer roller 71 that contacts the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and a frame 72 that holds the transfer roller 71. A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 71, and the transfer roller 71 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to the medium M that passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 71. The medium M that has passed between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 71 is transported to the fixing unit 80 along a transfer transport path P2 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0026] The fixing unit 80 is disposed downstream of the ID unit 10 in the transport direction of the medium M. The fixing unit 80 has a fixing roller 81 as a fixing member, a pressure roller 82 as a pressure member, and a unit housing 83 that houses these.

[0027] The fixing roller 81 has a built-in heater such as a halogen lamp. The pressure roller 82 is pressed against the fixing roller 81. The fixing roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 heat and pressurize the medium M, fixing the toner image to the medium M. A unit housing 83 of the fixing unit 80 is detachably attached to the housing 50.

[0028] The medium discharge section 120 has a pair of rollers, discharge rollers 121 and 122, along a discharge conveyance path P3 that runs from the fixing unit 80 to the discharge opening 123. The discharge rollers 121 and 122 convey the medium M that has passed through the fixing unit 80 along the discharge conveyance path P3 and discharge it from the discharge opening 123 that serves as the discharge section.

[0029] The discharge port 123 is an opening provided in the housing 50, and is disposed in the -Y direction (rearward) relative to the second cover 30. The first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are each formed with a stacker section 20S, 30S on which the medium M discharged from the discharge port 123 is placed.

[0030] Furthermore, for double-sided printing, the image forming apparatus 1 may include a re-conveying mechanism 130 that re-conveys the medium M on which the toner image has been fixed to the paper feed conveying path P1. The re-conveying mechanism 130 has re-conveying rollers 132, 133, and 134 along a return conveying path P4 from the downstream side of the fixing unit 80 to the paper feed conveying path P1.

[0031] A switching guide 131 that switches the transport path of the medium M is provided downstream of the fixing unit 80. The switching guide 131 guides the medium M, which has been pulled back from the discharge transport path P3 by the reverse rotation of the discharge rollers 121 and 122, to the return transport path P4.

[0032] Re-conveyance rollers 132, 133, and 134 of the re-conveyance mechanism 130 transport the medium M along the return transport path P4. The return transport path P4 merges with the paper feed transport path P1 upstream of the transport roller 115. Note that if the image forming apparatus 1 does not have a double-sided printing function, the re-conveyance mechanism 130 does not need to be provided.

[0033] Although the image forming apparatus 1 is configured to form a monochrome image using a single ID unit 10 here, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to form a color image using multiple ID units for yellow, magenta, cyan, black, etc.

[0034] In Figure 1, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 11 is the X direction. The X direction is the axial direction of each roller in the image forming apparatus 1 and is also the width direction of the medium M being transported. The direction of movement of the medium M as it passes through the ID unit 10 is the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction. Here, the Z direction is the up-down direction.

[0035] Regarding the Y direction, the transport direction when the medium M passes through the ID unit 10 is the +Y direction (rearward), and the opposite direction is the -Y direction (forward). Regarding the X direction, the right-hand direction when facing the +Y direction is the +X direction, and the left-hand direction is the -X direction. Regarding the Z direction, the upward direction in FIG. 1 is the +Z direction, and the downward direction is the -Z direction. Note that these directions do not limit the orientation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0036] <Housing> Next, we will explain the housing 50 of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 50 of the image forming apparatus 1 has a front cover 51 in the -Y direction (forward), a rear cover 52 in the +Y direction (backward), a side cover 53 in the -X direction (left side), and a side cover 54 in the +X direction (right side).

[0037] An opening 51a is formed at the end (upper end) in the +Z direction of the front cover 51, through which the user inserts their finger when opening the first cover 20. In addition, a front panel 95 of the medium cassette 90 is located at the -Z direction (lower) of the front cover 51. The front cover 51 can be opened and closed around a rotation axis provided near the end (lower end) in the -Z direction, but a description of opening and closing the front cover 51 will be omitted.

[0038] <First cover and second cover> Next, we will explain the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. As described above, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are provided in the +Z direction (upward) of the housing 50. The first cover 20 is located in the -Y direction (forward), and the second cover 30 is located in the +Y direction (rearward).

[0039] More specifically, the first cover 20 covers a first area 101 (FIG. 1) in the −Y direction (front) of the space inside the housing 50. The second cover 30 covers a second area 102 (FIG. 1) in the +Y direction (rear) of the space inside the housing 50.

[0040] The first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are connected to each other at approximately the center of the housing 50 in the Y direction by first connecting portions (shafts 23L, 23R and holes 33L, 33R) described below.

[0041] The first cover 20 has a top panel 21, and a first stacker section 20S is formed in the center of the top panel 21. The second cover 30 has a top panel 31, and a second stacker section 30S is formed in the center of the top panel 21.

[0042] The first stacker unit 20S and the second stacker unit 30S are portions on which the media M discharged from the discharge port 123 are placed, and form a continuous placement surface S. Furthermore, both the first stacker unit 20S and the second stacker unit 30S are inclined so that their heights decrease in the +Y direction (rearward).

[0043] An operation panel 55 is provided on the side cover 54. The operation panel 55 has a display unit 55a that displays information and an operation unit 55b where the user inputs information. The display unit 55a is located approximately in the center of the housing 50 in the Y direction, and protrudes in the +Z direction (upward) from an upper surface 58 of the side cover 54.

[0044] 1, the interior of the housing 50 is divided into the above-mentioned first area 101 and second area 102. The toner cartridge 17 is disposed in the first area 101, and the fixing unit 80 is disposed in the second area 102. The ID unit 10 and the transfer unit 70 are both disposed across the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0045] The following describes in order the configuration for opening and closing the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. Note that the configuration of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 will be described using the X, Y, and Z directions, assuming that they are in the closed position (FIG. 2).

[0046] <First connecting part> First, we will explain the first connecting portion that connects the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. Figures 3(A) and (B) are perspective views of the first cover 20 seen from above. Figures 3(C) and (D) are perspective views of the second cover 30 seen from above.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), protrusions 22L and 22R that protrude in the +Z direction (upward) are formed at the end (rear end) in the +Y direction of the first cover 20. The protrusions 22L and 22R are arranged on both sides of the first stacker unit 20S in the X direction. Shafts 23L and 23R are formed on the outer surfaces of the protrusions 22L and 22R in the X direction. The shafts 23L and 23R are coaxial with each other, with their axial direction aligned in the X direction.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3(C) and 3(D), protrusions 32L and 32R are formed at the -Y direction end (front end) of the second cover 30. The protrusions 32L and 32R are arranged on both sides of the second stacker unit 30S in the X direction. Holes 33L and 33R are formed on the opposing surfaces of the protrusions 32L and 32R, respectively. The holes 33L and 33R face each other in the X direction.

[0049] The shaft portion 23L of the first cover 20 engages with the hole portion 33L of the second cover 30, and the shaft portion 23R of the first cover 20 engages with the hole portion 33R of the second cover 30. The engagement between the shaft portion 23L and the hole portion 33L and the engagement between the shaft portion 23R and the hole portion 33R connects the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, and the first cover 20 becomes rotatable relative to the second cover 30 about a rotation axis (first rotation axis) in the X direction.

[0050] Therefore, the shafts 23L, 23R of the first cover 20 and the holes 33L, 33R of the second cover 30 constitute a first connecting portion that connects the first cover 20 to the second cover 30 so that the first cover 20 can rotate relative to the second cover 30.

[0051] <Second connecting part> Next, a second connecting portion that connects the second cover 30 and the housing 50 will be described. Figures 4(A) and (B) are perspective views of the second cover 30 as seen from below. Figures 4(C) and (D) are perspective views of the housing 50 as seen from above.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), side plates 36L and 36R are provided in the -Z direction (downward) of the top panel 31 of the second cover 30. The side plates 36L and 36R are arranged on both sides of the second stacker unit 30S in the X direction and extend in the Y direction. Shafts 37L and 37R are formed on the outer surfaces in the X direction at the ends (rear ends) in the +Y direction of the side plates 36L and 36R. The shafts 37L and 37R are positioned coaxially with each other, with the X direction being the axial direction.

[0053] 4(C) and 4(D), holes 53a and 54a are formed in the inner surfaces in the X direction at the rear ends (ends in the +Y direction) of the side covers 53 and 54 of the housing 50. The holes 53a and 54a face each other in the X direction.

[0054] The shaft 37L of the second cover 30 engages with the hole 53a of the side cover 53, and the shaft 37R of the second cover 30 engages with the hole 54a of the side cover 54. The engagement of the shaft 37L with the hole 53a and the engagement of the shaft 37R with the hole 54a connects the second cover 30 and the housing 50, and the second cover 30 becomes rotatable relative to the housing 50 about a rotation axis (second rotation axis) in the X direction.

[0055] Therefore, the shafts 37L, 37R of the second cover 30 and the holes 53a, 54a of the housing 50 constitute a second connecting portion that connects the second cover 30 to the housing 50 so that the second cover 30 is rotatable relative to the housing 50.

[0056] <Configuration for locking the first cover> Next, a description will be given of a configuration for locking the first cover 20 to the housing 50. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 as viewed from below (i.e., from the housing 50 side).

[0057] The first cover 20 is provided with a first operating portion 25, a first link member 26, and a second link member 28.

[0058] 2, the first operating unit 25 is provided at the front left corner (in the -Y and -X directions) of the first cover 20 so as to penetrate the first cover 20 in the Z direction, and is pressed by a user. The first operating unit 25 is biased in the +Z direction (upward) by a biasing member (not shown) so as to return to its original position after being pressed by the user.

[0059] 6 is a perspective view showing first operating unit 25. First operating unit 25 has a substantially disk-shaped button portion 250 centered on central axis C1 in the Z direction, and has, below button portion 250, a first extending portion 251 extending in the X direction and a second extending portion 252 extending in the Y direction.

[0060] Button section 250 is a section (operation section) that is exposed on the surface of first cover 20 and is operated by the user. First extension section 251 has inclined surface 25a at its end (right end) in the +X direction. Second extension section 252 has inclined surface 25b at its end (rear end) in the +Y direction.

[0061] Inclined surface 25a is inclined so that its -Z end (lower end) protrudes further in the +X direction than its +Z end (upper end). Inclined surface 25b is inclined so that its +Z end (upper end) protrudes further in the +Y direction (rearward) than its -Z end (lower end).

[0062] 5, the first link member 26 and the second link member 28 are disposed on the -Z side surface (lower surface) of the first cover 20. The first link member 26 is provided adjacent to the first operating unit 25 in the +X direction, and the second link member 28 is provided adjacent to the first operating unit 25 in the +Y direction (rearward).

[0063] The first link member 26 is long in the X direction and is provided along the front end (the end in the -Y direction) of the first cover 20. The first link member 26 is supported by a guide shaft (not shown) provided on the first cover 20 so as to be movable in the X direction.

[0064] The first link member 26 is biased in the −X direction, in other words, in the direction approaching the first operating part 25, by a spring 27 serving as a first link biasing part attached to the first cover 20. The spring 27 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0065] 7(A) is a cross-sectional view in a plane parallel to the XZ plane, showing first operating part 25, first link member 26, and first lock lever 140. First link member 26 has a contact surface 26a at its end in the -X direction and a locking claw 26b at its end in the +X direction.

[0066] The contact surface 26a of the first link member 26 contacts the inclined surface 25a of the first operating part 25. The contact surface 26a of the first link member 26 is an inclined surface having an inclination corresponding to the inclined surface 25a of the first operating part 25.

[0067] A first lock lever 140 serving as a first lock mechanism is provided within the housing 50 so as to be adjacent to the first link member 26 in the +X direction.

[0068] 7(B) is an enlarged view showing an engagement portion between the first lock lever 140 and the first link member 26. The first lock lever 140 has a lever portion 142 that is rotatable around a rotation shaft 143 in the Y direction provided inside the housing 50, and an engagement portion 141 that protrudes from the tip of the lever portion 142 toward the first link member 26. The rotation range of the first lock lever 140 is restricted by a rotation restricting member (not shown).

[0069] The engagement portion 141 of the first lock lever 140 has an inclined surface S1 on the +Z side (upper side) and an inclined surface S2 on the -Z side (lower side). In addition, a spring 145 serving as a first biasing member is provided adjacent to the first lock lever 140. The spring 145 biases the first lock lever 140 in a direction in which the engagement portion 141 approaches the first link member 26 (i.e., the -X direction). The spring 145 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0070] The locking claw 26b of the first link member 26 has a curved contact surface S3 that protrudes in the +X direction, in other words, toward the first lock lever 140, and has an inclined surface S4 on the -Z side (lower side) of the contact surface S3.

[0071] The biasing force of the spring 145 causes the inclined surface S2 of the engaging portion 141 of the first lock lever 140 to abut against the locking claw 26b (more specifically, the abutment surface S3) of the first link member 26 from diagonally above. That is, the engaging portion 141 of the first lock lever 140 engages with the locking claw 26b of the first link member 26.

[0072] 8(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the first operating portion 25, the first link member 26, and the first lock lever 140. In the state shown in Fig. 8(A), the biasing force of the spring 145 causes the engaging portion 141 of the first lock lever 140 to engage with the locking claw 26b of the first link member 26. Due to the engagement between the engaging portion 141 of the first lock lever 140 and the locking claw 26b of the first link member 26, the first cover 20 to which the first link member 26 is attached is locked in the closed position relative to the housing 50.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8(B), when the user presses the first operating unit 25 as indicated by the arrow F1, the first link member 26, whose abutment surface 26a is in contact with the inclined surface 25a of the first operating unit 25, moves in the -X direction as indicated by the arrow M1 due to the biasing force of the spring 27.

[0074] The rotation range of the first lock lever 140 is restricted by a rotation restricting member (not shown), so when the first link member 26 moves in the -X direction, the locking claw 26b of the first link member 26 moves away from the engaging portion 141 of the first lock lever 140. This releases the lock on the first link member 26 by the first lock lever 140, allowing the first cover 20 to be opened.

[0075] When the user releases his / her finger from the first operating unit 25, the first operating unit 25 returns to its original position due to the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown), and the first link member 26 accordingly returns to its original position (Figure 8(A)).

[0076] Therefore, when closing the first cover 20, the force with which the user presses down on the first cover 20 causes the inclined surface S4 (Figure 7(B)) of the locking claw 26b of the first link member 26 to press against the inclined surface S1 of the first lock lever 140, temporarily rotating the first lock lever 140 in the +X direction.

[0077] When the locking claw 26b of the first link member 26 reaches the inclined surface S2 of the first lock lever 140, the first lock lever 140 returns in the −X direction due to the biasing force of the spring 145, and the locking claw 26b engages with the first lock lever 140. This locks the first cover 20 in the closed position relative to the housing 50.

[0078] <Configuration for locking the second cover> Next, a description will be given of a configuration for locking the second cover 30 to the housing 50. As shown in Fig. 5, the first cover 20 is provided with a second link member 28 adjacent to the rear (+Y direction) of the first operating part 25.

[0079] The second link member 28 is long in the Y direction and is provided along the −X direction end (left end) of the first cover 20. The second link member 28 is supported by a guide shaft (not shown) provided on the first cover 20 so as to be movable in the Y direction.

[0080] In addition, the second link member 28 is biased in the −Y direction (forward), in other words, in a direction approaching the first operating part 25, by a spring 29 serving as a second link biasing part attached to the first cover 20. The spring 29 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0081] 9 is a cross-sectional view along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, showing first operating unit 25, second link member 28, and second operating unit 40. Second link member 28 has contact surface 28a at its end (front end) in the -Y direction and contact surface 28b at its end (rear end) in the +X direction.

[0082] The contact surface 28a of the second link member 28 contacts the inclined surface 25b of the first operating part 25. The contact surface 28a of the second link member 28 is, for example, an inclined surface having an inclination corresponding to the inclined surface 25b of the first operating part 25.

[0083] The contact surface 28b of the second link member 28 comes into contact with the second operating portion 40, which will be described later. The contact surface 28b of the second link member 28 is, for example, a vertical surface that is perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0084] 10(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the first operating part 25, the second link member 28, and the second operating part 40. In the state shown in FIG. 10(A), the second link member 28 is urged in the −Y direction (forward) by the urging force of the spring 29, and the abutment surface 28a is in contact with the inclined surface 25b of the first operating part 25.

[0085] 10(B), when first operating part 25 is pressed in the -Z direction (downward) as shown by arrow F1, inclined surface 25b of first operating part 25 presses contact surface 28a of second link member 28 in the +Y direction (rearward), causing second link member 28 to move in the +Y direction against the biasing force of spring 29.

[0086] When the second link member 28 moves in the +Y direction (rearward), the abutment surface 28b of the second link member 28 abuts against the second operating part 40, which will be described next, and pushes the second operating part 40 in the +Y direction (rearward).

[0087] The second operating part 40 is an elongated member that is long in the Y direction, and is supported by a holder 42 (FIG. 5) provided on the second cover 30 so as to be movable in the Y direction. The second operating part 40 is also biased in the -Y direction (forward) by a spring 45. The spring 45 is, for example, a coil spring. The second operating part 40 is a part that operates a second lock lever 150, which will be described next.

[0088] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the second lock lever 150 and its surroundings taken along a plane parallel to the XZ plane. The second lock lever 150, which serves as a second lock mechanism, is disposed within the housing 50. The second lock lever 150 is supported by a lever holder 154 (see FIG. 14) disposed in the space between the ID unit 10 and the fixing unit 80 so as to be movable in the X direction, for example.

[0089] The second lock lever 150 has an extension portion 151 extending in the X direction, an engagement portion 152L formed at the -X direction end of the extension portion 151, and an engagement portion 152R formed at the +X direction end of the extension portion 151.

[0090] The second lock lever 150 is biased in the −X direction by a spring 155 serving as a second biasing member provided inside the housing 50. The spring 155 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0091] The engaging portion 152L of the second lock lever 150 has a hook shape that protrudes in the −X direction. The engaging portion 152L of the second lock lever 150 engages with the +Z side (upper side) of the engaging portion 39L provided on the second cover 30.

[0092] The engaging portion 152R of the second lock lever 150 has a hook shape that protrudes in the −X direction. The engaging portion 152R of the second lock lever 150 engages with the +Z side (upper side) of the engaging portion 39R provided on the second cover 30.

[0093] The locking portions 39L and 39R of the second cover 30 are formed on the side walls 38L and 38R on both sides of the second stacker unit 30S in the X direction.

[0094] The engaging portions 152L, 152R of the second lock lever 150 engage with the latching portions 39L, 39R of the second cover 30, thereby locking the second cover 30 relative to the housing 50 in the closed position.

[0095] On the other hand, when second lock lever 150 is moved in the +X direction by second operating unit 40, engagement portions 152L, 152R move away from latching portions 39L, 39R in the +X direction, unlocking second cover 30. Furthermore, engagement portions 152L, 152R each have an inclined surface S5 on the -X side.

[0096] 12(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the second operating part 40 and the second lock lever 150. The second operating part 40 is adjacent to the second lock lever 150 in the -X direction. The second operating part 40 has a pressing part 41 which is a convex part that protrudes toward the second lock lever 150 (i.e., in the +X direction).

[0097] The second lock lever 150 has an abutment portion 153 on the side facing the second operating portion 40. The surface of the abutment portion 153 facing the -X direction is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the Y direction.

[0098] When the second operating part 40 is not pressed in the +Y direction (rearward), as shown in Figure 12 (A), the pressing part 41 of the second operating part 40 is positioned in the -Y direction (forward) relative to the abutment part 153 of the second lock lever 150.

[0099] In this state, the second lock lever 150 is moved in the −X direction by the biasing force of the spring 155. Therefore, the engagement portions 152L, 152R of the second lock lever 150 engage with the latching portions 39L, 39R (FIG. 11) of the second cover 30, thereby locking the second cover 30 in the closed position relative to the housing 50.

[0100] On the other hand, when the second operating unit 40 is pushed in the +Y direction (rearward) as indicated by the arrow F2, the pressing portion 41 of the second operating unit 40 comes into contact with the contact portion 153 of the second lock lever 150, as shown in Fig. 12(B). This causes the second lock lever 150 to move in the +X direction against the biasing force of the spring 155.

[0101] When the second lock lever 150 moves in the +X direction, the engagement portions 152L and 152R of the second lock lever 150 move away from the engagement portions 39L and 39R (FIG. 11), respectively, and the second cover 30 is thereby unlocked.

[0102] As described above, when the first operating unit 25 is pressed, the second link member 28 moves in the +Y direction (rearward) as shown in Fig. 10(B). Due to the movement of the second link member 28 in the +Y direction, the second link member 28 pushes the second operating unit 40 in the +Y direction as described with reference to Fig. 10(B).

[0103] 12(B), the pressing portion 41 of the second operating portion 40 biases the contact portion 153 of the second lock lever 150, and the second lock lever 150 moves in the +X direction. As a result, the engaging portions 152L, 152R of the second lock lever 150 move away from the engaging portions 39L, 39R (FIG. 11) of the second cover 30, and the second cover 30 is unlocked by the second lock lever 150.

[0104] That is, pressing the first operating unit 25 unlocks the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 at the same time. Note that the unlocking of the first cover 20 and the unlocking of the second cover 30 do not need to occur at exactly the same timing, as long as they are linked to each other.

[0105] When the second cover 30 is closed, the second operating part 40 of the second cover 30 is returned by the biasing force of the spring 45 to the position (FIG. 10A) it was in before being pressed by the second link member 28. Also, the second lock lever 150 is returned by the biasing force of the spring 155 to the position (FIG. 12A) it was in before being pressed by the pressing part 41 of the second operating part 40.

[0106] Therefore, when the second cover 30 is rotated to the closed position, the locking portions 39L, 39R (Figure 11) of the second cover 30 abut from above against the inclined surfaces S5 of the engagement portions 152L, 152R of the second lock lever 150, temporarily moving the second lock lever 150 in the +X direction.

[0107] When the locking portions 39L and 39R pass through the inclined surface S5, the second lock lever 150 moves in the -X direction by the biasing force of the spring 155. As a result, the engaging portions 152L and 152R of the second lock lever 150 engage with the locking portions 39L and 39R (FIG. 11) of the second cover 30, and the second cover 30 is locked in the closed position with respect to the housing 50.

[0108] Among the above-described components, the first link member 26, the second link member 28, and the second operation portion 40 constitute a unlocking mechanism that unlocks the first cover 20 and unlocks the second cover 30 in conjunction with the operation of the first operation portion 25.

[0109] <Support Structure of LED Head 13> Next, the support structure of the LED head 13 in the second cover 30 will be described. FIG. 13(A) is a perspective view of the second cover 30 and the head holder 60 as viewed from above. FIG. 13(B) is a perspective view of the second cover 30 and the head holder 60 as viewed from below.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 13(A), the head holder 60 that holds the LED head 13 is connected to the -Y direction end portion (front end portion) of the second cover 30. The head holder 60 has a head support portion 61 that extends in the X direction, and arms 62L and 62R that extend in the +Z direction (upward) from both end portions of the head support portion 61 in the X direction.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 13(B), the head support portion 61 supports the LED head 13. A rotation shaft 66 in the X direction is provided at the +Z direction end portions (upper end portions) of the arms 62L and 62R. Each rotation shaft 66 of the arms 62L and 62R is supported by a bracket 305 provided on the second cover 30. Thereby, the head holder 60 is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft​​​A base 65 long in the X direction and having the LED head 13 attached thereto is housed inside the head support portion 61 of the head holder 60. The LED head 13 is attached to the −Z direction surface (lower surface) of the base 65.

[0113] Adjustment units 69L and 69R that adjust the distance between the LED head 13 and the photosensitive drum 11 (FIG. 1) are provided on the surface (lower surface) in the -Z direction of the base 65. The adjustment units 69L and 69R are disposed at the end of the base 65 in the -X direction and the end of the base 65 in the +X direction, respectively.

[0114] Springs 64L and 64R as pressing members are arranged in the +Z direction (above) of base body 65 (spring 64R is hidden in FIG. 13(B)). Springs 64L and 64R are located in the +Z direction relative to adjustment portions 69L and 69R, respectively.

[0115] The biasing forces of the springs 64L and 64R cause the adjustment portions 69L and 69R to abut against spacers (not shown) provided on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 (but outside the area where the electrostatic latent image is formed in the X direction), thereby controlling the distance between the LED head 13 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0116] The biasing forces of the springs 64L and 64R act on the second cover 30 via the head support portion 61 and the arms 62L and 62R. That is, when the second cover 30 is opened, the biasing forces of the springs 64L and 64R act in a direction that pushes up the second cover 30.

[0117] In order to keep the posture of the head holder 60 constant when the second cover 30 is opened or closed, a link lever 68 is provided on the −X direction side of the head holder 60. A description of this will be omitted.

[0118] 13(A), a wall 34 is provided at the end (front end) in the -Y direction of the second cover 30. The wall 34 limits access to the second area 102 (FIG. 1) in the housing 50 when the first cover 20 is open and the second cover 30 is closed (see FIG. 16).

[0119] Furthermore, a plate 35 extending in the X direction is provided along the end (upper end) in the +Z direction of the wall portion 34. When opening the second cover 30, the user places their finger on the plate 35 to open the second cover 30.

[0120] The plate 35 has a first portion 35a that is tall from the center in the X direction to the end in the -X direction, and a second portion 35b that is located in the +X direction and shorter than the center in the X direction, in order to facilitate the operation of the operating lever 17b of the toner cartridge 17.

[0121] <Printing operation of image forming device> Next, the printing operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. When the control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print command and print data from a host device, it starts the printing operation (image forming operation).

[0122] When the printing operation starts, the pickup roller 111, paper feed roller 112, and separation roller 113 of the medium supply unit 110 rotate, sending the media M stored in the medium cassette 90 one sheet at a time onto the paper feed transport path P1. In addition, the intermediate transport roller 114 rotates, transporting the medium M along the paper feed transport path P1. Furthermore, the transport roller 115 begins to rotate at a predetermined timing, correcting any skew in the medium M and transporting it along the transfer transport path P2 to the transfer unit 70.

[0123] In the ID unit 10, a charging voltage, a developing voltage, and a supply voltage are applied to the charging roller 12, the developing roller 14, and the supply roller 15, respectively. Furthermore, the photosensitive drum 11 rotates, and accordingly the charging roller 12, the developing roller 14, and the supply roller 15 also rotate. The charging roller 12 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The LED head 13 exposes the uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to light, forming an electrostatic latent image.

[0124] The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is developed by the toner attached to the developing roller 14, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. When the toner image approaches the surface of the transfer roller 71 due to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11, a transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 71.

[0125] As a result, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the medium M passing between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 71. The medium M onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing unit 80 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0126] In the fixing unit 80, a fixing roller 81 and a pressure roller 82 rotate with a fixing nip formed, and the surface of the fixing roller 81 is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature. When the medium M passes through the fixing nip between the fixing roller 81 and the pressure roller 82, heat and pressure are applied to the unfixed toner on the medium M, and the toner image is fixed to the medium M.

[0127] The medium M with the fixed toner image is transported along the discharge transport path P3 by discharge rollers 121 and 122 of the medium discharge unit 120 and is discharged from the discharge port 123. The discharged medium M is stacked on the stacker units 20S and 30S. This completes the printing operation.

[0128] <Opening and closing of the first cover and the second cover> Next, we will explain the opening and closing operations of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. When opening the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, the user presses the first operating unit 25 (FIG. 2). By pressing the first operating unit 25, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are simultaneously unlocked as described above.

[0129] When the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are simultaneously unlocked, the biasing force of the torsion spring 103 (FIG. 5) attached to the shaft 37R causes the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 to rotate a predetermined pop-up angle around the shafts 37L and 37R (FIGS. 4(A) and (B)). The pop-up angle is, for example, approximately 10 degrees.

[0130] Thereafter, the user rotates the first cover 20 180 degrees around the first connecting portions (the shafts 23L, 23R and the holes 33L, 33R). As a result, the first cover 20 is placed on top of the second cover 30.

[0131] Furthermore, the user rotates the second cover 30 by a predetermined angle less than 90 degrees (for example, 80 degrees) around the second connecting portions (the shafts 37L, 37R and the holes 53a, 54a). The second cover 30 rotates with the first cover 20 overlapping on top of it.

[0132] 14, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are opened and held in the open position by a biasing member (not shown). In this state, the first area 101 and the second area 102 inside the housing 50 become accessible.

[0133] In this state, for example, the operation lever 17b of the toner cartridge 17 can be rotated to release the lock, and the toner cartridge 17 can be removed from the unit body 16 of the ID unit 10.

[0134] The ID unit 10 can also be lifted up and removed from the housing 50. The fixing unit 80 can also be removed from the housing 50 by gripping a handle 85 provided on the top of the fixing unit 80.

[0135] Furthermore, after removing the ID unit 10 and the fixing unit 80 from the housing 50, it is possible to remove the jammed medium M from the medium transport path P (for example, the transfer transport path P2). It is also possible to remove the transfer unit 70 (FIG. 1) from the housing 50.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 14, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be overlapped and rotated, so that the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be opened even if there is not a large space above the image forming apparatus 1.

[0137] When closing the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, the user first rotates the second cover 30 to the closed position (FIG. 2) around the second connecting portions (shafts 37L, 37R and holes 53a, 54a). When the second cover 30 is rotated to the closed position, as described above, the locking portions 39L, 39R (FIG. 11) of the second cover 30 engage with the engaging portions 152L, 152R of the second lock lever 150, and the second cover 30 is locked in the closed position relative to the housing 50.

[0138] The user further rotates the first cover 20 to the closed position (FIG. 2) around the first connecting portions (shafts 23L, 23R and holes 33L, 33R). When the first cover 20 is rotated to the closed position, the locking claw 26b (FIG. 8(B)) of the first link member 26 engages with the engaging portion 141 of the first lock lever 140, as described above.

[0139] As a result, the first cover 20 is locked by the first lock lever 140 , and the second cover 30 is locked by the second lock lever 150 .

[0140] <Opening and closing of the first cover> Next, an operation for opening only the first cover 20 will be described. Fig. 15 is a perspective view for explaining the operation for opening only the first cover 20. As shown in Fig. 15, when opening only the first cover 20, the user inserts a finger through the opening 51a of the front cover 51 without pressing down the first operating unit 25 (i.e., positions the first operating unit 25 in the non-operating position), and lifts the front end of the first cover 20 as indicated by the arrow UP.

[0141] When the force with which the user lifts first cover 20 exceeds the biasing force of spring 145 of first lock lever 140, locking claw 26b of first link member 26 presses inclined surface S2 (FIG. 7(B)) of first lock lever 140, temporarily rotating first lock lever 140 in the +X direction. This releases locking of locking claw 26b by first lock lever 140, and first cover 20 is opened as shown in FIG.

[0142] Although FIG. 16 shows a state in which the rotation angle of the first cover 20 is less than 180 degrees, the first cover 20 will eventually rotate 180 degrees and overlap the second cover 30.

[0143] In this state, the operation lever 17b of the toner cartridge 17 is rotated to release the lock, and the toner cartridge 17 can be removed from the unit body 16 of the ID unit 10.

[0144] Furthermore, by opening the first cover 20, the second operating unit 40 (hidden in FIG. 16) becomes accessible from the outside. Therefore, the user can push the second operating unit 40 in the +Y direction (rearward) to release the lock on the second cover 30 by the second lock lever 150, and open the second cover 30.

[0145] The operation of closing the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 is as described above.

[0146] Here, we have explained the installation and removal (replacement) of the toner cartridge 17, ID unit 10, transfer unit 70 and fixing unit 80, as well as the removal of jammed media M, but this embodiment can also be applied to the replacement and maintenance of other parts.

[0147] <Advantages of First Embodiment> As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 as a sheet conveying apparatus of embodiment 1 comprises a housing 50 as the apparatus main body, a first cover 20 covering a first region 101 inside the housing 50, a second cover 30 covering a second region 102 inside the housing 50, a first connecting portion (shafts 23L, 23R and holes 33L, 33R) that rotatably connects the first cover 20 to the second cover 30, a second connecting portion (shafts 37L, 37R and holes 53a, 54a) that rotatably connects the second cover 30 to the housing 50, a first lock lever 140 that locks the first cover 20 to the housing 50, a second lock lever 150 that locks the second cover 30 to the housing 50, and a first operating portion 25 provided on the first cover 20. By operating the first operating portion 25, the lock of the first cover 20 by the first lock lever 140 and the lock of the second cover 30 by the second lock lever 150 are both released.

[0148] Because of this configuration, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be opened even if there is not a large space above the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, even if the image forming apparatus 1 is installed in a small space, there is no need to pull the image forming apparatus 1 out into a large space for part replacement, etc., which reduces the burden on the user. In addition, because the lock of the first cover 20 and the lock of the second cover 30 are both released by operating the first operating unit 25, the burden on the user can be further reduced.

[0149] Furthermore, since the first cover 20 is positioned in front of the second cover 30 (in the -Y direction), a user facing the front cover 51 of the image forming device 1 can easily open and close the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

[0150] Furthermore, when the first operating unit 25 is in the non-operating position (i.e., when the first operating unit 25 is not pressed), the second lock lever 150 keeps the second cover 30 locked, while the first lock lever 140 unlocks the first cover 20 in response to the force applied to the first cover 20, allowing the user to open only the first cover 20, improving convenience.

[0151] Also provided are a first link member 26 that moves in conjunction with first operating unit 25 and engages with engaging portion 141 of first lock lever 140, and a spring 145 that serves as a first biasing member that biases engaging portion 141 of first lock lever 140 in a direction that engages with first link member 26. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to achieve the function of unlocking first cover 20 in response to operation of first operating unit 25.

[0152] Also provided are a second operating unit 40 that unlocks the second cover 30 with the second lock lever 150, and a second link member 28 that transmits the operation of the first operating unit 25 to the second operating unit 40. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to achieve the function of unlocking the second cover 30 in response to the operation of the first operating unit 25.

[0153] Furthermore, because the second operating unit 40 is accessible when the first cover 20 is open, the user can operate the second operating unit 40 to unlock the second cover 30 with the second lock lever 150. In other words, with the first cover 20 open, the user can open the second cover 30 as needed.

[0154] In addition, by opening the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 and removing the components housed in the first area 101 and the second area 102 (e.g., the ID unit 10 and the fixing unit 80), access to the media transport path P becomes possible, allowing the jammed media M to be removed.

[0155] Embodiment 2 17 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus 1A as a sheet conveying device according to Embodiment 2. Image forming apparatus 1A has a first operation unit 160 instead of first operation unit 25 (FIG. 1) according to Embodiment 1.

[0156] 18 is a perspective view of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 of the image forming apparatus 1A as viewed from below (the housing 50 side). The image forming apparatus 1A does not have the first link member 26, the second link member 28, the springs 27 and 29 (FIG. 5), and the first lock lever 140 (FIG. 7(A)) described in the first embodiment.

[0157] Image forming apparatus 1A has a first lock lever 170 and a receiving portion 105 (FIG. 22(A)) that locks first cover 20 to housing 50, and a fitting shaft 180 that serves as a cover connecting portion that connects first cover 20 and second cover 30. First lock lever 170 and fitting shaft 180 are provided on first cover 20.

[0158] Image forming apparatus 1A also has second lock lever 150 (FIG. 11) that locks second cover 30 to housing 50, and second operating unit 40 (FIGS. 12A and 12B) that operates second lock lever 150. The configurations of second operating unit 40 and second lock lever 150 are as described in the first embodiment.

[0159] 19 is a perspective view showing the first operating part 160. The first operating part 160 has a cylindrical button part 161 centered on a central axis C1 in the Z direction, and a tubular part 164 protruding radially outward from the button part 161. A hole 165 is formed inside the tubular part 164 to allow a pin 175 (FIG. 20) of the first lock lever 170 to pass through.

[0160] The first operating unit 160 is attached to the first cover 20 so as to be movable in the Z direction, and is exposed on the surface of the first cover 20. The first operating unit 160 is also biased in the +Z direction (upward) by a biasing member (not shown) so as to return to its original position after being pressed by the user.

[0161] 20 is a perspective view showing first lock lever 170. First lock lever 170 as a first lock mechanism has main shaft portion 171 extending in the X direction, engaging portion 172L extending in the approximately −Z direction (downward) from the −X direction end of main shaft portion 171, and engaging portion 172R extending in the approximately −Z direction (downward) from the +X direction end of main shaft portion 171.

[0162] The first lock lever 170 also has two abutment pieces 176L and 176R that extend from the center of the main shaft portion 171 in the X direction substantially in the −Z direction (downward).

[0163] The first lock lever 170 also has an arm portion 174 that extends substantially in the Y direction (rearward) from the −X direction end of the main shaft portion 171, and a cylindrical pin 175 that protrudes from the tip of the arm portion 174 in the −X direction.

[0164] The main shaft portion 171 of the first lock lever 170 is supported by a support member (not shown) provided on the first cover 20 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis C2 in the X direction.

[0165] 19, and is inserted into the inside of the button portion 161 of the first operation unit 160. This connects the first lock lever 170 to the first operation unit 160. That is, when the first operation unit 160 is pressed down, the first lock lever 170 rotates about the rotation axis C2.

[0166] A hook portion 173 is formed on each tip of the engaging portions 172L, 172R of the first lock lever 170. Each hook portion 173 of the engaging portions 172L, 172R fits into a receiving portion 105 (FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B)) provided in the housing 50. In other words, the engaging portions 172L, 172R engage with the receiving portion 105. This locks the first cover 20 to the housing 50. Each hook portion 173 has an inclined surface T1 on its -Z side (lower side) and an inclined surface T2 on its +Z side (upper side).

[0167] In addition, the first lock lever 170 is biased by a torsion spring (not shown) as a first biasing member so that the engagement portions 172L, 172R rotate in the direction in which they engage with the receiving portion 105, i.e., in the direction indicated by arrow R1 in FIG. 20.

[0168] The fitting shaft 180 shown in FIG. 18 is supported by a guide member (not shown) provided on the first cover 20 so as to be movable in the Y direction.

[0169] The fitting shaft 180 has an extension portion 181 extending in the Y direction at the center of the first cover 20 in the X direction, a bridge portion 182 extending on both sides in the X direction from the +Y direction end (rear end) of the extension portion 181, a fitting portion 183L extending in the +Y direction (rear) from the -X direction end of the bridge portion 182, and a fitting portion 183R extending in the +Y direction (rear) from the +X direction end of the bridge portion 182.

[0170] Furthermore, a coupling operation part 185 serving as a third operation part is provided at the end (front end) in the -Y direction of the extending part 181 of the fitting shaft 180. The coupling operation part 185 is exposed to the outside through the opening 51a (FIG. 17) of the front cover 51, and is a part that is operated by the user.

[0171] Furthermore, an abutment bar 186 extending in the X direction is formed on the extending portion 181 of the fitting shaft 180 in the +Y direction (rearward) of the coupling operation portion 185. The abutment bar 186 is a portion that abuts against the abutment pieces 176L, 176R of the first lock lever 170.

[0172] Furthermore, a protrusion 184 that protrudes in the −X direction is provided on the fitting portion 183L of the fitting shaft 180. The protrusion 184 is located in the −Y direction (forward) of the second operating part 40 and can come into contact with the second operating part 40.

[0173] 21(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, showing a portion of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. As shown in FIG. 21(A), the fitting portion 183L of the fitting shaft 180 is fitted into a fitting hole 301 provided in the second cover 30. The fitting hole 301 is, for example, a hole formed in a wall portion 302 that is formed continuously with the top plate portion 31 of the second cover 30.

[0174] 21A shows only the fitting portion 183L of the fitting portions 183L and 183R, the other fitting portion 183R is also fitted into a fitting hole 301 provided in the second cover 30.

[0175] When the fitting portions 183L, 183R of the fitting shaft 180 are fitted into the fitting holes 301, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are joined (that is, integrated) so that the relative angle between them does not change.

[0176] Figure 21(B) is a cross-sectional view taken at a different position from Figure 21(A), showing a portion of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. In the state shown in Figure 21(A), the convex portion 184 of the fitting portion 183L of the fitting shaft 180 abuts against the second operating portion 40, pushing it in the +Y direction (rearward).

[0177] 22(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views taken along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, showing a configuration for locking first cover 20. As shown in Fig. 22(A), pin 175 of first lock lever 170 is inserted into the inside of button portion 161 of first operating unit 160. A convex portion 163 is formed on the lower surface of top plate portion 162 of button portion 161, and is capable of coming into contact with pin 175.

[0178] Furthermore, the engaging portion 172L of the first lock lever 170 fits into the receiving portion 105 provided in the housing 50. Although not shown in FIG. 22(A), the engaging portion 172R (FIG. 20) of the first lock lever 170 also fits into the receiving portion 105 provided in the housing 50. This causes the first cover 20 to be locked to the housing 50.

[0179] 22(B), when the user presses down the first operating part 160 as indicated by the arrow F1, the convex part 163 presses the pin 175 in the -Z direction (downward). As the pin 175 is pressed in the -Z direction, the first lock lever 170 rotates around the rotation axis C2 in the direction indicated by the arrow R2.

[0180] By rotating the first lock lever 170, the engagement portions 172L and 172R can be released from the holes 106 formed in the receiving portion 105. In other words, the lock of the first cover 20 by the first lock lever 170 is released.

[0181] 23(A) to 23(C) are cross-sectional views in a plane parallel to the YZ plane, showing the operation of the fitting shaft 180. When the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are closed, as shown in Fig. 23(A), the convex portions 184 of the fitting portions 183L, 183R of the fitting shaft 180 push the second operating portion 40 in the +Y direction (rearward).

[0182] Because the second operating part 40 is in a position pushed in the +Y direction, the second lock lever 150 is in a position that does not lock the second cover 30 to the housing 50, as described in embodiment 1 with reference to Figures 11 and 12(B).

[0183] 23(B), when the user pulls the coupling operation unit 185 in the -Y direction (forward), the coupling shaft 180 moves in the -Y direction as indicated by the arrow N, and the coupling units 183L, 183R (FIG. 18) come out of the coupling holes 301 (FIG. 21(A)) of the second cover 30. This releases the coupling between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, making it possible to change the relative angle between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

[0184] Furthermore, as the protrusion 184 of the fitting shaft 180 moves in the -Y direction (forward), the second operating part 40 moves in the -Y direction due to the biasing force of the spring 45 (FIG. 9). When the second operating part 40 moves in the -Y direction, as described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12(A), the second lock lever 150 reaches a position where it locks the second cover 30. In other words, the second cover 30 is locked to the housing 50 by the second lock lever 150.

[0185] As shown in Figure 23(C), when the user pulls the coupling operation part 185 further in the -Y direction (forward), the mating shaft 180 moves further in the -Y direction as indicated by the arrow N, and the abutment bar 186 presses the abutment pieces 176L, 176R of the first lock lever 170, causing the first lock lever 170 to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow R2 around the rotation axis C2.

[0186] By rotating the first lock lever 170, the engagement between the engagement portions 172L, 172R of the first lock lever 170 and the receiving portion 105 inside the housing 50 is released. In other words, the lock of the first cover 20 by the first lock lever 170 is released.

[0187] In this way, the first cover 20 is unlocked by the first lock lever 170 not only when the first operating part 160 is pressed down, but also when the coupling operating part 185 is pulled.

[0188] Next, an operation for opening only the first cover 20 of the image forming apparatus 1A will be described. Figure 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which only the first cover 20 of the image forming apparatus 1A is open. By operating the fitting shaft 180 described above (Figures 23(A) to (C)), the second cover 30 is locked to the housing 50, and the first cover 20 is in an openable state.

[0189] Therefore, when the user inserts his / her finger through the opening 51a of the front cover 51 to open the first cover 20, only the first cover 20 can be opened as shown in Fig. 24. In this state, the toner cartridge 17 can be replaced.

[0190] Furthermore, when only the first cover 20 is open, the second operating unit 40 is accessible. Therefore, if it becomes necessary to further open the second cover 30, the user can press the second operating unit 40 to release the lock on the second cover 30 by the second lock lever 150, as described in the first embodiment, and open the second cover 30.

[0191] Furthermore, when the user closes the first cover 20 after replacing the toner cartridge 17, the engaging portions 172L, 172R (FIG. 22A) of the first lock lever 170 engage with the receiving portion 105 inside the housing 50.

[0192] Specifically, as the first lock lever 170 moves in the -Z direction, the inclined surfaces T1 (Figure 22(B)) of each hook portion 173 of the engagement portions 172L and 172R come into contact with the edge of the hole 106 of the receiving portion 105, causing the first lock lever 170 to temporarily rotate in the direction indicated by arrow R2.

[0193] Furthermore, while the inclined surfaces T2 of the hook portions 173 of the engaging portions 172L and 172R abut against the edges of the holes 106 of the receiving portion 105, the first lock lever 170 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R1, and the hook portions 173 enter the receiving portion 105 (FIG. 22(A)). As a result, the engaging portions 172L and 172R of the first lock lever 170 engage with the receiving portion 105, and the first cover 20 is locked to the housing 50.

[0194] Next, an operation for integrally opening first cover 20 and second cover 30 of image forming apparatus 1A will be described. Figure 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which first cover 20 and second cover 30 of image forming apparatus 1A are integrally opened.

[0195] When the above-described operation of the fitting shaft 180 (FIGS. 23(A) to 23(C)) is not performed, the fitting portions 183L and 183R of the fitting shaft 180 are fitted into the fitting holes 301 of the second cover 30. Furthermore, since the second operating portion 40 is pressed in by the convex portion 184 of the fitting shaft 180, the second lock lever 150 is in a position (FIG. 12(B)) where it does not lock the second cover 30.

[0196] When the user presses the first operating portion 160, the first lock lever 170 rotates about the rotation axis C2, and the engagement portions 172L, 172R of the first lock lever 170 are disengaged from the receiving portion 105 inside the housing 50 (FIGS. 22A and 22B). That is, the lock of the first cover 20 by the first lock lever 170 is released.

[0197] When a user inserts their finger through the opening 51a of the front cover 51 to open the first cover 20, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are opened together as shown in Fig. 25. In this state, for example, the ID unit 10, the fixing unit 80, or the transfer unit 70 can be replaced, or a jammed medium M can be removed.

[0198] When the user closes the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 together, the engaging portions 172L, 172R of the first lock lever 170 engage with the receiving portion 105 inside the housing 50, locking the first cover 20 to the housing 50. The engagement between the engaging portions 172L, 172R of the first lock lever 170 and the receiving portion 105 is the same as when the first cover 20 is closed alone.

[0199] In this case, the second cover 30 is not locked to the housing 50, but the first cover 20 is locked to the housing 50, and the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are integrated by the mating shaft 180, so the second cover 30 will not be opened accidentally.

[0200] Except for the above-mentioned points, the image forming apparatus 1A of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0201] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 as a sheet conveying apparatus of the second embodiment includes the housing 50 as an apparatus main body, the first cover 20 covering the first region 101 inside the housing 50, the second cover 30 covering the second region 102 inside the housing 50, the first connecting portion (shafts 23L, 23R and holes 33L, 33R) that rotatably supports the first cover 20 relative to the second cover 30, the second connecting portion (shafts 37L, 37R and holes 53a, 54a) that rotatably supports the second cover 30 relative to the housing 50, and the first cover 20. The cover assembly includes a first lock lever 170 that locks the housing 50, a second lock lever 150 that locks the second cover 30 to the housing 50, a first operating unit 160 that is provided on the first cover 20 and that unlocks the first cover 20 by the first lock lever 170, a mating shaft 180 as a cover connecting unit that connects the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 so that the relative angle does not change and that unlocks the second cover 30 by the second lock lever 150, and a connecting operating unit 185 that operates the mating shaft 180.

[0202] Because of this configuration, by operating the coupling operation unit 185, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be coupled by the coupling shaft 180 to open and close together, or can be opened and closed separately without being coupled by the coupling shaft 180. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 1A is housed in a large space, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be opened and closed together, and when the image forming apparatus 1A is housed in a small space, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be opened and closed separately. This reduces the burden on the user and improves convenience.

[0203] Furthermore, when the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are opened and closed separately, the second lock lever 150 locks the second cover 30, so that the second cover 30 is not opened and closed by mistake when opening and closing only the first cover 20.

[0204] Furthermore, with the first cover 20 open, the second cover 30 can be unlocked by the second lock lever 150 by operating the second operating part 40, allowing the second cover 30 to be opened or closed as needed.

[0205] Variation 1. 26 is a perspective view of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 in the modified image forming apparatus 1B, viewed from below (the housing 50 side). In this modified example, a fitting shaft 190 is added to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 of the first embodiment, as a cover joining part that joins the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 so that the relative angle between them does not change.

[0206] The mating shaft 190 has a bridge portion 191 extending in the X direction, a mating portion 192L extending from the -X direction end of the bridge portion 191 in approximately the +Y direction (rearward), and a mating portion 192R extending from the +X direction end of the bridge portion 191 in approximately the +Y direction.

[0207] 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, showing a portion of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 of the modified example. The fitting portion 192L fits into a fitting hole 301 provided in the second cover 30, similar to the fitting portion 183L (FIG. 21(A)) of the fitting shaft 180 of the second embodiment.

[0208] Also, one of the fitting portions 192R (FIG. 26) is fitted into a fitting hole 301 provided in the second cover 30. By fitting the fitting portions 192L, 192R of the fitting shaft 190 into the respective fitting holes 301 of the second cover 30, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are joined together so that the relative angle between them does not change.

[0209] The fitting shaft 190 is supported movably in the Y direction by a support member (not shown) provided on the first cover 20. By pulling out the fitting shaft 190 in the -Y direction (forward), the fitting portions 192L, 192R come out of the fitting holes 301. This releases the connection between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, making it possible to change the relative angle between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

[0210] 28 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 of the modified image forming apparatus 1B are opened together. When the fitting portions 192L, 192R of the fitting shaft 190 are fitted into the fitting holes 301 of the second cover 30, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be opened together as shown in FIG.

[0211] Furthermore, when the mating shaft 190 is pulled out in the -Y direction and the mating portions 192L, 192R are out of the mating holes 301 of the second cover 30, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be opened separately, as shown in Figure 14 or Figure 16 in embodiment 1.

[0212] In other respects, the image forming apparatus 1B of the modified example is configured similarly to the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0213] In this modified example, when the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are closed, the fitting shaft 190 cannot be operated from outside the image forming apparatus 1B. Therefore, with the first cover 20 or the second cover 30 open as shown in Fig. 14, 16, or 28, the fitting portions 192L, 192R of the fitting shaft 190 are fitted into or pulled out of the fitting hole 301 to switch the coupled state of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 in preparation for the next or subsequent opening and closing.

[0214] Although the preferred embodiments have been specifically described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made.

[0215] Although a printer has been described here as an example of an image forming apparatus (sheet conveying apparatus), this embodiment can also be applied to copying machines, facsimiles, MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals), and the like.

[0216] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) an apparatus body including a sheet transport path; a first cover that covers a first region inside the device body; a second cover that covers a second region inside the device body; a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the first cover to the second cover; a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the second cover to the device body; a first locking mechanism that locks the first cover to the device body; a second locking mechanism that locks the second cover to the device body; the first operating portion provided on the first cover; Equipped with By operating the first operating portion, the first cover is unlocked by the first locking mechanism and the second cover is unlocked by the second locking mechanism. A sheet conveying device characterized by: (Appendix 2) If the side of the device body where the second connecting portion is provided is defined as the rear and the opposite side is defined as the front, the first cover is provided in front of the second cover. 2. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, (Appendix 3) When the first operating portion is in a non-operating position, the second locking mechanism maintains a locked state of the second cover, and the first locking mechanism unlocks the first cover in response to a force applied to the first cover. 3. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) a first link member that is linked to the first operating portion and engages with an engaging portion of the first locking mechanism; a first biasing member that biases the engaging portion of the first locking mechanism in a direction to engage with the first link member; 4. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising: (Appendix 5) a second operating unit that unlocks the second cover by the second locking mechanism; a second link member that transmits operation of the first operating portion to the second operating portion; 5. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising: (Appendix 6) When the first cover is opened, the second operating unit can be accessed. 6. The sheet conveying device according to claim 5, (Appendix 7) The cover further includes a cover connecting portion that connects the first cover and the second cover so that the relative angle between them does not change. 7. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, wherein: (Appendix 8) an apparatus body including a sheet transport path; a first cover that covers a first region inside the device body; a second cover that covers a second region inside the device body; a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the first cover to the second cover; a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the second cover to the device body; a first locking mechanism that locks the first cover to the device body; a second locking mechanism that locks the second cover to the device body; a first operating portion provided on the first cover and configured to unlock the first cover by the first locking mechanism; a cover coupling portion that couples the first cover and the second cover so that the relative angle between them does not change and that releases the lock of the second cover by the second lock mechanism; a coupling operation portion provided on the first cover and configured to operate the cover coupling portion; A sheet conveying device comprising: (Appendix 9) When the cover coupling portion is not coupling the first cover and the second cover together, the first locking mechanism unlocks the first cover in response to a force applied to the first cover while maintaining the second cover locked by the second locking mechanism. 9. The sheet conveying device according to claim 8, (Appendix 10) the sheet conveying device is an image forming apparatus, an image forming unit having a unit main body including an image carrier and a developer container; a transfer unit that transfers the developer image formed by the image forming unit onto a medium as a sheet; a fixing unit that fixes the developer image transferred to the medium by the transfer unit onto the medium; Equipped with 10. The sheet conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, (Appendix 11) the developer container is disposed in the first region, the unit main body and the transfer unit are disposed across the first area and the second area, The fixing unit is disposed in the second area. 11. The sheet conveying device according to claim 10, [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 1 Image forming apparatus (sheet conveying device), 10 ID unit (image forming unit, second component), 11 Photosensitive drum (image carrier), 12 Charging roller (charging member), 13 LED head (exposure head, exposure unit), 14 Development roller (developer carrier), 15 Supply roller (supply roller), 16 Unit body, 17 Toner cartridge (first component), 20 First cover, 20S First stacker section, 23L, 23R Shaft section (first connecting section), 25 First operating section, 25a First inclined surface, 25b Second inclined surface, 26 First link member, 27 Spring (first biasing member), 28 Second link member, 29 Spring (second biasing member), 30 Second cover, 30S Second stacker section, 34 Wall portion, 37L, 37R shaft portion (second connecting portion), 39L, 39R locking portion, 40 second operation portion, 41 pressing portion, 45 spring (second urging member), 50 housing (device main body), 51 front cover, 52 rear cover, 53, 54 side cover, 53a, 54a hole portion (second connecting portion), 55 operation panel, 60 head holder, 70 transfer unit, 80 fixing unit, 90 media cassette (media storage portion), 101 first area, 102 second area, 110 media supply portion, 120 media discharge portion, 123 discharge port (discharge portion), 140 first lock lever, 141 engagement portion, 145 spring (first urging member), 150 Second lock lever, 152L, 152R engagement portion, 153 abutment portion, 155 spring (second biasing member), 160 first operation portion, 170 first lock lever, 180 mating shaft (cover connecting portion), 183L, 183R mating portion, 185 connecting operation portion, 190 mating shaft (cover connecting portion), 192L, 192R mating portion, 301 mating hole.

Claims

1. an apparatus body including a sheet transport path; a first cover that covers a first region inside the device body; a second cover that covers a second region inside the device body; a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the first cover to the second cover; a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the second cover to the device body; a first locking mechanism that locks the first cover to the device body; a second locking mechanism that locks the second cover to the device body; a first operating portion provided on the first cover; Equipped with By operating the first operating portion, the first cover is unlocked by the first locking mechanism and the second cover is unlocked by the second locking mechanism. A sheet conveying device characterized by:

2. If the side of the device main body where the second connecting portion is provided is defined as the rear side and the opposite side is defined as the front side, the first cover is provided in front of the second cover.

2. The sheet transport device according to claim 1.

3. When the first operating portion is in a non-operating position, the second locking mechanism maintains a locked state of the second cover, and the first locking mechanism unlocks the first cover in response to a force applied to the first cover.

2. The sheet transport device according to claim 1.

4. a first link member that is linked to the first operating portion and engages with an engaging portion of the first locking mechanism; a first biasing member that biases the engaging portion of the first locking mechanism in a direction to engage with the first link member; 4. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. a second operating unit that unlocks the second cover by the second locking mechanism; a second link member that transmits operation of the first operating portion to the second operating portion; 4. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. When the first cover is opened, the second operating unit can be accessed.

6. The sheet transport device according to claim 5.

7. The cover further includes a cover connecting portion that connects the first cover and the second cover so that the relative angle between the first cover and the second cover does not change.

4. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet conveying device is a sheet conveying device.

8. an apparatus body including a sheet transport path; a first cover that covers a first region inside the device body; a second cover that covers a second region inside the device body; a first connecting portion that rotatably connects the first cover to the second cover; a second connecting portion that rotatably connects the second cover to the device body; a first locking mechanism that locks the first cover to the device body; a second locking mechanism that locks the second cover to the device body; a first operating portion provided on the first cover and configured to unlock the first cover by the first locking mechanism; a cover coupling portion that couples the first cover and the second cover so that a relative angle between them does not change and that releases the lock of the second cover by the second lock mechanism; a coupling operation portion provided on the first cover and configured to operate the cover coupling portion; A sheet conveying device comprising:

9. When the cover coupling portion is not coupling the first cover and the second cover together, the first locking mechanism unlocks the first cover in response to a force applied to the first cover while maintaining the second cover locked by the second locking mechanism.

9. The sheet transport device according to claim 8.

10. the sheet conveying device is an image forming apparatus, an image forming unit having a unit main body including an image carrier and a developer container; a transfer unit that transfers the developer image formed by the image forming unit onto a medium as a sheet; a fixing unit that fixes the developer image transferred to the medium by the transfer unit onto the medium; Equipped with 10. The sheet transport device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 8 or 9.

11. the developer container is disposed in the first region, the unit main body and the transfer unit are disposed across the first area and the second area, The fixing unit is disposed in the second area.

11. The sheet transport device according to claim 10.

Images