Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent a cover for a substrate constituting an outer surface of an image forming apparatus from being removed by a user during printing.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes a body housing 10 in which a first opening (rear opening 11) and a second opening 12 are formed, a first cover (rear cover 20), a second cover 30, and a substrate 50. The first cover and the second cover 30 constitute an outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1. The first cover can take a closed state in which the first opening is covered and an open state in which the first opening is opened. The second cover 30 can take a closed state of covering the second opening 12 and an open state of opening the second opening 12. The substrate 50 is attachable to and detachable from the main casing 10 through the second opening 12. The second cover 30 is exposed to the outside of the main housing 10 when the first cover is in the closed state. The first cover has a regulation part 22 for regulating the movement of the second cover 30 from the closed state to the open state. The restriction part 22 overlaps with a part of the second cover 30 when viewed from the mounting direction of the substrate 50 when the first cover is in the closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been known that includes a wireless communication board, a board cover that covers the wireless communication board, and a front cover that covers the entire board cover (see Patent Document 1). When the front cover is closed, it covers the entire board cover, and when it is open, it exposes the board cover to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-95138 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art, the front cover completely covers the board cover when it is closed, preventing the user from accidentally removing the board cover to access the board during printing. However, if the board cover is exposed to the outside when the front cover is closed, that is, if the board cover forms the outer surface of the image forming device, there is a possibility that the user may accidentally remove the board cover to access the board during printing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to prevent a user from accidentally removing a cover for a board during printing in a structure in which the cover for the board forms the outer surface of an image forming apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes an image forming unit, a main body housing, a first cover, a second cover, and a board. The main body housing accommodates the image forming unit and has a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first cover forms an outer surface of the image forming apparatus and can be in a closed state in which it covers the first opening, and an open state in which it exposes the first opening. The second cover forms an outer surface of the image forming apparatus and can be in a closed state in which it covers the second opening, and an open state in which it exposes the second opening. The substrate is attachable to and detachable from the main body housing through the second opening. The second cover is exposed to the outside of the main body housing when the first cover is in the closed state. The first cover has a restricting portion. The restricting portion restricts the second cover from moving from the closed state to the open state. When the first cover is in the closed state, the restricting portion overlaps with a part of the second cover when viewed from the mounting direction of the board.

[0007] By configuring the restricting portion to overlap with part of the second cover when the first cover is in the closed state, the restricting portion prevents the second cover from being opened, thereby preventing the second cover for the board from being accidentally removed by the user during printing.

[0008] Furthermore, when the first cover is in the closed state, the restricting portion may come into contact with the second cover.

[0009] By configuring the restricting portion to come into contact with the second cover when the first cover is in the closed state, even if the user accidentally tries to open the second cover during printing, the second cover will not move due to contact with the restricting portion, and the second cover can be maintained in the closed state.

[0010] The first cover may have a cover body that covers the first opening, and the restricting portion may protrude from the cover body.

[0011] The first cover may be a rear cover that exposes the sheet transport path to the outside of the main body housing when in the open state.

[0012] The rear cover may be rotatable between a closed position corresponding to the closed state, a first open position rotated a first angle from the closed position, and a second open position corresponding to the open state and rotated a second angle from the closed position that is greater than the first angle, and may be capable of supporting a sheet discharged from the first opening when in the first open position.

[0013] When the rear cover is in the first open position, the restricting portion may overlap a part of the second cover when viewed from the mounting direction.

[0014] By configuring the restricting portion to overlap with part of the second cover when viewed from the mounting direction even when the rear cover is in the first open position, the restricting portion can prevent the user from accessing the second cover when printing with the rear cover in the first open position, thereby preventing the second cover from being accidentally removed by the user when printing.

[0015] The image forming apparatus may further include a first sensor that changes state when the rear cover rotates from the first open position to the second open position, a second sensor that changes state when the rear cover rotates from the closed position to the first open position, and a control unit, and the control unit may determine whether the rear cover is in the closed position, the first open position, or the second open position based on information from the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0016] By configuring the control unit to determine the three positions of the rear cover based on information from the first sensor and the second sensor, costs can be reduced compared to a configuration in which, for example, three sensors are used to determine the three positions of the rear cover.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit may stop the supply of power to the board when it determines that the rear cover is located in the second open position.

[0018] The image forming apparatus may also include a lever whose position changes in conjunction with the rotation of the rear cover, the lever switching the states of both the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0019] The image forming apparatus may further include a double-sided conveying tray that has a sheet conveying path during double-sided printing and is detachable from the main body housing, and the double-sided conveying tray may include a lever.

[0020] By configuring the double-sided transport tray to include a lever, the attachment / detachment state of the double-sided transport tray can be determined based on information from the first sensor or the second sensor.

[0021] The substrate may have a terminal for connection to an external device, and the second cover may have an opening for exposing the terminal to the outside of the main body housing.

[0022] The second cover may be connected to the board and may be removable together with the board from the main body housing.

[0023] By configuring the second cover so that it can be removed from the main body housing together with the board, the work of replacing the board can be simplified.

[0024] The substrate may also have a mounting surface on which electronic components are mounted, the mounting surface being aligned with the mounting direction.

[0025] By configuring the mounting surface of the board to be aligned with the mounting direction, the second opening for attaching and detaching the board can be made smaller, and therefore the second cover can be made smaller, compared to a configuration in which the mounting surface is perpendicular to the mounting direction, for example.

[0026] The image forming apparatus may further include a double-sided conveying tray having a sheet conveying path during double-sided printing, the double-sided conveying tray being detachable from the main body housing, and the double-sided conveying tray may have a first cover.

[0027] The second cover may also have a metal plate and a resin cover that covers at least a part of the metal plate from the outside of the main body housing.

[0028] By configuring the second cover to have a metal plate, the metal plate can block electromagnetic waves directed toward the board.

[0029] The image forming apparatus may further include a sensor that switches states when the first cover moves from a closed state to an open state, and a control unit, and the control unit may stop supplying power to the board when it determines, based on information from the sensor, that the first cover has moved from a closed state to an open state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] In a structure in which the cover for the substrate constitutes the outer surface of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent a user from accidentally removing the cover for the substrate during printing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus with the rear cover open and the second cover removed. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing positions of the rear cover, with FIG. 10A showing the closed position, FIG. 10B showing the first open position, and FIG. 10C showing the second open position. [Figure 4] These are views of the image forming device viewed from the mounting direction, with (a) showing the rear cover in the closed position, (b) showing the rear cover in the first open position, and (c) showing the rear cover in the second open position. [Figure 5] 5(a) is a perspective view showing the positions where the first sensor and the second sensor are provided, FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed circle in FIG. 5(a), and FIG. 5(c) is a view showing the positional relationship between the first sensor and the second sensor and the position when the sensor lever is in the ON state. [Figure 6] 10A is a diagram showing the state of the first sensor when the rear cover is in the closed position, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the state of the second sensor when the rear cover is in the closed position. [Figure 7]10A is a diagram showing the state of the first sensor when the rear cover is located at the first open position, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the state of the second sensor when the rear cover is located at the first open position. [Figure 8] 10A is a diagram showing the state of the first sensor when the rear cover is located at the second open position, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the state of the second sensor when the rear cover is located at the second open position. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between each position of the rear cover and the state of each sensor. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second cover is integrally connected to a substrate. FIG. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing a configuration in which the second cover is made up of a resin cover and a metal plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] [First embodiment] Next, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit (not shown), a main body housing 10, a rear cover 20 as an example of a first cover, a second cover 30, a double-sided conveying tray 40, and a substrate 50. The rear cover 20, the second cover 30, and the double-sided conveying tray 40 are made of resin.

[0033] The image forming unit has the function of forming an image on a sheet. The image forming unit includes an exposure device, a development device, a photosensitive drum, and a transfer roller (not shown), and a fixing device 60 shown in FIG. 2. The exposure device exposes the photosensitive drum. The development device supplies toner to the photosensitive drum. The transfer roller transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum to the sheet. The fixing device 60 fixes the toner image on the sheet.

[0034] The main body housing 10 houses the image forming unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body housing 10 is formed with a rear opening 11 as an example of a first opening, a second opening 12, and a tray opening 13 (see FIG. 1). The rear opening 11 is an opening that exposes a sheet discharge outlet of the fixing device 60 to the outside. The second opening 12 is an opening through which the substrate 50 can pass. As shown in FIG. 1, the tray opening 13 is an opening through which the double-sided conveying tray 40 can pass.

[0035] The double-sided conveying tray 40 is a tray that has a sheet conveying path during double-sided printing. The double-sided conveying tray 40 is detachable from the main body housing 10 through the tray opening 13. More specifically, the double-sided conveying tray 40 is supported on the main body housing 10 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction, and is removed from the main body housing 10 by the user by pulling it out backward. The double-sided conveying tray 40 has a tray cover 41. The tray cover 41 can be in a closed state that covers the tray opening 13, or in an open state that exposes the tray opening 13.

[0036] The rear cover 20, the second cover 30, and the tray cover 41 form the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the rear cover 20, the second cover 30, and the tray cover 41 form the outer surface of the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] The rear cover 20 can be in a closed state in which it covers the rear opening 11, or in an open state in which it opens the rear opening 11. When in the open state, the rear cover 20 exposes the sheet transport path to the outside of the main body housing 10. More specifically, when in the open state, the rear cover 20 exposes to the outside the transport guide 25 downstream of the fixing device 60 in the sheet transport direction.

[0038] The rear cover 20 is rotatable between a closed position shown in Fig. 3(a), a first open position shown in Fig. 3(b), and a second open position shown in Fig. 3(c). The closed position corresponds to the closed state, and the rear cover 20 covers the rear opening 11 when positioned in the closed position.

[0039] The first open position is a position rotated a first angle from the closed position. When the rear cover 20 is located at the first open position, it can support a sheet discharged from the rear opening 11 via an outer chute 90 shown in FIG. 5. The lower end of the outer chute 90 is rotatably supported by the main body housing 10, and the upper end is rotatably supported by the rear cover 20. When the rear cover 20 is rotated from the closed position to the first open position, the outer chute 90 falls backward from the position shown in FIG. 5 and can support the sheet. For example, when performing straight transport in which a sheet supplied into the main body housing 10 from a manual feed tray provided on the front side of the main body housing 10 is discharged from the rear opening 11, the rear cover 20 is located at the first open position.

[0040] An outer chute 90 (see FIG. 5(a)) serving as a holding member for holding the rear cover 20 in the first open position is provided between the rear cover 20 and the main housing 10. One end of the outer chute 90 is rotatably connected to the main housing 10, and the other end is rotatably connected to the rear cover 20.

[0041] The second open position corresponds to the open state and is a position rotated a second angle from the closed position that is greater than the first angle. When the rear cover 20 is positioned at the second open position, the rear cover 20 exposes the conveyance path downstream of the fixing device 60 in the sheet conveyance direction to the outside. The rear cover 20 can be rotated from the first open position to the second open position by the user removing the outer chute 90 from the rear cover 20.

[0042] 1 and 2, the board 50 is a board for controlling the image forming unit. The board 50 is detachable from the main body housing 10 in the front-rear direction through the second opening 12 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the board 50 is supported by the main body housing 10 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and is removed from the main body housing 10 by the user by pulling it out backward.

[0043] The substrate 50 has a control unit 51 and terminals 52 as electronic components, and a mounting surface 50A on which the control unit 51 and terminals 52 are mounted. The terminals 52 are terminals that are connected to an external device (not shown). The mounting surface 50A is aligned with the mounting direction of the substrate 50.

[0044] The second cover 30 can be in a closed state in which it covers the second opening 12, or in an open state in which it opens the second opening 12. The second cover 30 is detachable from the main body housing 10. The second cover 30 is exposed to the outside of the main body housing 10 when the rear cover 20 is in a closed state. The second cover 30 is exposed to the outside of the main body housing 10 even when the rear cover 20 is in an open state. The second cover 30 is located upstream of the board 50 in the mounting direction of the board 50.

[0045] The second cover 30 has an opening 31 and a recess 32. In other words, the second cover 30 has the opening 31 and the recess 32 formed therein. The opening 31 exposes the terminals 52 of the substrate 50 to the outside of the main body housing 10 . The recess 32 is located above the opening 31. The recess 32 is recessed forward from the rear surface of the second cover 30.

[0046] The rear cover 20 includes a cover body 21 and a restricting portion 22 . The cover body 21 is a portion that covers the rear opening 11.

[0047] The restricting portion 22 is a portion for restricting the movement of the second cover 30 from the closed state to the open state. When the rear cover 20 is in the closed state, the restricting portion 22 overlaps with a part of the second cover 30 when viewed from the mounting direction of the board 50 (see also FIG. 4(a)).

[0048] The restricting portion 22 protrudes in the left-right direction from the upper end of the cover main body 21. In other words, the restricting portion 22 protrudes from the edge of the cover main body 21 on the second cover 30 side.

[0049] When the rear cover 20 is in the closed state, the restricting portion 22 enters the recess 32 of the second cover 30. This allows the outer surface of the rear cover 20 and the outer surface of the second cover 30 to be substantially flush with each other.

[0050] When the rear cover 20 is in the closed state, the restricting portion 22 comes into contact with the second cover 30. More specifically, when the rear cover 20 is in the closed state, the restricting portion 22 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the recess 32.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4(b), when the rear cover 20 is in the first open position, the restricting portion 22 overlaps with a part of the second cover 30 when viewed from the mounting direction. As shown in Fig. 4(c), when the rear cover 20 is in the second open position, the restricting portion 22 does not overlap with the second cover 30 when viewed from the mounting direction.

[0052] 5(a) and 5(b), the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a first sensor 61 and a second sensor 62. The first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are sensors for detecting the position of the rear cover 20 and the attachment and detachment of the double-sided conveying tray 40. The first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are provided in the main body housing 10.

[0053] 1 and 5(a), the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are located below the left-right ends of the double-sided conveying tray 40. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 both have a rotatable sensor lever SL.

[0054] Both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are in the OFF state when the sensor lever SL is positioned above the position shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 5(c). Both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are in the ON state when the sensor lever SL is positioned at the position shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 5(c) or below the position shown by the imaginary line.

[0055] 5(b) and 6(a) and (b), the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are located at different positions in the left-right direction. The first sensor 61 is located above and behind the second sensor 62. By shifting the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 in the up-down direction, the timing at which the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 switch between the ON state and the OFF state when the rear cover 20 is opened or closed differs between the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62.

[0056] 6(a), the double-sided conveying tray 40 includes a lever 70 that switches the states of both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62. The lever 70 includes a rotatable shaft 71, a first arm 72 that extends from the shaft 71 toward the rear cover 20, and a second arm 73 that extends from the shaft 71 toward the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62.

[0057] The lever 70 is biased clockwise in the figure by a spring 80. More specifically, the lever 70 is biased by the spring 80 in a direction in which the first arm 72 is pressed against the rear cover 20. This allows the position of the lever 70 to change in conjunction with the rotation of the rear cover 20 (see FIGS. 6 to 8).

[0058] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), when the rear cover 20 is in the closed position, the first arm 72 of the lever 70 comes into contact with the rear cover 20, and the second arm 73 comes into contact with both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62, so that both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are in the ON state.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), when the rear cover 20 is in the first open position, the first arm 72 of the lever 70 contacts the rear cover 20, and the second arm 73 contacts the first sensor 61 but not the second sensor 62, so that the first sensor 61 is in the ON state and the second sensor 62 is in the OFF state.

[0060] 8(a) and (b), when the rear cover 20 is in the second open position, the first arm 72 of the lever 70 is disengaged from the rear cover 20 and the second arm 73 is out of contact with both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62, so that both the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are in the OFF state. When the rear cover 20 is in the second open position, the lever 70 is engaged with the engaging portion 15 of the main body housing 10, so that the lever 70 is maintained in the position shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0061] FIG. 9 is a table showing the relationship between the position of the rear cover 20 and the states of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62. As shown in FIG. The state of the first sensor 61 changes when the rear cover 20 rotates from the first open position to the second open position. Specifically, the first sensor 61 changes from an ON state to an OFF state while the rear cover 20 rotates from the first open position to the second open position.

[0062] The state of the second sensor 62 changes when the rear cover 20 rotates from the closed position to the first open position. Specifically, the second sensor 62 changes from an ON state to an OFF state while the rear cover 20 rotates from the closed position to the first open position.

[0063] The control unit 51 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, an input / output circuit, etc. Based on information from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62, the control unit 51 determines whether the rear cover 20 is in the closed position, the first open position, or the second open position.

[0064] 9, when the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are both ON, the control unit 51 determines that the rear cover 20 is located in the closed position. When the first sensor 61 is ON and the second sensor 62 is OFF, the control unit 51 determines that the rear cover 20 is located in the first open position. When the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62 are both OFF, the control unit 51 determines that the rear cover 20 is located in the second open position.

[0065] The control unit 51 has a function of controlling the power supply to the board 50 in accordance with the position of the rear cover 20. Specifically, the control unit 51 executes the process shown in FIG.

[0066] 10, the control unit 51 first determines whether the rear cover 20 is located in the second open position (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the rear cover 20 is located in the second open position (Yes), the control unit 51 stops the supply of power to the board 50 (S2) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S1 that the rear cover 20 is not located in the second open position (No), the control unit 51 supplies power to the board 50 (S3) and ends this process.

[0067] Next, the function and effect of the restricting portion 22 will be described. 1, when the rear cover 20 is in the closed position, the restricting portion 22 overlaps and contacts a portion of the second cover 30. Therefore, even if a user attempts to remove the second cover 30 during printing, the restricting portion 22 restricts the second cover 30 from moving, thereby preventing the second cover 30 from being accidentally removed by the user during printing.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3(b), when straight transport is performed with the rear cover 20 positioned in the first open position, the restricting portion 22 overlaps with a portion of the second cover 30 as viewed from the mounting direction of the circuit board 50, as shown in FIG. 4(b). As a result, when a user attempts to access the second cover 30 during straight transport, the restricting portion 22 obstructs the access. Furthermore, when the rear cover is positioned in the first open position, the distance between the restricting portion 22 and the second cover 30 in the mounting direction is shorter than the length of the circuit board 50 in the mounting direction, so there is no space to remove the second cover 30 and the circuit board 50 in the mounting direction. This prevents the second cover 30 from being accidentally removed.

[0069] 4(d), when the rear cover 20 is positioned in the second open position, the restricting portion 22 does not overlap with the second cover 30 when viewed from the mounting direction of the board 50. As a result, when the user removes the second cover 30, the restricting portion 22 does not get in the way, making it easy to replace the board 50.

[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the restricting portion 22 to overlap a part of the second cover 30 when the rear cover 20 is in the closed state, the restricting portion 22 restricts the second cover 30 from being opened, thereby preventing the second cover 30 for the board from being accidentally removed by the user during printing.

[0071] By configuring the restricting part 22 to come into contact with the second cover 30 when the rear cover 20 is in the closed state, even if a user tries to open the second cover 30 by mistake during printing, the second cover 30 does not move due to contact with the restricting part 22, so the second cover 30 can be maintained in the closed state.

[0072] By configuring the restricting portion 22 to overlap a part of the second cover 30 when viewed from the mounting direction when the rear cover 20 is in the first open position, the restricting portion 22 can prevent the user from accessing the second cover 30 when printing with the rear cover 20 in the first open position, thereby preventing the second cover 30 from being accidentally removed by the user when printing.

[0073] By configuring the control unit 51 to determine the three positions of the rear cover 20 based on information from the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62, costs can be reduced compared to a configuration in which, for example, three sensors are used to determine the three positions of the rear cover.

[0074] By configuring the double-sided conveying tray 40 to include the lever 70, the attached / detached state of the double-sided conveying tray 40 can be determined based on information from the first sensor 61 or the second sensor 62.

[0075] By configuring the mounting surface 50A of the substrate 50 to be in line with the mounting direction, the second opening 12 for attaching and detaching the substrate 50 can be made smaller than, for example, a configuration in which the mounting surface is perpendicular to the mounting direction, and therefore the second cover 30 can be made smaller.

[0076] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the first embodiment described above, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0077] 11, an image forming apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment includes a rear cover 220, a second cover 230, and a double-sided conveying tray 240, which are partially different in structure from those of the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the rear cover 220 does not have a restricting portion 22.

[0078] In this embodiment, the double-sided conveying tray 240 has a tray cover 241 as an example of a first cover. In this embodiment, the tray opening 13 corresponds to the first opening.

[0079] The tray cover 241 has a cover main body 241A and a restricting portion 241B. The cover body 241A covers the tray opening 13.

[0080] The restricting portion 241B protrudes from the edge of the cover main body 241A on the side of the second cover 230. The restricting portion 241B overlaps with a part of the second cover 230, specifically the lower end portion, when viewed from the mounting direction of the board 50.

[0081] The second cover 230 has an opening 31 and a recess 32 that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the recess 32 is located below the opening 31. When the tray cover 241 is in the closed state, the restricting portion 241B enters the recess 32 and comes into contact with the bottom surface of the recess 32.

[0082] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the restricting portion 241B to overlap a part of the second cover 230 when the tray cover 241 is in the closed state, the restricting portion 241B restricts the second cover 230 from being opened, thereby preventing the second cover 230 for the board from being accidentally removed by the user during printing.

[0083] When the user removes the double-sided conveying tray 240 from the main body housing 10 and places the double-sided conveying tray 240 on, for example, the installation surface on which the main body housing 10 is installed, the tray cover 241 enters an open state that opens the tray opening 13. When the tray cover 241 is in the open state, the restricting portion 241B does not overlap with the second cover 230 when viewed from the installation direction of the board 50, so the user can easily remove the second cover 230 from the main body housing 10 and easily replace the board 50.

[0084] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below. In the following description, members having substantially the same structure as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0085] 12, the second cover 30 may be connected to the substrate 50 and may be removable together with the substrate 50 from the main body housing 10. The second cover 30 may be directly connected to the substrate 50, or may be indirectly connected to the substrate 50 via another member.

[0086] By configuring the second cover 30 so that it can be removed from the main body housing 10 together with the board 50, the replacement work of the board 50 can be simplified.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), the second cover 430 may have a metal plate 431 and a resin cover 432 having the same structure as the second cover 30 of the first embodiment. The metal plate 431 has an opening 431A. The opening 431A is an opening that exposes the terminals 52 of the board 50 to the outside of the main body housing 10. The opening 431A has substantially the same shape and size as the opening 31 of the resin cover 432. The terminals 52 of the board 50 are exposed through the two openings 431A and 31. It is exposed to the outside through

[0088] The resin cover 432 covers at least a portion of the metal plate 431 from the outside of the main body casing 10. In this embodiment, the resin cover 432 covers the entire metal plate 431 from the outside. The resin cover 432 is fixed to the metal plate 431.

[0089] By configuring the second cover 430 to have the metal plate 431, the metal plate 431 can block electromagnetic waves directed toward the substrate 50.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the opening and closing of the first cover is determined using two sensors, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 62. However, for example, the opening and closing of the first cover may be determined using only one sensor. Specifically, the opening and closing of the first cover may be determined using only the first sensor 61 in the above embodiment, or the opening and closing of the first cover may be determined using only the second sensor 62.

[0091] Specifically, the sensor may be a sensor that switches states when the first cover moves from a closed state to an open state. In this case, the control unit may stop the supply of power to the board on the condition that it determines, based on information from the sensor, that the first cover has moved from a closed state to an open state.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the restricting portion 22 is provided at the tip end portion of the rear cover 20 far from the rotation axis, but the restricting portion may be arranged at the base end portion opposite the tip end portion of the rear cover. In particular, when the restricting portion is arranged at the base end portion of the rear cover, the distance between the restricting portion and the second cover in the attachment direction can be made smaller when the rear cover is in the first open position compared to when the restricting portion is arranged at the tip end portion, and therefore the restricting portion can suppress movement of the second cover.

[0093] The image forming apparatus is not limited to a printer, but may be, for example, a copying machine or a multifunction machine.

[0094] The first cover and the second cover may constitute any of the outer surfaces of the front, top, left and right sides of the image forming apparatus.

[0095] When the first cover is in the closed state, the restricting portion may not be in contact with the second cover. Specifically, when the first cover is in the closed state, a small gap may be formed between the restricting portion and the second cover in the attachment direction.

[0096] The lever may be provided on the main body housing.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the first cover is configured to move the sensor via a lever, but for example, the first cover may move the sensor by directly contacting the sensor.

[0098] The sensor is not limited to a sensor having a sensor lever SL, but may be, for example, an optical sensor.

[0099] The rear cover 20 may be configured to be able to rotate from the first open position to the second open position without removing the outer chute 90 from the rear cover 20.

[0100] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Image forming device 10 Main unit housing 11 Rear opening 12 Second opening 20 Rear cover 22 Regulatory Department 30 Second Cover 50 boards

Claims

1. an image forming unit; a main body housing that houses the image forming unit and has a first opening and a second opening; a first cover that forms an outer surface of the image forming apparatus and that can be in a closed state that covers the first opening and an open state that opens the first opening; a second cover that forms an outer surface of the image forming apparatus and that can be in a closed state that covers the second opening and an open state that opens the second opening; a substrate that is detachable from the main body housing through the second opening; Equipped with the second cover is exposed to the outside of the main body housing when the first cover is in a closed state; The first cover is An image forming apparatus characterized by having a regulating portion that regulates the second cover from moving from a closed state to an open state, and that overlaps with a portion of the second cover when viewed from the mounting direction of the board when the first cover is in the closed state.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion contacts the second cover when the first cover is in a closed state.

3. the first cover has a cover body that covers the first opening, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the restricting portion protrudes from the cover body.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cover is a rear cover that exposes a sheet transport path to the outside of the main body housing when the first cover is in an open state.

5. The rear cover is the switch is rotatable between a closed position corresponding to the closed state, a first open position rotated by a first angle from the closed position, and a second open position corresponding to the open state and rotated by a second angle from the closed position that is larger than the first angle, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the image forming apparatus is located at the first open position, the image forming apparatus is capable of supporting a sheet discharged from the first opening.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the rear cover is located in the first open position, the restricting portion overlaps with a part of the second cover when viewed from the mounting direction.

7. a first sensor whose state changes when the rear cover rotates from the first open position to the second open position; a second sensor whose state changes when the rear cover rotates from the closed position to the first open position; a control unit, The control unit 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the rear cover is located in any one of the closed position, the first open position, and the second open position based on information from the first sensor and the second sensor.

8. The control unit 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when it is determined that the rear cover is located at the second open position, the power supply to the circuit board is stopped.

9. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a lever whose position changes in conjunction with the rotation of the rear cover, and which switches the states of both the first sensor and the second sensor.

10. The printer further includes a double-sided conveying tray having a sheet conveying path during double-sided printing, the double-sided conveying tray being detachable from the main body housing; The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the double-sided conveying tray includes the lever.

11. the substrate has a terminal for connection to an external device; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second cover has an opening for exposing the terminals to the outside of the main body housing.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second cover is connected to the board and is removable from the main body housing together with the board.

13. The substrate is 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting surface on which electronic components are mounted, the mounting surface being aligned with the mounting direction.

14. The printer further includes a double-sided conveying tray having a sheet conveying path during double-sided printing, the double-sided conveying tray being detachable from the main body housing; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the double-sided conveying tray has the first cover.

15. The second cover is A metal plate; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a resin cover that covers at least a part of the metal plate from the outside of the main body housing.

16. a sensor that switches states when the first cover moves from a closed state toward an open state; a control unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops supplying power to the circuit board when it determines, based on information from the sensor, that the first cover has moved from a closed state to an open state.

Images