Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming device capable of easily taking out a medium from a discharge tray.SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with an image forming part 2 for forming an image on a medium and discharging the medium on which the image is formed to a discharge tray 5 provided on the upper part, and the image forming device is provided rotatably between a closed position facing the discharge tray 5 across a discharge space S of the medium and an open position P2 for opening the discharge space S in the upper part of the image forming part 2. The image forming apparatus includes a reading unit 3 that reads an image on a document in a state of being disposed at a closed position P1, an urging support unit 20 that is provided between the image forming unit 2 and the reading unit 3 and urges the reading unit 3 from the closed position toward an open position P2, and a rotation control unit 30 that engages with the reading unit 3 disposed at the closed position and restricts rotation of the reading unit 3 toward the open position P2 that receives an urging force of the urging support unit 20. When the medium is discharged to the discharge tray 5, the rotation control portion 30 releases the engagement with the reading portion 3 and allows the reading portion 3 to rotate toward the open position P2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is known an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper (medium) and an image reading unit that is rotatably mounted on the image forming unit and reads the image (Patent Document 1). In this image forming apparatus, a user can easily remove recording paper that has been discharged onto the top surface of the image forming unit (discharge tray cover) by opening the image reading unit upward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-19082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned technology, the user must manually open the image reading unit, which poses a problem in that it is time-consuming to remove the recording paper (medium) from the paper discharge tray cover.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that allows a medium to be easily removed from an ejection tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises an imaging unit that forms an image on a medium and discharges the medium with the image formed on it to an output tray provided above it; a reading unit that is rotatable above the imaging unit between a closed position in which it faces the output tray across an output space for the medium and an open position in which it opens the output space, and that reads an image on a document when it is positioned in the closed position; a biasing support portion that is provided between the imaging unit and the reading unit and biases the reading unit from the closed position toward the open position; and a rotation control portion that engages with the reading unit when it is positioned in the closed position and regulates the rotation of the reading unit toward the open position when it receives the biasing force of the biasing support portion; when the medium is discharged to the output tray, the rotation control portion disengages from the reading unit and allows the reading unit to rotate toward the open position.

[0007] In this case, the media include a first medium that is removed from the discharge tray when the reading unit is in the open position, and a second medium that is removed from the discharge tray when the reading unit is in the closed position, and the rotation control unit disengages from the reading unit only when the first medium is discharged to the discharge tray.

[0008] In this case, the rotation control section includes: an engaging section that is provided in the imaging section and is supported rotatably between an engaging position where the engaging section engages with an engaged section provided in the reading section when the reading section is placed at the closed position and a disengaging position where the engaging section disengages from the engaged section; a first media detection section that is rotatable between a first protruding position where at least a part of a first detection plate protrudes above the discharge tray and a first buried position where the first detection plate, pressed by the first medium or the second medium discharged to the discharge tray, is buried in the discharge tray; and a second media detection section that is rotatable between a second protruding position where at least a part of a second detection plate protrudes above the discharge tray and a second buried position where the second detection plate, pressed only by the second medium discharged to the discharge tray, is buried in the discharge tray. a first transmission unit connected to the first media detection unit, which, when the first media detection unit is positioned at the first protruding position, engages with the engaging unit positioned at the engaging position to restrict rotation of the engaging unit toward the detached position, and, when the first media detection unit is positioned at the first buried position, disengages from the engaging unit to allow rotation of the engaging unit toward the detached position; and a second transmission unit connected to the second media detection unit, which, when the second media detection unit is positioned at the second protruding position, disengages from the engaging unit to allow rotation of the engaging unit toward the detached position, and, when the second media detection unit is positioned at the second buried position, engages with the engaging unit positioned at the engagement position to restrict rotation of the engaging unit toward the detached position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the media can be easily removed from the discharge tray. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing a state in which a reading unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is closed; [Figure 3]1 is a side view showing a state in which a reading unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is open; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an upper portion of an image forming unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rotation control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a rotation control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of a rotation control section of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a first medium detection section is disposed in a first buried position. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation control section of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the engagement section has returned to the engagement position under its own weight. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a side view of a rotation control section of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which first and second medium detection sections are arranged at first and second recessed positions. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that Fr, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings indicate front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom. The front-to-back, left-to-right, and top-to-bottom directions are perpendicular to one another. Terms indicating directions and positions are used in this specification, but these terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in each drawing, the dimensions and angles of components are not necessarily accurate and are merely schematic for the purpose of explaining the embodiment.

[0012] An image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2 is a side view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with the reading unit 3 closed. Figure 3 is a side view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with the reading unit 3 open. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the upper part of the imaging unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 2 that forms an image on a medium 9 (for example, a sheet of paper or a resin sheet), and a reading unit 3 that reads an image on a document (not shown).

[0014] [Image creation department] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 2 includes a device main body 4 with a generally rectangular parallelepiped exterior. The device main body 4 includes, for example, a metal frame and a synthetic resin exterior member fixed to the frame (none of which are shown). The imaging unit 2 includes a toner container, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, a transfer roller, an optical scanning device, a fixing device, and other components (none of which are shown) and forms an image on a medium 9 using an electrophotographic method. Multiple supply cassettes (not shown) are detachably mounted at the bottom of the device main body 4. Each of the multiple supply cassettes accommodates media 9 of different sizes. In this specification, small media 9, such as A5 or A6 size, are referred to as "first media 9A," and relatively large media 9, such as A4 or legal size, are referred to as "second media 9B." In descriptions common to both the first and second media 9A and 9B, they are simply referred to as "media 9" and are designated by Arabic numerals.

[0015] An output tray 5 that receives the medium 9 on which an image has been formed is provided at the top of the device main body 4. The output tray 5 is an inclined surface (curved surface) that slopes upward from the rear to the middle in the front-to-rear direction, and then slopes gently downward from the middle to the front end (see Figures 2 to 4). The imaging unit 2 forms an image on the medium 9 sent out from the supply cassette, and discharges the medium 9 with the image formed onto the output tray 5.

[0016] A housing protrusion 4A that supports the reading unit 3 is integrally formed with the device body 4 on the top of the device body 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing protrusion 4A protrudes upward from the top surface of the device body 4 and is formed in a generally U-shape with an open front when viewed from above. The housing protrusion 4A is provided to surround most of the discharge tray 5. An ejection opening (not shown) is formed in the front surface (vertical surface) of the rear housing protrusion 4A, through which the image-formed medium 9 is ejected to the discharge tray 5. The first medium 9A and the second medium 9B are ejected with their left-right (width) centers approximately aligned with the left-right center of the discharge tray 5 (see FIG. 4).

[0017] The image creating unit 2 may form a full-color image or a monochrome image on the medium 9. The image creating unit 2 is a printer that forms images using an electrophotographic method, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a printer that forms images using an inkjet method. The image creating unit 2 is not limited to a printer and may be, for example, a facsimile machine, a copier, or the like.

[0018] [Reading unit] 1 to 3, the reading unit 3 includes a reading device 6 disposed above the image creating unit 2 and a document cover 7 disposed above the reading device 6. The reading device 6 optically reads an image of a document. The document cover 7 holds down a document set on the reading device 6.

[0019] <Reading device> The reading device 6 is supported via a pair of first pivotal supports 6A (see FIG. 3) provided on the rear upper surface of the housing protrusion 4A. The reading device 6 is disposed on top of the housing protrusion 4A, and forms an ejection space S between it and the ejection tray 5 for stacking media 9 (see FIG. 1). The reading device 6 includes a scanning unit, a reflection unit, an image sensor, etc. (none of which are shown), and converts the image information of the optically read document into an electrical signal. The top surface of the reading device 6 is a glass surface (not shown) on which the document to be read is placed.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reading unit 3 (reading device 6, document cover 7) is provided above the imaging unit 2 and is rotatable between a closed position P1 and an open position P2. When the reading unit 3 (reading device 6) is positioned at the closed position P1, it assumes a substantially horizontal position facing the discharge tray 5 across the discharge space S for the medium 9 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). When the reading unit 3 (reading device 6) is positioned at the open position P2, it flips up its front portion around the first pivot portion 6A as a fulcrum, assuming an inclined position that opens the discharge space S (see FIG. 3). In principle, when the reading unit 3 (reading device 6) is positioned at the closed position P1, the imaging unit 2 performs an image formation process, and the reading unit 3 performs a process of reading an image on a document.

[0021] <Manuscript cover> The document cover 7 is rotatably supported via a pair of second pivotal support portions 7A (see Figures 2 and 3 (only one is shown)) provided on the upper rear surface of the reading device 6. When the document cover 7 is closed, it covers the entire glass surface of the reading device 6. The document cover 7 opens the glass surface of the reading device 6 by flipping up the front portion with the second pivotal support portions 7A as a fulcrum. The document cover 7 is opened when a document is placed on or removed from the glass surface of the reading device 6. When the reading device 6 reads an image of a document placed on the glass surface, the document cover 7 is closed to press down on the document on the glass surface.

[0022] In the reading unit 3 described above, the document cover 7 is provided openably and closably on the top of the reading device 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an automatic document feeder (not shown) having the function of the document cover 7 and the function of transporting the document to the reading position by the reading device 6 may be provided openably and closably on the top of the reading device 6.

[0023] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the reading unit 3 is disposed so as to cover the top of the discharge tray 5, and only the front of the discharge space S is open (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, in response to market demands for a more compact image forming apparatus 1, the overall height of the image forming apparatus 1 is reduced, and the distance between the discharge tray 5 and the reading unit 3 (the height of the discharge space S) is also set small (short). Even when the discharge space S is set low, the large second medium 9B is exposed forward from the discharge space S or is discharged near the opening of the discharge space S (see FIG. 4), allowing the user to easily remove the medium 9 without reaching deep into the discharge space S. In contrast, the small first medium 9A is stacked on the discharge tray 5 at the deep (rear) side of the discharge space S (see FIG. 4), making it impossible for the user to remove the first medium 9A without reaching deep into the discharge space S. Furthermore, the low height of the discharge space S makes it difficult for the user to reach deep into the discharge space S. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a removal assist structure 10 that opens the ejection space S (exposes the ejection tray 5) when the small first medium 9A is ejected onto the ejection tray 5.

[0024] [Ejecting auxiliary structure] The removal assist structure 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the rotation control section 30. Figure 6 is a side view showing the rotation control section 30. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6.

[0025] 2 and 3, the removal assist structure 10 includes a biasing support part 20 and a rotation control part 30. The biasing support part 20 biases the reading part 3 from the closed position P1 (see FIG. 2) toward the open position P2 (see FIG. 3). The rotation control part 30 controls the rotation of the reading part 3 that receives the biasing force of the biasing support part 20.

[0026] <Using support part> 2 to 4, the biasing support part 20 is configured to be able to be housed in a housing recess 11 formed in the left housing protrusion 4A, and is installed between the imaging unit 2 and the reading unit 3. The housing recess 11 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped depression with an opening on the top surface of the left housing protrusion 4A. The biasing support part 20 has a first damper arm 21, a second damper arm 22, and an opening biasing member 23.

[0027] (1st to 2nd damper arms) The first damper arm 21 and the second damper arm 22 are formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the front portion of the first damper arm 21 is rotatably connected to the inner surface of the housing recess 11 (housing protrusion 4A) via a first pin 24. The front portion of the second damper arm 22 is rotatably connected to the lower part of the reading device 6 via a second pin 25. The second damper arm 22 overlaps the upper surface of the first damper arm 21 (see Fig. 2), and the rear portion of the second damper arm 22 is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the first damper arm 21 via a third pin 26.

[0028] (Opening biasing member) The opening biasing member 23 is, for example, a torsion coil spring that is wound around the third pin 26 and has two engagement arms that engage with the first damper arm 21 and the second damper arm 22. The opening biasing member 23 biases the first damper arm 21 and the second damper arm 22 to open from each other.

[0029] First damper arm 21 and second damper arm 22 are folded back at third pin 26 against the biasing force of opening biasing member 23, and are housed in housing recess 11 in an overlapping position (folded position) (see FIG. 2). In this state, the upper surface of second damper arm 22 is substantially flush with the upper surface of housing protrusion 4A and does not interfere with reading unit 3 arranged in closed position P1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0030] The first and second damper arms 21 and 22 are constantly subjected to the biasing force of the opening biasing member 23. Therefore, unless an external force is applied to hold the first and second damper arms 21 and 22 in the folded position, the first damper arm 21 rotates upward about the first pin 24, the second damper arm 22 rotates downward about the second pin 25, and the first damper arm 21 and the second damper arm 22 rotate about the third pin 26 so as to move away from each other. The first and second damper arms 21 and 22 are bent at the third pin 26 in a substantially V-shape (a "L" shape), and push up the front of the reading unit 3 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the reading unit 3 rotates from the closed position P1 to the open position P2, and the discharge space S is opened (see FIG. 3).

[0031] <Rotation control unit> As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the rotation control unit 30 has an engagement unit 31, a first medium detection unit 32, a second medium detection unit 33, a first transmission unit 34 and a second transmission unit 35.

[0032] (Engagement part) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the engagement portion 31 is provided in the left housing protrusion 4A (imaging unit 2) forward of the housing recess 11 (biasing support portion 20). The engagement portion 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 5, a claw portion 36 having a substantially triangular prism shape that protrudes to the right is formed at the top of the engagement portion 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the claw portion 36 has a lower inclined surface 36A that slopes rightward from the bottom end toward the center in the vertical direction, and an upper inclined surface 36B that slopes leftward from the center toward the top end.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement portion 31 is provided so that the claw portion 36 protrudes from the upper surface of the left housing protrusion 4A. Specifically, a first engagement hole 12 opens in the upper surface of the left housing protrusion 4A forward of the housing recess 11. As shown in FIG. 7, a second engagement hole 13 opens in the lower surface of the reading device 6, facing the first engagement hole 12 when the reading unit 3 is placed in the closed position P1. When the reading unit 3 is placed in the closed position P1, the upper portion of the engagement portion 31 (the claw portion 36) penetrates the first engagement hole 12 and the second engagement hole 13 and is placed inside the reading device 6. When the reading unit 3 is placed in the open position P2, the upper portion of the engagement portion 31 (the claw portion 36) relatively disengages from the reading unit 3 and protrudes (is exposed) above the upper surface of the housing protrusion 4A from the first engagement hole 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0034] 2, 3, and 5, a pair of engagement bosses 37 protrude from both the front and rear side surfaces of the engagement portion 31. The engagement bosses 37 are formed in a roughly cylindrical shape and are provided slightly above the center of the engagement portion 31 in the up-down direction. A pair of bearings (not shown) are provided inside (on the top surface of) the left housing protrusion 4A, and the engagement bosses 37 of the engagement portion 31 are rotatably supported by the pair of bearings. In other words, the engagement portion 31 is rotatably provided on the housing protrusion 4A (imaging unit 2) via the pair of engagement bosses 37.

[0035] (engaged part) As shown in FIG. 7 , an engaged portion 14 is provided inside the reading device 6 (reading unit 3) so as to be engageable with the claw portion 36. The engaged portion 14 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the left-right direction, and its left end face (tip face) forms a sliding contact slope 14A that slopes leftward from the bottom end to the top end. The sliding contact slope 14A is formed substantially parallel to the upper slope 36B of the engaging portion 31 when the reading device 6 is substantially upright. A slide housing portion 15 having an open left end face is provided inside the reading device 6, and the engaged portion 14 is housed in the slide housing portion 15 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. An engagement biasing member 16 is installed between the right end face (base end face) of the engaged portion 14 and the right inner surface of the slide housing portion 15. The engagement biasing member 16 is, for example, a compression coil spring, and biases the engaged portion 14 leftward.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, when the reading unit 3 is placed in the closed position P1, the claw portion 36 of the engaging portion 31 penetrates the first and second engagement holes 12 and 13 and is positioned on the left side of the engaged portion 14. The engaged portion 14 is biased by the engagement biasing member 16, and the upper left edge of the sliding inclined surface 14A is pressed against (engaged with) the lower inclined surface 36A of the claw portion 36. As will be described in detail later, the engaging portion 31 is provided so as to be rotatable between an engaging position P3 (see FIG. 7) where the engaging portion 31 assumes a substantially upright posture and engages with the engaged portion 14 when the reading unit 3 is placed in the closed position P1, and a disengaging position P4 (see FIG. 9 described later) where the engaging portion 31 assumes an inclined posture and disengages from the engaged portion 14. In a natural state (when no external force is applied), the engaging portion 31 assumes a substantially upright posture (a posture stretched along a vertical line) and is positioned at the engaging position P3 (see FIG. 10 described later).

[0037] (First medium detection unit) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first medium detecting unit 32 has a first detecting shaft 40, a first detecting plate 41, a first connecting member 42, and a first returning member 43.

[0038] The first detection shaft 40 is formed, for example, in the shape of a round bar extending in the left-right direction, and is disposed below the discharge tray 5 at a position further rearward than the engagement portion 31. The first detection shaft 40 extends from below the left housing protrusion 4A to a position beyond the center of the discharge tray 5 in the left-right direction. A plurality of bearings (not shown) are provided on the top surface (back surface) of the discharge tray 5, and the first detection shaft 40 is rotatably supported by these bearings.

[0039] The first detection plate 41 is formed, for example, in a generally fan-like shape that spreads diagonally upward and forward (diametrically outward) from the outer peripheral surface on the right side of the first detection shaft 40. The first detection plate 41 is formed integrally with the first detection shaft 40. A first detection hole 17 (see FIG. 4) is opened at the rear of the discharge tray 5 and approximately in the center in the left-right direction, and the first detection plate 41 is positioned so that it can appear and disappear through the first detection hole 17. The first detection hole 17 (first detection plate 41) is positioned so that it is covered by (interferes with) the first media 9A and second media 9B discharged to the discharge tray 5 (see FIG. 4).

[0040] The first connecting member 42 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and is fixed to the left end of the first detection shaft 40. With a portion of the first detection plate 41 protruding from the upper surface of the discharge tray 5, the first connecting member 42 is in a position extending in the vertical direction, and the left end of the first detection shaft 40 is fixed to the upper part of the first connecting member 42. In other words, the first connecting member 42 extends downward from the fixed portion of the first detection shaft 40. Furthermore, the first connecting member 42 has a first elongated hole 44 that extends in the vertical direction from the central portion to the bottom.

[0041] The first returning member 43 is, for example, a torsion coil spring that is wound around the right end of the first detection shaft 40 and has two engaging arms that engage with the discharge tray 5 and the first detection plate 41 (see FIG. 5). When viewed from the left, the first returning member 43 biases the first detection shaft 40 and the first detection plate 41 counterclockwise.

[0042] The first detection plate 41 is biased by the first returning member 43, and a portion of the first detection plate 41 penetrates the first detection hole 17 and protrudes above the top surface of the discharge tray 5 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The first detection plate 41 also interferes with the discharged first medium 9A or second medium 9B, and rotates clockwise as viewed from the left against the biasing force of the first returning member 43, until it is generally buried below the top surface of the discharge tray 5 (see FIG. 8, described below). In this way, the first medium detector 32 is rotatable between a first protruding position P11 (see FIG. 6), where a portion of the first detection plate 41 protrudes above the discharge tray 5, and a first buried position P12 (see FIG. 8), where the first detection plate 41 is pressed by the first medium 9A or second medium 9B discharged to the discharge tray 5 and is buried in the discharge tray 5.

[0043] (Second medium detection unit) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second medium detecting unit 33 has a second detecting shaft 50, a second detecting plate 51, a second connecting member 52, and a second returning member 53.

[0044] The second detection shaft 50 is formed, for example, in the shape of a round rod extending in the left-right direction, and is disposed below the discharge tray 5. The second detection shaft 50 is disposed at a position further rearward than the first detection shaft 40 and substantially parallel to the first detection shaft 40. The second detection shaft 50 extends from below the left housing protrusion 4A to a position shifted leftward from the center of the discharge tray 5 in the left-right direction. In other words, the second detection shaft 50 is formed shorter than the first detection shaft 40. The second detection shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a plurality of bearings (not shown) provided on the top surface (back surface) of the discharge tray 5.

[0045] The second detection plate 51 is formed, for example, in a generally fan-like shape that spreads diagonally upward and forward (diametrically outward) from the outer peripheral surface on the right side of the second detection shaft 50. The second detection plate 51 is formed integrally with the second detection shaft 50. A second detection hole 18 (see FIG. 4) is opened at a position near the rear and left end of the discharge tray 5, and the second detection plate 51 is positioned so that it can appear and disappear through the second detection hole 18. The second detection hole 18 (second detection plate 51) is positioned so that it is covered (interferes with) only by the second media 9B discharged to the discharge tray 5 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the second detection hole 18 (second detection plate 51) is not covered (does not interfere with) the first media 9A discharged to the discharge tray 5.

[0046] The second connecting member 52 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and is fixed to the left end of the second detection shaft 50. With a portion of the second detection plate 51 protruding from the upper surface of the discharge tray 5, the second connecting member 52 is in a position extending in the vertical direction, and the left end of the second detection shaft 50 is fixed to the lower part of the second connecting member 52. In other words, the second connecting member 52 extends upward from the fixed portion of the second detection shaft 50. In addition, the second connecting member 52 has a second elongated hole 54 that extends in the vertical direction from the center to the top in the vertical direction.

[0047] The second returning member 53 is, for example, a torsion coil spring that is wound around the right end of the second detection shaft 50 and has two engaging arms that engage with the discharge tray 5 and the second detection plate 51 (see FIG. 5). When viewed from the left, the second returning member 53 biases the second detection shaft 50 and the second detection plate 51 counterclockwise.

[0048] The second detection plate 51 is biased by the second returning member 53, and a portion of the second detection plate 51 penetrates the second detection hole 18 and protrudes above the top surface of the discharge tray 5 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). The second detection plate 51 also interferes with the discharged second media 9B, and rotates clockwise as viewed from the left against the biasing force of the second returning member 53, until it is generally buried below the top surface of the discharge tray 5 (see FIG. 11, described later). In this way, the second media detector 33 is rotatable between a second protruding position P21 (see FIG. 6), where a portion of the second detection plate 51 protrudes above the discharge tray 5, and a second buried position P22 (see FIG. 11), where the second detection plate 51 is pressed only by the second media 9B discharged to the discharge tray 5 and is buried in the discharge tray 5.

[0049] (First transmission part) As shown in Fig. 5, the first transmission part 34 is formed, for example, in the shape of a square bar extending in the front-rear direction, and is disposed below the housing recess 11 (biasing support part 20) (see also Figs. 2 and 3). The first transmission part 34 is formed to connect the lower part of the engagement part 31 and the first detection axis 40 (first connecting member 42). A plurality of axis support members (not shown) are provided on the bottom (rear surface) of the housing recess 11, and these axis support members support the first transmission part 34 so that it can slide in the front-rear direction.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the rear portion of the first transmission unit 34 is bent in a crank shape and is positioned lower than the other portions. A substantially cylindrical first moving boss 45 protrudes from the left side of the rear end portion of the first transmission unit 34. The rear portion of the first transmission unit 34 is located to the right of the first connecting member 42, and the first moving boss 45 is inserted into the first elongated hole 44 of the first connecting member 42 from the right. The first moving boss 45 is engaged so as to be slidable along the first elongated hole 44. In this way, the first transmission unit 34 is connected to the first medium detection unit 32.

[0051] (Second transmission part) As shown in FIG. 5, the second transmission unit 35 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular bar extending in the front-rear direction and is disposed below the housing recess 11 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3). The second transmission unit 35 is formed in a linear shape slightly longer than the first transmission unit 34 and is stacked on the upper surface of the first transmission unit 34. The second transmission unit 35, together with the first transmission unit 34, is supported by multiple shaft support members provided at the bottom of the housing recess 11 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. A second movable boss 55 having a substantially cylindrical shape protrudes from the left side of the rear end of the second transmission unit 35. The rear portion of the second transmission unit 35 is disposed to the right of the second connecting member 52, and the second movable boss 55 is inserted into the second elongated hole 54 of the second connecting member 52 from the right. The second movable boss 55 is slidably engaged along the second elongated hole 54. In this manner, the second transmission unit 35 is connected to the second medium detection unit 33.

[0052] [Operation of the removal assist structure] Next, the operation of the removal assist structure 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 6 to 12. Figure 8 is a side view showing the state in which the first medium detection unit 32 is disposed at the first buried position P11. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the engagement unit 31 has returned to the engagement position P3 under its own weight. Figure 11 is a side view showing the state in which the first and second medium detection units 32 and 33 are disposed at the first and second buried positions P12 and P22. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11.

[0053] <Initial state> First, the initial state before the image forming process is performed will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in the initial state, the first medium detection unit 32 is positioned at the first protruding position P11, the second medium detection unit 33 is positioned at the second protruding position P21, and portions of the first and second detection plates 41, 51 protrude above the discharge tray 5. The first and second connecting members 42, 52 of the first and second medium detection units 32, 33 are positioned in a substantially upright position, the first movable boss 45 of the first transmission unit 34 is positioned at the top of the first elongated hole 44 of the first connecting member 42, and the second movable boss 55 of the second transmission unit 35 is positioned at the bottom of the second elongated hole 54 of the second connecting member 52. The front portion of the first transmission unit 34 intersects with the bottom of the engagement unit 31, which is positioned at the engagement position P3. In other words, the left side of the front portion of the first transmission unit 34 contacts the right side of the bottom of the engagement unit 31. The front part of the second transmission part 35 does not reach the lower part of the engagement part 31 and is spaced rearward from the lower part of the engagement part 31.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the reading unit 3 is positioned at the closed position P1, and the claw 36 of the engaging unit 31 contacts the lower slope 36A of the engaged unit 14 inside the reading device 6. In the initial state, the engaged unit 14 is biased leftward by the engagement biasing member 16 and upward by the biasing support unit 20 (open biasing member 23), pressing the lower slope 36A of the claw 36 upward and leftward. Therefore, the engaging unit 31 attempts to rotate counterclockwise around the engagement boss 37 when viewed from the front (FIG. 7). However, because the front portion of the first transmission unit 34 interferes with the lower portion of the engaging unit 31 (see also FIG. 6), the engaging unit 31 does not rotate. In this way, when the first medium detection unit 32 is positioned at the first protruding position P11, the first transmission unit 34 engages with the engaging unit 31 positioned at the engaging position P3, restricting the engaging unit 31 from rotating toward the disengaged position P4. In contrast, when the second medium detection unit 33 is positioned at the second protruding position P21, the second transmission unit 35 is disengaged from the engagement unit 31 (moves rearward away from the engagement unit 31 (see FIG. 6)). In other words, the second transmission unit 35 is in a state that allows the engagement unit 31 to rotate toward the disengagement position P4.

[0055] <When the first medium is ejected> Next, the case where first medium 9A on which an image has been formed is discharged onto discharge tray 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] The first medium 9A delivered to the discharge tray 5 comes into contact with the first detection plate 41, pushing the first detection plate 41 forward as it is discharged (see FIG. 8). The first detection plate 41 rotates forward (clockwise in FIG. 8) around the first detection shaft 40 against the biasing force of the first return member 43, and is generally buried below the top surface of the discharge tray 5. The first connecting member 42 pulls the first transmission unit 34 rearward while rotating clockwise around the first detection shaft 40. More specifically, as the first connecting member 42 rotates, the first movable boss 45 slides from the top to the bottom of the first elongated hole 44, causing the first transmission unit 34 to slide rearward (see the thick arrow in FIG. 8). Note that the first medium 9A does not come into contact with the second detection plate 51, and the second medium detection unit 33 and the second transmission unit 35 remain in their initial states.

[0057] In the above state, as shown in FIG. 8, the first medium detection unit 32 is disposed in the first buried position P12, and the first connecting member 42 is tilted downward from the front to the rear. The first moving boss 45 of the first transmission unit 34 is located at the bottom (rearmost part) of the first elongated hole 44 of the first connecting member 42, and the front part of the first transmission unit 34 is separated rearward from the bottom part of the engaging unit 31. In other words, with the first medium detection unit 32 disposed in the first buried position P12, the first transmission unit 34 disengages from the engaging unit 31 (its bottom part), allowing the engaging unit 31 to rotate toward the disengaged position P4. The engaging unit 31 receives the biasing force of the engagement biasing member 16 and the biasing support unit 20 (open biasing member 23) via the engaged unit 14, and therefore rotates counterclockwise around the engagement boss 37 in FIG. 9. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the engaging portion 31 rotates to the disengaging position P4, and assumes an inclined posture in which the claw portion 36 is separated from the engaged portion 14.

[0058] As a result, the reading unit 3 is unlocked and receives the biasing force of the biasing support unit 20, causing it to rotate from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 (see FIG. 3). This opens the discharge space S, allowing the user to remove the first medium 9A that has been discharged onto the discharge tray 5 (see FIG. 3). In this way, the first medium 9A is removed from the discharge tray 5 with the reading unit 3 positioned in the open position P2.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, when the engaged portion 14 moves above the lower inclined surface 36A of the claw portion 36 during the rotation of the reading unit 3 from the closed position P1 to the open position P2, the engaging portion 31 rotates (returns) from the disengaged position P4 to the engaged position P3 due to its own weight. When the first medium 9A is removed from the discharge tray 5, the first medium detecting portion 32 rotates (returns) to the first protruding position P11 due to the biasing force of the first returning member 43 (see FIG. 6). After removing the first medium 9A, the user rotates the reading unit 3, which is disposed in the open position P2, downward to return it to the closed position P1 (see FIG. 2). At this time, the sliding inclined surface 14A of the engaged portion 14 moves downward while contacting the upper inclined surface 36B of the engaging portion 31, and the engaged portion 14 moves rightward against the biasing force of the engagement biasing member 16. When the reading unit 3 returns to the closed position P1, the tip of the engaged portion 14 engages with the lower inclined surface 36A of the engaging portion 31 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 returns to the initial state.

[0060] <When the second medium is ejected> Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a case where second medium 9B on which an image has been formed is discharged onto discharge tray 5 will be described.

[0061] The second medium 9B sent to the discharge tray 5 comes into contact with the first and second detection plates 41, 51 and pushes the first and second detection plates 41, 51 forward as it is discharged (see FIG. 11). The first and second detection plates 41, 51 rotate forward (clockwise in FIG. 11) about the first and second detection shafts 40, 50 against the biasing forces of the first and second return members 43, 53, and are generally buried below the top surface of the discharge tray 5. As described above, the first detection shaft 40, the first detection plate 41, and the first connecting member 42 rotate together, causing the first transmission unit 34 to slide backward (see FIG. 11). In response, the second connecting member 52 pushes the second transmission unit 35 forward while rotating clockwise about the second detection shaft 50. Specifically, as the second connecting member 52 rotates, the second moving boss 55 slides from the bottom to the top of the second elongated hole 54, causing the second transmission part 35 to slide forward (see the thick arrow in FIG. 11).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11, when the first medium detection unit 32 is positioned at the first buried position P12, the first transmission unit 34 disengages from the engagement unit 31. In contrast, the second medium detection unit 33 is positioned at the second buried position P22, and the second connection member 52 is inclined and substantially parallel to the first connection member 42. The second moving boss 55 of the second transmission unit 35 is located at the top (foremost) of the second elongated hole 54 of the second connection member 52, and the front portion of the second transmission unit 35 intersects with the lower portion of the engagement unit 31. That is, the second transmission unit 35 is positioned so as to intersect with the engagement unit 31 in place of the first transmission unit 34, and the left side of the front portion of the second transmission unit 35 contacts the right side of the lower portion of the engagement unit 31 (see also FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 12, the engagement unit 31 receives a biasing force from the biasing support unit 20, etc., but the front portion of the second transmission unit 35 interferes with the lower portion of the engagement unit 31, preventing the engagement unit 31 from rotating.

[0063] As described above, with the second medium detection unit 33 positioned at the second recessed position P22, the second transmission unit 35 engages with the engagement unit 31 positioned at the engagement position P3, restricting the rotation of the engagement unit 31 toward the release position P4. In other words, the reading unit 3 is held in the closed position P1 (locked state) covering the discharge space S (discharge tray 5). The user removes the second medium 9B discharged onto the discharge tray 5. In this way, the second medium 9B is removed from the discharge tray 5 with the reading unit 3 positioned at the closed position P1. Note that when the second medium 9B is removed from the discharge tray 5, the first and second medium detection units 32 and 33 rotate (return) to the first and second protruding positions P11 and P21 due to the biasing forces of the first and second return members 43 and 53.

[0064] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the rotation control unit 30 engages with the reading unit 3 disposed in the closed position P1 and restricts the reading unit 3 from rotating toward the open position P2 under the biasing force of the biasing support unit 20. The rotation control unit 30 disengages from the reading unit 3 and permits the reading unit 3 to rotate toward the open position P2 only when the first medium 9A is ejected onto the ejection tray 5. This configuration allows the reading unit 3 to rotate from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 in conjunction with the ejection of the first medium 9A. This automatically opens the ejection space S (above the ejection tray 5), allowing the user to easily remove the first medium 9A from the ejection tray 5 without any effort. Furthermore, when the second medium 9B, which can be easily removed without opening the reading unit 3, is ejected onto the ejection tray 5, the rotation control unit 30 (engagement unit 31) can continue to engage with the reading unit 3 (engaged unit 14). As a result, when the second medium 9B is discharged to the discharge tray 5, the reading unit 3 does not open, thereby reducing the effort required to return the reading unit 3, which has been rotated to the open position P2, to the closed position P1 after the second medium 9B is removed.

[0065] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the rotation control unit 30 enables the reading unit 3 to open when the first medium 9A is discharged onto the discharge tray 5 and disables the reading unit 3 to open when the second medium 9B is discharged onto the discharge tray 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second medium detection unit 33 and the second transmission unit 35 may be omitted, and the rotation control unit 30 may be configured with the engagement unit 31, the first medium detection unit 32, and the first transmission unit 34 (first modification: not shown). According to the image forming apparatus (rotation control unit) according to the first modification, the rotation control unit 30 can disengage from the reading unit 3 regardless of whether the first medium 9A or the second medium 9B is discharged onto the discharge tray 5. In other words, regardless of the size of the medium 9, the reading unit 3 can be rotated from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 in conjunction with the discharge of the medium 9 onto the discharge tray 5.

[0066] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the rotation control unit 30 includes the first and second detection plates 41, 51, etc. that contact the medium 9 and mechanically (physically) detect the medium 9 on the discharge tray 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a detection device (such as an optical sensor or a microswitch) provided on the discharge tray 5 may detect the medium 9 on the discharge tray 5 (second modification example: not shown). In this case, the first and second medium detection units 32, 33 and the first and second transmission units 34, 35 may be omitted, and a drive unit (not shown) including an electric motor or the like that rotates the engagement unit 31 between the engagement position P3 and the release position P4 may be provided. If the detection unit detects the medium 9, the drive unit may position the engagement unit 31 at the release position P4. If the detection unit does not detect the medium 9, the drive unit may position the engagement unit 31 at the engagement position P3.

[0067] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a portion of the first and second detection plates 41, 51 protrudes above the discharge tray 5, but this is not limited thereto, and substantially the entire first and second detection plates 41, 51 may protrude above the discharge tray 5 (not shown).

[0068] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the biasing support portion 20 has a folding structure, but this is not limited thereto. It may also be a piston-cylinder or the like (not shown). Furthermore, while the biasing support portion 20 rotates the reading unit 3 around the first pivot support portion 6A, this is not limited thereto. Another biasing support portion may be an elevator device that raises and lowers the reading unit 3 in a horizontal position (not shown).

[0069] In addition, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the removal assist structure 10 (biasing support portion 20, rotation control portion 30) is provided on the left housing protrusion 4A, but this is not limiting and they may be provided on the right housing protrusion 4A, or on both the left and right housing protrusion portions 4A (neither is shown). Also, for example, the biasing support portion 20 may be provided on the left (or right) housing protrusion portion 4A, and the rotation control portion 30 may be provided on the right (or left) housing protrusion portion 4A (not shown).

[0070] The above-described embodiment shows one aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention may be modified, substituted, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical concept, and the claims include all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Image forming device 2 Imaging section 3 Reading unit 5 Output tray 9 Medium 9A 1st medium 9B Second medium 14 Engaged part 20 biasing support part 30 Rotation control section 31 Engagement part 33 Second medium detection unit 34 First Transmission Section 35 Second Transmission Section 32 First medium detection unit P1 closed position P2 open position P3 Fitting Position P4 breakaway position P11 First prominent position P12 First Burial Location P21, second prominent position P22 Second Burial Location S Exhaust space

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium and discharges the medium with the image formed thereon to a discharge tray provided above; a reading unit that is provided above the imaging unit and is rotatable between a closed position where the reading unit faces the discharge tray across a discharge space for the medium and an open position where the discharge space is open, and that reads an image on a document when the reading unit is in the closed position; a biasing support portion provided between the image forming portion and the reading portion, the biasing support portion biasing the reading portion from the closed position toward the open position; a rotation control unit that engages with the reading unit disposed at the closed position and restricts rotation of the reading unit toward the open position when the reading unit receives the biasing force of the biasing support unit, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the medium is discharged to the discharge tray, the rotation control unit disengages from the reading unit and allows the reading unit to rotate toward the open position.

2. the media include a first medium that is removed from the discharge tray when the reading unit is in the open position, and a second medium that is removed from the discharge tray when the reading unit is in the closed position; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation control section releases the engagement with the reading section only when the first medium is discharged onto the discharge tray.

3. The rotation control unit includes: an engaging portion provided on the image forming unit, the engaging portion being supported rotatably between an engaging position where the engaging portion engages with an engaged portion provided on the reading unit when the reading unit is placed at the closed position, and a disengaging position where the engaging portion disengages from the engaged portion; a first medium detection unit that is rotatable between a first protruding position where at least a portion of a first detection plate protrudes above the discharge tray and a first recessed position where the first detection plate is pressed by the first medium or the second medium discharged to the discharge tray and recessed in the discharge tray; a second medium detection unit that is rotatable between a second protruding position where at least a portion of the second detection plate protrudes above the discharge tray and a second recessed position where the second detection plate is pressed only by the second medium discharged to the discharge tray and recessed in the discharge tray; a first transmission unit connected to the first medium detection unit, which, when the first medium detection unit is positioned at the first protruding position, engages with the engaging unit positioned at the engaging position to restrict rotation of the engaging unit toward the disengaged position, and, when the first medium detection unit is positioned at the first buried position, releases the engagement with the engaging unit to allow rotation of the engaging unit toward the disengaged position; The image forming device described in claim 2 further comprises a second transmission unit connected to the second media detection unit, which, when the second media detection unit is positioned in the second protruding position, disengages from the engagement unit to allow the engagement unit to rotate toward the detached position, and, when the second media detection unit is positioned in the second buried position, engages with the engagement unit positioned in the engagement position to restrict the engagement unit from rotating toward the detached position.

Images