Cover opening / closing structure and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a cover opening / closing structure and an image forming apparatus equipped therewith, which can improve the gripping stability of the handle when an operator grips the handle and lifts the equipment, without providing an opening in the opening / closing cover member for the operator to grip the handle. [Solution] The cover opening / closing structure 200 comprises an opening / closing cover member 201 and a hinge portion 202. The opening / closing cover member 201 has a handle portion 203 for lifting the equipment (100), and the hinge portion 202 comprises first hinge portions 210, 210 that rotate the opening / closing cover member 201 around the rotation axis α on both sides (W1, W2) in the direction of the rotation axis W, which is more aligned with the rotation axis α than the handle portion 203 relative to the main body (101), and second hinge portions 220, 220 that rotate the opening / closing cover member 201 around the rotation axis α with respect to the main body (101) at the handle portion 203.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover opening / closing structure and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a multifunction printer, a printer, and a facsimile apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A cover opening / closing structure provided in an apparatus (image forming apparatus) includes: an opening / closing cover member that covers a main body of the apparatus; and a hinge portion that opens and closes the opening / closing cover member around a rotation axis with respect to the main body.

[0003] In such a cover opening / closing structure, the opening / closing cover member may have a grip portion for lifting the apparatus. In this case, when an operator grips the grip portion and lifts the apparatus, the grip portion is less likely to be stable, which degrades the grip stability of the grip portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regarding this point, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a housing includes a grip portion, the grip portion has an end face exposed outward from an exterior cover (opening / closing cover member), and an upper surface extending into the apparatus at an angle from the end face, the exterior cover has a hole shape surrounding the end face on an exterior surface thereof, and an edge of the hole shape has a facing region facing the upper surface.

[0006] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the opening (hole shape) in the outer cover for the operator to grip the handle is in communication with the internal space, which leads to inconveniences due to the opening being in communication with the internal space (for example, dust may enter from the outside, or waste toner may fall to the floor through the opening if the device is an image forming apparatus).

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a cover opening / closing structure and an image forming apparatus equipped therewith that can improve the gripping stability of the handle when an operator grips the handle and lifts the equipment, without providing an opening in the opening / closing cover member for the operator to grip the handle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, the cover opening and closing structure according to the present disclosure is a cover opening and closing structure comprising: an opening and closing cover member that covers the main body of a device; and a hinge portion that opens and closes the opening and closing cover member around a pivot axis relative to the main body, wherein the opening and closing cover member has a handle portion for lifting the device, and the hinge portion comprises: a first hinge portion that rotates the opening and closing cover member around the pivot axis on both sides in the direction of the pivot axis, more aligned with the pivot axis than the handle portion relative to the main body; and a second hinge portion that rotates the opening and closing cover member around the pivot axis at the handle portion relative to the main body.

[0009] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure is characterized by being equipped with a cover opening and closing structure according to this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to improve the gripping stability of the handle when an operator grips the handle and lifts the equipment, without providing an opening in the opening / closing cover member for the operator to grip the handle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]A perspective view showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus, which is an example of equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cover opening and closing structure of the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 1, with the opening and closing cover member fully open, viewed from the front and slightly above. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cover opening and closing structure of the image forming apparatus shown in Figure 1, with the opening and closing cover member fully open, viewed from the rear and diagonally above. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front, showing a state in which one of the pair of cover-side first hinge parts and one of the pair of cover-side second hinge parts are separated from one of the pair of body-side first hinge parts and one of the pair of body-side second hinge parts. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front, showing a state in which the other of a pair of cover-side first hinge portions and the other of a pair of cover-side second hinge portions are separated from the other of a pair of body-side first hinge portions and the other of a pair of body-side second hinge portions. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the state shown, taken from the rear and slightly above. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the state shown, taken from the rear and slightly above. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front, showing the state in which the first hinge portion on one side of the cover and the second hinge portion on the other side of the cover are positioned before engaging with the first hinge portion on one side of the main body and the second hinge portion on one side of the main body, respectively. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front, showing the state after the second hinge portion on the cover side of the other side has engaged with the second hinge portion on the main body side of the other side, and the state before the first hinge portion on the cover side of the other side is positioned in its designated location before engaging with the first hinge portion on the main body side of the other side. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the state shown, taken from the rear and slightly above. [Figure 11]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 9 viewed from diagonally above the rear side. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view viewed from the rear side showing a state before the second main body hinge portion on the other side is engaged with the second cover hinge portion on the other side. [Figure 13] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view viewed from the rear side showing a state after the second main body hinge portion on the other side is engaged with the second cover hinge portion on the other side. [Figure 14] FIG. 9 is a perspective view viewed from diagonally above the front side showing a state after the first cover hinge portion on one side and the second cover hinge portion on one side are respectively engaged with the first main body hinge portion on one side and the second main body hinge portion on one side. [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a perspective view viewed from diagonally above the front side showing a state after the first cover hinge portion on the other side is engaged with the first main body hinge portion on the other side. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 14 viewed from diagonally above the rear side. [Figure 17] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the state shown in FIG. 15 viewed from diagonally above the rear side. [Figure 18] FIG. 21 is a perspective view viewed from the rear side showing a cross-section of the second main body hinge portion on the other side and the second cover hinge portion on the other side in a state where the opening / closing cover member is closed. [Figure 19] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a regulating member attached to an image forming apparatus main body in the state shown in FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an image forming apparatus 100, which is an example of equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the front-to-back direction is X, the front side is X1, the rear side is X2, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction X is the left-to-right direction Y, the right side is Y1, the left side is Y2, and the up-and-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction X and the left-to-right direction Y is Z, and the following explanation will be given.

[0014] In the front-to-back direction X of the image forming apparatus 100, the front X1 is the front surface 100a (operating surface), and the rear X2 in the front-to-back direction X, as viewed from the front surface 100a, is the rear surface 100b. In the left-to-right direction Y, as viewed from the front surface 100a of the image forming apparatus 100, the right Y1 is the right surface 100c, and the left Y2 is the left surface 100d.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction device having copying, scanning, facsimile, and printing functions. The image forming apparatus 100 comprises an image forming apparatus main body 101 and a document feeder 120. The image forming apparatus main body 101 comprises an image reading device 111, a paper feeder 112, an image forming unit 113, and an output unit 114.

[0016] The image reading device 111 reads images from a document and has a document reading unit (scanner) which is not shown. The image reading device 111 either reads the image of the document using the document reading unit while the document is being transported by the document feeder 120, or it scans and reads the document placed on the document tray using the document reading unit.

[0017] When the document feeder 120 is opened by a hinge (not shown) in the image forming apparatus 100, the document tray is opened and the document is placed on the document tray by hand.

[0018] The paper feeder 112 receives sheets of recording paper or the like and supplies the received sheets to the image forming unit 113. The image forming unit 113 forms (prints) an image on the sheet sent from the paper feeder 112 based on the image data. The discharge unit 114 discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed in the image forming unit 113.

[0019] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a powder collection container 115. The powder collection container 115 contains waste toner discharged from the image forming apparatus body 101. The powder collection container 115 is attached to the image forming apparatus body 101 from either one side in the left-right direction Y (in this example, the left side Y2 direction). More specifically, the powder collection container 115 is located on one side of the image forming apparatus body 101 in the left-right direction Y (in this example, the right side Y1). Specifically, the powder collection container 115 is removed from one side (Y1) in the left-right direction Y relative to the image forming apparatus body 101, and then attached from one side (Y1) to the other side (Y2) in the left-right direction Y, and is mounted on the right side surface 100c of the image forming apparatus body 101.

[0020] (Regarding this embodiment) Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the cover opening / closing structure 200 in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1, with the opening / closing cover member 201 fully open, viewed from diagonally above the front X1 and rear X2 sides, respectively.

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front X1, showing a state in which one of the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and one of the pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a, 222b are separated from one of the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and one of the pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b. Figure 5 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front X1, showing the state in which the other cover-side first hinge portion 212b of the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the other cover-side second hinge portion 222b of the pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a, 222b are separated from the other body-side first hinge portion 211b of the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the other body-side second hinge portion 221b of the pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b. Figure 6 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the rear X2, showing the state shown in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the rear X2, showing the state shown in Figure 5.

[0022] Figure 8 is a perspective view from diagonally above the front X1, showing the state in which the first hinge portion 212a and the second hinge portion 222a on one side of the cover are positioned before engaging with the first hinge portion 211a and the second hinge portion 221a on one side of the main body, respectively. Figure 9 is a perspective view from diagonally above the front X1, showing the state after the second hinge portion 222b on the other side of the cover is engaged with the second hinge portion 221b on the other side of the main body, and the state in which the first hinge portion 212b on the other side of the cover is positioned before engaging with the first hinge portion 211b on the other side of the main body. Figure 10 is a perspective view from diagonally above the rear X2 of the state shown in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a perspective view from diagonally above the rear X2 of the state shown in Figure 9.

[0023] Figures 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views, taken from the rear X2, showing the state before and after engagement of the second hinge portion 221b on the main body side with the second hinge portion 222b on the cover side, respectively.

[0024] Figure 14 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front X1, showing the state after the first hinge portion 212a and the second hinge portion 222a on one side of the cover have engaged with the first hinge portion 211a and the second hinge portion 221a on one side of the main body, respectively. Figure 15 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the front X1, showing the state after the first hinge portion 212b on the other side of the cover has engaged with the first hinge portion 211b on the other side of the main body. Figure 16 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the rear X2, showing the state shown in Figure 14. Figure 17 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the rear X2, showing the state shown in Figure 15.

[0025] Figure 18 is a perspective view from the rear X2, showing a cross-section of the second hinge portion 221b on the main body side and the second hinge portion 222b on the cover side on the other side, when the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed.

[0026] (Embodiment) The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a cover opening / closing structure 200. The cover opening / closing structure 200 comprises an opening / closing cover member 201 and a hinge portion 202. The opening / closing cover member 201 covers a part of the image forming apparatus body 101 (an example of the main body of the device, specifically the main frame 101a) (in this example, the right side 100c). The hinge portion 202 opens and closes the opening / closing cover member 201 around a rotation axis α (see Figures 14 and 15) relative to the image forming apparatus body 101.

[0027] The opening / closing cover member 201 has a handle portion 203 for lifting the image forming apparatus body 101. This avoids increasing assembly time and costs by making the handle portion 203 a separate component, which would increase the number of parts.

[0028] The hinge portion 202 comprises a first hinge portion 210 and a second hinge portion 220. The first hinge portion 210 rotates the opening / closing cover member 201 around the rotation axis α on both sides (W1, W2) in the direction of the rotation axis W, which is more aligned with the rotation axis α than the handle portion 203 relative to the image forming apparatus body 101. The second hinge portion 220 rotates the opening / closing cover member 201 around the rotation axis α relative to the image forming apparatus body 101 with the handle portion 203.

[0029] According to this embodiment, the handle portion 203 is provided on the opening / closing cover member 201, and the opening / closing cover member 201 does not have an opening for the operator to grip the handle portion 203. This avoids the inconveniences that would result from an opening communicating with the internal space (for example, dust entering from the outside, or, if the equipment is an image forming apparatus 100, waste toner falling to the floor through the opening). In addition to the first hinge portion 210, the handle portion 203 can be supported by a second hinge portion 220 that rotates the opening / closing cover member 201 around the pivot axis α relative to the image forming apparatus body 101. This allows the operator to grip the handle portion 203 stably when lifting the image forming apparatus 100 (an example of equipment), thereby improving the gripping stability of the handle portion 203.

[0030] (First Embodiment) In this embodiment, the handle portion 203 is provided at the lower end of the opening / closing cover member 201 when the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed, and at the center in the direction of the rotation axis α. Here, the center of the opening / closing cover member 201 on which the handle portion 203 is provided can be exemplified as a position within ±10% of the total length of the opening / closing cover member 201 in the direction of the rotation axis W, with reference to the central position of the handle portion 203 in the direction of the rotation axis W.

[0031] In this configuration, the handle portion 203 is located at the lower end of the opening / closing cover member 201 when it is closed, and at the center of the opening / closing cover member 201 in the direction of the rotation axis W, making it easier for an operator to grasp the handle portion 203 and lift the image forming apparatus 100.

[0032] In more detail, the opening / closing cover member 201 covers the image forming apparatus body 101 up to its lower end when closed. This allows for easy replacement of interchangeable parts (for example, the powder collection container 115 that extends to the lower end) provided throughout the image forming apparatus body 101.

[0033] In this example, the handle portion 203 is formed in a recessed shape that is recessed towards the image forming apparatus body 101 so that the bottom is open when the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed. When the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed, the handle portion 203 has an upper surface portion 203a, a first side portion 203b extending downward from the end on the image forming apparatus body 101 side (inner side) in the intersection direction V (width direction) that intersects (orthogonal to) both the rotation axis direction W and the vertical direction Z of the upper surface portion 203a, and a pair of second side portions 203c, 203d extending downward from both ends (W1, W2) in the rotation axis direction W of the upper surface portion. The first side portion 203b is connected to the pair of second side portions 203c, 203d.

[0034] (Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, the first hinge portion 210 is composed of a pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a and 212b and a pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a and 211b. The pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a and 212b are provided on both sides (W1 and W2) in the rotation axis direction W of the opening / closing cover member 201, with the handle portion 203 in between. The pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a and 211b are provided on the image forming apparatus body 101 so as to engage with the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a and 212b, respectively.

[0035] The second hinge portion 220 is composed of a pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a and 222b and a pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a and 221b. The pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a and 222b are provided on both sides (W1 and W2) of the handle portion 203 in the direction of the rotation axis W (a pair of second side portions 203c and 203d). The pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a and 221b are provided in the image forming apparatus body 101 to engage with the pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a and 222b, respectively.

[0036] In this embodiment, when engaging the pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a, 222b with the pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b, the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and one of the cover-side second hinge portions 222a are pre-positioned at a location (see Figures 8 to 11) on the other side W2 in the direction of the rotation axis W (near the other side W2, in this example near the rear side X2) than the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and one of the body-side second hinge portions 221a. Here, the distance of "near the other side" can be exemplified as a distance so close that the cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the cover-side second hinge portion 222a are not engaged with the body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the body-side second hinge portion 221a.

[0037] By the way, of the pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a and 222b, the cover-side second hinge portion 222b protrudes to the other side W2 (rear side X2 in this example) in the direction of the rotation axis W (see Figures 5 and 7). Therefore, the cover-side second hinge portion 222b on the other side cannot be positioned further to the other side W2 in the direction of the rotation axis W than the body-side second hinge portion 221b on the other side (see Figures 9 and 11).

[0038] In this embodiment, the other cover-side second hinge portion 222b engages with the other body-side second hinge portion 221b of the pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b by moving the opening / closing cover member 201 in an intersecting direction V that intersects with the rotation axis direction W (see Figures 9 and 11). More specifically, either the other body-side second hinge portion 221b or the other cover-side second hinge portion 222b (in this example, the other body-side second hinge portion 221b) is formed in a shape in which a portion (in this example, the lower portion) is open in the circumferential direction R (see Figures 13 and 18) centered on the rotation axis α.

[0039] Furthermore, the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the cover-side second hinge portion 222a, one of the pair of cover-side second hinge portions, engage with the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the body-side second hinge portion 221a, one of the pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b by moving the opening / closing cover member 201 to one side W1 (the front side X1 in this example) in the direction of the rotation axis W (see Figures 14 to 17). More specifically, the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b or the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b (the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b in this example) are formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis α.

[0040] In this configuration, first, the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the cover-side second hinge portion 222a on one side are moved in the intersecting direction V so that they are positioned on the other side W2 than the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the body-side second hinge portion 221a on one side. Similarly, the cover-side second hinge portion 222b on the other side is moved in the intersecting direction V, but in this movement, if an opening SP (see Figures 12 and 13) is formed in the body-side second hinge portion 221b on the other side, the cover-side second hinge portion 222b on the other side bypasses the tip portion 220a of the body-side second hinge portion 221b on the other side and is inserted into the opening SP of the body-side second hinge portion 221b on the other side (see Figures 12 and 13). Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, if an opening SP is formed in the second hinge portion 222b on the other cover side, the tip of the second hinge portion 222b on the other cover side bypasses the second hinge portion 221b on the other body side and is inserted into the opening of the second hinge portion 222b on the other cover side. This allows the second hinge portion 222b on the other cover side to engage with the second hinge portion 221b on the other body side. At this time, the pair of first hinge portions 212a, 212b on the cover side and the second hinge portion 222a on one side of the cover side are in their respective positions and are not engaged with the pair of first hinge portions 211a, 211b on the body side and the second hinge portion 221a on one side of the body side, respectively.

[0041] Next, when the opening / closing cover member 201 is moved to one side W1 in the direction of the rotation axis W, the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the cover-side second hinge portion 222a on one side move from their position to one side W1 in the direction of the rotation axis W. As a result, the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the cover-side second hinge portion 222a on one side can be engaged with the pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the body-side second hinge portion 221a on one side, respectively.

[0042] The pair of main body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the pair of main body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b may be exemplified as having a bearing portion or a shaft portion. That is, the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a, 222b may be exemplified as having a shaft portion or a bearing portion.

[0043] In this example, the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a, 222b each have a first shaft portion 212a1, 212b1 and a second shaft portion 222a1, 222b1 aligned with the rotation axis direction W. The pair of body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the pair of body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b each have a first bearing portion 211a1, 211b1 and a second bearing portion 221a1, 221b1 through which the first shaft portion 212a1, 212b1 and the second shaft portion 222a1, 222b1 are inserted. The pair of first bearing portions 211a1, 211b1 and the pair of second bearing portions 221a1, 221b1 on the main body side are provided on the image forming apparatus main body 101 such that their axial centers (rotation axis α) are located coaxially. Similarly, the pair of first shaft portions 212a1, 212b1 and the pair of second shaft portions 222a1, 222b1 on the cover side are also provided on the opening / closing cover member 201 such that their axial centers (rotation axis α) are located coaxially.

[0044] In this example, the pair of main body-side first hinge portions 211a, 211b and the pair of main body-side second hinge portions 221a, 221b are provided on the main body frame 101a so as to protrude from the main body frame 101a toward the opening / closing cover member 201 in the intersecting direction V.

[0045] The opening / closing cover member 201 has a pair of support portions 204a and 204b. The first shaft portions 212a1 and 212b1 are provided on the pair of support portions 204a and 204b of the opening / closing cover member 201 so as to protrude from the pair of support portions 204a and 204b toward one side W1 in the direction of the rotation axis W.

[0046] More specifically, the pair of support parts 204a and 204b are provided along the rotation axis direction W on both sides (W1, W2) of the rotation axis direction W with the handle part 203 of the opening / closing cover member 201 in between, so as to be aligned in the intersecting direction V. The pair of support parts 204a and 204b are erected on the image forming apparatus body 101 side when the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed.

[0047] The pair of support portions 204a and 204b are provided with end faces 204a1 and 204b1 on one side W1 in the direction of the rotation axis W, respectively, along both the intersecting direction V and the vertical direction Z. The first shaft portions 212a1 and 212b1 are provided on the end faces 204a1 and 204b1 of the pair of support portions 204a and 204bb so as to protrude from the end faces 204a1 and 204b1 on one side W1 in the direction of the rotation axis W.

[0048] The pair of cover-side second hinge portions 222a and 222b are provided on the pair of second side portions 203c and 203d of the handle portion 203 so as to protrude from both sides (W1 and W2) in the direction of the rotation axis W.

[0049] The pair of main body-side first hinge portions 211a and 211b are formed in a cylindrical shape. This ensures that the pair of main body-side first hinge portions 211a and 211b reliably engage with the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a and 212b throughout the entire rotational movement of the opening and closing cover member 201.

[0050] Furthermore, at least the other second hinge portion 221b (both in this example) of the pair of second hinge portions 221a and 221b on the main body side is formed in an arc shape. The other second hinge portion 221a on the main body side may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this way, by forming at least the other second hinge portion 221b on the main body side in an arc shape, when moving the opening / closing cover member 201 in the intersecting direction V, the other cover-side second hinge portion 222b can be easily engaged with and disengaged from the other second hinge portion 221b on the main body side at a predetermined opening / closing position of the opening / closing cover member 201 (preferably the open position, more preferably the fully open position).

[0051] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, the cover-side second hinge portion 222b on the other side has a second shaft portion 222b1, and the body-side second hinge portion 221b on the other side has a second bearing portion 221b1 through which the second shaft portion 222b1 on the other side is inserted. In this case, it is preferable that the second shaft portion 222b1 on the other side is formed in a shape in which a part of the circumferential direction R is missing, and the second bearing portion 221b1 on the other side is formed in a shape in which a part of the lower side in the circumferential direction R is open.

[0052] This makes it easier to engage and disengage the second hinge portion 222b on the other side of the cover with the second hinge portion 221b on the other side of the main body when moving the opening / closing cover member 201 in the intersecting direction V. Furthermore, when the second shaft portion 222b1 on the other side and the second bearing portion 221b1 on the other side are engaged and the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed (see Figure 18), the operator can grip the handle portion 203 and lift the image forming apparatus 100 securely and stably, thereby improving the gripping stability of the handle portion 203.

[0053] (Fourth Embodiment) In this embodiment, the other second shaft portion 222b1 is formed in a D-shape in cross-section (see Figures 13 and 19) with a portion of the circumferential direction R being a flat surface 2221 (see Figures 12 and 13). The other second bearing portion 221b1 is formed in a circular arc shape in cross-section (see Figures 13 and 19) with a portion of the lower side being open in the circumferential direction R.

[0054] In this configuration, it is easy to realize a configuration in which the second shaft portion 222b1 on the other side engages with and disengages from the second bearing portion 221b1 on the other side at a predetermined opening and closing position (for example, the fully open position) of the opening and closing cover member 201.

[0055] (Fifth embodiment) In this embodiment, the other side of the second shaft portion 222b1 has the plane 2221 positioned at the top when the opening / closing cover member 201 is fully open.

[0056] In this configuration, a mechanism can be easily implemented to engage and disengage the second shaft portion 222b1 on the other side with respect to the second bearing portion 221b1 on the other side when the opening / closing cover member 201 is in the fully open position. Here, the fully open position can be exemplified as a horizontal position or a nearly horizontal position. The nearly horizontal position can be exemplified as approximately ±10 degrees relative to the horizontal position.

[0057] (Sixth Embodiment) In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus body 101 is provided with a receiving recess 101b. The receiving recess 101b receives the handle portion 203 of the opening / closing cover member 201 when the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed.

[0058] Incidentally, when the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and the cover-side second hinge portion 222a on one side are pre-positioned in their respective locations (see Figures 8 to 11) prior to moving the opening / closing cover member 201 to one side W1 in the direction of the rotation axis W, the handle portion 203 of the opening / closing cover member 201 may interfere with the receiving recess 101b of the image forming apparatus body 101.

[0059] In this regard, the receiving recess 101b has a retractable portion 101b1 (see Figures 5 and 7). The retractable portion 101b1 is configured to retract so that the handle portion 203 of the opening / closing cover member 201 does not interfere when the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and one of the cover-side second hinge portions 222a are pre-positioned on the other side W2 in the direction of the rotation axis W, prior to moving the opening / closing cover member 201 to one side W1 in the direction of the rotation axis W. In this example, the retractable portion 101b1 is provided at the other side W2 of the receiving recess 101b in the direction of the rotation axis W.

[0060] In this configuration, since the receiving recess 101b has a retractable portion 101b1, even when the pair of cover-side first hinge portions 212a, 212b and one of the cover-side second hinge portions 222a are pre-positioned, interference between the handle portion 203 of the opening / closing cover member 201 and the receiving recess 101b of the image forming apparatus body 101 can be reliably avoided.

[0061] (Seventh Embodiment) In this embodiment, the retractable portion 101b1 is an inclined portion that approaches the opening / closing cover member 201 as it moves from one side W1 to the other side W2 in the direction of the rotation axis W.

[0062] In this configuration, it is easy to realize a mechanism that allows the handle portion 203 of the opening / closing cover member 201 to retract so as not to interfere with anything.

[0063] (Eighth embodiment) Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the regulating member 230 attached to the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus in the state shown in Figure 17.

[0064] However, if the opening / closing cover member 201 moves to the other side W2 in the direction of the rotation axis W, it will detach from the image forming apparatus body 101. In particular, while the image forming apparatus 100 can operate when the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed, if the opening / closing cover member 201 detaches from the image forming apparatus body 101, the image forming apparatus 100 cannot be operated properly.

[0065] In this respect, in this embodiment, the cover opening / closing structure 200 further includes a restricting member 230. The restricting member 230 restricts the movement of the opening / closing cover member 201 toward the other side W2 in the direction of the rotation axis W.

[0066] In this configuration, the restricting member 230 can restrict the movement of the opening / closing cover member 201 toward the other side W2 in the direction of the rotation axis W, effectively preventing it from detaching from the image forming apparatus body 101. In particular, when the opening / closing cover member 201 is closed, the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated, and since it is possible to prevent the opening / closing cover member 201 from detaching from the image forming apparatus body 101, the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated properly.

[0067] In this example, the restricting member 230 is a cover member 102 provided adjacent to the opening / closing cover member 201 and covering a part of the image forming apparatus body 101 (the rear surface 100b in this example). That is, the cover member 102 also serves as the restricting member 230. The cover member 102 is attached to and fixed to the image forming apparatus body 101. The restricting member 230 has a restricting portion 231, and by doing so with the restricting portion 231, the opening / closing cover member 201 can be restricted at a lower cost without having to provide a separate restricting member.

[0068] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in a variety of other ways. Therefore, these embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be constrained. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Furthermore, any variations or modifications falling within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Image forming apparatus main unit 101a Main frame 101b Receiving recess 101b1 Evacuation section 102 Cover component 115 Powder recovery container 200 Cover opening and closing mechanism 201 Opening / Closing Cover Member 202 Hinge section 203 Handle part 203a Top part 203b 1st side part 203c 2nd side part 204a Support part 204a1 End face 210 First hinge section 211a First hinge portion on one side of the main body 211a1 First bearing section on one side 211b The first hinge portion on the main body side on the other side 211b1 The first bearing section on the other side 212a First hinge portion on one side of the cover 212a1 First shaft portion on one side 212b The first hinge portion on the cover side of the other side 212b1 First shaft portion on the other side 220 Second hinge section 220a Tip 221a Second hinge portion on one side of the main body 221a1 Second bearing section on one side 221b Second hinge section on the other side of the main body 221b1 Second bearing section on the other side 222a Second hinge portion on one side of the cover 222a1 Second shaft section on one side 222b Second hinge section on the other side of the cover 222b1 Second shaft portion on the other side 2221 Plane 230 Regulatory Member 231 Regulatory Department R circumferential direction SP open part V cross direction W Rotation axis direction W1 One side W2 opposite side X Anteroposterior direction Y left / right direction Z vertical direction α Rotation axis

Claims

1. A cover opening and closing structure comprising an opening and closing cover member that covers the main body of the device, and a hinge portion that opens and closes the opening and closing cover member around a pivot axis relative to the main body, The opening / closing cover member has a handle portion for lifting the device, The aforementioned hinge portion is, With respect to the main body, the opening and closing cover member is provided with first hinge portions on both sides in the direction of the rotation axis, which is more aligned with the rotation axis than the handle portion, allowing the opening and closing cover member to rotate around the rotation axis. The main body is provided with a second hinge portion that allows the opening / closing cover member to rotate around the pivot axis at the handle portion, A cover opening and closing structure characterized by having the following features.

2. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 1, The cover opening and closing structure is characterized in that the handle portion is provided at the lower end of the opening and closing cover member when the opening and closing cover member is closed, and at the central part in the direction of the rotation axis.

3. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 1, The first hinge portion comprises a pair of cover-side first hinge portions provided on both sides of the opening / closing cover member in the direction of the rotation axis with the handle portion in between, and a pair of body-side first hinge portions provided on the body so as to engage with the pair of cover-side first hinge portions. The second hinge portion comprises a pair of cover-side second hinge portions provided on both sides of the handle portion in the direction of the rotation axis, and a pair of body-side second hinge portions provided on the body to engage with the pair of cover-side second hinge portions. The pair of cover-side first hinge portions and one of the pair of cover-side second hinge portions engage with the pair of body-side first hinge portions and one of the pair of body-side second hinge portions by moving the opening / closing cover member to one side in the direction of the rotation axis. A cover opening and closing structure characterized in that the other of the pair of cover-side second hinge portions engages with the other of the pair of body-side second hinge portions by moving the opening and closing cover member in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

4. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 3, The other side cover-side second hinge portion has a second shaft portion aligned with the rotation axis direction, and the other side body-side second hinge portion has a second bearing portion through which the other side second shaft portion is inserted. A cover opening and closing structure characterized in that the second shaft portion on the other side is formed in a shape in which a part of the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation axis is missing, and the second bearing portion on the other side is formed in a shape in which a part of the lower side in the circumferential direction is open.

5. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 3, The other side cover-side second hinge portion has a second shaft portion aligned with the rotation axis direction, and the other side body-side second hinge portion has a second bearing portion through which the other side second shaft portion is inserted. The cover opening and closing structure is characterized in that the second shaft portion on the other side is formed in a D-shape in cross-sectional view, with a portion of it in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis being a plane, and the second bearing portion on the other side is formed in a circular arc in cross-sectional view, with a portion of the lower part in the circumferential direction being open.

6. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 5, The cover opening and closing structure is characterized in that the second shaft portion on the other side has the plane positioned at the top when the opening and closing cover member is fully open.

7. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 3, The main body is provided with a receiving recess that receives the handle portion of the opening / closing cover member when the opening / closing cover member is closed. The cover opening and closing structure is characterized in that the receiving recess has a retracted portion that is set aside so as not to interfere with the handle portion of the opening and closing cover member when the pair of cover-side first hinge portions and the one-sided cover-side second hinge portion are pre-positioned in the other direction of the rotation axis than the pair of body-side first hinge portions and the one-sided body-side second hinge portion, prior to moving the opening and closing cover member to one side in the direction of the rotation axis.

8. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 7, The cover opening and closing structure is characterized in that the retractable portion is an inclined portion that approaches the opening and closing cover member as it moves from one side to the other in the direction of the rotation axis.

9. A cover opening and closing structure according to claim 3, A cover opening and closing structure characterized by further comprising a restricting member that restricts the movement of the opening and closing cover member toward the other side in the direction of the rotation axis.

10. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a cover opening and closing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images