Housing, image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent a first cover from being opened following an operation of opening a second cover in such a configuration that one surface of a housing body is covered by the first cover and the second cover and the first cover is supported by first rotation means.SOLUTION: A housing 50 comprises: a housing body 52 which has an opening on a front surface 54; a first cover 60 which is the first cover 60 that is supported so as to be opened / closed in the housing body 52 by a first hinge 56 provided in a portion on one side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the opening on the front surface 54 and covers a portion of the front surface 54 and in which an operation part for turning the first cover 60 in the closed state into the opened state is provided on the other end side in the apparatus width direction; and a second cover 70 which is the second cover 70 that is supported so as to be opened / closed in the first cover 60, covers another portion of the front surface 54, and in which an operation part for turning the second cover 70 in the closed state into the opened state is provided at a position that is apart to the first hinge side 56 from the operation part of the first cover 60 by a length being equal to or greater than the half of a distance between the operation part of the first cover 60 and the first hinge 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an image forming device that includes a device main body, a first cover that is openably and closably provided on one side of the device main body and covers a first area of ​​the side when closed, a second cover that is openably and closably provided on the one side of the device main body and covers a second area of ​​the side when closed, and a first prevention means that prevents the first cover from being opened when the first cover is closed and that can release the prevention when the second cover is open. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-173339 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to prevent the first cover from opening in conjunction with the action of opening the second cover in a configuration in which one face of a housing main body is covered with a first cover and a second cover and the first cover is supported on the housing main body by a first rotating means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The housing according to the first aspect comprises a housing main body having an opening on one side, a first cover supported on the housing main body in an openable / closable manner by a first rotation means provided on one side of the opening on the one side in one direction, the first cover covering at least a part of the opening, the first cover having an operation unit for changing the first cover from a closed state to an open state provided on the other end side in the one direction, and a second cover supported on the first cover in an openable / closable manner, the second cover having an operation unit for changing the second cover from a closed state to an open state provided at a position away from the operation unit of the first cover on the first rotation means side by a length that is more than half the distance between the operation unit of the first cover and the first rotation means in the one direction.

[0006] The housing of the second aspect comprises a housing main body having an opening on one side, a first cover supported on the housing main body so as to be openable and closable by a first rotation means provided on one side of the opening on the one side in one direction, and a second cover supported on the first cover so as to be openable and closable, wherein an operating unit for opening the second cover from a closed state is provided at the same position as the first rotation means in the one direction or on the one side of the first rotation means.

[0007] The housing of the third aspect comprises a housing main body having an opening on one side, a first cover supported on the housing main body in an openable / closable manner by a first rotation means provided on one side of the opening on the one side and covering at least a portion of the opening, a first restraining portion that restrains the first cover in a closed state to the housing main body with a first restraining force, a second cover supported on the first cover in an openable / closable manner, and a second restraining portion that restrains the second cover in a closed state to the first cover or the housing main body with a second restraining force smaller than the first restraining force.

[0008] A housing according to a fourth aspect is a housing according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first hinge extends in a direction in which a rotation axis intersects with the one direction, and the second cover rotates around the rotation axis extending in the one direction to open and close.

[0009] A housing according to a fifth aspect includes a housing main body having an opening on one side, a first cover supported on the housing main body so as to be openable and closable by a first rotation means provided on one side of the opening on the one side in one direction, the first cover covering at least a part of the opening, the first cover having an operation unit that changes the first cover from a closed state to an open state provided at a position away from the first rotation means by a length that is more than half the distance between the first rotation means and the other end in the one direction, and a second cover provided on the first cover, the second cover being supported so as to be openable and closable by a second rotation means provided on an end of the second cover on the operation unit side of the first cover, the second cover having an operation unit that changes the second cover from a closed state to an open state provided on the opposite side of the second rotation means in the one direction from the operation unit of the first cover.

[0010] A housing according to a sixth aspect is a housing described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body form a curved portion at the end on the other side of the housing main body when the second cover is in a closed state, and the boundary portion on the other side between the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body is formed in the curved portion, and the end on the other side of the second cover is positioned on the one side of the outermost surface of the other side of the first cover or the outermost surface of the other side of the housing main body when the second cover is in a closed state.

[0011] An image forming device according to a seventh aspect includes a housing described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a cartridge section that is replaceably housed in the housing with a portion exposed from the one side and that houses a colorant, and an image forming section that is housed in the housing with a portion exposed from the one side and that forms an image on a recording medium using the colorant, wherein the first cover covers the image forming section and the second cover covers the cartridge section. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the housing of the first aspect, in a configuration in which one side of the housing body is covered with a first cover and a second cover and the first cover is supported by a first rotating means, the first cover is prevented from being opened in conjunction with the action of opening the second cover, compared to a configuration in which the distance between the operating portion of the second cover and the operating portion of the first cover in one direction is shorter than half the distance between the operating portion of the first cover and the first rotating means in one direction.

[0013] According to the housing of the second aspect, in a configuration in which one side of the housing body is covered with a first cover and a second cover and the first cover is supported by a first rotating means, the first cover is prevented from being opened in conjunction with the action of opening the second cover, compared to a configuration in which the operating portion of the second cover is provided on the other side in one direction rather than the first rotating means side in one direction.

[0014] According to the housing of the third aspect, in a configuration in which one side of the housing body is covered with a first cover and a second cover and the first cover is supported by a first rotating means, the first cover is prevented from being opened in conjunction with the action of opening the second cover, compared to a configuration in which the magnitude of the second constraining force is greater than the magnitude of the first constraining force.

[0015] According to the housing of the fourth aspect, in a configuration in which the rotation axis of the first rotation means extends in a direction intersecting one direction and the second cover rotates around an axis extending in one direction to open and close, the first cover is prevented from being opened in conjunction with the action of opening the second cover, compared to a configuration in which the operating portion of the first cover and the operating portion of the second cover are provided at the same position in one direction or a configuration in which the magnitude of the second constraint force is greater than the magnitude of the first constraint force.

[0016] According to the housing of the fifth aspect, in a configuration in which one side of the housing body is covered with a first cover and a second cover and the first cover is supported by a first rotating means, the first cover is prevented from being opened in conjunction with the action of opening the second cover, compared to a configuration in which the opening and closing direction of the second cover is the same as the opening and closing direction of the first cover.

[0017] According to the housing of the sixth aspect, in a configuration in which the boundary portion on the other side between the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body is formed as a curved portion, fingers, etc. are less likely to get caught on the boundary portion on the other side between the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body, compared to a configuration in which the end portion on the other side of the second cover in the closed state protrudes to the other side beyond the outermost surface of the other side of the first cover or the outermost surface of the other side of the front body.

[0018] According to the image forming device of the seventh aspect, in a configuration in which one side of the device main body is covered with a first cover and a second cover and the first cover is supported by a first rotating means, the first cover is prevented from being opened in conjunction with the action of opening the second cover to replace the cartridge unit, compared to a configuration in which the operating portion of the first cover and the operating portion of the second cover are provided at the same position in one direction or a configuration in which the magnitude of the second restraining force is greater than the magnitude of the first restraining force. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment with a second cover open. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment with a first cover open. [Figure 6] 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the second cover is open according to the embodiment, with parts of the first cover and the second cover cut away; FIG. [Figure 7] 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 along line 8-8. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a housing provided with a second cover of a comparative example to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] An example of a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention and an image forming apparatus including the housing will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG.

[0021] In the following description, the device up-down direction (height direction), device width direction (horizontal direction), and device depth direction (horizontal direction) are respectively described as H direction, W direction, and D direction when viewing image forming apparatus 20 from the front from the side where a user (not shown) stands. Furthermore, when it is necessary to distinguish one side from the other in each of the device up-down direction, device width direction, and device depth direction, the upper side is described as the +H side, the lower side as the -H side, the right side as the +W side, the left side as the -W side, the back side as the -D side, and the near side as the +D side when viewing image forming apparatus 10 from the front.

[0022] (Image forming device) The image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus for forming an image on a sheet member P as a recording medium. The image forming method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. In the present embodiment, an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus is shown as an example. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a housing 50, a storage section 12, a medium supply section 14, a medium discharge section 16, a conveying section 18, an image forming section 30, a cartridge section 22, a fixing section 17, and a control section (not shown). The storage section 12 includes a pull-out tray that is provided on the bottom side of the housing 50 so as to be able to be pulled out, and has a function of storing the sheet member P. The medium supply section 14 includes a supply port and a supply tray provided on the side surface on the +W side of the housing 50, and has a function of supplying the sheet member P arranged on the supply tray to the inside of the housing 50. The medium discharge section 16 includes a discharge port and a discharge tray provided on the side surface on the -W side of the housing 50. The transport unit 18 includes a plurality of transport rolls 18a, and has a function of transporting the sheet material P stored in the storage unit 12 or the sheet material P supplied from the medium supply unit 14 to the image forming unit 30. The control unit (not shown) controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 20. The housing 50 will be described in detail later.

[0023] (Image forming section) The image forming section 30 is accommodated in a portion of the housing 50 above the accommodation section 12, and includes an image forming unit 32, a toner supply section 35, and a transfer section 40. The image forming section 30 also includes a cover section 34 that covers the front side of the image forming section 30 (see FIG. 5). The cover section 34 is detachably attached to the image forming section 30. The image forming unit 32 includes four image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. Here, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are examples of toner colors. The toner supply section 35 supplies toner T from a cartridge section 22, which will be described later, to the image forming unit 32.

[0024] Each of the four image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K includes a photoconductor drum 36. The four image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K form a toner image on the outer circumferential surface of the photoconductor drum 36 corresponding to each color, using toner T of each color Y, M, C, and K supplied from the cartridge unit 22 via the toner supply unit 35. The toner T is an example of a color material. The image forming units 32 are arranged in a line in the device width direction in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the +W side.

[0025] The transfer section 40 is composed of a transfer belt 41, a primary transfer roll 42 corresponding to the four image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, a secondary transfer roll 43, a backup roll 44, a drive roll 46, and a support roll 48.

[0026] The transfer belt 41 is an endless belt disposed below the image forming unit 32. The inner peripheral surface of the transfer belt 41 is supported by a primary transfer roll 42, a backup roll 44, a drive roll 46, and a support roll 48, and is shaped like an inverted triangle when viewed from the front (when viewed from the front side in the device depth direction). The transfer belt 41 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front.

[0027] The outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 41, which is supported by the primary transfer roll 42, is in contact with the photoconductor drums 36 of the image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K. The toner image TZ formed on the photoconductor drum 36 is primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 41 while rotating counterclockwise.

[0028] The backup roll 44 is disposed inside the transfer belt 41 at the apex of the lower side of the transfer belt 41 which is oriented in an inverted triangle shape.

[0029] The secondary transfer roll 43 is disposed opposite the backup roll 44 with the transfer belt 41 therebetween. The secondary transfer roll 43 secondarily transfers the toner image TZ, which has been primarily transferred onto the outer circumferential surface of the transfer belt 41, onto the sheet member P that has been transported to a position opposite the backup roll 44 with the transfer belt 41 therebetween. Furthermore, the secondary transfer roll 43 transports the sheet member P, onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred, to the fixing unit 17.

[0030] (Fixing part) The fixing section 17 is disposed in a space in the housing 50 above the storage section 12 and below the image forming section 30, and includes a heating roll and a pressure roll. The fixing section 17 heats and pressurizes the sheet material P transported from the image forming section 30, thereby fixing the image transferred to the sheet material P by the image forming section 30 to the sheet material P. The fixing section 17 also transports the sheet material P with the fixed image to the medium discharge section 16 and discharges it from the discharge port onto a discharge tray.

[0031] The fixing unit 17, the secondary transfer roll 43, and the transport roll 18a that is a part of the transport unit 18 constitute a roll unit RU in the image forming apparatus 20. The roll unit RU is configured to include a cover part CV that covers the front side of the roll unit RU (see FIG. 5).

[0032] (Cartridge section) The cartridge section 22 is composed of four cartridge sections 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K corresponding to the toner colors. The cartridge sections 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are containers that accommodate the toner T corresponding to each toner color and extend in the device depth direction. The cartridge section 22 is replaceably accommodated in a space above the image forming section 30 in the housing 50 (see Figs. 4 and 5). Specifically, the cartridge section 22 has a configuration that allows it to be removed from the housing 50 by pulling it out toward the front side (+D side) of the housing 50. The cartridge sections 22 are arranged in a state where five cartridge sections 22 are lined up in the device width direction in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the +W side. In the embodiment, two black (K) cartridge sections 22K are arranged.

[0033] The cartridge units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K supply the toner T to the image forming units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K corresponding to the respective toner colors.

[0034] (Housing) 1, the housing 50 includes a housing main body 52, a first cover 60, and a second cover 70. As shown in Fig. 5, the housing 50 also includes a first restraining portion 80 and a first switch portion 82 corresponding to the first cover 60. As shown in Fig. 4, the housing 50 also includes a second restraining portion 90 and a second switch portion 92 corresponding to the second cover 70.

[0035] (Main body) As shown in FIG. 2, the housing body 52 is a box-shaped structure that houses each part of the image forming apparatus 20. Inside the housing body 52, the cartridge section 22, the image forming section 30, the transport section 18, the fixing section 17, and the storage section 12 are housed in this order from the top. As shown in FIG. 5, the front surface (+D side) of the housing body 52 is the front surface 54. The front surface 54 is an example of one surface. The housing body 52 has an opening on the front surface 54. Parts of the front surfaces (+D side) of the cartridge section 22, the image forming section 30, and the roll unit RU are exposed from the opening on the front surface 54 of the housing body 52. ​​The cartridge section 22 and the image forming section 30 can be subjected to maintenance from these exposed portions.

[0036] 5, the magnet 80a of the first restraining portion 80 is disposed at the end of the front surface 54 of the housing body 52 on the +W side. Also, the opening 92a of the second switch portion 92 is disposed at the end of the front surface 54 on the -W side of the housing body 52, which overlaps with the cartridge portion 22 in the up-down direction of the device. Also, the opening 82a of the first switch portion 82 is disposed at the end of the front surface 54 on the +W side of the housing body 52. ​​The magnet 80a, the opening 92a, and the opening 82a will be described in detail later.

[0037] (First cover) The first cover 60 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member covering the opening of the front surface 54 of the housing body 52, as shown in FIG. 1. In other words, the first cover 60 covers at least a part of the opening of the housing body 52. ​​The first cover 60 is supported by a first hinge 56 provided on a side wall on the -W side of the housing body 52 so as to be able to open and close the front surface 54 of the housing body 52, as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the first cover 60 is supported by the first hinge 56 provided on a portion on the -W side of the opening on the front surface 54 of the housing body 52. ​​The first hinge 56 is disposed so that the shaft portion extends in the vertical direction of the device. That is, the rotation axis of the first hinge 56 (meaning not a physical axis but the center of rotation of the first cover 60 relative to the housing body 52; the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph) extends in the vertical direction of the device. The first cover 60 is adapted to switch between a closed state shown in FIG. 1 and an open state shown in FIG. 5 by rotating around the rotation axis of the first hinge 56. The first hinge 56 is an example of a first rotation means. The embodiment of the first hinge 56 according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can support the front 54 of the housing body 52 so as to be openable and closable by rotating the first cover 60 around the rotation axis. The first hinge 56 may be, for example, configured to include two plate materials whose peripheral portions are connected to each other by a shaft portion, or may be formed integrally with the first cover 60 or the housing body 52. ​​That is, the embodiment of the first rotating means in this specification is not limited to a hinge-like member as long as it is a reference for the rotation of the first cover that opens and closes by rotating. In addition, the rotation axis of the first rotating means may be a virtual one, and may be configured without a shaft portion having a length in the direction of the rotation axis. For example, the first rotating means may be configured to include a recess or a through hole formed in the first cover or the housing body along the rotation axis, and a protrusion formed in the housing body or the first cover that fits into the recess or the through hole in a state that is free to rotate around the rotation axis. In addition, the first rotating means may be one whose position of the rotation axis changes with the opening and closing operation of the first cover. In this embodiment, the first cover 60 is supported by a first hinge 56 so as to be openable and closable from the front surface 54 side of the housing body 52 to the left.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the first cover 60 has a front cover 60a along the HW surface in the closed state, and a side wall 60b along the +W side of the housing body 52 on the +W side of the front cover 60a. The side wall 60b is an example of the end of the +W side of the first cover 60. In this embodiment, the first cover 60 has a curved surface portion 60c formed between the front cover 60a and the side wall 60b and having an R shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the device. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first cover 60 has a side wall 60d along the -W side of the housing body 52 on the -W side of the front cover 60a in the closed state. The upper part of the front cover 60a is a step portion 64 recessed toward the back side with respect to the lower part. The step portion 64 is formed at a position where the first cover 60 overlaps with the cartridge portion 22 in the vertical direction of the device. The step portion 64 has a plurality of windows 62 corresponding to the plurality of cartridge portions 22 and the opening 82a. As shown in Fig. 4, when the first cover 60 is in the closed state, the cartridge portion 22 and the opening 92a of the second switch portion 92, which are exposed from the opening in the front surface 54 of the housing main body 52, are exposed from the window portion 62. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, when the first cover 60 is in the closed state, the first cover 60 covers the image forming portion 30 and the roll unit RU, which are exposed from the opening in the front surface 54 of the housing main body 52, from the front side (+D side) (see Fig. 5). In other words, the first cover 60 covers a part of the front surface 54 of the housing main body 52.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the first cover 60 has a recess 66 formed in the side wall 60b. In other words, the recess 66 is provided on the end side of the first cover 60 on the +W side. The distance between the recess 66 and the first hinge 56 in the device width direction is defined as a distance L1. When the first cover 60 is in the closed state, the first cover 60 rotates around the shaft of the first hinge 56 and is opened by hooking a finger or the like on the recess 66 and pulling it toward the front side (+D side) (see FIG. 5). The recess 66 is an example of an operating part of the first cover 60.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, in the closed state, the first cover 60 has one magnet 90a of the second restraining section 90 disposed at each end of both sides in the device width direction of the plate surface of the front cover 60a side of the stepped portion 64. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the first cover 60 has a magnetic block 80b disposed on the plate surface facing the -D side in the closed state, which forms a pair with the magnet 80a of the first restraining section 80. Also, in the closed state, the first cover 60 has a protrusion 82b disposed on the plate surface facing the -D side, which forms a pair with the opening 82a of the first switch section 82. The magnet 90a, the magnetic block 80b, and the protrusion 82b will be described in detail later.

[0041] (Second cover) As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the second cover 70 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that covers the step portion 64, which is an example of a part of the first cover 60. That is, when the first cover 60 is in a closed state, the second cover 70 is disposed at a position adjacent to the front cover 60a of the first cover 60 in the vertical direction of the device as viewed from the front cover 60a side. As shown in Fig. 6, the second cover 70 is supported by a second hinge 72 provided at the step portion 64 of the first cover 60 so as to be capable of opening and closing the step portion 64 of the first cover 60. In other words, the second cover 70 covers a part of the first cover 60. The second hinge 72 is disposed below the step portion 64 so that the shaft portion extends in the device width direction. That is, the rotation axis of the second hinge 72 (not a physical axis, but the center of rotation of the second cover 70 relative to the first cover 60; the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph) extends in an intersecting direction that intersects with the rotation axis of the first hinge 56 when viewed from the front side of the first cover 60. In other words, the rotation axis of the second hinge 72 extends in the device width direction. The second cover 70 switches between the closed state shown in FIG. 1 and the open state shown in FIG. 4 by rotating around the rotation axis of the second hinge 72. The second hinge 72 is an example of a second rotation means. The second hinge 72 according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can support the step portion 64 of the first cover 60 so as to be openable and closable by rotating the second cover 70 around the rotation axis. The second hinge 72 may be, for example, a member including two plates whose peripheral portions are connected to each other by a shaft portion, or may be formed integrally with the second cover 70 or the first cover 60. That is, the second rotating means in this specification may be a member that serves as a reference for the rotation of the second cover that opens and closes by rotating, and is not limited to a hinge-like member. The rotation axis of the second rotating means may be a virtual one, and may not include a shaft portion having a length in the direction of the rotation axis. For example, the second rotating means may be a member including a recess or a through hole formed in the second cover or the first cover along the rotation axis, and a protrusion formed in the first cover or the second cover that fits into the recess or the through hole in a state that is free to rotate around the rotation axis. The second rotating means may be a member whose position of the rotation axis changes with the opening and closing operation of the second cover.

[0042] The second cover 70 is provided on the first cover 60, so that when the first cover 60 changes from a closed state to an open state, as shown in FIG. 5, the second cover 70 moves integrally with the first cover 60.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the second cover 70 has a front cover 70a along the HW surface and a side wall 70b along the side wall 60b of the first cover 60 in the closed state. In this embodiment, the second cover 70 has a curved surface portion 70c formed between the front cover 70a and the side wall 70b and having an R shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the device. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the second cover 70 has a side wall 70d along the side wall 60d of the first cover 60 in the closed state. As shown in FIG. 1, when both the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 are in the closed state, the second cover 70 covers the cartridge portion 22 exposed from the opening of the front surface 54 of the housing main body 52 and the window portion 62 of the first cover 60 from the front side (+D side) (see FIG. 4). In other words, the second cover 70 covers a part of the front surface 54 of the housing main body 52. As shown in FIG. 3, the second cover 70 is exposed at its end on the -W side and at a part on the -D side from a recess 68 formed on the end face on the -W side of the first cover 60. In other words, the recess 68 is provided closer to the first hinge 56 than the recess 66 in the device width direction. In yet another way, the recess 68 is provided at the end on the -W side of the first cover 60. In yet another way, the distance L between the recess 68 and the recess 66 in the device width direction is longer than half the length of the distance L1 between the recess 66 and the first hinge 56 in the device width direction (L>0.5×L1). The distance between the recess 68 and the first hinge 56 in the device width direction is set to the distance L2. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the second cover 70 is rotated around the shaft of the second hinge 72 to be in an open state by hooking a finger or the like on a part of the second cover 70 exposed from the recess 68 and pulling it toward the front side (+D side). The recess 68 and the part of the second cover 70 exposed from the recess 68 are an example of an operating portion of the second cover 70 .

[0044] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, when the second cover 70 is in the closed state, the front cover 70a, the side wall 70b, and the curved surface portion 70c of the second cover 70 are approximately flush with the front cover 60a, the side wall 60b, and the curved surface portion 60c of the first cover 60, respectively. That is, the outer surface of the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70 is approximately flush with the first cover 60. As shown in Fig. 7, in the embodiment, when the second cover 70 is in the closed state, at least a part of the end surface 75 of the second cover 70 and the end surface 65 of the first cover 60 face each other at the boundary portion K on the +W side of the first cover 60 and the second cover 70. When the second cover 70 is in the closed state, the end portion 77 on the +W side of the curved surface portion 70c of the second cover 70 is disposed on the -W side of the outermost surface of the side wall 60b and the curved surface portion 60c of the first cover 60 in the device width direction. That is, when the second cover 70 is in the closed state, the end 77 on the +W side of the second cover 70 is disposed on the -W side of the outermost surface on the +W side of the first cover 60. Specifically, the step of the outer surface at the parting portion between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 is 1 mm or less. In other words, the radius difference between the curved portion 70c of the second cover 70 and the curved portion 60c of the first cover 60 as viewed from the vertical direction of the device is 1 mm or less. In other words, the amount of misalignment between the curved portion 70c of the second cover 70 and the curved portion 60c of the first cover 60 as viewed from the vertical direction of the device is 1 mm or less. Note that the outer surface of the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70 does not have to be substantially flush with the first cover 60. In other words, the step of the outer surface at the parting portion between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 may exceed 1 mm. Additionally, the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 form a curved surface portion RC with the curved surface portion 70c and the curved surface portion 60c around the end portion on the +W side of the housing main body 52. ​​Additionally, a boundary portion K on the +W side between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 is formed on the curved surface portion RC. The boundary portion K is, in other words, a gap formed between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60, and has a width that does not allow a finger to be inserted deeply.

[0045] 4, the second cover 70 has two magnetic blocks 90b that are paired with the magnets 90a of the second restraining unit 90 arranged on a plate surface that faces the -D side in the closed state. Also, the second cover 70 has a protrusion 92b that is paired with the opening 92a of the second switch unit 92 arranged on a plate surface that faces the -D side in the closed state. The magnetic blocks 90b and the protrusions 92b will be described in detail later.

[0046] (First restraint part) As shown in FIG. 5, the first restraining portion 80 includes a magnet 80a arranged on the housing body 52 and a magnetic block 80b arranged on the first cover 60. When the first cover 60 is in the closed state, the magnet 80a comes into contact with the magnetic block 80b and attracts the magnetic block 80b with a magnetic force F1, thereby restraining the first cover 60 to the housing body 52. ​​The magnetic force F1 is an example of the first restraining force. Note that the magnet 80a may not be in contact with the magnetic block 80b as long as the magnet 80a can attract the magnetic block 80b with the magnetic force F1 when the first cover 60 is in the closed state. When a finger or the like is hooked on the recess 66 and pulled toward the front side (+D side) with a force greater than the magnetic force F1, the first cover 60 in the closed state rotates around the axis of the first hinge 56 and opens.

[0047] (Second restraint part) As shown in FIG. 4, the second restraining portion 90 includes two magnets 90a arranged on the first cover 60 and two magnetic blocks 90b arranged on the second cover 70. When the second cover 70 is in the closed state, the two magnets 90a contact the corresponding magnetic blocks 90b and are attracted to each other by a magnetic force F2, thereby restraining the second cover 70 to the first cover 60. The magnetic force F2 is an example of the second restraining force. Note that, as long as the two magnets 90a can attract the corresponding magnetic blocks 90b by the magnetic force F2 when the second cover 70 is in the closed state, the two magnets 90a may not be in contact with the magnetic blocks 90b. The magnetic force F2 of the second restraining portion 90 is smaller than the magnetic force F1 of the first restraining portion 80. When the second cover 70 is in the closed state, a finger or the like is hooked onto a part of the second cover 70 exposed from the recess 68 of the first cover 60 and pulled toward the front (+D side) with a force greater than the magnetic force F2, causing the second cover 70 to rotate around the axis of the second hinge 72 and enter the open state.

[0048] (First switch part) 5, the first switch unit 82 includes an opening 82a disposed in the housing main body 52 and a protrusion 82b disposed in the first cover 60. The opening 82a is disposed at the end of the +W side of the front surface 54 of the housing main body 52. ​​The protrusion 82b is disposed on the first cover 60 so as to correspond to the opening 82a. The first switch unit 82 is connected to a control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 20, and has a function of switching on and off the power supply to the image forming unit 30 and the roll unit RU.

[0049] When the first cover 60 is in the closed state, the protrusion 82b is inserted into the opening 82a, causing the first switch unit 82 to transmit a signal indicating that the first cover 60 is in the closed state to the control unit (not shown), and supply power to the image forming unit 30 and the roll unit RU. When the first cover 60 is in the open state, the protrusion 82b is not inserted into the opening 82a, causing the first switch unit 82 to transmit a signal indicating that the first cover 60 is in the open state to the control unit (not shown), and cuts off the supply of power to the image forming unit 30 and the roll unit RU. With the supply of power cut off, the image forming unit 30 and the roll unit RU are ready for maintenance work.

[0050] (Second switch part) 4 and 5, the second switch unit 92 includes an opening 92a disposed in the housing main body 52 and a protrusion 92b disposed in the second cover 70. The second switch unit 92 is connected to a control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 20, and has a function of switching on and off the power supply to the toner supply unit 35.

[0051] When both the first cover 60 and the second cover 70 are in the closed state, the protrusion 92b is inserted into the opening 92a, causing the second switch unit 92 to transmit a signal indicating that the second cover 70 is in the closed state to the control unit (not shown), and to supply power to the toner supply unit 35. When power is supplied to the toner supply unit 35, the toner supply unit 35 is able to supply the toner T in the cartridge unit 22 to the image forming unit 32. When the second cover 70 is in the open state, the protrusion 92b is not inserted into the opening 92a, causing the second switch unit 92 to transmit a signal indicating that the second cover 70 is in the open state to the control unit (not shown), and to cut off the supply of power to the toner supply unit 35. When the supply of power to the toner supply unit 35 is cut off, the cartridge unit 22 can be replaced with another cartridge unit 22.

[0052] (others) As shown in FIG. 5, when the first cover 60 is in the open state, the second cover 70 moves together with the first cover 60, so that the protrusion 92b of the second cover 70 is not inserted into the opening 92a of the housing main body 52. ​​Therefore, when the first cover 60 is in the open state, the supply of power to the image forming unit 30, the roll unit RU, and the toner supply unit 35 is cut off. Therefore, when the first cover 60 is in the open state and both the first cover 60 and the second cover 70 are closed, in order for the image forming device 20 to be in a printable state, it is necessary to supply power to the image forming unit 30, the roll unit RU, and the toner supply unit 35. On the other hand, when the first cover 60 is in the closed state and the second cover 70 is in the open state, the supply of power is cut off only to the toner supply unit 35, and power is supplied to the image forming unit 30 and the roll unit RU. Therefore, when only the second cover 70 is changed from an open state to a closed state, in order for the image forming device 20 to be in a printable state, it is necessary to supply power only to the toner supply unit 35. Therefore, the time required for the image forming device 20 to be in a printable state when only the second cover 70 is changed from an open state to a closed state is shorter than the time required for the first cover 60 to be changed from an open state to a closed state.

[0053] <Action and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the present invention will be described. In this description, when describing a comparative embodiment of the present invention, if the same parts as those in the image forming apparatus 20 of the embodiment are used, the reference numerals and names of those parts will be used as they are.

[0054] In the housing 50 of the embodiment, the recess 68 which is the operating portion of the second cover 70 is provided closer to the first hinge 56 in the device width direction than the recess 66 which is the operating portion of the first cover 60. The housing 50 of the embodiment will be compared with a housing 150 as a first comparative embodiment described below.

[0055] In the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a recess 168 is formed on the end face on the +W side of the first cover 60 to expose a part of the -D side of the second cover 70. That is, in the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment, the recess 66 and the recess 168 are provided at the same position in the device width direction. In addition, in the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment, the recess 168 is provided on the +W side of the first hinge 56 in the device width direction. The distance L2 between the recess 168 and the first hinge 56 in the device width direction is equal to the distance L1 between the recess 66 and the first hinge 56 (L2=L1). The second cover 70 in the first comparative embodiment is rotated around the axis of the second hinge 72 to be in an open state by hooking a finger or the like on the part exposed from the recess 168 and pulling it toward the front side (+D side). In addition, in the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment, the magnetic force F2 of the second restraining portion 90 is equal to the magnetic force F1 of the first restraining portion 80 (F2=F1). Apart from the above, the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment has the same configuration as the housing 50 of the embodiment.

[0056] In the first comparative embodiment, when only the second cover 70 is opened from the closed state of both the first cover 60 and the second cover 70, a finger or the like is hooked on a part exposed from the recess 168 and pulled toward the front side (+D side). At this time, since the second cover 70 is provided on the first cover 60, a moment of F2×L2 acting on the recess 168 to open the second cover 70 is transmitted to the first restraining portion 80 via the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 and acts. In the first comparative embodiment, since F2=F1 and L2=L1, when the second cover 70 is opened, a moment of F1×L1 in a direction to open the first cover 60 is transmitted to the first restraining portion 80, so that the first cover 60 may be opened. That is, in the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment, there is a risk that the first cover 60 may be opened in association with the operation of opening the second cover 70.

[0057] On the other hand, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the recess 68, which is the operating portion of the second cover 70, is provided closer to the first hinge 56 than the recess 66, which is the operating portion of the first cover 60, in the device width direction. Therefore, the force of pulling the plate surface of the second cover 70 exposed from the recess 68 to the +D side with a finger or the like is transmitted to a portion of the first cover 60 closer to the first hinge 56 than the recess 66. As a result, the moment transmitted to the first cover 60 accompanying the operation of opening the second cover 70 in the embodiment is smaller than that in the first comparative embodiment, making it difficult to open the first cover 60. Therefore, in the housing 50, in a configuration in which the first cover 60 is supported by the first hinge 56, the first cover 60 is prevented from opening in association with the operation of opening the second cover 70, compared to the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment. This is an effect that can be achieved even if the magnetic force F1 is equal to the magnetic force F2 (F1=F2) in the housing 50 of the embodiment.

[0058] In addition, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, the distance between the recess 68 and the recess 66 in the device width direction is longer than half the distance between the recess 66 and the first hinge 56 in the device width direction. When the second cover 70 is pulled to open the second cover 70, the force transmitted to the operation part of the first cover 60 via the second cover 70 increases as the distance between the operation part of the second cover 70 and the operation part of the first cover 60 in the device width direction becomes shorter. Therefore, in the housing 50, the first cover 60 is prevented from being opened in association with the operation of opening the second cover 70, as compared with a configuration in which the distance between the recess 68 and the recess 66 in the device width direction is shorter than half the distance between the recess 66 and the first hinge 56.

[0059] In addition, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, the recess 68 is provided at the end of the first cover 60 on the same side as the first hinge 56 in the device width direction. Therefore, in the configuration in which the first cover 60 is supported by the first hinge 56, the housing 50 is more prevented from opening the first cover 60 in conjunction with the operation of opening the second cover 70 than the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment.

[0060] Moreover, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, the magnetic force F2 of the second restraining portion 90 is smaller than the magnetic force F1 of the first restraining portion 80. Therefore, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, the second cover 70 can be opened by pulling the second cover 70 with a force smaller than the force required to open the first cover 60. Therefore, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, the first cover 60 is prevented from being opened by the action of opening the second cover 70, compared to a configuration in which the magnetic force F2 of the second restraining portion 90 is larger than the magnetic force F1 of the first restraining portion 80. This is an effect that can be achieved even if the distance L1 is equal to the distance L2 (L1=L2) in the housing 50 of the embodiment.

[0061] Moreover, the housing 50 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the second cover 70 is supported by the second hinge 72 provided on the first cover 60. In a housing based on this configuration, the housing 50 of the embodiment is more suppressed in that the first cover 60 is brought into an open state in association with the operation of bringing the second cover 70 into an open state than the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment. In a housing based on this configuration, the housing 50 of the embodiment is more suppressed in that the first cover 60 is brought into an open state in association with the operation of bringing the second cover 70 into an open state than a configuration in which the magnetic force F2 of the second restraining portion 90 is greater than the magnetic force F1 of the first restraining portion 80.

[0062] Moreover, the housing 50 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the axis of the second hinge 72 extends in a direction intersecting with the axis of the first hinge 56. In a housing based on this configuration, the housing 50 of the embodiment is more suppressed from opening in association with the operation of opening the second cover 70 than the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment. In a housing based on this configuration, the housing 50 of the embodiment is more suppressed from opening in association with the operation of opening the second cover 70 than the configuration in which the magnetic force F2 of the second restraining portion 90 is greater than the magnetic force F1 of the first restraining portion 80.

[0063] In addition, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, when the second cover 70 is in the closed state, the outer surface of the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70 is substantially flush with the first cover 60. Therefore, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, fingers or the like are unlikely to get caught on the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70. As shown in FIG. 9, if a finger or the like can be caught on the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70, the force of pulling the second cover 70 generated by the action of catching the finger may be transmitted to the first cover 60 and cause the first cover 60 to be in the open state. Therefore, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, compared to a configuration in which a finger or the like can be caught on the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70, the first cover 60 is prevented from being inadvertently brought into the open state. Furthermore, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, when the second cover 70 is in the closed state, the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70 is disposed on the -W side of the outermost surface on the +W side of the first cover 60. Therefore, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, fingers are less likely to get caught on the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70, compared to a configuration in which the end portion on the +W side of the second cover 70 protrudes to the +W side from the outermost surface on the +W side of the first cover 60.

[0064] Moreover, the housing 50 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the boundary between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 on the +W side is formed as a curved surface portion RC. Consider a case in which an operator hooks the fingers of his / her left hand into the recess 68 on the -W side in the operation of opening the second cover 70 while placing his / her right hand on the side surface on the +W side of the housing main body 52. ​​In this case, since the boundary between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 on the +W side of the housing 50 of the embodiment is formed as a curved surface portion RC, the fingers are less likely to get caught on the boundary between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 on the +W side.

[0065] On the other hand, in a configuration in which the boundary between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 on the +W side is formed on the side walls 60b, 70b, a case will be considered in which an operator opens the second cover 70 while placing his / her right hand on the +W side of the housing body 52. ​​In this case, in a configuration in which the boundary between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 is formed on the side walls 60b, 70b, there is a risk that the fingers of the right hand placed on the +W side of the housing body 52 may be caught unintentionally on the boundary. If the fingers are caught on the boundary, the force pulling the second cover 70 generated by the hooking action is transmitted to the first cover 60, and the first cover 60 may be inadvertently opened. In contrast, in the housing 50 of the embodiment, the fingers are unlikely to be caught on the boundary between the second cover 70 and the first cover 60 on the +W side, so that the action of the right hand fingers placed on the side of the +W side of the housing body 52 is prevented from inadvertently opening the first cover 60.

[0066] Moreover, the image forming apparatus 20 of the embodiment includes a housing 50. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 20 of the embodiment is suppressed from opening the first cover 60 in association with the operation of opening the second cover 70, as compared to a configuration including the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment. Moreover, the image forming apparatus 20 of the embodiment is suppressed from opening the first cover 60 in association with the operation of opening the second cover 70, as compared to a configuration having a housing in which the magnetic force F2 of the second constraining portion 90 is greater than the magnetic force F1 of the first constraining portion 80.

[0067] Moreover, the image forming apparatus 20 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the second cover 70 covers the cartridge portion 22. Therefore, compared to a configuration including the housing 150 of the first comparative embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 of the embodiment is prevented from causing the first cover 60 to be in an open state due to the operation of opening the second cover 70 in order to replace the cartridge portion 22. Also, compared to a configuration in which the magnetic force F2 of the second restraining portion 90 is greater than the magnetic force F1 of the first restraining portion 80, the image forming apparatus 20 of the embodiment is prevented from causing the first cover 60 to be in an open state due to the operation of opening the second cover 70 in order to replace the cartridge portion 22.

[0068] <Modification> Next, an image forming apparatus 220 having a housing 250, which is an example of a modified example of an image forming apparatus having a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Note that the modified example will be described mainly with respect to the parts that are different from the embodiment. In addition, in the description of the modified example, when parts, etc. similar to those described in the image forming apparatus 20 according to the embodiment are used, the reference numerals and names of the parts, etc. will be used as they are.

[0069] (Image forming device 220, housing 250) As shown in FIG. 10, the housing 250 of the image forming apparatus 220 includes a second hinge 272 instead of the second hinge 72 in the housing 50 .

[0070] The second hinge 272 is disposed at the end of the step portion 64 of the first cover 60 on the +W side so that the shaft portion extends in the vertical direction of the device, and supports the end 77 of the second cover 70 on the +W side. That is, the second hinge 272 is provided at the end 77 of the second cover 70 on the side of the recess 66 of the first cover 60. The second cover 70 is supported by the second hinge 272 so that the step portion 62 of the first cover 60 can be opened and closed. The rotation shaft of the second hinge 272 extends in the vertical direction of the device. The second cover 70 is supported by the second hinge 272 so that it can be opened and closed from the front surface 54 side of the housing main body 52 to the right (see FIG. 11). That is, in this embodiment, the right-opening second cover 70 is supported by the second hinge 272 so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the left-opening first cover 60.

[0071] Except for the above points, the image forming apparatus 250 has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 20. That is, the first cover 60 has a recess 68 that constitutes an operation portion of the second cover 70 on the end surface on the -W side. That is, the recess 68 is provided on the first hinge 56 side relative to the recess 66 in the device width direction.

[0072] <Action and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the above-described modified example will be described.

[0073] The housing 250 is supported so as to be openable and closable by a second hinge 272 provided at an end 77 of the second cover 70 on the side of the recess 68 of the first cover 60. In addition, the recess 68 constituting the operation portion of the second cover 70 is provided on the first hinge 56 side of the recess 66 in the device width direction. As a result, the opening and closing direction of the first cover 60 is left-opening as viewed from the front surface 54 of the housing body 52, whereas the opening and closing direction of the second cover 70 is right-opening, which is different from the first cover 60 (see FIG. 11). Therefore, in the housing 250, compared to a configuration in which the opening and closing direction of the second cover 70 is the same as the opening and closing direction of the first cover 60, the opening and closing direction of the first cover 70 is suppressed from being opened by the operation of opening the second cover. In this modified example, the second cover 70 has the same width as the first cover 60, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second cover 70 may be narrower than the first cover 60. In this case, the position of the second hinge 272 may be disposed closer to the first hinge 56 than the recess 66. Also, in this case, the operating portion of the second cover 70 may be disposed closer to the recess 66 than the first hinge 56.

[0074] As described above, a specific embodiment has been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0075] For example, the application of the housing according to the present invention is not limited to image forming apparatuses, but may also be applied to home electrical appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, various production devices, equipment, test and inspection devices, and the like.

[0076] In addition, in the housing of the present invention, if the first restraining force of the second restraining portion is smaller than the first restraining force of the first restraining portion, the operating portion of the second cover may be provided at the same position as the operating portion of the first cover in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first rotation means.

[0077] In the embodiment, the second cover 70 covers the step portion 64 of the first cover 60, and has a configuration in which the outer surface of the end portion on the +W side is substantially flush with the first cover 60 in the closed state. However, the first cover according to the present invention does not have to have a configuration that covers the cartridge portion, that is, does not have to have a configuration that corresponds to the step portion 64 in the embodiment. In addition, the second cover according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the outer surface of the end portion on the +W side is substantially flush with the housing body in the closed state.

[0078] In the embodiment, the first hinge 56 and the recess 68 are provided on the -W side, and the recess 66 is provided on the +W side. However, the housing according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the first rotation means and the operating part of the second cover are provided on the +W side, and the operating part of the first cover is provided on the -W side.

[0079] In the embodiment, the cartridge unit 22 is accommodated in a space above the image forming unit 30 in the housing 50. However, the cartridge unit according to the present invention may be accommodated in a space below the image forming unit in the housing. In this case, the first cover and the second cover according to the present invention have a configuration that is symmetrical in the up-down direction to the first cover 60 and the second cover 70 of the embodiment.

[0080] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the cartridge unit and the image forming apparatus are arranged side by side in the width direction of the apparatus. In this case, the first rotating means according to the present invention has a configuration in which the shaft portion extends in the width direction of the apparatus.

[0081] In the embodiment, the axis of the second hinge 72 extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the first hinge 56. However, the axis of the second rotating means according to the present invention may extend in parallel with the axis of the first rotating means.

[0082] Furthermore, the first restraint portion and the second restraint portion according to the present invention are not limited to those configured to include a magnetic block and a magnet, but may have a configuration that restrains the first cover or the second cover by fitting together a pair of concave and convex portions.

[0083] In the embodiment, the second cover 70 is supported by the first cover 60 via the second hinge 72 so as to be openable and closable. However, the second cover according to the present invention may have a configuration in which it is openable and closable by sliding relative to the first cover along one surface of the housing body in a direction intersecting with the axis of the first rotating means.

[0084] In addition, the housing 50 of the embodiment has a configuration in which the first cover 60 is supported by a first hinge 56 provided on a side wall on the -W side of the housing main body 52. ​​However, the housing according to the present invention is not limited to the housing 50 of the embodiment as long as the first rotation means is provided on one side in one direction along one surface of an opening on one surface of the housing main body. For example, the housing according to the present invention may have a configuration in which an opening of the housing main body is provided only on one side of the center line in the device width direction of the front surface of the housing main body, and the first rotation means is provided on one edge of the opening in the device width direction.

[0085] Also, in the first cover 60 of the embodiment, the window portion 62 is formed in the step portion 64 covered by the second cover 70. However, the first cover according to the present invention may have a configuration in which no window portion is formed in the portion covered by the second cover, and a button, an interface, or the like is formed therein.

[0086] In the embodiment, the recess 66 is an example of an operating portion of the first cover 60. However, the operating portion of the first cover according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can be hooked by a finger or the like, and may be a part of the first cover exposed from a recess formed in the housing at the boundary between the housing and the first cover. In addition, the operating portion of the first cover according to the present invention may be a single or multiple protrusions formed on the first cover, or may be a member such as a handle provided on the first cover.

[0087] In the embodiment, the recess 68 and a part of the second cover 70 exposed from the recess 68 are taken as an example of the operation part of the second cover 70. However, the operation part of the second cover according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as a finger or the like can be hooked thereon, and may be a recess formed in the second cover. The operation part of the second cover according to the present invention may be a single or multiple protrusions formed in the second cover, or a member such as a handle provided on the second cover. In particular, when the operation part of the second cover 70 is a member such as a protrusion or a handle, the operation part may protrude to the -W side from the side wall 70d on the -W side. That is, the operation part of the second cover 70 may be provided on the -W side from the first hinge 56. A housing having a configuration in which the operation part of the second cover 70 is provided on the -W side from the first hinge 56 has the same effect as a housing 50 having a configuration in which the operation part of the second cover 70 is provided at the same position as the first hinge 56 in the device width direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 20 Image forming device 22 Cartridge section 30 Image forming section 50 Case 52 Main unit 54 Front (One side example) 56 First hinge (an example of a first rotating means) 60 First Cover 66 Recess (an example of an operating portion of the first cover) 68 Recess (an example of the operating portion of the second cover) 70 Second Cover 72 Second hinge (an example of a second rotation means) 77 End 80 First restraint section 90 Second restraint section F1 Magnetic force (an example of the first binding force) F2 Magnetic force (an example of the second binding force) K boundary RC curved part

Claims

1. A housing body having an opening on one side; a first cover that is supported by the housing body so as to be openable and closable by a first rotating means provided on one side of the one surface in one direction relative to the opening, and that covers at least a part of the opening, the first cover being provided with an operation part that changes the first cover from a closed state to an open state; a second cover supported on the first cover so as to be openable and closable, the second cover having an operating part for opening the second cover from a closed state, the second cover being provided at a position away from the operating part of the first cover toward the first rotating means by a length equal to or greater than half the distance between the operating part of the first cover and the first rotating means in the one direction; Equipped with the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body form a curved surface portion at an end portion on the other side in the one direction when the second cover is in a closed state, a boundary portion between the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body on the other side is formed on the curved surface portion, When the second cover is in a closed state, the end portion on the other side of the second cover is disposed on one side in the one direction with respect to an outermost surface on the other side of the first cover or an outermost surface on the other side of the housing body. Housing.

2. A housing body having an opening on one side; a first cover that is supported by the housing body so as to be openable and closable by a first rotating means provided on one side of the one surface in one direction relative to the opening, and that covers at least a part of the opening; a second cover supported by the first cover so as to be openable and closable, the second cover having an operation unit for switching the second cover from a closed state to an open state, the operation unit being provided at the same position as the first rotation means in the one direction or on the one side of the first rotation means; Equipped with the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body form a curved surface portion at an end portion on the other side in the one direction when the second cover is in a closed state, a boundary portion between the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body on the other side is formed on the curved surface portion, When the second cover is in a closed state, the end portion on the other side of the second cover is disposed on one side in the one direction with respect to an outermost surface on the other side of the first cover or an outermost surface on the other side of the housing body. Housing.

3. A housing body having an opening on one side; a first cover that is supported by the housing body so as to be openable and closable by a first rotating means provided on one side of the one surface in one direction relative to the opening, and that covers at least a part of the opening; a first restraining portion that restrains the first cover in a closed state to the housing main body with a first restraining force; A second cover supported on the first cover so as to be openable and closable; a second restraining portion that restrains the second cover in a closed state to the first cover with a second restraining force that is smaller than the first restraining force; Equipped with the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body form a curved surface portion at an end portion on the other side in the one direction when the second cover is in a closed state, a boundary portion between the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body on the other side is formed on the curved surface portion, When the second cover is in a closed state, the end portion on the other side of the second cover is disposed on one side in the one direction with respect to an outermost surface on the other side of the first cover or an outermost surface on the other side of the housing body. Housing.

4. The first rotating means has a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the one direction, The housing according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover is opened and closed by rotating about a rotation axis extending in the one direction.

5. A housing body having an opening on one side; a first cover that is supported by the housing body so as to be openable and closable by a first rotating means provided on one side of the opening in one direction on the one surface, and that covers at least a part of the opening, and an operation unit that changes the first cover from a closed state to an open state is provided at a position that is separated from the first rotating means by a length equal to or greater than half the distance between the first rotating means and an end portion on the other side in the one direction; a second cover provided on the first cover, the second cover being supported openably and closably by a second rotating means provided at an end of the second cover on the side of the operation unit of the first cover, the second cover having an operation unit for opening the second cover from a closed state provided on the first rotating means side of the operation unit of the first cover in the one direction; Equipped with the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body form a curved surface portion at an end portion on the other side in the one direction when the second cover is in a closed state, a boundary portion between the second cover and the first cover or the housing main body on the other side is formed on the curved surface portion, When the second cover is in a closed state, the end portion on the other side of the second cover is disposed on one side in the one direction with respect to an outermost surface on the other side of the first cover or an outermost surface on the other side of the housing body. Housing.

6. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a cartridge portion that is replaceably accommodated in the housing with a portion of the cartridge portion exposed from the one surface and that accommodates a coloring material; an image forming unit that is housed in the housing with a portion thereof exposed from the one surface and that forms an image on a recording medium using the color material; Equipped with the first cover covers the image forming unit, The second cover covers the cartridge portion. Image forming device.

Images