Latch mechanism, latch device, image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a latch mechanism capable of releasing the engagement with an engagement part without rotating a moving part, and an image formation device.SOLUTION: A latch mechanism comprises: an operation part; a connection part which extends in one direction with one end connected to the operation part; a regulation part which regulates the connection part so that, when the operation part is moved to one side in an intersecting direction that intersects with the one direction, the other end of the connection part is moved to one side of the one direction; a moving part which is connected the other end of the connection part, and extends in one direction, and moves from a first position to a second position accompanying movement of the other end of the connection part; and an engagement part which engages with the moving part placed at the first position, and disengages from the moving part placed at the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a latch mechanism, a latch device, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The opening / closing mechanism described in Patent Document 1 comprises an opening / closing door that is rotatably supported and movable between a closed position that covers the opening of the device body and an open position that opens the opening, an engaging member that is rotatably supported on the opening / closing door and engages with an engaged portion provided on the device body, a link member that is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft provided on the device body, and a guide member that is rotatably supported on the opening / closing door on the support shaft and movably in a direction intersecting the rotation direction, and has a first guide surface that moves while coming into contact with the link member when the opening / closing door moves to the closed position, and a second guide surface that moves while coming into contact with the link member when the opening / closing door moves to the open position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-65258 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The latch mechanism includes an operating part that rotates the link, a moving part (latch) that rotates by the rotational force transmitted through the link, and an engaging part (latch receiver) that disengages from the moving part when the moving part rotates. Conventionally, because the moving part rotates in this way, an area for rotating the moving part was required.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to release the meshing between the moving part and the meshing part without rotating the moving part in a configuration in which a moving force is transmitted to the moving part by operating an operating part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The latch mechanism according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising an operating portion, a connecting portion extending in one direction and having one end connected to the operating portion, a regulating portion that regulates the connecting portion so that when the operating portion is moved to one side in a direction intersecting the one direction, the other end of the connecting portion moves to one side in the one direction, a moving portion that is connected to the other end of the connecting portion, extends in the one direction, and moves from a first position to a second position as the other end of the connecting portion moves, and an engaging portion that engages with the moving portion when positioned at the first position and disengages from the moving portion when positioned at the second position.

[0007] A latch mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention is the latch mechanism according to the first aspect, further comprising a biasing portion that biases the moving portion toward the first position.

[0008] A latch mechanism according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the latch mechanism described in the first or second aspect, the connection portion, the regulating portion, the moving portion, and the interlocking portion are provided in pairs, and one operating portion is arranged between the pair of the connection portion, the regulating portion, the moving portion, and the interlocking portion.

[0009] A latch mechanism according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the latch mechanism described in the third aspect, the operating portion extends in the one direction, one of the connection portions is connected to one end of the operating portion in the one direction, and the other connection portion is connected to the other end of the operating portion in the one direction.

[0010] A latch mechanism according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the latch mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, characterized in that the operating portion elastically deforms when an operating force is applied to the operating portion.

[0011] A latch mechanism according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a latch mechanism according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that the connection portion elastically deforms when the operating portion is moved to one side in the intersecting direction, and the other end of the connection portion moves to one side in the one direction.

[0012] A latch mechanism according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the latch mechanism according to the sixth aspect, characterized in that one end of the connection portion is rotatably connected to the operation portion.

[0013] A latch device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes a main body, an operation object attached to the main body, and a latch mechanism for holding the operation object at a predetermined position. Any one of the first to seventh aspects and a latch mechanism as described in 1. above, wherein an insertion space into which an operator's fingertip can be inserted is formed between the operating portion and the operation target object.

[0014] A latch device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the latch device described in the eighth aspect, the operating portion extends in the one direction, and the insertion space is capable of accepting the tips of four fingers of an operator.

[0015] An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes a main body, a transport unit provided inside the main body and transporting a recording medium along a transport path, an image forming unit provided inside the main body and forming an image on the recording medium transported by the transport unit, an opening unit as an operation object attached to the main body and rotating to move between an open position where the transport path is open to the outside and a closed position where the transport path is closed, and a latch mechanism including a moving unit that holds the opening unit at the closed position and is positioned on the opening unit side with respect to the transport path as seen from the direction of a rotation axis of the opening unit, and the moving unit moves in the direction of the rotation axis as the one direction. In the eighth or ninth aspect The present invention is characterized by comprising the latch device described above.

[0016] An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a main body, a transport unit provided inside the main body and transporting a recording medium along a transport path, an image forming unit provided inside the main body and forming an image on the recording medium transported by the transport unit, an opening unit attached to the main body and rotating to move between an open position where the transport path is open to the outside and a closed position where the transport path is closed, and a moving unit that holds the opening unit at the closed position and is disposed on the open unit side with respect to the transport path as viewed from a rotation axis direction of the opening unit, and the moving unit moves in the rotation axis direction as the one direction. In any one of the first to seventh aspects The latch mechanism is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the latch mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention, in a configuration in which a moving force is transmitted to a moving part by operating an operating part, the engagement between the moving part and the engaging part can be released without rotating the moving part.

[0018] According to the latch mechanism of the second aspect of the present invention, when the operating portion is not receiving an operating force, the moving portion and the engaging portion can maintain engagement with each other.

[0019] According to the latch mechanism of the third aspect of the present invention, the pair of connecting portion and moving portion can be moved by one operating portion.

[0020] According to the latch mechanism of the fourth aspect of the present invention, by moving the operating part, it is possible to move one connecting part and the other connecting part evenly.

[0021] According to the latch mechanism of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operational feel can be improved compared to when the operating portion is a rigid body.

[0022] According to the latch mechanism of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the movement direction of one end of the connection part and the movement direction of the other end can be changed with a simpler configuration than when a link mechanism is used in the connection part.

[0023] According to the latch mechanism of the seventh aspect of the present invention, excessive deformation of the connection portion can be suppressed compared to when the operation portion and the connection portion are connected in a non-rotatable manner.

[0024] According to the latch device of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the operating portion can be operated by inserting a fingertip into the insertion space formed between the operating portion and the object to be operated.

[0025] According to the latch device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the operability of the operating portion can be improved compared to when only the fingertips of three fingers are inserted into the insertion space.

[0026] According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, the moving section that moves in one direction does not move toward the transport path side relative to the open section.

[0027] According to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the moving section that moves in one direction does not move toward the transport path side with respect to the open section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a toner image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating an exterior cover in a closed state and an exterior cover in an open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an inner cover disposed in a closed position provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an inner cover disposed in an open position provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating the operation of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]1A and 1B are plan views illustrating the operation of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are enlarged perspective views showing an operating portion of a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and an enlarged perspective view showing a restricting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An example of a latch mechanism, a latch device, and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Note that in the figures, arrow H indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction) of the apparatus, arrow W indicates the width direction (horizontal direction) of the apparatus, and arrow D indicates the depth direction (horizontal direction) of the apparatus. The width direction and the depth direction of the apparatus are perpendicular to each other.

[0030] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 that forms a toner image by electrophotography, storage units 60 and 62 that store sheet material P, and a conveying unit 14 that conveys the sheet material P stored in the storage units 60 and 62 along a conveying path 16.

[0031] In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, the sheet material P stored in the storage units 60 and 62 is transported by the transport unit 14 along the transport path 16. Furthermore, a toner image formed by the image forming unit 12 is formed on the transported sheet material P, and the sheet material P with the toner image formed thereon is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0032] [Image forming unit 12] 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30 that respectively form toner images of each color, and a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed in the toner image forming units 30 onto a sheet member P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred onto the sheet member P by the transfer units 32 onto the sheet member P.

[0033] -Toner image forming unit 30- A plurality of toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 30 are provided for a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the Y, M, C, and K attached to the reference numerals will be omitted.

[0034] 2, each toner image forming unit 30 is equipped with a rotating cylindrical image carrier 40 and a charger 42 that charges the image carrier 40. The toner image forming unit 30 further includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image carrier 40 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a development device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image with developer G containing toner. As a result, the toner image forming unit 30 for each color forms an image of each color using the toner of that color.

[0035] 1, the image carriers 40 of each color are in contact with a rotating transfer belt 50 (details will be described later). In the rotation direction of the transfer belt 50 (see the arrow in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0036] -Transfer section 32- As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer section 32 includes a transfer belt 50 and primary transfer rolls 52 that are arranged on opposite sides of the image carriers 40 of each color across the transfer belt 50 and transfer the toner images formed on the image carriers 40 of each color to the transfer belt 50.

[0037] The transfer unit 32 also includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a driving roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits a rotational force to the transfer belt 50. This causes the transfer belt 50 to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0038] Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 includes a secondary transfer roll 54, which is disposed on the opposite side of the transfer belt 50 from the winding roll 56 and which transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 50 onto the sheet material P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50 to transfer the toner image onto the sheet material P.

[0039] In this configuration, a toner image is primarily transferred onto a transfer belt 50 by a primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Meanwhile, the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 50 by a secondary transfer roll 54 onto a sheet member P that is conveyed while being sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54. Furthermore, the sheet member P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward a fixing device 34.

[0040] -Fusing unit 34- 1, the fixing device 34 is disposed downstream of the transfer nip NT in the conveying direction of the sheet member P (hereinafter referred to as the "sheet conveying direction"). The fixing device 34 applies heat and pressure to the toner image transferred to the sheet member P to fix it to the sheet member P.

[0041] [Storage sections 60, 62] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage units 60 and 62 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction of the device. The storage unit 60 is arranged below the storage unit 62. In this embodiment, the storage unit 60 mainly stores A4-sized sheet materials P, and the storage unit 62 mainly stores A3-sized sheet materials P. In this image forming apparatus 10, the consumption of A4-sized sheet materials P is the greatest. Therefore, the number of sheets that can be stored in the storage unit 60, which stores the sheet materials P that are consumed the most, is made larger than the number that can be stored in the storage unit 62. In other words, the thickness of the storage unit 60 in the vertical direction of the device is made thicker than the thickness of the storage unit 62 in the vertical direction of the device.

[0042] [Transport unit 14] As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying section 14 conveys the sheet material P stored in the storage sections 60 and 62 along a conveying path 16.

[0043] Specifically, the conveying section 14 is disposed upstream of the transfer nip NT in the sheet conveying direction and includes an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing of sending out the sheet material P to the transfer nip NT. Furthermore, the conveying section 14 is disposed downstream of the fixing device 34 in the sheet conveying direction and includes an ejection roll 26 that ejects the sheet material P on which the toner image has been fixed to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0044] The conveying section 14 also includes a feed roll 20a that feeds the sheet material P stored in the storage section 60 to the conveying path 16, and a prevention roll 22a that prevents double feeding of the sheet material P fed by the feed roll 20a.

[0045] Furthermore, the conveying section 14 is equipped with a feed roll 20b that feeds the sheet material P stored in the storage section 62 to the conveying path 16, and a prevention roll 22b that prevents double feeding of the sheet material P sent out by the feed roll 20b.

[0046] The conveying section 14 also includes a conveying roll 64 disposed downstream of the prevention roll 22a in the sheet conveying direction, and a conveying roll 66 disposed downstream of the conveying roll 64 in the sheet conveying direction. The conveying roll 64 and the conveying roll 66 are aligned vertically above and below the device.

[0047] Furthermore, the transport roll 64 includes a drive roll portion 64a and a driven roll portion 64b, which are aligned in the device width direction. The roll on the storage section 60 side in the device width direction is the drive roll portion 64a.

[0048] The transport roll 66 includes a drive roll portion 66a and a driven roll portion 66b, which are aligned in the width direction of the device. The roll on the storage section 60 side in the width direction of the device is the drive roll portion 66a.

[0049] 〔others〕 The image forming apparatus 10 includes an exterior cover 36 that opens the side of the apparatus main body 10a, and an inner cover 68 that opens the transport path 16 in the portion transported by the transport rolls 64, 66. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a latch mechanism 70 attached to the inner cover 68, as shown in FIG.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the exterior cover 36 includes a rectangular cover body 36a extending in the vertical direction of the device and two hinges 36b attached to the cover body 36a. The two hinges 36b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction of the device on the far side in the depth direction of the device. When the exterior cover 36 is opened, the inner cover 68 can be seen from the outside, as shown in Figure 3(B). The inner cover 68 and the latch mechanism 70 will be described in detail later.

[0051] (Main part configuration) Next, the inner cover 68 and the latch mechanism 70 will be described. [Inner cover 68] As shown in Fig. 4, the inner cover 68 is disposed in the lower portion of the device main body 10a. The inner cover 68 includes a rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 68a extending in the vertical direction of the device when viewed in the width direction of the device, flange portions 68b with an L-shaped cross section attached to both ends of the main body portion 68a in the depth direction of the device, and a shaft portion 68c provided in the lower portion of the main body portion 68a. The device main body 10a is an example of a main body, and the inner cover 68 is an example of an operation object and an opening portion.

[0052] In addition, in the central part of the main body 68a in the device depth direction and above the central part in the device vertical direction, two rectangular through holes 69 extending in the device depth direction are formed side by side in the device vertical direction.

[0053] A driven roll portion 64b is disposed in the lower through-hole 69 and is rotatably supported by the main body portion 68a. A driven roll portion 66b is disposed in the upper through-hole 69 and is rotatably supported by the main body portion 68a. Portions of the driven roll portions 64b, 66b are exposed to the conveying path 16 (see FIG. 1) through this through-hole 69. The axial direction of the shaft portion 68c is the depth direction of the device.

[0054] In this configuration, the inner cover 68 rotates about the shaft 68c to move between an open position (see FIG. 5) that opens a portion of the conveying path 16 to the outside and a closed position (see FIG. 4) that closes a portion of the conveying path 16. The inner cover 68 is stopped at the open position or the closed position by a stopper (not shown).

[0055] [Latch mechanism 70] As shown in Fig. 4, the latch mechanism 70 is disposed above the driven roll portion 66b. As shown in Fig. 6(A), the latch mechanism 70 includes an operating portion 72 that is operated by an operator, a connecting portion 78 having one end connected to the operating portion 72, and a restricting portion 86 that restricts movement of the connecting portion 78. Furthermore, the latch mechanism 70 includes a moving portion 92 that moves in conjunction with movement of the connecting portion 78, a coil spring 96 that biases the moving portion 92, and an engaging portion 98 (see Figs. 8(A) and (B)) that engages with or disengages from the moving moving portion 92.

[0056] -Operation unit 72- The operation unit 72 is integrally formed from a resin material. In this embodiment, the operation unit 72 is integrally formed from polyacetal (POM). As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A, the operation unit 72 is disposed in the center of the main body 68a in the device depth direction, on the opposite side of the transport path 16 (see FIG. 1).

[0057] Furthermore, when viewed from the vertical direction of the device, the operating unit 72 is U-shaped with the main body 68a side open, and extends in the depth direction of the device. When no operating force is applied to the operating unit 72 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "unloaded state"), an insertion space 72a into which the operator's fingertips can be inserted is formed between the operating unit 72 and the main body 68a. This insertion space 72a is open in the vertical direction of the device. In other words, this insertion space 72a is open in the approach direction in which the operator approaches with their fingertips.

[0058] Furthermore, the insertion space 72a is configured to allow the tips of four fingers of an operator to be inserted. In this embodiment, the insertion space 72a into which the tips of four fingers of an operator can be inserted is a space having a depth dimension (L1 in FIG. 7A) of 75 mm or more. The preferred range for the width dimension L1 of the insertion space 72a into which the tips of four fingers of an operator can be inserted is 75 mm or more, preferably 80 mm or more, and even more preferably 85 mm or more. As will be described in detail later, the depth dimension L1 of the insertion space 72a is preferably 95 mm or less. In this embodiment, the depth dimension L1 of the insertion space 72a is 85 mm.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9(A), recesses 72b are formed in the lower ends of both end portions of the operation unit 72 in the device depth direction, and one end of the connection unit 78 is disposed in these recesses 72b. Note that Fig. 9(A) shows only one end of the operation unit 72.

[0060] -Connection 78- The connection portion 78 and the moving portion 92 are integrally formed from a resin material. In this embodiment, the connection portion 78 and the moving portion 92 are integrally formed from polyacetal (POM). A pair of connection portions 78 are provided, and as shown in FIG. 6(A), each is disposed with the operation portion 72 therebetween. The pair of connection portions 78 are configured symmetrically in the depth direction of the device, and therefore, hereinafter, one of the connection portions 78 will be mainly described.

[0061] In an unloaded state, the connection portion 78 extends in the depth direction of the device, and the cross section of the connection portion 78 is rectangular and extends in the up-down direction of the device. In other words, the connection portion 78 is flat. The depth direction of the device is an example of one direction.

[0062] One end of the connection part 78 is connected to the end of the operation part 72 in the depth direction of the device. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9(A), an annular part 78a that penetrates in the up-down direction of the device is formed at one end of the connection part 78. Then, by passing a screw 82 through the annular part 78a from below and tightening it into a screw hole (not shown) in the operation part 72, the one end of the connection part 78 is rotatably connected to the end of the operation part 72.

[0063] 9(B), a rib 78c is formed on the other end of the connecting portion 78, protruding in the thickness direction of the connecting portion 78. Furthermore, a moving portion 92 is connected to the other end of the connecting portion 78.

[0064] -Regulatory Department 86- The restricting portion 86 is integrally formed from a resin material. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 86 is integrally formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). A pair of restricting portions 86 are provided, and as shown in FIG. 6A, they are arranged at both ends of the main body portion 68a in the device depth direction. The pair of restricting portions 86 are configured symmetrically in the device depth direction, and therefore, one of the restricting portions 86 will be mainly described below.

[0065] The restricting portion 86 is attached to the main body 68a using an attachment member (not shown). The restricting portion 86 is rectangular when viewed in the device width direction, and is recessed with one side open in the device width direction. Furthermore, a portion of the restricting portion 86 is disposed inside the flange portion 68b.

[0066] 8A, a through-hole 88a into which the other end portion of the connection portion 78 is inserted is formed in a side plate 86a of the restriction portion 86 facing the operation portion 72. In this way, the restriction portion 86 restricts the other end of the connection portion 78 from moving in the depth direction of the device.

[0067] Furthermore, a through-hole 88b into which the moving portion 92 is inserted is formed in a side plate 86b of the restricting portion 86 facing away from the operating portion 72. A through-hole (reference numeral omitted) into which the moving portion 92 is inserted is also formed in the flange portion 68b that overlaps with the side plate 86b of the moving portion 92. Furthermore, a rib 90 that protrudes into the restricting portion 86 is formed in a portion of the bottom plate 86c of the restricting portion 86 on the side of the side plate 86b.

[0068] Furthermore, a rib 78c formed on the other end of the connecting portion 78 is disposed inside the restricting portion 86. In the no-load state, the rib 78c and the side plate 86a of the restricting portion 86 are spaced apart in the device depth direction.

[0069] -Moving part 92, coil spring 96- As described above, the moving portion 92 and the connecting portion 78 are integrally formed from a resin material.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6(A), a pair of moving units 92 are provided, and the pair of moving units 92 are configured symmetrically in the depth direction of the device, so one of the moving units 92 will be mainly described below.

[0071] When the inner cover 68 is in the closed position, the moving part 92 is disposed on the inner cover 68 side of the conveying path 16 when viewed from the depth direction of the device. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9(B), the moving part 92 is cylindrical and extends in the depth direction of the device, and at the tip of the moving part 92, as shown in Fig. 8(A), a tapered surface 92a is formed that faces the conveying path 16 side (see Fig. 1) in the width direction of the device.

[0072] An E-ring 94 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the moving portion 92. A coil spring 96 is disposed between the E-ring 94 and the side plate 86a. The coil spring 96 is an example of a biasing portion.

[0073] The coil spring 96 (hereinafter simply referred to as "spring 96") is a compression coil spring, and a part of the moving portion 92 and the other end portion of the connecting portion 78 are disposed inside the spring 96.

[0074] In addition, in the no-load state, the connecting portion 78, the restricting portion 86, the moving portion 92, and the coil spring 96 are arranged in the area in which the operating portion 72 is arranged in the device width direction.

[0075] In this configuration, the spring 96 biases the moving part 92 toward the other side in the depth direction of the device. Then, the E-ring 94 comes into contact with the rib 90, restricting the movement of the moving part 92. In this state, the moving part 92 is disposed in the first position (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0076] Furthermore, when the operator inserts the tip of a finger into the insertion space 72a of the operation unit 72, the operation unit 72 elastically deforms (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7(A)). This allows the pad of the operator's finger to be inserted into the insertion space 72a. Furthermore, when the operator applies an operating force to the operation unit 72 and moves the operation unit 72 to one side in the device width direction, the operation unit 72 elastically deforms so as to widen the insertion space 72a, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and (B). Furthermore, one end of the connection portion 78 connected to the operation unit 72 moves to one side in the device width direction.

[0077] The connecting portion 78, one end of which moves to one side in the device width direction, is elastically deformed into a curved shape when viewed from above because the movement direction of the other end of the connecting portion 78 is restricted by the restricting portion 86. Then, the other end of the connecting portion 78 moves to one side in the device depth direction.

[0078] In this way, the elastic deformation of the connection portion 78 changes the direction of movement of the end of the connection portion 78. For this reason, the length of the connection portion 78 in the device depth direction is required. In this embodiment, the length of the connection portion 78 needs to be 70 mm. Also, the length from the other end of one connection portion 78 to the other end of the other connection portion 78 is set to 235 mm. Therefore, the preferable range of the length of the insertion space 72a of the operation portion 72 in the device depth direction is 95 mm or less.

[0079] Then, as the other end of the connecting portion 78 moves toward one side in the device depth direction, the rib 78c formed on the other end of the connecting portion 78 and the moving portion 92 connected to the other end of the connecting portion 78 also move toward one side in the device depth direction. As the rib 78c formed on the connecting portion 78 and the moving portion 92 move, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the rib 78c comes into contact with the side plate 86a of the restricting portion 86, restricting the movement of the connecting portion 78 and the moving portion 92. In this state, the moving portion 92 is disposed in the second position.

[0080] The width direction of the device is an example of a cross direction, and one side in the depth direction of the device is the side closer to the operation unit 72. Elastic deformation is a deformation that occurs when a force is applied to an object, and returns to its original shape when the force is removed.

[0081] -Engagement part 98- 4, a pair of interlocking portions 98 are provided, and are arranged so as to sandwich the inner cover 68 from the depth direction of the device. The interlocking portions 98 are attached to the device main body 10a by a mounting fixture (not shown). The pair of interlocking portions 98 are configured symmetrically in the depth direction of the device, and therefore, one of the interlocking portions 98 will be mainly described below.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8(A), the meshing portion 98 is hollowed out inside, and has a through-hole 98a formed therein into which the tip of the moving portion 92 arranged at the first position is inserted.

[0083] In this configuration, the tip of the moving portion 92 arranged at the first position is inserted into the through-hole 98a of the meshing portion 98. As a result, the moving portion 92 meshes with the meshing portion 98. On the other hand, the tip of the moving portion 92 arranged at the second position is removed from the through-hole 98a of the meshing portion 98. As a result, the meshing between the moving portion 92 and the meshing portion 98 is released.

[0084] The above-described device main body 10a, inner cover 68, and latch mechanism 70 constitute a latch device 102 that holds the inner cover 68 to the device main body 10a or releases the held state.

[0085] (action) Next, the operation of the main components will be described. When the inner cover 68 is in the closed position, the inner cover 68 closes the conveying path 16 as shown in Fig. 4. In this state, the sheet material P is conveyed along the conveying path 16 shown in Fig. 1.

[0086] Furthermore, when the inner cover 68 is disposed in the closed position and in an unloaded state, the moving part 92 is disposed in the first position as shown in Fig. 8(A). The tip of the moving part 92 is inserted into the through-hole 98a of the meshing part 98. As a result, the moving part 92 meshes with the meshing part 98.

[0087] Furthermore, when the inner cover 68 is in the closed position and in an unloaded state, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 7(A), both end portions of the operating unit 72 in the device depth direction are in contact with the main body 68a of the inner cover 68. An insertion space 72a into which the operator's fingertips can be inserted is formed between the operating unit 72 and the main body 68a.

[0088] In this state, if the sheet material P being conveyed along the conveying path 16 (see FIG. 1) jams on the conveying path 16, for example, the worker opens the outer cover 36 and then opens the inner cover 68.

[0089] Specifically, with the inner cover 68 in the closed position, the operator inserts his or her fingertips from above into the insertion spaces 72a of the operating unit 72. This causes the operating unit 72 to elastically deform (the two-dot chain lines in FIG. 7(A)), allowing the pads of the operator's four fingers to be inserted into the insertion spaces 72a.

[0090] Furthermore, when the operator moves the operating unit 72 to one side in the device width direction while inserting the pads of the four fingertips into the insertion spaces 72a, one end of the connecting portion 78 moves to one side in the device width direction as shown in Figures 6(B) and 7(B). Specifically, the one end of the connecting portion 78 moves to one side in the device width direction while rotating around the screw 82 (see Figure 9(A)).

[0091] Furthermore, the connecting portion 78, one end of which moves to one side in the device width direction, is elastically deformed into a curved shape when viewed from above because the movement direction of the other end of the connecting portion 78 is restricted by the restricting portion 86. Then, the other end of the connecting portion 78 moves to one side in the device depth direction.

[0092] Furthermore, the moving portion 92 also moves in conjunction with the movement of the other end of the connecting portion 78. Then, as shown in Figure 8(B), the rib 78c comes into contact with the side plate 86a, restricting the movement of the moving portion 92 and the connecting portion 78.

[0093] In this state, the moving portion 92 is disposed in the second position, and the tip of the moving portion 92 is removed from the through-hole 98a of the meshing portion 98. As a result, the meshing between the moving portion 92 and the meshing portion 98 is released.

[0094] Furthermore, when the operator moves the operating unit 72 to one side in the device width direction, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner cover 68 rotates and is stopped at the open position by a stopper (not shown). This opens the conveying path 16 (see FIG. 1). The operator then removes the jammed sheet material P from the conveying path 16. In this state, when the operator releases the operating force on the operating unit 72, the moving unit 92 returns to the first position by the biasing force of the spring 96, as shown in FIG. 8(A).

[0095] When the jammed sheet material P is removed from the conveying path 16, the worker presses any part of the inner cover 68 that is placed in the open position, and rotates the inner cover 68 to move it to the closed position.

[0096] Specifically, when the inner cover 68 is moved to the closed position, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 8(A), the tapered surface 92a of the moving portion 92 comes into contact with the meshing portion 98, and the moving portion 92 moves along the tapered surface 92a toward one side in the device depth direction while moving toward the other side in the device width direction. The moving portion 92 then reaches the through-hole 98a of the meshing portion 98 and is returned to the first position by the biasing force of the spring 96. As a result, the moving portion 92 meshes with the meshing portion 98, closing the conveyance path 16 and enabling the sheet material P to be conveyed along the conveyance path 16.

[0097] (summary) As described above, in the latch mechanism 70, when the operating unit 72 is operated, the moving unit 92 moves in the device depth direction, thereby disengaging the moving unit 92 from the meshing unit 98. In this manner, in a configuration in which a moving force is transmitted to the moving unit 92 by operating the operating unit 72, the meshing between the moving unit 92 and the meshing unit 98 is disengaged without rotating the moving unit 92.

[0098] The latch mechanism 70 also includes a spring 96 that biases the moving portion 92 toward the first position, thereby maintaining the engagement between the moving portion 92 and the engaging portion 98 in an unloaded state.

[0099] Furthermore, in the latch mechanism 70, one operating part 72 is disposed between the pair of connecting parts 78, the restricting part 86, the moving part 92, and the meshing part 98. As a result, the pair of connecting parts 78 and the moving part 92 are moved by the one operating part 72.

[0100] Furthermore, in the latch mechanism 70, the operating unit 72 extends in the device depth direction, and one connection portion 78 is connected to one end of the operating unit 72 in the device depth direction, and the other connection portion 78 is connected to the other end of the operating unit 72 in the device depth direction. As a result, by moving the operating unit 72, one connection portion 78 and the other connection portion 78 move evenly.

[0101] Furthermore, in the latch mechanism 70, the connection portion 78 elastically deforms when the operation portion 72 is moved to one side in the device width direction. As a result of the elastic deformation of the connection portion 78, one end of the connection portion 78 moves in the device width direction, while the other end moves in the device depth direction. In this way, the direction of movement can be changed by elastically deforming the connection portion 78, so the direction of movement of one end of the connection portion 78 and the direction of movement of the other end of the connection portion 78 can be changed with a simpler configuration than when a link mechanism is used.

[0102] Furthermore, in the latch mechanism 70, the operating portion 72 elastically deforms when an operating force is applied to the operating portion 72 to move the operating portion 72 to one side in the device width direction. As a result, compared to when the operating portion is rigid, the insertion space 72a becomes wider due to the elastic deformation, improving the operability. Note that when no operating force is applied to the operating portion 72, only the fingertip is inserted into the insertion space 72a, so the amount of protrusion of the operating portion 72 from the inner cover 68 is reduced.

[0103] Furthermore, in the latch mechanism 70, the operating portion 72 and the connecting portion 78 are elastically deformed, so that the insertion space 72a is enlarged with a simpler configuration than when only the operating portion 72 is elastically deformed.

[0104] Furthermore, in the latch mechanism 70, one end of the connection portion 78 is rotatably connected to the operation portion 72. This prevents excessive deformation of the connection portion 78 when an excessive operating force is applied to the operation portion, compared to when the operation portion and the connection portion are non-rotatably connected.

[0105] Furthermore, in the latch device 102, the tips of four fingers of an operator can be inserted into the insertion space 72a of the operation unit 72. This improves the operability of the operation unit 72 compared to when only three fingertips can be inserted into the insertion space.

[0106] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 10, when the inner cover 68 is in the closed position, the moving unit 92 is disposed on the inner cover 68 side relative to the conveying path 16 when viewed from the depth direction of the apparatus. Therefore, the moving unit 92, which moves in the depth direction of the apparatus, does not move toward the conveying path 16 side relative to the inner cover 68.

[0107] While the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the connection portion 78 elastically deforms into a curved shape to change the movement in the width direction of the device to the movement in the depth direction of the device. However, the direction of movement may be changed using, for example, a link mechanism. In this case, the effect achieved by elastically deforming the connection portion 78 into a curved shape will not be achieved.

[0108] In addition, in the above embodiment, the pair of connecting portion 78, restricting portion 86, moving portion 92, and meshing portion 98 are arranged with one operating portion 72 therebetween, but there may be only one connecting portion 78, restricting portion 86, moving portion 92, and meshing portion 98. In this case, the effect achieved by providing a pair of each will not be achieved.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the operation unit 72 elastically deforms when an operation force is applied to the operation unit 72. However, the operation unit 72 does not have to elastically deform. In this case, the effect achieved by the elastic deformation of the operation unit is not achieved.

[0110] In the above embodiment, one end of the connection portion 78 is rotatably connected to the operation portion 72, but it may be non-rotatably connected. In this case, the effect achieved by being rotatably connected to the operation portion 72 is not achieved.

[0111] In addition, in the above embodiment, one operating unit 72 is provided for the pair of connecting units 78 and the moving unit 92, but an operating unit may be provided for each of the pair of connecting units and the moving unit. However, in this case, the effect achieved by providing one operating unit 72 is not achieved.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operating unit 72 moves to one side in the width direction of the device, but the moving unit may also be moved in the depth direction of the device by moving the operating unit upward or downward in the vertical direction of the device.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connecting portion 78 is a resin part formed using a resin material, but it may be made of, for example, spring steel, wire, or the like as long as it can change the direction of movement.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the restricting portion 86 restricts the movement direction of the other end of the connecting portion 78 by the through hole 88a, but it may also be a guide rail, a guide groove, or the like.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the moving portion 92 is a resin part formed using a resin material, but it may be a rod, a plate, or the like as long as it is a member that extends in the depth direction of the device.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the latch mechanism 70 is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 10, but for example, the latch mechanism 70 may also be used in an inkjet type or other image forming apparatus, or may be used in a detachable member provided in a pre-processing device or post-processing device of an image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 Image forming device 10a Device body (example of the body) 12 Image forming unit 14 Conveying section 16 Transport Route 68 Inner cover (an example of an operating object and an opening part) 70 Latch mechanism 72 Operation section 72a Insertion space 78 Connection 86 Regulatory Department 92 Mobile Unit 96 Spring (an example of a biasing part) 98 Meshing part 102 Latching device

Claims

1. An operation unit; a connection portion extending in one direction and having one end connected to the operation portion; a restricting portion that restricts the connection portion so that the other end of the connection portion moves to one side in a cross direction that crosses the one direction when the operation portion is moved to one side in the cross direction; a moving portion connected to the other end of the connecting portion, extending in the one direction, and moving from a first position to a second position as the other end of the connecting portion moves; an engagement portion that engages with the moving portion disposed at the first position and disengages from the moving portion disposed at the second position; a biasing portion that biases the moving portion to the first position, The biasing portion is connected to the restricting portion and the moving portion. Latch mechanism.

2. the connecting portion, the restricting portion, the moving portion, and the meshing portion are provided in pairs, One of the operation portions is disposed between the pair of the connection portion, the restriction portion, the movement portion, and the meshing portion. The latch mechanism of claim 1 .

3. The operation portion extends in the one direction, One of the connection parts is connected to one end of the operation part in the one direction, and the other connection part is connected to the other end of the operation part in the one direction.

3. The latch mechanism of claim 2.

4. The operation unit is elastically deformed by applying an operation force to the operation unit. The latch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When the operation unit is moved toward one side in the intersecting direction, the connection unit is elastically deformed, and the other end of the connection unit is moved toward the one side in the intersecting direction. A latch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. One end of the connection portion is rotatably connected to the operation portion.

6. The latch mechanism of claim 5.

7. The main body and an operation target attached to the main body; and a latch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6 that holds the operation object at a predetermined position, An insertion space into which an operator's fingertip can be inserted is formed between the operation unit and the operation target. Latching device.

8. The operation portion extends in the one direction, and the insertion space is configured so that the tips of four fingers of an operator can be inserted therein. The latch device according to claim 7.

9. The main body and a conveying unit provided inside the main body and configured to convey a recording medium along a conveying path; a recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit; an image forming unit; an opening unit as an operation object attached to the main body and rotating to move between an opening position where the conveying path is opened to the outside and a closing position where the conveying path is closed; a latch mechanism including a moving part that holds the opening part at the closed position and is disposed on the opening part side of the conveying path as viewed in a direction of a rotation axis of the opening part, and the moving part moves in the direction of the rotation axis as the one direction; and An image forming apparatus comprising:

10. The main body and a conveying unit provided inside the main body and configured to convey a recording medium along a conveying path; an image forming unit provided inside the main body and configured to form an image on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit; an opening portion attached to the main body and rotatably moved to an opening position where the conveying path is opened to the outside and a closing position where the conveying path is closed; a latch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a moving part that holds the open part at the closed position and is disposed on the open part side of the conveying path as viewed from a direction of a rotation axis of the open part, the moving part moving in the direction of the rotation axis as the one direction; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images