JP3666781B2

JP3666781B2 - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP3666781B2
Application number: JP31143097A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 武男須田
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 1997-10-27
Filing date: 1997-10-27
Publication date: 2005-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-27
Also published as: JPH11133837A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、たとえばレーザを用いた複写機・ファクシミリ・プリンタやそれらの複合機など、電子写真方式を用いて像担持体上に形成した画像を転写して用紙等の記録媒体に記録を行う画像形成装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の画像形成装置では、たとえばメンテナンス時に、装置本体の本体カバーを開いたとき、像担持体を保護すべく、その本体カバーの開動作と連動して像担持体保護カバーを閉じ、その保護カバーで像担持体を被う構成としたものがある。
【０００３】
たとえば図８に示すように、装置本体内に取り付けるプロセスカートリッジ１内にドラム状の像担持体２を備えるとともに、該プロセスカートリッジ１で像担持体保護カバー３を支軸４を中心として開閉自在に支持し、その保護カバー３と一体に回動するギヤ５を同じく支軸４を中心として回転自在に設けていた。
【０００４】
一方、装置本体の本体カバー６には、それを支軸７を中心として閉めたとき、前記ギヤ５と噛み合ってそれを回転するギヤ部６ａを設けていた。
【０００５】
そして、本体カバー６を閉じたときは、図示するとおり、像担持体保護カバー３を開状態に保持し、本体カバー６を開くと、ギヤ部６ａでギヤ５を図中時計方向に回転して像担持体保護カバー３を閉じ、図７に示すように、その保護カバー３で像担持体２を被うようにしていた。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、このような従来の構成では、装置本体に対するプロセスカートリッジ１の取り付け位置精度を高め、また各種部品の寸法精度や取り付け位置精度を向上しなければ、像担持体保護カバー３の開閉位置を精度よく定めることができなかった。
【０００７】
さらに、図７に示すとおり、本体カバー６を開いたとき、ギヤ部６ａを有する部分６ｂが上向きに突出し、たとえばプロセスカートリッジ１の着脱作業の妨げとなる問題があった。
【０００８】
そこで、この発明の目的は、本体カバーの開閉と連動して開閉する像担持体保護カバーを有する画像形成装置において、厳しい寸法精度や取り付け精度を必要とすることなく、像担持体保護カバーの開閉位置を精度よく定めることができ、かつメンテナンス作業を容易に行うことができるようにすることにある。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
そのため、請求項１に記載の発明は、たとえば以下の図面を用いて説明する実施の形態のとおり、
装置本体１０に開閉自在に設ける本体カバー１１と、
その本体カバー１１に回動自在に取り付け、その本体カバー１１の開閉動作に連動して移動する作動部材１４と、
前記装置本体１０内の本体フレーム２８に設けて該作動部材１４の係合突部１４ａを係合してその作動部材１４を案内するカム溝１５と、
そのカム溝１５で案内されて移動する前記作動部材１４に係合し、その移動により支軸１７を中心として全体を一括して開閉して像担持体１９を被いまたはその被いを解除する像担持体保護カバー１６と、
を備えてなる、ことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
そして、この請求項１に記載の発明では、装置本体１０の本体カバー１１を開閉するとき、その開閉動作に連動して作動部材１４を移動し、カム溝１５で案内してその移動する作動部材１４で像担持体保護カバー１６を開閉し、像担持体１９を被いまたはその被いを解除する。
【００１１】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、たとえば以下の図面を用いて説明する実施の形態のとおり、
前記本体カバー１１を開いたとき、前記カム溝１５で前記作動部材１４の移動を規制して前記本体カバー１１の最大開き角度を規定してなる、ことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
そして、この請求項２に記載の発明では、本体カバー１１を開いたとき、カム溝１５で作動部材１４の移動を規制して該本体カバー１１のそれ以上の開きを阻止する。
【００１３】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、たとえば以下の図面を用いて説明する実施の形態のとおり、
前記本体カバー１１を最大に開いたとき、前記カム溝１５で前記作動部材１４を前記本体カバー１１内に入り込む位置に案内してなる、ことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
そして、この請求項３に記載の発明では、本体カバー１１を開くとき、それと連動して移動する作動部材１４をカム溝１５で案内し、完全に開いたとき、本体カバー１１内に入り込む位置とする。
【００１５】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、たとえば以下の図面を用いて説明する実施の形態のとおり、
前記像担持体保護カバー１６に係合部１６ａを設け、その保護カバー１６は、前記本体カバー１１を閉めるときそれと連動して移動する前記作動部材１４が該係合部１６ａに押し当たって付勢力に抗して押し開かれ、閉めたとき前記係合部１６ａを前記作動部材１４の移動方向片側に押し当ててその戻りを阻止してなる、ことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
そして、この請求項４に記載の発明では、像担持体保護カバー１６は、本体カバー１１を閉めるとき、それと連動して移動する作動部材１４が係合部１６ａに押し当たって付勢力に抗して押し開かれる。閉めたとき、係合部１６ａを作動部材１４の移動方向片側に押し当ててその戻りを阻止する。
【００１７】
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、たとえば以下の図面を用いて説明する実施の形態のとおり、
前記装置本体１０内に設け、前記作動部材１４で作動して前記本体カバー１１の開閉状態を識別する検知スイッチ２３を備えてなる、ことを特徴とする。
【００１８】
そして、この請求項５に記載の発明では、本体カバー１１を開閉したとき、それと連動して作動部材１４を作動し、その作動部材１４で検知スイッチ２３を作動することにより本体カバー１１の開閉状態を識別する。
【００１９】
請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、たとえば以下の図面を用いて説明する実施の形態のとおり、
前記像担持体１９を備えるプロセスカートリッジ１８で前記像担持体保護カバー１６を支持し、該プロセスカートリッジ１８を前記本体フレーム２８に着脱自在に取り付ける一方、その本体フレーム２８に前記カム溝１５を設けてなる、ことを特徴とする。
【００２０】
そして、この請求項６に記載の発明では、本体カバー１１を開閉したとき、それと連動して移動する作動部材１４をカム溝１５で案内し、その作動部材１４で像担持体保護カバー１６を開閉する。
請求項７に記載の発明は、たとえば以下の図面を用いて説明する実施の形態のとおり、
装置本体１０に開閉自在に設ける本体カバー１１と、
その本体カバー１１の開閉動作に連動して移動する作動部材１４と、
前記装置本体１０内の部材である、たとえば本体フレーム２８に設けて該作動部材１４を案内するカム溝１５のような案内部と、
その案内部で案内されて移動する前記作動部材１４で開閉して像担持体１９を被いまたはその被いを解除する像担持体保護カバー１６と、
を備えるとともに、
前記本体カバー１１を開いたとき、前記案内部で前記作動部材１４の移動を規制して前記本体カバー１１の最大開き角度を規定してなる、ことを特徴とする。そして、この請求項７に記載の発明では、装置本体１０の本体カバー１１を開閉するとき、その開閉動作に連動して作動部材１４を移動し、案内部で案内してその移動する作動部材１４で像担持体保護カバー１６を開閉し、像担持体１９を被いまたはその被いを解除する。また、本体カバー１１を開いたとき、案内部で作動部材１４の移動を規制して該本体カバー１１のそれ以上の開きを阻止する。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照しつつ、この発明の実施の形態につき説明する。
図１には、この発明による電子写真式画像形成装置における要部の概略構成を示す。図中符号１０は、装置本体である。装置本体１０は、内部に備える不図示の本体フレームで支持し、正面に本体カバー１１を取り付ける。
【００２２】
本体カバー１１は、板材の両側を内向きに折り曲げてなり、その折り曲げ部１１ａの下部に取付軸１２を有し、その取付軸１２を本体フレームに取り付けてそれを中心として図中矢示する方向に開閉自在に設ける。
【００２３】
折り曲げ部１１ａには、その中段に、内向きに突出して軸突部１３を設ける。その軸突部１３には、作動部材１４の基端を回動自在に取り付ける。作動部材１４は、レバー状をなし、その先端近くに断面円形の係合突部１４ａを有し、その係合突部１４ａを、案内部であるカム溝１５に係合してなる。
【００２４】
カム溝１５は、装置本体１０内に設ける不図示の前記本体フレームに図中二点鎖線で示すように形成し、本体カバー１１の開閉動作に連動して移動する作動部材１４を案内する。作動部材１４の係合突部１４ａは、そのカム溝１５を貫通して本体フレームの内側まで突出し、その突出する部分に像担持体保護カバー１６の係合部１６ａを押し当てる。
【００２５】
保護カバー１６は、一体成形で後述の図４に示されるとおりアーム部１６ｂを細長なカバー板部１６ｃの両端からのばしてそのアーム部１６ｂの中間外側に係合部１６ａを設けてなり、アーム部１６ｂの先端に設ける支軸１７で取り付けてその支軸１７を中心として開閉自在にプロセスカートリッジ１８で支持し、不図示のスプリングで図中時計方向に付勢してなる。
【００２６】
そして、その付勢力に基づき、係合部１６ａを作動部材１４の移動方向片側に押し当て、図示するとおりその作動部材１４で保護カバー１６の戻りを阻止してなる。
【００２７】
プロセスカートリッジ１８には、ドラム状の像担持体１９の他、たとえば現像器など、その像担持体１９まわりに設ける電子写真プロセス器の一部を備える。そして、プロセスカートリッジ１８は、装置本体１０内の前記本体フレームに着脱自在に取り付けてなる。
【００２８】
ところで、作動部材１４は、また先端で、支軸２０を中心として図中時計方向に付勢されるスイッチカム２１の突部２１ａをその付勢力に抗して押さえる。そして、図２にも示すとおり、そのスイッチカム２１のカム面２１ｂで作動片２２を押し込み、検知スイッチ２３をオンしてなる。
【００２９】
いま、この以上説明した図示画像形成装置を用いて記録を行うときは、電子写真式画像形成装置ではすでに公知のとおり、装置本体１０内のモータを駆動して像担持体１９を図１中反時計方向に回転し、帯電器でその表面を一様に帯電し、露光器でたとえばレーザ光を照射して書込みを行い、その像担持体１９の表面に静電潜像を形成して後、現像器でトナーを付着してその静電潜像を可視像化し、像担持体１９上に画像を形成する。
【００３０】
そして、その像担持体１９上の画像にタイミングを合わせて搬送されてきた用紙等の記録媒体に、転写器で転写して画像を記録し、その画像を記録した記録媒体を定着器２４へと搬送して加熱ローラ２５と加圧ローラ２６間で熱と圧力を加え、転写画像を定着して排出ローラ２７で排出し、不図示の排紙スタック部上に排出する。
【００３１】
さて、このような画像形成装置において、たとえばプロセスカートリッジ１８を取り出すときは、不図示の把手に手を掛けて本体カバー１１を開く。すると、本体カバー１１の開動作に連動して作動部材１４が移動し、係合突部１４ａがカム溝１５に沿って案内される。
【００３２】
すると、作動部材１４がスイッチカム２１の突部２１ａから離れ、スイッチカム２１は、付勢力に基づき時計方向に回動して不図示のストッパに押し当たる。そして、カム面２１ｂで作動片２２の押し込みを解除して検知スイッチ２３をオフとし、本体カバー１１が開けられたことを検知して安全のためたとえば装置本体１０の駆動を停止する。
【００３３】
また、作動部材１４の移動とともに、保護カバー１６は、付勢力に基づき係合部１６ａが係合突部１４ａに追従し、徐々に閉位置へと移動する。そして、本体カバー１１を図３に示すようにある角度α開くと、図４にも示すように不図示のストッパに当たり、閉位置となってカバー板部１６ｃで像担持体１９の正面側を完全に被う。
【００３４】
さらに本体カバー１１を開くと、図５に示すように、作動部材１４は、係合突部１４ａが本体フレーム２８のカム溝１５に沿って移動し、引き続きカム溝１５で案内されながら移動する。
【００３５】
そうして、本体カバー１１をほぼ９０度開くと、図６に示すように、係合突部１４ａがカム溝１５の溝縁に突き当たり、作動部材１４の移動を規制して本体カバー１１のそれ以上の開きを阻止する。
【００３６】
ところで、図示例では、カム溝１５を「へ」の字状につくる。これにより、この本体カバー１１を最大に開いたとき、カム溝１５で作動部材１４を本体カバー１１内に入り込む位置に案内してなる。
【００３７】
そして、この図６に示す状態で、たとえばプロセスカートリッジ１８を新しいものと交換する。
【００３８】
たとえばプロセスカートリッジ１８の交換後、本体カバー１１を閉めると、図３に示す状態になったとき、それと連動して移動する作動部材１４の係合突部１４ａが係合部１６ａに押し当たり、その後さらに閉めるとともに保護カバー１６を付勢力に抗して押し開く。
【００３９】
その後、やがて作動部材１４の先端をスイッチカム２１の突部２１ａに突き当て、本体カバー１１をさらに閉めるとともにスイッチカム２１を付勢力に抗して回動し、カム面２１ｂで検知スイッチ２３の作動片２２を押し込む。
【００４０】
そして、本体カバー１１を完全に閉めたところで、図１に示すように、係合部１６ａを作動部材１４の移動方向片側に押し当ててその戻りを阻止するとともに、検知スイッチ２３をオンして本体カバー１１を閉めたことを検知し、装置本体１０を再び駆動する。
【００４１】
ところで、この状態では、作動部材１４と接触する係合部１６ａの面ａおよびスイッチカム２１の突部２１ａの面ｂを、ともにカム溝１５の図中左側と平行とし、作動部材１４の移動方向片側に押し当てて像担持体保護カバー１６およびスイッチカム２１の戻りを阻止する。
【００４２】
よって、作動部材１４の移動量に多少の誤差があっても、保護カバー１６の開き角度およびスイッチカム２１の回動角度を一定とし、寸法精度や取り付け精度をラフにして製作を容易とすることができる。
【００４３】
なお、作動部材１４の移動量に多少の誤差があってもよいように、図１に示すように本体カバー１１を閉めたとき、作動部材１４の係合突部１４ａとカム溝１５の溝縁との間には、ある程度の隙間ｓが存在するようにする。
【００４４】
さて、図示例では、案内部をカム溝１５としたが、溝状のものに限らず、装置本体１０内に設ける部材の端面や段部や突部などでもよい。
【００４５】
また、スイッチカム２１を介して作動部材１４で検知スイッチ２３を作動したが、作動部材１４で直接検知スイッチ２３を作動するようにしてもよい。
【００４６】
この場合も、本体カバー１１を閉じた状態で、作動部材１４の移動方向片側に押し当てて検知スイッチ２３の作動片２２の戻りを阻止するようにすると、作動部材１４の移動量に多少の誤差があっても、作動片２２の押し込み量を一定とし、寸法精度や取り付け精度をラフにして製作を容易とすることができる。
【００４７】
【発明の効果】
したがって、請求項１に記載の発明によれば、本体カバーの開閉動作に連動する作動部材を設け、その作動部材の移動を装置本体内の本体フレームに設けるカム溝で案内するから、各種の部品やユニットに厳しい寸法精度や取り付け精度を必要とすることなく、像担持体保護カバーの開閉位置を精度よく定めることができ、コストダウンを図ることができるとともに、自由な設計が可能となる。
【００４８】
しかも、像担持体保護カバーを開いたとき、たとえばプロセスカートリッジの取り出しの障害となるものがないから、メンテナンス作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００４９】
請求項２に記載の発明によれば、さらに加えて、本体カバーを開いたとき、カム溝で作動部材の移動を規制して本体カバーのそれ以上の開きを阻止するから、別途ストッパ部材を設けることなく、本体カバーの最大開き角度を規定することができ、部品点数を削減してコストダウンを図ることができる。
【００５０】
請求項３に記載の発明によれば、加えて、本体カバーを完全に開いたとき、カム溝で案内して作動部材が本体カバー内に入り込む位置とするから、外観を良好とするのみならず、作動部材がメンテナンス作業の妨げとならないようにすることができる。
【００５１】
請求項４に記載の発明によれば、加えて、本体カバーを閉めると、作動部材が係合部に押し当たってその作動部材で像担持体保護カバーを付勢力に抗して確実に押し開くことができる一方、閉めたとき、係合部を作動方向片側に押し当てて像担持体保護カバーの戻りを阻止するから、作動部材の移動量に多少の誤差があっても保護カバーの開き角度を一定とすることができ、寸法精度や取り付け精度をラフにして製作を容易とし、コストダウンを図ることができる。
【００５２】
請求項５に記載の発明によれば、加えて、作動部材で検知スイッチを作動して本体カバーの開閉状態を識別するから、別途検知スイッチを作動する部品を必要とすることなく、部品点数を削減してコストダウンを図ることができる。
【００５３】
請求項６に記載の発明によれば、同じ本体フレームに、像担持体保護カバーを支持するプロセスカートリッジを取り付ける一方、作動部材を案内するカム溝を設けるから、保護カバーとそれを開閉する作動部材の位置関係を正確に出すことができ、保護カバーの開位置を精度よく定めることができる。
請求項７に記載の発明によれば、本体カバーの開閉動作に連動する作動部材を設け、その作動部材の移動を装置本体内の部材に設ける案内部で案内するから、各種の部品やユニットに厳しい寸法精度や取り付け精度を必要とすることなく、像担持体保護カバーの開閉位置を精度よく定めることができ、コストダウンを図ることができるとともに、自由な設計が可能となる。しかも、像担持体保護カバーを開いたとき、たとえばプロセスカートリッジの取り出しの障害となるものがないから、メンテナンス作業を容易に行うことができる。さらに、本体カバーを開いたとき、案内部で作動部材の移動を規制して本体カバーのそれ以上の開きを阻止するから、別途ストッパ部材を設けることなく、本体カバーの最大開き角度を規定することができ、部品点数を削減してコストダウンを図ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明による電子写真式画像形成装置における要部の概略構成図である。
【図２】その作動部材で検知スイッチを作動している状態の部分拡大斜視図である。
【図３】その本体カバーを角度α開いた状態の概略構成図である。
【図４】その像担持体を保護カバーで被っている状態の部分拡大斜視図である。
【図５】さらに本体カバーを開いた状態の部分拡大斜視図である。
【図６】その本体カバーを完全に開いた状態の概略構成図である。
【図７】従来の画像形成装置にあって、その本体カバーを開いた状態を示す概略構成図である。
【図８】その本体カバーを閉じた状態を示す概略構成図である。
【符号の説明】
１０装置本体
１１本体カバー
１４作動部材
１４ａ係合突部
１５カム溝（案内部）
１６像担持体保護カバー
１６ａ係合部
１８プロセスカートリッジ
１９像担持体
２１スイッチカム
２２作動片
２３検知スイッチ
２８本体フレーム（装置本体内の部材）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image for transferring an image formed on an image carrier using an electrophotographic method and recording it on a recording medium such as paper, such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, or a combination machine using a laser. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in this type of image forming apparatus, for example, when the main body cover of the apparatus main body is opened during maintenance, the image carrier protective cover is closed in conjunction with the opening operation of the main body cover in order to protect the image carrier. There is a configuration in which the image carrier is covered with the protective cover.
[0003]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a drum-shaped image carrier 2 is provided in a process cartridge 1 mounted in the apparatus main body, and the image carrier protective cover 3 can be freely opened and closed around the support shaft 4 by the process cartridge 1. A gear 5 that supports and rotates integrally with the protective cover 3 is provided so as to be rotatable about the support shaft 4.
[0004]
On the other hand, the main body cover 6 of the apparatus main body is provided with a gear portion 6a that engages with the gear 5 and rotates the gear 5 when it is closed around the support shaft 7.
[0005]
When the main body cover 6 is closed, as shown in the figure, the image carrier protection cover 3 is held open, and when the main body cover 6 is opened, the gear 5 is rotated clockwise in the figure by the gear portion 6a. The image carrier protective cover 3 was closed, and the image carrier 2 was covered with the protective cover 3 as shown in FIG.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional configuration, if the accuracy of the mounting position of the process cartridge 1 with respect to the apparatus main body is increased, and the dimensional accuracy and mounting position accuracy of various parts are not improved, the opening / closing position of the image carrier protection cover 3 is accurate. I couldn't decide well.
[0007]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the main body cover 6 is opened, the portion 6 b having the gear portion 6 a protrudes upward, and there is a problem that hinders, for example, the process of attaching and detaching the process cartridge 1.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having an image carrier protective cover that opens and closes in conjunction with opening and closing of the main body cover, without opening or closing the image carrier protective cover without requiring strict dimensional accuracy or mounting accuracy. It is to be able to determine the position with high accuracy and to easily perform maintenance work.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, the invention described in claim 1 is, for example, as in the embodiment described with reference to the following drawings:
A body cover 11 provided on the apparatus body 10 so as to be freely opened and closed;
An actuating member 14 rotatably attached to the body cover 11 and moving in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the body cover 11;
A cam groove 15 which is provided on a main body frame 28 in the apparatus main body 10 and engages with an engaging protrusion 14 a of the operating member 14 to guide the operating member 14;
Engage with the operating member 14 that is guided and moved by the cam groove 15 and opens and closes the entire body around the support shaft 17 by the movement, thereby covering the image carrier 19 or releasing the covering. An image carrier protective cover 16;
It is characterized by comprising.
[0010]
In the first aspect of the invention, when the main body cover 11 of the apparatus main body 10 is opened and closed, the operating member 14 is moved in conjunction with the opening and closing operation, and is guided by the cam groove 15 to move. At 14, the image carrier protective cover 16 is opened and closed, and the image carrier 19 is covered or released.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, for example, as in the embodiment described with reference to the following drawings,
When the main body cover 11 is opened, the cam groove 15 restricts the movement of the operating member 14 to define the maximum opening angle of the main body cover 11.
[0012]
In the second aspect of the present invention, when the main body cover 11 is opened, the movement of the operating member 14 is restricted by the cam groove 15 to prevent further opening of the main body cover 11.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, for example, as in the embodiment described with reference to the following drawings,
When the main body cover 11 is opened to the maximum, the actuating member 14 is guided by the cam groove 15 to a position where it enters the main body cover 11.
[0014]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the main body cover 11 is opened, the operating member 14 that moves in conjunction with the main body cover 11 is guided by the cam groove 15 , and when it is fully opened, To do.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, for example, as in the embodiment described with reference to the following drawings,
The image carrier protective cover 16 is provided with an engaging portion 16a. The protective cover 16 is urged by the actuating member 14 that moves in conjunction with the main body cover 11 when the main body cover 11 is closed against the engaging portion 16a. The engaging portion 16a is pressed against one side in the moving direction of the actuating member 14 to prevent the return when the engaging portion 16a is pushed open.
[0016]
In the invention according to claim 4, when the image carrier protective cover 16 closes the main body cover 11, the operating member 14 that moves in conjunction with the main body cover 11 presses against the engaging portion 16 a to resist the urging force. Is pushed open. When closed, the engaging portion 16a is pressed against one side of the operating member 14 in the moving direction to prevent its return.
[0017]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, for example, as in the embodiment described with reference to the following drawings,
A detection switch 23 provided in the apparatus main body 10 and operated by the operation member 14 to identify the open / closed state of the main body cover 11 is provided.
[0018]
In the invention according to claim 5, when the main body cover 11 is opened and closed, the operating member 14 is operated in conjunction with the main body cover 11, and the detection switch 23 is operated by the operating member 14, thereby opening and closing the main body cover 11. Identify
[0019]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, for example, as in the embodiment described with reference to the following drawings,
Supporting said image bearing member protecting cover 16 in the process cartridge 18 with the image carrier 19, while removably mounted before Symbol Body frame 28 the process cartridge 18, the cam groove 15 on the body frame 28 It is characterized by being provided.
[0020]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the main body cover 11 is opened and closed, the operating member 14 that moves in conjunction with the main body cover 11 is guided by the cam groove 15 and the operating member 14 opens and closes the image carrier protection cover 16. To do.
The invention according to claim 7 is, for example, as in the embodiment described with reference to the following drawings:
A body cover 11 provided on the apparatus body 10 so as to be freely opened and closed;
An actuating member 14 that moves in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the body cover 11;
A guide portion such as a cam groove 15 provided in the main body frame 28 and guiding the operating member 14, which is a member in the apparatus main body 10;
An image carrier protective cover 16 that opens and closes by the operating member 14 guided and moved by the guide portion and covers or releases the image carrier 19;
With
When the main body cover 11 is opened, the guide member restricts the movement of the operating member 14 to define the maximum opening angle of the main body cover 11. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the main body cover 11 of the apparatus main body 10 is opened and closed, the operating member 14 is moved in conjunction with the opening and closing operation, and the operating member 14 is moved by being guided by the guide portion. Then, the image carrier protective cover 16 is opened and closed, and the image carrier 19 is covered or released. Further, when the main body cover 11 is opened, the movement of the operating member 14 is restricted by the guide portion to prevent further opening of the main body cover 11.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a main part of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Reference numeral 10 in the figure denotes an apparatus main body. The apparatus main body 10 is supported by a main body frame (not shown) provided inside, and a main body cover 11 is attached to the front surface.
[0022]
The main body cover 11 is formed by bending both sides of a plate material inward, and has a mounting shaft 12 at a lower portion of the bent portion 11a. The mounting shaft 12 is attached to the main body frame and is centered on the mounting shaft 12 in a direction indicated by an arrow in the figure. It can be opened and closed freely.
[0023]
The bent portion 11a is provided with a shaft protruding portion 13 projecting inward in the middle. The base end of the operating member 14 is rotatably attached to the shaft protrusion 13. The actuating member 14 has a lever shape, and has an engaging protrusion 14a having a circular cross section near its tip, and the engaging protrusion 14a is engaged with a cam groove 15 as a guide portion.
[0024]
The cam groove 15 is formed in the main body frame (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 10 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in the drawing, and guides the operating member 14 that moves in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the main body cover 11. The engaging protrusion 14a of the actuating member 14 penetrates through the cam groove 15 and protrudes to the inside of the main body frame, and presses the engaging portion 16a of the image carrier protection cover 16 against the protruding portion.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 4 to be described later, the protective cover 16 is formed by extending the arm portion 16b from both ends of the elongated cover plate portion 16c and providing an engaging portion 16a on the intermediate outer side of the arm portion 16b. It is attached by a support shaft 17 provided at the tip of 16b, is supported by a process cartridge 18 so as to be openable and closable around the support shaft 17, and is urged clockwise by a spring (not shown).
[0026]
Then, based on the urging force, the engaging portion 16a is pressed against one side in the moving direction of the operating member 14, and the operating member 14 prevents the protective cover 16 from returning as shown in the drawing.
[0027]
In addition to the drum-shaped image carrier 19, the process cartridge 18 includes a part of an electrophotographic process device provided around the image carrier 19 such as a developing device. The process cartridge 18 is detachably attached to the main body frame in the apparatus main body 10.
[0028]
By the way, the actuating member 14 also presses the protrusion 21a of the switch cam 21 that is urged clockwise with respect to the support shaft 20 against the urging force. As shown in FIG. 2, the operating piece 22 is pushed in by the cam surface 21 b of the switch cam 21, and the detection switch 23 is turned on.
[0029]
Now, when recording is performed using the illustrated image forming apparatus described above, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus drives the motor in the apparatus main body 10 so that the image carrier 19 is turned in FIG. Rotate clockwise, uniformly charge the surface with a charger, write with laser light, for example, with an exposure device, and after forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier 19, Toner is attached by a developing unit to visualize the electrostatic latent image, and an image is formed on the image carrier 19.
[0030]
Then, the image on the image carrier 19 is transferred to a recording medium such as paper that has been conveyed in time with the transfer device to record the image, and the recording medium on which the image is recorded is transferred to the fixing device 24. Then, heat and pressure are applied between the heating roller 25 and the pressure roller 26 to fix the transferred image, and the discharged image is discharged by the discharge roller 27 and discharged onto a discharge stack unit (not shown).
[0031]
In such an image forming apparatus, for example, when the process cartridge 18 is taken out, the main body cover 11 is opened by placing a hand on a handle (not shown). Then, the operating member 14 moves in conjunction with the opening operation of the main body cover 11, and the engaging protrusion 14 a is guided along the cam groove 15.
[0032]
Then, the operating member 14 moves away from the protrusion 21a of the switch cam 21, and the switch cam 21 rotates clockwise based on the urging force and presses against a stopper (not shown). Then, the push of the operating piece 22 is released by the cam surface 21b, the detection switch 23 is turned off, the opening of the main body cover 11 is detected, and the driving of the apparatus main body 10, for example, is stopped for safety.
[0033]
Further, as the operation member 14 moves, the protective cover 16 is gradually moved to the closed position by the engagement portion 16a following the engagement protrusion 14a based on the urging force. Then, when the main body cover 11 is opened at an angle α as shown in FIG. 3, it hits a stopper (not shown) as shown in FIG. 4 and becomes a closed position so that the front side of the image carrier 19 is completely covered by the cover plate portion 16c. Cover.
[0034]
When the main body cover 11 is further opened, as shown in FIG. 5, the operating member 14 moves while the engaging protrusion 14 a moves along the cam groove 15 of the main body frame 28 and is continuously guided by the cam groove 15.
[0035]
Then, when the main body cover 11 is opened approximately 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 6, the engaging protrusion 14 a hits the groove edge of the cam groove 15, and the movement of the operating member 14 is restricted to that of the main body cover 11. Prevent the above opening.
[0036]
By the way, in the illustrated example, the cam groove 15 is formed in a “he” shape. Thus, when the main body cover 11 is opened to the maximum, the operating member 14 is guided to the position where it enters the main body cover 11 by the cam groove 15.
[0037]
In the state shown in FIG. 6, for example, the process cartridge 18 is replaced with a new one.
[0038]
For example, when the main body cover 11 is closed after the process cartridge 18 is replaced, when the state shown in FIG. 3 is reached, the engaging protrusion 14a of the operating member 14 that moves in conjunction with the pressing contacts the engaging portion 16a. Further, the protective cover 16 is closed and pushed open against the urging force.
[0039]
Thereafter, the end of the operating member 14 is eventually abutted against the protrusion 21a of the switch cam 21, the body cover 11 is further closed and the switch cam 21 is rotated against the urging force, and the detection switch 23 is operated on the cam surface 21b. Push the piece 22 in.
[0040]
When the main body cover 11 is completely closed, as shown in FIG. 1, the engaging portion 16a is pressed against one side in the moving direction of the operating member 14 to prevent the return, and the detection switch 23 is turned on to turn the main body cover on. It is detected that the cover 11 is closed, and the apparatus main body 10 is driven again.
[0041]
By the way, in this state, the surface a of the engaging portion 16a that contacts the operating member 14 and the surface b of the projection 21a of the switch cam 21 are both parallel to the left side of the cam groove 15 in the figure, and the moving direction of the operating member 14 Pressing against one side prevents the image carrier protection cover 16 and the switch cam 21 from returning.
[0042]
Therefore, even if there is a slight error in the amount of movement of the actuating member 14, the opening angle of the protective cover 16 and the rotation angle of the switch cam 21 are made constant, and the dimensional accuracy and mounting accuracy are rough to facilitate manufacture. Can do.
[0043]
It should be noted that when the main body cover 11 is closed as shown in FIG. 1, the engagement protrusion 14a of the operating member 14 and the groove edge of the cam groove 15 are arranged so that there may be some error in the amount of movement of the operating member 14. A certain amount of gap s exists between.
[0044]
In the illustrated example, the guide portion is the cam groove 15, but the guide portion is not limited to the groove shape, and may be an end face, a stepped portion, a protruding portion, or the like of a member provided in the apparatus main body 10.
[0045]
Further, the detection switch 23 is operated by the operation member 14 via the switch cam 21, but the detection switch 23 may be directly operated by the operation member 14.
[0046]
Also in this case, if the main body cover 11 is closed and pressed against one side of the moving direction of the operating member 14 to prevent the return of the operating piece 22 of the detection switch 23, there will be some error in the moving amount of the operating member 14. Even if there is, the pushing amount of the operating piece 22 can be made constant, and the dimensional accuracy and mounting accuracy can be made rough to facilitate manufacture.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the operating member interlocking with the opening / closing operation of the main body cover is provided and the movement of the operating member is guided by the cam groove provided in the main body frame in the apparatus main body, various parts are provided. In addition, the opening / closing position of the image carrier protection cover can be determined with high accuracy without requiring strict dimensional accuracy and mounting accuracy for the unit, so that the cost can be reduced and a free design can be achieved.
[0048]
In addition, when the image carrier protective cover is opened, for example, there is nothing that obstructs removal of the process cartridge, so that maintenance work can be easily performed.
[0049]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition, when the main body cover is opened, the movement of the operating member is restricted by the cam groove to prevent further opening of the main body cover. Therefore, the maximum opening angle of the main body cover can be defined, and the number of parts can be reduced to reduce the cost.
[0050]
According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition, when the main body cover is completely opened, it is guided by the cam groove so that the operating member enters the main body cover. The operating member can be prevented from interfering with the maintenance work.
[0051]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition, when the main body cover is closed, the operating member presses against the engaging portion, and the operating member securely pushes the image carrier protection cover against the urging force. On the other hand, when closed, the engaging part is pressed against one side of the operating direction to prevent the image carrier protective cover from returning, so even if there is some error in the amount of movement of the operating member, the opening angle of the protective cover Can be made constant, the dimensional accuracy and the mounting accuracy can be roughened, the manufacturing can be facilitated, and the cost can be reduced.
[0052]
According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition, since the open / close state of the main body cover is identified by operating the detection switch with the operating member, the number of parts can be reduced without requiring a separate part for operating the detection switch. It can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.
[0053]
According to the invention described in claim 6, since the process cartridge for supporting the image carrier protection cover is attached to the same main body frame, and the cam groove for guiding the operation member is provided, the protection cover and the operation member for opening and closing the cover are provided. Can be accurately obtained, and the opening position of the protective cover can be accurately determined.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the operating member that interlocks with the opening / closing operation of the main body cover is provided and the movement of the operating member is guided by the guide portion provided in the member within the apparatus main body, The opening / closing position of the image carrier protective cover can be determined with high accuracy without requiring strict dimensional accuracy and mounting accuracy, so that costs can be reduced and free design can be achieved. In addition, when the image carrier protective cover is opened, for example, there is nothing that obstructs removal of the process cartridge, so that maintenance work can be easily performed. Furthermore, when the body cover is opened, the movement of the operating member is restricted by the guide portion to prevent further opening of the body cover. Therefore, the maximum opening angle of the body cover should be defined without providing a separate stopper member. It is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a state in which a detection switch is operated by the operating member.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a state in which the main body cover is opened at an angle α.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the image carrier covered with a protective cover.
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the main body cover is further opened.
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram in a state where the main body cover is completely opened.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which a main body cover is opened in a conventional image forming apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which the main body cover is closed.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Apparatus main body 11 Main body cover 14 Actuating member 14a Engagement protrusion 15 Cam groove (guide part)
16 Image carrier protection cover 16a Engagement part 18 Process cartridge 19 Image carrier 21 Switch cam 22 Actuating piece 23 Detection switch 28 Main body frame (member in the apparatus main body)

Claims

A body cover that can be freely opened and closed on the apparatus body;
An actuating member that is pivotally attached to the body cover and moves in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the body cover;
A cam groove which is provided on a main body frame in the apparatus main body and engages with an engaging protrusion of the operating member to guide the operating member;
Image carrier protection that engages the operating member guided and moved by the cam groove and covers or releases the image carrier by opening and closing the entire body collectively around the support shaft. A cover,
An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the main body cover is opened, the maximum opening angle of the main body cover is regulated by restricting movement of the operation member by the cam groove .

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the main body cover is opened to the maximum, the operation member is guided to a position where the operation member enters the main body cover by the cam groove .

An engaging portion is provided on the image carrier protective cover, and the protective cover is pushed against the urging force by the operating member that moves in conjunction with the main body cover when the main body cover is closed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is closed, the engaging portion is pressed against one side in the moving direction of the operating member to prevent the return.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detection switch provided in the apparatus main body and operated by the operating member to identify an open / closed state of the main body cover.

The image bearing member supporting the image bearing member protecting cover in the process cartridge comprising, while removably attaching the process cartridge before Symbol Body frame, provided with the cam groove in the main body frame, according to claim 1 The image forming apparatus described in 1.

A body cover that can be freely opened and closed on the apparatus body;
An operating member that moves in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the body cover;
A guide portion provided on a member in the apparatus main body for guiding the operating member;
An image carrier protective cover that opens and closes by the operating member guided and moved by the guide portion and covers the image carrier or releases the covering;
With
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the main body cover is opened, the maximum opening angle of the main body cover is defined by restricting movement of the operating member by the guide portion.