JP5229136B2 - Unit trolley - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a unit loading and unloading cart for loading and unloading a unit from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.

  In recent years, there has been a demand for an image forming apparatus that forms an image with higher image quality at a higher speed. However, along with this, replacement parts that require periodic replacement are increasing in units constituting the image forming apparatus. In addition, as the functionality of image forming apparatuses increases and the paper size diversifies, the size of the unit increases and the mass increases. The operation of taking in and out a unit having a large mass from the image forming apparatus is laborious and dangerous. Furthermore, among users who use such an image forming apparatus, the downtime required for component replacement and maintenance decreases the productivity of image formation, and thus there is an increasing demand for shortening as much as possible.

  One of the units constituting the image forming apparatus is, for example, a fixing device using a heating method. A technology in which when a fixing device is taken in and out of an image forming apparatus for maintenance and repair, a paper discharge unit equipped with a mounting table that can be moved up and down is used as a carriage, and the fixing device is mounted on the mounting table. Is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration for quickly and safely taking in and out a fixing device heated to a high temperature.

JP 2008-122765 A

  However, when the unit such as the fixing device described in Patent Document 1 is increased in size and mass, it is necessary to increase the strength of the mounting table peripheral mechanism portion that moves up and down with paper loaded thereon, which becomes a driving source for lifting and lowering. There is a problem that the capacity of a motor or the like must be increased. Further, there is a problem in that the mechanism becomes complicated because it has two functions of a paper discharge unit as a paper discharge unit and a function of placing and fixing the fixing device. Furthermore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no description about countermeasures for downtime required for component replacement.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to easily perform maintenance such as component replacement for a large unit, and to reduce downtime required for maintenance such as component replacement. The object is to provide a cart for taking in and out the unit.

  The object is achieved by the following invention.

1. A unit loading and unloading cart used for loading and unloading a unit having a removable part that is detachably held in and removed from the image forming apparatus to and from the image forming apparatus,
A unit loading / unloading cart comprising component mounting / removal assisting means for assisting mounting / dismounting of the removable component to / from the unit.

2. The unit is a unit including a component removal preventing unit that prevents the removable component from being removed from the unit.
The component attaching / detaching auxiliary means has a component removal releasing portion that engages with the component removal preventing portion,
2. The component removal release unit engages with the component removal prevention unit to release the removal of the removable component when the unit is mounted on a unit loading / unloading cart. Cart for putting in and out the unit.

3. The component attachment / detachment assisting means is held movably between a unit release position for releasing the unit and a unit fixing position for fixing the unit, with respect to a unit loading / unloading carriage equipped with the unit. A component attaching / detaching guide surface for guiding the attachable / detachable component attached to and detached from the unit;
When the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means is moved to the unit fixing position and the detachable component is attached / detached from the unit, the component attaching / detaching guide surface guides the detachable component attached / detached from the unit. The cart for putting in and out the unit according to 1 or 2 above.

4). The unit loading / unloading carriage has auxiliary means movement blocking means for blocking movement of the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means from the unit fixing position to the unit releasing position,
When the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means moves to the unit fixing position and the removable component is taken out from the unit,
The auxiliary means movement blocking means operates to prevent the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means from moving to the unit release position,
When the removable part is attached to the unit,
4. The unit loading / unloading cart according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary means movement blocking means operates to release the movement of the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means to the unit release position.

5. The unit has a unit opening / closing part that opens and closes when the detachable component is attached / detached, the unit opening / closing part includes the component removal preventing part, and an opening / closing part closing prevention part that prevents the unit opening / closing part from closing. , Is a unit arranged,
The component attaching / detaching assisting means includes an opening / closing portion closing prevention means comprising the component removal releasing portion that engages with the component removal preventing portion, and an opening / closing portion closing restriction portion that engages with the opening / closing portion closing prevention portion. And
When the unit is mounted on a unit loading / unloading carriage and the opening / closing part is opened, the opening / closing part closing prevention means engages with the part removal preventing part to release the removal prevention of the removable part,
3. The unit loading / unloading unit according to claim 2, wherein when the detachable part is taken out, the opening / closing part closing prevention means operates to engage the opening / closing part closing prevention part to prevent the opening / closing part from closing. Trolley.

6). A unit loading and unloading cart used for loading and unloading a unit having a removable part that is detachably held in and removed from the image forming apparatus to and from the image forming apparatus,
Component attaching / detaching assisting means for assisting attachment / detachment of the attachable / detachable component to and from the unit, and a mounting table on which the unit is placed,
The mounting table includes a tilting means that is movable to an angle inclined with respect to an initial position when the unit is taken out of the image forming apparatus and mounted on a unit loading / unloading cart. Trolley.

  7). 7. The unit loading / unloading cart according to claim 6, wherein when the unit loading / unloading cart is connected to the image forming apparatus, the tilted mounting table is returned to the initial position.

  By using the unit loading and unloading cart according to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform maintenance such as replacement of parts on a unit that is increased in size and mass, and downtime required for maintenance can be shortened.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which a unit loading / unloading cart of the present invention can be applied. 1 is an external perspective view of a unit loading / unloading cart and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of 1st Embodiment which concern on the unit trolley | bogie of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which attaches and detaches the detachable component C2 in 1st Embodiment which concerns on the unit trolley | bogie 10 of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment which concern on the unit trolley | bogie of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which attaches or detaches the detachable component DA2 in 2nd Embodiment which concerns on the unit trolley | bogie 10 of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment which concern on the unit trolley | bogie of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which inclines the inclinable mounting base 11B in 3rd Embodiment which concerns on the unit trolley | bogie 10 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, although the structure and operation | movement of embodiment which concerns on the unit trolley | bogie for this invention are demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which a unit loading / unloading cart of the present invention can be applied, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the unit loading / unloading cart and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG.

  First, an image forming apparatus in which a unit is inserted and removed using the unit loading and unloading cart of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[Image forming apparatus A]
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus A includes a charging unit 2, an image exposure unit (writing unit) 3, a developing unit 4, a transfer unit 5A, a charge removing unit 5B, and a cleaning unit 6 around a rotating image carrier 1. It has an arranged image forming unit. In the image formation on the image carrier 1, the surface of the image carrier 1 is uniformly charged by the charging unit 2, and then the exposure scanning based on the image data read from the original by the laser beam of the image exposure unit 3 is performed. Then, a latent image is formed, and the latent image is reversely developed by the developing unit 4, whereby a toner image is formed on the surface of the image carrier 1.

  On the other hand, the recording paper S stored in the recording paper storage means 7A is fed by the paper feeding means 7B and sent to the transfer position. The toner image is transferred onto the recording paper S by the transfer means 5A at the transfer position. Thereafter, the charge on the back surface of the recording paper S is erased by the charge eliminating means 5B, separated from the image carrier 1, conveyed by the intermediate conveying means 7C, subsequently heated and fixed by the fixing means 8, and by the paper discharging means 7D. Not discharged to the paper tray.

  When image formation is performed on both sides of the recording paper S, the recording paper S heated and fixed by the fixing unit 8 is branched from the normal paper discharge path by the conveyance path switching plate 7E, and is switched back by the reverse conveyance unit 7F. Then, the image is formed on the reverse side by reversing the front and back, and then discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge unit 7D. The fixing unit 8 is configured to be able to be taken in and out from the front by opening the front door T of the image forming apparatus A during maintenance such as component replacement.

  On the upper front side of the image forming apparatus A, an operation unit 9 capable of inputting job information related to image formation is disposed. Based on the job information input from the operation unit 9, the image forming apparatus A forms an image.

  On the upper part of the image forming apparatus A, an image reading apparatus B provided with an automatic document feeder of a document moving type reading system is installed.

[Unit cart]
In FIG. 2, a unit loading / unloading cart 10 according to the present invention is a cart used when units C and D such as a fixing device that can be loaded and unloaded that constitute the image forming apparatus A are loaded and unloaded from the image forming apparatus A. For example, the units C and D that are taken in and out from the front side of the image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. 2 are arranged immediately before the unit in which the front door T of the image forming apparatus A is opened and the unit loading and unloading cart 10 is taken in and out. By this, it becomes possible to put in and out.

  The unit loading / unloading cart 10 includes a mounting table 11 on which the units C and D are mounted, component mounting / removal assisting members 15 and 16 as component mounting / dismounting assisting means, positioning members 17a and 17b, support columns 12, a base plate 13, casters 14 and the like. . On the mounting table 11 on which the units C and D are mounted, component attaching / detaching auxiliary members 15 and 16, positioning members 17a and 17b, and the like are disposed. The component attaching / detaching auxiliary members 15 and 16 will be described later with reference to FIGS. A plurality of casters 14 are disposed on the bottom plate 13 that constitutes the bottom of the unit carriage 10. The unit loading / unloading carriage 10 moved by the caster 14 is positioned and connected to the image forming apparatus A by guide means using guide pins (not shown). By connecting the unit loading / unloading cart 10 and the image forming apparatus A, the units C and D can be moved to the unit loading / unloading cart 10, positioned by the positioning members 17 a and 17 b, and placed at a fixed position on the mounting table 11. Is done.

  Thereafter, the unit loading / unloading cart 10 is pulled away from the image forming apparatus A, and maintenance work such as component replacement is performed on the unit loading / unloading cart 10. Alternatively, there are two unit loading / unloading carts 10, which are replaced with the unit loading / unloading cart 10 on which the units C and D that have been maintained are placed, and are connected to the image forming apparatus A. By using the two unit loading / unloading carts 10, downtime associated with maintenance work such as component replacement can be shortened.

  FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration and operation of the first embodiment according to the unit loading and unloading cart of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a released state immediately after the unit C is placed on the placing table 11 of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state fixed by 15A. FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the detachable component C2 is taken out from the unit C.

  In FIG. 3, the mounting table 11 in the unit loading / unloading cart 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with a component mounting / removal assisting member 15 that assists the mounting / removal of components with respect to the unit C, and is taken out from the image forming apparatus A. It has a configuration that can be mounted.

  The unit C is a unit composed of a unit main body C1, a detachable component C2, a component removal preventing member C3 as a component removal preventing portion that prevents removal of the removable component, and the like. The detachable component C2 is prevented from being removed from the unit C by a component removal preventing member C3 biased by a biasing means such as a spring (not shown). Further, the unit C includes a fixing hole C1a as a unit removal preventing unit for fixing the unit C to the mounting table 11.

  The component attaching / detaching auxiliary member 15 according to the first embodiment of the unit loading / unloading cart 10 of the present invention includes a component guide member 15A, a component non-attachment preventing member 15B as auxiliary means movement blocking means, and a positioning member 15C. . The component guide member 15A is a member that doubles as a guide when the detachable component C2 is attached / detached and a pressing of the unit C to the unit loading / unloading carriage 10, and also serves as a positioning member 17a in FIG. The component non-attachment preventing member 15B is a member that prevents forgetting to attach the detachable component C2 that can be attached to and detached from the unit C, and the positioning member 15C is a member that positions one of the units C.

  The component guide member 15A includes a rotation center hole 151, a component removal release pin 152 as a component removal release portion, a unit fixing portion 153 as a unit removal prevention portion, a component non-attachment engagement portion 154, and a component attachment / detachment guide surface SL. The rotation center hole 151 is fitted to a rotation shaft (not shown) fixed to the mounting table 11, and the component guide member 15 </ b> A is moved from the mounting table 11 to a unit release position (position of FIG. 3A). And a unit fixing position (position shown in FIG. 3B).

  When the component guide member 15A is in the unit fixing position, the component removal releasing pin 152 engages with the component removal preventing member C3 to release the removal prevention of the detachable component C2. The unit fixing portion 153 engages with the fixing hole C1a of the unit C, and fixes the unit C to the mounting table 11.

  When the detachable component C2 is taken out from the unit C (position shown in FIG. 3C), the component non-attachment engaging portion 154 engages with the component non-attachment prevention member 15B, and the detachable component C2 is not attached. The movement of the component guide member 15A to the unit release position is prevented. The component attaching / detaching guide surface SL is a surface for guiding the attachable / detachable component C2 when attaching / detaching the attachable / detachable component C2 from the unit C.

  The component non-attachment preventing member 15B includes a slide groove 155 that slidably holds the component non-attachment prevention member 15B in a vertical direction, a component contact portion 156 that contacts the detachable component C2, and a component non-attachment engagement portion 154. And a component guide member return prevention portion 157 to be engaged. Further, the component non-attachment preventing member 15B is biased in a direction (upward direction in FIG. 3) in which the component abutting portion 156 presses the detachable component C2 by a spring member (no reference numeral).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for attaching / detaching the detachable component C2 from the unit C according to the first embodiment of the unit cart 10 according to the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  First, the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 and the image forming apparatus A are connected, and the unit C is pulled out from the image forming apparatus A and placed on the placing table 11 of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10. At this time, the unit C is positioned by the unit fixing portion 153 of the component guide member 15A, the positioning member 15C, and the positioning member 17b (see FIG. 2). Further, the detachable component C2 of the unit C presses the component abutment portion 156 of the component non-attachment prevention member 15B and pushes down the component non-attachment prevention member 15B (see step S11, FIG. 3A).

  Next, the component guide member 15 </ b> A is moved from the unit release position to the unit fixing position, and the unit C is fixed to the mounting table 11. At this time, the component removal release pin 152 of the component guide member 15A engages with the component removal prevention member C3 of the unit C to release the removal prevention of the detachable component C2. Further, the unit fixing portion 153 of the component guide member 15 </ b> A engages with the fixing hole C <b> 1 a of the unit C to fix the unit C to the mounting table 11. The position of the component non-attachment engagement portion 154 of the component guide member 15A is a position separated from the component guide member return prevention portion 157 because the component non-attachment prevention member 15B is pushed downward in step S11 (step S12). FIG. 3B).

  Next, the detachable component C2 of the unit C is taken out using the component detachment guide surface SL of the component guide member 15A as a guide. At this time, the component non-attachment preventing member 15B pushed down by the detachable component C2 is urged by the spring member to move upward, and the component guide member return preventing portion 157 of the component non-attachment prevention member 15B is moved to the component guide member 15A. To the position where it is engaged with the part non-attachment engagement portion 154. By this engagement, the component guide member 15A is prevented from moving to the unit release position (step S13, see FIG. 3C). In this state, since the unit C is fixed to the mounting table 11 by the unit fixing portion 153 engaged with the fixing hole C1a, the unit C cannot be taken out from the unit loading / unloading carriage 10.

  After maintenance such as component replacement is performed, the detachable component C2 of the unit C is attached to the unit C again using the component detachment guide surface SL of the component guide member 15A as a guide. At this time, the detachable component C2 presses the component abutment portion 156 of the component non-attachment preventing member 15B and pushes the component non-attachment prevention member 15B downward. As a result, the component guide member return prevention portion 157 of the component non-attachment prevention member 15B is disengaged from the position where it engages with the component non-attachment engagement portion 154 of the component guide member 15A, and the component guide member 15A is prevented from moving to the unit release position. Is released (see step S14, FIG. 3B).

  Next, the component guide member 15A is moved from the unit fixing position to the unit releasing position. At this time, the engagement between the unit fixing portion 153 of the component guide member 15A and the fixing hole C1a of the unit C is released, and the unit C can be removed from the mounting table 11. At the same time, the part removal release pin 152 and the part removal prevention member C3 are disengaged, and the part removal prevention member C3 presses the detachable part C2 to prevent the detachable part C2 from being removed from the unit C. (Step S15, see FIG. 3A).

  The unit loading / unloading carriage 10 is connected to the image forming apparatus A, and the unit C is removed from the mounting table 11 of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 and returned to the image forming apparatus A (step S16).

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the detachable component C2 can be taken out by placing the unit C on the mounting table 11, and is detachable by the component detachment guide surface SL formed on the component guide member 15A. It is possible to easily replace the possible component C2. Further, the provision of the component non-attachment preventing member 15B can prevent the occurrence of the problem that the detachable component C2 is not attached to the unit C.

  FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration and operation of the second embodiment according to the unit loading / unloading cart of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state in which the unit opening / closing portion DA is in the closed position immediately after the unit D is placed on the placement table 11 of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the unit opening / closing part DA is open from the unit fixing part DB of the unit D and is positioned by the unit fixing member 161. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the detachable part DA2 is taken out from the unit D.

  In FIG. 5, the mounting table 11 in the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 according to the second embodiment is provided with a component mounting / removal assisting member 16 that assists in mounting / dismounting the component to / from the unit D. It has a configuration that can be mounted.

  The unit D is a unit including a unit opening / closing part DA, a unit fixing part DB, a unit opening / closing axis DC, and the like. The unit opening / closing part DA includes an opening / closing part closing prevention pin DA1 as an opening / closing part closing prevention part, and a detachable part DA2. , And a component removal prevention member DA3. The unit opening / closing part DA rotates in a direction away from the unit fixing part DB with the unit opening / closing axis DC as the rotation center, and is swingably arranged between the closed position in the closed state and the open position in the opened state. It is installed. The component removal preventing member DA3 as the component removal preventing portion is urged by an urging means such as a spring (not shown) so that the component removal preventing member DA3 is opposed to the detachable component DA2. Detachment is blocked. The attachment / detachment of the detachable part DA2 from the unit D is in an open position where the unit opening / closing part DA is released from the unit fixing part DB, and the part removal preventing member DA3 releases the prevention of attachment / detachment of the detachable part DA2. It becomes possible when it is in the state moved to.

  The component attaching / detaching auxiliary member 16 according to the second embodiment of the unit loading / unloading cart 10 of the present invention includes a unit fixing member 161, an opening / closing portion closing prevention claw 162 as an opening / closing portion closing prevention means, a claw swing shaft 163, and the like. It consists of. The unit fixing member 161 includes a positioning part 161a, positions the unit D on the mounting table 11, and holds a rotatable claw swinging shaft 163. The opening / closing part closing prevention claw 162 includes a part removal releasing part 162a and an opening / closing part closing restricting part 162b, and is swingably held by the claw swinging shaft 163. When the unit opening / closing part DA is opened, the part removal preventing member DA3 Engage to release the removal of the removable part DA2. Further, the opening / closing portion closing prevention claw 162 is urged in a direction in which it is pressed against the detachable component DA2 by an urging means (not shown).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for attaching / detaching the detachable part DA2 from the unit D according to the second embodiment of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  First, the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 and the image forming apparatus A are connected, and the unit D is pulled out from the image forming apparatus A and placed on the placing table 11 of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10. At this time, the unit D is positioned with respect to the mounting table 11 by the positioning members 17a and 17b (see FIG. 2) and the positioning portion 161a of the unit fixing member 161 (see step S21 and FIG. 5A).

  Next, the unit opening / closing part DA of the unit D is moved from the closed position to the open position, and the side surface of the unit opening / closing part DA comes into contact with the upper surface of the unit fixing member 161 and stops. At this time, the opening / closing portion closing prevention claw 162 engages with the component removal preventing member DA3 as the component removal preventing portion and moves the component removal preventing member DA3. Thereby, the pressing of the detachable component DA2 by the component detachment prevention member DA3 is released, and the prevention of the detachable component DA2 removal is released. At the same time, the opening / closing portion closing prevention claw 162 is pressed by the detachable part DA2 of the unit D and moves to a position where it does not engage with the opening / closing portion closing prevention pin DA1 of the unit D (see step S22, FIG. 5B). .

  Next, the detachable part DA2 of the unit D is taken out. At this time, the opening / closing portion closing prevention claw 162 that has been pressed and moved by the detachable component DA2 is returned to the direction in which the detachable component DA2 is taken out by an urging means (not shown), and the opening / closing portion closing prevention pin DA1 of the unit D is restored. (See step S23, FIG. 5C). This engagement prevents the unit opening / closing part DA from being closed when the detachable part DA2 is not attached.

  When maintenance such as part replacement is completed and the removable part DA2 is attached to the unit D again, the opening / closing part closing prevention claw 162 is pressed against the biasing means by the removable part DA2, and the opening / closing part of the unit D The engagement with the closing prevention pin DA1 is released. As a result, the unit D can be moved to the closed position of the unit opening / closing part DA (see step S24, FIG. 5B).

  When the unit opening / closing part DA of the unit D is moved to the closed position and comes into contact with the unit fixing part DB, the unit D can be taken out from the unit loading / unloading carriage 10. At this time, the component removal preventing member DA3 urged by the urging means (not shown) is returned to the position facing the detachable component DA2 to block the detachable component DA2 from the unit D (step). S25, see FIG. 5 (a)).

  The unit loading / unloading carriage 10 is connected to the image forming apparatus A, and the unit D is removed from the mounting table 11 of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 and returned to the image forming apparatus A (step S26).

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the detachable component DA2 can be removed and the closure of the opening / closing part can be prevented by placing the unit D that can be opened and closed on the mounting table 11 and opening the unit D. The arrangement of the claws 162 can prevent the problem that the replacement part is not attached.

  FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration and operation of the third embodiment according to the unit loading and unloading cart of the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, the mounting table 11 in the unit loading / unloading cart 10 of the third embodiment is provided with a component attaching / detaching auxiliary member 15 or 16, similarly to the mounting table 11 in the first or second embodiment. C or D can be taken in and out. A description of the same configuration as the mounting table 11 in the first or second embodiment will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

  The mounting table 11 in the unit loading / unloading cart 10 of the third embodiment is different from the mounting table 11 in the first or second embodiment in that the mounting table 11 can be tilted as a fixed mounting table 11A and tilting means. It is the point comprised by the two mounting bases with the mounting base 11B. That is, the tiltable mounting table 11B is fixed to the mounting table rotating shaft 111 that is rotatably held by the fixed mounting table 11A, and is configured to be tiltable with respect to the fixed mounting table 11A. The mounting table corresponding to the mounting table 11 in the first or second embodiment is a tiltable mounting table 11B. The tiltable mounting table 11B is provided with the component attaching / detaching auxiliary member 15 or 16, but can be tilted. The mounting table 11B can be tilted in a state where the unit C or D is mounted. That is, the mounting table rotation shaft 111 is rotated by a known mechanism using a motor or the like (not shown), and the tiltable mounting table 11B is tilted to a predetermined angle θ and fixed at that position. .

  FIG. 7A shows a state in which the tiltable mounting table 11B is in the initial position immediately after the unit D taken out from the image forming apparatus A is mounted on the mounting table 11 of the unit loading / unloading cart 10. It is. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the tiltable mounting table 11B on which the unit D is mounted is tilted at a predetermined angle θ. Here, the predetermined angle θ is an angle at which maintenance work such as removal of replacement parts is easily performed, and a plurality of angles may be set depending on the content of the work.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for inclining the tiltable mounting table 11B in the third embodiment of the unit loading / unloading cart 10 of the present invention. The unit D is the same as that used in the second embodiment (the unit C is the first embodiment), and the configuration of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 is also similar. Will be described only (see FIG. 7 for the configuration). Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operator connects the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 to the image forming apparatus A (step S31). Next, the unit D (or C) is moved and mounted from the image forming apparatus A to the tiltable mounting table 11B of the unit loading / unloading cart 10 (step S32). The loading / unloading cart 10 is pulled away from the image forming apparatus A (step S33). Next, the tiltable mounting table 11B is tilted from the initial position by a predetermined angle θ by a button operation from an operation unit (not shown) (step S34). Maintenance work such as removal of replacement parts is performed on the unit D (or C) (step S35). When the maintenance work is finished, the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 is connected to the image forming apparatus A (step S36). When the connection is detected by a connection detection sensor (not shown) arranged on the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 side or the image forming apparatus A side, a motor is driven by a control means (not shown) to place the tiltable mounting table 11B at the initial position. (Step S37). The unit D (or C) is moved from the tiltable mounting table 11B of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 and mounted at the original position of the image forming apparatus A (step S38). The loading / unloading cart 10 is pulled away from the image forming apparatus A (step S39).

  According to the third embodiment of the unit loading / unloading carriage 10 of the present invention, by tilting the tiltable mounting table 11B, the tiltable mounting table 11B has a predetermined angle at which maintenance work such as removal of replacement parts can be easily performed. θ can be set. In addition, since the operation of returning the tiltable mounting table 11B to the initial position is automatically performed, the operation is easy, and the unit D (or C) is maintained while the tiltable mounting table 11B is tilted. Can be prevented from moving. In the present embodiment, the operation of returning the tiltable mounting table 11B to the initial position in step S7 is automatically performed. However, in order to simplify the configuration, a button from an operation unit (not shown) is used. It can also be configured to be performed by operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Unit loading / unloading cart 11 Mounting table 11A Fixed mounting table 11B Tiltable mounting table (tilting means)
12 Prop 13 Bottom plate 14 Caster 15 Component attachment / detachment auxiliary member
15A Component guide member 15B Component non-attachment prevention member (auxiliary means movement prevention means)
15C Positioning member 16 Component attachment / detachment assisting member (component attachment / detachment assisting means)
17a, 17b Positioning member 111 Mounting table rotation shaft 151 Rotation center hole 152 Component removal release pin (component removal release portion)
153 Unit fixing part (unit removal prevention part)
154 Part non-attachment engagement part 155 Slide groove 156 Part contact part 157 Part guide member return prevention part 161 Unit fixing member 162 Opening / closing part closing prevention claw (opening / closing part closing prevention means)
162a Parts removal releasing part 162b Opening / closing part closing restricting part 163 Claw swing shaft A Image forming apparatus C Unit C1 Unit main body C1a Fixing hole (unit removal prevention means)
C2 Removable parts C3 Part removal prevention member (part removal prevention part)
D unit DA unit opening / closing part DA1 opening / closing part closing prevention pin (opening / closing part closing prevention part)
DA2 Detachable parts DA3 Part removal prevention member (Part removal prevention part)
DB unit fixing part DC unit opening / closing axis SL Component attachment / detachment guide surface

Claims (7)

A unit loading and unloading cart used for loading and unloading a unit having a removable part that is detachably held in and removed from the image forming apparatus to and from the image forming apparatus,
A unit loading / unloading cart comprising component mounting / removal assisting means for assisting mounting / dismounting of the removable component to / from the unit. The unit is a unit including a component removal preventing unit that prevents the removable component from being removed from the unit.
The component attaching / detaching auxiliary means has a component removal releasing portion that engages with the component removal preventing portion,
The component removal release unit engages with the component removal prevention unit to release the removal prevention of the detachable component when the unit is mounted on a unit carriage. The listed unit cart. The component attachment / detachment assisting means is held movably between a unit release position for releasing the unit and a unit fixing position for fixing the unit, with respect to a unit loading / unloading carriage equipped with the unit. A component attaching / detaching guide surface for guiding the attachable / detachable component attached to and detached from the unit;
When the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means is moved to the unit fixing position and the detachable component is attached / detached from the unit, the component attaching / detaching guide surface guides the detachable component attached / detached from the unit. The cart for putting in and out the unit according to claim 1 or 2. The unit loading / unloading carriage has auxiliary means movement blocking means for blocking movement of the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means from the unit fixing position to the unit releasing position,
When the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means moves to the unit fixing position and the removable component is taken out from the unit,
The auxiliary means movement blocking means operates to prevent the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means from moving to the unit release position,
When the removable part is attached to the unit,
4. The unit loading and unloading carriage according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary means movement blocking means is operated to release the blocking of movement of the component attaching / detaching auxiliary means to the unit release position. The unit has a unit opening / closing part that opens and closes when the detachable component is attached / detached, the unit opening / closing part includes the component removal preventing part, and an opening / closing part closing prevention part that prevents the unit opening / closing part from closing. , Is a unit arranged,
The component attaching / detaching assisting means includes an opening / closing portion closing prevention means comprising the component removal releasing portion that engages with the component removal preventing portion, and an opening / closing portion closing restriction portion that engages with the opening / closing portion closing prevention portion. And
When the unit is mounted on a unit loading / unloading carriage and the opening / closing part is opened, the opening / closing part closing prevention means engages with the part removal preventing part to release the removal prevention of the removable part,
3. The unit according to claim 2, wherein when the detachable part is taken out, the opening / closing part closing prevention unit operates to engage the opening / closing part closing prevention part to prevent the opening / closing part from closing. A cart for taking in and out. A unit loading and unloading cart used for loading and unloading a unit having a removable part that is detachably held in and removed from the image forming apparatus to and from the image forming apparatus,
Component attaching / detaching assisting means for assisting attachment / detachment of the attachable / detachable component to and from the unit, and a mounting table on which the unit is placed,
The mounting table includes a tilting means that is movable to an angle inclined with respect to an initial position when the unit is taken out of the image forming apparatus and mounted on a unit loading / unloading cart. Trolley.   7. The unit loading / unloading cart according to claim 6, wherein when the unit loading / unloading cart is connected to the image forming apparatus, the tilted mounting table is returned to the initial position.

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