JP6648667B2 - Lock structure and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lock structure and an image forming apparatus.

  The opening / closing cover locking mechanism described in Patent Literature 1 includes an opening / closing cover, a pair of lock pins, a reference hook member, a biasing unit, a driven hook member, and a detection sensor. The opening / closing cover rotates about a specific axis as a central axis. The pair of lock pins are provided on both sides of the apparatus main body. The reference hook member is swingably provided on the opening / closing cover, and engages with one of the lock pins at the lock position. The urging unit urges the reference hook member to the lock position. The driven hook member engages with the other lock pin at the lock position. The detection sensor detects that the driven hook member is located at the lock position. When the driven hook member is not located at the lock position, the apparatus main body does not operate.

JP 2005-181453 A

  However, the opening / closing cover lock mechanism described in Patent Literature 1 prohibits the operation of the apparatus main body when a state where only one side is locked and the other side is open (so-called “single-closed”) occurs. That is, the apparatus main body is controlled so that the apparatus main body does not operate. However, in the manufacturing process of an apparatus such as an image forming apparatus, when the opening / closing cover is twisted, “one-sided closing” may occur.

  In addition, various measures have been taken before shipment to prevent "one-sided closing" of the opening / closing cover. For example, the rigidity of the opening / closing cover is increased so that the opening / closing cover is not twisted. As described above, measures have been taken to prevent the occurrence of "one-sided closing", so that the manufacturing cost has increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a lock structure and an image forming apparatus that can prevent the occurrence of one-sided closing.

  The lock structure of the present invention locks the opening / closing member in the closed state with respect to the apparatus main body. The opening and closing member is configured to be able to open and close with respect to the apparatus main body. The lock structure includes a plurality of engaging members, a plurality of hook members, and a plurality of movement restricting members. The plurality of engaging members are arranged on the device main body. The plurality of hook members are arranged on the opening / closing member. The plurality of hook members are engaged with the plurality of engagement members, respectively, to fix the opening / closing member to the apparatus main body in a closed state. The plurality of movement restricting members are arranged on the opening / closing member. When at least a part of the opening / closing member is in an open state with respect to the apparatus main body, the plurality of movement restricting members include the plurality of hook members in a direction to be engaged with the plurality of engaging members. The movement of each is regulated. The plurality of hook members are fixed to each other.

  An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the lock structure, an image forming unit, one sensor, and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium. The sensor detects opening and closing of the opening and closing member. The control unit prohibits the operation of the image forming unit when the sensor detects an open state of the opening / closing member.

  According to the lock structure and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of one-sided closing.

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus when the image reading unit is closed with respect to the apparatus main body. FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus when the image reading unit is opened with respect to the apparatus main body. It is sectional drawing of the lock structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of a lock structure. It is a perspective view of a lock release lever. (A) is a perspective view of one hook member. (B) is a perspective view of the other hook member. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the engagement of one hook member and the engagement member was disengaged. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the state by which the restriction | limiting of the movement of one hook member was cancelled | released. (B) is sectional drawing which shows the state in which one hook member was engaged with the engagement member. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the engagement of the other hook member and the engagement member was disengaged. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the state by which the restriction | limiting of the movement of the other hook member was cancelled | released. (B) is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the other hook member was engaged with the engagement member. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a control unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 11). In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions have the same reference characters allotted, and description thereof will not be repeated.

  First, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color MFP. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body 1, a document reading unit 2, and an operation display unit 4.

  The document reading unit 2 reads an image formed on a document. The document reading unit 2 includes a rotation shaft 21. The rotation shaft 21 is disposed on a side away from the operation display unit 4. The document reading unit 2 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 21 and is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body 1. The document reading unit 2 corresponds to an example of the “opening / closing member”. The operation display unit 4 receives an operation from a user and displays various information.

  The apparatus main body 1 forms an image on a sheet P (recording medium) by a so-called “electrophotographic method”. The apparatus main body 1 includes a manual feed unit 11, a cassette feed unit 12, a transport unit L, a toner supply unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a fixing unit 16, a discharge unit 17, a discharge tray 18, and a control unit 19. The image forming unit 14 includes a transfer unit 15.

  The manual feed unit 11 and the cassette feed unit 12 supply the paper P to the transport unit L. The transport unit L transports the sheet P to the discharge unit 17 via the transfer unit 15 and the fixing unit 16.

  The toner supply unit 13 supplies toner to the image forming unit 14. The image forming unit 14 forms an image on the sheet P.

  The transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 154. The image forming unit 14 transfers the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 154. A plurality of color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 154, and an image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 154. The transfer unit 15 transfers the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 154 onto the paper P. As a result, an image is formed on the sheet P.

  The fixing unit 16 heats and pressurizes the sheet P, and fixes an image formed on the sheet P to the sheet P. The discharge unit 17 discharges the sheet P to a discharge tray 18. The paper tray P discharged by the discharge unit 17 is placed on the discharge tray 18. The discharge tray 18 also functions as a top cover of the apparatus main body 1.

  The control unit 19 includes a processor and a storage unit. The processor includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit includes a memory such as a semiconductor memory, and may include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit stores a control program.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 when the document reading unit 2 is closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1. FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus 100 when the document reading unit 2 is opened with respect to the apparatus main body 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the image forming apparatus 100 further includes a paper transport unit 3. The paper transport unit 3 transports a document to the document reading unit 2. The operation display unit 4 includes a touch panel 41. The touch panel 41 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various images. The touch panel 41 further includes a touch sensor, and receives a user operation. The touch panel 41 corresponds to an example of a “display unit”.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the apparatus main body 1 further includes an opening 1A. The opening 1A is opened when the toner cartridge of the toner supply unit 13 is attached or detached. Specifically, the document reading unit 2 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 21 (see FIG. 1) disposed on a side separated from the operation display unit 4, and is freely openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body 1. It is composed of When the document reading unit 2 is changed from the closed state to the open state with respect to the apparatus main body 1, the discharge tray 18 rotates in the same direction as the document reading unit 2 to open the opening 1A in conjunction with this operation. It is configured as follows.

  Conversely, as shown in FIG. 2A, when closing the opening 1A, the discharge tray 18 functions as a top cover of the apparatus main body 1 and closes the opening 1A. When the document reading unit 2 is changed from the open state to the closed state, the discharge tray 18 is rotated in the same direction as the document reading unit 2 to close the opening 1A of the apparatus main body 1 in conjunction with this operation. ing.

  Next, a lock structure 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of the lock structure 5 (see FIG. 1). FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lock structure 5.

  In FIG. 3, the illustration of the sheet transport unit 3 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes one sensor S and the lock structure 5. The sensor S detects opening and closing of the document reading unit 2. Specifically, the sensor S is disposed at the upper end of the apparatus main body 1 and detects pressing by the lower end of the document reading unit 2. The detection signal of the sensor S is transmitted to the control unit 19.

  The control section 19 permits the operation of the image forming section 14 when the sensor S detects the closed state of the document reading unit 2. The “operation of the image forming unit 14” indicates an operation of forming an image on the sheet P. On the other hand, when the sensor S detects the open state of the document reading unit 2, the control unit 19 prohibits the operation of the image forming unit 14. That is, the control unit 19 controls the image forming unit 14 so that the image forming unit 14 does not operate. When the sensor S detects the open state of the document reading unit 2, the control unit 19 displays on the touch panel 41 that the operation of the image forming unit 14 is prohibited. For example, the control unit 19 displays a message on the touch panel 41 stating that "the printing process cannot be performed because the document reading unit is open".

  As described above, one sensor S detects opening and closing of the document reading unit 2. Further, in the present embodiment, since the occurrence of “one-sided closing” is prevented, the opening and closing of the document reading unit 2 can be accurately detected by one sensor S. Further, when the sensor S detects the closed state of the document reading unit 2, the control unit 19 permits the operation of the image forming unit 14. Therefore, since the image forming unit 14 can operate when the document reading unit 2 is in the closed state, an image can be formed on the sheet P.

  When the sensor S detects the open state of the document reading unit 2, the control unit 19 prohibits the operation of the image forming unit 14 and displays on the touch panel 41 that the operation of the image forming unit 14 is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prohibit the operation of the image forming unit 14 when the document reading unit 2 is in the open state. Further, when the operation of the image forming unit 14 is prohibited, the fact is displayed on the touch panel 41, so that the user can confirm that the document reading unit 2 is not in the closed state.

The lock structure 5 locks the document reading unit 2 to the apparatus main body 1 in a closed state. The lock structure 5 has a plurality of engagement members 58 , a second biasing member 55, and a plurality of restriction release members 57 on the device main body 1 side . Locking structure 5, the document reading unit 2 side, a plurality of hook members 51, the second biasing member 55, a plurality of movement restricting member 53, a plurality of restriction releasing member 57, the support member 59 having. In the present embodiment, the “plurality” indicates all two. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the device main body 1 includes a connecting portion 10R and a connecting portion 10L at positions facing the plurality of hook members 51, respectively. The connecting portion 10R and the connecting portion 10L are formed at the upper end of the apparatus main body 1, and connect the apparatus main body 1 and the document reading unit 2 via the lock structure 5.

  The plurality of engaging members 58 are arranged on the apparatus main body 1. The plurality of engaging members 58 respectively engage with the plurality of hook members 51. The plurality of engagement members 58 include an engagement member 581 and an engagement member 582. Further, the engaging member 581 is disposed on the connecting portion 10L, and the engaging member 582 is disposed on the connecting portion 10R.

  The plurality of hook members 51 are arranged on the document reading unit 2. The plurality of hook members 51 respectively engage with the plurality of engaging members 58 to fix (lock) the document reading unit 2 to the apparatus main body 1 in a closed state. The plurality of hook members 51 are arranged substantially parallel to the rotation shaft 21 (see FIG. 1). The plurality of hook members 51 include a hook member 511 and a hook member 512. The hook member 511 engages with the engaging member 581, and the hook member 512 engages with the engaging member 582.

  The plurality of hook members 51 are fixed to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the lock structure 5 further includes a connecting member 513. The connecting member 513 connects the hook member 511 and the hook member 512. The connecting member 513 is formed in a columnar shape, and is disposed substantially parallel to the rotation shaft 21.

  As described above, the document reading unit 2 has the rotating shaft 21 serving as a fulcrum of the opening / closing operation, and the plurality of hook members 51 are arranged substantially parallel to the rotating shaft 21. Therefore, by connecting the hook members 511 and 512 adjacent to each other among the plurality of hook members 51 with, for example, the connecting member 513 substantially parallel to the rotating shaft 21, the plurality of hook members 51 can be formed in a simple configuration. Can be fixed to each other.

  The plurality of movement restricting members 53 are arranged in the document reading unit 2. The plurality of movement restricting members 53 are arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of hook members 51, respectively. When at least a part of the document reading unit 2 is in an open state with respect to the apparatus main body 1, the plurality of movement restricting members 53 include a plurality of hook members in a direction of engaging with the plurality of engaging members 58. The movement of each of the members 51 is regulated. The direction of engagement with the plurality of engagement members 58 is shown in FIG. 3 to the left. Specifically, the plurality of movement restriction members 53 include a movement restriction member 531 and a movement restriction member 532. Further, the plurality of movement restricting members 53 are configured to be movable in the separating direction and the approach direction of the document reading unit 2. In FIG. 3, the separation direction indicates an upward direction, and the approach direction indicates a downward direction. Specifically, the movement restricting member 53 is slidably inserted into the guide groove. The guide groove is formed in the hook member 51 in a vertical direction.

  The support member 59 slidably supports the connecting member 513. As a result, the plurality of hook members 51 slide on the support member 59 in a direction approaching the plurality of engagement members 58 or in a direction away from the plurality of engagement members 58. The direction approaching the plurality of engagement members 58 is the left direction in FIG. 3, and the direction away from the plurality of engagement members 58 is the right direction in FIG.

  The support member 59 has a plurality of contact portions 56. When the document reading unit 2 is in the open state, the plurality of movement restricting members 53 respectively contact the plurality of contact portions 56 and are close to the plurality of engaging members 58 of the plurality of hook members 51. Restrict the movement in the direction you do. Specifically, the contact portion 56 includes a contact portion 561 and a contact portion 562. When the document reading unit 2 is in the open state, the movement restricting member 531 contacts the contact portion 561 and restricts the movement of the hook member 511 in the direction approaching the engaging member 581. Similarly, when the document reading unit 2 is in the open state, the movement restricting member 532 contacts the contact portion 562 to restrict the movement of the hook member 512 in the direction approaching the engaging member 582.

  As described above, the plurality of movement restricting members 53 are arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of hook members 51, respectively. Therefore, depending on whether or not each of the plurality of hook members 51 is at a position where it can be engaged with the corresponding engaging member 58, the corresponding movement restricting member 53 controls the movement of the plurality of hook members 51, respectively. regulate. Therefore, when at least one hook member 51 is not at a position where it can be engaged with the corresponding engagement member 58, the movement of the plurality of hook members 51 is restricted. As a result, even when the document reading unit 2 is twisted in the manufacturing process, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of "one-sided closing".

  When at least one of the document reading units 2 is in the open state, at least one of the plurality of movement restricting members 53 contacts the corresponding contact portion 56, and The movement of the hook members 51 is regulated respectively. As a result, all the hook members 51 do not engage with the corresponding engagement members 58. Therefore, even when the document reading unit 2 is twisted, the occurrence of “one-sided closing” can be more reliably prevented.

The plurality of restriction release members 57 are arranged on the apparatus main body 1 . The plurality of restriction release members 57 release the restriction on the movement of the plurality of hook members 51 by the plurality of movement restriction members 53, respectively. The plurality of movement restricting members 53 are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of hook members 51, respectively. Specifically, when the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, the plurality of movement restriction members 53 respectively contact the plurality of restriction release members 57, and the plurality of restriction release members 57. Release the restriction on the movement of the hook member 51, respectively. Further, specifically, the plurality of restriction releasing members 57 are composed of a restriction releasing member 571 and a restriction releasing member 572. When the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, the movement restricting member 531 contacts the restriction releasing member 571, and the restriction releasing member 571 releases the restriction on the movement of the hook member 511. Similarly, when the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, the movement restriction member 532 contacts the restriction release member 572, and the restriction release member 572 releases the restriction on the movement of the hook member 512.

  As described above, the plurality of restriction release members 57 release the restriction of the movement of the plurality of hook members 51 by the plurality of movement restriction members 53, respectively. Therefore, when all the restriction release members 57 release the restriction on the movement of all the hook members 51, all the hook members 51 are engaged (locked) with the engagement members 58. On the other hand, when at least one restriction release member 57 does not release the restriction on the movement of the corresponding hook member 51, the movement of all the hook members 51 is restricted. As a result, all the hook members 51 do not engage with the corresponding engagement members 58. Therefore, even when the document reading unit 2 is twisted, the occurrence of “one-sided closing” can be reliably prevented.

  When the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, each of the plurality of movement restricting members 53 contacts the corresponding restriction releasing member 57. Then, the plurality of restriction release members 57 release the restriction on the movement of the corresponding hook member 51, respectively. Therefore, a plurality of restriction release members 57 can be configured with a simple configuration.

  The second urging member 55 urges the hook member 511, the hook member 512, and the connecting member 513 in a direction in which the hook member 511 engages with the engaging member 581 as a unit. The direction in which the hook member 511 engages with the engagement member 581 indicates the left direction in FIG. The direction in which the hook member 511 engages with the engagement member 581 is the same as the direction in which the hook member 512 engages with the engagement member 582.

  When the plurality of restriction release members 57 release the restriction on the movement of the plurality of hook members 51, respectively, the second urging member 55 connects the hook member 511, the hook member 512, and the connection member 513 to the hook member 511. Urges in the direction of engagement with the engagement member 581. As a result, the hook member 511, the hook member 512, and the connecting member 513 integrally slide on the support member 59 to the left in FIG. 3, the hook member 511 is engaged with the engaging member 581, and the hook member 512 is The engaging member 582 is engaged.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, in the lock structure 5 of the present embodiment, the plurality of hook members 51 are fixed to each other. When the document reading unit 2 is in the open state with respect to the apparatus main body 1, the plurality of movement restricting members 53 are connected to the plurality of hook members 51 in the direction in which the plurality of engaging members 58 are engaged. The movement of each is regulated. Therefore, when at least one of the document reading units 2 is in the open state with respect to the apparatus main body 1, at least one of the movement restricting members 53 moves the hook member 51 in a direction in which the hook member 51 is engaged with the corresponding engaging member 58. Restrict movement. As a result, all the hook members 51 do not engage with the corresponding engagement members 58. Therefore, even when the document reading unit 2 is twisted, occurrence of “one-sided closing” can be prevented.

  The document reading unit 2 opens and closes with respect to the apparatus main body 1. Therefore, when the document reading unit 2 is opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1, occurrence of “one-sided closing” can be prevented. As a result, it is not necessary to take measures to prevent the occurrence of “one-sided closing” before shipping the image forming apparatus 100, and the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced.

  Next, the lock release lever 52 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lock release lever 52. The lock structure 5 further includes a lock release lever 52. When unlocking the document reading unit 2 with respect to the apparatus main body 1, the user operates the unlock lever 52.

  The lock release lever 52 has a recess 521 and an arrow mark AL. The lock is released by the user putting his finger on the concave portion 521 and pulling the finger in the direction F1 indicated by the arrow mark AL. Specifically, when the concave portion 521 moves in the direction F1, the hook member 511, the hook member 512, and the connecting member 513 move in the direction F2 via the link mechanism. As a result, the engagement between the hook member 511 and the engagement member 581 is released, and the engagement between the hook member 512 and the engagement member 582 is released. Then, the lock of the document reading unit 2 with respect to the apparatus main body 1 is released.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the lock structure 5 of the present embodiment, when the user pulls the lock release lever 52 in the direction F <b> 1, the lock of the document reading unit 2 with respect to the apparatus main body 1 is performed. Can be canceled.

  Next, the configuration of the lock structure 5 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one hook member 511. FIG. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the other hook member 512. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lock structure 5 further includes a plurality of first urging members 54. The first urging member 54 corresponds to an “urging member”.

  Each of the plurality of movement restricting members 53 is formed in a substantially J-shape, and has one end 53A and the other end 53B. Specifically, the movement restricting member 531 has one end 531A and the other end 531B, and the movement restricting member 532 has one side 532A and the other end 532B.

  The plurality of first urging members 54 urge the one end portions 53A of the plurality of movement restricting members 53 downward so as to protrude downward from lower end positions of the plurality of hook members 51, respectively. . Specifically, the plurality of first urging members 54 include a first urging member 541 and a first urging member 542. The first urging member 541 urges the one end 531A of the movement restricting member 531 downward so as to protrude downward from the lower end position of the hook member 511. Similarly, the first urging member 542 urges the one end 532A of the movement restricting member 532 downward so as to protrude downward from the lower end position of the hook member 512.

  When the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, the one-side end portions 53A of the plurality of movement restriction members 53 respectively contact the plurality of restriction release members 57. Then, the plurality of restriction releasing members 57 respectively push up the one end portions 53A of the plurality of movement restriction members 53 in the upward direction, and release the restriction on the movement of the hook member 51. Specifically, when the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, the one end 531A of the movement restriction member 531 contacts the restriction release member 571. Then, the regulation release member 571 pushes up the one side end 531A of the movement regulation member 531 in an upward direction to release the regulation of the movement of the hook member 511. Similarly, when the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, the one end 532A of the movement restricting member 532 contacts the restriction releasing member 572. Then, the regulation release member 572 pushes up the one side end 532A of the movement regulation member 532 upward to release the regulation of the movement of the hook member 512.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in the lock structure 5 of the present embodiment, the plurality of first urging members 54 The one side end portions 53A of the movement restriction members 53 are urged downward so as to protrude downward from the lower end positions of the plurality of hook members 51, respectively. When the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state, the one-side end portions 53A of the plurality of movement restriction members 53 respectively contact the plurality of restriction release members 57. Then, the plurality of restriction releasing members 57 respectively push up the one end portions 53A of the plurality of movement restriction members 53 in the upward direction, and release the restriction on the movement of the hook member 51. Therefore, a plurality of movement restriction members 53 and a plurality of restriction release members 57 can be realized with a simple configuration.

  Next, the operation of the lock structure 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 7 to 10.

  First, referring to FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B, the hook member 511 is engaged with the engaging member 581 from the state where the hook member 511 is disengaged from the engaging member 581. The operation of the lock structure 5 until the state changes will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the hook member 511 and the engaging member 581 are disengaged. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the restriction on the movement of the hook member 511 has been released. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the hook member 511 is engaged with the engagement member 581.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the one end 531 </ b> A is separated from the regulation release member 571. Therefore, the movement restriction member 531 is not pushed upward by the restriction release member 571. The first urging member 541 urges the one end 531A of the movement restricting member 531 downward so as to protrude downward from the lower end position of the hook member 511. Therefore, the one side end 531A protrudes downward from the lower end position of the hook member 511. The other end 531B is in contact with the contact portion 561. Therefore, the movement of the hook member 511 in the direction of engagement with the engagement member 581 is restricted by the movement restriction member 531. The direction of engagement with the engagement member 581 is the left direction in FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, the one end 531 </ b> A is in contact with the restriction release member 571. Accordingly, the movement restricting member 531 is pushed upward from the restriction releasing member 571 against the urging force of the first urging member 541. As a result, the one side end 531A rises to a position flush with the lower end position of the hook member 511. In conjunction with this, the other end 531B rises to a position above the upper surface of the contact portion 561. Therefore, the restriction of the movement of the hook member 511 in the direction of engagement with the engagement member 581 by the movement restriction member 531 is released.

  Next, when the regulation of the movement of the hook member 512 is also released, as shown in FIG. 8B, the hook member 511 moves in a direction (left direction) in which the hook member 511 engages with the engaging member 581. As a result, the hook member 511 is engaged with the engagement member 581. On the other hand, when the regulation of the movement of the hook member 512 is not released, the hook member 511, the hook member 512, and the connecting member 513 are fixed to each other. Movement to is regulated.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 9, 10 (a) and 10 (b), hook member 512 is engaged with engaging member 582 from the state where hook member 512 and engaging member 582 are disengaged. The operation of the lock structure 5 until the state changes to the locked state will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the hook member 512 and the engaging member 582 have been disengaged. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the restriction on the movement of the hook member 512 has been released. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the hook member 512 is engaged with the engagement member 582.

  As shown in FIG. 9, one end 532A is separated from the regulation release member 572. Therefore, the movement restriction member 532 is not pushed upward by the restriction release member 572. Further, the first urging member 542 urges one end 532A of the movement restricting member 532 downward so as to protrude downward from the lower end position of the hook member 512. Therefore, the one end portion 532A protrudes downward from the lower end position of the hook member 512. The other end 532B is in contact with the contact portion 562. Therefore, the movement of the hook member 512 in the direction of engagement with the engagement member 582 is restricted by the movement restriction member 532. The direction of engagement with the engagement member 582 is the left direction in FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10A, one end 532A is in contact with the restriction release member 572. Therefore, the movement restricting member 532 is pushed upward from the restriction releasing member 572 against the urging force of the first urging member 542. As a result, the one end 532A rises to a position flush with the lower end position of the hook member 512. In conjunction with this, the other end 532B rises to a position above the upper surface of the contact portion 562. Therefore, the restriction of the movement of the hook member 512 in the direction of engaging with the engagement member 582 (leftward) by the movement restriction member 532 is released.

  Next, when the regulation of the movement of the hook member 511 has been released, as shown in FIG. 10B, the hook member 512 moves in the direction (left direction) in which it engages with the engaging member 582. As a result, hook member 512 is engaged with engagement member 582. On the other hand, when the regulation of the movement of the hook member 511 is not released, since the hook member 511, the hook member 512, and the connecting member 513 are fixed to each other, the direction in which the hook member 512 engages with the engaging member 582. Movement to is regulated.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 7 to 10, in the lock structure 5 of the present embodiment, the hook member 511 engages with the engagement member 581 and the hook member 512 engages at the same time. By engaging with the mating member 582, the document reading unit 2 changes from the open state to the closed state with respect to the apparatus main body 1. Therefore, occurrence of “one-sided closing” can be prevented.

Next, a process of the control unit 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit 19.
First, in step S101, the control unit 19 acquires a detection signal of the sensor S.
Next, in step S103, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the document reading unit 2 is in the closed state.
If control unit 19 determines that document reading unit 2 is not in the closed state (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S109. If control unit 19 determines that document reading unit 2 is in the closed state (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S105.

Then, in step S105, the control unit 19 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The “predetermined time” is, for example, 5 seconds.
If the control unit 19 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S105), the process returns to step S103. If control unit 19 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S105), the process proceeds to step S107.
Then, in step S107, the control unit 19 permits the operation of the image forming unit 14, and the process ends.
If the answer is NO in Step S103, the control unit 19 prohibits the operation of the image forming unit 14 in Step S109. That is, the control unit 19 controls the image forming unit 14 so that the image forming unit 14 does not operate.
Next, in step S111, the control unit 19 displays on the touch panel 41 that the document reading unit 2 is in the open state, and the process ends.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 11, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, control is performed only when the document reading unit 2 is continuously closed for a predetermined time. The unit 19 permits the operation of the image forming unit 14. Therefore, even when the sensor S temporarily detects the closed state, the control unit 19 does not permit the operation of the image forming unit 14. Therefore, the image forming unit 14 can be operated only when the document reading unit 2 is securely closed.

  The embodiment of the invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) to (8) shown below). In the drawings, each component is schematically illustrated mainly for easy understanding, and the thickness, length, number, and the like of each component illustrated are different from actual ones for convenience of drawing. There are cases. In addition, the shapes, dimensions, and the like of the components shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially departing from the configuration of the present invention.

  (1) As described with reference to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color MFP, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus may form an image on the sheet P. For example, the image forming apparatus may be a color copying machine. Further, for example, the image forming apparatus may be a monochrome printer.

  (2) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the document reading unit 2 corresponds to the “opening / closing member”, but the present invention is not limited to this. The “opening / closing member” may be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1. For example, a cover in which the “opening / closing member” can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1 may be used.

  (3) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lock structure 5 includes the two hook members 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the lock structure 5 includes a plurality of hook members 51. The lock structure 5 may include three or more hook members 51.

  (4) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lock structure 5 includes the two engagement members 58, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the lock structure 5 includes a plurality of engagement members 58. The lock structure 5 may be provided with three or more engagement members 58.

  (5) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lock structure 5 includes the two movement restricting members 53, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the lock structure 5 includes a plurality of movement restricting members 53. The lock structure 5 may be provided with three or more movement restricting members 53.

  (6) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lock structure 5 includes the two restriction release members 57, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the lock structure 5 includes a plurality of restriction release members 57. The lock structure 5 may be provided with three or more restriction release members 57.

  (7) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the movement restricting member 53 comes into contact with the contact portion 56 to restrict the movement of the hook member 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. The movement restricting member 53 may restrict the movement of the hook member 51. For example, a mode in which the movement restricting member 53 enters the concave portion and restricts the movement of the hook member 51 may be adopted.

  (8) As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the lock structure 5 is disposed in the image forming apparatus 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. What is necessary is just to lock the opening / closing member to the apparatus main body in the closed state with the lock structure 5. For example, the lock structure 5 may be arranged in an electronic device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player.

  The present invention relates to a lock structure for locking an opening / closing member in a closed state with respect to an apparatus main body, and an image forming apparatus, and has industrial applicability.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image forming apparatus 2 apparatus main body 14 image forming unit 19 control unit 2 document reading unit (document reading unit, opening / closing member)
4 Operation Display Unit 41 Touch Panel 5 Lock Structure 51, 511, 512 Hook Member 53, 531, 532 Movement Restriction Member 53A, 531A, 532A One End 53B, 531B, 532B The Other End 54, 541, 542 First Biasing member (biasing member)
55 Second urging member 56, 561, 562 Contact portion 57, 571, 572 Regulation release member 58, 581, 582 Engagement member 59 Support member

Claims (9)

A lock structure for locking the opening / closing member in a closed state with respect to the apparatus main body,
The opening and closing member is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body,
A plurality of engagement members arranged in the device body,
Disposed in said opening and closing member, by respectively engaging the plurality of engagement members, a plurality of hook members for locking the closing member in the closed state with respect to the apparatus main body,
Movement of the plurality of hook members in a direction in which the plurality of hook members are engaged with the plurality of engagement members when the at least part of the opening / closing member is in an open state with respect to the apparatus main body. a plurality of movement restricting member for restricting, respectively,
A plurality of the plurality of hooks are disposed on the apparatus main body, and each of the plurality of movement restricting members releases movement of the plurality of hook members when the opening / closing member is in the closed state with respect to the apparatus main body. A regulation release member and
A lock structure, wherein the plurality of hook members are fixed to each other. The plurality of movement restricting members are configured to be movable in a direction away from and close to the opening / closing member,
When the closing member is changed to the closed state from the opened state,
The plurality of movement restriction members respectively contact the plurality of restriction release members,
It said plurality of regulating release member, respectively, to release the restriction of movement of the hook member, the locking structure according to claim 1. One end of each of the plurality of movement restricting members further includes a plurality of urging members for urging downward so as to protrude downward from lower end positions of the plurality of hook members, respectively.
When the closing member is changed to the closed state from the opened state,
The one side ends of the plurality of movement restriction members respectively contact the plurality of restriction release members,
Said plurality of regulating release member, respectively, the push up the one side end portion of the plurality of movement restricting member upward, to release the restriction of movement of said plurality of hook members, according to claim 1 or claim 3. The lock structure according to 2 . A columnar connecting member for connecting the plurality of hook members,
When the plurality of hook members move in a direction approaching the plurality of engagement members, or in a direction away from the plurality of engagement members, a support member slidably supporting the connection member. Further comprising
The support member has a plurality of contact portions,
When the closing member is in the open state, the plurality of movement restricting member, respectively, in contact with the contact portion of the plurality, to restrict the movement of the plurality of hook members, claim 1 The lock structure according to claim 3 . The lock structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the movement restricting member is arranged at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of hook members. The opening / closing member has a rotation shaft serving as a fulcrum of the opening / closing operation,
The lock structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the plurality of hook members are arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis. A lock structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium;
One sensor for detecting opening and closing of the opening and closing member,
And a control unit ,
When the sensor detects the open state of the closing member, the control unit prohibits the operation of the image forming unit, the image forming apparatus. Further comprising a display unit for displaying an image,
When the sensor detects the opened state of the opening and closing member, displays that prohibited the operation of the image forming unit on the display unit, the image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The closing member is provided with a document reading section for reading an image formed on a document to be secured together, an image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8.

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