JPH05323687A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] In an image forming apparatus in which an apparatus main body and an optional sheet feeding apparatus are electrically connected to each other, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of separately moving the apparatus main body and the optional apparatus, and to provide a connector. And damage to other parts. [Structure] The apparatus body 10 is provided with a handle 26 and a connector 28. On the other hand, the optional sheet feeder 12 is provided with a movable member 31 and a connector 32.
To provide. Then, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on the option paper feeding apparatus 12, and the movable member 31 is moved to connect the connectors 28 and 32. Then, the movable member 31 hinders the insertion of the finger into the handle 26, and the apparatus body 10 and the optional sheet feeding apparatus 12 cannot be carried separately. Movable member 3
When 1 is returned, the connectors 28 and 32 are separated, and at the same time, a finger can be inserted into the handle 26, and the apparatus main body 10 and the optional sheet feeder 12 can be carried separately.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to printers, copying machines,
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile or a printing machine, which records on a sheet such as a sheet or an envelope by printing, transferring, copying, or printing. Specifically, in such an image forming apparatus, for example, the apparatus main body is placed on an optional apparatus such as a sheet feeding apparatus that feeds a large amount of sheets or a reversing apparatus that reverses and re-feeds sheets after single-sided recording, The present invention relates to a device in which the option device and the device body are electrically connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in some laser printers, a connector of an apparatus main body is connected to a connector of an optional apparatus via a cord, and the apparatus main body and the optional apparatus are electrically connected and installed. there were.

[0003]

However, in the conventional laser printer of this type, since the apparatus main body and the optional apparatus are electrically connected to each other and installed, when the apparatus main body and the optional apparatus are separately moved, they are separated from each other. There was the trouble of having to remove the connector. Also, if the connector is forgotten to be removed, the connector and other parts may be damaged.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the trouble of moving the main body of the apparatus and the optional apparatus separately and to prevent damage to the connector and other parts.

[0005]

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in, for example, the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on an optional device such as an optional paper feeding device 12. However, in the image forming apparatus in which the two are electrically connected and used, a movable member 31 that prevents insertion of a finger into the carrying handle 26 of the apparatus body 10 is movably provided in the optional apparatus. The movable member 31 is provided with a connector 32 on the option device side that is connected to the connector 28 on the device body 10 side and electrically connected when the member 31 is moved to prevent insertion of a finger into the handle 26. It is characterized by

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as shown in, for example, the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on an optional device such as the optional paper feeding device 12, and both are electrically connected. In the image forming apparatus to be used as described above, a movable member 43 that prevents insertion of a finger into the carrying handle 26 of the apparatus body 10 is movably provided on the apparatus body 10, and the movable member 43 is moved to move the movable member 43. Handle 2
The movable member 31 is provided with a connector 28 on the side of the apparatus main body 10 that is electrically connected to the connector 32 on the side of the optional device 12 when the insertion of a finger into 6 is disturbed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, for example, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 11, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on an optional device such as an optional sheet feeding device 12, and both are electrically connected. In the image forming apparatus used as
A connector 45 is movably provided on the apparatus main body 10, and a hook 46 to be hooked to the connector 45 when the connector 45 is moved is provided on the optional device, while at the same time, on the optional device side. The connector 2 on the side of the apparatus main body 10 that is electrically connected to the connector 32.
8 is provided in the connecting member 45.

According to the fourth aspect, for example, FIG.
15, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on an optional device such as an optional paper feeding device 12,
In an image forming apparatus that uses both of them electrically connected, a connector 50 is movably provided on the optional device, and the connector 5 is moved when the connector 50 is moved.
A hook 51 to hook 0 is provided on the apparatus main body 10, and at the same time, a connector 32 on the option apparatus side that is electrically connected to the connector 28 on the apparatus main body 10 side is connected to the connector 50. It is characterized by being prepared.

[0009]

When the apparatus is installed, the apparatus body 10 is placed on the optional apparatus and the movable member 31 is moved to move the connector 32 on the optional apparatus side to the connector on the apparatus body 10 side. 28 to electrically connect the optional device and the device body 10. Then, the movable member 31 prevents the finger 26 from being inserted into the carrying handle 26 of the apparatus body 10. For example, when moving, the apparatus main body 10 is carried together with the optional device. When heavy,
The movable member 31 is moved so that a finger can be inserted into the handle 26 for carrying the apparatus body 10, and the connector 28.
The connection of 32 is released, and the device body 10 and the optional device are carried separately.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, at the time of installation, the apparatus body 10 is placed on the optional apparatus, the movable member 43 is moved, and the connector 28 on the apparatus body 10 side is connected to the connector 32 on the optional apparatus side. Then, the option device and the device body 10 are electrically connected. Then, the movable member 43 prevents insertion of a finger into the carrying handle 26 of the apparatus body 10. For example, when moving, the device body 1
Carry 0 with every optional device. When it is heavy, the movable member 43 is moved to move the handle 2 for carrying the apparatus body 10.
6 allows a finger to be inserted, and the connector 28/32
Then, the device body 10 and the optional device are separated and carried.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the apparatus is installed, the apparatus body 10 is placed on the optional apparatus and the connecting tool 4 is used.
5 is moved and hooked on the hook 46, and the device body 10 and the optional device are connected. At that time, the device body 10
The connector 28 on the side is connected to the connector 32 on the option device side to electrically connect the option device and the device main body 10. For example, when moving, the apparatus main body 10 is carried together with the optional device. When heavy, the connector 45
Is removed to disconnect the connectors 28 and 32, and the apparatus body 10 and the optional device are carried separately.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the apparatus main body 10 is installed, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on the optional device, and the connector 5
0 is moved and hooked on the hook 51, and the apparatus main body 10 and the optional device are connected. At that time, the connector 32 on the option device side is connected to the connector 28 on the device body 10 side to electrically connect the option device and the device body 10. For example, when moving, the apparatus main body 10 is carried together with the optional device. When heavy, 50
Is removed to disconnect the connectors 28 and 32, and the apparatus body 10 and the optional device are carried separately.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire internal mechanism of the laser printer which is an embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 10 in the figure denotes the apparatus main body. The apparatus main body 10 is covered with an outer case 11, and is placed on a box-shaped outer case 13 of an optional sheet feeding device 12, which will be described later. A photoconductor 14 is provided substantially in the center of the apparatus body 10. Around the photoconductor 14, a charging device 15, a developing device 16, a transfer device 17, and a cleaning device 18 are sequentially arranged in the driving direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. An optical writer 19 is arranged above the charger 15 and the cleaner 18. Further, on the right front side of the apparatus main body 10 in the drawing, a paper feed tray 20 for storing the sheets S is detachably provided in the direction of the arrow in the drawing.

On the other hand, the option sheet feeding device 12 has an option sheet feeding cassette 23 therein. The optional paper feed cassette 23 accommodates a large number of sheets S and is provided detachably in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 10 has carrying handles 26 formed in a concave shape on the left and right side surfaces of the outer case 11. In the handle 26, positioning members 27 are provided so as to project on both sides in the width direction. Also,
A connector 28 is provided on the apparatus body 10 near the handle 26.

On the other hand, the option sheet feeding device 12 has recesses 29 formed on the left and right side surfaces of the outer case 13. In the recess 29, a pair of guide members 30 is provided upright on both sides in the width direction. The guide members 30 are rod-shaped,
The tip is inserted into the positioning hole of the positioning member 27. A movable member 31 is movably provided in the recess 29 while being supported by the guide members 30. The movable member 31
As shown in FIG. 2, the plate portions 31a are bent at right angles to the back surface on both sides in the width direction to integrally form guide portions 31b and 31c, and guide holes 31d are formed therein. One of the guide portions 31b and 31c, one guide portion 31b
Is made slightly longer than the other, and the connector 3 is
2 is fixed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, after the apparatus main body 10 is placed on the optional sheet feeding apparatus 12, the movable member 3 is moved.
1 is moved in the direction of arrow A in the figure. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable member 31 enters the inside of the handle 26 to prevent the insertion of a finger into the handle 26, and the connector 32 on the side of the optional sheet feeding device 12 is connected to the connector 28 on the side of the device body 10. And the option sheet feeder 12 and the apparatus body 10 are electrically connected.

When recording, as shown in FIG.
The paper feed tray 20 or the optional paper feed cassette 2
3 is appropriately selected and the paper feed roller 35 or the paper feed roller 36 is rotated to feed the sheet S from the paper feed tray 20 or the optional paper feed cassette 23. And the sheet S that has been extended
Is conveyed and abutted against the registration roller 37 in the apparatus main body 10 and stopped. Then, the registration roller 37 conveys it to the lower side of the photoconductor 14 at a proper timing. Photoconductor 14
Is driven in the clockwise direction in the figure, at which time the surface is uniformly charged by the charger 15, and the laser light L from the optical writer 19 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 14. .. When the latent image passes through the position of the developing device 16, toner is attached to make it a visible image. Then, this visible image is transferred onto the upper surface of the sheet S by the transfer device 17. After the image transfer, the sheet S is conveyed to the fixing device 38, and the transfer device fixes the transferred image. The sheet S exiting the fixing device 38 is discharged in the direction of arrow C with the image surface facing up according to the direction switching by the switching claw 39, or passes through the sheet conveying path 40 and is discharged by the pair of discharging rollers 41 by the arrow. The sheet is conveyed in the D direction and discharged to the sheet discharge unit 42 on the apparatus main body 10 with the image surface facing downward.

On the other hand, the surface of the photoreceptor 14 after the image transfer is
Cleaning is performed by the cleaning device 18 to remove the residual toner, and then the charge is removed by a charge remover (not shown).

After that, when it becomes necessary to move the laser printer to another place, the apparatus main body 10 is carried together with the optional paper feeding device 12 in the same state. When it is heavy, the movable member 31 is returned in the arrow F direction as shown in FIG. Then, the connection between the connectors 28 and 32 is released, and the movable member 31 moves to the side of the optional sheet feeding device 12 so that the finger can be inserted into the handle 26 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the operator holds the handle 26 with his / her finger and separately carries the apparatus main body 10 and the optional sheet feeding device 12.

In the embodiment described above, the apparatus body 10
A movable member 31 that prevents the insertion of a finger into the carrying handle 26 is movably provided in the option sheet feeding device 12. However, as shown in FIG.
It may be configured to be movably provided in the. The movable member 43
Has a connector 28 at its tip and is provided in the handle 26.
On the other hand, the connector 32 is fixed to the optional sheet feeding device 12. Then, when installing, as shown in the figure, after placing the apparatus main body 10 on the optional sheet feeding device 12, the movable member 43 is moved in the direction of arrow G to move the connector 28 on the side of the apparatus main body 10 to the optional sheet feeding device 12 side. The optional sheet feeder 12 and the apparatus main body 10 are electrically connected to each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the insertion of the finger into the carrying handle 26 of the apparatus body 10 is prevented.
For example, when moving, the apparatus main body 10 together with the optional sheet feeding device 12 is carried as it is. When it is heavy, the movable member 43 is moved in the direction of arrow H in FIG. 6 to release the connection between the connectors 28 and 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the movable member 43 is returned to the original position,
A finger can be inserted into the carrying handle 26 of the apparatus body 10 so that the apparatus body 10 and the optional sheet feeding device 12 are carried separately.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the movable member 31
Alternatively, when 43 is moved to connect the connectors 28 and 32 to electrically connect the optional sheet feeding device 12 and the apparatus main body 10, insertion of a finger into the carrying handle 26 of the apparatus main body 10 is prevented. However, it may be configured as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Reference numeral 45 in the figure denotes a connecting tool. As shown in FIG. 9, the connecting member 45 has locking portions 45a on both left and right sides.
And a central part 45b connecting the upper end of the
Gate-shaped. A pair of guide pins 45c are projected on both sides of the upper portion of the locking portion 45a, and a claw portion 45 is formed on the lower end thereof.
d is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a bent portion 45e is integrally provided in the central portion 45b, and a connector 28 is provided at the tip thereof. Then, the device body 10 is housed in a handle 26, the guide pin 45c is inserted into a guide groove (not shown) in the handle 26, and the guide pin 45c is movably provided along the guide groove. On the other hand, in the optional sheet feeding device 12, the connector 32 is fixed, and the hook 46 is rotatably provided with a shaft 47 as a fulcrum. The hook 46 is lever-shaped, has a locking pin 48 on one side, and a biasing spring 4 on the other side.
Hang one end of 9. The biasing spring 49 has the other end hooked at an appropriate position of the optional sheet feeding device 12. Then, the hooked member 46 is constantly biased counterclockwise by the biasing spring 49 and pressed against the stopper 50.

When installing, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on the optional sheet feeding device 12 as shown in the figure, and then the connecting tool 45 is moved in the direction of arrow J. Then,
The claw portion 45d hits the locking pin 48, and the hooked device 46
Turn clockwise. Then, the claw portion 45d is engaged with the locking pin 48.
When it exceeds, the hook 46 returns to its original position, the hook portion 45d is hooked on the locking pin 48, and the apparatus main body 10 and the optional sheet feeding device 12 are connected as shown in FIG. At that time, the connector 28 on the apparatus main body 10 side is connected to the connector 32 on the optional paper feeding apparatus 12 side, and the apparatus main body 10 and the optional paper feeding apparatus 12 are electrically connected. For example, when moving, the apparatus main body 10 is carried together with the optional sheet feeder 12. When it is heavy, the hook 46 is rotated clockwise to release the engagement between the claw portion 45d and the locking pin 48, and the connecting tool is moved in the arrow K direction to connect the connectors 28 and 32. To release. And FIG.
As shown in, the connecting member 45 is returned to the inside of the handle 26, and the apparatus main body 10 and the optional sheet feeding device 12 are separately carried.

In the above-described embodiment, the connecting tool 45 is provided on the apparatus main body 10 and the hooked tool 46 is provided on the option paper feeding apparatus 12. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the connector 50 may be provided in the optional sheet feeding device 12, and the hooked device 51 may be provided in the device body 10. The connection tool 5
As shown in FIG. 13, 0 has projecting guide projections 50b on both left and right sides of the plate-like portion 50a, and claws 50c are provided at the lower ends thereof. In addition, a bent portion 50d is provided on the back surface of the connector 50 by bending at a right angle. A connector 32 is provided at the center of the bent portion 50d, and locking projections 50 are provided at both left and right ends.
e is raised, and a claw portion 50f is provided at the tip. Then, the guide protrusion 50b is inserted into a guide groove (not shown) in the concave portion 29 of the option sheet feeding device 12 to movably provide the connector 50 to the option sheet feeding device 12. The to-be-held device 51 provided on the apparatus body 10 is a lever-like member and has a shaft 52.
Is provided so as to be rotatable about the fulcrum, and one end is provided with a locking pin 53, and is biased by a biasing spring 54 to press the other end against the stopper 55. A connector 28 is provided on the apparatus body 10.

When installing the apparatus, the apparatus main body 10 is placed on the optional sheet feeding apparatus 12 as shown in the figure, and then the connecting tool 50 is moved in the direction of arrow M. Then,
The claw portion 50f hits the locking pin 53, and the hooked device 51
Turn counterclockwise. Then, the claw portion 50f has the locking pin 5
When the number exceeds 3, the hook 51 returns to its original position and the hook 50f is hooked on the locking pin 53, so that the apparatus main body 10 and the optional sheet feeder 12 are connected as shown in FIG. At that time, the connector 3 of the optional sheet feeding device 12 side
2 are connected to the connector 28 on the side of the apparatus main body 10 to electrically connect the apparatus main body 10 and the optional sheet feeding device 12. For example, when moving, the apparatus main body 10 together with the optional sheet feeding device 12 is carried as it is. When it is heavy, after the hook 51 is rotated counterclockwise to disengage the claw portion 50f from the locking pin 53, the connector 50 is moved in the arrow N direction to connect the connectors 28 and 32. To release. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the connecting tool 50 is returned to the inside of the recess 29, and the apparatus body 10 and the optional sheet feeding device 12 are returned.
And carry separately.

[0026]

Therefore, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, when it is necessary to move the installation place, when it is heavy, the movable member is moved to release the connection of the connector, and the device is removed. You can insert your fingers into the handle for carrying the main unit and carry the device main unit separately from the optional device, so you can save the trouble of disconnecting the connector separately and do not forget to disconnect the connector and other connectors. It is possible to prevent damage to parts.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, when it is heavy to move, the connecting tool is removed from the hooked tool and moved to release the connection of the connector, and the apparatus main body is moved to the optional device. Since it is carried separately, it is possible to save the trouble of separately releasing the connection of the connector, and prevent forgetting to remove the connector to prevent damage to the connector and other parts.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a mounting state diagram when a device main body of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on an optional sheet feeding device.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a movable member provided in the optional sheet feeding device.

FIG. 3 is an installation state diagram when the movable member is moved.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the laser printer when the movable member is moved and returned to the original state.

FIG. 5 is a mounting state diagram when the apparatus main body is mounted on an optional sheet feeding device in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an installation state diagram when the movable member is moved.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the laser printer when the movable member is moved and returned to the original state.

FIG. 8 is a mounting state diagram when the apparatus main body is mounted on an optional sheet feeding device in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connector provided in the apparatus body.

FIG. 10 is an installation state diagram when the connecting tool is moved and hooked on the hooked tool.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the laser printer when the latch of the connecting tool is released and returned to the original position.

FIG. 12 is a mounting state diagram when the apparatus main body is mounted on an optional sheet feeding device in still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connector provided in the optional sheet feeding device.

FIG. 14 is an installation state diagram when the connecting tool is moved and hooked on the hooked tool.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a part of the laser printer when the latch of the connecting tool is released and returned to the original position.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire internal mechanism of the laser printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Device Main Body 12 Optional Paper Feeding Device (Optional Device) 26 Handle 28 Connector 31 Movable Member 32 Connector 43 Movable Member 45 Coupling Tool 46 Locked Tool 50 Coupling Tool 51 Locked Tool

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus in which an apparatus main body is placed on an optional apparatus and both are electrically connected for use.
A movable member that obstructs the insertion of a finger into a handle for carrying the device body is movably provided in the optional device, and when the movable member is moved to obstruct the insertion of the finger into the handle, the device body side An image forming apparatus, wherein the movable member is provided with a connector on the side of the option device that is electrically connected to the connector of FIG. 2. An image forming apparatus in which an apparatus main body is placed on an optional apparatus and both are electrically connected for use.
A movable member that prevents the insertion of a finger into a carrying handle of the device body is provided movably on the device body,
The movable member is provided with a connector on the apparatus main body side that is electrically connected to the connector on the optional device side when the movable member is moved to prevent insertion of a finger into the handle. apparatus. 3. An image forming apparatus in which an apparatus main body is placed on an optional apparatus and both are electrically connected for use.
A connector is movably provided on the main body of the apparatus, and a hook to be hooked for locking the connector when the connector is moved is provided on the option device, while being connected to a connector on the option device side. An image forming apparatus, wherein the connector is provided with a connector on the apparatus main body side that is electrically connected. 4. An image forming apparatus in which an apparatus main body is placed on an optional apparatus and both are electrically connected for use.
A connector is movably provided on the optional device, and a device to be hooked for locking the connector when the connector is moved is provided on the device body, and at the same time, connected to a connector on the device body side. An image forming apparatus, wherein the connector is provided with a connector on the option device side that is electrically connected.