JP2005134661A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely engage each pawl member with an engaging part without unnecessarily increasing the length of the section of the pawl member, which section engages with the engaging part. <P>SOLUTION: The first pawl member 41 and the second pawl member 42 are supported by a front cover for opening or closing the opening of a main body case, such that the members 41 and 42 are rotatable around a common rotary axis. The first pawl member 41 and the second pawl member 42 are capable of engaging with the engaging parts of the main body case. These two pawl members 41 and 42 are connected together by a connecting member 60 so as to rotate in conjunction with each other. In the case, the connecting member 60 connects the two pawl members 41 and 42 while being inserted in communication holes made in the pawl members 41 and 42. The connecting member 60 is provided with play so that the relative rotating positions of the pawl members 41 and 42 are variable within a fixed range by clearances between the connecting member 60 and the communication holes. This reduces the adverse effects of manufacturing errors which occur in the relative rotating positions of the two pawl members. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、外装部材に形成された開口を開閉する開閉部材を備えた画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an opening / closing member that opens and closes an opening formed in an exterior member.

従来、プリンタやファクシミリ装置等の画像形成装置としては、例えば部品の交換等を行うため、外装部材に形成された開口を開閉部材により開閉可能に構成されたものが一般的である。   2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as printers and facsimile apparatuses are generally configured such that an opening formed in an exterior member can be opened and closed by an opening / closing member in order to replace parts.

例えば、特許文献１には、ファクシミリ本体部（外装部材）に形成された開口を蓋パネル部（開閉部材）により開閉可能に構成されたファクシミリ装置が開示されている。このファクシミリ装置では、ファクシミリ本体部側に回転可能に支持されたロックレバーシャフト（連結部材）の両端部に、２つのロックレバー（爪部材）が結合されており、これら２つのロックレバーが連動して回転移動するようになっている。そして、各ロックレバーが、蓋パネル部の両端位置に設けられたロックピン（係合部）とそれぞれ係合することで、蓋パネル部を閉状態に保持するように構成されている。
特開平６−２３３０３０号公報 For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a facsimile apparatus in which an opening formed in a facsimile main body (exterior member) can be opened and closed by a lid panel (opening / closing member). In this facsimile apparatus, two lock levers (claw members) are coupled to both ends of a lock lever shaft (connecting member) rotatably supported on the facsimile main body side, and these two lock levers are interlocked. To rotate. And each lock lever is comprised so that a cover panel part may be hold | maintained in a closed state by each engaging with the lock pin (engagement part) provided in the both ends position of the cover panel part.
JP-A-6-233030

しかしながら、前述した構成では、２つの爪部材の相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差が大きいと、一方の爪部材が係合部に係合している状態で、他方の爪部材が係合部に係合しないという不具合が生じる。このような不具合を回避するためには、上記製造上の誤差をあらかじめ加味して、各爪部材における係合部と係合する部分の長さを長くしておく必要があるが、このようにすると、開閉部材を開状態とするために必要な爪部材の回転移動範囲を大きくしなければならず、その分、大きなスペースが必要となるため好ましくない。   However, in the configuration described above, if a manufacturing error that occurs at the relative rotational position of the two claw members is large, the one claw member is engaged with the other claw member while the one claw member is engaged with the engaging portion. The problem of not engaging the joint occurs. In order to avoid such problems, it is necessary to increase the length of the portion of each claw member that engages with the engaging portion in advance by taking into account the above manufacturing errors. Then, the rotational movement range of the claw member required for opening the opening / closing member must be increased, and a correspondingly large space is required, which is not preferable.

本発明は、こうした問題にかんがみてなされたものであり、各爪部材における係合部と係合する部分の長さを必要以上に長くすることなく、各爪部材を係合部に確実に係合させることを目的としている。   The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and reliably engages each claw member with the engaging portion without increasing the length of the portion engaging with the engaging portion of each claw member more than necessary. The purpose is to match.

上記目的を達成するためになされた請求項１に記載の画像形成装置は、外装部材に形成された開口を開閉する開閉部材と、外装部材側及び開閉部材側のうちの一方に設けられ、その他方に設けられた係合部と係合することで開閉部材の開方向への移動を禁止するロック位置と、係合部と係合しないことで開閉部材の開方向への移動を可能とするロック解除位置との間で、共通の回転軸線を中心として回転移動可能な第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材と、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材とを連結し、開閉部材を開方向へ移動させるための外部操作によって第１の爪部材がロック解除位置側へ回転移動するのに伴い、第２の爪部材をロック解除位置側へ回転移動させる連結部材と、を備えている。そして、本画像形成装置は、連結部材が、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材とを、その相対的な回転位置が一定範囲で変化可能となるように遊びを設けて連結していること、を特徴としている。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve the above object, is provided on one of the opening / closing member side and the opening / closing member side that opens and closes the opening formed in the exterior member, and the other The locking position for prohibiting movement of the opening / closing member in the opening direction by engaging with the engaging portion provided on the side, and the movement of the opening / closing member in the opening direction by not engaging with the engaging portion are enabled. A first claw member and a second claw member that can be rotated around a common rotation axis between the lock release position, the first claw member, and the second claw member are connected, and an opening / closing member And a connecting member that rotates the second claw member to the unlocking position side as the first claw member rotates to the unlocking position side by an external operation for moving the first claw member in the opening direction. Yes. In this image forming apparatus, the connecting member connects the first claw member and the second claw member with play so that the relative rotational position thereof can be changed within a certain range. It is characterized by that.

つまり、本画像形成装置では、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置が、完全に固定されているのではなく、一定の範囲で変化可能に構成されている。
このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差の影響を小さくすることができる。この結果、各爪部材における係合部と係合する部分の長さを必要以上に長くすることなく、各爪部材を係合部に確実に係合させることができる。 In other words, the image forming apparatus is configured such that the relative rotational positions of the first claw member and the second claw member are not completely fixed but can be changed within a certain range.
Therefore, according to the present image forming apparatus, it is possible to reduce the influence of manufacturing errors that occur at the relative rotational positions of the first claw member and the second claw member. As a result, each claw member can be reliably engaged with the engagement portion without unnecessarily increasing the length of the portion of each claw member that engages with the engagement portion.

なお、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置を変化可能とする一定範囲は、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差を考慮して設定するとよい。具体的には、第１の爪部材がロック位置へ移動した場合に第２の爪部材もロック位置となり、かつ、第１の爪部材がロック解除位置へ移動した場合に第２の爪部材もロック解除位置となる範囲とすることが好ましい。   In addition, the fixed range which can change the relative rotation position of the 1st claw member and the 2nd claw member is produced in the relative rotation position of the 1st claw member and the 2nd claw member. This should be set in consideration of the above error. Specifically, when the first claw member moves to the lock position, the second claw member also becomes the lock position, and when the first claw member moves to the lock release position, the second claw member also It is preferable that the range be a lock release position.

また、連結部材は、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との回転軸として用いられる部材であってもよく、回転軸とは別の部材であってもよい。
さらに、本発明は、３つ以上の爪部材が連結部材により連結された画像形成装置にも適用できることは言うまでもない。 Further, the connecting member may be a member used as a rotation shaft between the first claw member and the second claw member, or may be a member different from the rotation shaft.
Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus in which three or more claw members are connected by a connecting member.

次に、請求項２に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項１の装置において、第１の爪部材の外部操作による回転移動量（Ｌ１）が、当該第１の爪部材をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な当該第１の爪部材の回転移動量（Ｌ２）以上に設定されており、かつ、上記遊びによって第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材とが上記一定範囲内で相対的に回転位置を変化し得る回転移動量（Ｌ３）と、第２の爪部材をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な第２の爪部材の回転移動量（Ｌ４）との和としての回転移動量（Ｌ３＋Ｌ４）以上に設定されていること、を特徴としている。つまり、Ｌ１≧Ｌ２、かつ、Ｌ１≧Ｌ３＋Ｌ４、となっている。   Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second aspect is the apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the rotational movement amount (L1) by the external operation of the first claw member locks the first claw member from the locked position. The amount of rotation of the first claw member (L2) necessary for moving to the release position is set to be equal to or larger than the first claw member and the first claw member and the second claw member are separated from each other by the play. Rotational amount (L3) that can relatively change the rotational position of the second claw member, and rotational amount (L4) of the second claw member that is necessary to move the second claw member from the locked position to the unlocked position. It is characterized in that it is set to be greater than or equal to the rotational movement amount (L3 + L4) as the sum of. That is, L1 ≧ L2 and L1 ≧ L3 + L4.

このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させることにより、第２の爪部材をロック位置からロック解除位置まで確実に移動させることができる。   Therefore, according to this image forming apparatus, the second claw member can be reliably moved from the lock position to the lock release position by moving the first claw member from the lock position to the lock release position.

そして、このような構成を実現するためには、上記遊びによって第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材とが一定範囲内で相対的に回転位置を変化し得る回転移動量（Ｌ３）を、第１の爪部材の外部操作による回転移動量（Ｌ１）と、第２の爪部材をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な第２の爪部材の回転移動量（Ｌ４）との差としての回転移動量（Ｌ１−Ｌ４）以下に設定すればよい。つまり、Ｌ３≦Ｌ１−Ｌ４とすればよいのである。   And in order to implement | achieve such a structure, the rotational movement amount (L3) by which the 1st claw member and the 2nd claw member can change a rotation position relatively within a fixed range by the above-mentioned play, The rotational movement amount (L1) by the external operation of the first claw member and the rotational movement amount (L4) of the second claw member necessary to move the second claw member from the lock position to the unlock position. What is necessary is just to set below the rotational movement amount (L1-L4) as a difference. That is, L3 ≦ L1-L4 may be satisfied.

次に、請求項３に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項１又は２の装置において、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材が、当該各爪部材に形成された連結孔に連結部材が挿入された状態で連結されており、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材のうちの少なくとも一方の連結孔と連結部材との間に形成される隙間により、上記遊びが設けられていること、を特徴としている。   Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third aspect is the apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first claw member and the second claw member are connected to the connection holes formed in the respective claw members. Are connected, and the play is provided by a gap formed between the connecting hole and the connecting member of at least one of the first claw member and the second claw member. It is characterized by that.

つまり、本画像形成装置では、爪部材の連結孔と連結部材との間に形成された隙間により、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置が一定範囲で変化可能となっている。   That is, in this image forming apparatus, the relative rotation position between the first claw member and the second claw member can be changed within a certain range due to the gap formed between the coupling hole of the claw member and the coupling member. It has become.

このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置が一定範囲で変化可能となる構成を、簡単な構造により実現することができる。
さらに、請求項４に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項３の装置において、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材のうちの一方が、連結部材に固定されていること、を特徴としている。 For this reason, according to this image forming apparatus, a configuration in which the relative rotational positions of the first claw member and the second claw member can be changed within a certain range can be realized with a simple structure.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the apparatus according to claim 3, one of the first claw member and the second claw member is fixed to the connecting member. Yes.

つまり、本画像形成装置では、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材のうちの一方の連結孔と連結部材との間にのみ、隙間が形成されている。
このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材とが共に連結部材に固定されていない場合に比べ、当該画像形成装置を製造する際の組み立て作業を容易にすることができる。また、本画像形成装置によれば、当該画像形成装置が落下したような場合にも、連結部材を外れにくくすることができる。 That is, in this image forming apparatus, a gap is formed only between one of the first claw member and the second claw member and the connection member.
For this reason, according to this image forming apparatus, as compared with the case where both the first claw member and the second claw member are not fixed to the connecting member, the assembling work when manufacturing the image forming apparatus is facilitated. can do. Further, according to the present image forming apparatus, even when the image forming apparatus falls, the connecting member can be made difficult to come off.

一方、請求項５に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項３又は４の装置において、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材のそれぞれに形成された連結孔と連結部材とが当接する当接面と同一の面上でない位置に回転軸線が位置していること、を特徴としている。   On the other hand, an image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the connecting hole formed in each of the first claw member and the second claw member contacts the connecting member. The rotation axis is located at a position that is not on the same plane as the contact surface.

つまり、本画像形成装置では、各爪部材の回転軸線が、各爪部材の連結孔と連結部材との当接面上に位置していない。
このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差の影響を、効果的に小さくすることができる。すなわち、連結孔と連結部材との当接面と同一面上に回転軸線がある場合には、爪部材が回転移動した場合に連結孔と連結部材との当接面に隙間が生じにくく、この結果、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差の影響を、効果的に小さくすることが困難である。これに対し、本画像形成装置では、連結孔と連結部材との当接面と同一面上に回転軸線がないため、爪部材が回転移動した場合に連結孔と連結部材との当接面に隙間が生じやすくなり、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差の影響を、効果的に小さくすることができる。 That is, in this image forming apparatus, the rotation axis of each claw member is not positioned on the contact surface between the connection hole of each claw member and the connection member.
For this reason, according to this image forming apparatus, it is possible to effectively reduce the influence of manufacturing errors that occur at the relative rotational positions of the first claw member and the second claw member. That is, when the rotation axis is on the same plane as the contact surface between the connection hole and the connection member, when the claw member rotates, a clearance is hardly generated on the contact surface between the connection hole and the connection member. As a result, it is difficult to effectively reduce the influence of manufacturing errors that occur at the relative rotational positions of the first claw member and the second claw member. On the other hand, in this image forming apparatus, since there is no rotation axis on the same surface as the contact surface between the connection hole and the connection member, the contact surface between the connection hole and the connection member is rotated when the claw member rotates. It becomes easy to produce a clearance gap, and the influence of the manufacturing error which arises in the relative rotation position of the 1st claw member and the 2nd claw member can be made small effectively.

また、請求項６に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項３〜５のいずれかの装置において、連結部材が、円柱の一部を切り欠いてその円柱の軸方向に平行な平面を形成した形状のものであり、その平面が第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材のそれぞれに形成された連結孔と当接すること、を特徴としている。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the connecting member cuts a part of the cylinder to form a plane parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder. It has a shape, and its flat surface is in contact with a connecting hole formed in each of the first claw member and the second claw member.

このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差自体を小さくすることができる。すなわち、円柱の一部を切り欠いてその円柱の軸方向に平行な平面を形成した形状は、連結孔との当接面となる平面の位置を切削加工等により比較的小さい公差で形成することができる。したがって、例えば、コの字状に曲げた板材を連結部材として用いたような構成に比べ、連結孔との当接面の位置の公差が小さくなる分、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差自体を小さくすることができる。   Therefore, according to this image forming apparatus, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing error itself that occurs at the relative rotational position of the first claw member and the second claw member. In other words, the shape in which a part of a cylinder is cut out to form a plane parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder is formed with a relatively small tolerance in the position of the plane that becomes the contact surface with the connecting hole by cutting or the like. Can do. Therefore, for example, the first claw member and the second claw are reduced by the amount of tolerance of the position of the contact surface with the connection hole as compared with a configuration in which a plate material bent in a U-shape is used as the connection member. It is possible to reduce the manufacturing error itself that occurs at the rotational position relative to the member.

次に、請求項７に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項１〜６のいずれかの装置において、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材に、各爪部材をロック位置側へ回転移動させる力が常時作用するように構成されていること、を特徴としている。   Next, an image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first claw member and the second claw member are rotated and moved to the lock position side. It is characterized in that it is configured so that the force to be acted is always applied.

このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材とがロック位置に位置している状態で、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との相対的な回転位置に設けた遊びが、製造上の誤差の影響を小さくする側に働くこととなり、各爪部材を係合部に確実に係合させることができる。   For this reason, according to the image forming apparatus, the first claw member and the second claw member are relatively moved with the first claw member and the second claw member positioned at the lock position. The play provided at the rotational position acts on the side that reduces the influence of manufacturing errors, and each claw member can be reliably engaged with the engaging portion.

ここで、請求項８に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項７の装置において、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材のうちの少なくとも一方をロック位置側へ回転移動させる力として、各爪部材の自重を利用していること、を特徴としている。この構成によれば、爪部材をロック位置側へ回転移動させるための構成を別途設ける必要がない。   Here, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 8, in the apparatus according to claim 7, each of the first claw member and the second claw member is rotated as the force to rotate to the lock position side. It is characterized by utilizing the weight of the claw member. According to this configuration, there is no need to separately provide a configuration for rotating the claw member to the lock position side.

また、請求項９に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項７又は８の装置において、第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材のうちの少なくとも一方をロック位置側へ回転移動させる力として、弾性体（例えばバネやゴム等）の力を利用していること、を特徴としている。この構成によれば、爪部材を確実にロック位置側へ回転移動させることができる。   According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the force for rotating and moving at least one of the first claw member and the second claw member to the lock position side is as follows. It is characterized by using the force of an elastic body (for example, a spring or rubber). According to this configuration, the claw member can be reliably rotated to the lock position side.

次に、請求項１０に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項１〜９のいずれかの装置において、第１の爪部材における係合部と係合する部分の長さが、第２の爪部材における係合部と係合する部分の長さに比べて長く形成されていること、を特徴としている。   Next, an image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the length of the portion of the first claw member that engages with the engaging portion is the second claw. It is characterized by being formed longer than the length of the portion of the member that engages with the engaging portion.

このため、本画像形成装置によれば、開閉部材の開動作をスムーズに行わせることができる。すなわち、開閉部材を開方向へ移動させるために、外部操作によって第１の爪部材をロック解除位置側へ回転移動させた場合に、第１の爪部材と第２の爪部材との回転位置に遊びを設けている分、第２の爪部材の回転移動が遅れるが、第１の爪部材における係合部と係合する部分の長さが第２の爪部材における係合部と係合する部分の長さに比べて長く形成されているため、第１の爪部材と係合部とが係合しなくなるタイミングと、第２の爪部材と係合部とが係合しなくなるタイミングとを近づけることができる。この結果、開閉部材の開動作をスムーズに行わせることができるのである。   Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus, the opening / closing member can be smoothly opened. That is, when the first claw member is rotated to the unlocking position side by an external operation in order to move the opening / closing member in the opening direction, the rotation position between the first claw member and the second claw member is reached. The rotational movement of the second claw member is delayed by the amount of play, but the length of the portion of the first claw member that engages with the engagement portion engages with the engagement portion of the second claw member. Since it is formed longer than the length of the portion, the timing at which the first claw member and the engaging portion are disengaged and the timing at which the second claw member and the engaging portion are disengaged are set. You can get closer. As a result, the opening / closing member can be smoothly opened.

次に、請求項１１に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項１〜１０のいずれかの装置において、外部操作による力を受けて第１の爪部材をロック解除位置側へ回転移動させる操作力伝達部材が、第１の爪部材と一体成型されていること、を特徴としている。   Next, an image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the operation force according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the first claw member is rotated to the unlocking position side by receiving a force from an external operation. The transmission member is integrally formed with the first claw member.

このため、本画像形成装置によれば、第１の爪部材と操作力伝達部材とを別体にして構成する場合に比べ、強度を向上させることができ、しかも製造コストを低減することができる。   Therefore, according to this image forming apparatus, the strength can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the first claw member and the operating force transmission member are configured separately. .

次に、請求項１２に記載の画像形成装置は、上記請求項１〜１１のいずれかの装置において、開閉部材を開方向へ移動させるための外部操作によって、操作位置と非操作位置との間で移動可能な操作ボタンと、操作ボタンを非操作位置へと付勢する付勢部材とを更に備え、外部操作による操作ボタンの操作位置への移動に伴い第１の爪部材がロック解除位置側へ回転移動するように構成されており、操作ボタンと付勢部材とが、樹脂により一体成型されていること、を特徴としている。この構成によれば、操作ボタンと付勢部材とを別体で構成する場合に比べ、製造コストを低減することができる。   Next, an image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein an external operation for moving the opening / closing member in the opening direction is performed between the operation position and the non-operation position. And an urging member that urges the operation button to the non-operation position, and the first claw member is moved to the unlock position side when the operation button is moved to the operation position by an external operation. And the operation button and the urging member are integrally formed of resin. According to this configuration, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the operation button and the biasing member are configured separately.

以下、本発明が適用された実施形態について、図面を用いて説明する。
図１は、実施形態の画像形成装置としてのレーザプリンタ１の外観図である。また、図２は、レーザプリンタ１の中央断面図である。 Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view of a laser printer 1 as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a central sectional view of the laser printer 1.

図２に示すように、レーザプリンタ１は、本体ケース２内に、用紙Ｐ上に画像を形成するための画像形成部３を備えている。
画像形成部３は、露光手段としてのスキャナユニット４と、像担持体としての感光体ドラム５と、現像手段としての現像ローラ６と、転写手段としての転写ローラ７と、加熱ローラ８ａ及び加圧ローラ８ｂを有する定着手段としての定着器８とを備えている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the laser printer 1 includes an image forming unit 3 for forming an image on a paper P in a main body case 2.
The image forming unit 3 includes a scanner unit 4 as an exposure unit, a photosensitive drum 5 as an image carrier, a development roller 6 as a development unit, a transfer roller 7 as a transfer unit, a heating roller 8a, and a pressure. And a fixing device 8 as a fixing means having a roller 8b.

そして、感光体ドラム５及び現像ローラ６は、本体ケース２に対して着脱可能に設けられたプロセスカートリッジ９に収容されている。
一方、レーザプリンタ１は、図１に示すように、本体ケース２の前面に前面カバー１１を備えている。 The photosensitive drum 5 and the developing roller 6 are accommodated in a process cartridge 9 that is detachably attached to the main body case 2.
On the other hand, the laser printer 1 includes a front cover 11 on the front surface of the main body case 2 as shown in FIG.

この前面カバー１１は、レーザプリンタ１の前面上部を形成する前面部１１ａと、前面部１１ａに連続してレーザプリンタ１の上面前部を形成する上面部１１ｂとを有している。   The front cover 11 has a front surface portion 11a that forms the upper front portion of the laser printer 1, and an upper surface portion 11b that forms the upper front portion of the laser printer 1 continuously from the front surface portion 11a.

また、前面カバー１１は、当該前面カバー１１の前面部１１ａの下端部に水平に配置された図示しない回転軸を備えており、この回転軸を中心として、図３に示すように、当該前面カバー１１の上端部、すなわち上面部１１ｂ側を自由端として、矢印Ａの方向に開閉可能となっており、これにより本体ケース２の前面に形成された開口２ａを開閉する。そして、前面カバー１１を開状態（図３に示す状態）とすることにより、本体ケース２に形成された開口２ａから、プロセスカートリッジ９（図２参照）を着脱することができるようになっている。   Further, the front cover 11 includes a rotation shaft (not shown) horizontally disposed at the lower end portion of the front surface portion 11a of the front cover 11, and the front cover 11 is centered on the rotation shaft as shown in FIG. 11 can be opened and closed in the direction of arrow A with the upper end portion, that is, the upper surface portion 11b side as a free end, thereby opening and closing the opening 2a formed on the front surface of the main body case 2. Then, by opening the front cover 11 (the state shown in FIG. 3), the process cartridge 9 (see FIG. 2) can be attached and detached from the opening 2a formed in the main body case 2. .

さらに、レーザプリンタ１は、前面カバー１１の上面部１１ｂに、当該前面カバー１１を開閉する外部操作を行うための操作ボタン２０を備えている。すなわち、レーザプリンタ１は、本体ケース２と前面カバー１１とを係合させる係合機構を備えており、前面カバー１１を閉じた状態（図１に示す状態）では、前面カバー１１が閉状態に保持されて開方向への移動が禁止されるようになっている。そして、この状態で、ユーザが操作ボタン２０を押操作（外部操作）することにより、前面カバー１１の閉状態への保持力が解除され、開方向への移動が可能となるように構成されている。   Further, the laser printer 1 includes an operation button 20 on the upper surface portion 11 b of the front cover 11 for performing an external operation for opening and closing the front cover 11. That is, the laser printer 1 includes an engagement mechanism that engages the main body case 2 and the front cover 11. When the front cover 11 is closed (the state shown in FIG. 1), the front cover 11 is in the closed state. It is held so that movement in the opening direction is prohibited. In this state, when the user presses the operation button 20 (external operation), the holding force of the front cover 11 to the closed state is released, and movement in the opening direction is possible. Yes.

ここで、本体ケース２と前面カバー１１とを係合させる係合機構について、具体的に説明する。
図４は、前面カバー１１の上面部１１ｂを真下（裏）から見た図であり、図５は、前面カバー１１の上面部１１ｂを斜め下から見た図である。 Here, the engagement mechanism for engaging the main body case 2 and the front cover 11 will be specifically described.
4 is a view of the upper surface portion 11b of the front cover 11 as viewed from directly below (back), and FIG. 5 is a view of the upper surface portion 11b of the front cover 11 as viewed from obliquely below.

図４及び図５に示すように、レーザプリンタ１において、本体ケース２の開口２ａを構成する右側の面には第１係合部３１が形成され、左側の面には第２係合部３２が形成されている。一方、前面カバー１１の上面部１１ｂ内側の右端には、第１係合部３１と係合可能な第１爪部材４１が設けられ、左端には、第２係合部３２と係合可能な第２爪部材４２が設けられている。   As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the laser printer 1, the first engagement portion 31 is formed on the right side surface forming the opening 2 a of the main body case 2, and the second engagement portion 32 is formed on the left side surface. Is formed. On the other hand, a first claw member 41 that can be engaged with the first engagement portion 31 is provided at the right end inside the upper surface portion 11 b of the front cover 11, and can be engaged with the second engagement portion 32 at the left end. A second claw member 42 is provided.

第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２は、図６に示すように、前面カバー１１側に設けられた支持部材５０により、共通の回転軸線Ｘを中心として回転移動可能にそれぞれ支持されている。そして、第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２は、第１係合部３１又は第２係合部３２と係合することで前面カバー１１の開方向への移動を禁止するロック位置と、第１係合部３１又は第２係合部３２と係合しないことで前面カバー１１の開方向への移動を可能とするロック解除位置との間で、回転移動可能となっている。   As shown in FIG. 6, the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are supported by a support member 50 provided on the front cover 11 side so as to be rotatable about a common rotation axis X. . The first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are engaged with the first engagement portion 31 or the second engagement portion 32 to lock the front cover 11 from moving in the opening direction, By not engaging with the first engagement portion 31 or the second engagement portion 32, the front cover 11 can be rotated and moved between the lock release position that allows the front cover 11 to move in the opening direction.

第１爪部材４１は、図７にも示すように、第１係合部３１と係合するための凹みが形成された爪部４１ａと、操作ボタン２０の下面と当接する操作力伝達部４１ｂと、バネ５１の一端を引っ掛けるためのバネ引掛部４１ｃとを備えており、これらは樹脂により一体成型されている。   As shown in FIG. 7, the first claw member 41 includes a claw portion 41 a formed with a recess for engaging with the first engagement portion 31, and an operation force transmission portion 41 b that contacts the lower surface of the operation button 20. And a spring hooking portion 41c for hooking one end of the spring 51, which are integrally formed of resin.

図６に示すように、第１爪部材４１のバネ引掛部４１ｃには、一端が支持部材５０に引っ掛けられたバネ５１の他端が引っ掛けられている。そして、このバネ５１の弾性力により、第１爪部材４１には、当該第１爪部材４１をロック位置側（矢印Ｂに示す方向）へ回転移動させる力が常時作用している。   As shown in FIG. 6, the other end of the spring 51 with one end hooked to the support member 50 is hooked to the spring hooking portion 41 c of the first claw member 41. Due to the elastic force of the spring 51, the first claw member 41 is constantly subjected to a force that rotates the first claw member 41 to the lock position side (direction shown by the arrow B).

また、第１爪部材４１は、操作ボタン２０の押操作によって、この操作ボタン２０と当接する操作力伝達部４１ｂが押されることにより、バネ５１の弾性力に反してロック解除位置側（矢印Ｃに示す方向）へ回転移動する。   Further, the first claw member 41 is pushed against the elastic force of the spring 51 by pressing the operation force transmitting portion 41b in contact with the operation button 20 by pressing the operation button 20 (arrow C). In the direction indicated by

つまり、第１爪部材は、操作ボタン２０に対する押操作がされていなければロック位置に位置し、操作ボタン２０に対する押操作がされることによりロック解除位置に移動するように構成されている。   That is, the first claw member is configured to be in the locked position when the operation button 20 is not pressed, and is moved to the lock release position when the operation button 20 is pressed.

ここで、操作ボタン２０の構造について簡単に説明する。
図８は、前面カバー１１の上面部１１ｂ内側を真下（裏）から見た状態での操作ボタン２０の説明図である。 Here, the structure of the operation button 20 will be briefly described.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation button 20 in a state in which the inside of the upper surface portion 11b of the front cover 11 is viewed from directly below (back).

同図に示すように、上面部１１ｂの内側には、操作ボタン２０を、非操作位置（押操作が行われていない状態での位置）と、操作位置（押操作が行われている状態での位置）との間で移動可能に支持するとともに、操作ボタン２０を非操作位置側へ常時付勢することにより、押操作が解除された場合に操作ボタン２０を非操作位置へ戻す付勢部材２１が固定されている。そして、この付勢部材２１と操作ボタン２０とは、樹脂により一体成型されており、上面部１１ｂの内側に設けられた支持部２２によって支持されている。また、付勢部材２１は、操作ボタン２０の移動に伴い弾性変形する２本の蛇行部材によって操作ボタン２０を支持するようになっている。この蛇行部材は、支持部２２によって支持された付勢部材２１がなす平面と、非操作位置における操作ボタン２０がなす平面との間にねじれを生じやすくするために設けられている。このため、図９の断面図に示すように、回転軸線Ｘを中心とした第１爪部材４１の回転移動に合わせて、操作ボタン２０における第１爪部材４１の回転軸線Ｘから遠い部分が、それに近い部分よりも深く沈み込むように、操作ボタン２０を移動させることができる。   As shown in the figure, on the inner side of the upper surface portion 11b, the operation button 20 is placed in a non-operation position (a position when no push operation is performed) and an operation position (a state where the push operation is performed). And a biasing member that returns the operation button 20 to the non-operation position when the push operation is released by constantly urging the operation button 20 to the non-operation position side. 21 is fixed. The urging member 21 and the operation button 20 are integrally formed of resin and supported by a support portion 22 provided inside the upper surface portion 11b. Further, the urging member 21 supports the operation button 20 by two meandering members that are elastically deformed as the operation button 20 moves. This meandering member is provided in order to easily cause a twist between a plane formed by the biasing member 21 supported by the support portion 22 and a plane formed by the operation button 20 in the non-operation position. For this reason, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, in accordance with the rotational movement of the first claw member 41 around the rotation axis X, the portion of the operation button 20 far from the rotation axis X of the first claw member 41 is The operation button 20 can be moved so as to sink deeper than a portion close thereto.

一方、第２爪部材４２は、図１０に示すように、第２係合部３２と係合するための凹みが形成された爪部４２ａを備えているが、第１爪部材４１の操作力伝達部４１ｂやバネ引掛部４１ｃに相当する部分は形成されていない。ただし、第２爪部材４２には、当該第２爪部材の自重により、ロック位置側へ回転移動させる力が常時作用している。   On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the second claw member 42 includes a claw portion 42 a formed with a recess for engaging with the second engagement portion 32, but the operating force of the first claw member 41 is provided. Parts corresponding to the transmission part 41b and the spring hooking part 41c are not formed. However, a force for rotating the second claw member 42 to the lock position side is always applied to the second claw member 42 by its own weight.

そして、図１１に示すように、第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２は、連結部材６０によって連結されており、操作ボタン２０の押操作により第１爪部材４１が回転移動すると、それに伴い第２爪部材４２も回転移動するように構成されている。つまり、第１爪部材４１がロック位置に位置している状態では、第２爪部材４２もロック位置に位置し、第１爪部材４１がロック解除位置に移動した場合には、第２爪部材４２もロック解除位置に移動するようになっている。   As shown in FIG. 11, the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are connected by a connecting member 60, and when the first claw member 41 rotates and moves by the pressing operation of the operation button 20, The second claw member 42 is also configured to rotate. That is, when the first claw member 41 is located at the lock position, the second claw member 42 is also located at the lock position, and when the first claw member 41 is moved to the lock release position, the second claw member 42 is also moved to the unlocked position.

連結部材６０は、その両端部分が、第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２のそれぞれに形成された後述する連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄに挿入された状態で、２つの爪部材４１，４２を連結している。ここで、連結部材６０は、金属製の丸棒（円柱形状）の両端部分（各爪部材４１，４２へ挿入される部分）に断面が半円形状となるように切削加工が施されたものであり、これにより軸方向に平行な平面が形成されている。つまり、連結部材６０における断面半円形状の両端部分が、第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２の連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄにそれぞれ挿入されている。   The connecting member 60 connects the two claw members 41 and 42 in a state where both end portions thereof are inserted into connecting holes 41d and 42d described later formed in the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42, respectively. doing. Here, the connecting member 60 is obtained by cutting a metal round bar (cylindrical shape) into a semicircular cross section at both end portions (portions inserted into the claw members 41 and 42). Thereby, a plane parallel to the axial direction is formed. That is, both end portions of the connecting member 60 having a semicircular cross section are inserted into the connecting holes 41 d and 42 d of the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42, respectively.

各爪部材４１，４２に形成される連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄは、図１２に示すように、連結部材６０の断面の半円形状よりも一回り大きい形状となっており、連結部材６０との間に隙間が形成されるようになっている。また、連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄには、連結部材６０の平面と当接する平面（以下「当接平面」という。）が形成されている。さらに、連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄにおける当接平面と対向する面には、連結部材６０の連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄ内の移動範囲を制限する突起部４１ｅ，４２ｅが形成されている。ただし、突起部４１ｅ，４２ｅと連結部材６０との間には小さな隙間が形成されている。このため、図１３に示すように、連結部材６０は、連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄにおいて一定の範囲で位置を変えることができる。このように、各爪部材４１，４２は、連結部材６０に完全には固定されておらず、連結部材６０に対する位置がある程度変化可能となっている。つまり、第１爪部材４１と第２爪部材４２とは、連結部材６０により、その相対的な回転位置が一定範囲で変化可能となるように遊びを設けて連結されている。   As shown in FIG. 12, the connection holes 41 d and 42 d formed in the claw members 41 and 42 have a shape that is slightly larger than the semicircular shape of the cross-section of the connection member 60. A gap is formed on the surface. In addition, a flat surface (hereinafter referred to as “contact flat surface”) that contacts the flat surface of the connection member 60 is formed in the connection holes 41d and 42d. Furthermore, projections 41e and 42e that limit the movement range of the connection member 60 in the connection holes 41d and 42d are formed on the surfaces of the connection holes 41d and 42d that face the contact plane. However, a small gap is formed between the protrusions 41e and 42e and the connecting member 60. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13, the position of the connecting member 60 can be changed within a certain range in the connecting holes 41d and 42d. Thus, each claw member 41 and 42 is not completely fixed to connecting member 60, and the position to connecting member 60 can change to some extent. In other words, the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are connected by the connecting member 60 so as to provide play so that the relative rotational position thereof can be changed within a certain range.

そして特に、本レーザプリンタ１では、各爪部材４１，４２の回転軸線Ｘが、連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄの当接平面と同一平面上でない位置となっている。このため、爪部材４１，４２が回転移動する際に、当接平面と連結部材６０の平面との間に隙間が生じやすくすることができる。   In particular, in the laser printer 1, the rotation axis X of each claw member 41, 42 is not on the same plane as the contact plane of the connection holes 41d, 42d. For this reason, when the claw members 41 and 42 rotate, a gap can be easily formed between the contact plane and the plane of the connecting member 60.

また、第１爪部材４１と第２爪部材４２との相対的な回転位置を変化可能とする一定範囲（つまり、遊びの大きさ）は、第１爪部材４１と第２爪部材４２との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差を考慮して設定されている。すなわち、あらかじめ予測される範囲の製造上の誤差に対して、第１爪部材４１がロック位置へ移動した場合に第２爪部材４２も必ずロック位置となり、第１爪部材４１がロック解除位置へ移動した場合に第２爪部材４２も必ずロック解除位置となるような範囲に設定されている。具体的には、次の式（１）及び式（２）に示す関係が成立するように設計されている。ただし、式（１），式（２）において、Ｍ１は、操作ボタン２０の押操作による第１爪部材４１の回転移動量であり、Ｍ２は、第１爪部材４１をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な第１爪部材４１の回転移動量であり、Ｍ３は、遊びによって第１爪部材４１と第２爪部材４２とが一定範囲内で相対的に回転位置を変化し得る回転移動量であり、Ｍ４は、第２爪部材４２をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な第２爪部材４２の回転移動量である。   Further, a certain range in which the relative rotational position of the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 can be changed (that is, the size of play) is between the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42. It is set in consideration of a manufacturing error occurring in the relative rotational position. That is, when the first claw member 41 is moved to the locked position, the second claw member 42 is always in the locked position, and the first claw member 41 is moved to the unlocked position with respect to a manufacturing error within a predicted range. When moved, the second claw member 42 is also set in such a range as to always be in the unlocked position. Specifically, it is designed so that the relationship represented by the following expressions (1) and (2) is established. However, in Formula (1) and Formula (2), M1 is the rotational movement amount of the 1st nail | claw member 41 by pushing operation button 20, and M2 is the 1st nail | claw member 41 from a lock position to a lock release position. M3 is a rotational movement amount of the first claw member 41 required to move the first claw member 41 to a position, and the rotation position of the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 can be relatively changed within a certain range by play. M4 is a rotational movement amount of the second claw member 42 required to move the second claw member 42 from the lock position to the unlock position.

上記式（２）から分かるように、遊びによって第１爪部材４１と第２爪部材４２とが一定範囲内で相対的に回転位置を変化し得る回転移動量Ｍ３は、操作ボタン２０の押操作による第１爪部材４１の回転移動量Ｍ１と、第２爪部材４２をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な第２爪部材４２の回転移動量Ｍ４との差（Ｍ１−Ｍ４）以下となるように設計されている（つまり、Ｍ３≦Ｍ１−Ｍ４）。このように、遊び分の回転移動量Ｍ３の上限が制限されるが、遊び分の回転移動量Ｍ３の下限については、製造上の誤差を考慮して適宜設定すればよい（好ましくは、製造上の誤差を考慮しても、両爪部材４１，４２がロック位置となるように回転移動量Ｍ３の下限を設定する。）。

As can be seen from the above equation (2), the rotational movement amount M3 at which the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 can relatively change their rotational positions within a certain range due to play is determined by the pressing operation of the operation button 20. The difference (M1−M4) between the rotational movement amount M1 of the first claw member 41 due to the above and the rotational movement amount M4 of the second claw member 42 necessary for moving the second claw member 42 from the lock position to the unlock position. It is designed to be as follows (that is, M3 ≦ M1-M4). In this way, the upper limit of the rotational movement amount M3 for play is limited, but the lower limit of the rotational movement amount M3 for play may be set as appropriate in consideration of manufacturing errors (preferably in manufacturing). Even if this error is taken into consideration, the lower limit of the rotational movement amount M3 is set so that both the claw members 41 and 42 are in the locked position.)

このため、操作ボタン２０が押されていない状態では、図１４（ａ）に示すように、第１爪部材４１が第１係合部３１に係合し、第２爪部材４２が第２係合部３２に係合する。すなわち、第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２が共に連結部材６０と完全に固定されている構成では、製造上の誤差により、一方の爪部材が係合部と係合しても他方の爪部材が係合部と係合しないという状態が生じうるが、本レーザプリンタ１では、２つの爪部材４１，４２が共に各係合部３１，３２と良好に係合することとなる。   Therefore, in a state where the operation button 20 is not pressed, as shown in FIG. 14A, the first claw member 41 is engaged with the first engagement portion 31, and the second claw member 42 is in the second engagement. Engage with the joint 32. That is, in the configuration in which both the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are completely fixed to the connecting member 60, even if one claw member engages with the engaging portion due to manufacturing error, Although a state in which the claw member does not engage with the engaging portion may occur, in the laser printer 1, the two claw members 41 and 42 are both engaged with the engaging portions 31 and 32 satisfactorily.

一方、操作ボタン２０が押されると、図１４（ｂ）に示すように、第１爪部材４１が操作ボタン２０の移動に連動してロック解除位置側へ移動する。これにより、連結部材６０が移動して、第２爪部材４２もロック解除位置側へ移動する。その結果、図１４（ｃ）に示すように、第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２が共にロック解除位置に位置することとなる。   On the other hand, when the operation button 20 is pressed, the first claw member 41 moves to the lock release position side in conjunction with the movement of the operation button 20 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the connection member 60 moves and the 2nd nail | claw member 42 also moves to the lock release position side. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14C, the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42 are both located at the unlock position.

ここで、第２爪部材４２のロック解除位置への移動が開始されるタイミングは、図１４（ｂ）に示すように、２つの爪部材４１，４２の間に設けた遊びの分、第１爪部材４１のロック解除位置への移動が開始されるタイミングに比べ、遅れることとなる。そこで、本レーザプリンタ１では、図１５（ａ）に示す第１爪部材４１における爪部４１ａの長さ（第１係合部３１と係合する部分の長さ）を、図１５（ｂ）に示す第２爪部材４２における爪部４２ａの長さ（第２係合部３２と係合する部分の長さ）に比べ、長く形成している。つまり、第１爪部材４１をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な第１爪部材４１の回転移動量を、第２爪部材４２をロック位置からロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な第２爪部材４２の回転移動量に比べて大きくしている。これにより、操作ボタン２０の押操作に伴い、第１爪部材４１の爪部４１ａが第１係合部３１と係合しなくなるタイミングと、第２爪部材４２の爪部４２ａが第２係合部３２と係合しなくなるタイミングとを近づけるようにしているのである。   Here, the timing at which the movement of the second claw member 42 to the unlocking position is started, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), is the amount of play provided between the two claw members 41, 42, Compared to the timing when the movement of the claw member 41 to the unlocked position is started, it will be delayed. Therefore, in this laser printer 1, the length of the claw portion 41a (the length of the portion engaged with the first engagement portion 31) of the first claw member 41 shown in FIG. The second claw member 42 is formed longer than the length of the claw portion 42a (the length of the portion engaged with the second engagement portion 32). That is, the amount of rotational movement of the first claw member 41 required to move the first claw member 41 from the lock position to the unlock position is necessary to move the second claw member 42 from the lock position to the lock release position. The second claw member 42 is made larger than the rotational movement amount. Accordingly, when the operation button 20 is pushed, the timing at which the claw portion 41a of the first claw member 41 is disengaged from the first engagement portion 31 and the claw portion 42a of the second claw member 42 are in the second engagement. The timing at which the engagement with the portion 32 is stopped is made closer.

なお、本実施形態のレーザプリンタ１では、本体ケース２が、本発明の外装部材に相当し、前面カバー１１が、本発明の開閉部材に相当し、第１爪部材４１、第２爪部材４２が、本発明の第１の爪部材、第２の爪部材にそれぞれ相当し、操作力伝達部４１ｂが、本発明の操作力伝達部材に相当する。   In the laser printer 1 of the present embodiment, the main body case 2 corresponds to the exterior member of the present invention, the front cover 11 corresponds to the opening / closing member of the present invention, and the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42. Are equivalent to the first claw member and the second claw member of the present invention, respectively, and the operation force transmission part 41b is equivalent to the operation force transmission member of the present invention.

以上説明したように、本実施形態のレーザプリンタ１によれば、第１爪部材４１と第２爪部材４２との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差の影響を小さくすることができる。この結果、各爪部材４１，４２における爪部４１ａ，４２ａの長さを必要以上に長くすることなく、各爪部材４１，４２を各係合部３１，３２と確実に係合させることができる。   As described above, according to the laser printer 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence of manufacturing errors that occur at the relative rotational positions of the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42. As a result, the claw members 41 and 42 can be reliably engaged with the engagement portions 31 and 32 without making the lengths of the claw portions 41a and 42a of the claw members 41 and 42 longer than necessary. .

特に、各爪部材４１，４２には、ロック位置側へ回転移動させる力が常に作用するように構成されているため、各爪部材４１，４２がロック位置に位置している状態で、各爪部材４１，４２の間に設けた遊びが、製造上の誤差を小さくする側に働くこととなり、各爪部材４１，４２を各係合部３１，３２と確実に係合させることができる。   In particular, each claw member 41, 42 is configured so that a force to rotate and move to the lock position always acts, so that each claw member 41, 42 is in the lock position, The play provided between the members 41 and 42 acts on the side of reducing the manufacturing error, and the claw members 41 and 42 can be reliably engaged with the engaging portions 31 and 32.

また、本レーザプリンタ１では、連結部材６０として、比較的高精度の加工が可能な切削加工により平面が形成された丸棒を用いており、この平面が各爪部材４１，４２の連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄにおける当接平面と当接するようにしている。このため、本レーザプリンタ１によれば、第１爪部材４１と第２爪部材４２との相対的な回転位置に生じる製造上の誤差自体を小さくすることができる。   In the laser printer 1, a round bar having a flat surface formed by a cutting process capable of processing with relatively high accuracy is used as the connecting member 60, and this flat surface is the connecting hole 41 d of each claw member 41, 42. , 42d is in contact with the contact plane. For this reason, according to the laser printer 1, it is possible to reduce manufacturing errors themselves that occur at the relative rotational positions of the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42.

さらに、本レーザプリンタ１では、第１爪部材４１の爪部４１ａを第２爪部材４２の爪部４２ａに比べて長く形成することで、第１爪部材４１が第１係合部３１と係合しなくなるタイミングと、第２爪部材４２が第２係合部３２と係合しなくなるタイミングとを近づけるようにしている。このため、本レーザプリンタ１によれば、前面カバー１１の開動作をスムーズに行わせることができる。   Further, in the laser printer 1, the first claw member 41 is engaged with the first engagement portion 31 by forming the claw portion 41 a of the first claw member 41 longer than the claw portion 42 a of the second claw member 42. The timing at which the second claw member 42 is not engaged with the second engagement portion 32 is made closer to the timing at which the engagement does not occur. For this reason, according to the laser printer 1, the opening operation of the front cover 11 can be performed smoothly.

一方、本レーザプリンタ１では、第１爪部材４１が、爪部４１ａと、操作力伝達部４１ｂと、バネ引掛部４１ｃとを一体成型したものとなっているため、これらを別体で構成する場合に比べ、強度を向上させることができ、しかも製造コストを低減することができる。   On the other hand, in the laser printer 1, since the first claw member 41 is formed by integrally forming the claw portion 41a, the operating force transmission portion 41b, and the spring hooking portion 41c, these are configured separately. Compared to the case, the strength can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

加えて、本レーザプリンタ１では、操作ボタン２０と付勢部材２１とを樹脂により一体成型している点でも、製造コストを低減することができる。
以上、本発明の一実施形態について説明したが、本発明は、種々の形態を採り得ることは言うまでもない。 In addition, in the laser printer 1, the manufacturing cost can be reduced also in that the operation button 20 and the urging member 21 are integrally formed of resin.
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention can take a various form.

例えば、上記実施形態のレーザプリンタ１では、各爪部材４１，４２が前面カバー１１側に設けられ、各係合部３１，３２が本体ケース２側に設けられているが、これとは逆に、各爪部材４１，４２が本体ケース２側に設けられ、各係合部３１，３２が前面カバー側に設けられた構成としてもよい。   For example, in the laser printer 1 of the above embodiment, the claw members 41 and 42 are provided on the front cover 11 side, and the engaging portions 31 and 32 are provided on the main body case 2 side. The claw members 41 and 42 may be provided on the main body case 2 side, and the engaging portions 31 and 32 may be provided on the front cover side.

また、上記実施形態のレーザプリンタ１では、連結部材６０が、第１爪部材４１及び第２爪部材４２の連結孔４１ｄ，４２ｄに対してそれぞれ隙間を設けて挿入されているが、これに限ったものではなく、例えば、いずれか一方の爪部材に対しては隙間が設けられており、他方の爪部材には完全に固定されていてもよい。このようにすれば、レーザプリンタ１を製造する際の組み立て作業を容易にすることができる。また、レーザプリンタ１が落下したような場合にも、連結部材６０を外れにくくすることができる。   Further, in the laser printer 1 of the above embodiment, the connecting member 60 is inserted with a gap with respect to the connecting holes 41d and 42d of the first claw member 41 and the second claw member 42. For example, a gap may be provided for any one of the claw members, and the other claw member may be completely fixed. In this way, the assembly work when manufacturing the laser printer 1 can be facilitated. Further, even when the laser printer 1 is dropped, the connecting member 60 can be made difficult to come off.

また、上記実施形態のレーザプリンタ１では、各爪部材４１，４２は支持部材５０によってそれぞれ別々に回転移動可能に支持されているが、これに限ったものではなく、例えば、各爪部材を連結する連結部材を各爪部材４１，４２の回転軸として用いた構成としてもよい。   In the laser printer 1 of the above embodiment, the claw members 41 and 42 are individually supported by the support member 50 so as to be rotatable and movable. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the claw members are connected to each other. It is good also as a structure which used the connecting member to perform as a rotating shaft of each nail | claw member 41,42.

一方、本発明は、３つ以上の爪部材が連結部材によって連結された構成にも適用することができる。   On the other hand, the present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which three or more claw members are connected by a connecting member.

実施形態のレーザプリンタの外観図である。1 is an external view of a laser printer according to an embodiment. 実施形態のレーザプリンタの中央断面図である。It is a center sectional view of the laser printer of an embodiment. 前面カバーを開いた状態の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the state which opened the front cover. 前面カバーを真下から見た図である。It is the figure which looked at the front cover from right below. 前面カバーを斜め下から見た図である。It is the figure which looked at the front cover from diagonally lower. 支持部材の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of a supporting member. 第１爪部材の形状を説明するための説明図である。It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the shape of a 1st nail | claw member. 前面カバーの上面部内側を真下から見た状態での操作ボタンの説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the operation button in the state which looked at the upper surface part inner side of the front cover from right under. 操作ボタンの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of an operation button. 第２爪部材の形状を説明するための説明図である。It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the shape of a 2nd nail | claw member. 第１爪部材と第２爪部材との連結状態を説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the connection state of a 1st nail | claw member and a 2nd claw member. 各爪部材の連結孔の形状を説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the shape of the connection hole of each claw member. 連結孔に対する連結部材の位置の変化を説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the change of the position of the connection member with respect to a connection hole. 第１爪部材の回転移動に連動した第２爪部材の回転移動の状態を説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the state of the rotational movement of the 2nd claw member interlocked with the rotational movement of the 1st claw member. 各爪部材の爪部の長さを説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the length of the nail | claw part of each nail | claw member.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１…レーザプリンタ、２…本体ケース、２ａ…開口、１１…前面カバー、２０…操作ボタン、２１…付勢部材、３１…第１係合部、３２…第２係合部、４１…第１爪部材、４１ａ…爪部、４１ｂ…操作力伝達部、４１ｃ…バネ引掛部、４１ｄ…連結孔、４２…第２爪部材、４２ａ…爪部、４２ｄ…連結孔、５０…支持部材、５１…バネ、６０…連結部材   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Laser printer, 2 ... Main body case, 2a ... Opening, 11 ... Front cover, 20 ... Operation button, 21 ... Biasing member, 31 ... 1st engaging part, 32 ... 2nd engaging part, 41 ... 1st Claw member, 41a ... claw part, 41b ... operating force transmission part, 41c ... spring hook part, 41d ... connection hole, 42 ... second claw member, 42a ... claw part, 42d ... connection hole, 50 ... support member, 51 ... Spring, 60 ... connecting member

Claims (12)

外装部材に形成された開口を開閉する開閉部材と、
前記外装部材側及び前記開閉部材側のうちの一方に設けられ、その他方に設けられた係合部と係合することで前記開閉部材の開方向への移動を禁止するロック位置と、前記係合部と係合しないことで前記開閉部材の開方向への移動を可能とするロック解除位置との間で、共通の回転軸線を中心として回転移動可能な第１の爪部材及び第２の爪部材と、
前記第１の爪部材と前記第２の爪部材とを連結し、前記開閉部材を開方向へ移動させるための外部操作によって前記第１の爪部材が前記ロック解除位置側へ回転移動するのに伴い、前記第２の爪部材を前記ロック解除位置側へ回転移動させる連結部材と、
を備え、
前記連結部材は、前記第１の爪部材と前記第２の爪部材とを、その相対的な回転位置が一定範囲で変化可能となるように遊びを設けて連結していること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 An opening and closing member for opening and closing an opening formed in the exterior member;
A locking position that is provided on one of the exterior member side and the opening / closing member side and that engages with an engaging portion provided on the other side to prohibit movement of the opening / closing member in the opening direction; A first claw member and a second claw that are movable around a common rotation axis between the unlocking position that allows the opening and closing member to move in the opening direction by not engaging with the joint. A member,
The first claw member is connected to the second claw member and the first claw member is rotated to the unlocking position side by an external operation for moving the opening / closing member in the opening direction. Accordingly, a connecting member that rotates and moves the second claw member to the unlocking position side,
With
The connecting member connects the first claw member and the second claw member with play so that the relative rotational position thereof can be changed within a certain range;
An image forming apparatus. 請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材の前記外部操作による回転移動量が、当該第１の爪部材を前記ロック位置から前記ロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な当該第１の爪部材の回転移動量以上に設定されており、かつ、前記遊びによって前記第１の爪部材と前記第２の爪部材とが前記一定範囲内で相対的に回転位置を変化し得る回転移動量と、前記第２の爪部材を前記ロック位置から前記ロック解除位置まで移動させるために必要な前記第２の爪部材の回転移動量との和としての回転移動量以上に設定されていること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The rotational movement amount of the first claw member by the external operation is larger than the rotational movement amount of the first claw member necessary for moving the first claw member from the lock position to the lock release position. A rotational movement amount that is set and that allows the first claw member and the second claw member to change relative rotational positions within the predetermined range by the play; and the second claw member. Is set to be greater than or equal to the rotational movement amount as the sum of the rotational movement amount of the second claw member necessary for moving the second claw member from the locked position to the unlocked position,
An image forming apparatus. 請求項１又は請求項２に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材は、当該各爪部材に形成された連結孔に前記連結部材が挿入された状態で連結されており、前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材のうちの少なくとも一方の連結孔と前記連結部材との間に形成される隙間により、前記遊びが設けられていること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The first claw member and the second claw member are connected in a state where the connection member is inserted into a connection hole formed in each claw member, and the first claw member and the second claw member are connected. The play is provided by a gap formed between at least one connection hole of the claw members and the connection member,
An image forming apparatus. 請求項３に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材のうちの一方は、前記連結部材に固定されていること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
One of the first claw member and the second claw member is fixed to the connecting member;
An image forming apparatus. 請求項３又は請求項４に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材のそれぞれに形成された連結孔と前記連結部材とが当接する当接面と同一の面上でない位置に、前記回転軸線が位置していること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:
The rotation axis is located at a position that is not on the same surface as the contact surface on which the connection hole contacts the connection hole formed in each of the first claw member and the second claw member. ,
An image forming apparatus. 請求項３ないし請求項５のいずれか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記連結部材は、円柱の一部を切り欠いて該円柱の軸方向に平行な平面を形成した形状のものであり、その平面が前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材のそれぞれに形成された連結孔と当接すること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:
The connecting member has a shape in which a part of a cylinder is cut out to form a plane parallel to the axial direction of the cylinder, and the plane is formed on each of the first claw member and the second claw member. Abutting the formed connecting hole,
An image forming apparatus. 請求項１ないし請求項６のいずれか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材には、該各爪部材を前記ロック位置側へ回転移動させる力が常時作用するように構成されていること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The first claw member and the second claw member are configured such that a force that rotates each claw member to the lock position side always acts on the first claw member and the second claw member.
An image forming apparatus. 請求項７に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材のうちの少なくとも一方を前記ロック位置側へ回転移動させる力として、該各爪部材の自重を利用していること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
Using the weight of each claw member as a force for rotating at least one of the first claw member and the second claw member to the lock position side;
An image forming apparatus. 請求項７又は請求項８に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材及び前記第２の爪部材のうちの少なくとも一方を前記ロック位置側へ回転移動させる力として、弾性体の力を利用していること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8,
Using a force of an elastic body as a force for rotating at least one of the first claw member and the second claw member to the lock position side;
An image forming apparatus. 請求項１ないし請求項９のいずれか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記第１の爪部材における前記係合部と係合する部分の長さが、前記第２の爪部材における前記係合部と係合する部分の長さに比べて長く形成されていること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The length of the portion of the first claw member that engages with the engaging portion is formed longer than the length of the portion of the second claw member that engages with the engaging portion,
An image forming apparatus. 請求項１ないし請求項１０のいずれか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記外部操作による力を受けて前記第１の爪部材を前記ロック解除位置側へ回転移動させる操作力伝達部材が、前記第１の爪部材と一体成型されていること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
An operating force transmission member that receives the force from the external operation and rotates the first claw member to the unlocking position side is formed integrally with the first claw member;
An image forming apparatus. 請求項１ないし請求項１１のいずれか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、
前記開閉部材を開方向へ移動させるための外部操作によって、操作位置と非操作位置との間で移動可能な操作ボタンと、該操作ボタンを前記非操作位置へと付勢する付勢部材とを更に備え、
前記外部操作による前記操作ボタンの前記操作位置への移動に伴い前記第１の爪部材が前記ロック解除位置側へ回転移動するように構成されており、
前記操作ボタンと前記付勢部材とは、樹脂により一体成型されていること、
を特徴とする画像形成装置。

The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An operation button that can be moved between an operation position and a non-operation position by an external operation for moving the opening / closing member in an opening direction, and a biasing member that biases the operation button to the non-operation position. In addition,
The first claw member is configured to rotate and move to the lock release position side as the operation button is moved to the operation position by the external operation.
The operation button and the urging member are integrally formed of resin,
An image forming apparatus.

Images