JP2013224986A

JP2013224986A - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2013224986A
Application number: JP2012096083A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Taisuke Hyodo; 泰輔兵頭
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2012-04-19
Filing date: 2012-04-19
Publication date: 2013-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-19
Also published as: JP6049292B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which operability of a movable member is improved.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: an opening/closing member which moves with respect to an apparatus body and by which an interior of the apparatus body can be opened; and a holding part for holding the opening/closing member. The opening/closing member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the image forming apparatus, supposing that a position between the first position and the second position is set to a third position, when the opening/closing member is moved from the third position toward the second position, the opening/closing member moves at least in a vertical downward direction, and when the opening/closing member is moved from the third position toward the first position, the opening/closing member moves at least in a vertical upward direction. The holding part holds the movable member so that a force required for starting movement of the opening/closing member from the third position to the second position becomes larger than a force required for starting movement of the opening/closing member from the third position to the first position.

Description

本発明は、装置本体に対する姿勢を変更可能な可動部材を備えた画像形成装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a movable member that can change a posture with respect to an apparatus main body.

複写機、ファクシミリ、プリンタなどの画像形成装置において、ジャム処理、ＣＲＧ交換等のために、カバー部材を装置本体に対して開閉可能に構成している。このような可動部材としてのカバー部材には、急激に閉じたり、開いたりしないようダンパー機構が設けられているものがある。このようなダンパー機構として、特許文献１には、カバー部材の被押圧部を２つの部材で挟み込んで押圧し、被押圧部に摩擦力による負荷を与えることによってダンパー効果を得る構成が開示されている。 In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer, a cover member is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body for jam processing, CRG replacement, and the like. Some cover members as such movable members are provided with a damper mechanism so as not to be suddenly closed or opened. As such a damper mechanism, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that obtains a damper effect by sandwiching and pressing a pressed portion of a cover member between two members and applying a load due to frictional force on the pressed portion. Yes.

また、カバー部材はその開き角が小さいほど、カバー部材に対してカバー部材の自重による閉じ方向の力が作用する。このため、ダンパー機構によるカバー部材への摩擦力による負荷が一定だと、カバー部材を閉じていくにつれてカバー部材の速度が増し、勢いよく閉まってしまう場合がある。そこで、特許文献２の図５等には、カバー部材を閉めるに従い摩擦力による負荷が増えていくように、カバー部材の被押圧部の厚みを、カバー部材を閉じていくに従って徐々に増やした構成が開示されている。 Further, as the opening angle of the cover member is smaller, a force in the closing direction due to the weight of the cover member acts on the cover member. For this reason, if the load due to the frictional force applied to the cover member by the damper mechanism is constant, the speed of the cover member increases as the cover member is closed, and the cover member may be closed vigorously. Therefore, in FIG. 5 of Patent Document 2, the thickness of the pressed portion of the cover member is gradually increased as the cover member is closed so that the load due to the frictional force increases as the cover member is closed. Is disclosed.

特開２００４−４５５８５JP 2004-45585 特開２００６−３８２５JP 2006-3825

ここで、特許文献２のようなカバー部材の被押圧部を押圧するダンパー機構において、カバー部材を保持する保持力としてカバー部材にかかる摩擦力は、被押圧部の厚みにより決まる。このため、カバー部材が所定の開き角で静止している時に、カバー部材を重力に抗す方向に移動させ始める場合と、重力に沿う方向に移動させ始める場合とで、カバー部材には同じ摩擦力の負荷が作用する。このため、カバー部材を重力に抗す方向に動かす場合はダンパー機構によって発生する負荷が操作の妨げになる可能性があり、操作性の改善の余地がある。 Here, in the damper mechanism that presses the pressed portion of the cover member as in Patent Document 2, the frictional force applied to the cover member as the holding force for holding the cover member is determined by the thickness of the pressed portion. Therefore, when the cover member is stationary at a predetermined opening angle, the same friction is applied to the cover member when the cover member starts to move in a direction against gravity and when the cover member starts to move in a direction along gravity. Force load acts. For this reason, when moving a cover member in the direction which resists gravity, the load which generate | occur | produces with a damper mechanism may interfere with operation, and there exists room for improvement of operativity.

上記課題に鑑みて、本発明は可動部材の操作性を改善することを目的とする。 In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a movable member.

そこで本発明は、装置本体に対して移動し、装置本体内を開放可能な開閉部材と、前記開閉部材を保持する保持部と、を有し、前記開閉部材が第１位置と第２位置との間を移動可能な画像形成装置において、前記第１位置と前記第２位置の間の位置を第３位置とすると、前記開閉部材を第３位置から第２位置に向かって移動すると、前記開閉部材は少なくとも鉛直下方向に移動し、前記開閉部材を第３位置から第１位置に向かって移動すると、前記開閉部材は少なくとも鉛直上方向に移動し、前記開閉部材を前記第３位置から前記第２位置に向かって移動を開始させる際に必要な力が、前記開閉部材を前記第３位置から前記第１位置に向かって移動を開始させる際に必要な力よりも大きくなるよう、前記保持部が前記可動部材を保持していることを特徴とする。 Therefore, the present invention includes an opening / closing member that moves relative to the apparatus body and can open the inside of the apparatus body, and a holding portion that holds the opening / closing member. The opening / closing member has a first position and a second position. In the image forming apparatus that can move between the first position and the second position, if the third position is the position between the first position and the second position, the opening and closing member is moved from the third position toward the second position. The member moves at least vertically downward, and when the opening / closing member is moved from the third position toward the first position, the opening / closing member moves at least vertically upward, and the opening / closing member is moved from the third position to the first position. The holding portion is configured such that a force required to start moving toward the second position is greater than a force required to start moving the opening / closing member from the third position toward the first position. Holds the movable member And wherein the door.

本発明によれば、可動部材の操作性を改善される。 According to the present invention, the operability of the movable member is improved.

（ａ）画像形成装置の概略断面図。（ｂ）画像形成装置の外観図。(A) Schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2B is an external view of the image forming apparatus. ダンパー機構１００の概略図。1 is a schematic diagram of a damper mechanism 100. FIG. （ａ）ダンパー機構１００の詳細図。（ｂ）ダンパー機構１００の詳細図。（ｃ）ダンパー機構１００の詳細図。（ｄ）ダンパー機構１００の詳細図。(A) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 100. FIG. (B) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 100. FIG. (C) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 100. FIG. (D) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 100. FIG. ダンパー機構２００の概略図。Schematic of the damper mechanism 200. FIG. （ａ）ダンパー機構２００の詳細図。（ｂ）ダンパー機構２００の詳細図。(A) The detail of the damper mechanism 200. FIG. (B) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 200. FIG. ダンパー機構３００の概略図。Schematic of the damper mechanism 300. FIG. （ａ）ダンパー機構３００の詳細図。（ｂ）ダンパー機構３００の詳細図。（ｃ）ダンパー機構３００の詳細図。(A) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 300. FIG. (B) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 300. FIG. (C) Detailed view of the damper mechanism 300. FIG. ダンパー機構３００の概略図。Schematic of the damper mechanism 300. FIG.

＜第１実施形態＞
本実施形態の説明では、まず本発明を適用した画像形成装置の全体構成について説明し、その後、本発明の特徴的な構成について説明する。 <First Embodiment>
In the description of this embodiment, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described first, and then the characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described.

［画像形成装置］
図１（ａ）は画像形成装置の概略断面図である。画像形成装置は電子写真方式の画像形成装置である。画像形成装置本体１（以下、本体１）は、下部にシート材を収容する給紙カセット２を備える。給紙カセット２内に収容されたシート材は、給紙搬送ローラ等を備える給送手段３により搬送路１０へ給送され、搬送ローラ４、５により搬送路１０内を搬送される。本体１には、感光ドラム６ａ、不図示の電子写真プロセス手段としての帯電手段、現像手段、及び、クリーニング手段が一体化されたプロセスカートリッジ６が着脱可能に装着されている。本体１のプロセスカートリッジ６の上方には感光ドラム６ａへレーザ光を照射する露光手段としてのスキャナユニット９が設けられている。また、本体１の搬送路１０を挟んで感光ドラム６ａに対向する位置には転写手段としての転写ローラ７が配置され、搬送路１０の更に下流には定着手段９、その更に下流には、排紙ローラ１１、及び、シート材が積載される排紙トレイ１２が設けられている。上述した本体１内の構成、及び、プロセスカートリッジ６が、シート材に画像形成を行う画像形成部として機能する。 [Image forming apparatus]
FIG. 1A is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus main body 1 (hereinafter, main body 1) includes a paper feed cassette 2 that accommodates a sheet material at a lower portion. The sheet material accommodated in the sheet feeding cassette 2 is fed to the conveyance path 10 by a feeding unit 3 having a sheet feeding conveyance roller and the like, and is conveyed through the conveyance path 10 by the conveyance rollers 4 and 5. The main body 1 is detachably mounted with a process cartridge 6 in which a photosensitive drum 6a, a charging unit (not shown) as an electrophotographic process unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit are integrated. A scanner unit 9 is provided above the process cartridge 6 of the main body 1 as exposure means for irradiating the photosensitive drum 6a with laser light. A transfer roller 7 serving as a transfer unit is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 6a across the conveyance path 10 of the main body 1. The fixing unit 9 is disposed further downstream of the conveyance path 10, and the discharge roller is disposed further downstream. A paper roller 11 and a paper discharge tray 12 on which sheet materials are stacked are provided. The above-described configuration in the main body 1 and the process cartridge 6 function as an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet material.

次に画像形成部の画像形成動作について説明する。画像形成動作が開始すると、給紙カセット２に積載されているシート材を１枚ずつ搬送する。次に、回転する感光ドラム６ａを、帯電手段より表面を帯電し、スキャナユニット９により露光して潜像を形成し、その後、現像手段より潜像をトナーによって可視化（現像）する。このようなプロセスを経て、感光ドラム６ａ上にトナー像を形成する。 Next, an image forming operation of the image forming unit will be described. When the image forming operation is started, the sheet materials stacked in the sheet feeding cassette 2 are conveyed one by one. Next, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 6a is charged by the charging unit and exposed by the scanner unit 9 to form a latent image, and then the latent image is visualized (developed) by toner from the developing unit. Through such a process, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 6a.

そして、感光ドラム６ａ上のトナー像とタイミングを合わせて、感光ドラム６ａと転写ローラ７とで形成された転写ニップにシート材を搬送し、転写ローラ７に印加された転写バイアス電圧により、シート材上に感光ドラム６ａ上からシート材へトナー像を転写する。その後、トナー像を転写したシート材を定着手段８へ搬送し、熱及び圧力を加えてトナー像をシート材に定着させる。最後にトナー像を定着したシート材を搬送し、排紙ローラ１１で排紙トレイ１２上に排出する。このような画像形成動作によって、シート材上にトナー像を形成する。 Then, the sheet material is conveyed to a transfer nip formed by the photosensitive drum 6 a and the transfer roller 7 in synchronization with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 6 a, and the sheet material is generated by the transfer bias voltage applied to the transfer roller 7. A toner image is transferred onto the sheet material from the photosensitive drum 6a. Thereafter, the sheet material to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 8 and heat and pressure are applied to fix the toner image on the sheet material. Finally, the sheet material on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 12 by the paper discharge roller 11. By such an image forming operation, a toner image is formed on the sheet material.

図１（ｂ）は、本体１の外観図である。本体１の外装の一部には、プロセスカートリッジ６の着脱や、ジャム処理等のメンテナンスを行う為に本体１内部を開放可能な開閉部材としてのカバー部材１３が設けられている。カバー部材は回動軸１４を中心として回動し、本体１に対して開閉可能で、本体１に対して開いた第１位置で本体１内部を開放し、本体１に対して閉じた第２位置で本体１閉じる。カバー部材１３を開く際は、カバー部材１３の自重に抗してカバー部材１３を移動させ、カバー部材を閉じる際はカバー部材１３の自重に沿う方向へ移動させることになる。このため、本体１には、カバー部材１３が勢いよく閉まることを防ぐためのダンパー機構１００（図２参照）が設けられている。また、このダンパー機構１００により、本体１に対して開いた第１位置と閉じた第２位置との間の任意の第３位置で開閉部材を保持することが可能である。 FIG. 1B is an external view of the main body 1. A cover member 13 serving as an opening / closing member capable of opening the inside of the main body 1 is provided in a part of the exterior of the main body 1 in order to perform maintenance such as attachment / detachment of the process cartridge 6 and jam processing. The cover member rotates about the rotation shaft 14, can be opened / closed with respect to the main body 1, opens the main body 1 at a first position opened with respect to the main body 1, and closes with respect to the main body 1. Close the main body 1 at the position. When opening the cover member 13, the cover member 13 is moved against the weight of the cover member 13, and when closing the cover member, the cover member 13 is moved in a direction along the weight of the cover member 13. For this reason, the main body 1 is provided with a damper mechanism 100 (see FIG. 2) for preventing the cover member 13 from closing with force. Further, the damper mechanism 100 can hold the opening / closing member at an arbitrary third position between the first position opened with respect to the main body 1 and the second position closed.

［ダンパー機構１００］
図２はダンパー機構１００の斜視図である。ダンパー機構１００は、カバー部材１３を押圧し、回動軸１８に支持され軸回りに回動可能な押圧部材１５、押圧部材１５に押圧力を付与するバネ１６、押圧部材１５とでカバー部材１３を挟む受け部材１７を有する。押圧部材１５はバネ１６の作用によりカバー部材１３に当接し、受け部材１７に向かって押圧する。この構成により、カバー部材１３と押圧部材１５との間の摩擦力、及び、カバー部材１３と受け部材１７との間の摩擦力が、カバー部材１３の移動を阻害する負荷となり、カバー部材１３が勢いよく動くことを防いでいる。また、この摩擦力による負荷により、カバー部材１３を任意の第３位置で保持することができる。なお、カバー部材１３を押圧部材１５と受け部材１７で挟むような構成にすることで、カバー部材１３のねじれやガタを軽減することができる。 [Damper mechanism 100]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the damper mechanism 100. The damper mechanism 100 presses the cover member 13, is supported by the rotation shaft 18, can be rotated around the shaft, the spring 16 applies a pressing force to the pressing member 15, and the pressing member 15. It has the receiving member 17 which pinches | interposes. The pressing member 15 contacts the cover member 13 by the action of the spring 16 and presses it toward the receiving member 17. With this configuration, the frictional force between the cover member 13 and the pressing member 15 and the frictional force between the cover member 13 and the receiving member 17 become loads that impede the movement of the cover member 13. It prevents moving vigorously. Further, the cover member 13 can be held at an arbitrary third position by the load due to the frictional force. Note that the cover member 13 is configured to be sandwiched between the pressing member 15 and the receiving member 17, whereby the twist and backlash of the cover member 13 can be reduced.

また、カバー部材１３には、押圧部材１５及び受け部材１７に挟まれ当接する被押圧部１３ａが一体的に形成されている。被押圧部１３ａは回動軸１４からの半径（距離）がｒ１からｒ２（ｒ２＞ｒ１）へと徐々に大きくなるように形成されており、被押圧部１３ａの押圧部材１５と当接する箇所の回動軸１４からの距離が、カバー部材１３を閉じるに従い大きくなるように構成してある。この構成により、カバー部材１３が閉まるに従い、回動軸１４周りのモーメントとしてカバー部材１３に作用する押圧部材１５とカバー部材１３との間の摩擦力が徐々に大きくなる。従って、カバー部材１３の開き角度が小さい時ほどダンパー機構１００による保持効果が高まる。 Further, the cover member 13 is integrally formed with a pressed portion 13 a that is sandwiched between and in contact with the pressing member 15 and the receiving member 17. The pressed portion 13a is formed so that the radius (distance) from the rotation shaft 14 gradually increases from r1 to r2 (r2> r1), and the pressed portion 13a is in contact with the pressing member 15 of the pressed portion 13a. The distance from the rotating shaft 14 is configured to increase as the cover member 13 is closed. With this configuration, as the cover member 13 is closed, the frictional force between the pressing member 15 and the cover member 13 acting on the cover member 13 as a moment around the rotation shaft 14 gradually increases. Therefore, the holding effect by the damper mechanism 100 increases as the opening angle of the cover member 13 is smaller.

図３はダンパー機構１００を押圧部材１５の回動軸１８の方向から見た図である。図３（ａ）に示すように、押圧部材１５が回転支点（回動軸）１８を持ち、押圧部材１５の移動を許される方向が、一方は押圧部材１５をカバー部材１３の被押圧部１３ａに押し付ける方向（図中Ａ方向）である。他方は押圧部材１５がカバー部材１３の被押圧部１３ａから遠ざかる方向（図中Ｂ方向）である。被押圧部１３ａの押圧部材１５と当接する面１３ｂ、及び、受け部材１７と当接する面１３ｃは被押圧部１３ａの移動方向に平行であり、共にカバー部材１３の回転軸１４と直交する面である。バネ１６のバネ力Ｆｂの作用により押圧部材１５はＡ方向に押圧される。このため、押圧部材１５は被押圧部１３ａを面１３ｂ、ｃの法線方向（回転軸１４の方向）の力Ｆｂ１で押圧する。従って、カバー部材１３を閉じる方向（図中Ｃ方向）に移動させようとすると、力Ｆｂ１に比例した摩擦力Ｒが作用する。 FIG. 3 is a view of the damper mechanism 100 as viewed from the direction of the rotation shaft 18 of the pressing member 15. As shown in FIG. 3A, the pressing member 15 has a rotation fulcrum (rotating shaft) 18, and the direction in which the pressing member 15 is allowed to move is that the pressing member 15 is pressed against the pressed portion 13 a of the cover member 13. It is a direction (A direction in the figure) to press on the. The other is the direction in which the pressing member 15 moves away from the pressed portion 13a of the cover member 13 (the B direction in the figure). A surface 13b of the pressed portion 13a that comes into contact with the pressing member 15 and a surface 13c that comes into contact with the receiving member 17 are parallel to the moving direction of the pressed portion 13a, and are both surfaces orthogonal to the rotation shaft 14 of the cover member 13. is there. The pressing member 15 is pressed in the A direction by the action of the spring force Fb of the spring 16. For this reason, the pressing member 15 presses the pressed portion 13a with a force Fb1 in the normal direction of the surfaces 13b and c (the direction of the rotating shaft 14). Accordingly, when the cover member 13 is moved in the closing direction (C direction in the figure), a frictional force R proportional to the force Fb1 is applied.

図３（ｂ）はカバー部材１３が閉じる方向（図示Ｃ方向）に移動しようとした場合に押圧部材１５が被押圧部１３ａから受ける力を示している。この時、押圧部材１５には摩擦力Ｒの反力である摩擦力ＦｍがＣ方向に作用する。この摩擦力Ｄは接線方向の成分Ｆｍ１と回転軸方向の成分Ｆｍ２に分解でき、図３（ｃ）に示すようにＤ１のカバー部材１３の面１３ｂ、ｃの法線方向成分の力Ｆｍ１１が発生する。なお、回転軸方向成分の力Ｆｍ２は回転軸１８からの反作用により相殺する。この為、被押圧部１３ａには面１３ｂ、ｃの法線方向に作用する力は、Ｆｂ１＋Ｆｍ１１となり、摩擦力Ｒが増加する。このように、カバー部材１３をＣ方向に動かす際は、被押圧部１３ａと押圧部材１５との間の摩擦力によって押圧部材１５をカバー部材１３に押し付けるような力Ｆｍ１１が発生するため、押圧部材１５による押圧力が増す。このため、最終的にカバー部材１３の移動を妨げようとする摩擦力Ｒが増す。このように、カバー部材を開く方向（Ｃ方向）に移動させる際は、ダンパー機構１００はいわゆる食い込み勝手と言われる状態となり、カバー部材１３を保持する保持力が比較的大きくなる。 FIG. 3B shows the force that the pressing member 15 receives from the pressed portion 13a when the cover member 13 is about to move in the closing direction (direction C in the drawing). At this time, a frictional force Fm, which is a reaction force of the frictional force R, acts on the pressing member 15 in the C direction. This frictional force D can be decomposed into a tangential component Fm1 and a rotational axis component Fm2, and as shown in FIG. 3C, a force Fm11 of the normal component of the surfaces 13b and c of the cover member 13 of D1 is generated. To do. The force Fm2 of the rotation axis direction component cancels out due to the reaction from the rotation shaft 18. For this reason, the force acting on the pressed portion 13a in the normal direction of the surfaces 13b and c is Fb1 + Fm11, and the frictional force R increases. Thus, when the cover member 13 is moved in the C direction, a force Fm11 that presses the pressing member 15 against the cover member 13 is generated by the frictional force between the pressed portion 13a and the pressing member 15. The pressing force by 15 increases. For this reason, the frictional force R which finally tries to prevent the movement of the cover member 13 increases. As described above, when the cover member is moved in the opening direction (C direction), the damper mechanism 100 is in a so-called bite-in state and the holding force for holding the cover member 13 is relatively large.

一方で、図３（ｄ）に示すように、カバー部材１３が開く方向（図中Ｄ方向）に動作する場合、押圧部材１５は、被押圧部１３ａから受ける摩擦力Ｆｍの接線方向の力Ｆｍ１により、カバー部材１３から遠ざかる方向へ移動するような力を受ける。このため、被押圧部１３ａを面１３ｂ、ｃの法線方向で押圧する押圧力が減少し、最終的にカバー部材１３の移動を妨げようとする摩擦力が減る。このように、カバー部材を閉じる方向（Ｄ方向）に移動させる際は、ダンパー機構１００はいわゆる逃げ勝手と言われる状態となり、カバー部材１３を保持する保持力が比較的小さくなる。 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), when the cover member 13 operates in the opening direction (D direction in the figure), the pressing member 15 is a tangential force Fm1 of the frictional force Fm received from the pressed portion 13a. Thus, a force that moves in a direction away from the cover member 13 is received. For this reason, the pressing force that presses the pressed portion 13a in the normal direction of the surfaces 13b and c is reduced, and the frictional force that finally prevents the movement of the cover member 13 is reduced. As described above, when the cover member is moved in the closing direction (D direction), the damper mechanism 100 is in a state of so-called escape, and the holding force for holding the cover member 13 is relatively small.

上述した、食い込み勝手、逃げ勝手となるのは、カバー部材１３を閉じる際に押圧部材１５と被押圧部１３ａとの当接箇所において被押圧部１３ａが移動する方向に関して、押圧部材１５の回動軸１８が被押圧部１３ａの下流側にあるからである。 The above-described bite-in and escape-out are the rotation of the pressing member 15 with respect to the direction in which the pressed portion 13a moves at the contact point between the pressing member 15 and the pressed portion 13a when the cover member 13 is closed. This is because the shaft 18 is on the downstream side of the pressed portion 13a.

なお、本実施形態では、被押圧部１３ａが回動軸１４からの半径（距離）がｒ１からｒ２（ｒ２＞ｒ１）へと徐々に大きくなるように形成したが、被押圧部１３ａの全てで半径が一定であっても構わない。もしくは、一部は半径が徐々に変化し、他の部分は半径が一定である構成でも構わない。 In the present embodiment, the pressed portion 13a is formed so that the radius (distance) from the rotation shaft 14 gradually increases from r1 to r2 (r2> r1). However, in all of the pressed portions 13a. The radius may be constant. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the radius gradually changes in part and the radius is constant in other portions.

なお、本実施形態ではカバー部材１３の回転軸１４と押圧部材１５の回転軸１８とが、直交、もしくは、ねじれの関係になっている。 In the present embodiment, the rotating shaft 14 of the cover member 13 and the rotating shaft 18 of the pressing member 15 are orthogonal or twisted.

このように、本実施形態では、カバー部材１３の保持力として作用し、カバー部材の移動を妨げる摩擦力が、カバー部材１３を閉じる場合と開く場合と異なるようにした。具体的には、所定の位置（第３位置）にあるカバー部材１３を、重力に抗して移動させる時（移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直上方向に移動する時）の方が、重力に沿って移動させる時（移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直下方向に移動する時）よりも摩擦力（保持力）が小さくなるようにした。換言すれば、所定の位置（第３位置）にあるカバー部材１３を、重力に抗して移動させる時（移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直上方向に移動する時）の方が、重力に沿って移動させる時（移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直下方向に移動する時）よりも移動を開始させるのに必要な力が小さくなるようにした。このため、重力に抗してカバー部材１３を移動する場合の操作性を向上することができる。 Thus, in this embodiment, the frictional force that acts as a holding force of the cover member 13 and prevents the movement of the cover member is made different from when the cover member 13 is closed and when the cover member 13 is opened. Specifically, when the cover member 13 at a predetermined position (third position) is moved against gravity (when the cover member 13 moves at least vertically upward due to the movement), the cover member 13 is more susceptible to gravity. The frictional force (holding force) is made smaller than when the cover member 13 is moved along (when the cover member 13 moves at least vertically downward by the movement). In other words, when the cover member 13 at the predetermined position (third position) is moved against gravity (when the cover member 13 is moved at least vertically upward by the movement), the cover member 13 follows the gravity. The force required to start the movement is made smaller than when the cover member 13 is moved (at least when the cover member 13 is moved vertically downward by the movement). For this reason, the operativity at the time of moving the cover member 13 against gravity can be improved.

また、本実施形態では、本体１に対して可動する可動部材がカバー部材１３である場合について説明したが、本実施形態のダンパー機構１００はカバー部材１３の保持部に限らず適用可能である。即ち、ユーザが画像形成動作を制御するためのボタンやタッチパネル等やディスプレイが設けられた、操作部を保持する部分にも適用可能である。この場合、ユーザが操作部のボタン等を押圧する方向に沿う方向に操作部を移動させる時に摩擦力（保持力）が大きくなるようにし、その逆方向に移動させる時に摩擦力（保持力）が小さくなるようにすればよい。 In the present embodiment, the case where the movable member that moves relative to the main body 1 is the cover member 13 has been described. However, the damper mechanism 100 of the present embodiment is not limited to the holding portion of the cover member 13 and can be applied. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to a portion that holds an operation unit provided with buttons, a touch panel, and a display for a user to control an image forming operation. In this case, the friction force (holding force) is increased when the user moves the operation unit in a direction along the direction in which the user presses the button or the like of the operation unit, and the friction force (holding force) is increased when moving in the opposite direction. What is necessary is just to make it small.

＜第２実施形態＞
次に第２実施形態について説明する。画像形成装置全体の構成および、カバー部材１３の構成は第１実施形態と同様であるため省略する。その他の部分についても、第１実施形態と同様の部分については同様の符号を付し説明を省略する。図４はダンパー機構２００の斜視図である。本実施形態の特徴は、押圧部材１５において、カバー部材１３の移動方向によって被押圧部１３ａに当接する部分が異なることである。即ち、押圧部材は、カバー部材１３を閉じる時に被押圧部１３ａに当接する第１押圧部（第１当接部）１５ａと、カバー部材１３を開く時に被押圧部１３ａに当接する第２押圧部（第２当接部）１５ｂを備える。更に、第１押圧部１５ａよりも第２押圧部１５ｂの方が被押圧部１３ａとの摩擦係数の小さい材質である。なお、第１実施形態と同様に、被押圧部１３ａは、カバー部材１３の回動軸１４からの距離がｒ１からｒ２へと徐々に大きくなるよう形成され、カバー部材１３の開き角度が小さい時ほどダンパー機構２００の保持効果が高まる構成である。 Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus and the configuration of the cover member 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. For the other parts, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the damper mechanism 200. The feature of this embodiment is that the portion of the pressing member 15 that contacts the pressed portion 13a differs depending on the moving direction of the cover member 13. That is, the pressing member includes a first pressing portion (first contacting portion) 15a that contacts the pressed portion 13a when the cover member 13 is closed, and a second pressing portion that contacts the pressed portion 13a when the cover member 13 is opened. (Second contact portion) 15b is provided. Furthermore, the second pressing portion 15b is made of a material having a smaller coefficient of friction with the pressed portion 13a than the first pressing portion 15a. As in the first embodiment, the pressed portion 13a is formed such that the distance from the rotation shaft 14 of the cover member 13 gradually increases from r1 to r2, and the opening angle of the cover member 13 is small. As shown, the holding effect of the damper mechanism 200 increases.

次に、ダンパー機構２００について説明する。図５はダンパー機構２００を押圧部材１５の回動軸１８の方向から見た図である。押圧部材１５は回動軸１８回りに回動可能で、且つ、回動軸１８自体がＺ方向（カバー部材１３の回動軸１３の方向）に移動可能である。そして押圧部材１５はバネ１６によってＺ方向に押圧されている。 Next, the damper mechanism 200 will be described. FIG. 5 is a view of the damper mechanism 200 as seen from the direction of the rotating shaft 18 of the pressing member 15. The pressing member 15 can rotate around the rotation shaft 18, and the rotation shaft 18 itself can move in the Z direction (the direction of the rotation shaft 13 of the cover member 13). The pressing member 15 is pressed in the Z direction by a spring 16.

図５（ａ）はカバー部材１３を、カバー部材１３を閉じる方向（図中Ｇ方向）に操作した場合の押圧部材１５の姿勢を示しており、被押圧部１３ａは第１押圧部１５ａと当接している。一方で、図５（ｂ）に示すように、カバー部材１３を、カバーを開く方向（図中Ｈ方向）に移動させると、押圧部材１５は姿勢変え第２押圧部１５ｂの部分で被押圧部１３ａと当接する。そして、第１押圧部１５ａよりも第２押圧部１５ｂの方が被押圧部１３ａとの摩擦係数の小さい材質としている。このため、カバー部材１３を開く方向に操作する場合の方が、閉じる操作をする場合に比べ摩擦力による負荷が小さくなる。 FIG. 5A shows the posture of the pressing member 15 when the cover member 13 is operated in the direction in which the cover member 13 is closed (G direction in the figure). The pressed portion 13a is in contact with the first pressing portion 15a. It touches. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the cover member 13 is moved in the direction of opening the cover (the H direction in the figure), the pressing member 15 changes the posture and is the portion to be pressed at the second pressing portion 15b. 13a abuts. The second pressing portion 15b is made of a material having a smaller coefficient of friction with the pressed portion 13a than the first pressing portion 15a. For this reason, the load caused by the frictional force is smaller when the cover member 13 is operated in the opening direction than when the cover member 13 is closed.

このように、本実施形態では、第１実施形態と同様に、カバー部材１３の保持力として作用し、カバー部材の移動を妨げる摩擦力が、カバー部材１３を閉じる場合と開く場合と異なるようにした。具体的には、所定の位置（第３位置）にあるカバー部材１３を、移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直上方向に移動する時の方が、移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直下方向に移動する時よりも摩擦力（保持力）が小さくなるようにした。換言すれば、所定の位置（第３位置）にあるカバー部材１３を、移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直上方向に移動する時の方が、移動によりカバー部材１３が少なくとも鉛直下方向に移動する時よりも移動を開始させるのに必要な力が小さくなるようにした。このため、重力に抗してカバー部材１３を移動する場合の操作性を向上することができる。 Thus, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the frictional force that acts as a holding force for the cover member 13 and prevents the movement of the cover member is different from when the cover member 13 is closed and when the cover member 13 is opened. did. Specifically, when the cover member 13 at a predetermined position (third position) is moved at least vertically upward by the movement, the cover member 13 is moved at least vertically downward by the movement. The frictional force (holding force) was made smaller than when it was done. In other words, when the cover member 13 at the predetermined position (third position) is moved at least vertically upward by the movement, the cover member 13 is moved at least vertically downward by the movement. The force required to start moving is less than the time. For this reason, the operativity at the time of moving the cover member 13 against gravity can be improved.

また、本実施形態では、本体１に対して可動する可動部材がカバー部材１３である場合について説明したが、本実施形態のダンパー機構２００はカバー部材１３の保持部に限らず適用可能である。即ち、ユーザが画像形成動作を制御するためのボタンやタッチパネル等やディスプレイが設けられた、操作部を保持する部分にも適用可能である。この場合、ユーザが操作部のボタン等を押圧する方向に沿う方向に操作部を移動させる時に摩擦力（保持力）が大きくなるようにし、その逆方向に移動させる時に摩擦力（保持力）が小さくなるようにすればよい。 In the present embodiment, the case where the movable member movable with respect to the main body 1 is the cover member 13 has been described. However, the damper mechanism 200 of the present embodiment is applicable not only to the holding portion of the cover member 13. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to a portion that holds an operation unit provided with buttons, a touch panel, and a display for a user to control an image forming operation. In this case, the friction force (holding force) is increased when the user moves the operation unit in a direction along the direction in which the user presses the button or the like of the operation unit, and the friction force (holding force) is increased when moving in the opposite direction. What is necessary is just to make it small.

また本実施形態では、第１押圧部１５ａ、第２押圧部１５ｂの材質を変えることによって摩擦力の調整を容易に行うことができ、適切に保持力を設定することができる。 In this embodiment, the frictional force can be easily adjusted by changing the material of the first pressing portion 15a and the second pressing portion 15b, and the holding force can be set appropriately.

＜第３実施形態＞
次に第３実施形態について説明する。画像形成装置全体の構成および、カバー部材１３の構成は第１実施形態と同様であるため省略する。その他の部分についても、第１実施形態と同様の部分については同様の符号を付し説明を省略する。図６はダンパー機構３００の概略図である。本実施形態の特徴は、押圧部材１５がカバー部材１３の被押圧部１３ａを押圧する方向がカバー部材１３の回動軸１４に直交する方向であることである。つまり、本実施形態では、カバー部材１３の回転軸１４と押圧部材１５の回転軸１８と実質的に平行であり、押圧部材と回動軸１４との間にカバー部材１３を挟んで押圧する構成である。 <Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the entire image forming apparatus and the configuration of the cover member 13 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. For the other parts, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the damper mechanism 300. The feature of this embodiment is that the direction in which the pressing member 15 presses the pressed portion 13 a of the cover member 13 is a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 14 of the cover member 13. In other words, in the present embodiment, the rotating shaft 14 of the cover member 13 and the rotating shaft 18 of the pressing member 15 are substantially parallel, and the cover member 13 is pressed between the pressing member and the rotating shaft 14. It is.

本実施形態では、第１実施形態と同様に、被押圧部１３ａは、カバー部材１３の回動軸１４からの距離がｒ１からｒ２へと徐々に大きくなるよう形成され、カバー部材１３の開き角度が小さい時ほどダンパー機構３００の保持効果が高まる構成である。更に本実施形態においては、押圧部材１５が、カバー部材１３の回動軸１４に直交する方向に被押圧部１３ａを押圧しているので、カバー部材１３が閉まるに従い、バネ１５の押圧力がアップし負荷を増す構成となっている。従って、カバー部材１３の開き角度が小さい時ほどダンパー機構３００の保持効果を一層高めることができる。 In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the pressed portion 13a is formed such that the distance of the cover member 13 from the rotation shaft 14 gradually increases from r1 to r2, and the opening angle of the cover member 13 is increased. The smaller the is, the higher the holding effect of the damper mechanism 300 is. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing member 15 presses the pressed portion 13a in a direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 14 of the cover member 13, so that the pressing force of the spring 15 increases as the cover member 13 is closed. However, the load is increased. Therefore, the holding effect of the damper mechanism 300 can be further enhanced as the opening angle of the cover member 13 is smaller.

図６（ａ）は押圧部材１５の保持構成の詳細を表している。押圧部材１５が回転支点１８を持ち、押圧部材１５の移動を許される方向が、一方は押圧部材１５を、カバー部材１３を押し付ける方向（図中Ｉ方向）、他方は押圧部材がカバー部材１３から遠ざかる方向（図中Ｊ方向）である。 FIG. 6A shows details of the holding structure of the pressing member 15. The direction in which the pressing member 15 has the rotation fulcrum 18 and the movement of the pressing member 15 is permitted is one in which the pressing member 15 is pressed against the cover member 13 (direction I in the figure), and the other is the pressing member from the cover member 13. It is the direction (J direction in the figure) going away.

図６（ｂ）はカバー部材１３が閉じる方向（図中Ｋ方向）に動作する場合の押圧部材１５にかかる力を示しているおり、第１実施形態と同様に押圧部材１５に作用する摩擦力Ｍが押圧部材１５をカバー部材１３に押し付ける方向へ移動させようとし押圧力を増す。いわゆる食い込み勝手の状態となる。 FIG. 6B shows the force applied to the pressing member 15 when the cover member 13 operates in the closing direction (K direction in the figure), and the frictional force acting on the pressing member 15 as in the first embodiment. M attempts to move the pressing member 15 in the direction in which the pressing member 15 is pressed against the cover member 13 and increases the pressing force. It will be in a state of so-called bite.

図６（ｃ）はカバー部材１３が開く方向（図中Ｌ方向）に動作する場合の押圧部材１５にかかる力を示しており、押圧部材１５に作用する摩擦力Ｎが押圧部材１５をカバー部材１３から遠ざかる方向へ移動させようとし押圧力を減少させる。いわゆる逃げ勝手の状態となる。 FIG. 6C shows the force applied to the pressing member 15 when the cover member 13 operates in the opening direction (L direction in the figure), and the frictional force N acting on the pressing member 15 causes the pressing member 15 to cover the pressing member 15. Attempt to move in a direction away from 13 reduces the pressing force. It becomes a so-called escape state.

従って、カバー部材１３を重力に抗して移動させるときには重力に沿うように移動させるとき比べ摩擦力による負荷が小さい。そのため、重力に抗してカバー部材１３を操作する場合の操作感を向上することができる。 Therefore, when the cover member 13 is moved against the gravity, the load due to the frictional force is smaller than when the cover member 13 is moved along the gravity. Therefore, the operational feeling when operating the cover member 13 against gravity can be improved.

また、図８のようにカバー部材１３の被押圧部１３ａに斜面１３ｂを設けてもよい。この構成によって、カバー部材１３を閉め終る直前に、押圧部材１５の押圧力Ｆがカバー部材１３を閉じる方向に作用し、これによってカバー部材１３を引き込み確実に閉じることができる。また、カバー部材１３が閉まる際に本体１に当接してバウンドすることも防止もできる。 Moreover, you may provide the slope 13b in the to-be-pressed part 13a of the cover member 13 like FIG. With this configuration, immediately before the cover member 13 is closed, the pressing force F of the pressing member 15 acts in the direction in which the cover member 13 is closed, whereby the cover member 13 can be pulled in and reliably closed. Further, when the cover member 13 is closed, it can also be prevented from bouncing against the main body 1.

また、本実施形態では、本体１に対して可動する可動部材がカバー部材１３である場合について説明したが、本実施形態のダンパー機構３００はカバー部材１３の保持部に限らず適用可能である。即ち、ユーザが画像形成動作を制御するためのボタンやタッチパネル等やディスプレイが設けられた、操作部を保持する部分にも適用可能である。この場合、ユーザが操作部のボタン等を押圧する方向に沿う方向に操作部を移動させる時に摩擦力（保持力）が大きくなるようにし、その逆方向に移動させる時に摩擦力（保持力）が小さくなるようにすればよい。 In the present embodiment, the case where the movable member that is movable relative to the main body 1 is the cover member 13 has been described. However, the damper mechanism 300 according to the present embodiment is applicable not only to the holding portion of the cover member 13. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to a portion that holds an operation unit provided with buttons, a touch panel, and a display for a user to control an image forming operation. In this case, the friction force (holding force) is increased when the user moves the operation unit in a direction along the direction in which the user presses the button or the like of the operation unit, and the friction force (holding force) is increased when moving in the opposite direction. What is necessary is just to make it small.

１画像形成装置本体（本体）
１３カバー部材
１３ａ被押圧部
１４カバー部材の回動軸
１５押圧部材
１６バネ
１７受け部材
１８押圧部材の回動支点（回動軸）
１００、２００、３００ダンパー機構 1 Image forming device body (main body)
13 Cover member 13a Pressed portion 14 Rotating shaft of cover member 15 Pressing member 16 Spring 17 Receiving member 18 Rotating fulcrum (rotating shaft) of pressing member
100, 200, 300 Damper mechanism

Claims

装置本体に対して移動し、装置本体内を開放可能な開閉部材と、前記開閉部材を保持する保持部と、を有し、前記開閉部材が第１位置と第２位置との間を移動可能な画像形成装置において、
前記第１位置と前記第２位置の間の位置を第３位置とすると、前記開閉部材を第３位置から第２位置に向かって移動すると、前記開閉部材は少なくとも鉛直下方向に移動し、前記開閉部材を第３位置から第１位置に向かって移動すると、前記開閉部材は少なくとも鉛直上方向に移動し、
前記開閉部材を前記第３位置から前記第２位置に向かって移動を開始させる際に必要な力が、前記開閉部材を前記第３位置から前記第１位置に向かって移動を開始させる際に必要な力よりも大きくなるよう、前記保持部が前記可動部材を保持していることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 An opening / closing member that moves relative to the apparatus body and can open the inside of the apparatus body, and a holding portion that holds the opening / closing member, and the opening / closing member is movable between a first position and a second position. In an image forming apparatus,
Assuming that the position between the first position and the second position is the third position, when the opening / closing member is moved from the third position toward the second position, the opening / closing member moves at least vertically downward, When the opening / closing member is moved from the third position toward the first position, the opening / closing member moves at least vertically upward,
The force required to start the movement of the opening / closing member from the third position toward the second position is necessary for starting the movement of the opening / closing member from the third position toward the first position. An image forming apparatus, wherein the holding portion holds the movable member so as to be larger than a certain force.

前記保持部は、前記開閉部材に当接することで前記開閉部材の移動を阻害するように前記開閉部材へ摩擦力を付与する押圧部材を備えることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit includes a pressing member that applies a frictional force to the opening and closing member so as to inhibit movement of the opening and closing member by contacting the opening and closing member. .

前記押圧部材は軸回りに回動可能であり、前記開閉部材を前記第３位置から前記第２位置に向かって移動させる際の、前記押圧部材と開閉部材との当接箇所における前記開閉部材の移動方向に関して、前記押圧部材の軸は、前記当接箇所の下流側にあることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の画像形成装置。 The pressing member is rotatable about an axis, and the opening / closing member at a contact portion between the pressing member and the opening / closing member when the opening / closing member is moved from the third position toward the second position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an axis of the pressing member is on a downstream side of the contact portion with respect to a moving direction.

前記開閉部材は軸回りに回動することにより装置本体に対して移動し、前記開閉部材の軸と前記押圧部材の軸とが直交、又は、ねじれの関係になっていることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の画像形成装置。 The opening / closing member moves relative to the apparatus main body by rotating about an axis, and the axis of the opening / closing member and the axis of the pressing member are orthogonal or twisted. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to Item 3.

前記開閉部材は軸回りに回動することにより装置本体に対して移動し、前記開閉部材の軸と前記押圧部材の軸とが実質的に平行であることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の画像形成装置。 The said opening / closing member moves with respect to the apparatus main body by rotating around an axis, and the axis of the opening / closing member and the axis of the pressing member are substantially parallel. Image forming apparatus.

前記押圧部材は、前記開閉部材を前記第３位置から前記第２位置に向かって移動させる際に前記開閉部材に当接する第１当接部と、前記開閉部材を前記第３位置から前記第２位置に向かって移動させる際に前記開閉部材に当接する第２当接部と、を備え、前記開閉部材と前記第１当接部との間の摩擦係数よりも前記開閉部材と前記第２当接部との間の摩擦係数の方が小さいことを特徴とする請求項２に記載の画像形成装置。 The pressing member includes a first contact portion that contacts the opening / closing member when the opening / closing member is moved from the third position toward the second position, and the opening / closing member from the third position to the second position. A second abutting portion that abuts on the opening / closing member when moving toward the position, and the friction coefficient between the opening / closing member and the first abutting portion is greater than the coefficient of friction between the opening / closing member and the second abutting portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a coefficient of friction between the contact portion and the contact portion is smaller.

前記開閉部材は軸回りに回動することにより装置本体に対して移動し、前記開閉部材が前記第１位置から前記第２位置へ移動するに連れて、前記押圧部材と開閉部材との当接箇所は前記開閉部材の軸から離れていくことを特徴とする請求項１乃至６のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The opening / closing member moves with respect to the apparatus main body by rotating around the axis, and the pressing member and the opening / closing member contact each other as the opening / closing member moves from the first position to the second position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the part is separated from an axis of the opening / closing member.