Patent Publication Number: US-2023161287-A1

Title: Latch mechanism, latch device, and image forming apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-188946 filed Nov. 19, 2021. 
     BACKGROUND 
     (i) Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a latch mechanism, a latch device, and an image forming apparatus. 
     (ii) Related Art 
     An opening/closing mechanism disclosed in JP2018-65258A includes an opening/closing door rotatably supported to be movable between a closing position for covering an opening of an apparatus body and an opening position for opening the opening, an engagement member that engages with an engagement target portion rotatably supported by the opening/closing door and provided in the apparatus body, a link member rotatably supported by a rotary shaft provided in the apparatus body, and a guide member having a first guide surface rotatably supported by a support shaft in the opening/closing door, supported to be movable in a direction intersecting with a rotation direction, and moving while coming into contact with the link member when the opening/closing door moves to the closing position, and a second guide surface moving while coming into contact with the link member when the opening/closing door moves to the opening position. 
     SUMMARY 
     A latch mechanism includes an operation unit rotating a link, a moving unit (latch) rotated by a rotational force transmitted via the link, and a meshing unit (latch receiver) releasing meshing with the moving unit by rotating the moving unit. In the related art, since the moving unit rotates in this way, a region for rotating the moving unit is required. 
     Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a latch mechanism, a latch device, and an image forming apparatus which release meshing between a moving unit and a meshing unit without rotating the moving unit in a configuration in which a moving force is transmitted to the moving unit by operating an operation unit. 
     Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure address the above advantages and/or other advantages not described above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments are not required to address the advantages described above, and aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not address advantages described above. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a latch mechanism including an operation unit, a connection unit extending in one direction and having one end connected to the operation unit, a restriction unit restricting the connection unit such that the other end of the connection unit moves to one side in the one direction, in a case where the operation unit is moved to one side in an intersecting direction intersecting with the one direction, a moving unit connected to the other end of the connection unit, extending in the one direction, and moving from a first position to a second position as the other end of the connection unit moves, and a meshing unit meshing with the moving unit arranged at the first position, and releasing meshing with the moving unit arranged at the second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a configuration diagram showing a toner image forming unit provided in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are perspective views showing the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and showing a closed state and an open state of an exterior cover; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view showing an inner cover arranged at a closing position provided in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view showing the inner cover arranged at an opening position provided in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are perspective views showing an operation of a latch mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  are plan views showing an operation of the latch mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  are enlarged sectional views showing an operation of the latch mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  are enlarged perspective views showing an operation unit and a restriction unit of the latch mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Examples of a latch mechanism, a latch device, and a image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to  FIGS.  1  to  9   . An arrow H shown in the drawing indicates an apparatus up-down direction (vertical direction), an arrow W indicates an apparatus width direction (horizontal direction), and an arrow D indicates a apparatus depth direction (horizontal direction). In addition, the apparatus width direction and the apparatus depth direction are orthogonal to each other. 
     Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 
      As shown in  FIG.  1   , an image forming apparatus  10  includes an image forming unit  12  that forms a toner image by an electrophotographic method, accommodation units  60  and  62  that accommodate sheet members P, and a conveyance unit  14  that conveys the sheet members P accommodated in the accommodation units  60  and  62  along a conveyance path  16 . 
     In the image forming apparatus  10  having the above-described configuration, the sheet members P accommodated in the accommodation units  60  and  62  are conveyed along the conveyance path  16  by the conveyance unit  14 . Furthermore, the toner image formed by the image forming unit  12  is formed on the conveyed sheet member P, and the sheet member P on which the toner image is formed is discharged to an outside of an apparatus body  10   a . 
     Image Forming Unit  12   
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the image forming unit  12  includes a plurality of toner image forming units  30  that form the toner images of each color, and a transfer unit  32  that transfers the toner images formed by the toner image forming units  30  to the sheet members P. Furthermore, the image forming unit  12  includes a fixing device  34  that fixes the toner images transferred to the sheet members P by the transfer unit  32  to the sheet members P. 
     Toner Image Forming Unit  30   
     The plurality of toner image forming units  30  are provided to form the toner image for each color. In the present exemplary embodiment, the toner image forming units  30  are provided to have a total of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, in a case where yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) do not need to be distinguished from each other, Y, M, C, and K assigned to reference numerals will be omitted. 
     The toner image forming unit  30  of each color is configured in basically the same manner except for a toner to be used. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the toner image forming unit  30  includes an image holder  40  having a rotating cylindrical shape and a charger  42  that charges the image holder  40 . Furthermore, the toner image forming unit  30  includes an exposure device  44  that irradiates the charged image holder  40  with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device  46  that develops the electrostatic latent image as the toner image with a developer G containing the toner. In this manner, the toner image forming unit  30  of each color forms an image of each color by using the toner of each color. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the image holder  40  of each color is in contact with a transfer belt  50  (details will be described later) that moves around the image holder  40 . In a circumferential direction of the transfer belt  50  (refer to an arrow in the drawing), the toner image forming units  30  of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from an upstream side. 
     Transfer Unit  32   
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the transfer unit  32  includes the transfer belt  50  and first transfer rolls  52  each arranged on a side opposite to the image holder  40  of each color across the transfer belt  50  and transferring the toner image formed on the image holder  40  of each color to the transfer belt  50 . 
     In addition, the transfer unit  32  includes a winding roll  56  around which the transfer belt  50  is wound, and a drive roll  58  around which the transfer belt  50  is wound and transmitting a rotational force to the transfer belt  50 . In this manner, the transfer belt  50  turns in an arrow direction in the drawing. 
      Furthermore, the transfer unit  32  includes a second transfer roll  54  arranged on a side opposite to the winding roll  56  across the transfer belt  50  and transferring the toner image transferred to the transfer belt  50  to the sheet member P. A transfer nip NT that transfers the toner image to the sheet member P is formed between the second transfer roll  54  and the transfer belt  50 . 
     In this configuration, the toner images are first transferred to the transfer belt  50  by the first transfer roll  52  in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). On the other hand, the toner images are transferred from the transfer belt  50  to the sheet members P pinched and conveyed between the transfer belt  50  and the second transfer roll  54  by the second transfer roll  54 . Furthermore, the sheet members P to which the toner images are transferred are conveyed toward the fixing device  34 . 
     Fixing Device  34   
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the fixing device  34  is arranged on a downstream side of the transfer nip NT in a conveyance direction of the sheet members P (hereinafter, referred to as a “sheet conveyance direction”). The fixing device  34  heats and pressurizes the toner images transferred to the sheet members P, and fixes the toner images on the sheet members P. 
     Accommodation Units  60  and  62   
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the accommodation units  60  and  62  are arranged in the apparatus up-down direction. The accommodation unit  60  is arranged below the accommodation unit  62 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the accommodation unit  60  mostly accommodates the sheet member P having an A4 size, and the accommodation unit  62  mostly accommodates the sheet member P having an A3 size. In the image forming apparatus  10 , the sheet members P having the A4 size are consumed most. Therefore, the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the accommodation unit  60  accommodating the sheet members P consumed most is larger than the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the accommodation unit  62 . In other words, a thickness of the accommodation unit  60  in the apparatus up-down direction is thicker than a thickness of the accommodation unit  62  in the apparatus up-down direction. 
     Conveyance Unit  14   
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the conveyance unit  14  conveys the sheet members P accommodated in the accommodation units  60  and  62  along the conveyance path  16 . 
      Specifically, the conveyance unit  14  includes an adjustment roll  24  arranged on an upstream side of the transfer nip NT in the sheet conveyance direction, and adjusting a timing at which the sheet member P is delivered to the transfer nip NT. Furthermore, the conveyance unit  14  includes a discharge roll  26  arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device  34  in the sheet conveyance direction, and discharging the sheet member P on which the toner image is fixed to an outside of the apparatus body  10   a . 
     In addition, the conveyance unit  14  includes a delivery roll  20   a  that delivers the sheet members P accommodated in the accommodation unit  60  to the conveyance path  16 , and a prevention roll  22   a  that prevents the sheet members P delivered by the delivery roll  20   a  from being simultaneously delivered. 
     Furthermore, the conveyance unit  14  includes a delivery roll  20   b  that delivers the sheet members P accommodated in the accommodation unit  62  to the conveyance path  16 , and a prevention roll  22   b  that prevents the sheet members P delivered by the delivery roll  20   b  from being simultaneously delivered. 
      In addition, the conveyance unit  14  includes a conveyance roll  64  arranged on the downstream side of the prevention roll  22   a  in the sheet conveyance direction, and a conveyance roll  66  arranged on the downstream side of the conveyance roll  64  in the sheet conveyance direction. The conveyance roll  64  and the conveyance roll  66  are arranged in the apparatus up-down direction. 
     Furthermore, the conveyance roll  64  includes a driving roll portion  64   a  and a driven roll portion  64   b , and the driving roll portion  64   a  and the driven roll portion  64   b  are arranged in the apparatus width direction. In the apparatus width direction, a roll on the accommodation unit  60  side is the driving roll portion  64   a . 
     In addition, the conveyance roll  66  includes a driving roll portion  66   a  and a driven roll portion  66   b , and the driving roll portion  66   a  and the driven roll portion  66   b  are arranged in the apparatus width direction. In the apparatus width direction, a roll on the accommodation unit  60  side is the driving roll portion  66   a . 
     Others 
     The image forming apparatus  10  includes an exterior cover  36  that opens a side surface of the apparatus body  10   a , and an inner cover  68  that opens the conveyance path  16  of a portion conveyed by the conveyance rolls  64  and  66 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the image forming apparatus  10  includes a latch mechanism  70  attached to the inner cover  68 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the exterior cover  36  includes a rectangular cover body  36   a  extending in the apparatus up-down direction, and two hinges  36   b  attached to the cover body  36   a . The two hinges  36   b  are arranged in the apparatus up-down direction on an inner side in the apparatus depth direction. As shown in  FIG.  3 B , in a case where the exterior cover  36  is opened, the inner cover  68  can be visually recognized from the outside. 
     Details of the inner cover  68  and the latch mechanism  70  will be described later. 
     Major Configuration 
     Next, the inner cover  68  and the latch mechanism  70  will be described. 
     Inner Cover  68   
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the inner cover  68  is arranged in a lower portion of the apparatus body  10   a . The inner cover  68  includes a rectangular plate-shaped main body part  68   a  extending in the apparatus up-down direction in a case where the inner cover  68  is viewed in the apparatus width direction, a flange portion  68   b  attached to both end portions of the main body part  68   a  in the apparatus depth direction and having an L-shaped cross-sectional shape, and a shaft portion  68   c  provided in a lower portion of the main body part  68   a . The apparatus body  10   a  is an example of a main body, and the inner cover  68  is an example of an operation target and an opening unit. 
     In addition, in a central portion of the main body part  68   a  in the apparatus depth direction and in a portion above a central portion in the apparatus up-down direction, two rectangular through-holes  69  extending in the apparatus depth direction are arranged in the apparatus up-down direction. 
     The driven roll portion  64   b  is arranged in the lower through-hole  69 , and is rotatably supported by the main body part  68   a . In addition, the driven roll portion  66   b  is arranged in the upper through-hole  69 , and is rotatably supported by the main body part  68   a . A portion of the driven roll portions  64   b  and  66   b  is exposed to the conveyance path  16  (refer to  FIG.  1   ) side through the through-hole  69 . In addition, an axial direction of the shaft portion  68   c  is the apparatus depth direction. 
     In this configuration, the inner cover  68  moves between an opening position (refer to  FIG.  5   ) for opening a portion of the conveyance path  16  to the outside and a closing position (refer to  FIG.  4   ) for closing a portion of the conveyance path  16 , while the shaft portion  68   c  serves as a rotation center. The inner cover  68  is stopped at the opening position or the closing position by a stopper (not shown). 
     Latch Mechanism  70   
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the latch mechanism  70  is arranged above the driven roll portion  66   b . As shown in  FIG.  6 A , the latch mechanism  70  includes an operation unit  72  operated by an operator, a connection unit  78  having one end connected to the operation unit  72 , and a restriction unit  86  that restricts movement of the connection unit  78 . Furthermore, the latch mechanism  70  includes a moving unit  92  that moves as the connection unit  78  moves, a coil spring  96  that biases the moving unit  92 , and a meshing unit  98  (refer to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B ) that meshes with or releases meshing with the moving unit  92  which moves. 
     Operation Unit  72   
     The operation unit  72  is integrally formed of a resin material. In the present exemplary embodiment, the operation unit  72  is integrally formed by using polyacetal (POM). As shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  7 A , the operation unit  72  is arranged in the central portion of the main body part  68   a  in the apparatus depth direction, on a side opposite to the conveyance path  16  (refer to  FIG.  1   ). 
     In addition, the operation unit  72  has a U-shape in which the main body part  68   a  is open in a case where the operation unit  72  is viewed in the apparatus up-down direction, and extends in the apparatus depth direction. In a state where no operation force is applied to the operation unit  72  (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “non-load state” in some cases), an insertion space  72   a  into which a fingertip of an operator is insertable is formed between the operation unit  72  and the main body part  68   a . The insertion space  72   a  is open in the apparatus up-down direction. In other words, the insertion space  72   a  is open in a direction in which the fingertip of the operator approaches. 
     Furthermore, fingertips of the four fingers of the operator are insertable into the insertion space  72   a . Here, in the present exemplary embodiment, the insertion space  72   a  into which the fingertips of the four fingers of the operator are insertable is a space in which a dimension (L1 in  FIG.  7 A ) of the insertion space  72   a  in the apparatus depth direction is 75 mm or larger. In addition, although there is no particular limitation, for example, a range as the dimension L1 in the apparatus width direction of the insertion space  72   a  into which the four fingertips of the operator are insertable is preferably 75 mm or larger, more preferably 80 mm or larger, and still more preferably 85 mm or larger. In addition, as will be described in detail later, for example, the dimension L1 in the apparatus depth direction of the insertion space  72   a  is preferably 95 mm or smaller. In the present exemplary embodiment, the dimension L1 of the insertion space  72   a  in the apparatus depth direction is 85 mm. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  9 A , a recessed portion  72   b  whose lower surface is recessed is formed in a lower end of both end portions of the operation unit  72  in the apparatus depth direction, and one end of the connection unit  78  is arranged in the recessed portion  72   b .  FIG.  9 A  shows only one end portion of the operation unit  72 . 
     Connection Unit  78   
     The connection unit  78  and the moving unit  92  are integrally formed of a resin material. In the present exemplary embodiment, the connection unit  78  and the moving unit  92  are integrally formed by using polyacetal (POM). The connection units  78  are provided in pairs, and as shown in  FIG.  6 A , the operation units  72  are respectively arranged across the connection unit  78 . Since the pair of connection units  78  has a symmetrical configuration in the apparatus depth direction, one of the connection units  78  will be mostly described below. 
     In the no-load state, the connection unit  78  extends in the apparatus depth direction, and a cross section of the connection unit  78  has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus up-down direction. In other words, the connection unit  78  has a flat plate shape. In addition, the apparatus depth direction is an example of one direction. 
     In addition, one end of the connection unit  78  is connected to an end portion of the operation unit  72  in the apparatus depth direction. Specifically, as shown in  FIG.  9 A , an annular portion  78   a  penetrating in the apparatus up-down direction is formed in one end portion of the connection unit  78 . A screw  82  passes through the annular portion  78   a  from below, and is fastened to a screw hole (not shown) of the operation unit  72  so that one end of the connection unit  78  is rotatably connected to the end portion of the operation unit  72 . 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG.  9 B , a rib  78   c  protruding in a plate thickness direction of the connection unit  78  is formed in the other end portion of the connection unit  78 . Furthermore, the moving unit  92  is connected to the other end of the connection unit  78 . 
     Restriction Unit  86   
     The restriction unit  86  is integrally formed of a resin material. In the present exemplary embodiment, the restriction unit  86  is integrally formed by using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The restriction units  86  are provided in pairs, and as shown in  FIG.  6 A , the restriction units  86  are arranged in both end portions of the main body part  68   a  in the apparatus depth direction. Since the pair of restriction units  86  has a symmetrical configuration in the apparatus depth direction, one of the restriction units  86  will be mostly described below. 
     The restriction unit  86  is attached to the main body part  68   a  by using an attachment member (not shown) . The restriction unit  86  has a rectangular shape in a case where the restriction unit  86  is viewed in the apparatus width direction, and has a recessed shape whose one side is open in the apparatus width direction. Furthermore, a portion of the restriction unit  86  is arranged inside the flange portion  68   b . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG.  8 A , a through-hole  88   a  into which the other end portion of the connection unit  78  is inserted is formed in a side plate  86   a  facing the operation unit  72  side in the restriction unit  86 . In this manner, the restriction unit  86  restricts the movement of the other end of the connection unit  78  in the apparatus depth direction. 
     In addition, a through-hole  88   b  into which the moving unit  92  is inserted is formed in a side plate  86   b  facing the side opposite to the operation unit  72  side in the restriction unit  86 . A through-hole (reference numeral omitted) into which the moving unit  92  is inserted is also formed in the flange portion  68   b  that overlaps the side plate  86   b  of the moving unit  92 . Furthermore, a rib  90  protruding into the restriction unit  86  is formed in a portion on the side plate  86   b  side in a bottom plate  86   c  of the restriction unit  86 . 
     In addition, the rib  78   c  formed in the other end portion of the connection unit  78  is arranged inside the restriction unit  86 . In the no-load state, the rib  78   c  and the side plate  86   a  of the restriction unit  86  are separated from each other in the apparatus depth direction. 
     Moving Unit  92  and Coil Spring  96   
     As described above, the moving unit  92  and the connection unit  78  are integrally formed of a resin material. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 A , the moving units  92  are provided in pairs. Since the pair of moving units  92  has a symmetrical configuration in the apparatus depth direction, one of the moving units  92  will be mostly described below. 
     In a state where the inner cover  68  is arranged at the closing position, the moving unit  92  is arranged on the inner cover  68  side with respect to the conveyance path  16  in a case where the moving unit  92  is viewed in the apparatus depth direction. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG.  9 B , the moving unit  92  has a columnar shape extending in the apparatus depth direction. As shown in  FIG.  8 A , a tapered surface  92   a  facing the conveyance path  16  side (refer to  FIG.  1   ) in the apparatus width direction is formed in a tip of the moving unit  92 . 
     In addition, an E-ring  94  is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the moving unit  92 . A coil spring  96  is arranged between the E-ring  94  and the side plate  86   a . The coil spring  96  is an example of a biasing unit. 
     The coil spring  96  (hereinafter, referred to as a “spring  96 ”) is a compression coil spring, and a portion of the moving unit  92  and the other end portion of the connection unit  78  are arranged inside the spring  96 . 
     In addition, in the no-load state, the connection unit  78 , the restriction unit  86 , the moving unit  92 , and the coil spring  96  are arranged in a region where the operation unit  72  is arranged in the apparatus width direction. 
     In this configuration, the spring  96  biases the moving unit  92  to the other side in the apparatus depth direction. The E-ring  94  comes into contact with the rib  90  to restrict the movement of the moving unit  92 . In this state, the moving unit  92  is arranged at the first position (refer to  FIG.  8 A ). 
     Furthermore, in a case where the operator inserts the fingertip into the insertion space  72   a  of the operation unit  72 , the operation unit  72  is elastically deformed (refer to a two-dot chain line in  FIG.  7 A ). In this manner, a pad of the fingertip of the operator is insertable into the insertion space  72   a . Furthermore, in a case where the operator applies an operation force to the operation unit  72  and moves the operation unit  72  to one side in the apparatus width direction, as shown in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the operation unit  72  is elastically deformed to spread the insertion space  72   a . In addition, one end of the connection unit  78  connected to the operation unit  72  moves to one side in the apparatus width direction. 
     The connection unit  78  whose one end moves to one side in the apparatus width direction is elastically deformed in a curved shape in a case where the connection unit  78  is viewed from above, since a moving direction of the other end of the connection unit  78  is restricted by the restriction unit  86 . The other end of the connection unit  78  moves to one side in the apparatus depth direction. 
     In this way, since the connection unit  78  is elastically deformed, the moving direction of an end portion of the connection unit  78  is changed. Therefore, the length of the connection unit  78  in the apparatus depth direction is required. In the present exemplary embodiment, the length of the connection unit  78  requires 70 mm. In addition, the length from the other end of one of the connection units  78  to the other end of the other of the connection units  78  is 235 mm. In this case, although there is no particular limitation, for example, a range of the length of the insertion space  72   a  of the operation unit  72  in the apparatus depth direction is preferably 95 mm or smaller. 
     The other end of the connection unit  78  is moved to one side in the apparatus depth direction. In this manner, the rib  78   c  formed in the other end of the connection unit  78  and the moving unit  92  connected to the other end of the connection unit  78  also move to one side in the apparatus depth direction. Since the rib  78   c  formed in the connection unit  78  and the moving unit  92  move, as shown in  FIG.  8 B , the rib  78   c  comes into contact with the side plate  86   a  of the restriction unit  86  to restrict the movement of the connection unit  78  and the moving unit  92 . In this state, the moving unit  92  is arranged at the second position. 
     The apparatus width direction is an example of an intersecting direction, and one side in the apparatus depth direction is a side closer to the operation unit  72 . In addition, elastic deformation is deformation caused by applying a force to an object, and specifically indicates deformation returning to an original shape in a case where the force is removed. 
     Meshing Unit  98   
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the meshing units  98  are provided in pairs, and are respectively arranged to pinch the inner cover  68  in the apparatus depth direction. The meshing unit  98  is attached to the apparatus body  10   a  by an attachment tool (not shown). Since the pair of meshing units  98  has a symmetrical configuration in the apparatus depth direction, one of the meshing units  98  will be mostly described below. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8 A , the meshing unit  98  has an internally hollow structure, and a through-hole  98   a  into which the tip of the moving unit  92  arranged at the first position is inserted is formed. 
     In this configuration, the tip of the moving unit  92  arranged at the first position is inserted into the through-hole  98   a  of the meshing unit  98 . In this manner, the moving unit  92  meshes with the meshing unit  98 . On the other hand, the tip of the moving unit  92  arranged at the second position is pulled out from the through-hole  98   a  of the meshing unit  98 . In this manner, meshing between the moving unit  92  and the meshing unit  98  is released. 
     In addition, the apparatus body  10   a , the inner cover  68 , and the latch mechanism  70  which are described above configure a latch device  102  that holds the inner cover  68  in the apparatus body  10   a  or releases a holding state. 
     Operational Effect 
     Next, an operational effect of a main configuration will be described. 
     In a state where the inner cover  68  is arranged at the closing position, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the inner cover  68  closes the conveyance path  16 . In this state, the sheet member P is conveyed along the conveyance path  16  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Furthermore, in a state where the inner cover  68  is arranged at the closing position and in the non-load state, as shown in  FIG.  8 A , the moving unit  92  is arranged at the first position. The tip of the moving unit  92  is inserted into the through-hole  98   a  of the meshing unit  98 . In this manner, the moving unit  92  meshes with the meshing unit  98 . 
     Furthermore, in a state where the inner cover  68  is arranged at the closing position and in the non-load state, as shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  7 A , both end portions of the operation unit  72  in the apparatus depth direction are in contact with the main body part  68   a  of the inner cover  68 . The insertion space  72   a  into which the fingertip of the operator is insertable is formed between the operation unit  72  and the main body part  68   a . 
     In this state, for example, in a case where the sheet members P conveyed along the conveyance path  16  (refer to  FIG.  1   ) are jammed in the conveyance path  16 , the operator opens the exterior cover  36 , and further opens the inner cover  68 . 
     Specifically, in a state where the inner cover  68  is arranged at the closing position, the operator inserts the fingertip into the insertion space  72   a  of the operation unit  72  from above. In this manner, the operation unit  72  is elastically deformed (two-dot chain line in  FIG.  7 A ), and bellies of the four fingertips of the operator are insertable into the insertion space  72   a . 
     In addition, in a case where the operator moves the operation unit  72  to one side in the apparatus width direction in a state where the bellies of the four fingertips are inserted into the insertion space  72   a , as shown in  FIGS.  6 B and  7 B , one end of the connection unit  78  moves to one side in the apparatus width direction. Specifically, one end of the connection unit  78  moves to one side in the apparatus width direction while rotating around the screw  82  (refer to  FIG.  9 A ). 
     Furthermore, the connection unit  78  whose one end moves to one side in the apparatus width direction is elastically deformed in a curved shape in a case where the connection unit  78  is viewed from above, since the moving direction of the other end of the connection unit  78  is restricted by the restriction unit  86 . The other end of the connection unit  78  moves to one side in the apparatus depth direction. 
     In addition, as the other end of the connection unit  78  moves, the moving unit  92  also moves. As shown in  FIG.  8 B , the rib  78   c  comes into contact with the side plate  86   a  to restrict the movement of the moving unit  92  and the connection unit  78 . 
     In this state, the moving unit  92  is arranged at the second position. The tip of the moving unit  92  is pulled out from the through-hole  98   a  of the meshing unit  98 . In this manner, meshing between the moving unit  92  and the meshing unit  98  is released. 
     Furthermore, in a case where the operator moves the operation unit  72  to one side in the apparatus width direction, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the inner cover  68  rotationally moves, and is stopped at the opening position by a stopper (not shown). In this manner, the conveyance path  16  (refer to  FIG.  1   ) is opened. The operator removes the sheet member P jammed in the conveyance path  16 . In this state, the operator releases the operation force applied to the operation unit  72  so that the moving unit  92  returns to the first position due to a biasing force of the spring  96  as shown in  FIG.  8 A . 
     In a case where the sheet member P jammed in the conveyance path  16  is removed, the operator presses any portion of the inner cover  68  arranged at the opening position, and rotates the inner cover  68  to move to the closing position. 
     Specifically, in a case where the inner cover  68  needs to move to the closing position, as shown by a two-dot chain line in  FIG.  8 A , the tapered surface  92   a  of the moving unit  92  comes into contact with the meshing unit  98 , and the moving unit  92  moves to the other side in the apparatus width direction while moving to one side in the apparatus depth direction along the tapered surface  92   a . The moving unit  92  reaches the through-hole  98   a  of the meshing unit  98 , and returns to the first position due to the biasing force of the spring  96 . In this manner, the moving unit  92  meshes with the meshing unit  98  so that the conveyance path  16  is closed and the sheet member P can be conveyed along the conveyance path  16 . 
     Summary 
     As described above, in the latch mechanism  70 , in a case where the operation unit  72  is operated, the moving unit  92  moves in the apparatus depth direction so that meshing between the moving unit  92  and the meshing unit  98  is released. In this way, in a configuration in which the moving force is transmitted to the moving unit  92  by operating the operation unit  72 , the meshing between the moving unit  92  and the meshing unit  98  is released without rotating the moving unit  92 . 
     In addition, in the latch mechanism  70 , the latch mechanism  70  includes the spring  96  that biases the moving unit  92  to the first position. In this manner, in the no-load state, the meshing between the moving unit  92  and the meshing unit  98  is maintained. 
     In addition, in the latch mechanism  70 , one operation unit  72  is arranged among the pair of connection units  78 , the restriction unit  86 , the moving unit  92 , and the meshing unit  98 . In this manner, the pair of connection units  78  and the moving unit  92  are moved by one operation unit  72 . 
     In addition, in the latch mechanism  70 , the operation unit  72  extends in the apparatus depth direction. One of the connection units  78  is connected to one end of the operation unit  72  in the apparatus depth direction, and the other of the connection units  78  is connected to the other end of the operation unit.  72  in the apparatus depth direction. In this manner, the operation unit  72  is moved so that one of the connection units  78  and the other of the connection units  78  equally move. 
     In addition, in the latch mechanism  70 , the connection unit  78  is elastically deformed in a case where the operation unit  72  is moved to one side in the apparatus width direction. Since the connection unit  78  is elastically deformed, the other end of the connection unit  78  whose one end moves in the apparatus width direction moves in the apparatus depth direction. In this way, since the connection unit  78  is elastically deformed, the moving direction can be changed. Therefore, compared to a case of using a link mechanism, the moving direction of one end of the connection unit  78  and the moving direction of the other end of the connection unit  78  can be changed with a simpler configuration. 
     In addition, in the latch mechanism  70 , the operation unit  72  is elastically deformed in a case where an operation force is applied to the operation unit  72  to move the operation unit  72  to one side in the apparatus width direction. In this manner, compared to a case where the operation unit is a rigid body, the insertion space  72   a  is widened due to the elastic deformation. Therefore, operability is improved. In a state where the operation force is not applied to the operation unit  72 , only the fingertip is inserted into the insertion space  72   a . Therefore, a protruding amount of the operation unit  72  protruding from the inner cover  68  is reduced. 
     In addition, in the latch mechanism  70 , the operation unit  72  and the connection unit  78  are elastically deformed. Therefore, compared to a case where only the operation unit  72  is elastically deformed, the insertion space  72   a  is widened with a simple structure. 
     In addition, in the latch mechanism  70 , one end of the connection unit  78  is rotatably connected to the operation unit  72 . In this manner, when an excessive operation force is applied to the operation unit, compared to a case where the operation unit and the connection unit are connected not to be rotatable, excessive deformation of the connection unit  78  is suppressed. 
     In addition, in the latch device  102 , the four fingertips of the operator are insertable into the insertion space  72   a  of the operation unit  72 . In this manner, compared to a case where only three fingertips are inserted into the insertion space, operability of the operation unit  72  is improved. 
     In addition, in the image forming apparatus  10 , in a state where the inner cover  68  is arranged at the closing position and the moving unit  92  is viewed in the apparatus depth direction, the moving unit  92  is arranged on the inner cover  68  side with respect to the conveyance path  16 . Therefore, the moving unit  92  moving in the apparatus depth direction does not move to the conveyance path  16  side with respect to the inner cover  68 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the connection unit  78  is elastically deformed in a curved shape so that the movement in the apparatus width direction is changed to the movement in the apparatus depth direction. Alternatively, for example, the moving direction may be changed by using a link mechanism. In this case, an operational effect achieved by elastically deforming the connection unit  78  into a curved shape is not achieved. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the pair of connection units  78 , the restriction unit  86 , the moving unit  92 , and the meshing unit  98  are arranged across one operation unit  72 . Alternatively, the connection unit  78 , the restriction unit  86 , the moving unit  92 , and the meshing unit  98  may be respectively provided one by one. In this case, an operational effect achieved by respectively providing the pair is not achieved. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the operation unit  72  is elastically deformed in a case where the operation force is applied to the operation unit  72 . Alternatively, the operation unit  72  may not be elastically deformed. In this case, an operational effect achieved by elastic deformation of the operation unit is not achieved. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, one end of the connection unit  78  is rotatably connected to the operation unit  72 . Alternatively, one end of the connection unit  78  may be connected not to be rotatable. In this case, an operational effect achieved by being rotatably connected to the operation unit  72  is not achieved. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, one operation unit  72  is provided in the pair of connection units  78  and the moving unit  92 . Alternatively, the operation units may be respectively provided in the pair of connection units and the moving unit. However, in this case, an operational effect achieved by providing one operation unit  72  is not achieved. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the operation unit  72  is moved to one side in the apparatus width direction. Alternatively, the moving unit may be moved in the apparatus depth direction by moving the operation unit to the upper side or the lower side in the apparatus up-down direction. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the connection unit  78  is the resin component formed by using the resin material. Alternatively, as long as the moving direction can be changed, any material may be used. For example, spring steel or a wire may be used. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the restriction unit  86  restricts the moving direction of the other end of the connection unit  78  by using the through-hole  88   a . Alternatively, a guide rail or a guide groove may be used. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the moving unit  92  is the resin component formed by using the resin material. Alternatively, the moving unit  92  may be a member extending in the apparatus depth direction, and may be a rod or a plate material. 
     In addition, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the latch mechanism  70  is used in the image forming apparatus  10  using the electrophotographic method. Alternatively, for example, the latch mechanism  70  may be used in an image forming apparatus using an inkjet method, and may be used in an attaching/detaching member provided in a pre-treatment device or a post-treatment device of the image forming apparatus. 
     The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.