Interlock system and image forming apparatus incorporating interlock system
US8611783B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/169
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interlock system includes first and second racks movable in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction between opening and closing positions in conjunction with opening and closing of the first cover, respectively. A housing is provided to slidably accommodate the first and second racks in the longitudinal direction. A pinion unit is provided and is sandwiched by the first and second racks. The first and second racks have meshing sections respectively meshing with the pinion unit at one side surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction facing each other. The pinion unit slides in the longitudinal direction by a prescribed length in conjunction with movement of at least one of the first and second racks. The interlock switch is turned on and off in accordance with a sliding length of the pinion unit in the longitudinal direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.