Operation assistance tool and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to an operation assisting tool capable of suppressing spread of infection via a handle portion, and an image forming apparatus. The operation assisting tool (100) has a grip portion (102) and an engaging portion (101) which engages with a handle portion of a paper feed cassette configured to be pulled out with respect to an apparatus main body as a pull-out unit. After the handle portion of the paper feed cassette is inserted into the engaging portion (101) of the operation assisting tool (100) to be engaged, the paper feed cassette can be pulled out without directly contacting the handle portion by gripping the grip portion (102). Thus, it is possible to suppress spread of infection via the handle portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to operation aids and image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known image forming apparatuses equipped with a pull-out unit, which was configured to be pull-out relative to the apparatus body.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the aforementioned image forming apparatus is described as a device that allows a user to pull a paper feed unit from the main body of the apparatus by holding and pulling a handle provided on the paper feed tray, which serves as a pull-out unit.

[0004] The handle of the pull-out unit, such as the paper tray, is a part that is touched by a large number of users. If the handle is touched by hands with virus on it, infection may spread through the handle.

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-080090 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the operation aid tool of the present invention is characterized by including: a gripping part, and a locking part that engages with a handle part of a pull-out unit configured to be pulled out relative to the main body of the device.

[0007] According to the present invention, the spread of infection via the handle can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the supply device.

[0010] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the drive system of the supply device.

[0011] Figure 4 Figures (A)-(B) show schematic diagrams of the operation of the contact separation mechanism of the pickup roller in the supply device.

[0012] Figure 5 Figures (A)-(D) show a schematic diagram of an example of the operation of the supply device.

[0013] Figure 6 The image shown is related to Figure 1 Three-dimensional diagrams of image forming devices with different configurations.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6A perspective view of the supply device in the image forming apparatus shown.

[0015] Figure 8 Figures (A)-(C) show a schematic diagram of the operation assistance tool 100 of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 Figures (A)-(B) show a schematic diagram of the state in which the operating aid is installed on the handle 12b.

[0017] Figure 10 Figures (A)-(B) show a schematic diagram of the state when the paper feed tray is pulled out of the feeding device using an operating aid.

[0018] Figure 11 The diagram shown is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel using the operation assistance tool of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 The image shown is a three-dimensional view of the operation aid tool in the modified example.

[0020] Figure 13 Figures (A)-(B) show the state diagrams of the modified example with the operation aid tool installed on the handle.

[0021] Figure 14 Figures (A)-(B) show the state diagrams of the sheet bundle being clamped and discharged onto the paper tray using the modified operation aid tool.

[0022] Figure 15 The diagram shown is an example of an image forming apparatus in which an operation aid is detachably mounted.

[0023] Figure 16 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a banknote calculator. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted where appropriate.

[0025] First, through Figure 1 The overall structure and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained.

[0026] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] exist Figure 1In this image forming apparatus 1, there are a document reading unit 2 that optically reads image information from a document D, an exposure unit 3 that irradiates a photosensitive drum 5 with exposure light L based on the image information read by the document reading unit 2, and an imaging unit 4 that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 5. Additionally, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes a transfer unit 7 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 onto a sheet P (recording medium).

[0028] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes an original document transport unit 10 (automatic original document transport device) for transporting the placed original document D to the original document reading unit 2, and supply devices 12 and 13 for supplying the sheet material P housed in the paper supply cartridges 12a and 13b. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes a manual supply device 16 for the user to manually supply the placed sheet material P.

[0029] Additionally, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a pair of registration rollers 17 (transfer rollers) for conveying the sheet P toward the transfer section 7, and a fixing device 20 for fixing the toner image (unfixed image) carried on the sheet P. The fixing device 20 includes a fixing roller 21 and a pressure roller 22. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes a paper discharge tray 31 on which the sheet P discharged from the apparatus body is stacked.

[0030] Each supply device 12, 13 has a lifting platform (lifting plate) 42, 43 configured to be able to be raised and lowered, and a supply mechanism 52 as a supply means.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 during normal image forming will be explained.

[0032] First, the original document D is transported (supplied) from the original document table along the direction of the arrow in the figure by the transport roller of the original document transport unit 10, and passes above the original document reading unit 2. At this time, in the original document reading unit 2, the image information of the original document D above it is optically read.

[0033] Then, the optical image information read by the original document reading unit 2 is converted into an electrical signal and sent to the exposure unit 3 (writing unit).

[0034] Then, starting from the exposure unit 3, an exposure beam L, such as a laser, based on the image information of the electrical signal, is emitted toward the photosensitive drum 5 of the imaging unit 4.

[0035] On the other hand, in the imaging section 4, the photoreceptor drum 5 is in Figure 1The image is rotated clockwise and, after passing through a predetermined imaging process (charging process, exposure process, and developing process), an image (tone image) corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 5. Then, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred in the transfer section 7, which serves as the image forming section, onto the sheet P conveyed by the alignment roller pair 17.

[0036] On the other hand, the sheet P that is conveyed to the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) operates as follows: that is, one of the multiple supply devices 12, 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 is selected automatically or manually (for example, assuming that the supply device 13 of the lower section is selected).

[0037] Then, the top sheet of sheet P stored in the supply device 13 is supplied by the supply mechanism 52 and conveyed towards the conveying path K. Sheet P then travels along the conveying path K, which is equipped with multiple conveying rollers, to the position of the alignment roller pair 17. At this time, the alignment roller pair 17 is in a stopped state, and the front end of sheet P abuts against its clamping portion to correct any oblique movement (skewness) of sheet P.

[0038] Alternatively, if the manual feed device 16, which is located on the side of the image forming apparatus 1, is selected, the user feeds the sheet P (the uppermost sheet P if multiple sheets P are loaded) placed on the manual feed tray of the manual feed device 16 to the transport path via the feed mechanism 52 (feeding means). Then, the sheet reaches the position of the alignment roller pair 17 and corrects for skewness (deflection). After that, the alignment roller pair 17 starts to rotate, and in order to align the position with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5, the sheet is fed towards the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) at the alignment timing.

[0039] Thus, the alignment roller pair 17 functions as a conveyor roller pair. When the rotation is stopped, this conveyor roller pair abuts the front end of the sheet P against the clamping part to correct the oblique movement (skewness) of the sheet P. When rotating, it clamps the sheet P, after correcting the oblique movement, into the clamping part for conveying. Then, after the transfer process, the sheet P passes the position of the transfer part 7 and arrives at the fixing device 20 via the transport path.

[0040] The sheet P arriving at the fixing unit 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the toner image is fixed by the heat from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure from both rollers 21 and 22 (fixing process).

[0041] After the fixing process of the fixing toner image, the sheet P is fed out from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (fixing clamping part), discharged by the image forming apparatus 1, and placed on the paper output tray 31 as the output image.

[0042] This completes the series of image formation processes.

[0043] Next, the supply device in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0044] Furthermore, the following description will focus on the lower supply device 13 among the plurality of supply devices 12 and 13 connected to the image forming apparatus 1. However, the upper supply device 12 is substantially the same as the lower supply device 13 except for its different location, so its description will be omitted.

[0045] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the supply device 13.

[0046] The supply device 13 includes a mounting section 43 (lifting plate) capable of holding multiple sheets P, and a supply mechanism 52 for supplying the sheets P mounted on the mounting section 43. The mounting section 43 is configured such that it rotates around a central axis 43a (see reference 43a). Figure 1 It rotates in both positive and negative directions around a central point to raise and lower.

[0047] The supply mechanism 52 includes a supply roller 53, a pickup roller 54, a separation roller 55 as a separation component, a torque limiter 56, and a DC motor 77 (drive source). Furthermore, the supply mechanism 52 includes a contact / separation mechanism that contacts and separates the pickup roller 54 from the sheet P (the uppermost sheet P1) placed on the mounting section 43, and a mechanism that directs the separation roller 55 along the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the supply direction, i.e.,...). Figure 2 The moving mechanism 80 moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0048] The supply roller 53 is positioned in the supply direction relative to the sheet P placed on the mounting portion 43. Figure 2 The front end (in the direction of the white arrow) contacts the upper surface of sheet P and rotates along the supply direction of sheet P. Figure 2 The sheet P is fed in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow by rotating counterclockwise.

[0049] With the pickup roller 54 in contact with the surface (upper surface) of the sheet P placed on the mounting section 43, it moves along the travel direction... Figure 2 The sheet P is conveyed to the position of the supply roller 53 by rotating counterclockwise.

[0050] In addition, the pickup roller 54 is configured to contact and separate from the sheet P (the uppermost sheet P1) placed on the mounting section 43.

[0051] That is, the pickup roller 54 is configured relative to the sheet P placed on the mounting portion 43 to be in a retracted position without contact (see reference). Figure 4 (B) and Figure 2The movement occurs between the contact points shown.

[0052] The separating roller 55 is configured to form a clamping portion between itself and the supply roller 53. The separating roller 55 serves as a separating component, which separates the lower sheet P from the uppermost sheet P when multiple sheets P are clamped by the clamping portion, so that only the uppermost sheet P is supplied.

[0053] Specifically, the separating roller 55, which is a separating component, rotates along the supply direction when it holds a sheet P in its clamping part. Figure 2 The direction of the dashed arrow indicates clockwise rotation. In contrast, when the separating roller 55 holds multiple sheets P in the clamping section, it rotates in the opposite direction to the aforementioned supply direction. Figure 2 (The solid arrow points in the direction of the rotation, i.e., counterclockwise). Thus, the uppermost sheet P1 of the plurality of sheets P is fed in the supply direction along the rotation of the supply roller 53, while the lower sheet P2 is conveyed in the opposite direction relative to the supply direction.

[0054] The supply roller 53, the pickup roller 54, and the separation roller 55 are each roller portion (roller portion) formed of rubber material (or resin material) on the shaft portion, and are formed in one or more segments in the axial direction. In addition, the supply roller 53, the pickup roller 54, and the separation roller 55 are each formed so that the roller portion can be disassembled (replaced) relative to the shaft portion, thereby facilitating the maintenance of the roller portion.

[0055] Feedback control is applied to the DC motor 77, which serves as the drive source, to maintain a predetermined rotational speed of its motor shaft. Specifically, the PWM control of the control unit 70 adjusts the current (or voltage) applied to the DC motor 77 independently of load variations, thereby keeping the rotational speed of the DC motor 77 constant. Specifically, when the load applied to the DC motor 77 is high, the adjustment increases the current (or voltage) applied to the DC motor 77. Conversely, when the load applied to the DC motor 77 is low, the adjustment decreases the current (or voltage) applied to the DC motor 77. Thus, the rotational speed of the DC motor 77 is kept constant.

[0056] The supply device 13 raises and lowers the mounting section 43 vertically according to the number of sheets P stacked on it, so that the pick-up roller 54 can come into contact with the uppermost sheet P mounted on the mounting section 43. Then, after the pick-up roller 54 descends to a position that comes into contact with the upper surface of the sheet P mounted on the mounting section 43, which has been adjusted in the vertical direction, the sheet P is supplied.

[0057] Additionally, an inlet guide plate is provided between the mounting section 43 and the clamping section of the supply roller 53 and the separating roller 55. Furthermore, the supply device 13 is provided with a guide plate for the width direction of the sheet P mounted on the mounting section 43. Figure 2The side baffles restrict the position of the sheet material P in the vertical direction. The side baffles are respectively set at both ends in the width direction to clamp the sheet material P, and are configured to be movable in the width direction according to the dimension of the sheet material P by a manual moving mechanism.

[0058] In addition, the supply device 13 is provided with a supply direction for the sheet P placed on the mounting section 43. Figure 2 The bottom baffle restricts the position of the sheet P in the left and right directions. The bottom baffle is configured to abut against the rear end of the sheet P in the supply direction, so that it can be moved along the supply direction by a manual moving mechanism according to the size of the sheet P in the supply direction.

[0059] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the drive system of the supply device 13.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the supply roller 53 has a secondary gear 65 with an upper gear 65a and a lower gear 65b on its shaft. The upper gear 65a of the secondary gear 65 meshes with the second gear 62c of the pulley / secondary gear 62, and the lower gear 65b of the secondary gear 65 meshes with a idling gear 67, which meshes with a gear 68 provided on the shaft of the pickup roller 54.

[0061] The first gear 62b of the pulley / secondary gear 62 meshes with the separation gear 69 located on the shaft of the separation roller 55. A torque limiter 56 is also provided on the shaft of the separation roller. A motor pulley 60 is provided in the DC motor 77 (drive motor). A synchronous belt 61 is tensioned on the motor pulley 60 and the pulley 62a of the pulley / secondary gear 62.

[0062] The drive is transmitted from the DC motor 77 to the release gear 69 via the motor pulley 60, the synchronous belt 61, the pulley 62a, and the first gear 62b. Furthermore, the drive is transmitted from the release gear 69 to the release roller 55 or disconnected from the release roller 55 via the torque limiter 56.

[0063] The torque limiter 56 is configured such that when a rotational load exceeding a specified value is applied to the separating roller 55, the separating roller 55 idles relative to the torque limiter 56. When a sheet P is clamped by the clamping part (the abutment part between the supply roller 53 and the separating roller 55), the rotational load applied to the separating roller 55 is larger than when the sheet P is not clamped. At this time, the torque limiter 56 cuts off the drive transmission from the DC motor 77 to the separating roller 55. Therefore, the separating roller 55 becomes idle relative to the torque limiter 56, rotating along the rotation of the supply roller 53. Figure 3 It drives the rotation in a clockwise direction (driven rotation).

[0064] When multiple sheets P are clamped in the clamping section, the rotational load applied to the separating roller 55 becomes relatively small due to the sliding between the sheets P. Therefore, the torque limiter 56 transmits the drive from the DC motor 77 to the separating roller 55. Thus, the separating roller 55... Figure 3 Driven by a counter-clockwise rotation, the sheets P held by the clamping part, except for the topmost sheet P1, are transported in the opposite direction and returned to the mounting part 43. With this configuration, the sheets P are not transported overlappingly from the clamping part between the supply roller 53 and the separating roller 55, but rather a single sheet P is fed out in the supply direction (transport direction).

[0065] Additionally, the drive from the DC motor 77 to the pulley / secondary gear 62 is transmitted via the second gear 62c to the upper gear 65a of the secondary gear 65, and the supply roller 53 is located there. Figure 3 The drive rotates counterclockwise. Furthermore, the drive is transmitted to gear 68 via the lower gear 65b of the secondary gear 65 and the idler gear 67, where the pickup roller 54... Figure 3 It is driven by rotation in the counterclockwise direction.

[0066] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the operation of the contact separation mechanism of the pickup roller 54 in the supply device 13.

[0067] The pickup roller 54 is rotatably held on the arm 58. The arm 58 is rotatably held on the rotation axis of the supply roller 53. A spring 73 and a solenoid 72 are connected to the protrusion 58a of the arm 58. The spring 73 exerts force on the pickup roller 54 to move it to the retracted position, and the solenoid 72 causes the pickup roller 54 to move towards the abutting position against the force of the spring 73.

[0068] In control unit 70 (see reference) Figure 2 Under the control of ), when solenoid 72 is in the ON state, such as Figure 4 As shown in (A), the pickup roller 54 moves to the contact position. When the solenoid 72 is in the open state, as... Figure 4 As shown in (B), the pickup roller 54 moves to the retracted position.

[0069] Additionally, previously used Figure 3 The idler gear 67 is mounted on the arm 58 and rotates together with the arm 58 while maintaining engagement with the gear 68 of the pickup roller 54 and the gear 65b of the supply roller 53.

[0070] When sheet P is not placed on the mounting section 43, this state is detected by the end detection sensor 95 and controlled by the control section 70 (see reference). Figure 2 The solenoid 72 is controlled to cause the pickup roller 54 to retract to the retracted position (see reference). Figure 4 The state of (B) is detected by the end detection sensor 95 when the sheet P is placed on the mounting part 43, and the pick-up roller 54 is moved from the retracted position to the abutting position by the control unit 70 controlling the solenoid 72. Figure 4 The sheet moves to the position shown in (A). Then, with the pickup roller 54 in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P placed on the mounting portion 43, the counterclockwise rotation drive of the pickup roller 54 begins, and at the same time, the rotation of the supply roller 53 and the separation roller 55 begins. Therefore, the uppermost sheet P in the sheet bundle placed on the mounting portion 43 is conveyed by the pickup roller 54 toward the clamping portion between the supply roller 53 and the separation roller 55. Furthermore, a sheet P is separated from this clamping portion and conveyed toward the image forming portion.

[0071] Furthermore, when all sheets P placed on the mounting section 43 have been supplied, and there are no sheets P placed on the mounting section 43, this state is detected by the end detection sensor 95. When the end detection sensor 95 detects that no sheet has been placed, the control unit 70 controls the solenoid 72 to move the pickup roller 54 back to the retraction position. Figure 4 (State of (B)).

[0072] Figure 5 The diagram shows an example of the operation of the supply device 13, which is a schematic diagram of the operation when multiple sheets P are clamped by the clamping part.

[0073] First, such as Figure 5 As shown in (A), when sheet P is placed on the mounting section 43, after the mounting section 43 rises to the most suitable position, the control section 70 (see reference) controls the movement of the sheet P. Figure 2 Controlling the solenoid 72, the pick-up roller 54 moves from the retracted position to the contact position. Then, the pick-up roller 54 contacts the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P1 placed on the mounting section 43. With the pick-up roller 54 in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P1, counter-clockwise rotation of the pick-up roller 54 begins. Then, the sheets P1 and P2 placed on the mounting section 43 are conveyed towards the clamping section between the supply roller 53 and the separating roller 55 via the pick-up roller 54. At this time, it is assumed that the two sheets P1 and P2 are conveyed overlapping. Furthermore, when the sheets P1 and P2 are not clamped by the clamping section, the torque limiter 56 is in an idling state, and the separating roller 55 rotates clockwise.

[0074] like Figure 5As shown in (B), when the two overlapping sheets P1 and P2 are conveyed to the clamping part, the pick-up roller 54 moves back to the retracted position. At this time, the two sheets P1 and P2 are clamped by the clamping part, the torque limiter 56 becomes engaged, and the separating roller 55 begins to rotate counterclockwise. Through the counterclockwise rotation of the separating roller 55, as... Figure 5 As shown in (C), the lower sheet P2 is conveyed in the direction of the black arrow along the rotation of the separating roller 55 (returning towards the mounting section 43). Meanwhile, the upper sheet P1 (the uppermost sheet P1) is conveyed in the direction of the white arrow along the rotation of the supply roller 53 (conveyed towards the transport path of the image forming apparatus 1).

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown in (D), when the sheet P2, which is returned to the lower part of the mounting part 43 by the separating roller 55, is disengaged from the clamping part, the torque limiter 56 becomes idle again, and the separating roller 55 rotates clockwise again.

[0076] In addition, from Figure 5 When state (A) begins to hold a sheet P in the clamping part, as Figure 5 As shown in (B) and (C), the separating roller 55 does not rotate counterclockwise, but instead rotates clockwise as a follower, and the uppermost sheet P1 is conveyed in the direction of the white arrow. Figure 5 (D)).

[0077] Figure 6 The image shown is related to Figure 1 Three-dimensional diagrams of image forming devices with different configurations.

[0078] Should Figure 6 The image forming apparatus shown does not have a document reading unit 2 and a document transport unit 10; the upper surface of the apparatus becomes a paper tray 31 for discharging the sheet with the image formed on it. Furthermore, Figure 6 The image forming apparatus shown includes a supply device 12.

[0079] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the supply device 12 in the image forming apparatus shown.

[0080] like Figure 7As shown, the supply device 12, which serves as a pull-out device, has a pull-out unit that can be pulled out relative to the main body, namely, a paper supply cartridge 12a, which serves as a sheet storage section. The paper supply cartridge 12a has a handle 12b on its side. When the sheet in the paper supply cartridge 12a is used up, the paper supply cartridge 12a is pulled out from the supply device 12 to replenish the paper supply cartridge 12a. At this time, the user pulls the paper supply cartridge 12a out from the supply device 12 by holding the handle 12b. In addition, after the paper supply cartridge 12a is replenished with sheet, the user pushes the paper supply cartridge 12a back into the supply device 12 by holding the handle 12b.

[0081] The pull-out operation of the paper feed cassette 12a is performed during printing when the sheet material in the cassette runs out or when a sheet jam occurs, and is generally performed by the user who has specified the image to be printed. Therefore, the handle 12b of the paper feed cassette 12a may sometimes be held by multiple unspecified users. Thus, by holding the handle 12b with a hand contaminated with a virus, the virus can adhere to the handle 12b, potentially leading to contact infection of other users via the handle 12b.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, by using an operation assistance tool, the paper feed tray 12a can be pulled out without directly contacting the handle 12b of the paper feed tray 12a. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the operation assistance tool 100 of this embodiment. Figure 8 (A) is the front view. Figure 8 (B) is a side view. Figure 8 (C) is a 3D diagram.

[0084] Each user of this image forming apparatus owns the operation aid 100.

[0085] like Figure 8 As shown, the operating aid 100 is formed as an arch with an opening at the bottom. The inner circumferential surface of the arch becomes a engaging portion 101 that engages with the handle portion 12b, and the outer circumferential surface becomes a grip portion 102 for the user to hold. A pair of protruding retractable portions 105 are provided at the lower part of the surfaces 101a and 101b, which are orthogonal to the pull-out direction of the engaging portion 101. The distance between the retractable portions on one side and the retractable portions on the other side is sufficiently long compared to the thickness of the handle portion 12b.

[0086] On the upper surface 102b of the grip portion 102, as described later, a control panel 200 (see reference) is provided for operating the control panel 200. Figure 11The panel operation section 103 is a push-type part. The front end portion 103a of the panel operation section 103 is made of an elastic material that responds to touch, and is made of a different material than the main body of the operation aid 100. The front end portion 103a of the panel operation section 103 is installed using known methods such as pressing, bonding, or threading. Furthermore, installing the front end portion 103a by pressing or threading allows for easy removal and replacement of the front end portion 103a from the main body, which is therefore preferable. Because it is replaceable, if the front end portion 103a is damaged, the operation aid 100 can continue to be used by replacing it.

[0087] In addition, the panel operation section 103 as a whole can be made of a different material than the main body of the operation aid tool 100.

[0088] Furthermore, facing the side of the grip 102 and the paper feed tray 12a, anti-rotation portions 104 extending in the vertical direction are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the fingertip contact surface 102c, which is in contact with the user's fingertips when gripping. These anti-rotation portions 104 are used to engage with the side plate 12c of the feeding device 12 (see reference 12a). Figure 9 When it comes into contact with the handle, it prevents the operating aid 100 from rotating around the handle.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in (B), the palm contact surface 102a of the grip 102, which is located outside the handle portion 12b and is in contact with the user's palm when the user holds the grip portion 102, is X mm longer downward than the fingertip contact surface 102c.

[0090] The operating aid 100 is preferably constructed with an antibacterial treatment or made of a metallic material. As an antibacterial treatment, a special material incorporating silver ions into the resin can also be used; any material or treatment with bactericidal, sterilizing, or antibacterial effects is acceptable. Furthermore, copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys are also acceptable metallic materials, as copper or copper alloys have bactericidal effects and are therefore preferred. By constructing the operating aid 100 with an antibacterial treatment or using a metallic material, viral infection through contact with the operating aid 100 can be inhibited.

[0091] Alternatively, it can be made of a material or metal that has undergone antibacterial treatment only on the grip portion 102 that is held by the user.

[0092] In addition, Figure 8In the configuration shown, the engaging portion 101 and the grip portion 102 are integrally formed from a single material, but they can also be made of different materials. By using different materials for the engaging portion 101 and the grip portion 102, the engaging portion 101 can be made of a material suitable for engaging with the handle portion 12b, and the grip portion 102 can be made of a material suitable for the user to hold. This improves the operability and functionality of the operating aid 100.

[0093] For example, the engaging portion 101 is made of a high-friction material such as EPDM or silicone rubber, and its coefficient of friction relative to the handle portion 12b is higher than that of the grip portion 102 relative to the handle portion 12b. The grip portion 102 is then made of a material or metal that has undergone antibacterial treatment as described above. By using a high-friction material to construct the engaging portion 101, movement of the operating aid 100 relative to the handle portion 12b can be suppressed when operating the handle portion 12b, allowing for stable pulling out or pushing in of the paper feed tray 12a. Furthermore, by using an antibacterial material or composition to construct the grip portion 102, contact infection can be effectively suppressed.

[0094] The engaging portion 101 can be installed onto the gripping portion 102 (arched portion) using known methods such as press-fitting, bonding, or threading. It is preferable to detachably install the engaging portion 101 onto the gripping portion 102 (arched portion) by threading or press-fitting, allowing for replacement of the engaging portion 101. Because it is replaceable, if the engaging portion 101 is damaged, the operating aid 100 can continue to be used by replacing the engaging portion 101.

[0095] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the operation aid 100 mounted on the handle 12b. Figure 9 (A) is a 3D diagram. Figure 9 (B) is a sectional view.

[0096] The operating aid 100 inserts the engaging part 101 into the handle part 12b from above to install it onto the handle part 12b. Since the distance between the folded-back part on one side and the folded-back part on the other side is long enough compared to the thickness of the handle part, the folded-back part 105 will not get stuck when the operating aid 100 is installed onto the handle part 12b, allowing the handle part 12b to enter the engaging part 101.

[0097] When the operating aid 100 is installed onto the handle portion 12b, the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 faces the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle portion 12b, and the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 faces the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b. Furthermore, the upper surface 101c of the engaging portion 101 contacts the upper surface of the handle portion 12b, and the operating aid 100 is supported by the handle portion 12b. Additionally, when the operating aid 100 is installed onto the handle portion 12b, a pair of folded-back portions 105 are located below the handle portion 12b.

[0098] Furthermore, when the operating aid 100 is installed on the handle 12b, the front end of the anti-rotation part 104 faces the side plate 12c of the supply device 12. When the operating aid 100 is to... Figure 9 When (B) rotates clockwise, the front end of the lower anti-rotation part 104 abuts against the side plate 12c of the supply device 12 to restrict the rotation of the operating aid 100 around the handle part 12b. On the other hand, when the operating aid 100 wants to move towards... Figure 9 When (B) rotates counterclockwise, the front end of the upper anti-rotation part 104 abuts against the side plate 12c of the supply device 12 to limit the rotation of the operating aid 100 around the handle part 12b.

[0099] In this way, by limiting the rotation of the operation aid 100 by the anti-rotation part 104, the posture of the operation aid 100 can be maintained at a certain position. Figure 9 The position shown in (B) during the pull-out process allows for easy gripping of the operating aid 100 mounted on the handle 12b. Furthermore, during pull-out, the paper feed tray 12a can be pulled out without changing the position of the operating aid 100, making the pull-out operation easy.

[0100] Figure 10 The diagram shows a schematic representation of the state when the paper feed tray 12 is pulled out of the feeding device using the operation assistance tool 100. Figure 10 (A) is a 3D diagram. Figure 10 (B) is a sectional view.

[0101] When the paper tray 12a is pulled out, the user-owned operating aid 100 is attached to the handle 12b. Then, as... Figure 10 As shown, when the user's hand H holds the grip portion 102 of the operation aid 100, the fingertip h1 contacts the fingertip contact surface 102c of the grip portion 102, and the palm h2 contacts the palm contact surface 102a of the grip portion 102.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation aid 100 has a panel operation section 103 disposed on the upper surface 102b of the grip section 102. Therefore, as Figure 10As shown in (A), the user holds the grip 102 by pinching the panel operation section 103 with their fingers. This prevents the operation aid 100 from moving in the width direction relative to the user's hand H, and allows for a firm grip on the operation aid 100. This improves the operability of pulling out and pushing in the paper tray 12a performed by the operation aid 100.

[0103] like Figure 10 As shown in (B), when the user's hand H holds the grip portion 102, the palm h2 is located lower than the fingertips h1. In this embodiment, the palm contact surface 102a of the grip portion 102, which is in contact with the palm h2, extends downward by X mm compared to the fingertip contact surface 102c. Therefore, compared to the case where the lower end of the palm contact surface 102a is at the same position as the lower end of the fingertip contact surface 102c, the contact area between the user's palm h2 and the palm contact surface 102a can be increased. As a result, the user can hold the grip portion 102 stably and can stably pull out and push in the paper feed tray 12a using the operation assistance tool 100.

[0104] When the user holds the grip portion 102 of the operating aid 100 and pulls it, the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b, and the user's pulling force is transmitted to the handle portion 12b through the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101. As a result, the paper feed tray 12a is pulled out from the feeding device 12.

[0105] In this embodiment, with the operating aid 100 mounted on the handle 12b, the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 faces the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle 12b. Therefore, the user does not need to change the posture of the operating aid 100; simply by holding and pulling the grip portion 102, the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 can abut against the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle 12b.

[0106] When the paper feed tray 12a is pulled out by abutting the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 against the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b, the folding portion 105 provided on the second surface 101b faces the handle portion 12b from below. During the pull-out operation, depending on the user's pulling method, the operating aid 100 may sometimes generate a force that causes it to move towards... Figure 10 The force that causes (B) to rotate clockwise. This force, generated during pulling, causes it to rotate... Figure 10When the force of clockwise rotation of (B) is applied, the folded portion 105 on the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the lower surface of the handle portion 12b. As a result, the rotation of the operating aid 100 is restricted, the disengagement of the operating aid 100 from the handle portion 12b during pulling is effectively suppressed, and the paper feed tray 12a can be stably pulled out from the feeding device 12.

[0107] When the paper tray 12a is pushed into the supply device 12, the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle portion 12b, and the user's pushing force is transmitted to the handle portion 12b through the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101. Thus, the paper tray 12a is pushed into the supply device 12.

[0108] In this embodiment, when the operating aid 100 is installed on the handle 12b, the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle 12b faces the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101. Therefore, the user does not need to change the posture of the operating aid 100; simply by holding and pressing the grip 102, the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 can abut against the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle 12b.

[0109] Furthermore, when the paper feed tray 12a is pushed in by the first surface 101a of the latching part 101 abutting against the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle part 12b, the folding part 105 provided on the first surface 101a faces the handle part 12b from below. During the pushing operation, depending on the user's pushing method, sometimes a force is generated on the operating aid 100 that causes it to move towards... Figure 10 The force that causes (B) to rotate counterclockwise. This force, generated during the pushing motion, causes it to rotate... Figure 10 When the force of (B) rotates counterclockwise, the folding portion 105 on the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the lower surface of the handle portion 12b. As a result, the rotation of the operating aid 100 is restricted, the disengagement of the operating aid 100 from the handle portion 12b during pushing is well suppressed, and the paper feed tray 12a can be stably pushed into the feeding device 12.

[0110] When the paper feed tray 12a is pushed into position where the anti-rotation part 104 of the operating aid 100 abuts against the side plate 12c of the supply device 12, the paper feed tray 12a is automatically pulled into the supply device 12 due to the structure of the supply device 12. Thus, the paper feed tray 12a is mounted on the supply device 12, becoming... Figure 10 The state of (B).

[0111] If the paper feed tray 12a is not pushed all the way into the supply device 12, then for operating aids that are not used to install the paper feed tray 12a on the supply device 12, it is only necessary to remove the anti-rotation part 104. By removing the anti-rotation part 104, the paper feed tray 12a can be installed into the supply device by using the operating aid to push the paper feed tray 12a all the way in.

[0112] Alternatively, the anti-rotation part 104 can be made to be elastically deformable, as long as it is configured to allow the paper feed tray 12a to be pushed in to the end using the operating aid 100. When the anti-rotation part 104 is in contact with the side plate 12c of the supply device 12, if the operating aid 100 is further pushed, the anti-rotation part 104 will elastically deform, and the paper feed tray 12a can be pushed into the supply device 12 to the end.

[0113] Thus, in this embodiment, the user can pull out and push in the paper supply box 12a without directly touching the handle 12b, which can inhibit the contact infection of viruses.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the arched portion into which the handle portion 12b is inserted is designated as the grip portion 102 in the operation aid 100. Therefore, the grip portion 102 can be made larger than the handle portion 12b, making it easier to grip compared to gripping the handle portion 12b. This facilitates the application of force and enables stable operation.

[0115] Figure 11 The diagram shown is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the operation panel 200 using the operation assistance tool 100 of this embodiment.

[0116] When operating the operation panel 200 using the operation aid 100, hold the operation aid 100 in the same manner as when pulling out the paper feed tray 12a. Then, the operation panel 200 can be operated by pushing the button 200a of the operation panel 200 through the front end 103a of the panel operation section 103.

[0117] Since the operation panel 200 of the image forming apparatus is touched by multiple unspecified users due to settings such as image quality or print count, the possibility of viruses attaching to the operation panel 200 is high. In this embodiment, the operation aid 100 allows operation of the operation panel 200 without direct contact. This also helps to suppress contact infection via the operation panel 200.

[0118] Next, variations of the operation assistance tool will be explained.

[0119] Figure 12The image shown is a three-dimensional view of the modified example of the operation aid tool 100A.

[0120] The modified operation aid 100A is made of soft resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or rubber material such as urethane or silicone, and is configured to elastically deform under the user's clamping force.

[0121] In addition, in the modified example, the fold-back portion 105 below the first and second surfaces of the engaging portion of the operating aid tool 100A is provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction, forming a plurality of cylindrical convex shapes.

[0122] Figure 13 The diagram shows the state of the modified example's operation aid 100A mounted on the handle 12b. Figure 13 (A) is a 3D diagram. Figure 13 (B) is a sectional view.

[0123] In this modified example, when the operating aid 100A is installed on the handle 12b, the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 faces the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle 12b, and the fingertip contact surface 102c faces the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle 12b. Thus, similar to the embodiment, by the user grasping the grip 102 and pulling, the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle 12b, allowing the paper feed tray 12a to be pulled out. Alternatively, by the user grasping the grip 102 and pushing, the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle 12b, allowing the paper feed tray 12a to be pushed in.

[0124] Furthermore, similar to the embodiment, when pulling out and pushing in the paper feed tray 12a, the folding portion 105 faces the lower surface of the handle portion 12b, which also helps to prevent the operation aid 1000 from falling off. Moreover, similar to the embodiment, the grip portion 102 is larger than the handle portion 12b and easier to grip. This makes it easier to apply force and allows for stable operation.

[0125] Even in this modified example, the user can pull out and push in the paper supply box 12a without directly touching the handle 12b, thus inhibiting the contact infection of viruses.

[0126] Figure 14 The diagram shows the state of the sheet bundle being clamped and discharged onto the paper tray 31 using the modified operation aid 100A. Figure 14 (A) is a 3D diagram. Figure 14 (B) is a side view.

[0127] The modified operation aid 100A is configured to elastically deform based on the user's clamping force. Therefore, as... Figure 14 As shown, by using the user's clamping force to elastically deform the operating aid 100A, the operating aid 100A can be used to grasp the sheet bundle that has been discharged onto the paper discharge tray 31. Thus, the sheet bundle can be removed from the paper discharge tray 31 without directly contacting the sheet bundle discharged by the operating aid 100A.

[0128] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown in (B), when the sheet bundle is grasped with the operating aid, the folding portion 105 abuts against the sheet bundle. In this modified example, since the folding portion 105 has multiple convex shapes, the user's gripping force can be concentrated on the folding portion 105. Thus, the sheet bundle can be grasped well by operating the operating aid.

[0129] Each folding section can be constructed from a material with a higher coefficient of friction relative to the sheet material than the main body of the operating aid 100A, or from a material with high durability. Each folding section can also be constructed separately from the main body of the operating aid 100A. By constructing each folding section from a material with a higher coefficient of friction relative to the sheet material than the main body of the operating aid 100A, slippage from the operating aid due to the sheet material's own weight can be prevented when the sheet bundle is gripped by the operating aid.

[0130] Each folding section 105 can be installed on the main body using known methods such as press-fitting, bonding, or threaded fixing. It is preferable to install the folding section 105 detachably via threaded fixing or press-fitting, allowing for replacement of the folding section 105. By making it replaceable, if the folding section 105 is damaged, the operating aid 100A can continue to be used by replacing the folding section 105.

[0131] Figure 15 The diagram shown is an example of an operation aid detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus 1.

[0132] like Figure 15 As shown, a preferred configuration is that the image forming apparatus can be attached to or detached from the side of the device using the operating aid. The side of the image forming apparatus can be held using known methods such as pressing, magnetic attraction, or holding with Velcro (registered trademark).

[0133] Furthermore, it is preferable that the multiple operation aids held on the side of the image forming apparatus are of different colors, thereby making it easy to identify which operation aid corresponds to which user. Additionally, it is preferable that the operation aids are held outside the apparatus rather than inside, so that they are exposed from the image forming apparatus. This facilitates disinfection, such as when using the operation aids or after use, by spraying alcohol. Furthermore, it allows for easy installation and removal of the operation aids from the image forming apparatus. Moreover, the held operation aids can be easily visually identified without needing to locate the part where they are held.

[0134] In this way, by pre-storing the operating aids in the image forming apparatus, compared to the situation where users store them one by one, the loss of the operating aids can be prevented. Furthermore, since the operating aids stored on the image forming apparatus can be removed for use, it also prevents situations where users have to return to the storage location to retrieve them.

[0135] The above description illustrates an example of using the operation aid tool of the present invention in the paper feed cassette 12a of the image forming apparatus, but it is not limited thereto; the operation aid tool of the present invention can be used in apparatuses having a pull-out unit.

[0136] Figure 16 The diagram shown is a schematic configuration of a banknote computer 300, which is a device with a pull-out unit.

[0137] The banknote calculator 300 is configured to be pull-out relative to the main body of the device, and includes a pull-out unit loaded with banknotes, namely a stacking section 301 serving as a sheet storage section, and a banknote discrimination section 306 for discerning banknotes. In addition, the banknote calculator 300 has a pull-out unit configured to be pull-out relative to the main body of the device, namely a collection section 308 serving as a sheet storage section, for collecting discerned banknotes.

[0138] Banknotes stacked in the stacking section 301 are fed by the feed roller 302 to the separating clamping section formed by the contact between the conveyor roller 304 and the separating belt 303. The separating belt 303 rotates in the opposite direction of the conveying direction. When multiple banknotes are stacked, only the bottommost banknote is conveyed toward the discrimination section 306, and the second and subsequent banknotes return via the separating belt 303. Thus, the multiple banknotes are separated into one. The banknote separated into one by the separating clamping section is conveyed to the discrimination section 306, where the type of banknote is determined, and the amount is calculated based on the determined type of banknote. A collection cart 307 is provided at the end of the conveying path 305, and the banknotes conveyed one by one are collected into the collection section 308 by the collection cart 307. When the banknote detection mechanism detects that there are no banknotes stacked in the stacking section 301, the banknote conveying ends, and the accumulated amount is displayed on the display section of the operation panel.

[0139] When pulled out of the main body of the device, the handle of the stacking section 301 or the handle of the collection section 308 may be touched by multiple unspecified users. As a result, there is a possibility of contact infection via the handle of the stacking section 301 or the handle of the collection section 308. Therefore, by using the aforementioned operation assistance tool, the stacking section 301 or the collection section 308 can be pulled out without direct contact with the handle during the pulling and pushing operation of the stacking section 301 or the collection section 308, and contact infection can be prevented.

[0140] The above explanation is just one example; the various methods below each have their own unique effects.

[0141] (Method 1)

[0142] The operating aid 100 has a gripping part 102 and a locking part 101, which engages with a handle part 12b of a pull-out unit such as a paper feed box 12a that is configured to be pulled out relative to the main body of the device.

[0143] Therefore, as described in the embodiments, by using an operation assistance tool, the user can pull out and push in the unit without touching the handle. This helps to suppress the spread of infection via the handle.

[0144] (Method 2)

[0145] In mode 1, the engaging part 101 has a first opposing surface such as a first surface 101a and a second opposing surface such as a second surface 101b. The first opposing surface faces the orthogonal surface downstream of the pull-out direction of the outer peripheral surface 12b1, etc., of a pair of orthogonal surfaces of the handle part 12b that are perpendicular to the pull-out direction of the pull-out unit. The second opposing surface faces the orthogonal surface upstream of the pull-out direction of the inner peripheral surface 12b2, etc.

[0146] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, when the paper supply card box 12a and other pull-out units are pulled out from the main body of the device, the first opposing surface, such as the first surface 101a, abuts against the handle portion 12b, and the user's pulling force can be transmitted to the handle portion 12b to pull the pull-out unit out from the main body of the device.

[0147] On the other hand, when the pull-out unit is pushed into the main body of the device, the second opposing surface, such as the second surface 101b, abuts against the handle portion 12b, thereby transmitting the user's pushing force to the handle portion 12b to push the pull-out unit into the main body of the device.

[0148] Therefore, it is possible to use operation assistance tools to pull out and push in the pull-out unit relative to the main body of the device.

[0149] (Method 3)

[0150] In method 2, when the handle part 12b is installed, the first opposing surface of the first surface 101a and the second opposing surface of the second surface 101b face each other.

[0151] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, during the pull-out operation of the pull-out unit such as the paper feed tray 12a, it is not necessary to align the first opposing surface such as the first surface 101a with the orthogonal surface, and during the push-in operation of the pull-out unit, it is not necessary to align the second opposing surface such as the second surface 101b with the orthogonal surface. Thus, the pull-out unit can be pulled out simply by grasping and pulling the operating aid mounted on the handle 12b, and the pull-out unit can be pushed in simply by grasping and pressing the operating aid.

[0152] (Method 4)

[0153] In mode 2 or 3, the engaging part 101 has an opening at the lower part for inserting the handle part, and a folding part 105 protruding toward the handle part is provided at a position lower than the handle part 12b on the first opposing surface such as the first surface 101a and the second opposing surface such as the second surface 101b.

[0154] Therefore, as described in the embodiments, during the operation of the paper feed tray 12a and other pull-out units using the operation assistance tool 100, it is possible to prevent the operation assistance tool 100 from being pulled out of the handle portion 12b.

[0155] (Method 5)

[0156] In any of the methods 1 to 4, an anti-rotation part 104 is provided to stop rotation when the handle part 12b is mounted.

[0157] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, rotation of the operating aid mounted on the handle 12b around the handle can be prevented, and the posture of the operating aid can be maintained as when the pull-out unit is pulled out. Thus, the operating aid mounted on the handle can be easily gripped. Furthermore, when pulling out, the pull-out unit can be pulled out without changing the posture of the operating aid, and the pull-out operation can be performed easily.

[0158] (Method 6)

[0159] In any of the methods 1 to 5, when the user holds the grip part 102, the vertical length of the palm contact surface 102a of the grip part 102 that is in contact with the user's palm h2 is longer than the vertical length of the fingertip contact surface 102c that is in contact with the user's fingertips when the user holds the grip part 102.

[0160] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, the user can hold the grip 102 stably and can stably pull out and push in the paper feed tray 12a and other pull-out units by operating the auxiliary tool.

[0161] (Method 7)

[0162] In any of the modes 1 to 6, a panel operation section 103 for operating the operation panel 200 is provided.

[0163] Thus, as described in the embodiments, the operation aid 100 enables the operation panel 200 to be operated without direct contact with it, and also suppresses contact infection via the operation panel 200.

[0164] (Method 8)

[0165] In mode 7, the panel operation section 103 is provided on the grip section 102.

[0166] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, the gripping part 102 can be held by pinching the panel operation part 103 with fingers, and the operation aid tool can be firmly held. As a result, the operability of pulling out and pushing in the paper feed tray 12a and other pull-out units performed by the operation aid tool can be improved.

[0167] (Method 9)

[0168] In mode 7 or 8, at least the pressing part of the front end 103a of the pressing operation panel 200 of the panel operation section 103 is configured to be replaceable.

[0169] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, when the pressing part of the front end 103a, etc., is damaged, the operation assistance tool can continue to be used by replacing the front end.

[0170] (Method 10)

[0171] In any of the methods 7 to 9, the pressing portion of at least the front end 103a of the pressing operation panel 200 of the panel operation section 103 is made of a material different from the main body of the operation aid.

[0172] Therefore, the pushing portion of at least the front end 103a of the panel operation section 103 can be made of a material that is easy to operate the operation panel, and the main body can be made of a material that is easy to hold. As a result, the operability of the operation panel 200 and the operability of the pull-out unit of the paper feed tray 12a can be easily realized simultaneously.

[0173] (Method 11)

[0174] In any of the methods 1 to 10, the engaging part 101 is configured to be replaceable.

[0175] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, when the engaging part 101 is damaged, the operating aid 100 can continue to be used by replacing the engaging part 101.

[0176] (Method 12)

[0177] In any of the methods 1 to 11, the engaging part 101 is made of a material different from the body of the operating aid.

[0178] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, the engaging portion 101 can be made of a material suitable for engaging with the handle portion 12b, and the grip portion 102 can be made of a material suitable for a user to grip. This allows for stable operation of the pull-out unit, such as the paper feed tray 12a.

[0179] (Method 13)

[0180] In mode 12, the coefficient of friction between the engaging part 101 and the handle part 12b is higher than the coefficient of friction between the body of the operating aid and the handle part 12b.

[0181] Therefore, as described in the embodiment, when the engaging portion 101 abuts against the handle portion 12b to perform the pulling-out and pushing-in operations of the paper feed tray 12a and the like, movement of the operation assistance tool 100 relative to the handle portion 12b can be suppressed. As a result, the pulling-out or pushing-in of the pulling-out unit can be performed stably.

[0182] (Method 14)

[0183] In any of the methods 1 to 13, at least the grip portion 102 is treated with antibacterial agents.

[0184] Therefore, as described in the embodiments, contact infection via operational aids can be effectively suppressed.

[0185] (Method 15)

[0186] In any of the methods 1 to 13, at least the gripping part 102 is made of metal.

[0187] Therefore, as described in the embodiments, contact infection via operational aids can be effectively suppressed.

[0188] (Method 16)

[0189] In any of the methods 1 to 15, an arched portion is provided with an insertion handle portion 12b, the inner peripheral surface of the arched portion is a locking portion 101, the outer peripheral surface of the arched portion is a gripping portion 102, and the arched portion is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0190] Thus, as explained in the modified example, the operating aid can be elastically deformed to clamp the sheet bundle discharged from the image forming apparatus, and the sheet bundle can be removed from the paper tray 31 without the operating aid directly contacting the sheet bundle.

[0191] (Method 17)

[0192] In method 16, a protrusion such as a folded-back portion 105 is provided at the lower end of the inner circumferential surface of the arched portion.

[0193] Therefore, as explained in the modified example, when pulling out and pushing in the pull-out unit of the paper feed cassette 12a, the protrusion faces the handle, which can prevent the operating aid from falling off the handle 12b. In addition, when clamping a bundle of sheets, the protrusion abuts against and can clamp the bundle of sheets with high abutment pressure.

[0194] (Method 18)

[0195] In method 17, the protrusion of the folding part 105, etc., is configured to be replaceable.

[0196] Therefore, as illustrated in the modified example, when the protrusion of the retraction part 105 or the like is damaged, the operating aid can continue to be used by replacing the protrusion.

[0197] (Method 19)

[0198] In method 17 or 18, the protrusion of the folded-back portion 105, etc., is made of a material different from that of the arched portion.

[0199] Therefore, as explained in the modified example, the protrusion of the folding section 105, etc., can be constructed from a material that allows the sheet bundle to be held well by the operating aid, and the arched section can be constructed from a material that is easy for the user to hold. Thus, it is possible to balance the holding ability of the operating aid for the sheet bundle and the operability of the pull-out unit.

[0200] (Method 20)

[0201] In the operation aids described in methods 1 to 19, the configuration is such that it can be attached to and detached from the main body of the device.

[0202] Therefore, if used Figure 15 As explained, this design prevents the loss of operating aids compared to users storing them one by one. Furthermore, since the operating aids can be detached from the main unit for use, it also prevents users from having to return to the storage location to retrieve them.

[0203] (Method 21)

[0204] In any of the methods 1 to 20, the handle 12b is the handle of the sheet storage part of the paper feed box 12a, etc., which stores sheet materials.

[0205] Therefore, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to suppress the infection of viruses through the handle of the sheet storage section.

[0206] (Method 22)

[0207] An image forming apparatus having a pull-out unit that can be pulled out from the main body of the apparatus, and having an operation aid tool according to any one of methods 1 to 21.

[0208] Therefore, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to suppress the infection of viruses via the handle of the pull-out unit.

[0209] (Method 23)

[0210] In method 22, the operation aid is held in a visually recognizable location.

[0211] Therefore, if used Figure 15 As explained, the operating aids that are kept on the device can be easily found.

[0212] (Method 24)

[0213] In mode 22 or 23, the configuration is designed to maintain multiple operational aids.

[0214] This allows for the maintenance of operation assistance tools for multiple users.

[0215] (Method 25)

[0216] In the pull-out device described in method 24, the multiple operating aids are different colors from each other.

[0217] Therefore, if used Figure 15 As explained, it is possible to identify the user's operating aid and other users' operating aids by color from among the multiple operating aids held in the image forming apparatus.

[0218] (Method 26)

[0219] In any of modes 22 to 25, the pull-out unit is the paper feed tray 12a.

[0220] Thus, as described in the embodiments, it is possible to suppress the infection of viruses via the handle portion 12b of the paper supply box 12a.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having The pull-out unit that can be pulled out from the main body of the device, and Operation assistance tools: The pull-out unit has a handle for engaging the operation aid tool. The operating aid is an arched shape with an opening at the bottom, into which the handle is inserted. The inner circumferential surface of the arched shape is the engaging part that engages with the handle part, and the outer circumferential surface of the arched shape is the grip part. The operating aid has an anti-rotation part, which extends upward and downward from the upper and lower ends of the opposite side of the gripping part opposite to the side of the pull-out unit when the operating aid is attached to the handle, and abuts against the side plate of the device body when the operating aid is attached to the handle to prevent the operating aid from rotating around the handle.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engaging portion has a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface. The first opposing surface is perpendicular to the downstream side of a pair of orthogonal surfaces of the handle portion that are perpendicular to the pull-out direction of the pull-out unit. The second opposing surface is perpendicular to the upstream side of the pull-out direction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: When installed on the handle, the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface are opposite to the orthogonal surface.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The engaging portion has an opening at the bottom for inserting the handle portion. A folding portion protruding toward the handle portion is provided on the first and second opposing surfaces at a position lower than the handle portion.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: When a user holds the grip, the vertical length of the palm contact surface of the grip that the user's palm contacts is longer than the vertical length of the fingertip contact surface of the grip that the user's fingertips contact.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: It has a panel operation section for operating the operation panel.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: The panel operation section is located on the grip section.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The push part of the panel operation unit that pushes the operation panel is configured to be replaceable.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engaging part is made of a different material than the main body of the operating aid.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: The coefficient of friction between the engaging part and the handle part is higher than the coefficient of friction between the body of the operating aid and the handle part.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least the gripping part should be treated with antibacterial agents.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: It has an arched portion that is inserted into the handle, and the arched portion is configured to be elastically deformable.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that: A protrusion is provided at the lower end of the inner circumferential surface of the arched portion.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body of the device is configured to be detachable.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: Keep the operation aid in a visually identifiable location.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: It can maintain multiple operation assistance tools.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that: The colors of the various operation aids are different from each other.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pull-out unit is a paper feed box.

Images