Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material; a controller configured to control the image forming unit; a sheet feed tray configured to store the recording material to be fed to the image forming unit; and a sheet feed tray cover configured to cover an access point of the sheet feed tray. The sheet feed tray cover includes a user interface unit for inputting or outputting information to or from the controller.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 19, 2021, with application number 202110294539.2 and title "Image Forming Apparatus". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming images on recording materials. In particular, the image forming apparatus includes a user interface unit for inputting or outputting information. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, a printer, as an image forming apparatus, includes an operation unit with multiple operation keys operated by the user and a display unit that displays information to the user using a liquid crystal panel and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In order to maintain proper visibility of the display unit and enhance the operability of the operation unit, the operation unit and the display unit are arranged on the top or front of the main body of the image forming apparatus (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-015891).

[0004] In recent years, configurations including large display units for improved visibility and large touch panels for improved operability and visibility have been discussed. In addition to operation and display units, configurations of various user interfaces, including motion sensors, biometric sensors, and ports for wireless communication (e.g., near field communication (NFC)), have also been discussed. To achieve configurations that further enhance user visibility and operability, these user interfaces are typically arranged on the top or front surface of the image forming apparatus body.

[0005] At the same time, there is a desire to miniaturize image forming apparatuses. The top and front surfaces of the main body of the image forming apparatus have areas where a user interface can be arranged without compromising user visibility and operability; however, in recent years, these areas have been reduced in size.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an image forming apparatus that allows for the arrangement of various user interfaces without compromising the visibility and operability of the user interface, while simultaneously miniaturizing the image forming apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes:

[0008] An image forming unit is configured to form an image on a recording material;

[0009] The controller is configured to control the image forming unit;

[0010] A sheet feed tray is configured to store recording material to be supplied to the image forming unit; and

[0011] A sheet feed tray cover is configured to cover the access point of the sheet feed tray.

[0012] The sheet feeding tray cover includes a user interface unit for inputting information to or outputting information from the controller.

[0013] Other features of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3A This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment with the sheet feed tray cover open.

[0017] Figure 3B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, with the sheet feed tray cover open.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a movable operating unit of a modified image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating a modified image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a variation of the first embodiment, a multifunctional peripheral device including an image reading scanner as an image forming apparatus.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a modified image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these embodiments are by no means intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Many features are described in these embodiments, but no invention is required to include all of these features, and these features can be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. The various embodiments of the invention described below can be implemented individually or as a combination of multiple embodiments. Additionally, features of different embodiments can be combined where necessary or where a combination of elements or features of individual embodiments in a single embodiment is advantageous.

[0024] [First Embodiment]

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 3B A printer 1, used as an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is described. In the following description, the vertical direction is defined as "upper" based on the upper side and "lower" based on the lower side. Further, the front-back direction is defined as "front" based on the front side of the printer 1 and "rear" based on the rear side. Further, when viewing the printer 1 from the front to the rear, the left-right direction is defined as "left" based on the left side and "right" based on the right side. The printer 1 may have a controller (e.g., CPU, processor, processing circuitry) configured to control the image forming unit.

[0026] First, refer to Figure 2 The basic configuration and operation of printer 1 are described. Printer 1 is a laser printer equipped with a cartridge 101, which forms images by electrophotographic methods and records images on recording materials such as paper. Printer 1 includes a sheet feed tray 105, a sheet feed / transport unit, an image forming unit, and a fixing unit.

[0027] A sheet feed tray 105 is disposed at the lower part of the printer 1 and stores recording material on which images are formed. The sheet feed / transport unit uses a sheet feed roller 106 and a sheet separation unit 107 to separate the recording material in the sheet feed tray 105 one by one and supplies the recording material to the image forming unit. Then, the sheet feed / transport unit transports the recording material to the sheet discharge stack 113 disposed at the upper part of the printer 1 via the fixing unit, or transports the recording material to the sheet discharge extension tray 113a pulled out from the sheet discharge stack 113 and the main body of the printer 1.

[0028] The image forming unit includes a scanning unit 103 that emits a laser beam based on image information, a box 101 that forms a toner image, and a transfer roller 109 that transfers the toner image onto a recording material.

[0029] The cartridge 101 includes a housing, a photosensitive drum 102 rotatably arranged within the housing, a charging unit (not shown) for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 102, and a developing unit for forming a toner image using a toner that serves as a developer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 102. A transfer roller 109 is arranged toward the photosensitive drum 102 of the cartridge 101 and forms a transfer clamping portion with the photosensitive drum 102.

[0030] The fixing unit includes a fixing film 110, a pressure roller 111, and a heater (not shown). The pressure roller 111 is in pressure contact with the fixing film 110, thereby forming a fixing clamping portion. The fixing unit is configured in such a way that the fixing clamping portion is formed therebetween.

[0031] When printer 1 receives a print signal from the host (not shown), the image forming unit uses a laser beam from the scanning unit 103, based on image information from the host, to irradiate the surface of the photosensitive drum 102, which is charged by the charging unit, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is developed using toner in the developing unit, thereby forming a toner image. Simultaneously, when receiving a print signal from the host (not shown), the sheet feed / transport unit uses the sheet feed roller 106 and the sheet separation unit 107 to separate the recording material in the sheet feed tray 105 one by one for feeding the recording material. Then, the sheet feed / transport unit transports the separated recording material to the transfer clamping section. The transfer clamping section is formed by the photosensitive drum 102 and the transfer roller 109, which are in pressure contact with each other. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 102 is transferred to the recording material at the transfer clamping section. The recording material with the transferred toner image is transported to the fixing clamping section formed by the fixing film 110 and the pressure roller 111. In the fixing clamping section, the recording material with the toner image transferred is heated by a heater and pressed by a fixing film 110 and a pressure roller 111, thereby fixing the toner image onto the recording material. The recording material with the toner image fixed is conveyed to the sheet discharge roller 112 of the sheet feed / transport unit, and then discharged to the sheet discharge stack 113 arranged on the upper part of the printer 1, or discharged to the sheet discharge stack 113 and the sheet discharge extension tray 113a, thereby completing the image formation on the recording material.

[0032] (Thin sheets are delivered to a tray)

[0033] Next, the configuration of the sheet feeding tray 105 in this embodiment will be described.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, a sheet feed tray 105 is disposed at the lower part of the main body of the printer 1, so that the sheet feed tray 105 protrudes from the front of the main body of the printer 1. Due to the miniaturization of the printer 1, the depth of the printer 1 in the front-to-back direction is shorter than the length in the transport direction of the recording material on which an image can be formed. Therefore, when the recording material on which an image is to be formed is placed in the printer 1, the rear end of the recording material protrudes from the front of the printer 1. The sheet feed tray 105 is disposed in this manner to store at least the rear end of the recording material protruding from the main body of the printer 1. A sheet feed tray cover 10 is disposed on the sheet feed tray 105. The sheet feed tray cover 10 is provided to cover the recording material stored in the sheet feed tray 105.

[0035] The sheet feed tray 105 includes a stacking surface 105a, a left side surface 105b1, a right side surface 105b2, and a front side surface 105b3 on which recording material is stacked. The left side surface 105b1, right side surface 105b2, and front side surface 105b3 are arranged around the stacking surface 105a to project upward from the stacking surface 105a in the vertical direction. Thus, when the sheet feed tray cover 10 covers the access point of the sheet feed tray 105, the left side surface 105b1, right side surface 105b2, and front side surface 105b3 are configured to support the sheet feed tray cover 10.

[0036] One end of the sheet feed tray cover 10 is connected to the main body of the printer 1 so that the sheet feed tray cover 10 can rotate relative to the main body of the printer 1 about a hinge center 10a. During normal printing, the sheet feed tray cover 10 covers the sheet feed tray 105. When the user places recording material in the sheet feed tray 105, the user rotates the sheet feed tray cover 10 relative to the main body of the printer 1 about a hinge center 10a to position the sheet feed tray cover 10. Figure 2 (dashed line) and Figure 3A The state shown. In this way, the interior (stack surface 105a) of the sheet feed tray 105 in which the recording material is stacked will be visible to the user, so that the user can replenish the recording material in the sheet feed tray 105.

[0037] (user interface)

[0038] Printer 1 is provided with various user interface units (hereinafter referred to as user interfaces). The user interface is configured to allow the user to input information to the image forming unit, output information from the image forming unit to notify the user of information, and perform information input and output.

[0039] In this embodiment, an operation unit 11, serving as a user interface, is arranged on the top surface of the sheet feed tray cover 10. The operation unit 11 includes a power switch 12, multiple operation keys 13, a display unit 14, a power light-emitting diode (LED) 15, and a speaker 16. Thus, in this embodiment, the operation unit 11, possessing multiple functions, is configured as a user interface. The user interface unit can be configured to input information to or output information from the controller. The controller and the user interface unit can be connected via flexible wiring. The controller and the user interface unit can also be connected wirelessly via transmitting information through radio waves.

[0040] When the user uses printer 1, the user presses power switch 12 to power on the main body of printer 1 and the power LED 15 illuminates. This allows the user to easily identify the ON or OFF state of the power. Display unit 14 displays information about printer 1, such as various settings, network status, and error messages. When the user performs operations such as paper type setting, sheet feed slot setting, various mode settings, and reset, the user can use various operation keys 13 to perform the operations as needed. Speaker 16, which serves as a sound output device in operation unit 11, is configured to output operation sounds, notification sounds, and voice prompts. Components that can cause changes in the circuitry of the image forming apparatus are used as operation keys in this embodiment. However, the operation keys do not have to be mechanical push switches and can be replaced by resistive (pressure-type) input devices such as capacitive touch panels.

[0041] The operating unit 11 includes a wiring board 11a, which is connected to the signal processor 1a (controller) of the image forming unit (the main body of the printer 1) via an electrical wiring 10b. Flexible wiring, such as a flat cable or a flexible printed circuit (FPC), can be used as the electrical wiring 10b. One end of the electrical wiring 10b is connected to the wiring board 11a. The other end of the electrical wiring 10b is connected to the signal processor 1a of the image forming unit (the main body of the printer 1). The electrical wiring 10b can be arranged to run near the hinge center 10a. In this way, the electrical wiring 10b can be flexible. When the sheet feed tray cover 10 rotates, the electrical wiring 10b bends with the sheet feed tray cover 10. That is, the electrical wiring 10b bends as the sheet feed tray cover 10 moves. Using such a configuration, the electrical wiring 10b can more reliably connect the wiring board 11a and the signal processor 1a without disconnecting.

[0042] The rear portion of the operating unit 11 is protected by an operating unit rear cover 17 covering the wiring board 11a and electrical wiring 10b. The sheet feed tray cover 10 is configured such that its rotation is restricted in a position where it extends vertically along the front of the printer 1. Thus, when the user places recording material in the sheet feed tray 105, the sheet feed tray cover 10 is maintained so that the interior (stacked surface 105a) of the sheet feed tray 105 is exposed, thereby improving user usability. Furthermore, the sheet feed tray 105 can be removed from the printer 1. The sheet discharge extension tray 113a can be stored inside the printer 1. The sheet feed tray cover 10 can be in a state where it extends vertically along the front of the printer 1. Therefore, even when the operating unit 11 is housed within the sheet feed tray cover 10, not only is the installation space of the printer 1 reduced when it is not in use, but the increased packaging size of the printer 1 during transport is also prevented. For example, Figure 3B This is illustrated in the example.

[0043] According to this configuration, the operation unit 11 is arranged on the top surface of the sheet feed tray cover 10, which is easily accessible to the operation unit, so that the operation unit 11 of the printer 1 is easily visible. This improves the visibility of the operation unit 11 to the user. In the printer 1, it is generally desirable to maintain a sufficient distance between the top surface of the printer 1 and the top surface of the space enclosing the printer 1, and the operation unit 11 is operably arranged thereon. In particular, in this configuration, there is sufficient space above the operation unit 11, and the user's operability is not easily compromised. Therefore, the limitations when installing the printer 1 are reduced (e.g., the need to install the printer 1 so as not to impair the user's operability), and the installation flexibility of the printer 1 is increased. In other words, even when the printer 1 is miniaturized, it is possible to arrange the operation unit 11 in an area that simultaneously satisfies operability and visibility. For example, there is no need for a protrusion to improve visibility, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the printer 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when miniaturizing the image forming apparatus, various user interfaces can be arranged without compromising the visibility and operability of the user interface. The operation unit 11 is located above the sheet feed tray cover 10. The operation unit 11 can only be accessed when the sheet feed tray cover 10 is in the open position, and access to the sheet feed tray 105 is allowed when the sheet feed tray cover 10 is in the open position.

[0044] In this embodiment, a configuration including an operation unit 11 with multiple functions is used as the user interface; however, this is merely an example. Besides buttons such as push buttons and switches such as toggle switches, the user interface only needs to include at least one notification unit that visually notifies the user of information by illuminating a light or image display unit, or audibly notifies the user of information by emitting sound from a speaker. Therefore, the user interface can be an operation panel (touch panel) for inputting information by touching the image display unit.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating unit 11 is described as a unit fixed to the sheet feeding tray cover 10, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the operation unit 11 can be configured such that it can rotate about any support axis (e.g., hinge center 10a) at one end of itself, and the operation unit 11 is tilted at any angle relative to the horizontal plane so that the operation unit 11 faces forward.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the wireless operation unit 21 can be configured to be attached to the sheet feed tray cover 10 or detached from the housing of the sheet feed tray cover 10. In this case, the wireless operation unit 21 includes a display unit 24, various operation keys 23 and a circuit board (not shown) disposed therein, and is configured to communicate with a signal processor 1a disposed inside the main body of the printer 1.

[0047] The wireless operating unit 21 (circuit board) and the main body of the printer 1 (signal processor 1a) can be configured to communicate with each other using infrared light, but are not limited to this configuration. For example, other communication methods and communication circuits may be appropriately employed depending on the usage environment, such as ultrasonic waves or radio waves.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is exemplified by a printer 1 that does not have an image reading device, but it is not limited thereto. Approaches such as... Figure 6 The image forming apparatus shown includes an image reading device 2 and a fax function. Further, in this embodiment, an image forming apparatus that forms images using a laser method has been described as an example; however, other image forming methods, such as inkjet or thermal methods, can also be used.

[0049] [Second Embodiment]

[0050] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Configurations identical to those in the first embodiment will not be described again.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the operation unit 11 is disposed on the top surface of the sheet feeding tray cover 10. In this embodiment, as... Figure 7As shown, the wireless communication port 31 is configured as a user interface. The wireless communication port 31 conforms to contactless wireless communication standards such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and can be used to read information from user-owned tags (e.g., RFID chips) for user authentication. More specifically, for example, a configuration can be adopted whereby a communication terminal (not shown), such as a card combining an IC chip and an antenna, or a portable terminal, is placed on the wireless communication port 31 to obtain tag information stored in the integrated circuit (IC) chip for user authentication. Thus, after print data is sent from a personal computer (PC) to printer 1, the user can place the communication terminal on the wireless communication port 31 of printer 1, and after user authentication, printer 1 can perform the print output operation. This prevents the printed sheet from being removed by a third party.

[0052] According to this configuration, the wireless communication port 31 is located on the top surface of the sheet feed tray cover 10. This makes the wireless communication port 31 easily visible and accessible to the user. In other words, the user can easily bring the communication terminal close to the wireless communication port 31, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, it reduces limitations when installing the printer 1 (e.g., the need to install the printer 1 without compromising user operability). In other words, the user has more freedom in installing the printer 1. Even in a miniaturized printer 1, the wireless communication port 31 can be located in an area that simultaneously satisfies operability and visibility. For example, the printer 1 does not need to have a protrusion for improved visibility, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the printer 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when miniaturizing the image forming apparatus, various user interfaces can be arranged in the image forming apparatus without compromising the visibility and operability of the user interface.

[0053] In this embodiment, near-field wireless communication conforming to the NFC standard is used as the communication method between the portable terminal and the wireless communication port 31. However, it is not limited to this communication method. Communication between the portable terminal and the wireless communication port 31 can be, for example, a method of transmitting information via radio waves conforming to other communication standards, or a method conforming to standards such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Local Area Network (LAN)). This is a non-contact wireless communication standard. With this configuration, the wireless communication port 31 can be positioned away from the main body of the printer 1 to reduce the impact of radiated noise emitted from the printer 1, thereby improving the stability of communication between the portable terminal and the wireless communication port 31.

[0054] In this embodiment, wireless communication port 31 is configured for user authentication, but this is only an example. For example, as Figure 8As shown, the fingerprint sensor 42 can be arranged on the top surface of the sheet feed tray cover 10. The user places their finger on the fingerprint sensor 42, which detects the user's fingerprint information and authenticates the user by comparing the detected fingerprint information with pre-registered fingerprint information. Thus, after sending print data from the PC to the printer 1, the user can place their finger on the fingerprint sensor 42 of the printer 1. When user authentication is successful, the printer 1 performs the print output operation. This prevents the printed sheet from being removed by a third party.

[0055] With this configuration, the fingerprint sensor 42 is positioned on the top surface of the sheet feed tray cover 10. This makes the wireless communication port 31 easily visible and accessible to the user, thereby improving usability.

[0056] The use of fingerprint sensor 42 as an interface for user authentication has been described as an example, but this is only one example. For example, sensors capable of detecting user biometric information such as iris, retina, veins, and voiceprint can be arranged on the top surface of the sheet feed tray cover 10. In this case, printer 1 compares the information obtained by the sensor with pre-registered information to authenticate the user. Simultaneously, in this case, the user can easily visually identify and access the sensor, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, biometric information can be detected more reliably. In particular, in the case of user authentication via voiceprint, voiceprint (e.g., the user's voice) can be detected at a location away from printer 1 by arranging the sensor on the top surface of the sheet feed tray cover 10. This reduces the influence of sound generated from printer 1, thereby allowing the user's voice to be detected closer to the user.

[0057] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, motion sensor 41 can be arranged on the sheet feed tray cover 10 as a user interface. In this way, the user interface is not limited to a user interface where the user can directly input information, but can also be a user interface that allows the detection of information related to the user (such as whether there is a user who can provide image forming instructions to printer 1).

[0058] Printer 1 has multiple power modes, such as a sleep mode to reduce power consumption, a standby mode in the preparation stage of a print operation, and a print mode in progress. Normally, after a predetermined period of inactivity, printer 1 will enter sleep mode. Upon resuming a print operation, printer 1 will enter standby mode in response to certain triggers (such as button operation or sensor input).

[0059] Motion sensor 41 can be a device that detects the movement of a person (moving body) near printer 1. In this case, when motion sensor 41 detects the movement of a person (moving body) within the detection area, printer 1 exits sleep mode and enters standby mode. In other words, printer 1 can transition from sleep mode to standby mode without waiting for user operation. Therefore, the waiting time for transitioning from sleep mode to standby mode is reduced, thereby improving availability.

[0060] As described above, if the motion sensor 41 is mounted on the sheet feed tray cover 10, obstacles hindering the detection by the motion sensor 41 can be reduced. Therefore, the motion sensor 41 can detect the presence of a person (moving body) over a wide range. In other words, the necessity of providing a protrusion in the printer 1 to enhance the detection capability of the motion sensor 41 is reduced, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the printer 1. Furthermore, the limitations on the installation location of the printer 1 are reduced, thereby increasing the installation flexibility of the printer 1. According to this embodiment, while miniaturizing the image forming apparatus, various user interfaces can be arranged in the image forming apparatus without compromising the visibility and operability of the user interface.

[0061] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: An image forming unit is configured to form an image on a recording material; The controller is configured to control the image forming unit; The main body of an image forming apparatus, wherein the main body includes the controller and the image forming unit; A sheet feed tray is configured to store recording material to be supplied to the image forming unit, wherein the sheet feed tray is detachable from the image forming apparatus; and A sheet feed tray cover connected to the main body is configured to cover the recording material stored on the sheet feed tray; and A user interface unit, disposed on the sheet feed tray cover and connected to the controller via wiring, is configured to input information to or output information from the controller. The sheet feeding tray cover is rotatable relative to the main body, and the user interface unit is connected to the controller via wiring when the sheet feeding tray cover is rotating relative to the main body.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The user interface unit is located above the sheet feed tray cover, and the sheet feed tray is configured such that the sheet feed tray can only be accessed when the sheet feed tray cover is opened in a position that allows access to the sheet feed tray.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The user interface unit is disposed on the top surface of the sheet feeding tray cover.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an apparatus body, wherein, The image forming unit is disposed in the main body of the device, and One end of the sheet feeding tray cover is connected to the main body of the device.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The sheet feed tray cover is rotatable between a first position and a second position. When the sheet feed tray cover is in the first position, the sheet feed tray cover is perpendicular to the sheet feed tray. When the sheet feed tray cover is in the second position, the sheet feed tray cover is parallel to the sheet feed tray and covers the recording material stored on the sheet feed tray.

6. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, As the sheet feed tray cover rotates, the wiring bends along with the movement of the sheet feed tray cover.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The user interface unit includes a power switch for the image forming apparatus.

8. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The user interface unit includes an input device that inputs information based on user actions.

9. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The user interface unit includes a wireless communication circuit for acquiring tag information of a portable terminal via wireless communication.

10. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The user interface unit includes sensors that detect human movement. 11.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The user interface unit includes sensors that detect biometric information used for user authentication.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The user interface unit includes a display device that displays information from the image forming unit.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The user interface unit includes a sound output device that notifies the image forming unit of information by outputting sound to the user.

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