IC card reader mounting part and image formation apparatus including the same

Abstract

To solve such problems that such a configuration that can adjust the height of an IC card reader for the height of the interior of a storage part for storing different types of IC card readers in the storage part is required since there are various thicknesses of IC card readers used in an image formation apparatus, and there is such a risk that the workability of a worker decreases since an unnecessary sponge is generated depending on the thickness of the IC card reader even though the height of the IC card reader can be adjusted for the height of the interior of the storage part by combining an arbitrary number of plastic members such as sponges.SOLUTION: There is provided an IC card reader mounting part which includes a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member, in which the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member come into contact with a placement part in the first mounting state, and in which the second adjustment member does not come into contact with a placement table in the second mounting state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a scanner, a printer, or a facsimile, and more particularly to a structure for mounting an IC card reader to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus equipped with an IC card reader as an information reading device that reads IC card information including personal information, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having an elastic member provided between the IC card reader and an attachment part, and a configuration capable of absorbing impact when an IC card is brought into contact with the IC card reader. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-271671 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, when an IC card reader as described above is attached to an image forming apparatus, a cover may be provided for the IC card reader. A user brings an IC card close to the cover to read information, and the IC card reader reads the information contained in the IC card through the cover. Therefore, in order to improve the reading accuracy of the IC card reader, it is desirable to adjust the height of the IC card reader relative to the mounting base and bring the IC card reader as close to the cover as possible. At this time, since IC card readers come in various thicknesses, a configuration is required that allows the height of the IC card reader relative to the mounting base to be adjusted according to the thickness of the IC card reader to be attached.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an IC card reader attachment section that allows adjustment of the height of the IC card reader relative to the placement base, and an image forming apparatus having the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The IC card reader attachment part according to the present invention comprises: A first adjustment member having plasticity; A second adjustment member having plasticity; a mounting portion on which the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member can be mounted; a cover that covers the first adjustment member, the second adjustment member, and the IC card reader; Equipped with The IC card reader can be attached by selecting from a first attachment state in which, in a height direction perpendicular to the mounting portion, the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member are provided on the mounting portion, the IC card reader is provided on the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member, and the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member are in contact with the mounting portion, and a second attachment state in which, in the height direction, the first adjustment member is provided on the mounting portion, the second adjustment member is provided on the first adjustment member, the IC card reader is provided on the second adjustment member, the first adjustment member is in contact with the mounting portion, and the second adjustment member is not in contact with the mounting portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an IC card reader attachment section capable of adjusting the height of the IC card reader relative to the placement stand, and an image forming apparatus having the same. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] Top view of IC card reader installed. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the IC card reader housing portion. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] Top view of IC card reader installed. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the IC card reader housing portion. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] Top view of IC card reader installed. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the IC card reader housing portion. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] Top view of IC card reader installed. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the IC card reader housing portion. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] Top view of IC card reader installed. [Diagram 23] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the IC card reader housing portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The XYZ coordinate system shown in FIG. 1 and subsequent figures is shown to explain the installation direction of the image forming apparatus. More specifically, X is the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the arrow direction is the right direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is the left direction. Next, Y is the depth direction of the image forming apparatus, the arrow direction is the back direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is the front direction. Finally, Z is the height direction of the image forming apparatus, the arrow direction is the upward direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is the downward direction. Furthermore, the circle symbol indicates the tip of the arrow on each of the X, Y, and Z axes, and the × symbol in the circle indicates the rear end of the arrow on each of the X, Y, and Z axes.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is a tandem-type full-color multifunction machine in which image forming sections PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged along an intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0011] In the image forming unit PY housed in the apparatus main body 3, a yellow toner image is formed and is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12. In the image forming unit PM, a magenta toner image is formed and is primarily transferred and superimposed on the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12. In the image forming units PC and PK, a cyan toner image and a black toner image are formed, respectively, and similarly are primarily transferred in sequence and superimposed on the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0012] The four-color toner images carried on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are transported to the secondary transfer section T2 and are collectively secondarily transferred onto the recording material P which is sandwiched and transported through the secondary transfer section T2 while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 12. The recording material P onto which the toner images have been secondarily transferred at the secondary transfer section T2 is heated and pressurized by a fixing device 14 housed in the vertical path section 4 to fix the toner image on its surface, and then discharged to the discharge tray 5 by discharge rollers 15.

[0013] A paper feed cassette 2 is disposed in the lower portion of the device main body 3 so as to be capable of being pulled out toward the front side. The recording materials P pulled out one by one from the paper feed cassette 2 wait in front of the secondary transfer portion T2, and are sent to the secondary transfer portion T2 in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0014] An image reading unit (flatbed scanner) 6 is disposed above the device body 3 via a vertical path unit 4. The image reading unit 6 optically reads the image on the underside of a document placed on the reading surface (glass plate) and converts it into image data, and a document is placed on the reading surface 6a with an automatic document feeder (ADF) 7 raised. The automatic document feeder 7 separates each document from a stack of documents loaded on a document tray 8 and passes them through the reading surface, causing the image reading unit 6 to scan the documents.

[0015] The operation unit 11 is disposed at the same height as the image reading unit 6 with its operation surface facing upward.

[0016] In the vertical path section 4 below the operation section 11, a conveying mechanism for the recording material P including a paper discharge roller 15, various sensors, a blower fan, etc. are housed.

[0017] The discharge tray 5, which is an example of a loading section, is disposed between the device body 3 and the image reading section 6, and loads the recording material P, on which an image has been formed by the device body 3, so that it can be removed from the front side where it can be handled.

[0018] 2, the operation unit 11 is disposed in front of the image reading unit 6 at a position lower than the reading surface 6a, which is an example of a height position below the reading surface of the image reading unit 6. Below the operation unit 11, a vertical path unit cover 10 is disposed to cover the vertical path unit 4 upstream of the discharge tray 5.

[0019] In the automatic reading mode, an original is placed on the original tray 8 of the automatic original feeder 7 .

[0020] In the manual reading mode, the automatic document feeder 7 is rotated rearward and opened upward, thereby making it possible to access the reading surface 6a of the image reading unit 6. The uppermost portion of the operation unit 11 is always positioned lower than the reading surface 6a so as not to impede accessibility for the operation of setting a document on the reading surface 6a.

[0021] Then, after placing the document on the document tray 8 of the automatic document feeder 7 (or on the reading surface 6a of the image reading unit 6), information such as the black and white or color reading mode, copy output size, type of recording material, number of copies, etc. is input via the operation unit 11.

[0022] The reason why it is referred to as the operation unit 11 here is that the display unit and input unit adopt the same touch panel system, and the numeric keypad for entering the number of copies and the recipient's telephone number when sending a facsimile is not formed by conventional hard keys, but by soft keys that are pressed when displayed in a specified area within the display input unit 11a.

[0023] Then, image information of the document is read in the image reading unit 6 based on information inputted to the operation unit 11. Then, the recording material P loaded in the paper feed cassette 2 or on the open manual feed tray 9 is fed, an image is formed on the recording material P in the main body 3, and the recording material P is discharged to the discharge tray 5 via the vertical path unit 4 and stacked thereon.

[0024] Further, at the lower right of the operation unit 11, an authentication device housing unit 21, which will be described later, is disposed.

[0025] The configuration of the authentication device housing section 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the main parts of the authentication device accommodating section 21, with the operation section 11 of Fig. 2 not shown. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the authentication device accommodating section 21, and Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of installation of the authentication device 61 in the authentication device accommodating section 21.

[0027] 3 to 5, a fixing base 31 for fixing the operation unit 11 is formed of a metal plate material having a substantially L-shape in a YZ cross section.

[0028] A plurality of burrings for screws (not shown) are formed on the front surface of a frame 6a provided to ensure the strength and rigidity of the image reading unit 6. A fixing base 31 is fixed from the front surface by a plurality of screws 32 corresponding to the plurality of burrings of the frame 6a.

[0029] Furthermore, a plurality of burrings for screws (not shown) are formed on the top surface of the upper right stay 3a, which is one of the components of the frame provided to ensure the strength and rigidity of the device body 3. The fixing base 31 is fixed from the top surface by a plurality of screws 33 corresponding to the plurality of burrings of the upper right stay 3a.

[0030] Furthermore, a plurality of burrings for screws (not shown) are formed on the top surface of the upper right stay 3a to the right of the fixing base 31 at positions not overlapping with the fixing base 31 in a top view. The mounting base 34 is fixed by a plurality of screws 35 corresponding to the plurality of burrings of the upper right stay 3a.

[0031] Furthermore, a plurality of burrings for screws (not shown) are formed on the top surface of the fixed base 31. A cover 36 which covers the lower side of the operation unit 11 and is integrally formed to cover the top surface of the vertical pass unit cover 10 is fixed by a plurality of screws 37 corresponding to the plurality of burrings of the fixed base 31.

[0032] A USB cable 38 is arranged from a control board (not shown) on the rear side of the device to the front side of the device via an upper right stay 3a. A plurality of screw burrings (not shown) are formed on the vertical surface 31a of the fixing base 31. A connector 39 on the front side of the USB cable 38 is fixed by screws 40 corresponding to the plurality of burrings of the fixing base 31, with the USB cable 38 on the right side and the opening on the left side.

[0033] With the above-mentioned configuration, a space is formed between the upper surface of the mounting table 34 and the bottom surface of the cover 36 on the right side of the operation unit 11 .

[0034] Here, the space is not used by users who do not require an authentication device, but the space can be used as an authentication device housing section 21 by users who require an authentication device.

[0035] In addition, since the authentication device may be set as an option, when an authentication device is required, a service technician may install the necessary authentication device parts on an image forming device used by a user in the market, and if any parts that are not necessary for the installation are generated at that time, they may be discarded.

[0036] 5, a thick IC card reader 61 as an example of an authentication device is connected to a cable 62 and a connector 63 for electrical connection with the device body 3. This connector 63 is then connected to a connector 39 fixed to the fixed base 31 with screws 40, and the device is placed on the placement base 34. If the cable 62 has slack, the slack is disposed of in front of the vertical surface 31a of the fixed base 31. Thereafter, the cover 36 is fixed to the top surface of the fixed base 31 with a plurality of screws 37 as described above. The front cover 6b of the image reading unit 6 is then fixed with screws or the like (not shown) to ensure the quality of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] Hereinafter, a configuration in which an IC card reader is attached to an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the IC card reader 61 when it is attached to the mounting base 34 (mounting portion), FIG. 7 is a top view of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the height of the IC card reader 61 and the thickness of the sponge indicate the length in the height direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the mounting base 34. Usually, the IC card reader is attached to the mounting base and then a cover is provided from above, completing the attachment to the image forming apparatus. When the user wants the IC card reader 61 to read information on the IC card, the user brings the IC card into contact with the cover. At this time, the IC card reader 61 reads information on the IC card held up by the user through the cover. For this reason, it is desirable that the top surface of the IC card reader 61 be as close as possible to the bottom surface of the cover in order to improve the reading accuracy.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of IC card reader 61 when attached to mounting base 34. Sponge 74a is provided on mounting base 34, and IC card reader 61 is provided on sponge 74a. Furthermore, cover 36 is attached from above IC card reader 61 to complete installation of IC card reader 61. The height of IC card reader 61 relative to mounting base 34 is adjusted depending on the thickness of sponge 74a, and the upper surface of IC card reader 61 can be brought closer to the lower surface of cover 34. In addition, sponge 74a is made of a plastic material, and can be deformed according to the thickness of IC card reader 61. When cover 36 is attached in a deformed state of sponge 74a, it is possible to press IC card reader 61 against cover 36 by the restoring force of sponge 74a, and IC card reader 61 can be brought closer to cover 36 more stably.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 7. In this embodiment, the thickness of sponge 74a is set to a height such that the top surface of IC card reader 61 comes into contact with the bottom surface of cover 36, but the thickness of sponge 74a is not limited to this. In other words, as long as IC card reader 61 can read information on an IC card held over by a user via cover 36, the top surface of IC card reader 61 does not have to come into contact with the bottom surface of cover 36.

[0041] Here, IC card reader 61 does not have to be a dedicated product designed for the image forming apparatus, and a commercially available general-purpose product may be used. For this reason, a configuration is required in which the height of IC card reader 61 relative to mounting base 34 can be adjusted according to the height of the IC card reader to be attached.

[0042] 9 is a diagram showing how to set IC card reader 61 on mounting base 34 using sponge 74a and sponge 74b according to the thickness of IC card reader 61. By using multiple sponges 74, the upper surface of IC card reader 61 can be stably brought close to the lower surface of cover 36 even when a relatively thin IC card reader 61 is provided.

[0043] At this time, the worker who attaches IC card reader 61 to the image forming apparatus prepares multiple sponges 74. If IC card reader 61 is relatively thin, all of the prepared sponges 74 are used for installation, but if IC card reader 61 is relatively thick, some of the prepared sponges 74 are used for installation. Of the sponges prepared for installation, those not used for installation are discarded, which may reduce the worker's workability.

[0044] FIG. 10 shows the sponge 73 in this embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the case where the sponge 73 in this embodiment is used to install the IC card reader 61 on the mounting base 34. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 12. The sponge 73 (adjustment member) in this embodiment can be separated into sponge 73a (first adjustment member) and sponge 73b (second adjustment member) at the boundary of the cut line 73c. ​​When the IC card reader 61 has a first thickness, the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are installed on the mounting base 34 in a combined state as shown in FIG. 10, and the IC card reader 61 is further installed thereon. When the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are installed on the mounting base 34 in a combined state, the height of the IC card reader 61 relative to the mounting base 34 can be adjusted by the thickness of either the sponge 73a or the sponge 73b. When sponge 73a and sponge 73b are combined, both sponge 73a and sponge 73b are in contact with mounting base 34. The state in which sponge 73a and sponge 73b are provided on mounting base 34 in a combined state and sponge 73a and sponge 73b are placed on mounting base 34 corresponds to the first attachment state.

[0045] FIG. 14 shows a state in which the height of IC card reader 61 is adjusted relative to mounting base 34. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of AA in FIG. 15. In FIG. 14, sponge 73 is separated into sponge 73a and sponge 73b and used to adjust the height of IC card reader 61 relative to mounting base 34. Sponge 73a is provided on mounting base 34, and sponge 73b is further provided thereon. IC card reader 61 is provided on sponge 73b, and cover 36 is provided. By separating sponge 73 into sponge 73a and sponge 73b as described above, the height of IC card reader 61 relative to mounting base 34 can be adjusted to a different height compared to the case in which sponge 73 is not separated. When sponge 73 is separated and used to adjust the height of IC card reader 61 as shown in FIG. 16, the height of IC card reader 61 relative to mounting base 34 can be adjusted by the total thickness of sponge 73a and sponge 73b. According to this embodiment, when the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are combined and used to adjust the height of the IC card reader 61, both the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are in contact with the mounting base 34. On the other hand, when the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are separated and used to adjust the height of the IC card reader 61, either one of the sponge 73a or the sponge 73b is in contact with the mounting base 34. When the sponges 73 are combined and used, both the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are in contact with the mounting base 34, so that unnecessary sponges are not generated according to the height of the unnecessary IC card reader 61, and the risk of discarding the sponge can be reduced. In this embodiment, when the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are used separately, either one of the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b is not in contact with the mounting base 34, but this is not limited thereto, and a part of either the sponge 73a or the sponge 73b may be in contact with the mounting base 34. In this embodiment, sponges 73a and 73b are placed separately on table 34, and either sponge 73a or sponge 73b is not in contact with table 34, which corresponds to the second mounting state.

[0046] In this embodiment, the sponge 73 is separable into the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b at the cut 73c, but the sponge 73 may have another shape. That is, when the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b are combined, the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b may be provided on the mounting base 34, and the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b may not be separable at the cut 73c. ​​Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b have the same thickness, but they may be different. By adjusting the thickness of the sponge 73a and the sponge 73b according to the thickness of the IC card reader 61, the height of the IC card reader 61 relative to the mounting base 34 can be adjusted more flexibly.

[0047] [Second embodiment] 17 shows another shape of sponge for adjusting the height of IC card reader 61 relative to mounting base 34. In this embodiment, the configuration except for the shape of sponge 72 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0048] In this embodiment, sponge 71 can be separated into sponge 72a, sponge 72b, and sponge 72c along cut line 71a.

[0049] In this embodiment as well, the height of the IC card reader 61 relative to the mounting base 34 can be flexibly adjusted depending on whether the sponge 71 is provided on the mounting base 34 without being separated or whether the sponge 71 is provided on the mounting base 34 separately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. Image forming device 6 Image reading unit 11 Control section 21 Authentication device housing 34 Placement table 36 Cover 61 IC card reader 71, 72, 73, 74 Sponge

Claims

1. a first adjustment member having plasticity; a second adjustment member having plasticity; a mounting portion on which the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member can be mounted; a cover that covers the first adjustment member, the second adjustment member, and the IC card reader; Equipped with an IC card reader attachment portion capable of attaching the IC card reader by selecting from a first attachment state in which, in a height direction perpendicular to the mounting portion, the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member are provided on the mounting portion, the IC card reader is provided on the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member, and the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member are in contact with the mounting portion; and a second attachment state in which, in the height direction, the first adjustment member is provided on the mounting portion, the second adjustment member is provided on the first adjustment member, the IC card reader is provided on the second adjustment member, the first adjustment member is in contact with the mounting portion, and the second adjustment member is not in contact with the mounting portion.

2. The first adjustment member and the second adjustment member can be joined together along a cut line.

2. The IC card reader attachment portion according to claim 1.

3. the first adjustment member has a first thickness that is a length in the height direction when the first adjustment member is provided on the mounting table, the second adjustment member has a second thickness that is a length in the height direction when the second adjustment member is provided on the mounting table, The first thickness and the second thickness are different from each other.

2. The IC card reader attachment portion according to claim 1.

4. an image forming unit that forms an image; a housing that houses the image forming unit; The IC card reader attachment portion according to claim 1 ; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images