Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming device in which an operation part and an attachment part are arranged appropriately.SOLUTION: An image forming device, to which an accessory unit having an accessory connector can be detachably attached, comprises: a top cover provided with a loading part on which a recording material is loaded and a unit attachment part to which the accessory unit can be attached; a device connector, arranged in the unit attachment part, to which the accessory connector can be connected; and an operation part comprising an input part that receives input operation. In a width direction, the operation part and the unit attachment part are arranged between the other end of the top cover and the loading part, and the unit attachment part is arranged at a downstream side of the operation part in a predetermined direction, when viewed in a vertical direction, in a state where the input part is pointed in the predetermined direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. [Background technology]

[0002] Some image forming apparatuses are provided with an operation unit that allows a user to operate the image forming apparatus, such as by setting the image forming apparatus, and some image forming apparatuses are equipped with peripheral devices.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the image forming apparatus has an operation unit and a mounting unit to which peripheral devices such as a numeric keypad unit and an IC card reader are mounted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-127198 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which an operation unit and a mounting unit for mounting an accessory unit as a peripheral device are appropriately arranged. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which an operation unit and a portion for mounting a connector connected to a control unit are appropriately arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One of the inventions of the present application is as follows.

[0007] An image forming apparatus to which an accessory unit having an accessory connector can be detachably attached, a top cover including a loading section on which recording materials are loaded and a unit mounting section to which the auxiliary unit can be mounted; an equipment connector disposed in the unit mounting portion and to which the accessory connector can be connected; a discharge section that discharges the recording material in a discharge direction toward the stacking section; an operation unit including an input unit that accepts input operations; A control unit connected to the device connector; having the operation section and the unit mounting section are disposed between one end of the top cover and the loading section in a vertical direction and a width direction perpendicular to the ejection direction, When the input unit is facing a predetermined direction, the unit mounting unit is disposed downstream of the operation unit in the predetermined direction as viewed in the vertical direction. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0008] One of the inventions of the present application is as follows.

[0009] a top cover including a loading section on which recording materials are loaded, an upper surface facing upward in a vertical direction, and a recessed portion recessed downward from the upper surface; a discharge section that discharges the recording material in a discharge direction toward the stacking section; an operation unit including an input unit that accepts input operations; A connector disposed in the recess; A control unit connected to the connector; a cover that covers the recess so as to cover the connector; having the operation portion and the recessed portion are disposed between one end of the top cover and the loading portion in a vertical direction and a width direction perpendicular to the ejection direction, When the input unit is facing a predetermined direction, the recess is disposed downstream of the operation unit in the predetermined direction as viewed in the vertical direction. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which an operation unit and an attachment unit are appropriately arranged. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which an operation unit and a portion in which a connector connected to a control unit is arranged are appropriately arranged. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus [Diagram 2] External view of image forming apparatus [Diagram 3] (a) External view of the mounting part with the mounting part cover attached, (b) External view of the mounting part with the mounting part cover removed [Figure 4] Diagram showing the layout of the mounting unit, operation panel, and control unit [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of the mounting part [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus [Figure 7] External view of accessory unit [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus with an accessory unit attached. [Figure 9] (a) is a vertical view of the image forming apparatus S2 according to the second embodiment; (b) is a left-right view of the image forming apparatus S2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only those.

[0013] In the following description, the up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction are defined as follows in relation to the top, bottom, front, rear, left side, and right side, respectively. The up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction intersect with each other, and are perpendicular to each other in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction (direction of gravity), and the front-back direction and left-right direction are parallel to the horizontal direction. The left side and right side in the left-right direction are defined based on the state in which the image forming apparatus S is viewed from the front. EXAMPLES

[0014] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus S will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus S. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus S is a tandem-type electrophotographic laser beam printer, and is capable of forming a four-color image on a sheet-like recording material such as paper or an OHP.

[0015] The image forming section of the image forming apparatus S will be described below. The image forming section includes photosensitive drums 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d as electrophotographic photosensitive members. The image forming section further includes charging rollers (charging members) 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d, developing rollers (developing members) 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, and cleaning blades (cleaning members) 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

[0016] In the following description, when there are a plurality of similar components such as the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d, one of them may be described without the subscript (for example, the photosensitive drum 10).

[0017] Each of the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d has an aluminum cylinder and a photoconductive layer such as an OPC (organic photoconductor) provided on the outer circumferential surface of the aluminum cylinder.

[0018] The charging rollers 11a to 11d are configured to charge the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d, respectively. Each of the charging rollers 11a to 11d has a core and a conductive elastic member provided around the core.

[0019] The photosensitive drums 10a to 10d are rotated in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise in the figure) by a driving means (not shown). The charging rollers 11a to 11d contact the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d and are rotated by the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d. A charging bias is applied to the charging rollers 11a to 11d by a power source (not shown).

[0020] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus S has an image forming unit IM. The image forming unit IM includes photosensitive drums 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. The image forming section further includes charging rollers (charging members) 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d, developing rollers (developing members) 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, and cleaning blades (cleaning members) 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

[0021] Further, the image forming unit IM is movable between the inside and the outside of the device body Sa of the image forming apparatus S. In this embodiment, the image forming unit IM moves from the inside to the outside of the device body Sa by moving forward in the front-rear direction.

[0022] In this embodiment, the image forming unit IM includes a cartridge support member (tray) TR that is movable between the inside and outside of the apparatus main body Sa, and the cartridges Ca, Cb, Cc, and Cd that are removably mounted on the cartridge support member TR. The cartridge support member TR moves forward in the front-to-rear direction while supporting the cartridges Ca to Cd, thereby moving from the inside to the outside of the apparatus main body Sa. With the cartridge support member TR positioned outside the apparatus main body Sa, the user can replace the cartridges Ca to Cd.

[0023] Each of the cartridges Ca to Cd includes the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d, the charging rollers 11a to 11d, the developing rollers 12a to 12d, and the cleaning blades 13a to 13d, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge support member TR may have the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d, and each of the cartridges Ca to Cd may have the developing rollers 12a to 12d, respectively. The cartridge support member TR may have the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d and the developing rollers 12a to 12d, and each of the cartridges Ca to Cd may be a toner cartridge that contains toner to be supplied to each of the developing rollers 12a to 12d. Also, each of the cartridges Ca to Cd may be separable into a plurality of parts.

[0024] The image forming section has a scanner unit (exposure unit) 20 arranged above the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d. The exposure unit 20 has a laser light source that emits laser beams La, Lb, Lc, and Ld, various optical members for guiding the laser beams emitted from the laser light sources to the corresponding photosensitive drums 10a to 10d to perform deflection scanning, and a housing that accommodates these. The charged photosensitive drums 10a to 10d are irradiated with laser beams La to Ld based on image information from the exposure unit 20, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d.

[0025] The developing rollers 12a to 12d supply toner to the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d, respectively. As a result, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d are developed into toner images. More specifically, the developing rollers 12a to 12d deposit toner of different colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) onto the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d, respectively.

[0026] The image forming section has an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer body) 15 onto which the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d are primarily transferred.

[0027] The intermediate transfer belt 15 is a belt formed in a loop shape and is stretched around three rollers that are parallel to one another. One of the three rollers is a drive roller, and as the drive roller rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 15 is driven so that its surface moves in the direction of the arrow.

[0028] Further, primary transfer rollers 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are disposed inside the loop of the intermediate transfer belt 15. The intermediate transfer belt 15 is sandwiched between each of the primary transfer rollers 14a to 14d and each of the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d. Primary transfer nip portions N1a, N1b, N1c, and N1d are formed between the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d and the intermediate transfer belt 15. A primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer rollers 14a to 14d by a power source (not shown), so that the toner images on the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer nip portions N1a to N1d.

[0029] As a result, toner images of four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15. Meanwhile, in each of the primary transfer nips N1a to N1d, a portion of the toner image is not transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 15 and remains on the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d is removed from the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d by the cleaning blades 13a to 13d.

[0030] Further, a secondary transfer roller 16 is disposed downstream of the primary transfer nip portions N1a to N1d in the driving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 15. A secondary transfer nip portion N2 is formed between the secondary transfer roller 16 and the intermediate transfer belt 15.

[0031] On the other hand, the image forming apparatus S has a paper feed unit 40. The paper feed unit 40 is capable of storing a plurality of recording materials P. The recording materials P are transported from the paper feed unit 40 toward the secondary transfer nip portion N2.

[0032] The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transported to the secondary transfer nip portion N2 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 15. A secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 16 by a power source (not shown), and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transferred to the recording material P transported to the secondary transfer nip portion N2.

[0033] At the secondary transfer nip portion N2, a portion of the toner image is not transferred to the recording material P and remains on the intermediate transfer belt 15. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 15 by a belt cleaner (not shown).

[0034] A fixing device 50 that heats and pressurizes the recording material P to fix the toner onto the recording material P is provided downstream of the secondary transfer nip N2 in the conveying direction of the recording material P (direction of the dashed arrow).

[0035] The image forming apparatus S has an exterior frame 4 equipped with a discharged paper stacking section 5. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing device 50 is discharged to the outside of the main body of the image forming apparatus S by a pair of discharge rollers 60 and is stacked on the discharged paper stacking section 5 provided on the exterior frame 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rotational axis directions of the photosensitive drums 10a to 10d, the developing rollers 12a to 12d, the intermediate transfer belt 15, and the rollers that transport the recording material P are parallel to the left-right direction. The left-right direction is the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording material P, or can be called the width direction.

[0037] <Appearance> The appearance of the image forming apparatus S will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is an appearance diagram of the image forming apparatus S.

[0038] The device body Sa of the image forming device S has a resin exterior frame 4. The exterior frame 4 is formed in a substantially box shape. The exterior frame 4 can be called the exterior part of the device body Sa, and an image forming unit is housed inside the exterior frame 4.

[0039] The exterior frame 4 includes a top cover 4A. The top cover 4A is disposed on the upper part of the apparatus main body Sa, and includes a surface (top surface, upper surface) 4a5 that faces the outside of the image forming apparatus S and vertically upward. The top cover 4A includes a discharged paper stacking section 5 and an attachment section 70. The attachment section 70 functions as a unit attachment section to which an accessory unit 100 (described later) can be detachably attached. In addition, an operation panel 6 is provided on the top cover 4A as an operation section.

[0040] The top cover 4A has one end (right end) 4a1 in the left-right direction (width direction) and the other end (left end) 4a2 opposite the right end 4a1. The top cover 4A also has one end (front end) 4a3 in the front-rear direction and the other end (rear end) 4a4 opposite the front end 4a3.

[0041] The discharge stacking section 5 is disposed at a position overlapping with the center of the top cover 4A of the exterior frame 4 in the width direction. The exterior frame 4 of the apparatus main body Sa is provided with a discharge opening 61 through which the recording material P is discharged from inside the apparatus main body Sa to the outside. The recording material P conveyed by the discharge roller pair 60 is discharged from the discharge opening 61 toward the discharge stacking section 5 in a discharge direction D. In other words, the discharge opening 61 and the discharge roller pair 60 function as a discharge section that discharges the recording material P in the discharge direction D toward the discharge stacking section 5.

[0042] The discharged paper stacking section 5 includes a slope 5a that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The slope 5a includes one end 5a1 and the other end 5a2. The other end 5a2 is opposite to the one end 5a1 in the discharge direction D or the front-rear direction. The other end 5a2 is farther from the paper discharge section (discharge opening 61) than the one end 5a1. In other words, the distance between the other end 5a2 and the discharge section (discharge opening 61) is longer than the distance between the one end 5a1 and the discharge section (discharge opening 61).

[0043] Moreover, the inclined surface 5a is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the other end 5a2 is higher than the one end 5a1. In other words, the inclined surface 5a is inclined vertically upward from the upstream side to the downstream side in the discharge direction D. In the top cover 4A, the portion including the discharged paper stacking unit 5 and the other portions may be formed in one part, or may be formed as two or more separate parts.

[0044] <Operation section> The image forming apparatus S has an operation panel 6, and the operation panel 6 has an input unit 6a that accepts input operations by a user, and an input surface 6b equipped with the input unit 6a. In this embodiment, the input unit 6a is a liquid crystal panel, and is a touch panel that has a function as a display unit that can display information about the image forming apparatus S, and a function as an operation unit that operates the image forming apparatus S. Note that the input unit 6a is not limited to the above, and may be a button or the like independent of a display as a display unit.

[0045] The input operation may include an instruction operation for causing the image forming apparatus S to perform a predetermined operation, a control operation for controlling the image forming apparatus S, a setting operation related to the settings of the image forming apparatus S, etc. The information displayed on the display unit may include information related to the input operation and information related to the status of the image forming apparatus.

[0046] The operation panel 6 is disposed on the right side of the discharged paper stacking section 5 in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the discharge direction D of the recording material P. In other words, the operation panel 6 is disposed between the right end 4a1 of the top cover 4A and the discharged paper stacking section 5 in the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the discharge direction D. The operation panel 6 is also disposed forward of the center in the front-rear direction of the top cover 4A of the exterior frame 4. In other words, the operation panel 6 is closer to the front end 4a3 than to the rear end 4a4 in the front-rear direction. As will be described later, the operation panel 6 is connected to the control section 30 by a cable 82.

[0047] The direction in which the input unit 6a faces (the direction in which the input surface 6b faces) is called the front side direction 6c. The front side direction 6c can also be called the direction in which the display unit displays information (display direction) or the exposed direction in which the input unit 6a is exposed. More specifically, the front side direction 6c is parallel to the normal direction of the liquid crystal panel or display serving as the input unit 6a.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, the input unit 6a (input surface 6b) faces forward in the front-to-back direction. The front side direction 6c in this state is called the predetermined direction. At this time, the angle between the front side direction 6c as the predetermined direction and the horizontal direction (front-to-back direction) is smaller than the angle between the front side direction 6c and the vertical direction (up-down direction). This state can be called the upright state of the operation panel 6.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the operation panel 6 is rotatable with respect to the top cover 4A. The operation panel 6 can be in a state in which the angle between the front side direction 6c and the vertical direction is smaller than the angle between the front side direction 6c and the horizontal direction. At this time, the front side direction 6c and the vertical direction may be parallel. This state can be called the set state of the operation panel 6. In this embodiment, the front side direction 6c of the operation panel 6 in the set state is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0050] <Attachment part> As described later, the image forming apparatus S is configured so that the accessory unit 100 is removably attached. The attachment section 70 to which the accessory unit 100 is attached will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Note that the image forming apparatus S to which the accessory unit 100 is attached may be referred to as an image forming system, or simply as an image forming apparatus.

[0051] Fig. 3 is an external view of the vicinity of the mounting unit 70, with Fig. 3(a) showing the state in which the mounting unit cover 7 is attached and Fig. 3(b) showing the state in which the mounting unit cover 7 is removed. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the mounting unit 70, the operation panel 6, and the control unit 30. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus S as viewed in the vertical direction (as viewed from above in the up-down direction). Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting unit 70. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view indicated by YY in Fig. 4, and is a view of the cross section as viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0052] The mounting section 70, to which the accessory unit 100 can be attached, is disposed between the right end 4a1 of the top cover 4A and the discharged paper stacking section 5 in the vertical direction and in the width direction perpendicular to the discharge direction D. The mounting section 70 is disposed adjacent to the operation panel 6 on the front side of the operation panel 6 provided on the top cover 4A of the exterior frame 4.

[0053] Here, the front side refers to the side where the user can perform the main operations on the image forming apparatus S. In this embodiment, the image forming unit IM and the paper feed unit 40 can move forward in the front-rear direction and move from inside to outside the device main body Sa. Also, as described above, the operation panel 6 can be oriented so that the input surface 6b (input section 6a) faces the front side. In this way, the user can perform the main operations on the image forming apparatus S from the front side in the front-rear direction.

[0054] 3(b), the mounting portion 70 includes a storage portion 70A that is a recessed space recessed downward from the upper surface 4a5 of the top cover 4A. In other words, the mounting portion 70 is a recessed portion recessed downward from the upper surface 4a5 of the top cover 4A.

[0055] The mounting portion 70 has a plurality of walls that form the storage portion 70A, including a first wall 70a1, a second wall 70a2, a third wall 70a3, and a fourth wall 70a4. The mounting portion 70 also has a bottom wall 70a5 that forms the bottom of the mounting portion 70 (the bottom of the storage portion 70A).

[0056] The first wall 70a1 and the second wall 70a2 extend in a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the width direction. The first wall 70a1 and the second wall 70a2 face each other in the width direction. In the width direction, the first wall 70a1 is closer to the discharged paper stacking section 5 than the second wall 70a2.

[0057] As described below, the accessory unit 100 has an accessory connector 103. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the image forming apparatus S has a device connector 80 to which the accessory connector 103 of the accessory unit 100 can be connected. In this embodiment, the device connector 80 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port (USB connector) for electrically connecting the accessory unit 100 to the image forming apparatus S. The device connector 80 is disposed in the accommodation section 70A of the mounting section 70. More specifically, the device connector 80 is disposed between the upper surface 4a5 and the bottom wall 70a5 in the vertical direction (up-down direction).

[0058] The arrangement of the mounting unit 70 will be described in more detail. In Fig. 4, the operation panel 6 is in a state where the input unit 6a (input surface 6c) faces forward (the operation panel 6 is in an upright state), and the front side direction 6c coincides with a predetermined direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the front side direction 6c is parallel to the front-rear direction. In this state, the mounting unit 70 is arranged downstream of the operation panel 6 in the front side direction 6c.

[0059] In addition, when viewed in the vertical direction, the third wall 70a3 of the mounting portion 70 is the end (proximal end) of the mounting portion 70 that is closest to the operation panel 6 in the front side direction 6c. At this time, the device connector 80 is farther from the operation panel 6 than the third wall 70a3. In this embodiment, the device connector 80 is provided on the first wall 70a1.

[0060] Also, when viewed in the vertical direction, the movement direction in which the paper feed unit 40 moves from inside to outside the device main body S is the direction from the rear side to the front side in the front-rear direction. In the movement direction of the paper feed unit 40, the mounting part 70 is disposed downstream of the operation panel 6. Also, when viewed in the vertical direction, the third wall 70a3 of the mounting part 70 is the end (proximal end) of the mounting part 70 that is closest to the operation panel 6 in the movement direction of the paper feed unit 40. At this time, the device connector 80 is farther from the operation panel 6 than the third wall 70a3. In addition, when viewed in the vertical direction, the movement direction of the paper feed unit 40 is parallel to the front side surface direction 6c.

[0061] Here, the device connector 80 has a connector housing 80b with a connector hole 80a. The connector housing 80b extends in a direction intersecting the front side direction 6c and the movement direction of the paper feed unit 40. The accessory connector 103 of the accessory unit 100 can be attached to and detached from the connector hole 80b in an attachment direction ID. The attachment direction ID is a direction intersecting the front side direction 6c and the movement direction of the paper feed unit 40.

[0062] Also, when viewed in the vertical direction, the movement direction in which the image forming unit IM moves from inside to outside the apparatus main body S is the direction from the rear side to the front side in the front-rear direction. In terms of the movement direction of the image forming unit IM, the mounting part 70 is disposed downstream of the operation panel 6. Also, when viewed in the vertical direction, the third wall 70a3 of the mounting part 70 is the end (proximal end) of the mounting part 70 that is closest to the operation panel 6 in terms of the movement direction of the image forming unit IM. At this time, the device connector 80 is farther from the operation panel 6 than the third wall 70a3. In addition, when viewed in the vertical direction, the movement direction of the image forming unit IM is parallel to the front side direction 6c.

[0063] The connector housing 80b extends in a direction intersecting with the direction of movement of the image forming unit IM. The attachment direction ID is a direction intersecting with the direction of movement of the image forming unit IM.

[0064] The control unit 30 is connected to a device connector 80. More specifically, the image forming apparatus S has a cable 81 that connects the control unit 30 to the device connector 80. The cable 81 is also connected to the device connector 80.

[0065] If the device connector 80 is provided on the third wall 70a3, it is necessary to secure a space for arranging the connector housing 80b and the cable 81 by moving the mounting unit 70 a predetermined distance away from the operation panel 6. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, the device connector 80 is farther from the operation panel 6 than the third wall 70a3, so that the operation panel 6 and the mounting unit 70 can be arranged closer to each other.

[0066] By arranging the device connector 80 on the first wall 70a1, the exterior frame body 4 and the top cover 4A can be prevented from becoming larger in the left-right and front-back directions compared to when the device connector 80 is arranged on the second wall 70a1 or the fourth wall 70a4.

[0067] 3(a), when the accessory unit 100 is not attached to the mounting portion 70, a mounting portion cover 7 is attached to close the mounting portion 70. The mounting portion cover 7 covers the mounting portion 70 so as to cover the device connector 80. The mounting portion cover 7 is detachable from the mounting portion 70.

[0068] 3(b), the mounting part 70 has a support surface 70B and an engagement hole 70C. When the mounting part cover 7 is attached, the mounting part cover 7 is supported by the support surface 70B. Furthermore, the engagement portion of the mounting part cover 7 is inserted into the engagement hole 70C, whereby the mounting part cover 7 is fixed to the mounting part 70.

[0069] The mounting surface 70B and the engagement hole 70C are also used when mounting and fixing the accessory unit 100 to the mounting portion 70.

[0070] Next, the arrangement and connection of the mounting portion 70, the device connector 80, and the control portion 30 in this embodiment will be described.

[0071] 4, in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the discharge direction D of the recording material P, the control unit 30 is disposed on the left side of the discharge stacking unit 5, and the operation panel 6 and the mounting unit 70 are disposed on the right side of the discharge stacking unit 5. In the width direction, the control unit 30 is closer to the other end (left end) 4a2 of the top cover 4A than to one end (right end) 4a1 of the top cover 4A. In addition, in the width direction, the control unit 30 is disposed on the opposite side of the discharge stacking unit 5 from the operation panel 6 and the mounting unit 70.

[0072] 4, when viewed in the vertical direction, the cable 81 overlaps with the inclined surface 5a of the paper discharge stacking section 5. Also, when viewed in the vertical direction, the connector housing 80b of the device connector 80 overlaps with the inclined surface 5a of the paper discharge stacking section 5. In other words, as shown in FIG. 5, in the vertical direction, a part of the connector housing 80 of the device connector 80 and a part of the cable 81 are located directly below the inclined surface 5a.

[0073] 4, when viewed vertically, the device connector 80 (connector housing 80b) is located between one end 5a1 and the other end 5a2 of the inclined surface 5a in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the width direction. In other words, when viewed vertically, the device connector 80 (connector housing 80b) is located between one end 5a1 and the other end 5a2 of the inclined surface 5a in each of the discharge direction D, the front side direction 6c, the movement direction of the paper feed unit 40, and the movement direction of the image forming unit IM.

[0074] 4, the operation panel 6 is located between one end 5a1 and the other end 5a2 of the inclined surface 5a in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the width direction when viewed vertically. In other words, when viewed vertically, the operation panel 6 is located between one end 5a1 and the other end 5a2 of the inclined surface 5a in each of the discharge direction D, the front side direction 6c, the movement direction of the paper feed unit 40, and the movement direction of the image forming unit IM.

[0075] 4, when viewed in the vertical direction, the mounting portion 70 is closer to the other end 5a2 of the inclined surface 5a than to the other end 5a1 of the inclined surface 5a. Also, the operation panel 6 is closer to the other end 5a2 of the inclined surface 5a than to the one end 5a1 of the inclined surface 5a.

[0076] 5, the device connector 80 (connector housing 80b) is located between one end 5a1 and the other end 5a2 of the slope 5a in the vertical direction. That is, the device connector 80 (connector housing 80b) is located higher than one end of the slope 5a1 and lower than the other end 5a2 of the slope 5a in the vertical direction.

[0077] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to arrange the discharged paper stacking unit 5 and the device connector 80 in a space-saving manner. Also, according to this embodiment, it is possible to arrange the discharged paper stacking unit 5, the device connector 80, and the operation panel 6 in a space-saving manner.

[0078] In this embodiment, the operation panel 6 is connected to the control unit 30. More specifically, the image forming apparatus S has a cable 82 that connects the control unit 30 and the operation panel 6. As shown in Fig. 4, the cable 82 overlaps with the inclined surface 5a of the discharged paper stacking unit 5 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0079] The cables 81 and 82 are connected to the control unit 30 via different paths. As a result, noise generated from either the auxiliary unit 100 or the operation panel 6 is prevented from affecting the other via the cables 81 and 82.

[0080] <Electrical configuration> Next, the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus S will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The image forming apparatus S includes a control unit 30, a power supply unit 90, an image forming unit, an operation panel 6, and the like.

[0081] The power supply unit 90 converts a voltage and current input from outside the image forming apparatus S into a voltage and current used by each part of the image forming apparatus S, and supplies the voltage and current to each part of the image forming apparatus S.

[0082] The control unit 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 34, an interface 35, a printed wiring board 30a that supports these components, etc. The control unit 30 can also be called a printed circuit board having the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, ASIC 34, interface 35, and printed wiring board 30a.

[0083] The CPU 31 executes a control program stored in the ROM 32 and controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus S. The ROM 32 stores the control program executed by the CPU 31 and various data. The RAM 33 is a storage device for the CPU 31 to execute various processes. The ASIC 34 executes processes different from those executed by the CPU 31. The interface 35 is an interface circuit that connects each part to the control unit 30.

[0084] The cable 81 of the device connector 80 described above is connected to the control unit 30 via the interface 35 .

[0085] In the control unit 30, the number of each of the CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the ASIC 34, the interface 35, and the printed wiring board 30a may be one or more.

[0086] <Attached unit> The attachment unit 100 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is an external view of the attachment unit 100. Figure 8 is an external view of the image forming apparatus S with the attachment unit 100 attached.

[0087] The housing 101 accommodates an electronic component E such as a circuit. The accessory connector 103 is connected to the electronic component E accommodated in the housing 101 via a cable 102. The cable 102 is connected to the bottom surface of the housing 101, and the accessory connector 103 is provided at an end of the cable 102. The accessory connector 103 is attachable to and detachable from the connector hole 80a of the device connector 80 along the attachment direction ID (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the accessory connector 103 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port (USB connector).

[0088] The lower part of the housing 101 is provided with an attachment surface 104 and an engagement claw 105 for attaching and fixing the attachment unit 100 to the attachment part 70 of the top cover 4A. When the attachment unit 100 is attached to the attachment part 70, the attachment surface 104 abuts against the support surface 70B and is supported by the support surface 70B. The engagement claw 105 is inserted into the engagement hole 70C. In this embodiment, the engagement claw 105 is a snap fit that engages with the engagement hole 70C. The attachment part cover 7 described above also has the same structure as the attachment surface 104 and the engagement claw 105.

[0089] The attachment of the accessory unit 100 to the image forming apparatus S will be described. First, the user connects the accessory connector 103 of the accessory unit 100 to the device connector 80 of the image forming apparatus S. Next, the user accommodates the USB cable 102 in the accommodation section 70A, and inserts at least a part of the accessory unit 100 (at least a part of the housing 101) into the accommodation section 70A so that the locking claw 105 of the housing 101 engages with the engagement hole 70C. This brings the support surface 70B of the mounting section 70 into contact with the attachment surface 104, and the engagement hole 70C and the engagement claw 105 engage. Then, the accessory unit 100 is fixed to the top cover 4A of the apparatus main body Sa.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the attachment unit 100 is attached to the attachment portion 70, a part of the housing 101 protrudes upward from the upper surface 4a5 of the top cover 4A.

[0091] In this embodiment, after the accessory unit 100 is attached to the mounting part 70, the accessory unit 100 can be removed from the mounting part 70. After the accessory unit 100 is removed from the mounting part 70, the mounting part cover 7 can be attached to the mounting part 70. Furthermore, after the mounting part cover 7 is attached to the mounting part 70, the mounting part cover 7 can be removed from the mounting part 70. After the mounting part cover 7 is removed from the mounting part 70, the accessory unit 100 can be attached to the mounting part 70.

[0092] The accessory unit (accessory) 100 of this embodiment can also be said to be an expansion unit that expands the functions of the image forming apparatus S. As an example of the accessory unit 100, the accessory unit 100 of this embodiment may be a wireless print accessory. The accessory unit 100 includes, as electronic components E accommodated inside a housing 101, an antenna, a wireless communication module including a wireless circuit, a peripheral circuit, and a control circuit, and an interface circuit.

[0093] By connecting the auxiliary unit 100 to the image forming apparatus S, the image forming apparatus S is in a state in which wireless communication is possible. Examples of wireless communication methods include short-range wireless communication using Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and NFC (Near Field Communication). By providing the image forming apparatus S with a wireless communication function, the image forming apparatus S can receive image data from a peripheral terminal such as a smartphone via wireless communication and execute a printing operation based on the image data.

[0094] Examples of the accessory unit 100 include devices having the above-mentioned wireless communication functions, as well as input devices (e.g., keypads such as numeric keys), authentication devices (e.g., card readers, barcode readers), and other devices having other functions. The accessory unit 100 includes components necessary for its functions, and is connected to the control unit 30 via the accessory connector 100 and the device connector 80. This allows a predetermined signal to be transmitted between the control unit 30 and the accessory connector 100. As a result, the control unit 30 can control the accessory connector 100 and perform operations of the image forming device 30 based on signals received from the accessory connector 100.

[0095] The mounting section 70 is provided adjacent to the operation panel 6 on the front side of the operation panel 6 provided on the top cover 4A of the exterior frame 4. By mounting the attachment unit 100 to the mounting section 70 of the image forming apparatus S, the attachment unit 100 is provided adjacent to the operation panel 6 on the front side of the operation panel 6 provided on the top cover 4A of the exterior frame 4.

[0096] By disposing the mounting part 70 in front of the operation panel 6, the visibility of the mounting part 70 and the accessory unit 100 is prevented from being reduced by the operation panel 6. Therefore, the user can easily know whether the accessory unit 100 is attached or not, and the type and state of the accessory unit 100 attached to the mounting part 70.

[0097] Furthermore, by arranging the accessory unit 100 in front of the operation panel 6, operations on the accessory unit 100 can be prevented from being hindered by the operation panel 6. An example of an operation on the accessory unit 100 is an operation of bringing a terminal close to the accessory unit 100 when the accessory unit 100 has a short-range wireless communication function. Other examples include an input operation when the accessory unit 100 is an input device, and an operation of bringing an object used for authentication close to the accessory unit 100 when the accessory unit 100 has a predetermined authentication function. By arranging the accessory unit 100 in front of the operation panel 6, these operations can be prevented from being hindered by the operation panel 6.

[0098] The operation panel 6 may also be configured to display information related to the accessory unit 100. The information related to the accessory unit 100 may include information related to the connection state with the accessory unit 100, information related to the state of the accessory unit 100, and information related to operations performed on the accessory unit 100.

[0099] By disposing the accessory unit 100 near the operation panel 6, it is possible to reduce the movement of the line of sight between the accessory unit 100 and the operation panel 6. Therefore, the information displayed on the operation panel 6 can be easily viewed. Also, it becomes easy to perform operations on the accessory unit 100 while viewing this information.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the upper surface of the housing 101 of the attachment unit 100 and the upper surface of the attachment portion cover 7 are located lower than the input portion 6a of the operation panel 6. This prevents the attachment unit 100 and the attachment portion cover 7 from interfering with input operations on the operation panel 6 and from reducing the visibility of the display on the operation panel 6. EXAMPLES

[0101] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted in principle.

[0102] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus S2 according to Example 2. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus S2 as viewed vertically, and Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus S2 as viewed left-right.

[0103] The positional relationship between the operation panel 6, the mounting unit 70, and the discharged paper stacking unit 5 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. However, the positional relationship between the device connector 80 and the control unit 30 relative to the operation panel 6, the mounting unit 70, and the discharged paper stacking unit 5 in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the control unit 30 is disposed on the opposite side of the operation panel 6 and the mounting unit 70 in which the accessory unit 100 is mounted, from the discharge stacking unit 5. Also, the device connector 80 for electrically connecting the accessory unit 100 to the image forming device S is provided on the first wall 70a1 of the multiple walls forming the storage unit 70A.

[0105] In contrast, in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9(a), the control unit 30 is closer to one end (right end) 4a1 of the top cover 4A than to the other end (left end) 4a2 in the width direction (left-right direction). In other words, as shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 30 is disposed on the same side of the discharged paper stacking unit 5 as the operation panel 6 and the mounting unit 70 to which the accessory unit 100 is attached in the width direction. In this embodiment, the mounting unit 70 to which the control unit 30, the operation panel 6, and the accessory unit 100 are attached is disposed on the right side of the discharged paper stacking unit 5 in the width direction. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the lengths of the cables 81 and 82 can be shortened compared to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0106] The device connector 80 for connecting the accessory unit 100 is provided on the bottom wall 70a5 which is the bottom of the accommodation section 70A. When viewed vertically, the device connector 80 is farther from the operation panel 6 in the front-rear direction than the third wall 70a3. The connector housing 80b is disposed so as to extend vertically downward from the bottom wall 70a5. The accessory connector 103 of the accessory unit 100 is attached to and detached from the connector hole 80a in the up-down direction.

[0107] Moreover, the cable 81 is connected to the lower part of the connector housing 80b and is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. Moreover, the cable 82 connected to the operation panel 6 is also arranged to extend in the vertical direction. Moreover, the cables 81 and 82 are connected to the control unit 30 by different paths. As a result, noise generated from either the auxiliary unit 100 or the operation panel 6 is prevented from affecting the other via the cables 81 and 82.

[0108] [Other Examples] (1) In each of the above embodiments, the operation panel 6 and the mounting unit 70 are disposed to the right of the discharged paper stacking unit 5. However, the operation panel 6 and the mounting unit 70 to which it is attached may be disposed to the left of the discharged paper stacking unit 5.

[0109] (2) The device connector 80 may be disposed at a position different from that in each of the above-described embodiments. That is, the device connector 80 may be disposed at any of the first wall 70a1, the second wall 70a2, the fourth wall 70a4, and the bottom wall 70a5, excluding the third wall 70a3 of the mounting portion 70.

[0110] (3) In the above embodiment, the connection between the image forming apparatus S and the auxiliary unit 100 is based on the USB standard, but it may be based on other standards.

[0111] (4) In each of the above embodiments, the number of accessory units 100 attached to the image forming apparatus S is one, but multiple accessory units may be attachable to the image forming apparatus S. In this case, an attachment portion to which another accessory unit is attached may be disposed in a position different from the attachment portion 70 shown in each of the above embodiments.

[0112] (5) In the above embodiments, an electrophotographic color laser beam printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus S. However, the present invention may also be applied to a monochrome laser beam printer or an inkjet printer. The present invention may also be applied to a so-called LED printer that uses a light emitting diode as an exposure device.

[0113] (6) In the above embodiments, an example of a single-function printer having only an image formation function has been described as the image forming apparatus S. However, the present invention may be applied to a multifunction printer that includes an image reading device and has multiple functions, such as an image reading function and an image transmission function, in addition to an image forming function.

[0114] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming device in which the operation panel 6 and the mounting section 70 in which the accessory unit 100 is mounted (the mounting section 70 in which the device connector 80 is arranged) are suitably arranged.

[0115] (summary) The present embodiment discloses at least the following.

[0116] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus to which an accessory unit having an accessory connector can be detachably attached, a top cover including a loading section on which recording materials are loaded and a unit mounting section to which the auxiliary unit can be mounted; an equipment connector disposed in the unit mounting portion and to which the accessory connector can be connected; a discharge section that discharges the recording material in a discharge direction toward the stacking section; an operation unit including an input unit that accepts input operations; A control unit connected to the device connector; having the operation section and the unit mounting section are disposed between one end of the top cover and the loading section in a vertical direction and a width direction perpendicular to the ejection direction, When the input unit is facing a predetermined direction, the unit mounting unit is disposed downstream of the operation unit in the predetermined direction as viewed in the vertical direction. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0117] (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the end of the unit mounting portion closest to the operation unit in the specified direction is defined as the proximal end, the device connector is farther from the operation unit than the proximal end.

[0118] (Configuration 3) the top cover has an upper surface facing upward in the vertical direction, the unit mounting portion has a plurality of walls forming a recess recessed downward from the upper surface, The plurality of walls include a first wall and a second wall extending in a direction intersecting the width direction, In the width direction, the first wall is closer to the loading portion than the second wall, and the device connector is provided on the first wall. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,

[0119] (Configuration 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein, in the width direction, the control unit is closer to the other end of the top cover than to the one end of the top cover.

[0120] (Configuration 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein a cable connecting the device connector and the control unit overlaps with the loading unit when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0121] (Configuration 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the device connector overlaps with the loading section when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0122] (Configuration 7) the loading section has a slope inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and the other end of the slope is higher than the one end of the slope, When viewed in the vertical direction, the other end of the inclined surface is farther from the discharge portion than the one end of the inclined surface in a direction perpendicular to the width direction, and the operation portion and the unit mounting portion are closer to the other end of the inclined surface than the one end of the inclined surface. 7. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6,

[0123] (Configuration 8) When viewed in the vertical direction, the device connector is disposed between the other end of the inclined surface and the one end of the inclined surface in the orthogonal direction. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

[0124] (Configuration 9) 2. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the control unit is closer to the one end of the top cover than to the other end of the top cover in the width direction.

[0125] (Configuration 10) the loading section has a slope inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and the other end of the slope is higher than the one end of the slope, When viewed in the vertical direction, the other end of the inclined surface is farther from the discharge portion than the one end of the inclined surface in a direction perpendicular to the width direction, and the operation portion and the unit mounting portion are closer to the other end of the inclined surface than the one end of the inclined surface. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5.

[0126] (Configuration 11) When viewed in the vertical direction, the device connector is disposed between the other end of the inclined surface and the one end of the inclined surface in the orthogonal direction. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10,

[0127] (Configuration 12) a top cover including a loading section on which recording materials are loaded, an upper surface facing upward in a vertical direction, and a recessed portion recessed downward from the upper surface; a discharge section that discharges the recording material in a discharge direction toward the stacking section; an operation unit including an input unit that accepts input operations; A connector disposed in the recess; A control unit connected to the connector; a cover that covers the recess so as to cover the connector; having the operation portion and the recessed portion are disposed between one end of the top cover and the loading portion in a vertical direction and a width direction perpendicular to the ejection direction, When the input unit is facing a predetermined direction, the recess is disposed downstream of the operation unit in the predetermined direction as viewed in the vertical direction. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0128] (Configuration 13) The image forming apparatus of configuration 12, characterized in that when viewed in the vertical direction, the end of the recess closest to the operation unit in the specified direction is defined as the proximal end, the connector is farther from the operation unit than the proximal end.

[0129] (Configuration 14) the top cover has a plurality of walls that define the recess; The plurality of walls include a first wall and a second wall extending in a direction intersecting the width direction, In the width direction, the first wall is closer to the loading portion than the second wall, and the connector is provided on the first wall. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13,

[0130] (Configuration 15) 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 12 to 14, wherein the control unit is closer to the other end of the top cover than to the one end of the top cover in the width direction.

[0131] (Configuration 16) 16. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 15, wherein a cable connecting the connector and the control unit overlaps with the loading unit when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0132] (Configuration 17) 17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 12 to 16, wherein the connector overlaps with the loading section when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0133] (Configuration 18) the loading section has a slope inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and the other end of the slope is higher than the one end of the slope, When viewed in the vertical direction, the other end of the inclined surface is farther from the discharge portion than the one end of the inclined surface in a direction perpendicular to the width direction, and the operation portion and the recess are closer to the other end of the inclined surface than the one end of the inclined surface. 18. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 12 to 17.

[0134] (Configuration 19) When viewed in the vertical direction, the connector is disposed between the other end of the inclined surface and the one end of the inclined surface in the perpendicular direction. 19. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 18, [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] S Image forming device 4 Cover 4A Top cover 5. Paper ejection stacking section 6 Operation panel (operation section) 30 Control section 70 Mounting part 80 Equipment Connector

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus in which an accessory unit having an accessory connector can be attached and detached, A top cover comprising a loading section on which recording materials are loaded, a top surface facing vertically upward, and a unit mounting section on which the aforementioned accessory unit can be attached, A device connector is provided, which is located in the unit mounting section and to which the attached connector can be connected. A discharge section for discharging the recording material toward the loading section, An operation unit equipped with an input section that accepts input operations, The control unit connected to the aforementioned device connector, It has, With respect to the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the discharge direction, the operating section and the unit mounting section are arranged between one end of the top cover and the loading section. With the input unit facing a predetermined direction, the unit mounting unit is positioned downstream of the operating unit in the predetermined direction when viewed in the vertical direction. The unit mounting portion has a plurality of walls that form recesses that are indented downward from the upper surface, and the plurality of walls include a first wall and a second wall that extend in a direction intersecting the width direction. With respect to the width direction, the first wall is closer to the loading section than the second wall, and the device connector is provided on the first wall. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the end of the unit mounting portion closest to the operating portion in the predetermined direction is defined as the proximal end, the device connector is further from the operating portion than the proximal end.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, with respect to the width direction, the control unit is closer to the other end of the top cover than to the one end of the top cover.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the cable connecting the device connector and the control unit overlaps with the loading section.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the device connector overlaps with the loading section.

6. The loading section has a slope that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the other end of the slope is higher than the one end of the slope. Viewed in the vertical direction, with respect to the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the width direction, the other end of the slope is further from the discharge section than the one end of the slope, and the operating section and the unit mounting section are closer to the other end of the slope than to the one end of the slope. The image forming apparatus according to feature 5.

7. Viewed in the vertical direction, and in the orthogonal direction, the device connector is positioned between the other end of the slope and the one end of the slope. The image forming apparatus according to feature 6.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, with respect to the width direction, the control unit is closer to one end of the top cover than to the other end of the top cover.

9. The loading section has a slope that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the other end of the slope is higher than the one end of the slope. Viewed in the vertical direction, with respect to the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the width direction, the other end of the slope is further from the discharge section than the one end of the slope, and the operating section and the unit mounting section are closer to the other end of the slope than to the one end of the slope. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. Viewed in the vertical direction, and in the orthogonal direction, the device connector is positioned between the other end of the slope and the one end of the slope. The image forming apparatus according to feature 9.

11. A top cover comprising a loading section on which recording materials are placed, a top surface facing vertically upward, and a recess extending downward from the top surface, A discharge section for discharging the recording material toward the loading section, An operation unit equipped with an input section that accepts input operations, The connector arranged in the recess, The control unit connected to the aforementioned connector, A cover is provided to cover the recess so as to cover the connector, It has, In the width direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the discharge direction, the operating section and the recess are positioned between one end of the top cover and the loading section. With the input unit facing a predetermined direction, the recess is positioned downstream of the operation unit in the predetermined direction when viewed in the vertical direction. The top cover has a plurality of walls that form the recess, and the plurality of walls include a first wall and a second wall that extend in a direction intersecting the width direction. In the width direction, the first wall is closer to the loading section than the second wall, and the connector is provided on the first wall. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the end of the recess closest to the operating part in the predetermined direction is defined as the proximal end, the connector is further from the operating part than the proximal end.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, with respect to the width direction, the control unit is closer to the other end of the top cover than to the one end of the top cover.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the cable connecting the connector and the control unit overlaps with the loading section.

15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the connector overlaps with the loading portion.

16. The loading section has a slope that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the other end of the slope is higher than the one end of the slope. Viewed in the vertical direction, with respect to the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the width direction, the other end of the slope is further from the discharge section than the one end of the slope, and the operating section and the recess are closer to the other end of the slope than to the one end of the slope. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

17. Viewed in the vertical direction, and in the orthogonal direction, the connector is positioned between the other end of the slope and the one end of the slope. The image forming apparatus according to feature 16.

Images