Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To achieve visibility of a sheet ejected to a loading unit, ease in taking out the sheet, visibility of an operating unit, and operability of the operating unit.SOLUTION: An image reading device is supported by a support member to be located above an image forming unit. A loading unit is provided between the image reading device and the image forming unit. An operating unit is supported by the image reading device on the front side of an image forming apparatus. In a width direction of the image forming apparatus, a first end of the operating unit projects to the outside of the image forming unit with respect to a side face of the image forming unit. In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a second end of the operating unit facing the first end is located inside the image forming unit with respect to the side face of the image forming unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image forming apparatus that forms an image read by an image reading device on a sheet by an image forming unit and discharges the sheet to a stacking unit provided above the image forming unit. According to Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus having an image reading device rotatably attached to an image forming unit has been proposed. This enables both downsizing of the image forming apparatus and ease of taking out the discharged sheet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional image forming apparatus, an operation unit is arranged so as to cover the stacking unit from above. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize the discharged sheet because the operation unit blocks the view. In particular, small sheets are not visible to the user. The operation unit may also prevent the user from taking out the sheet. If the operation unit is downsized, it will be easier to visually recognize the sheet discharged to the stacking unit. However, in exchange, the operability of the operation unit may decrease, or it may become difficult to visually recognize the information displayed on the operation unit. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to achieve both visibility of the sheet discharged to the stacking unit, ease of taking out the sheet, visibility of the operation unit, and operability of the operation unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is, for example, an image forming apparatus, An image reading device that reads a document, An image forming unit provided below the image reading device and forming an image on a sheet, A support member provided between the image reading device and the image forming unit in the height direction of the image forming device and supporting the image reading device disposed above the image forming unit, A stacking unit provided between the image reading device and the image forming unit in the height direction of the image forming device, provided adjacent to the support member, and stacking the sheets discharged from the image forming unit, A discharge unit provided in the image forming unit and discharging the sheet from the image forming unit to the stacking unit, An operation unit that receives an input for operating at least one of the image forming unit or the image reading device and is supported by the image reading device on the front side of the image forming device, The support member supports the image reading device so that the image reading device is movable between a first position where the front side of the image reading device is close to the image forming unit and a second position where the front side of the image reading device is separated from the image forming unit, In the width direction of the image forming device, a first end portion of the operation unit protrudes outside the image forming unit with respect to one side surface of the image forming unit, In the width direction of the image forming device, a second end portion of the operation unit facing the first end portion is located inside the image forming unit with respect to the one side surface of the image forming unit, It is characterized by this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both visibility of the sheet discharged to the stacking unit, ease of taking out the sheet, visibility of the operation unit, and operability of the operation unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <Example 1> (1) External Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 100 FIG. 1 is a front view showing the front (front face) of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the left side of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the rear of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the right side of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the image forming unit 110. The X direction indicates the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100. The Y direction indicates the depth direction of the image forming apparatus 100. The Z direction indicates the height direction of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 110 and an image reading device 150. The image forming unit 110 forms an image on the sheet S based on the image data of the document acquired by the image reading device 150. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing of the image forming unit 110 has a front face 110a, a left side face 110b, a rear face 110c (FIG. 3), and a right side face 110d. On the upper part of the image forming unit 110, a left side frame 102 and a right side frame 103 are provided. The left side frame 102 and the right side frame 103 function as support members for supporting the image reading device 150. The housing of the left side frame 102 has a front face 102a, a left side face 102b, a rear face 102c (FIG. 3), and a right side face 102d. The housing of the right side frame 103 has a front face 103a, a left side face 103b, a rear face 103c (FIG. 3), and a right side face 103d. Between the left side frame 102 and the right side frame 103, a discharge stacking unit 101 for stacking the sheets S discharged from the image forming unit 110 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the stacking surface of the discharge stacking unit 101 may have a slope surface with a downward gradient from the front face 110a to the rear face 110c of the image forming unit 110.

[0011] The image reading device 150 includes an image reading unit 151, a cover 152, a platen glass 153, an image sensor 160, etc. The platen glass 153 is disposed above the image reading unit 151. A cover 152 for opening or protecting the platen glass 153 is provided above the platen glass 153. As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading unit 151 and the cover 152 are connected by a hinge 154 provided near the back surface 150c. The hinge 154 enables the cover 152 to rotate with respect to the image reading unit 151. Note that a hinge 155 is provided between the image reading device 150 (image reading unit 151) and the left column 102. A hinge 155 is also provided between the image reading device 150 (image reading unit 151) and the right column 103. The hinge 155 enables the image reading device 150 to rotate with respect to the image forming unit 110. Details of the image reading operation will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. The image reading device 150 has a front surface 150a, a left side surface 150b, a back surface 150c (FIG. 3), and a right side surface 150d.

[0012] The operation unit 170 is provided on the front surface 150a of the image reading unit 151. The operation unit 170 has a front surface 170a, a left side surface 170b, and a right side surface 170d. Note that when the housing of the operation unit 170 is integrated with the housing of the image reading unit 151, the back surface of the operation unit 170 may not exist.

[0013] (2) Internal Structure and Operation of Image Forming Unit According to FIG. 5, the paper feed cassette 13 is provided below the image forming unit 110 and can accommodate a large number of sheets S. The lifting plate 114 can lift a large number of sheets S. The paper feed roller 11 and the separation pad 12 separate one sheet S from a plurality of sheets S taken out from the paper feed cassette 13 and send it out to the conveyance path P1.

[0014] The photoreceptor drum 1 is an image carrier that rotates while carrying an electrostatic latent image and a toner image. The charging member 2 charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1 so that the surface potential of the photoreceptor drum 1 becomes a uniform potential. The exposure light source 3 outputs a laser beam 4 modulated based on image data and scans the laser beam 4 on the photoreceptor drum 1. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0015] The developing roller 5 develops the electrostatic latent image using toner to form a toner image. The transfer roller 6 is disposed so as to face the photoreceptor drum 1 and transfers the toner image from the photoreceptor drum 1 to the sheet S. The fixing device 17 has a heat roller 15 and a pressure roller 16. The heat roller 15 heats the sheet S and the toner image, and the pressure roller 16 presses the sheet S and the toner image. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the sheet S. The discharge roller 18 discharges the sheet S onto the discharge stacking unit 101.

[0016] Note that the image forming unit 110 may adopt an image forming method different from the electrophotographic method. For example, an inkjet recording method may be adopted.

[0017] (3) Structure and Operation of Image Reading Device As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, an image reading device 150 is disposed above the discharge stacking unit 101. The image reading device 150 includes an image reading unit 151, a platen glass 153, and a cover 152. The image reading unit 151 reads a document placed on the platen glass 153 with an image sensor 160 to generate image data and outputs the image data to the image forming unit 110. As a result, copying of the document is realized. The platen glass 153 is a translucent plate having translucency. As suggested by FIGS. 2 and 4, the cover 152 can rotate about a hinge 155 as a rotation axis and move between a position where the platen glass 153 is opened and a position where the platen glass 153 is protected.

[0018] The user opens the cover 152, places the document on the platen glass 153, and instructs the operation unit 170 to read the document. Thereby, the image reading unit 151 illuminates the document and causes the image sensor 160 to read the document while moving the image sensor 160 in the X direction. Instead of transmitting the image data of the document to the image forming unit 110, the image reading unit 151 may transmit it as electronic data to an external computer or save it on a removable medium.

[0019] (4) Support structure of the image reading device As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a left column 102 is provided at the upper left side of the image forming unit 110. A right column 103 is provided at the upper right side of the image forming unit 110. The image reading device 150 is disposed above the left column 102 and the right column 103. That is, the left column 102 and the right column 103 support the image reading device 150 disposed above the image forming unit 110.

[0020] When the image forming apparatus 100 is miniaturized, the width of the image reading device 150 becomes larger than the width of the image forming unit 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the left side surface 150b of the image reading device 150 protrudes leftward (X direction) from the left side surface 110b of the image forming unit 110.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, in the X direction, the distance from the left side surface 110b of the image forming unit 110 to the left side surface 150b of the image reading device 150 is L1. Therefore, L1 indicates the protruding amount of the image reading device 150 with respect to the image forming unit 110. L2 indicates the distance between the left side surface 110b of the image forming unit 110 and the left side surface 170b of the operation unit 170. L3 indicates the distance between the left side surface 170b of the operation unit 170 and the right side surface 102d of the left column 102. L4 indicates the distance between the left side surface 170b of the operation unit 170 and the left side surface 103b of the right column 103. L3 is shorter than L4. L5 indicates the distance between the right side surface 170d of the operation unit 170 and the right side surface 102d of the left column 102. L6 indicates the distance between the right side surface 170d of the operation unit 170 and the left side surface 103b of the right column 103. L5 is shorter than L6. L7 indicates the distance between the left side surface 150b of the image reading device 150 and the right side surface 102d of the left column 102. L8 indicates the distance between the right side surface 150d of the image reading device 150 and the right side surface 102d of the left column 102. L7 is shorter than L8.

[0022] (5) Holding mechanism FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state in which the image reading device 150 has moved to an open position with respect to the image forming unit 110 by the hinge 155. FIG. 7 is a left side view showing a state in which the image reading device 150 has moved to an open position with respect to the image forming unit 110 by the hinge 155. According to FIG. 6, the bottom surface 170f of the operation unit 170 is visible.

[0023] The holding mechanism 600 is a mechanism that holds and fixes the image reading device 150 in an open position. The holding mechanism 600 is provided on the left column 102. When the image reading device 150 moves to a closed position, the holding mechanism 600 is folded and stored in a groove-shaped storage space 606 provided inside the left column 102.

[0024] The holding mechanism 600 has a lower connecting rod 604, an upper connecting rod 602, fixed-end rotation shafts 601 and 605, and a free-end rotation shaft 603. The fixed-end rotation shaft 601 is fixed to the bottom surface side of the image reading device 150 and is inserted through the upper connecting rod 602. As a result, the upper connecting rod 602 rotates about the fixed-end rotation shaft 601. The lower end of the upper connecting rod 602 and the upper end of the lower connecting rod 604 are overlapped, and the free-end rotation shaft 603 is inserted therethrough. The upper connecting rod 602 and the lower connecting rod 604 rotate relative to each other about the free-end rotation shaft 603. The lower end of the lower connecting rod 604 is inserted through the fixed-end rotation shaft 605. The lower connecting rod 604 rotates about the fixed-end rotation shaft 605. The fixed-end rotation shaft 605 is fixed to the left wall surface and the right wall surface that define the accommodation space 606.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 7, the holding mechanism 600 may have a structure similar to an open-link mechanism. However, the holding mechanism 600 only needs to be a mechanism capable of holding and fixing the image reading device 150. Therefore, the holding mechanism 600 may be a mechanism different from the open-link mechanism. For example, the holding mechanism 600 may be realized by an oil damper or the like.

[0026] When the image reading device 150 is in the open position, the upper connecting rod 602 and the lower connecting rod 604 are fixed, and the image reading device 150 is maintained in the open state. At this time, the upper connecting rod 602 and the lower connecting rod 604 may be in a taut state. When the image reading device 150 is in the closed position, the upper connecting rod 602 and the lower connecting rod 604 are folded together and stored in the accommodation space 606 within the left column 102.

[0027] (7) Operation unit FIG. 8 shows the operation unit 170 of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation unit 170 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 may be integrally formed with the image reading unit 151. The operation unit 170 has a display area 811 and an operation area 812. The display area 811 includes a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or the like. The operation area 812 includes a hardware switch or a software switch (e.g., a touch sensor).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the left side surface 170b of the operation unit 170 is located at a position leftward by L2 from the left side surface 110b of the image forming unit 110. Here, 0 < L2 ≦ L1.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 in a state where the image reading apparatus 150 is open with respect to the image forming unit 110. A USB connector 901 is provided on the front surface 102a of the left column 102. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. In this example, a removable memory 902 is connected to the USB connector 901. The removable memory 902 stores, for example, image data of a document acquired by the image reading apparatus 150 or image data to be printed. Note that when the image reading apparatus 150 is closed with respect to the image forming unit 110, the USB connector 901 is located below the operation unit 170.

[0030] The front surface 103a of the right column 103 is located rearward (-Y direction) of the front surface 102a of the left column 102. The distance between the front surface 103a of the right column 103 and the front surface 102a of the left column 102 in the Y direction is d1. This makes it easier for the user to further take out the sheet S from the discharge stacking unit 101. In particular, it will be easier for a right-handed user to access the sheet S stacked on the discharge stacking unit 101.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 9, the left stacking end of the discharge stacking unit 101 may be integrated with the right side surface 102d of the left column 102. Similarly, the right stacking end of the discharge stacking unit 101 may be integrated with the left side surface 103b of the right column 103. That is, in the X direction, the position of the right side surface 102d coincides with the position of the left stacking end of the discharge stacking unit 101. In the X direction, the position of the left side surface 103b of the right column 103 coincides with the position of the right stacking end of the discharge stacking unit 101.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit 170, the holding mechanism 600, and the USB connector 901 are centrally arranged on the left side of the image forming apparatus 100. Further, the right digit 103 is arranged behind the left digit 102. As a result, the visibility of the sheet S discharged and stacked on the discharge stacking unit 101 is improved. Further, the ease of taking out the sheet S from the discharge stacking unit 101 is improved.

[0033] The operation unit 170 can be enlarged while maintaining the size of the image forming apparatus 100 in the width direction (X direction). As a result, the operability of the operation unit 170 is improved. Further, the visibility of the display information of the operation unit 170 is improved. That is, the visibility and the ease of taking out of the sheet S in the discharge stacking unit 101, and the visibility and the operability of the operation unit 170 can be achieved at the same time.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the image reading device 150 is arranged so as to protrude to the left side of the image forming unit 110. However, this is only an example. The image reading device 150 may be arranged so as to protrude to the right side of the image forming unit 110.

[0035] <Second Embodiment> FIGS. 10 and 11 show a modification (second embodiment) of the first embodiment. In particular, FIG. 10 is a front view showing the front of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. In particular, in the second embodiment, the operation unit 170 is enlarged as compared with the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the matters common to the first embodiment in the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0036] The left side surface 170b of the operation unit 170 is located to the left of the left side surface 110b of the image forming unit 110. In the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100, the right side surface 170d of the operation unit 170 is arranged so as not to exceed the center position of the discharge and stacking unit 101 having a width d2 to the right. In FIG. 10, as an example, the position of the left end of the discharge and stacking unit 101 in the X direction coincides with the position of the right side surface 102d of the left frame 102, and the position of the right end of the discharge and stacking unit 101 coincides with the left side surface 103d of the right frame 103. Therefore, in the width direction of the image forming apparatus 100, the distance between the right side surface 102d of the left frame 102 (the left end of the discharge and stacking unit 101) and the center of the discharge and stacking unit 101 is d / 2. That is, the distance L5 between the right side surface 102d of the left frame 102 (the left end of the discharge and stacking unit 101) and the right side surface 170d of the operation unit 170 may be equal to d / 2 or shorter than d / 2.

[0037] As described above, according to the second embodiment, at least one of the display area or the operation area of the operation unit 170 can be enlarged. Further, although the visibility of the sheet S discharged onto the discharge and stacking unit 101 and the ease of taking out the sheet S may be lower than in the first embodiment, they are still improved compared to the prior art. When the display area 811 of the operation unit 170 is enlarged, the amount of display information increases. When the operation area 812 is enlarged, the number of operation buttons or the like increases, or the operability is improved.

[0038] <Embodiment 3> FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modification (Embodiment 3) of the first and second embodiments. In particular, FIG. 12 shows the front of the image forming apparatus 100 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 13 is a plan view of Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, an ADF 1200 is employed instead of the cover 152. ADF is an abbreviation for an auto document feeder (automatic document feeding device).

[0039] By mounting the ADF1200, the image reading device 150 can also support continuous reading of documents. In the fixed reading mode for reading a document placed on the platen glass 153, the image sensor 160 reads the document while moving in the width direction (X direction) of the image reading device 150. On the other hand, in the continuous reading mode, the image sensor 160 reads the document conveyed by the ADF1200 while remaining stopped near the left end of the image reading device 150. Note that the image sensor 160 is fixed near the right end of the image reading device 150 in any mode, and the light source for illuminating the document and the optical box for guiding the light from the document to the image sensor 160 may reciprocate in the X direction.

[0040] The ADF1200 has a feed tray 1201 for stacking documents, a feeding unit 1202 for feeding documents, and a discharge tray 1203. When a reading instruction is input through the operation unit 170, the image sensor 160 moves to the reading position, and the feed rollers of the feeding unit 1202 start feeding the document stacked on the feed tray 1201. The document enters the interior of the feeding unit 1202 from the feed port 1204 and is conveyed along the conveyance path P2. The image sensor 160 reads the document passing through the reading position and generates image data. Thereafter, the document is discharged onto the discharge tray 1203 and stacked.

[0041] When the instruction input in the operation unit 170 is a copying instruction, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 110. The image forming unit 110 forms the image of the document on the sheet S and discharges the sheet S onto the discharge stacking unit 101.

[0042] The user operates the operation unit 170 facing the front of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the document insertion / extraction direction of the ADF1200 (the direction in which the user places the document on the feed tray 1201 and the direction in which the user takes out the document from the discharge tray 1203) is parallel to the Y direction. The direction in which the user visually recognizes and takes out the sheet S on the discharge stacking unit 101 is also generally parallel to the Y direction. This suggests that the user (operator) does not need to change the line of sight significantly. Thus, the visibility and operability of the document, as well as the visibility and operability of the copy, are improved.

[0043] <Example 4> As shown in FIG. 14, the operation unit 170 may have a tilt mechanism 1400. The tilt mechanism 1400 can be realized by, for example, a torque hinge or the like. For example, the tilt mechanism 1400 can be realized by a rotation shaft that rotates the operation unit 170 and a friction mechanism that holds the operation unit 170 in a fixed position. In FIG. 14, the tilt angle A of the display area 811 can be arbitrarily adjusted by the tilt mechanism. The operation area 812 may be realized by a touch sensor. In this case, the operation area 812 may be arranged so as to overlap the display area 811. That is, the operation unit 170 may be realized as a touch panel.

[0044] <Technical idea derived from the embodiment> (Item 1) An image forming apparatus, An image reading device that reads a document, An image forming unit that is provided below the image reading device and forms an image on a sheet, In the height direction of the image forming apparatus, a support member (e.g., left column 102, right column 103) that is provided between the image reading device and the image forming unit and supports the image reading device disposed above the image forming unit, In the height direction of the image forming apparatus, a stacking unit (e.g., discharge stacking unit 101) that is provided between the image reading device and the image forming unit and is provided adjacent to the support member and stacks the sheets discharged from the image forming unit, A discharge unit (e.g., discharge roller 108) that is provided in the image forming unit and discharges the sheets from the image forming unit to the stacking unit, An operation unit (e.g., operation unit 170) that receives an input for operating at least one of the image forming unit or the image reading device and is supported by the image reading device on the front side of the image forming apparatus, The support member supports the image reading device so that the image reading device is movable between a first position (e.g., FIG. 2) where the front side of the image reading device is close to the image forming unit and a second position (e.g., FIG. 7) where the front side of the image reading device is separated from the image forming unit. In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a first end portion (e.g., the left side surface 170b) of the operation unit protrudes outside the image forming unit with respect to one side surface (e.g., the left side surface 110b) of the image forming unit (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9 to 12). In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a second end portion (e.g., the right side surface 170d) of the operation unit facing the first end portion is located inside the image forming unit with respect to the one side surface (e.g., the left side surface 110b) of the image forming unit (e.g.). An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

[0045] In this way, the operation unit is offset and arranged with respect to the stacking unit and the image forming unit. As a result, the visibility of the sheet discharged to the stacking unit, the ease of taking out the sheet, the visibility of the operation unit, and the operability of the operation unit can be made compatible. (Item 2) The support member has a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge 155) that rotatably supports the image reading device with respect to the image forming unit. By the hinge mechanism, the image reading device is supported so as to be movable between the first position and the second position (e.g., FIGS. 2, 7). The image forming apparatus according to Item 1, characterized by the above.

[0046] By separating the image reading device from the image forming unit, the user can more easily take out the sheet from the stacking unit. (Item 3) The stacking unit has a first stacking end (e.g., the same position as the right side surface 102d of the left column 102) and a second stacking end (e.g., the same position as the left side surface 103a of the right column 103) in the width direction of the image forming apparatus. The distance (e.g., L3) between the first stacking end and the first end portion is shorter than the distance (e.g., L4) between the second stacking end and the first end portion (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9 to 12). In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the distance (e.g., L5) between the second end portion and the first loading end is shorter than the distance (e.g., L6) between the second end portion and the second loading end (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9 to 12). The image forming apparatus according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that.

[0047] In this way, the operation unit is arranged offset with respect to the loading unit and the image forming unit. As a result, the visibility of the sheet discharged to the loading unit, the ease of taking out the sheet, the visibility of the operation unit, and the operability of the operation unit can be made compatible. In particular, in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, since the distance between the second end portion and the first loading end is shorter than the distance between the second end portion and the second loading end, the operation unit hardly hinders the visibility of the loading unit. (Item 4) The second end portion is located between the first loading end and the first end portion in the width direction of the image forming apparatus (e.g., FIGS. 10, 11). The image forming apparatus according to item 3, characterized in that.

[0048] Thereby, it becomes possible to expand the area of the operation unit. Thereby, the visibility and operability of the operation unit will be improved. (Item 5) The second end portion is located between the first loading end and the second loading end in the width direction of the image forming apparatus (e.g., FIGS. 10, 11). The image forming apparatus according to item 3, characterized in that.

[0049] Thereby, it becomes possible to expand the area of the operation unit. Thereby, the visibility and operability of the operation unit will be improved. (Item 6) In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the distance (e.g., L5) between the second end portion and the first loading end is shorter than the distance (e.g., d2 / 2) between the second end portion and the center position of the loading unit (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9). The image forming apparatus according to item 3, characterized in that.

[0050] Thereby, the visibility of the loading unit and the ease of taking out the sheet will be improved. (Item 7) The discharging unit discharges the sheet in a direction from the back side to the front side of the image forming apparatus (e.g., FIG. 5). The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 6, characterized in that.

[0051] Thereby, the user (operator) can take out the sheet from the front side of the image forming apparatus, and the ease of taking out the sheet is improved. (Item 8) In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the image reading device has a first side surface (e.g., the left side surface 150b) and a second side surface (e.g., the right side surface 150d). The distance (e.g., L7) from the first side surface (e.g., the left side surface 150b) to the first stacking end is shorter than the distance (e.g., L8) from the second side surface to the first stacking end (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9 to 12). In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the first side surface of the image reading device is located outside the image forming unit with respect to one side surface of the image forming unit (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9 to 12). The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 2 to 6, characterized in that.

[0052] Thereby, the image reading device can read a standard-size document, and the image forming unit can be miniaturized. (Item 9) The image reading device includes A transparent plate (e.g., the platen glass 153) that supports the document and has translucency, and An image sensor (e.g., the image sensor 160) that reads the document indicated by the transparent plate, and A document feeding device (e.g., the ADF 1200) that feeds the documents one by one onto the transparent plate. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the distance between the feeding port (e.g., the feeding port 1204) of the document feeding device and the first end portion (e.g., the left side surface 170b) of the operation unit is shorter than the distance between the feeding port of the document feeding device and the other side surface (e.g., the right side surface 110d) facing one side surface (e.g., the left side surface 110b) of the image forming unit. ​

[0053] Thus, even in an image forming apparatus employing a document feeder, the visibility and ease of removal of the sheets in the stacking unit are improved. (Item 10) The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 9, wherein the operation unit is integrated with the housing of the image reading device.

[0054] This will likely streamline the manufacturing process and the assembly process of the operation unit. (Item 11) The support member has a first support portion (e.g., left side frame 102) and a second support portion (e.g., right side frame 103) that support the image reading device. In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the distance (e.g., L5) between the first support portion and the operation unit is shorter than the distance (e.g., L6) between the second support portion and the operation unit (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9 to 12). The stacking unit is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion (e.g., FIGS. 1, 9 to 12). The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 10, characterized in that.

[0055] By adopting such a support member, it becomes possible to provide a space between the image forming unit and the image reading device, and it becomes possible to provide a stacking unit there. Further, since a space is secured above the stacking unit by the support member, the visibility and ease of removal of the sheets will be further improved. (Item 12) In the depth direction (e.g., Y direction) of the image forming apparatus, the distance from the first support portion (e.g., left side frame 102) to the front side (e.g., front surface 150a) of the image reading device is shorter than the distance from the second support portion (e.g., right side frame 103) to the front side of the image reading device (FIG. 9). The image forming apparatus according to Item 11, characterized in that.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 9, the difference between these two distances is d1. Also, the operation unit is arranged closer to the first support part than the second support part. Therefore, the first support part needs to support more weight. Thus, the first support part may be larger than the second support part and may extend closer to the front. On the other hand, by retracting the second support part further behind the first support part, it will be easier for the user to take out the sheet from the loading part. (Item 13) The image forming apparatus according to item 12, further comprising a connector (e.g., USB connector 901) provided on the front side of the first support part and to which a removable storage device (e.g., removable memory 902) is connected.

[0057] In this way, since the connector is provided on the first support part located on the front side of the second support part, it will be easier for the user to access the connector. (Item 14) The image forming apparatus according to item 1, further comprising a holding part (e.g., holding mechanism 600) for holding the image reading device at the second position.

[0058] This enables the user to easily hold the image reading device, and furthermore, the ease of taking out the sheet will be improved. (Item 15) The holding part (e.g., holding mechanism 600) has a link mechanism including a first fixed end (e.g., fixed end rotation shaft 601) fixed to the image reading device, a second fixed end (e.g., fixed end rotation shaft 605) fixed to the support member, and a link member (e.g., upper connecting rod 602, lower connecting rod 604, free end rotation shaft 603) connected to the first fixed end and the second fixed end, the image forming apparatus according to item 14, characterized in that.

[0059] By adopting a link mechanism as the holding part, it will be possible to miniaturize the holding part. (Item 16) The operation unit has a tilt mechanism that tilts between a first state in which the operation unit stands up and a second state in which the operation unit lies down (e.g., FIG. 14). The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 14, by adopting a tilt mechanism, it becomes possible for the user to adjust the visibility and operability of the operation unit. (Item 17) In the depth direction (e.g., Y direction) of the image forming apparatus, the front side of the operation unit protrudes outward from the front side of the image reading device (e.g., FIGS. 2, 4 to 7, 9, 11, 13, 14). The image forming apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that.

[0061] Thereby, it becomes possible to expand the area of the operation unit, and the operability and visibility of the operation unit will be further improved. (Item 18) In the depth direction of the image forming apparatus, the front side (e.g., 110a) of the image forming unit protrudes outward (front side) from the front side (e.g., front surface 150a) of the image reading device (e.g., FIG. 9). The image forming apparatus according to item 17, characterized in that.

[0062] Thereby, the visibility and ease of taking out the sheet loaded on the loading unit are improved.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0064] 100: Image forming apparatus, 110: Image forming unit, 150: Image reading device, 102: Left digit, 103: Right digit, 101: Discharge loading unit, 18: Discharge roller, 170: Operation unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image reading device configured to read an original document; an image forming unit provided below the image reading device and configured to form an image on a sheet; a support member provided between the image reading device and the image forming unit in the height direction of the image forming apparatus and configured to support the image reading device disposed above the image forming unit; a stacking unit provided between the image reading device and the image forming unit in the height direction of the image forming apparatus and adjacent to the support member, the stacking unit being configured to stack the sheets discharged from the image forming unit; a discharge unit provided in the image forming unit and configured to discharge the sheets from the image forming unit to the stacking unit; an operation unit configured to receive an input for operating at least one of the image forming unit or the image reading device, the operation unit being supported by the image reading device on the front side of the image forming apparatus; wherein the support member supports the image reading device such that the image reading device is movable between a first position where the front side of the image reading device is close to the image forming unit and a second position where the front side of the image reading device is spaced apart from the image forming unit; in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a first end portion of the operation unit protrudes outside the image forming unit with respect to one side surface of the image forming unit; in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a second end portion of the operation unit facing the first end portion is located inside the image forming unit with respect to the one side surface of the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The support member has a hinge mechanism configured to rotatably support the image reading device with respect to the image forming unit, and the image reading device is supported by the hinge mechanism so as to be movable between the first position and the second position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The stacking unit has a first stacking end and a second stacking end in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, and a distance between the first stacking end and the first end portion is shorter than a distance between the second stacking end and the first end portion. In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a distance between the second end portion and the first stacking end is shorter than a distance between the second end portion and the second stacking end. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second end portion is located between the first loading end and the first end portion in the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second end portion is located between the first loading end and the second loading end in the width direction of the image forming apparatus.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a distance between the second end portion and the first loading end in the width direction of the image forming apparatus is shorter than a distance between the second end portion and a central position of the loading portion.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharging portion discharges the sheet in a direction from the back side to the front side of the image forming apparatus.

8. In the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the image reading device has a first side surface and a second side surface, a distance between the first side surface and the first loading end is shorter than a distance between the second side surface and the first loading end, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, the first side surface of the image reading device is located outside the image forming portion with respect to one side surface of the image forming portion.

9. The image reading device includes a light-transmitting plate that supports the document and has light-transmitting properties, an image sensor that reads the document indicated by the light-transmitting plate, a document feeding device that feeds the documents one by one onto the light-transmitting plate, and The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a distance between a document feeding port of the document feeding device and the first end portion of the operation unit is shorter than a distance between the document feeding port of the document feeding device and the other side surface facing one side surface of the image forming portion.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is integrated with a housing of the image reading device.

11. The support member has a first support portion and a second support portion that support the image reading device, in the width direction of the image forming apparatus, a distance between the first support portion and the operation unit is shorter than a distance between the second support portion and the operation unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading portion is disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, in the depth direction of the image forming apparatus, the distance between the first support portion and the front side of the image reading device is shorter than the distance between the second support portion and the front side of the image reading device.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a connector provided on the front side of the first support portion to which a removable storage device is connected.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a holding portion that holds the image reading device at the second position.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the holding portion has a link mechanism including a first fixed end fixed to the image reading device, a second fixed end fixed to the support member, and a link member connecting the first fixed end and the second fixed end.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation portion has a tilt mechanism that tilts between a first state in which the operation portion stands up and a second state in which the operation portion lies down.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the depth direction of the image forming apparatus, the front side of the operation portion protrudes outward more than the front side of the image reading device.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, in the depth direction of the image forming apparatus, the front side of the image forming portion protrudes outward more than the front side of the image reading device.

Images