Image forming device

Abstract

To enable a print target image to be displayed on a rectangular screen with high visibility even if the print target image is any of a vertically-long image and a laterally-long image.SOLUTION: A support mechanism 4 rotatably supports a display unit 3 around a specific straight line X2 between a laterally-long posture and a vertically-long posture. The support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 in a state in which a right side surface of the display unit 3 is along a vertical plane along a right side surface of a main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the laterally-long posture. The support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 so that the display unit is rotatable counterclockwise from the laterally-long posture to the vertically-long posture. A distance from the right side surface of the display unit 3 to the specific straight line X2 when the display unit 3 is in the laterally-long posture is equal to or greater than a distance from a lower surface of the display unit 3 to the specific straight line X2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a mechanism for rotatably supporting a display unit. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming device such as a printer, copier, or multifunction device is equipped with a display unit having a landscape screen (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The image forming device displays various menu screens, images to be printed, and the like on the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-258452 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are cases where it is desired to display the entire portrait image to be printed on the display unit.

[0005] For example, the image to be printed may be reduced in size and displayed on the screen so that the vertical length of the image to be printed fits within the length of the short side of the screen. In this case, the displayed image is too small, which reduces the visibility of the image to be printed.

[0006] On the other hand, it is also possible that the image to be printed is displayed on the screen rotated by 90 degrees, in which case the visibility of the image to be printed is reduced because the displayed image is rotated in a direction different from the original direction.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can display an image to be printed on a rectangular screen with high visibility, regardless of whether the image to be printed is a vertically long image or a horizontally long image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a main body, a display unit, and a first support mechanism. The main body houses a printing device that forms an image on a sheet. The display unit has a rectangular screen and a rectangular outline corresponding to the screen. The first support mechanism is fixed to the main body and supports the display unit rotatably about a specific straight line extending in the thickness direction of the display unit. Furthermore, when the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the first support mechanism supports the display unit such that the right side of the display unit is aligned with a vertical plane extending along the right side of the main body as viewed from the front side of the main body. Furthermore, the first support mechanism supports the display unit rotatably counterclockwise from the landscape orientation to the portrait orientation as viewed from the front side of the main body. Furthermore, the first support mechanism supports the display unit rotatably clockwise from the portrait orientation to the landscape orientation as viewed from the front side of the main body. When the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the distance from the right side of the display unit to the specific straight line as viewed from the front side of the main body is equal to or greater than the distance from the bottom surface of the display unit to the specific straight line.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes the main body, the display unit, and a second support mechanism. The second support mechanism is fixed to the main body and supports the display unit rotatably about a specific straight line extending in the thickness direction of the display unit. Furthermore, when the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the second support mechanism supports the display unit so that the right side of the display unit is aligned with a vertical plane extending along the right side of the main body as viewed from the front side of the main body. Furthermore, the second support mechanism supports the display unit so that the display unit is rotatable clockwise from the landscape orientation to the portrait orientation as viewed from the front side of the main body. Furthermore, the second support mechanism supports the display unit so that the display unit is rotatable counterclockwise from the portrait orientation to the landscape orientation as viewed from the front side of the main body. When the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the distance from the right side of the display unit to the specific straight line as viewed from the front side of the main body is equal to or greater than the distance from the top of the display unit to the specific straight line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming device that can display an image to be printed on a rectangular screen with high visibility, regardless of whether the image to be printed is a vertically long image or a horizontally long image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a first side view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment (with the display unit in a forward position). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a second side view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment (with the display unit in the upward position). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the main body of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of the support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment (in a state where the support mechanism supports the display unit in a landscape orientation). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment (in a state where the support mechanism supports the display unit in a portrait orientation). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the support mechanism from which the unit support member and the leaf spring have been removed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the support mechanism from which the unit support member is removed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base member and a swing member of a support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotating member of a support mechanism in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rotating member of a support mechanism in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, seen from the rear side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an interposition member of a support mechanism in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an interposition member of a support mechanism in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a reinforcing member of a support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first example of the position of the second axis of the support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second example of the position of the second axis of the support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third example of the position of the second axis of the support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the position of the second axis of the support mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 10] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is capable of executing a print process for forming an image on a sheet 9.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a display unit 3 capable of displaying various types of information (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The image forming apparatus 10 further includes a support mechanism 4 that supports the display unit 3 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0015] Image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body 1, a document transport device 2, and a display unit 3. Main body 1 includes a housing that houses the main parts of image forming apparatus 10 and components attached to the housing. Main body 1 houses a sheet storage unit 11, a sheet transport device 12, a printing device 13, and a control device 14 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, main body 1 also houses an image reading device 15.

[0016] The document transport device 2 is connected to the upper part of the main body 1 (see Figures 1 to 3). The document transport device 2 is supported so as to be movable between a closed position where it covers a specific area on the top surface of the main body 1 and an open position where it opens the specific area. The display unit 3 is connected to a portion of the upper part of the main body 1 that runs along the front surface of the main body 1 by a support mechanism 4 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0017] The document transport device 2 includes a document supply tray 21, a document transport mechanism 22, and a document discharge tray 23 (see FIG. 1). The document transport mechanism 22 sends out documents on the document supply tray 21 to the transport path 20, and further discharges the documents from the transport path 20 onto the document discharge tray 23.

[0018] The sheet storage unit 11 can store a plurality of sheets 9. The sheet transport device 12 feeds the sheets 9 one by one from the sheet storage unit 11 to the transport path 100, and further transports the sheets 9 along the transport path 100. The sheet transport device 12 further feeds the sheets 9 from the transport path 100 to a downstream device (not shown).

[0019] The printing device 13 performs the printing process on the sheet 9 conveyed along the conveying path 100. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the printing device 13 performs the printing process by electrophotography.

[0020] The printing device 13 may be a device that executes the printing process using other methods such as an inkjet method.

[0021] Image reading device 15 includes an image sensor 151 that reads an image from the document transported by document transport device 2 (see FIG. 4). Image reading device 15 also includes a scanning mechanism 152 and a platen glass 153. Scanning mechanism 152 moves image sensor 151 along the lower surface of platen glass 153. This enables image sensor 151 to read an image from the document on platen glass 153.

[0022] The control device 14 controls the document transport device 2, the image reading device 15, the sheet transport device 12, the printing device 13, and the display unit 3. The control device 14 includes a processor, a secondary storage device, a signal interface, a communication device, etc., all of which are not shown.

[0023] The processor controls each device by executing a computer program stored in the secondary storage device, acquires detection results from various sensors through the signal interface, and outputs control signals to the controlled devices through the signal interface.

[0024] The processor receives a print request from another device through the communication device, and causes the sheet transport device 12 and the printing device 13 to execute the print process corresponding to the print request.

[0025] The display unit 3 can display various information and images. For example, the display unit 3 is a touch panel unit including a panel display device and a touch panel. The panel display device can be a liquid crystal display panel or an organic electroluminescent display.

[0026] The display unit 3 has a rectangular screen 3a and a rectangular outline that corresponds to the outer shape of the screen 3a (see FIG. 1). The screen 3a and the outline of the display unit 3 may be rectangular with some or all of the four corners chamfered. The control device 14 causes the display unit 3 to display various menu screens, images to be printed, etc. FIG. 1 shows the display unit 3 supported by the support mechanism 4 in a position where the screen 3a is horizontally long.

[0027] However, there may be cases where it is desired to display the entire portrait image to be printed on the display unit 3.

[0028] For example, the image to be printed may be reduced and displayed on the screen 3a so that the vertical length of the image to be printed fits within the length of the short side of the screen 3a. In this case, the displayed image is too small, which reduces the visibility of the image to be printed.

[0029] On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the image to be printed may be displayed on the screen 3a rotated by 90 degrees, in which case the displayed image may be displayed in a different orientation from the original orientation, thereby reducing the visibility of the image to be printed.

[0030] As will be described later, the support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 in a state in which the orientation of the display unit 3 can be changed. This allows the image to be printed to be displayed on the rectangular screen 3a with high visibility, regardless of whether the image to be printed is a portrait-oriented image or a landscape-oriented image.

[0031] [Configuration of support mechanism 4] 5 to 14, the configuration of the support mechanism 4 will be described. The support mechanism 4 is fixed to the main body 1 and supports the display unit 3.

[0032] In each figure, the width direction D1 is the left-right direction of the main body 1, the depth direction D2 is the front-to-back direction of the main body 1, and the up-to-down direction D3 is the up-to-down direction of the main body 1. In addition, the front direction D21 is the direction from the back to the front of the main body 1, and the rear direction D22 is the direction from the front to the back of the main body 1.

[0033] The support mechanism 4 includes a base member 41, a support shaft 40, a swinging member 42, a rotating member 43, a unit support member 44, and a plurality of bolts 46 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0034] The support mechanism 4 further includes an interposing member 45 and one or more leaf springs 48 (see FIGS. 5 to 8). The support mechanism 4 further includes a reinforcing member 47 (see FIGS. 5 and 14). The leaf spring 48 is an example of an elastic member.

[0035] 5 and 6 are perspective views of the support mechanism 4. Fig. 7 shows the support mechanism 4 with the unit support member 44, the plurality of bolts 46, and the leaf spring 48 removed. Fig. 8 is a front view of the support mechanism 4 with the unit support member 44 removed.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the base member 41 and the swinging member 42 in the support mechanism 4. Fig. 9 shows the support mechanism 4 from which the unit support member 44, the rotating member 43, the plurality of bolts 46, and the leaf spring 48 have been removed.

[0037] The base member 41 is fixed to a portion along the front surface of the upper part of the main body 1 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the base member 41 is made up of a pair of members arranged side by side in the width direction D1.

[0038] The base member 41 has a fixed portion 411 and a pair of vertical plate portions 412 formed by extending upward from the fixed portion 411. The fixed portion 411 is fixed to the main body 1 by screws or bolts (not shown). In this way, the base member 41 is fixed to the main body 1.

[0039] The support shaft 40 is supported along the width direction D1 by a pair of vertical plate portions 412. In this embodiment, the support shaft 40 is made up of a pair of shaft members aligned on a straight line along the width direction D1.

[0040] The swinging member 42 is supported by the support shaft 40 so as to be rotatable about a first axis line X1. The first axis line X1 is a straight line that passes through the center of the support shaft 40. In other words, the first axis line X1 is a straight line that extends along the width direction D1.

[0041] The swinging member 42 has a front plate portion 421, a pair of supported portions 422, and a first opening 420 (see FIGS. 6 and 9). The front plate portion 421 is formed in a plate shape parallel to the first axis X1. The first opening 420 is formed to penetrate the front plate portion 421 in the thickness direction.

[0042] The thickness direction of the front panel 421 is also the thickness direction of the display unit 3 attached to the unit support member 44. In the following description, the thickness direction of the front panel 421 and the display unit 3 will be referred to as the unit thickness direction.

[0043] The unit thickness direction is a direction intersecting with the width direction D1. The front plate portion 421 is formed in a plate shape perpendicular to the unit thickness direction. Note that the width direction D1 is an example of a first direction, and the unit thickness direction is an example of a second direction intersecting with the first direction.

[0044] The pair of supported portions 422 are formed to extend from the front plate portion 421 to a position intersecting the first axis X1. The pair of supported portions 422 are rotatably supported by the support shaft 40. This allows the swinging member 42 to rotate about the first axis X1.

[0045] The rotary member 43 is supported by the front plate portion 421 of the swinging member 42 so as to be rotatable about the second axis X2 (see FIGS. 5 to 7). The second axis X2 is a straight line extending along the thickness direction of the unit.

[0046] The rotating member 43 has an insertion portion 431 and a flange portion 432 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The insertion portion 431 is a portion that is inserted into the first opening 420 of the front plate portion 421. The flange portion 432 is formed to protrude from the outer edge of the insertion portion 431 along the back surface 421b of the front plate portion 421 (see FIGS. 9 to 11).

[0047] The flange 432 contacts the rear surface 421b of the front plate 421. The flange 432 limits the movement of the rotation member 43 toward the front surface 421a of the front plate 421.

[0048] The insertion portion 431 has a third opening 430 that penetrates the insertion portion 431 in the unit thickness direction. Furthermore, the insertion portion 431 has one or more spring holding portions 4311 that hold one or more leaf springs 48 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0049] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 4 has three leaf springs 48, and the insertion portion 431 has three spring holding portions 4311 (see FIG. 8). Each leaf spring 48 is held by the spring holding portion 4311. Each leaf spring 48 has a curved portion that protrudes outward from the outer edge of the insertion portion 431.

[0050] The intervening member 45 is a member sandwiched between the front plate portion 421 of the swinging member 42 and the unit support member 44 (see FIGS. 5, 6, 12, and 13). A back surface 45b of the intervening member 45 contacts a front surface 421a of the front plate portion 421, and the front surface 45a of the intervening member 45 contacts the unit support member 44 (see FIGS. 7, 12, and 13).

[0051] Intervening member 45 has a second opening 450 penetrating in the unit thickness direction. Second opening 450 communicates with first opening 420 of insertion portion 431 in the unit thickness direction (see FIG. 8). In FIG. 8, intervening member 45 is indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).

[0052] The intervening member 45 has a pair of protrusions 451 that protrude toward the front plate portion 421 (see FIGS. 8 and 13). Meanwhile, a pair of locking holes 425 are formed in the front plate portion 421 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The pair of protrusions 451 are inserted into the pair of locking holes 425 (see FIG. 8). The pair of locking holes 425 lock the pair of protrusions 451, thereby preventing the intervening member 45 from rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 43.

[0053] The insertion portion 431 of the rotation member 43 is inserted into the first opening 420 of the front plate portion 421 and the second opening 450 of the interposition member 45 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0054] The unit support member 44 is connected to the rotation member 43 by a plurality of bolts 46 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), which allows the unit support member 44 to rotate together with the rotation member 43 about the second axis X2.

[0055] The display unit 3 is fixed to the unit support member 44 by screws or bolts (not shown) (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In FIGS. 5 and 6, the display unit 3 is shown by imaginary lines.

[0056] Therefore, the display unit 3 can rotate about the first axis X1 together with the unit support member 44, the rotating member 43, and the swinging member 42. This realizes a so-called tilt function. The display unit 3 can rotate between a forward position in which the screen 3a faces forward of the main body 1 and an upward position in which the screen 3a faces upward.

[0057] 1 and 2 show the display unit 3 in the forward position, and Fig. 3 shows the display unit 3 in the upward position.

[0058] In this embodiment, the forward orientation of the display unit 3 is an orientation in which the screen 3a faces forward in a horizontal direction D21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). On the other hand, the upward orientation of the display unit 3 is an orientation in which the screen 3a faces vertically upward (see FIG. 3). That is, the display unit 3 can be rotated within a range of 90 degrees around the first axis X1.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 2, when the display unit 3 is in the forward position, the front surface of the display unit 3 is arranged along an extension line of the surface of the front exterior panel 1x of the main body 1.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the display unit 3 is in the upward position, the front surface of the display unit 3 is arranged along an extension line of the surface of the upper exterior panel 1y of the main body 1.

[0061] Furthermore, the display unit 3 can rotate about the second axis X2 together with the unit support member 44 and the rotation member 43. The display unit 3 can rotate between a landscape orientation in which the screen 3a is in a landscape position and a portrait orientation in which the screen 3a is in a portrait position (see FIGS. 5 and 6). This provides a so-called pivot function.

[0062] The imaginary lines in Figure 5 and Figure 1 show the display unit 3 in the landscape orientation. The imaginary lines in Figures 1 and 6 show the display unit 3 in the portrait orientation. The display unit 3 can be rotated within a range of 90 degrees around the second axis line X2.

[0063] As described above, the display unit 3 can be rotated between the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation. Therefore, the user can change the orientation of the display unit 3 depending on the orientation of the image displayed on the display unit 3. The landscape orientation is also the orientation in which the outline of the display unit 3 is landscape-oriented. Similarly, the portrait orientation is also the orientation in which the outline of the display unit 3 is portrait-oriented.

[0064] When the control device 14 causes the display unit 3 to display the entire image to be printed, the control device 14 causes the display unit 3 to display the image to be printed with the long side of the image to be printed aligned with the long side of the screen 3a.

[0065] If the image to be printed is a landscape image, the user can rotate the display unit 3 so that the display unit 3 assumes the landscape orientation. On the other hand, if the image to be printed is a portrait image, the user can rotate the display unit 3 so that the display unit 3 assumes the portrait orientation. This improves the visibility of the image to be printed.

[0066] Furthermore, the user can rotate the display unit 3 between the forward position and the upward position according to his or her height, thereby improving the visibility of various images, such as the image to be printed, displayed on the display unit 3.

[0067] In this embodiment, the base member 41, the swinging member 42, and the unit support member 44 are made of metal such as iron or aluminum, while the rotating member 43 and the intervening member 45 are made of synthetic resin.

[0068] When the display unit 3 rotates around the second axis X2, the unit support member 44 rubs against the front surface 45a of the interposition member 45, and the flange 432 of the rotation member 43 rubs against the back surface 421b of the front plate portion 421.

[0069] That is, when the display unit 3 rotates around the second axis X2, the metal members rub against the synthetic resin members, but the metal members do not rub against each other, which allows the rotation member 43 to rotate smoothly.

[0070] Furthermore, a pair of annular members 401 are sandwiched between the pair of vertical plate portions 412 of the base member 41 and the pair of supported portions 422 of the swinging member 42 (see FIG. 8). The pair of annular members 401 are each made of synthetic resin.

[0071] The support shaft 40 passes through the pair of annular members 401. As a result, the pair of annular members 401 are supported by the support shaft 40.

[0072] When the display unit 3 rotates around the first axis X1, the pair of supported portions 422 rub against the pair of annular members 401. At that time, the pair of supported portions 422 do not rub against the pair of vertical plate portions 412.

[0073] That is, when the display unit 3 rotates around the first axis X1, the metal members rub against the synthetic resin members, but the metal members do not rub against each other, which allows the swing member 42 to rotate smoothly.

[0074] The reinforcing member 47 is disposed along the back surface 431b of the insertion portion 431 (see FIGS. 11 and 14). The rotation member 43 further has a tubular portion 433 and an engagement portion 434 that protrude from the back surface 431b of the insertion portion 431 (see FIG. 11).

[0075] The reinforcing member 47 is a plate-shaped metal member. The reinforcing member 47 has a connecting portion 471 and an engaging portion 472 (see FIG. 14). The connecting portion 471 has an opening 470 into which the cylindrical portion 433 of the rotating member 43 is inserted.

[0076] The unit support member 44 is connected to the insertion portion 431 of the rotation member 43 and the connecting portion 471 of the reinforcing member 47 by a plurality of bolts 46 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0077] More specifically, the unit support member 44 and the connecting portion 471 of the reinforcing member 47 are connected by a plurality of bolts 46 , and the insertion portion 431 of the rotation member 43 is sandwiched between the unit support member 44 and the connecting portion 471 .

[0078] Therefore, the unit support member 44 is rotatable together with the rotation member 43 and the reinforcing member 47 about the second axis X2.

[0079] The engaging portion 472 of the reinforcing member 47 engages with the engaging portion 434 of the rotating member 43. The engaging portion 472 and the engaging portion 434 prevent rattle of the rotating member 43 and the reinforcing member 47 in the rotational direction.

[0080] By connecting the unit support member 44 and the reinforcing member 47, which are made of metal, the unit support member 44, the rotating member 43 and the reinforcing member 47 are firmly connected together.

[0081] The insertion portion 431 of the rotary member 43 has a third opening 430 penetrating in the thickness direction of the unit (see FIGS. 5 to 7 and 11). The third opening 430 is also an opening of a cylindrical portion 433 (see FIG. 11).

[0082] Similarly, the unit support member 44 has a fourth opening 440 penetrating in the unit thickness direction (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The fourth opening 440 communicates with the third opening 430 in the unit thickness direction.

[0083] The image forming apparatus 10 further includes a cable 30 having one end connected to the display unit 3 (see FIG. 5). The cable 30 is routed from the control device 14 in the main body 1 to the display unit 3 through the inside of the third opening 430 and the fourth opening 440 (see FIG. 5). This allows the cable 30 to be routed over a short path. In addition, the insertion portion 431 and the cylindrical portion 433 of the rotating member 43 serve to protect the cable 30.

[0084] The front plate portion 421 of the swinging member 42 has one or more first fitting portions 423 and one or more second fitting portions 424 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). In this embodiment, the first fitting portions 423 and the second fitting portions 424 are recesses formed on the edge of the first opening 420.

[0085] In this embodiment, the front plate portion 421 has three first fitting portions 423 and three second fitting portions 424 corresponding to the three leaf springs 48.

[0086] The first fitting portion 423 fits into the leaf spring 48 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape position. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the first fitting portion 423 is engaged with the curved portion of the leaf spring 48. The first fitting portion 423 is released from the engagement with the leaf spring 48 when the display unit 3 rotates from the landscape position to the portrait position.

[0087] The second fitting portion 424 fits into the curved portion of the leaf spring 48 when the display unit 3 is in the portrait position. The second fitting portion 424 is disengaged from the leaf spring 48 when the display unit 3 rotates from the portrait position to the landscape position.

[0088] The leaf spring 48, the first fitting portion 423, and the second fitting portion 424 give a clicking sensation to the user's hand when rotating the display unit 3.

[0089] That is, when the display unit 3 rotates and reaches the horizontal position, the leaf spring 48 and the first fitting portion 423 give the user a clicking sensation in their hand. When the display unit 3 rotates and reaches the vertical position, the leaf spring 48 and the second fitting portion 424 give the user a clicking sensation in their hand.

[0090] The click feeling is given to the user's hand, causing the user to stop rotating the display unit 3. This prevents excessive rotational force from being applied to the display unit 3.

[0091] The reinforcing member 47 further has a first protrusion 473 and a second protrusion 474 that protrude from the outer edge of the connecting portion 471 (see FIG. 14). On the other hand, the swinging member 42 has a first locking portion 426 and a second locking portion 427 (see FIG. 5).

[0092] The first locking portion 426 locks the reinforcing member 47 in the position when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation by locking the first protrusion 473 (see FIG. 5). The second locking portion 427 locks the reinforcing member 47 in the position when the display unit 3 is in the portrait orientation by locking the second protrusion 474.

[0093] The reinforcing member 47 is an example of a metal member connected to the rotating member 43. The first locking portion 426 and the second locking portion 427 may lock the unit support member 44. The unit support member 44 is also an example of a metal member connected to the rotating member 43.

[0094] The first locking portion 426, the second locking portion 427, the first protrusion 473 and the second protrusion 474 prevent excessive force from being applied to the rotation member 43 made of synthetic resin.

[0095] In the following description, the right side surface of the display unit 3 as viewed from the front side of the main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation will be referred to as a first end surface 3x (see FIGS. 15 to 18).

[0096] Similarly, the bottom surface of the display unit 3 when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation is referred to as a second end surface 3y (see FIGS. 15 to 18).

[0097] Similarly, the upper surface of the display unit 3 when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation is referred to as a third end surface 3z (see FIGS. 15 to 18).

[0098] The vertical plane along the right side surface 1R of the main body 1 is referred to as the right vertical plane S1 (see Figs. 15 to 18). In Figs. 15 to 18, the right vertical plane S1 is indicated by a dashed line. In Figs. 15 to 18, the display unit 3 in the portrait orientation is indicated by a virtual line (a dashed line).

[0099] Further, the document placement surface 21a of the document supply tray 21 and the document placement surface 23a of the document discharge tray 23, whichever is located lower, will be referred to as the lower placement surface 2x (see FIGS. 15 to 18). In this embodiment, the document discharge tray 23 is disposed below the document supply tray 21. Therefore, the document placement surface 23a of the document discharge tray 23 is the lower placement surface 2x.

[0100] As described above, the support mechanism 4 is fixed to the main body 1 and supports the display unit 3 rotatably about the second axis line X2. The second axis line X2 is an example of a specific straight line that extends along the thickness direction of the display unit 3.

[0101] The support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 in the landscape orientation such that the first end surface 3x of the display unit 3 is aligned with the right vertical plane S1 when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 (see FIGS. 15 to 18). That is, in the landscape orientation, the display unit 3 is supported within the width direction D1 of the main body 1. Naturally, the dimension of the long side of the display unit 3 is smaller than the dimension of the main body 1 in the width direction D1.

[0102] Furthermore, when the display unit 3 is in the horizontal position, the support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 in a state where the third end surface 3z of the display unit 3 is positioned below the lower support surface 2x when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 (see Figures 15 to 18).

[0103] Furthermore, even when the display unit 3 is in the portrait orientation, the support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 in a state in which the upper surface of the display unit 3 is positioned lower than the lower placement surface 2x when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 (see FIGS. 15 to 18). In this embodiment, the first end surface 3x is the upper surface of the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is in the portrait orientation.

[0104] Therefore, whether the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation, the display unit 3 does not obstruct access to the document supply tray 21 and the document discharge tray 23.

[0105] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 so that it can rotate counterclockwise from the landscape position to the portrait position when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 (see FIGS. 15 to 18). The support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 so that it can rotate clockwise from the portrait position to the landscape position when viewed from the front side of the main body 1.

[0106] In the following description, the distance from the first end surface 3x of the display unit 3 to the second axis X2 when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation will be referred to as the right end distance L1 (see FIGS. 15 to 18).

[0107] Furthermore, the distance from the second end surface 3y of the display unit 3 to the second axis X2 when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation is referred to as the bottom distance L2 (see FIGS. 15 to 18).

[0108] Furthermore, the distance from the third end surface 3z of the display unit 3 to the second axis X2 when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation is referred to as the upper end distance L3 (see FIGS. 15 to 18).

[0109] [First Example of Position of Second Axis X2] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the position of the second axis X2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0110] In the first embodiment, the right end distance L1 is equal to or greater than the bottom end distance L2. In Fig. 15, the first area A1 is an area on the display unit 3 where the second axis X2 can exist when the right end distance L1 is equal to or greater than the bottom end distance L2.

[0111] When the first embodiment is employed, the display unit 3 fits within the width direction D1 of the main body 1, regardless of whether the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation. This prevents the display unit 3 from protruding to the side of the main body 1 and becoming an obstacle, and prevents the aesthetic appearance of the image forming apparatus 10 from being impaired.

[0112] [Second Example of Position of Second Axis X2] Next, a second embodiment of the position of the second axis X2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the right end distance L1 is equal to or greater than the bottom end distance L2, and the top end distance L3 is equal to or greater than the right end distance L1. In Fig. 16, the second area A2 is an area where the second axis X2 can exist on the display unit 3 when the right end distance L1 is equal to or greater than the bottom end distance L2, and the top end distance L3 is equal to or greater than the right end distance L1.

[0114] When the second embodiment is employed, the display unit 3 also fits within the range of the main body 1 in the width direction D1, whether the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation.

[0115] Furthermore, when the second embodiment is employed, the upper surface of the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is in the portrait orientation is within a range equal to or lower than the position of the upper surface of the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation. This ensures that there is no difference in ease of access to the lower placement surface 2x between the landscape orientation and the portrait orientation.

[0116] [Third Example of Position of Second Axis X2] Next, a third embodiment of the position of the second axis X2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0117] In the third embodiment, the right end distance L1 is the same as the bottom end distance L2, and the top end distance L3 is equal to or greater than the right end distance L1. In Fig. 17, the line segment LS1 is an area on the display unit 3 where the second axis X2 can exist when the right end distance L1 is the same as the bottom end distance L2, and the top end distance L3 is equal to or greater than the right end distance L1.

[0118] When the third embodiment is employed, the support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 with the right side surface aligned with the right vertical plane S1, regardless of whether the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation.

[0119] Furthermore, when the third embodiment is employed, the upper surface of the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is in the portrait orientation falls within a range below the position of the upper surface of the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation.

[0120] [Fourth Example of Position of Second Axis X2] Next, a fourth embodiment of the position of the second axis X2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0121] In the fourth embodiment, the right end distance L1 is the same as the bottom end distance L2, and the top end distance L3 is the same as the right end distance L1.

[0122] When the fourth embodiment is employed, the support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 with the right side surface of the display unit 3 aligned along the right vertical plane S1, regardless of whether the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation.

[0123] Furthermore, when the fourth embodiment is adopted, the height of the top surface of the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is in the portrait position is the same as the height of the top surface of the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape position.

[0124] By adopting the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the aesthetic appearance of the image forming apparatus 10 from being spoiled due to the rotation of the display unit 3.

[0125] [First application example] Next, a description will be given of a first application example of the image forming apparatus 10. Below, the differences between this application example and the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0126] The support mechanism 4 in this application example differs from the support mechanism 4 in the above-described embodiment in the direction of rotation of the display unit 3 about the second axis X2.

[0127] That is, the support mechanism 4 in this application example supports the display unit 3 so that it can rotate clockwise from the landscape position to the portrait position when viewed from the front side of the main body 1. Furthermore, the support mechanism 4 supports the display unit 3 so that it can rotate counterclockwise from the portrait position to the landscape position when viewed from the front side of the main body 1.

[0128] In this application example, the right end distance L1 is equal to or greater than the top end distance L3. By adopting this application example, the same effects as when the first embodiment is adopted can be obtained.

[0129] [Second application example] Next, a description will be given of a second application example of the image forming apparatus 10. Below, the differences between this application example and the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0130] The support mechanism 4 in this application example supports the display unit 3 rotatably about the second axis X2 in the same orientation as in the first application example.

[0131] Hereinafter, the distance from the left side surface of the display unit 3 to the second axis X2 when viewed from the front side of the main body 1 when the display unit 3 is in the landscape orientation will be referred to as left end distance L4 (see FIG. 18).

[0132] In this application example, the right end distance L1 is equal to or greater than the top end distance L3, and the top end distance L3 is equal to or greater than the left end distance L4.

[0133] When this application example is adopted, the same effects as when the second embodiment is adopted can be obtained.

[0134] [Third application example] Next, a description will be given of a third application example of the image forming apparatus 10. Below, the differences between this application example and the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0135] The support mechanism 4 in this application example supports the display unit 3 rotatably about the second axis X2 in the same orientation as in the first application example.

[0136] In this application example, the right end distance L1 is the same as the top end distance L3, and the top end distance L3 is equal to or greater than the left end distance L4.

[0137] When this application example is adopted, the same effects as when the third embodiment is adopted can be obtained.

[0138] [Fourth application example] Next, a fourth application example of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. Below, differences between this application example and the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0139] The support mechanism 4 in this application example supports the display unit 3 rotatably about the second axis X2 in the same orientation as in the first application example.

[0140] In this application example, the right end distance L1 is the same as the top end distance L3, and the top end distance L3 is the same as the left end distance L4.

[0141] When this application example is adopted, the same effects as when the fourth embodiment is adopted can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1: Main unit 2: Document transport device 3: Display unit 3a: Screen 4: Support mechanism 10: Image forming device 13: Printing device 14: Control device 15: Image reader 21: Document supply tray 23: Document output tray 30: Cable 40: Support shaft 41: Base member 42: Swinging member 43: Rotating member 44: Unit support member 45:Intervening member 47: Reinforcement member 48: Leaf spring 151: Image sensor 420: First opening 421: Front plate part 423: First fitting part 424: Second fitting part 426: First locking part 427: Second locking part 430: Third opening 431: Insertion part 432: Tsuba section 434: Engagement part 440: 4th opening 450: Second opening

Claims

1. a main body containing a printing device that forms an image on a sheet; a display unit having a rectangular screen and a rectangular outline corresponding to the screen; a support mechanism fixed to the main body and supporting the display unit so that the display unit can rotate about a specific straight line along a thickness direction of the display unit, the support mechanism supports the display unit rotatably about the specific straight line between a landscape orientation in which the outline is landscape-oriented and a portrait orientation in which the outline is portrait-oriented; Furthermore, the support mechanism supports the display unit in a state where a right side surface of the display unit is aligned with a vertical plane along the right side surface of the main body when viewed from the front side of the main body when the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the support mechanism supports the display unit so as to be rotatable counterclockwise from the landscape orientation to the portrait orientation when viewed from the front side of the main body; the support mechanism supports the display unit so as to be rotatable clockwise from the portrait orientation to the landscape orientation when viewed from the front side of the main body; When the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the distance from the right side of the display unit to the specific straight line when viewed from the front side of the main body is equal to or greater than the distance from the bottom surface of the display unit to the specific straight line.

2. a document transport device disposed on the main body, the document transport device having a document supply tray and a document discharge tray, the document transport device transporting the document on the document supply tray along a transport path and discharging the document from the transport path onto the document discharge tray; an image sensor housed in the main body that reads an image from the document transported by the document transport device, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism supports the display unit in a state in which the top surface of the display unit is positioned below the document loading surfaces of the document supply tray and the document discharge tray when viewed from the front side of the main body, regardless of whether the display unit is in the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the distance from the top surface of the display unit to the specific straight line when viewed from the front side of the main body is equal to or greater than the distance from the right side of the display unit to the specific straight line.

4. a main body containing a printing device that forms an image on a sheet; a display unit having a rectangular screen and a rectangular outline corresponding to the screen; a support mechanism fixed to the main body and supporting the display unit so that the display unit can rotate about a specific straight line along a thickness direction of the display unit, the support mechanism supports the display unit rotatably about the specific straight line between a landscape orientation in which the outline is landscape-oriented and a portrait orientation in which the outline is portrait-oriented; Furthermore, the support mechanism supports the display unit in a state where a right side surface of the display unit is aligned with a vertical plane along the right side surface of the main body when viewed from the front side of the main body when the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the support mechanism supports the display unit so as to be rotatable clockwise from the landscape orientation to the portrait orientation when viewed from the front side of the main body; the support mechanism supports the display unit so as to be rotatable counterclockwise from the portrait orientation to the landscape orientation when viewed from the front side of the main body; When the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the distance from the right side of the display unit to the specific straight line when viewed from the front side of the main body is equal to or greater than the distance from the top surface of the display unit to the specific straight line.

5. a document transport device disposed on the main body, the document transport device having a document supply tray and a document discharge tray, the document transport device transporting the document on the document supply tray along a transport path and discharging the document from the transport path onto the document discharge tray; an image sensor housed in the main body that reads an image from the document transported by the document transport device, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the support mechanism supports the display unit in a state in which the top surface of the display unit is positioned below the document loading surfaces of the document supply tray and the document discharge tray when viewed from the front side of the main body, regardless of whether the display unit is in the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the display unit is in the landscape orientation, the distance from the top surface of the display unit to the specific straight line when viewed from the front side of the main body is equal to or greater than the distance from the left side of the display unit to the specific straight line.

Images