Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To suppress the erroneous operation of a cover in an image forming apparatus provided with a document reading part above an image forming part.SOLUTION: The lid moves between a first position for covering the upper part of the image forming part and a second position for opening the upper part of the image forming part. The document reading portion is provided above the image forming portion and above the lid, and is movable independently of the lid. The leg portion moves together with the document reading unit. The operation member is operated when a person moves the lid from the first position to the second position. In a state where the lid is at the first position and the lid supports the leg portion, the leg portion conceals the operation member. In a state where the cover is at the first position, the document reading unit and the leg portion are rotated, and the cover does not support the leg portion, the leg portion exposes the operation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes an image forming apparatus in which a document reading unit is disposed above an image forming unit. A recording material discharge unit is provided between the image forming unit and the document reading unit. The document reading unit and the image forming unit are connected via a hinge. By moving the document reading unit, a user can easily remove the recording material from the discharge unit.

[0003] According to Patent Document 1, a user can access the inside of the image forming unit by opening the upper door (lid) of the image forming unit. This makes it easy for the user to replace consumables or remove jammed recording material. When the lid is opened, the image forming device temporarily stops image formation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-065188 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the image forming device of Patent Document 1, the cover of the image forming device may accidentally open when attempting to open the document reading unit. Even though a user opens the document reading unit to remove recording material from the discharge unit, the image forming device may stop image formation. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent the erroneous operation of the cover in an image forming device in which the document reading unit is provided above the image forming unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is, for example, an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; an operating member that is operated when a person moves the lid from the first position to the second position, When the cover is in the first position and supports the legs, the legs conceal the operating member; An image forming apparatus is provided in which, when the lid is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated so that the lid is not supporting the legs, the legs expose the operating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the cover in an image forming apparatus in which a document reading unit is provided above an image forming unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus; [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the locking mechanism and the unlocking mechanism [Figure 4] A diagram explaining the pop-up mechanism [Figure 5] Diagram explaining the position of the upper door [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an area where an operating member is arranged. [Figure 7] Diagram explaining the controller [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an area where an operating member is arranged. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram explaining the operation member and its surrounding structure. [Figure 12] A diagram explaining the area where landmarks are placed [Figure 13] Diagram explaining the platen marks DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] Example 1 1. Overview of image forming equipment 1, the depth direction of the image forming apparatus 101 is defined as the Y direction, the width direction of the image forming apparatus 101 is defined as the X direction, and the height direction of the image forming apparatus 101 is defined as the Z direction.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 101 is a copying machine having an image forming unit 11 and an original reading unit 30. The image forming unit 11 has a cartridge 20 that is detachable from the image forming unit 11, and forms an image on a recording material P using the cartridge 20. The original reading unit 30 is provided above the image forming unit 11 and reads an original to create image data or an image signal. The image forming unit 11 forms an image corresponding to the image data or image signal received from the original reading unit 30 on a recording material S. The recording material S may also be called a recording medium or a sheet.

[0012] The image forming unit 11 includes a laser scanner 1, a cassette 2, a feed roller 3, a transport roller 4, a transfer roller 5, a fuser 6, and a discharge roller 7. The cartridge 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22, a developing roller 23, a toner container 24, and a toner recovery unit 25.

[0013] The photosensitive drum 21 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow a by a motor (not shown). The charging roller 22 charges the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 21. The laser scanner 1 irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with a laser beam in accordance with image data or an image signal to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 23 develops the electrostatic latent image using toner supplied from a toner container 24 to form a toner image.

[0014] Cassette 2 is a storage container that stores one or more recording materials P. Feeding roller 3 transports one sheet of recording material P from cassette 2 to a transport path. Transporting roller 4 transports the recording material P to transfer roller 5. Transfer roller 5 transfers a toner image from photosensitive drum 21 to the recording material P. Toner that remains on the surface of photosensitive drum 21 without being transferred to the surface of recording material P is collected by toner collection unit 25.

[0015] The recording material P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 6. The fixing device 6 applies heat and pressure to the recording material P and the toner image, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material P. A discharge roller 7 discharges the recording material P onto a discharge tray 41.

[0016] The upper door 40 is a lid that can be opened and closed and forms the top surface of the image forming unit 11. A discharge tray 41 is formed in a part of the upper door 40. The upper door 40 is rotatably supported by the image forming unit 11 via a hinge 43. In other words, the upper door 40 rotates around the rotation axis of the hinge 43.

[0017] The document reading unit 30 has a platen glass 31 and a pressure plate 32. The pressure plate 32 presses the document placed on the platen glass 31 against the platen glass 31. The document reading unit 30 has an illumination light source, a mirror, a lens, and an image sensor, and reads the document to generate image data or an image signal.

[0018] The document reading unit 30 is rotatably supported by the image forming unit 11 via a hinge 33. That is, the document reading unit 30 rotates around the rotation axis of the hinge 33.

[0019] 2. Opening and closing the upper door FIG. 2(A) shows the document reading unit 30 in a closed state (closed state). The image forming unit 11 has a housing 9. FIG. 2(B) shows the document reading unit 30 in an open state (open state). In FIG. 2(B), the upper door 40 is maintained in a cruise state. FIG. 2(C) shows the document reading unit 30 and the upper door 40 in an open state.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2(A), when the document reading unit 30 is closed, the upper door 40 is in the first position. That is, the upper door 40 covers the upper part of the image forming unit 11, which has the housing 9 as its exterior. The document reading unit 30 has legs 341 and 342. The document reading unit 30 is supported on the upper door 40 via the legs 341 and 342. A discharge tray 41 is provided between the legs 341 and 342. The heights of the legs 341 and 342 are not very high. Therefore, it is not easy for a user to reach deep into the discharge tray 41 through an opening provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0021] 2(B), when the document reading unit 30 is open, the hinge arm 35 of the document reading unit 30 supports the document reading unit 30. The upper door 40 maintains the first position in which the upper part of the image forming unit 11 is closed. This increases the opening for the user to access the recording materials P stacked on the discharge tray 41, allowing the user to easily remove the recording materials P. For example, the user can easily remove even small-sized recording materials P from the discharge tray 41.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2(B), an operating member 513 for the unlock button 51 is provided on the top surface of the upper door 40. As shown in Fig. 2(A), when the document reading unit 30 is closed, the operating member 513 is hidden by the legs 342. As shown in Fig. 2(B), when the document reading unit 30 is open, the operating member 513 is exposed.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2(C), when the upper door 40 is open, it is in a state where the upper door 40 has moved to a second position where the top of the image forming unit 11 is open. The hinge arm 45 of the upper door 40 functions as a holding member or holding rod that holds the upper door 40 in the open state. When the upper door 40 is open, the user can easily replace the cartridge 20 built into the image forming unit 11. Recording material P may become stuck inside the image forming unit 11 (jam). By opening the upper door 40, the user can easily remove the jammed recording material P.

[0024] 3. Upper door locking mechanism As shown in FIG. 2(C), the upper door 40 has an unlock button 51 and an unlock link 52. The unlock button 51 and the unlock link 52 are connected via a joint to form a link mechanism. The image forming unit 11 has a lock member 54 and a pop-up member 55. The tip of the unlock link 52 is engaged with the lock member 54, thereby fixing the upper door 40 to the image forming unit 11. When the unlock link 52 moves to the unlock position by the unlock button 51, the pop-up member 55 pushes the upper door 40 upward. This allows the user to easily hook their fingers on the outer edge of the upper door 40 and lift the upper door 40.

[0025] FIG. 3(A) shows a state in which the upper door 40 is locked (fixed) to the image forming unit 11. FIG. 3(B) shows a state in which the upper door 40 is unlocked from the image forming unit 11. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the unlock button 51 has side surfaces 515 and 516 extending downward from the operating member 513. A claw 511 is formed around the lower part of the side surface 515. A claw 512 is formed around the lower part of the side surface 516. The upper door 40 has a holder 44 that houses the upper part of the unlock button 51. The holder 44 has a groove 441 and a groove 442. The claw 511 can move up and down inside the groove 441. The claw 512 can move up and down inside the groove 442.

[0026] The unlock button 51 has a rod-shaped member 517. A lock spring 53 is inserted into the rod-shaped member 517. One end of the lock spring 53 abuts against the underside of the operating member 513. The other end of the lock spring 53 abuts against the bottom surface of the holder 44. The unlock button 51 is biased in the Z direction by the biasing force of the lock spring 53. The claws 511 and 512 abut against the grooves 441 and 442, respectively, thereby maintaining the operating member 513 in a predetermined position. In this state, the height of the operating member 513 is approximately the same as the height of the upper door 40.

[0027] The bottom surface of the holder 44 has an opening, and a rod-shaped member 517 is inserted through the opening. An engagement hole 514 is formed in the lower part of the rod-shaped member 517 extending downward from the center of the unlock button 51. The engagement hole 514 engages with an engagement pin 521 provided on the unlock link 52. The unlock link 52 is rotatably held by a rotation shaft 42 provided on the upper door 40. When the unlock button 51 moves in the Z direction, the unlock link 52 rotates counterclockwise (CCW). A lock member 54 provided on the image forming unit 11 has a lock claw 522. The lock claw 522 is provided at the tip of the unlock link 52. The lock claw 522 engages with the lock member 54 from below, restricting the upper door 40 from moving upward. This locks the upper door 40 to the image forming unit 11.

[0028] 3(B), when the unlock button 51 is pressed in the −Z direction, the unlock link 52 rotates clockwise (CW), which moves the lock claw 522 away from the lock member 54, and the upper door 40 is unlocked.

[0029] 4. Pop-up mechanism FIG. 4(A) shows a state in which the upper door 40 is locked to the image forming unit 11. FIG. 4(B) shows a state in which the upper door 40 is unlocked and popped up. As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the image forming unit 11 has a pop-up member 55, a holder 46, and a pop-up spring 56. The pop-up member 55 is housed in the holder 46 and can move within the internal space of the holder 46. A locking claw 551 for holding the pop-up member 55 within the holder 46 may be provided at the bottom of the pop-up member 55. The locking claw 551 of the pop-up member 55 is locked by a locking claw 461 provided on the holder 46. The pop-up member 55 is urged upward by the pop-up spring 56.

[0030] As the upper door 40 rotates downward, the lower surface of the upper door 40 abuts against the pop-up member 55. As the upper door 40 rotates further downward, the pop-up member 55 moves downward against the biasing force of the pop-up spring 56.

[0031] 4(B), when the upper door 40 is unlocked, the pop-up member 55 pushes up the upper door 40 by the biasing force of the pop-up spring 56. This ensures a space 111 for inserting a finger between the bottom surface of the upper door 40 and the housing 9 of the image forming unit 11. This makes it easier for the user to hook their finger on the underside of the upper door 40 and lift the upper door 40.

[0032] 5. Rotation position of the upper door and document scanning unit Fig. 5(A) shows the state in which the upper door 40 is closed, Fig. 5(B) shows the state in which the upper door 40 is popped up, and Fig. 5(C) shows the state in which the upper door 40 is open.

[0033] The closed state of the upper door 40 shown in FIG. 5(A) corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 2(B). The document reading unit 30 and legs 341, 342 are in the open position. The upper door 40 is in the first position. As shown in FIG. 5(A), most of the upper door 40 is hidden by the housing 9 of the image forming unit 11 and cannot be seen. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the upper door 40 is locked to the image forming unit 11.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2(A), when the document reading unit 30 and the legs 341, 342 are in the open position, the user can see the operating member 513 of the unlock button 51 provided on the upper door 40. As shown in FIG. 3(B), when the user presses the operating member 513, the upper door 40 is unlocked. As shown in FIG. 4(B), the pop-up member 55 pushes up the upper door 40. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the upper door 40 moves from the first position (closed position) to the third position (intermediate position). The user places their fingers on the edge of the upper door 40 to open it.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5(C), when the upper door 40 rotates further upward, the upper door 40 moves from the third position to the second position (open position). Here, the third position is between the first position, in which the upper part of the image forming unit 11 is closed, and the second position, in which the upper part of the image forming unit 11 is open. When the upper door 40 is in the first position, the angle θ1 that the upper door 40 makes with the horizontal plane is approximately 0 degrees. When the upper door 40 is in the third position, the angle that the upper door 40 makes with the horizontal plane is θ3. When the upper door 40 is in the second position, the angle that the upper door 40 makes with the horizontal plane is θ2. Here, θ3 is greater than θ1. θ2 is greater than θ3.

[0036] The user holds the upper door 40 by hand and moves it downward, causing the upper door 40 to return from the second position to the third position. The user further moves the upper door 40 downward, causing the upper door 40 to return from the third position to the first position. Then, the upper door 40 is locked.

[0037] 6.Area where you can place the unlock button FIG. 6(A) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 101 with the upper door 40 closed. FIG. 6(B) is a plan view of the top surface of the upper door 40 as viewed from above. The operating member 513 of the unlock button 51 is located in either the hatched area x1 or area x2. When the document reading unit 30 is supported on the upper door 40 via the legs 341 and 342, the area x1 is an area that is hidden by the legs 341. Similarly, the area x2 is an area that is hidden by the legs 342. In this way, by the legs 341 or 342 hiding the operating member 513 of the unlock button 51, the user is less likely to operate the unlock button 51 by mistake.

[0038] 7. Controller 7 shows the controller 120 of the image forming apparatus 101. The controller 120 has a CPU 121, a sensor 122, and an LED 123. The CPU 121 controls the image forming unit 11 and the document reading unit 30 according to a control program. The sensor 122 detects whether the upper door 40 is open or closed. The CPU 121 controls the LED 123 to light up, blink, and turn off. The LED 123 is an abbreviation for light-emitting diode, and is an example of a light-emitting element and a light source.

[0039] CPU 121 monitors the state of upper door 40 using sensor 122 while image forming unit 11 is forming an image. When upper door 40 is opened, CPU 121 causes image forming unit 11 to stop image formation. This can improve the safety of image forming unit 11.

[0040] According to the first embodiment, the upper door 40 will be less likely to be opened by mistake. As a result, the number of times that image formation is stopped due to mistaken operation will be reduced. The recording material P and toner will be less likely to be wasted.

[0041] According to the first embodiment, the operating member 513 of the unlock button 51 is hidden by the leg portion 342 of the document reading unit 30, but this is merely an example. The operating member 513 only needs to be visually or tactilely inconspicuous so as to prevent erroneous operation of the operating member 513. For example, the color of the operating member 513 and the color of the area around the operating member 513 on the upper door 40 may be the same or similar (e.g., the same color family). Similarly, the surface properties (surface finish) of the operating member 513 and the surface properties of the area around the operating member 513 on the upper door 40 may be the same or similar.

[0042] An LED 123 may be provided on the operating member 513 of the lock release button 51. The CPU 121 may light or blink the LED 123 when urging the user to replace the cartridge 20 or clear a jam. The CPU 121 turns off the LED 123 during image formation. This may visually conceal the operating member 513 of the lock release button 51.

[0043] According to the first embodiment, the upper door 40 is an example of a lid that is movable between a first position that covers the upper part of the image forming unit 11 and a second position that opens the upper part of the image forming unit 11. The document reading unit 30 is an example of a document reading unit that is provided above the image forming unit 11 and above the upper door 40 and is movable independently of the upper door 40. The legs 341 and 342 are an example of legs that are located above the upper door 40 and below the document reading unit 30 and are movable together with the document reading unit 30. The hinge 33 is an example of a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit 30 and the legs 341 and 342 with respect to the image forming unit 11. The operating member 513 is an example of an operating member that is operated when a person moves the upper door 40 from the first position to the second position. When the upper door 40 is in the first position and supports the legs 341 and 342, the legs 342 conceal the operating member 513. When the upper door 40 is in the first position, the document reading unit 30 and the legs 341 and 342 are rotated so that the upper door 40 does not support the legs 341 and 342. In this state, the legs 341 and 342 expose the operating member 513. This will likely prevent the user from accidentally operating the upper door 40.

[0044] The unlock link 52 and the lock member 54 function as a fixing mechanism that fixes the upper door 40 to the image forming unit 11. The unlock button 51 functions as a release mechanism that releases the fixation by the fixing mechanism when the operation members 71 and 72 are operated by a human. There is a state in which the upper door 40 is in the first position and the document reading unit 30 is supported by the upper door 40 via the leg 342. The operation members 71 and 72 are provided at a position where the operation member 513 is hidden by the leg 342. There is a state in which the upper door 40 is in the first position and the document reading unit 30 and the leg 342 are rotated upward via the hinge 33. The operation members 71 and 72 are provided at a position where the hiding of the operation member 513 by the leg 342 is released.

[0045] The unlock button 51 may release the lock member 54 from fixing the upper door 40 to the image forming unit 11. The pop-up member 55 is an example of a moving mechanism that moves the upper door 40 to a third position between the first position and the second position. This makes it easier for the user to lift the upper door 40.

[0046] The pop-up spring 56 is an example of a biasing means that biases upward the upper door 40. The biasing means may include an elastic body (for example, a spring, rubber, or resin).

[0047] The hinge 43 is an example of a second hinge that supports the upper door 40 rotatably relative to the image forming unit 11. This makes it easier for the user to open the upper door 40.

[0048] An exposure light source (e.g., a laser scanner 1 or an LED) that irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21 may be fixed below the upper door 40. This would make it possible to omit the structure that holds the exposure light source.

[0049] The sensor 122 is an example of a detection means that detects the opening of the upper door 40. The CPU 121 is an example of a control means that controls the image forming unit 11. When the sensor 122 detects the opening of the upper door 40 while the image forming unit 11 is performing image formation, the CPU 121 stops image formation by the image forming unit 11. According to the first embodiment, the occurrence of erroneous operation of the upper door 40 is reduced, and therefore, such stoppages of image formation are also likely to be reduced.

[0050] The unlock link 52 and the lock claw 522 are an example of a first locking member that is movable between a locked position where the upper door 40 is locked to the image forming unit 11 and an unlocked position where the upper door 40 is not locked to the image forming unit 11. The lock member 54 is an example of a second locking member that locks with the lock claw 522 when the lock claw 522 is in the locked position and is released from the lock claw 522 when the lock claw 522 is in the unlocked position. The unlock button 51 moves the lock claw 522 from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby releasing the locking mechanism from its locking state.

[0051] A link mechanism may be formed in which the unlock button 51 and the unlock link 52 are connected via a joint (engagement pin 521, engagement hole 514). The lock spring 53 is an example of a biasing means that biases the unlock button 51 so that the lock claw 522 is positioned in the locked position. The operating member 513 of the unlock button 51 can be released from fixation by the lock member 54 by being pressed against the biasing force of the lock spring 53.

[0052] <Example 2> In the first embodiment, the lock release button 51 of the upper door 40 is hidden by the leg portion 342, thereby preventing the upper door 40 from being accidentally operated. However, even in cases where the lock release button 51 does not exist, the erroneous operation of the upper door 40 should be prevented. Therefore, the second embodiment introduces another example of an operating member that is operated when opening the upper door 40. Note that the second embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment.

[0053] 1. Other examples of operating components FIG. 8(A) shows a state in which the document reading unit 30 is open and the upper door 60 is closed. FIG. 8(B) shows a state in which the document reading unit 30 and the upper door 60 are open. FIG. 8(C) shows a state in which the document reading unit 30 and the upper door 60 are closed. In the second embodiment, an image forming unit 12 is used instead of the image forming unit 11. The image forming unit 12 is the image forming unit 11 without the locking mechanism of the upper door 40. The upper door 60 is used instead of the upper door 40. The locking mechanism of the upper door 60 is eliminated from the upper door 40. Furthermore, the upper door 60 has an operating member 61 and an operating member 62. The operating member 61 and the operating member 62 are gripping members that are held by the user, or tabs or knobs that are pinched.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8A, the upper door 60 is in a first position where the upper door 60 covers the upper part of the image forming unit 12. The user places their fingers in the finger holes 611 of the operation member 61 and the finger holes 612 of the operation member 62, respectively, and pulls the operation members 61 and 62 upward. This moves the upper door 60 to a second position shown in FIG. 7B. The second position is a position where the upper door 60 opens the upper part of the image forming unit 12. If the upper door 60 is opened while the image forming unit 12 is forming an image, the CPU 121 stops the image forming by the image forming unit 12. The user takes the operation members 61 and 62 of the upper door 60 and pushes them downward. This moves the upper door 60 from the second position back to the first position.

[0055] 8(A), leg portion 341 of document reading unit 30 has opening 343. Leg portion 342 has opening 344. Opening 343 may be a groove or cavity provided in leg portion 341. Opening 344 may be a groove or cavity provided in leg portion 342.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8 (C), the document reading unit 30 is closed, and the upper door 60 is also closed. The document reading unit 30 is supported on the upper door 60 via legs 341 and 342. The operating member 61 of the upper door 60 is housed in the space inside the leg 341 through the opening 343. The operating member 62 is housed in the space inside the leg 342 through the opening 344. The operating member 61 is concealed by the leg 341. The operating member 62 is concealed by the leg 342.

[0057] 2. Position of the opening that accommodates the operating member 9(A) is a front view of the image forming apparatus 101. FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C) are side views of the image forming apparatus 101. In FIGS. 9(A), 9(B), and 9(C), the hatched area y1 is an area where the operation member 61 can be placed. The area y2 is an area where the operation member 62 can be placed. In other words, when the document reading unit 30 is supported on the upper door 60, the operation member 61 is stored in the area y1 of the leg part 341 through the opening 343. Similarly, when the document reading unit 30 is supported on the upper door 60, the operation member 62 is stored in the area y2 of the leg part 342 through the opening 344.

[0058] When the document reading unit 30 is closed, the user cannot touch the operating members 61 and 62 of the upper door 60. This makes it difficult for the user to open the upper door 60. This will make it less likely for the user to accidentally open or close the upper door 60. Also, it will be less likely for the image formation performed by the image forming unit 12 to be inadvertently stopped. The second embodiment can achieve the same effect using fewer parts than the first embodiment. This will make it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0059] In the second embodiment, two operating members 61 and 62 are provided, but this is merely an example. As long as the operating members can be housed and concealed in the areas y1 and y2, the number of operating members may be one or may be three or more. However, if the two operating members 61 and 62 are arranged on the left and right sides of the upper door 60, the user will be able to hold the upper door 60 with both hands and open and close it stably.

[0060] According to the second embodiment, the operating members 61, 62 are an example of one or more knobs that can be grasped and lifted by a human finger to rotate the upper door 60 from the first position to the second position. There is a state in which the upper door 60 is in the first position and supports the legs 341, 342. In this state, the one or more knobs (operating members 61, 62) are arranged so as to be hidden by the legs 341, 342. This will prevent the upper door 60 from being accidentally operated.

[0061] The legs 341, 342 may have grooves or cavities (e.g., openings 343, 344, areas y1, y2) to accommodate one or more knobs (operating members 61, 62), which may reduce the amount of material needed to conceal the operating members 61, 62.

[0062] The operating members 61, 62 may have finger holes 611, 612 into which a human finger can be inserted, which will make it easier for a user to grasp the operating members 61, 62.

[0063] Example 3 In the third embodiment, while the document reading unit 30 is closed, a mark indicating the position of the operating member of the upper door is concealed, thereby preventing erroneous operation of the upper door. The matters described in the first and second embodiments will not be described again. Note that the third embodiment may be combined with the first or second embodiment. The third embodiment may be combined with the first and second embodiments.

[0064] 1. Overview of the operating components Fig. 10(A) shows the state in which the upper door 70 is closed. Fig. 10(B) shows the state in which the upper door 70 is open. Here, the image forming units 11 and 12 are referred to as the image forming unit 13, and have the same structure. The upper doors 40 and 60 are referred to as the upper door 70, and have the same basic structure. The following mainly describes the differences between the first and second embodiments of the third embodiment.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10A, the upper door 70 is in a first position covering the top of the image forming unit 13. The upper door 70 has an operating member 71 and a marker 711. The operating member 71 is a member on which a user places their finger when opening the upper door 70. The marker 711 visually indicates the position of the operating member 71. A groove 931 is provided on the left side surface of the housing 93 of the image forming unit 13. The groove 931 and the operating member 71 are arranged so that, in a plan view, at least a portion of the groove 931 overlaps with the operating member 71. Furthermore, the operating member 71 is exposed on the left side surface of the image forming unit 13. When a user places their finger on the operating member 71 and pulls the upper door 70 upward, the upper door 70 moves to a second position shown in FIG. 10B. This opens the top of the image forming unit 13.

[0066] When the sensor 122 detects that the upper door 70 has been opened during image formation, the CPU 121 stops image formation by the image forming unit 13. When the user picks up the operating member 71 and pushes it downward, the upper door 70 returns from the second position to the first position.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10A, the upper door 70 may have an operating member 72 and a mark 722. The operating member 72 is a member on which a user places their finger when opening the upper door 70. The mark 722 visually indicates the position of the operating member 72. A groove 932 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 93 of the image forming unit 13. The groove 932 and the operating member 72 are arranged so that, in a plan view, at least a portion of the groove 932 overlaps with the operating member 72. Furthermore, the operating member 72 is exposed on the right side surface of the image forming unit 13. When a user places their finger on the operating member 72 and pulls the upper door 70 upward, the upper door 70 moves to the second position shown in FIG. 10B. This opens the top of the image forming unit 13.

[0068] 2. Details of the operating member and groove The operation members 71 and 72 have the same or similar structures. Therefore, the operation member 71 and its surrounding structure will be described below using the enlarged view of Figure 11. Figure 11 shows the surrounding structure of the operation member 71 when the image forming unit 13 is viewed from the front.

[0069] The upper door 70 is in the first position. An operation member 71 is provided at the left end of the upper door 70. A groove 931 is provided at the top of the housing 93 of the image forming unit 13. When viewing the left side of the image forming unit 13 from the X direction, the operation member 71 of the upper door 70 is exposed through the groove 931. The groove 931 is recessed in the X direction so that a user can easily place their hand on the bottom or underside of the operation member 71 of the upper door 70. The groove 931 has a bottom surface 131. In this way, the groove 931 may be formed by an opening or cutout provided in the housing 93 and a recess provided in the structure of the image forming unit 13.

[0070] 3. Area where the operating components are located FIG. 12(A) shows a state in which the document reading unit 30 is open and the upper door 70 is closed. FIG. 12(B) shows the upper surface of the upper door 70 in a plan view. A mark 711 is provided on the upper surface of the upper door 70 and visually indicates the position of the operating member 71. The mark 711 is, for example, located in a diagonally shaded area z1 on the upper surface of the upper door 70. The mark 722 is provided on the upper surface of the upper door 70 and visually indicates the position of the operating member 72. The mark 722 is, for example, located in a diagonally shaded area z2 on the upper surface of the upper door 70.

[0071] Areas z1 and z2 are areas that are respectively hidden by legs 341 and 342 of image forming unit 13 when document reading unit 30 is closed. Furthermore, areas z1 and z2 are each located at the end of upper door 70 in the X direction (width direction of image forming unit 13). Furthermore, area z1 is an area where at least a portion of mark 711 overlaps with operating member 71 in the Y direction (depth direction of image forming unit 13). Area z2 is an area where at least a portion of mark 722 overlaps with operating member 72 in the Y direction.

[0072] According to the third embodiment, the marks 711 and 722 can indicate the positions of the operating members 71 and 72 of the upper door 70, respectively. When the document reading unit 30 is closed, the user cannot see the marks 711 and 722. This will likely prevent erroneous operation of the upper door 70.

[0073] The marks 711, 722 only need to be visually distinguishable from their surroundings. Therefore, the colors of the marks 711, 722 may be different from the surrounding colors. The marks 711, 722 may be attached or printed with paint. The surface color of the marks 711, 722 may be different from the surface color of the surroundings. The marks 711, 722 may be laser engraved or formed using a mold. This may allow the marks 711, 722 to be formed inexpensively.

[0074] FIG. 13 shows an original reading unit 80 that replaces the original reading unit 30. The original reading unit 80 differs from the original reading unit 30 in that a pressing plate 90 provided with operating members 91 and 92 and markers 911 and 922 is employed instead of the pressing plate 32. The operating members 91 and 92 are members that the user places his or her hands on when opening the pressing plate 90. The markers 911 and 922 visually indicate the positions of the operating members 91 and 92, respectively. The operating members 91 and 92 and their surrounding structures may be identical to or similar (e.g., of similar shape) to the operating members 71 and 72 and their surrounding structures. Similarly, the markers 911 and 922 and their surrounding structures may be identical to or similar (e.g., of similar shape) to the markers 711 and 722.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13 , in a plan view, the marks 911 and 922 may partially overlap the marks 711 and 722. That is, the X and Y coordinates of the mark 911 may be approximately the same as the X and Y coordinates of the mark 711. The X and Y coordinates of the mark 922 may be approximately the same as the X and Y coordinates of the mark 722. In a plan view, the operation members 91 and 92 may partially overlap the operation members 71 and 72. That is, the X and Y coordinates of the operation member 91 may be approximately the same as the X and Y coordinates of the operation member 71. The X and Y coordinates of the operation member 92 may be approximately the same as the X and Y coordinates of the operation member 72. The user may easily associate the positional relationship between the marks 711 and 722 and the operation members 71 and 72 from the positional relationship between the marks 911 and 922 and the operation members 91 and 92. This is because, when the user opens the document reading unit 80, the user can see the marks 711, 722 and the operating members 71, 72 provided on the upper door 70. Therefore, the user will be able to reliably find the operating members 71, 72 of the upper door 70 when he or she wants to open the document reading unit 80.

[0076] Thus, according to the third embodiment, grooves 931 and 932 are provided on the edge of the top surface of the housing 93 of the image forming unit 13. The grooves 931 and 932 may be openings without a bottom. The operating members 71 and 72 are provided on the end of the upper door 70 and cover at least a portion of the grooves 931 and 932 in a plan view. Furthermore, the operating members 71 and 72 are configured to receive an upward force from a human finger inserted through the grooves 931 and 932 to lift the upper door 70 from the first position to the second position. The upper door 70, the image forming unit 13, or the document reading unit 30 or 80 may have marks 711 and 722 indicating the positions of the operating members. A user can identify the operating members 71 and 72 by relying on the marks 711 and 722. This reduces the likelihood of erroneous operation of the upper door 70.

[0077] When the upper door 70 is in the first position and supports the legs 341, 342, the legs 341, 342 conceal the markers in a plan view. This prevents the user from seeing the markers 711, 722, which may also reduce the risk of erroneous operation of the upper door 70.

[0078] In the depth direction (-X direction) of groove 931, operating member 71 may protrude outward from bottom surface 131 of groove 931. In the depth direction (X direction) of groove 932, operating member 72 may protrude outward from the bottom surface of groove 932. As shown in Fig. 11, operating members 71, 72 do not protrude beyond the side surfaces of leg portions 341, 342. This may achieve both ease of use of operating members 71, 72 and prevention of erroneous operation.

[0079] The landmarks 711, 722 may have a different color than their surroundings. The landmarks 711, 722 may have a different shape than their surroundings. The landmarks 711, 722 may have a different surface texture than their surroundings. This may allow a user to identify the landmarks 711, 722 visually or tactilely.

[0080] The operating members 513, 61, 62, 71, and 72 may have a shape different from that of their surroundings. The operating members 513, 61, 62, 71, and 72 may have a surface texture different from that of their surroundings. This will make it easier for the user to identify the operating members 513, 61, 62, 71, and 72. Note that the marks 711 and 722 may be integrated into the operating members 71 and 72.

[0081] <Other> (Item 1) an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; an operating member that is operated when a person moves the lid from the first position to the second position, When the cover is in the first position and supports the legs, the legs conceal the operating member; In an image forming apparatus, when the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated so that the cover is not supporting the legs, the legs expose the operating member. (Item 2) a fixing mechanism that fixes the lid to the image forming unit; a release mechanism that releases the locking mechanism when the operating member is operated by a person, The position where the operation member is provided is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the operating member is hidden by the legs, and Item 1. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein when the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs rotate upward via the first hinge, the legs no longer conceal the operating member. (Item 3) Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to item 2, further comprising a moving mechanism that moves the lid to a third position between the first position and the second position when the release mechanism releases the fixation of the lid to the image forming unit by the fixing mechanism. (Item 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the movement mechanism includes a biasing means for biasing the lid upward. (Item 5) 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the biasing means includes an elastic body. (Item 6) 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, further comprising a second hinge that rotatably supports the lid relative to the image forming unit. (Item 7) 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein an exposure light source is fixed below the cover to irradiate the photosensitive drum with light and form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. (Item 8) a detection means for detecting the opening of the lid; a control unit for controlling the image forming unit, 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the control unit stops the image formation by the image forming unit when the detection unit detects that the lid is opened while the image forming unit is performing image formation. (Item 9) The fixing mechanism includes: a first locking member movable between a lock position where the lid is locked to the image forming unit and an unlock position where the lid is not locked to the image forming unit; a second locking member that locks with the first locking member when the first locking member is in the locked position and that is disengaged from the first locking member when the first locking member is in the unlocked position; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the release mechanism releases the fixation by the fixation mechanism by moving the first locking member from the lock position to the unlock position. (Item 10) Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to item 9, wherein the release mechanism and the first locking member are connected via a joint to form a link mechanism. (Item 11) The locking mechanism further includes a biasing means for biasing the release mechanism so that the first locking member is positioned at the lock position. Item 11. The image forming apparatus according to item 9 or 10, wherein the operating member of the release mechanism is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing means to release the fixation by the fixation mechanism. (Item 12) 12. An image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the lid has, as the operating member, one or more knobs that can be grasped and lifted by a human finger to rotate the lid from the first position to the second position. (Item 13) Item 13. The image forming apparatus of item 12, wherein the one or more knobs are positioned so as to be concealed by the legs when the lid is in the first position and the lid is supporting the legs. (Item 14) Item 14. The image forming apparatus of item 13, wherein the leg has a groove or cavity that accommodates the one or more knobs. (Item 15) 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 12 to 14, wherein the one or more knobs have finger holes into which a human finger can be inserted. (Item 16) a groove provided on an edge of the upper surface of the housing of the image forming unit, the operating member is provided at an end of the lid, covers at least a portion of the groove in a plan view, and is configured to receive an upward force from a human finger inserted through the groove to lift the lid from the first position to the second position; 16. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the cover, the image forming unit, or the document reading unit has a mark indicating the position of the operating member. (Item 17) Item 17. The image forming apparatus according to item 16, wherein when the lid is in the first position and supports the legs, the legs conceal the mark in a plan view. (Item 18) Item 18. The image forming apparatus according to item 16 or 17, wherein the operating member protrudes beyond the bottom surface of the groove in the depth direction of the groove, and does not protrude beyond the side surface of the leg. (Item 19) 19. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the mark has a color different from the color of the surrounding area, a shape different from the shape of the surrounding area, or a surface property different from the surface property of the surrounding area. (Item 20) 20. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 19, wherein the operation member has a shape different from the shape of the surrounding area or a surface property different from the surface property of the surrounding area. (Item 21) an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; a fixing mechanism that fixes the lid to the image forming unit; a release mechanism that has an operating member that is operated by a person and that releases the fixation by the fixation mechanism when the operating member is operated, The operating member is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the document reading unit is concealed by the legs; When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated upward via the first hinge, the image forming apparatus is no longer concealed by the legs and is exposed. (Item 22) an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; an operating member that can be grasped and lifted by a human finger to rotate the lid from the first position to the second position; The operating member is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the document reading unit is concealed by the legs; When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated upward via the first hinge, the image forming apparatus is no longer concealed by the legs and is exposed. (Item 23) an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; a groove provided on an edge of an upper surface of a housing of the image forming unit; an operating member provided at an end of the lid, covering at least a portion of the groove in a plan view, and receiving an upward force from a human finger inserted through the groove to lift the lid from the first position to the second position; the cover, the image forming unit, or the document reading unit has a mark indicating the position of the operation member; At least one of the operating member and the mark is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the document reading unit is concealed by the legs; When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated upward via the first hinge, the image forming apparatus is no longer concealed by the legs and is exposed.

[0082] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 11: Image forming unit, 40: Upper door, 30: Document reading unit, 341, 342: Legs, 33, 43: Hinges, 71, 72: Operating members

Claims

1. an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; an operating member that is operated when a person moves the lid from the first position to the second position, When the cover is in the first position and supports the legs, the legs conceal the operating member; When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated so that the cover is not supporting the legs, the legs expose the operating member.

2. a fixing mechanism that fixes the lid to the image forming unit; a release mechanism that releases the locking mechanism when the operating member is operated by a person, The position where the operation member is provided is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the operating member is hidden by the legs, and 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the leg portion rotate upward via the first hinge, the leg portion no longer conceals the operating member.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a moving mechanism that moves the lid to a third position between the first position and the second position when the release mechanism releases the fixation of the lid to the image forming unit by the fixing mechanism.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said moving mechanism includes a biasing means for biasing said cover upward.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the biasing means includes an elastic body.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second hinge that rotatably supports the lid relative to the image forming unit.

7. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an exposure light source is fixed below the cover to irradiate the photosensitive drum with light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum.

8. a detection means for detecting the opening of the lid; and a control unit for controlling the image forming unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the image formation by the image forming unit when the detection unit detects that the cover is opened while the image forming unit is performing image formation.

9. The fixing mechanism includes: a first locking member movable between a lock position where the lid is locked to the image forming unit and an unlock position where the lid is not locked to the image forming unit; a second locking member that locks with the first locking member when the first locking member is in the locked position and that is released from locking with the first locking member when the first locking member is in the unlocked position; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the release mechanism releases the fixation by the fixation mechanism by moving the first locking member from the lock position to the unlock position.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the release mechanism and the first locking member are connected via a joint to form a link mechanism.

11. The locking mechanism further includes a biasing means for biasing the release mechanism so that the first locking member is positioned at the lock position.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the operation member of the release mechanism is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing means to release the fixation by the fixation mechanism.

12. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover has, as the operating member, one or more knobs that can be grasped and lifted by a human finger to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position.

13. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the one or more knobs are arranged to be hidden by the legs when the lid is in the first position and the lid supports the legs.

14. 14. The image forming apparatus of claim 13, wherein the leg has a groove or cavity that accommodates the one or more knobs.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the one or more knobs have finger holes for receiving human fingers.

16. a groove provided on an edge of the upper surface of the housing of the image forming unit, the operating member is provided at an end of the lid, covers at least a portion of the groove in a plan view, and is configured to receive an upward force from a human finger inserted through the groove to lift the lid from the first position to the second position; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cover, the image forming unit, or the document reading unit has a mark indicating the position of the operation member.

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when the cover is in the first position and supports the legs, the legs conceal the mark in a plan view.

18. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the operation member protrudes beyond the bottom surface of the groove in the depth direction of the groove, but does not protrude beyond the side surfaces of the leg portions.

19. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the mark has a color different from that of its surroundings, a shape different from that of its surroundings, or a surface property different from that of its surroundings.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the operation member has a shape different from that of the surrounding area or a surface texture different from that of the surrounding area.

21. an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; a fixing mechanism that fixes the lid to the image forming unit; a release mechanism that has an operating member that is operated by a person and that releases the fixation by the fixation mechanism when the operating member is operated, The operating member is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the document reading unit is concealed by the legs; When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated upward via the first hinge, the image forming apparatus is no longer concealed by the legs and is exposed.

22. an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; an operating member that can be grasped and lifted by a human finger to rotate the lid from the first position to the second position; The operating member is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the document reading unit is concealed by the legs; When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated upward via the first hinge, the image forming apparatus is no longer concealed by the legs and is exposed.

23. an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material; a cover that is movable between a first position that covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position that opens the upper portion of the image forming unit; a document reading unit provided above the image forming unit and above the lid, the document reading unit being movable independently of the lid; a leg portion located above the lid and below the document reading unit, the leg portion being movable together with the document reading unit; a first hinge that rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg unit relative to the image forming unit; a groove provided on an edge of an upper surface of a housing of the image forming unit; an operating member provided at an end of the lid, covering at least a portion of the groove in a plan view, and receiving an upward force from a human finger inserted through the groove to lift the lid from the first position to the second position; the cover, the image forming unit, or the document reading unit has a mark indicating the position of the operation member; At least one of the operating member and the mark is When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit is supported by the cover via the legs, the document reading unit is concealed by the legs; When the cover is in the first position and the document reading unit and the legs are rotated upward via the first hinge, the image forming apparatus is no longer concealed by the legs and is exposed.

Images