Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To further improve the visibility and operability of the control panel. [Solution] The device comprises a main body having an exterior surface, and an operating part having an operating surface on which input operations can be performed, and configured to rotate around an axis between a first position in which the operating surface is inclined and a second position in which the operating surface is inclined more than the first position, wherein the first position of the operating part is such that the entire operating part does not protrude outward from the exterior surface adjacent to the periphery of the operating part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an operation unit.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs), apparatuses provided with a touch panel type operation unit have been proposed as user interfaces (Patent Document 1). The touch panel type operation unit includes an operation surface in which an input unit such as a touch pad is laminated on the screen of a display unit such as a liquid crystal, and by pressing the display on the operation surface, an instruction to operate the image forming apparatus can be detected (input). Further, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which the touch panel type operation unit is provided so as to be rotatable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above prior art, when operating the operation unit with the operation surface in a horizontal posture, there is a problem that the visibility and operability of the operation surface are inferior compared to when operating the operation unit with the operation surface in an inclined posture.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to further improve the visibility and operability of the operation unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A typical configuration of the present invention comprises a device body having an exterior surface, and an operating unit having an operating surface on which input operations can be performed, and configured to rotate around an axis between a first position in which the operating surface is inclined and a second position in which the operating surface is inclined more than the first position, wherein the first position of the operating unit is such that the entire operating unit does not protrude outward from the exterior surface adjacent to the periphery of the operating unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the visibility and operability of the control unit can be further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] Perspective view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 3] Perspective view of the area around the control panel at the minimum tilt angle of the control panel. [Figure 4] Bottom perspective view of the control panel [Figure 5] Detailed diagram of the rotational axis of the control unit. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the area around the control panel at its maximum tilt angle. [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the rotational operation as seen from the right side of the control panel. [Figure 8] Top view of the control panel [Figure 9] Front view of the control panel [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the approximate center of the control panel. [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the internal structure of the left and right outer casings of the control unit. [Figure 12] Perspective view showing the internal structure of the left-side casing of the control unit. [Figure 13] Perspective view showing the internal structure of the right-side casing of the control panel. [Figure 14] Diagram illustrating the rotational operation as seen from the right side of the control panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those, unless otherwise specifically described.

[0010] [Example 1] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to Example 1 with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system 100 including an image forming apparatus 1 according to Example 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0012] The XYZ coordinate system indicated after FIG. 1 is indicated for explaining the installation direction of the image forming apparatus. More specifically, X is the width direction (left and right direction) of the image forming apparatus, the arrow direction is the right direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow direction is the left direction. Subsequently, Y is the depth direction (front and back direction) of the image forming apparatus, the arrow direction is the rear direction (inward direction), and the direction opposite to the arrow direction is the front direction (forward direction). Finally, Z is the height direction (vertical direction, up and down direction) of the image forming apparatus, the arrow direction is the upward direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow direction is the downward direction. Also, for the ○ symbol at the intersection where the rear ends of the arrows overlap in the right-angle notation of any two of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, it indicates the tip of the arrow of the axis other than the right-angle notation, and the overlapping symbol of ○ and × indicates the rear end of the arrow of the axis other than the right-angle notation.

[0013] The image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a finisher 80 as an optional unit connected to the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method. In particular, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 employs an intermediate transfer tandem method in which four-color image forming units are arranged side by side above the intermediate transfer belt, because of the advantages of excellent adaptability to various sheets and print productivity.

[0014] Also, in this embodiment, the finisher (sheet processing device) 80 has functions such as stapling, folding, and sorting for sheets, for example.

[0015] Furthermore, an original document table 311 is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1, and an image reading unit 310 and an image forming unit 102 are provided inside the image forming apparatus 1. On the upper surface of the original document table 311, a duplex automatic document feeder (RADF; Reversing Automatic Document Feeder) 312 is mounted in a state where it can be opened and closed with respect to the original document table 311 and has a predetermined positional relationship with the original document table 311.

[0016] The duplex automatic document feeder 312 first conveys the original document so that one side of the original document faces the image reading unit 310 at a predetermined position on the original document table 311. After the image reading of this one side is completed, the duplex automatic document feeder 312 reverses the original document and conveys it toward the original document table 311 so that the other side faces the image reading unit 310 at a predetermined position on the original document table 311. Then, after the image reading of both sides of one original document is completed, the duplex automatic document feeder 312 discharges this original document and executes the duplex conveyance operation for the next original document. The above operations of conveying the original document and reversing the front and back are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire image forming apparatus.

[0017] The image reading unit 310 is disposed below the original document table 311 in order to read the image of the original document conveyed onto the original document table 311 by the duplex automatic document feeder 312. The image reading unit 310 includes scanning units 313 and 314 as original document scanning bodies that reciprocate parallel to the lower surface of the original document table 311, an optical lens 315, and a CCD line sensor 316 that is a photoelectric conversion element.

[0018] The scanning units 313 and 314 consist of a first scanning unit 313 and a second scanning unit 314. The first scanning unit 313 has an exposure lamp that exposes the surface of the document image and a first mirror that deflects the reflected light image from the document in a predetermined direction, and moves back and forth parallel to the lower surface of the document table 311 at a predetermined scanning speed while maintaining a constant distance from it. The second scanning unit 314 has second and third mirrors that further deflect the reflected light image from the document, which has been deflected by the first mirror of the first scanning unit 313, in a predetermined direction, and moves back and forth parallel to the first scanning unit 313 while maintaining a constant speed relationship.

[0019] The optical lens 315 reduces the reflected light image from the original document, which has been deflected by the third mirror of the second scanning unit, and forms the reduced light image at a predetermined position on the CCD line sensor 316.

[0020] The CCD line sensor 316 sequentially converts the formed optical image into electrical signals. The CCD line sensor 316 is a 3-line color CCD capable of reading monochrome or color images and outputting line data separated into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components. The original image information converted into electrical signals by this CCD line sensor 316 is further transferred to an image processing unit (not shown) where predetermined image data processing is performed.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet feeding unit 101 that feeds sheets (recording material, transfer material) S such as recording paper, and a sheet transport unit 109 that transports the sheets S fed by the sheet feeding unit 101. In this embodiment, the sheet transport unit 101 and the sheet transport unit 109 constitute the sheet transport device 2. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an image forming unit 102 that forms an image on the sheet S transported by the sheet transport unit 109.

[0022] The sheet feeding unit 101 includes sheet storage sections 30-33 and sheet feeding members 35-38.

[0023] The image forming unit 102 includes a photoreceptor 61 (61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K), a charging device 62 (62Y, 62M, 62C, 62K), an exposure device 63 (63Y, 63M, 63C, 63K), and a developing device 64 (64Y, 64M, 64C, 64K). The image forming unit 102 also includes a primary transfer device 66 (66Y, 66M, 66C, 66K) and a photoreceptor cleaner 65 (65Y, 65M, 65C, 65K). Furthermore, the image forming unit 102 includes an intermediate transfer belt 67 to which the toner image formed on the photoreceptors 61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K is primary transferred, and a secondary transfer roller 43 which is a secondary transfer device that transfers the toner image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 67 to the sheet S. The intermediate transfer belt 67 is stretched by rollers such as a drive roller 68, a tension roller 69, and a secondary transfer inner roller 70, and is rotated (conveyed) in the direction of arrow R (clockwise) in the figure. The image forming unit 102 also has a fuser 45 that fixes the image onto the sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 1 has a secondary transfer roller 43 as a transfer unit for transferring an image to a sheet, and a fuser 45 as a fixing unit for fixing the image to the sheet, both arranged in a sheet transport path that moves the sheet in the left-right direction. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 is a device that has a lateral path in which the sheet is transported in the left-right direction, and is a device that does not have an internal discharge space for discharging the sheet between the image reading unit and the image forming unit in the vertical direction.

[0025] The sheet transport unit 109 has transport paths 40 and 41, which are sheet transport paths through which the sheets S, transported by the sheet transport members 35 to 38 of the sheet feeding unit 101, pass. The sheet transport unit 109 also has a register roller 42 that feeds the sheets S to the secondary transfer section (secondary transfer nip) N, which is the contact point between the intermediate transfer belt 67 and the secondary transfer roller 43. The sheet transport unit 109 also has a pre-fixing transport belt 44 that sends the sheets S, on which the toner image has been transferred, to the fuser 45. Downstream of the fuser 45 is a post-fixing transport path 59 equipped with an internal discharge roller 46. The sheet transport unit 109 also has a reversal section 85 downstream of the post-fixing transport path 59 in the transport direction of the sheets S that performs switchback transport of the sheets S. The post-fixing transport path 59 and the reversal section 85 are connected via an outlet 59a of the post-fixing transport path 59, which is a substantially horizontal first horizontal path.

[0026] The reversal section 85 includes a discharge transport path 51, a reversal guidance path 52, a switchback path 55, and a reversal discharge path 56. The discharge transport path 51, whose upstream end in the transport direction is connected to the post-fixing transport path 59, is a sheet transport path that guides the sheet S on which the image has been formed to be discharged from the image forming apparatus 1. The reversal guidance path 52, whose upstream end in the transport direction is connected to the post-fixing transport path 59, is a sheet transport path that branches off from the discharge transport path 51. The switchback path 55 is a sheet transport path into which the sheet that has passed through the reversal guidance path 52 is drawn in in order to reverse the front and back sides of the sheet S on which the image has been formed and the leading and trailing ends in the transport direction. The reversal discharge path 56 is a sheet transport path that merges with the discharge transport path 51 and guides the sheet S drawn into the switchback path 55 to be discharged from the image forming apparatus 1. The reversal section 85 also includes a pair of reversal upper rollers 53 and a pair of reversal lower rollers 54, which are transport members provided within the switchback path 55. Furthermore, the reversing unit 85 has an external discharge roller 49, which is a conveying member that transports the sheet S discharged from the fuser 45.

[0027] Furthermore, the sheet conveying section 109 has a double-sided conveying path 47, which is a sheet conveying path through which the sheet S, whose conveying direction has been reversed in the switchback path 55 of the reversal section 85, is conveyed. The switchback path 55 and the double-sided conveying path 47 are connected via an inlet 47a of the double-sided conveying path 47, which is a substantially horizontal second horizontal path. The double-sided conveying path 47 is connected to the conveying path 41. The sheet conveying section 109 also has double-sided rollers 48a to 48d, which are conveying members that convey the sheet S passing through the double-sided conveying path 47.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an operation unit 201. The operation unit 201 functions as a display unit that displays information related to the image forming apparatus 1, and also functions as an input unit for inputting various settings into the image forming apparatus 1.

[0029] On the other hand, the finisher 80 includes a buffer path unit 181 that transports the sheets S discharged from the image forming apparatus 1, and a post-processing unit (finisher body) 108 that processes the sheets S transported by the buffer path unit 181. The buffer path unit 181 has a buffer path 81 which is a sheet transport path that guides the sheets S to be transported to the post-processing unit 108. The buffer path 81 is connected downstream of the discharge transport path 51 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the direction of transport of the sheets S. The finisher 80 also has discharge loading sections 83a to 83d to which the sheets S processed by the post-processing unit 108 are discharged. Note that the buffer path unit 181 and the post-processing unit 108 may be separate units, and the image forming apparatus 1 may be connected to the post-processing unit 108 via the buffer path unit 181.

[0030] The sheets S are stored in the sheet storage sections 30-33 and are fed by the sheet feeding members 35-38 in accordance with the image formation timing in the image forming section 102. The sheets S sent out by the sheet feeding members 35-38 pass through the transport paths 40 and 41 and are transported to the register roller 42.

[0031] The registration roller 42 abuts the conveyed sheet S, creating a loop in the sheet S. This causes the leading edge of the sheet S to follow the registration roller 42, correcting the sheet S's skew. After correcting the sheet S's skew, the registration roller 42 sends the sheet S to the secondary transfer section N at a predetermined timing, in accordance with the image formation timing on the sheet S. In other words, the registration roller 42 conveys the sheet S to the secondary transfer section N in accordance with the timing when the toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 67, which is the image carrier, arrives at the secondary transfer section N.

[0032] The secondary transfer section N is a nip section that transfers the toner image to the sheet S, formed by a secondary transfer internal roller 70 and a secondary transfer roller 43 arranged opposite each other via an intermediate transfer belt 67. In the secondary transfer section N, a predetermined pressure and electrostatic load bias are applied, thereby transferring (secondary transfer) the toner image onto the sheet S.

[0033] The image formation process, which takes place at the same time as the sheet transport process up to the secondary transfer section N described above, is now explained. The surface of the rotating photoreceptor 61 is uniformly charged by the charging device 62. The charged surface of the photoreceptor 61 is scanned and exposed by the exposure device 63. The exposure device 63 is driven based on the image information signal that has been sent. This forms an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image) on the photoreceptor 61. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 61 is developed (revealed) by the developing device 64 using toner as a developer. This forms a toner image on the photoreceptor 61. The toner image on the photoreceptor 61 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 67 by the primary transfer device 66, which applies a predetermined pressure and electrostatic load bias. After the primary transfer process, any toner remaining on the photoreceptor 61 (transfer residue toner) is removed and recovered from the photoreceptor 61 by the photoreceptor cleaner 65.

[0034] During the formation of a full-color image, the above image formation process is performed for each of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. The toner images of each color (Y, M, C, and K) formed on each photoreceptor 61 are then transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 67 in a superimposed manner. This forms the toner image for the full-color image on the intermediate transfer belt 67.

[0035] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 can also form monochrome images, such as black.

[0036] As described above, in the secondary transfer section N, the toner image is transferred (secondary transfer) from the intermediate transfer belt 67 onto the sheet S. After that, the sheet S is transported to the fuser 45 by the pre-fixing transport belt 44. The fuser 45 fixes (melts and solidifies) the toner image onto the sheet S using a predetermined pressure applied by opposing rollers or belts and heat from a heat source such as a heater.

[0037] The sheet S, on which the image has been fixed, is transported by the internal discharge roller 46 within the post-fixing transport path 59 and sent to either the discharge transport path 51 or the reversal guide path 52. A switching device (not shown) is located at the branching point between the discharge transport path 51 and the reversal guide path 52 to selectively switch the transport path of the sheet S. The discharge transport path 51 is selected when the sheet S is discharged from the image forming apparatus 1. The reversal guide path 52 is selected when the front and back sides and the leading and trailing ends in the transport direction of the sheet S are reversed before discharge from the image forming apparatus 1, or when an image is formed on the second surface in double-sided image formation.

[0038] The sheet S, transported through the discharge transport path 51 by the internal discharge roller 46, is discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 by the external discharge roller 49. The buffer path 81 of the buffer path unit 181 of the finisher 80 is connected to the discharge transport path 51. The sheet S transported by the external discharge roller 49 is sent to the post-processing unit 108 via the buffer path 81, where it is post-processed as needed. Finally, the sheet S is discharged to the discharge loading sections 83a to 83d of the finisher 80.

[0039] When forming an image on the second surface in double-sided image formation, the sheet S, which has been transported within the inversion guidance path 52, is transported by the inversion upper roller pair 53 and the inversion lower roller pair 54 and pulled into the switchback path 55. Once the sheet S is pulled into the switchback path 55, the rotation direction of the inversion lower roller pair 54 is switched to the opposite direction from when it was pulled in, so that the leading and trailing ends of the transport direction are swapped (switchback operation). The sheet S is then transported to the double-sided transport path 47 by the inversion lower roller pair 54. After that, the sheet S is transported within the double-sided transport path 47 by the double-sided rollers 48a to 48d and is brought into the transport path 41 in conjunction with the subsequent sheets S being transported by the respective sheet feeding members 35 to 38. The sheet S is then sent to the secondary transfer section N via the resist roller 42. The image formation process for the back surface (second surface) of the sheet S is the same as that for the front surface (first surface) described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0040] When the front and back sides and the leading and trailing ends in the transport direction of the sheet S are reversed and discharged from the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet S is pulled in from the reversal guidance path 52 to the switchback path 55, similar to when an image is formed on the second surface in double-sided image forming. Subsequently, the rotation direction of the reversal upper roller pair 53 and the reversal lower roller pair 54 is switched to the opposite direction from when it was pulled in, so that the front and back sides and the leading and trailing ends in the transport direction of the sheet S are swapped and it is discharged from the switchback path 55. The sheet S is then discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 by the outer discharge roller 49 via the reversal discharge path 56 and sent to the buffer path 81 of the finisher 80 in the same manner as described above.

[0041] Next, the characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 3 to 7 and Figure 14. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the area around the operating section 201 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0042] The operation unit 201 employs a touch panel system for both the display and input units, and has a display input unit 202 that serves as an operating surface for input operations. The display input unit 202 displays information related to the image forming apparatus 1, and various settings related to the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed in a predetermined area, and these settings are determined by pressing that area.

[0043] The operating unit 201 is configured to rotate. Figure 14 will now be used to explain the operating range (operating area) of the operating unit 201.

[0044] For example, in disability-related laws and regulations in various countries, such as Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, the human scale is used to recommend areas where users can operate comfortably or without difficulty. The human scale refers to human characteristics such as body dimensions, muscle strength, eyesight, and field of vision.

[0045] Furthermore, the user's body dimensions should be within the range of short stature: 1470mm / Japanese / female to tall stature: 1880mm / American / male. The age should be between 18 and 65 years old.

[0046] The operating range of the control unit 201 is defined as follows: viewing distance: 300-700 mm, forward flexion: 0-30 degrees, elbow flexion: 45-135 degrees (with the arm hanging down as 0 degrees), shoulder flexion: 0-90 degrees forward, reach: the range from the acromion point to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand so that it can be pushed or rotated with the fingertips, and height: the upper arm should not be raised higher than the armpit. If defined by the distance A1 from the front of the image forming apparatus 1 and the distance A2 from the bottom surface of the image forming apparatus 1, the operating range of the control unit 201 is preferably A1: 0-400 mm and A2: 900-1200 mm.

[0047] As shown in Figure 14, the operating range of the control unit 201, from the minimum tilt angle to the maximum tilt angle, is A1: 0 to 170 mm and A2: 950 to 1100 mm, satisfying the aforementioned human scale. Therefore, it is possible to perform operations on the screen, such as touch panels, as well as key operations near the screen, and to perform detailed operations such as settings over long periods of time.

[0048] To the left of the control unit 201 is a front upper left box 213, which consists of a front upper left case 211 and a front upper left cover 212. To the right of the control unit 201 is a front upper right box 216, which consists of a front upper right case 214 and a front upper right cover 215. The front upper left box 213 and the front upper right box 216 form part of the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0049] In other words, the exterior surface constituting the front upper left box 213 and the exterior surface constituting the front upper right box 216 form part of the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0050] Specifically, the right side 211a, left side 211b, and front surface 211c of the front upper left case 211 which constitutes the front upper left box 213, the top surface 212a of the front upper left cover 212, and the right side 214a, left side 214b, and front surface 214c of the front upper right case 214 which constitutes the front upper right box 216, and the top surface 215a of the front upper right cover 215 form part of the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] As described above, the front upper part of the image forming apparatus 1 is arranged from left to right in the following order: front upper left box 213, operation unit 201, and front upper right box 216. Behind the front upper left box 213, operation unit 201, and front upper right box 216, a main body upper front cover 221 is positioned, with a width equivalent to the distance from the left side 211b of the front upper left case 211 to the right side 214a of the front upper right case 214. Furthermore, behind the main body upper front cover 221, a duplex automatic document feeder 312 is positioned.

[0052] Here, the upper surface 212a of the front upper left cover 212, the upper surface 215a of the front upper right cover 215, the upper surface 221a of the main body upper front cover 221, and the document tray 311 of the double-sided automatic document feeder 312 are substantially on the same plane and are configured to be horizontal with respect to the contact surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0053] Furthermore, below the front upper left box 213, the operation unit 201, and the front upper right box 216, there is an openable and closable front upper cover 223 for maintenance and replacement of the photoreceptor 61, charging device 62, exposure device 63, and developing device 64 of the image forming unit 102. The upper part of the front upper cover 223 opens and closes on a rotational axis (not shown) of the left-right X-axis provided at its lower part. The upper surface 223a and front surface 223c, which constitute the exterior surfaces of the front upper cover 223, form part of the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0054] Below the front upper cover 223 is the front middle cover 224. Further below the front middle cover 224 is an openable front cover 225 for maintenance and replacement of the fuser 45 and intermediate transfer belt 67. Further to the lower right of the front cover 225 is the right paper feed cover 226 on the front of the sheet storage section 31, and further to the lower left of the front cover 225 is the left paper feed cover 227 on the front of the sheet storage section 32. Further below the right paper feed cover 226 and the left paper feed cover 227 is the bottom paper feed cover 228 on the front of the sheet storage section 33.

[0055] Here, the front surfaces of the front upper cover 223, front middle cover 224, front cover 225, right paper feed cover 226, left paper feed cover 227, and bottom paper feed cover 228 are substantially flush with the front surface 211c of the front upper left case 211 and the front surface 214c of the front upper right case 214, and are configured to be perpendicular to the mounting surface of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0056] Of the exterior surfaces of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the top surface 212a of the front upper left cover 212, the top surface 215a of the front upper right cover 215, the top surface 221a of the main body upper front cover 221, the top surface 223a of the front upper cover 223, and the front surface 223c are exterior surfaces adjacent to the perimeter of the operation unit 201. The top surface 212a of the front upper left cover 212 is an exterior surface adjacent to the left side of the operation unit 201, the top surface 215a of the front upper right cover 215 is an exterior surface adjacent to the right side of the operation unit 201, and the top surface 221a of the main body upper front cover 221 is an exterior surface adjacent to the rear side of the operation unit 201. The top surface 223a of the front upper cover 223 and the front surface 223c are exterior surfaces adjacent to the front lower side of the operation unit 201.

[0057] Next, the configuration of the rotational axis of the operating unit 201 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the operating unit 201 as seen from the bottom, and Figure 5 is a detailed diagram of the rotational axis 203 of the operating unit 201.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the bottom surface of the operating unit 201 has a main body right support plate 231 on the right side of the operating unit 201 for fixing the operating unit 201 to the image forming apparatus 1, and a main body left support plate 232 on the left side of the operating unit 201 for fixing the operating unit 201 to the image forming apparatus 1. The main body right support plate 231 and the main body left support plate 232 are fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, a right fixing plate 233 for the operating section is fixed to the right side of the bottom surface of the operating section 201. A left fixing plate (not shown) for the operating section is fixed to the left side of the bottom surface of the operating section. As shown in Figure 5, the right fixing plate 233 for the operating section is connected to the right support plate 231 of the main body via a general-purpose shaft-type damper hinge 203a that forms the rotational axis 203. The left fixing plate (not shown) for the operating section is connected to the left support plate 232 of the main body via a metal shaft (not shown) that forms the rotational axis 203.

[0060] Here, in order to accommodate the weight of the operating unit 201, mitigate the impact during the user's rotational movement of the operating unit 201, and improve its operability, an axial damper hinge 203a is applied to the right side of the operating unit 201.

[0061] Therefore, the axial damper hinge 203a on the right side of the operating section 201 controls the operating force relative to the weight of the operating section 201, and forms the rotational center axis 203 coaxially with the metal shaft (not shown) on the left side of the operating section 201.

[0062] The operating unit 201 rotates around the rotational axis 203 so that the display input unit 202, which serves as an operating surface for input operations, can assume an inclined position.

[0063] Here, the rotation of the operating unit 201 will be explained using Figures 3, 6, and 7. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the area around the operating unit 201 showing the operating unit 201 rotated to its minimum tilt angle (first posture). Figure 6 is a perspective view of the area around the operating unit 201 showing the operating unit 201 rotated to its maximum tilt angle (second posture). Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation operation of the operating unit 201 shown from the right side, where Figure 7(a) shows the operating unit 201 at its minimum tilt angle (first posture), and Figure 7(b) shows the operating unit 201 at its maximum tilt angle (second posture).

[0064] Here, the operating unit 201 is configured to rotate around the rotation center axis 203 between a first orientation (Figure 3) in which the display input unit 202 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a second orientation (Figure 6) in which the display input unit 202 is inclined more than the first orientation.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7(a), the operating unit 201 is rotated clockwise around the rotation center axis 203, and the angle of the display input unit 202 with respect to the installation surface (horizontal plane) of the image forming apparatus is tilted at the smallest angle (minimum tilt angle). At this time, the operating unit 201 is restricted from rotating clockwise by a rotation restricting unit (not shown) and is held in the first posture (position) shown in Figures 3 and 7(a). The posture of the operating unit 201 shown in Figures 3 and 7(a) is the first posture. The first posture of the operating unit 201 is not a horizontal posture in which the foremost part 205 in the front-to-back direction of the operating unit 201 is at the same position as the rearmost part 204, but rather a tilted posture in which the foremost part 205 in the front-to-back direction of the operating unit 201 is lower than the rearmost part 204.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first orientation shown in Figures 3 and 7(a), the rearmost part 204 of the operation unit 201, which is the uppermost part of the operation unit 201, does not protrude outward (upward) from the upper surface 212a of the front left upper cover 212, the upper surface 215a of the front right upper cover 215, the upper surface 221a of the main body upper front cover 221, and the document tray 311 of the automatic document feeder 312, which are all on approximately the same plane. In other words, in the first orientation, the rotation of the operation unit 201 is restricted by a rotation restricting unit (not shown) so that the rearmost part 204 of the operation unit 201, which is the uppermost part of the operation unit 201, is at the same height as or lower than the upper surfaces 212a, 215a, and 221a, which are the exterior surfaces adjacent to the operation unit.

[0067] When a user places a document on the document glass 311 of the automatic double-sided document feeder 312 and scans the document, they may remove the scanned document by moving it towards them. In a configuration where the control unit 201 is located on the front side of the document glass 311, depending on the relationship between the height of the document glass 311 in the vertical direction and the height of the rearmost part 204, the document may come into contact with the rearmost part 204, potentially hindering the user's ability to remove the document. As in this embodiment, by positioning the rearmost part 204 lower than the exterior surfaces adjacent to the control unit, it becomes possible to reduce the risk of the user's ability to remove the document from the document glass 311 being hindered.

[0068] Furthermore, in the first orientation shown in Figures 3 and 7(a), the foremost part 205 of the operation unit 201 does not protrude outward (towards the front) from the front surface 211c of the upper left front case 211, the front surface 214c of the upper right front case 214, and the front surface 223c of the upper front cover 223, which are all on approximately the same plane. In other words, in the first orientation, the rotation of the operation unit 201 is restricted by a rotation restricting unit (not shown) so that the foremost part 205 of the operation unit is at the same position in the front-to-back direction, or at a position further back, relative to the front surfaces 211c, 214c, and 223c, which are the exterior surfaces adjacent to the display input unit 202 that serve as the operating surface.

[0069] Thus, the first orientation of the operating unit 201 is such that the entire operating unit 201 does not protrude outward from the adjacent exterior surfaces surrounding the operating unit 201, namely the upper surfaces 212a, 215a, 221a and the front surfaces 211c, 214c, 223c. More specifically, the first orientation of the operating unit 201 is such that the operating unit 201 does not protrude outward in the vertical direction from the adjacent exterior surfaces surrounding the operating unit 201, namely the upper surfaces 212a, 215a, 221a. Furthermore, the first orientation of the operating unit 201 is such that the operating unit 201 does not protrude outward in the front-to-back direction from the adjacent exterior surfaces surrounding the operating unit 201, namely the front surfaces 211c, 214c, 223c.

[0070] This improves the visibility and operability of the control unit 201 compared to operating the control unit in a horizontal position.

[0071] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(b), the operating unit 201 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation center axis 203, and the angle of the display input unit 202 with respect to the installation surface (horizontal plane) of the image forming apparatus is tilted at the largest angle (maximum tilt angle). At this time, the rotation of the operating unit 201 in the counterclockwise direction is restricted by a rotation restricting unit (not shown), and it is held in the second posture (position) shown in Figures 6 and 7(a). The posture of the operating unit 201 shown in Figures 6 and 7(a) is the second posture. The second posture of the operating unit 201 is a posture in which the angle of the display input unit 202 with respect to the installation surface (horizontal plane) of the image forming apparatus is tilted more than in the first posture.

[0072] When transporting or installing the image forming apparatus, if the foremost part 205 protrudes further forward than the front surfaces 211c and 214c, there is a risk that the operating section 201 may be damaged by the impact of contact with the foremost part 205 if surrounding objects come into contact with it. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the foremost part 205 of the operating section 201 does not protrude further than the front surfaces 211c and 214c, regardless of whether the operating section 201 is in the first or second position. As a result, surrounding objects will come into contact with the front surfaces 211c and 214c before the foremost part 205, reducing the risk of damage to the operating section 201 due to the impact of contact.

[0073] Furthermore, in the second orientation shown in Figures 6 and 7(a), the foremost part 205 of the operation unit 201 does not protrude outward (towards the front) from the front surface 211c of the upper left front case 211, the front surface 214c of the upper right front case 214, and the front surface 223c of the upper front cover 223, which are all on approximately the same plane. In other words, in the first orientation, the rotation of the operation unit 201 is restricted by a rotation restricting unit (not shown) so that the foremost part 205 of the operation unit is at the same position in the front-to-back direction, or at a position further back, relative to the front surfaces 211c, 214c, and 223c, which are the exterior surfaces adjacent to the display input unit 202 that serve as the operating surface.

[0074] Next, the workspace for rotating the operating unit 201 will be explained using Figures 3, 8 to 10.

[0075] Figure 8 is a top view of the control unit 201 in the first posture, viewed from above in the vertical direction. Figure 9 is a front view of the control unit 201 in the first posture, viewed from the front in the front-rear direction. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the approximate center of the control unit 201 in the second posture (section AA shown in Figure 9).

[0076] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, when the display input section 202 of the operation section 201 is viewed from above in the vertical direction, working spaces S1, S2, S3, and S4 for placing fingers on the operation section 201 are provided between the operation section 201 and the exterior surfaces adjacent to the operation section 201, namely the top surface 212a, 215a, 221a and the front surface 223c, respectively.

[0077] Between the operating section 201 and the upper surfaces 212a, 215a, and 221a adjacent to the rear side in the front-to-back direction and the left and right sides in the left-to-right direction, there are working spaces S1, S2, and S3, respectively, for placing a finger on the operating section 201.

[0078] The operating section 201 is roughly rectangular in shape, in this case a rectangle where the sides in the left-right direction are longer than the sides in the front-back direction. A space is provided between at least one side of the operating section 201 and one side of the exterior surface adjacent to that side of the operating section 201 for placing a finger on the operating section 201.

[0079] Specifically, a working space S1 for placing a finger on the operating section 201 is provided between the left end 207, which is the leftmost edge of the operating section 201 in the first position, and the right end 212R, which is one side of the upper surface 212a adjacent to the left end 207 of the operating section 201. Here, the right end 212R, which is one side of the upper surface 212a, is the edge formed by the ridge where the upper surface 212a of the front upper left cover 212 and the right side 211a of the front upper left case 211 intersect.

[0080] Here, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the first orientation of the operating section 201, the width L1 in the left-right direction of the working space S1 between the left end 207 of the operating section 201 and the right end 212R of the front upper left case 211 is set to approximately 20 to 30 mm.

[0081] A working space S2 for placing a finger on the operating part 201 is provided between the right end 208, which is the rightmost edge of the operating part 201 in the first position, and the left end 215L, which is one side of the upper surface 215a adjacent to the right end 208 of the operating part 201. Here, the left end 215L, which is one side of the upper surface 215a, is the edge formed by the ridge where the upper surface 215a of the front upper right cover 215 and the left side surface 214b of the front upper right case 214 intersect.

[0082] Here, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the first orientation of the operating section 201, the width L2 in the left-right direction of the working space S2 between the right end 208 of the operating section 201 and the left end 215L of the front upper right case 214 is set to approximately 20 to 30 mm.

[0083] A working space S3 for placing a finger on the operating section 201 is provided between the rearmost edge 204 of the operating section 201 in the first position and the front end 221B, which is one side of the upper surface 221a adjacent to the rearmost edge 204 of the operating section 201. Here, the front end 221B, which is one side of the upper surface 221a, is the edge formed by the ridge where the upper surface 221a and the front surface 221b of the main body upper front cover 221 intersect.

[0084] Here, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the first orientation of the operating section 201, the width L3 in the left-right direction of the working space S3 between the rearmost part 204 of the operating section 201 and the front end part 221B of the main body upper front cover 221 is set to approximately 20 mm.

[0085] In addition, a workspace S4 for placing a finger on the operating section 201 is provided between the lowest front end 206 of the operating section 201 in the first position and the upper surface 223a adjacent to the lowest front end 206 of the operating section 201.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first position, there are no exterior surfaces adjacent to the front side of the operating section 201 in the front-to-back direction, in front of the foremost part 205 of the operating section 201. Therefore, the area in front of and below the foremost part 205 of the operating section 201 is the working space S4.

[0087] Furthermore, in the first posture, the foremost part 205 of the operating section 201 does not protrude forward in the front-to-back direction relative to the front surface 223c of the front upper cover 223, which is the exterior surface. Incidentally, the foremost part 205 of the operating section 201 in the second posture also does not protrude forward in the front-to-back direction relative to the front surface 223c of the front upper cover 223, which is the exterior surface. In other words, the first and second postures of the operating section 201 are postures in which the foremost part 205 of the operating section 201 in the front-to-back direction does not protrude forward in the front-to-back direction relative to the front surface 223c of the front upper cover 223, which is the exterior surface.

[0088] Here, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the first orientation of the operating section 201, the vertical height L4 of the working space S4 between the lowest front end 206 of the operating section 201 and the upper surface 223a of the front upper cover 223 is set to approximately 70 mm.

[0089] In this configuration, when changing the angle of the operating section 201 in the minimum tilt angle state, it is possible to access it from the left and right working spaces S1 and S2 of the operating section 201, or the rear working space S3, or the working space S4 below the front end, which are sufficient working spaces, and change the angle of the operating section 201 by gripping at least one of the left end, right end, rear end, or front end of the operating section 201. Therefore, the operability of the operating section 201 can be improved.

[0090] In the operating section 201 at the maximum tilt angle shown in Figures 6 and 7(b), the rear end of the operating section 201 is higher than the upper surface 221a of the main body's upper front cover 221 in the working space S3, resulting in sufficient working space. Therefore, compared to the operating section 201 at its minimum tilt angle, it becomes easier to grip the rear end of the operating section 201, and it becomes possible to change the angle of the operating section 201.

[0091] On the other hand, as described above, in the operating section 201 at its maximum tilt angle, the height L4 of the working space S4 between the lowest front end 206 of the operating section 201 and the upper surface 223a of the front upper cover 223 is 10 mm or less, which is insufficient as working space. For this reason, as shown in Figure 10, a recess 223b is provided on the upper surface 223a of the front upper cover 223, where a part of the upper surface 223a is recessed downwards, so that the angle of the operating section 201 can be changed by gripping the tip of the operating section 201. As a result, the height L4 of the working space S4 between the lowest front end 206 of the operating section 201 and the upper surface 223a of the front upper cover 223 is 10 mm or more, so that sufficient working space can be secured and the operability of the operating section 201 can be improved.

[0092] Furthermore, it is desirable to design the width L1-L3 and height L4 based on the human scale described above. In this embodiment, the average body size of a relatively large American male is used as a reference, and the values ​​for width L1-L3 and height L4 are determined to be large enough for an average American male to operate comfortably. Note that the values ​​for width L1-L3 and height L4 in this embodiment are just examples, and other values ​​may be used. In other words, these values ​​may be changed as appropriate to match the body dimensions of the user who is expected to use the product.

[0093] Furthermore, the recess 223b of the front upper cover 223 also serves as a handle for opening the front upper cover 223 when performing maintenance or replacing the photoreceptor 61, charging device 62, exposure device 63, and developing device 64 of the image forming unit 102.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 6, and 8, the right side 211a of the front upper left case 211, the left side 214b of the front upper right case 214, the front 221b of the main body upper front cover 221, the left corner wall 221c of the main body upper front cover 221, and the right corner wall 221d of the main body upper front cover 221 are positioned inward from the lower cover 251 of the control unit 201, as shown in the top view of the control unit 201 in Figure 8. This ensures an aesthetically pleasing appearance around the control unit and results in a superior design.

[0095] Next, the internal configuration of the upper left front box 213 on the left side of the control unit 201 and the upper right front box 216 on the right side will be explained using Figures 11 to 13.

[0096] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the front upper left box 213 and front upper right box 216, which are the left and right exteriors of the operating unit. Figure 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the internal structure of the front upper left box 213, which is the left exterior of the operating unit. Figure 13 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the internal structure of the front upper right box 216, which is the right exterior of the operating unit. Figures 11 to 13 show the state in which the front upper left cover 212, which is locked to the front upper left case 211 by locking claws etc. (not shown), and the front upper right cover 215, which is locked to the front upper right case 214, have been released and the front upper left cover 212 and the front upper right cover 215 have been removed.

[0097] Of the front upper left box 213 and the front upper right cover 215, which are located on the left or right side of the operating unit 201 in the left-right direction, at least one of them is equipped with a user access section for user access.

[0098] In Figures 11 and 12, the front upper left case 211 within the front upper left box 213 is configured to accommodate a USB connector 213a as a user access unit. The USB connector 213a is connected to a control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1 by a cable (not shown). The front upper left cover 212 is then secured to the front upper left case 211. As shown in Figure 3, the front upper left cover 212 is provided with an opening 212b facing the connector port of the USB connector 213a. A storage medium (e.g., a USB memory stick) containing various data (not shown) corresponding to the specifications of the USB connector 213a is then placed in the USB connector 213a. The image forming apparatus 1 then reads the data on the recording medium and can print out that data using the image forming apparatus.

[0099] In Figures 11 and 13, the front upper right case 214 inside the front upper right box 216 is configured to accommodate an IC card reader 216a as a user access unit. The IC card reader 216a is an example of an authentication device. The IC card reader 216a is connected to a control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1 by a cable (not shown). The front upper right cover 215 is then secured to the front upper right case 214. When an IC card (not shown) is brought close to or in contact with the IC card recognition area 215b (Figure 3) of the front upper right cover 215 directly above the IC card reader 216a, the IC card can be authenticated.

[0100] From the perspective of improving user operability, it is desirable that the user access section be provided in the vicinity of the operating section 201. However, if the user access section is provided on an exterior surface adjacent to the rotating operating section, the nearby user access section may hinder the user's rotation of the operating section, potentially reducing operability. As in this embodiment, by forming working spaces S1 to S4 for rotating the operating section 201, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user operability even when the user access section is provided in the vicinity of the operating section 201.

[0101] For the purposes of this explanation, the USB connector 213a and IC card reader 216a were given as examples of devices accessed by the user (user access section). However, the user access section is not limited to these. The user access section may also be a Near Field Communication (NFC) board or a Bluetooth BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) board.

[0102] Furthermore, while a USB connector 213a is provided as a user access unit in the upper left front box 213 on the left side of the operation unit, and an IC card reader 216a is provided as a user access unit in the upper right front cover 215 on the right side, the present invention is not limited to this. The user access unit may be provided on either the left or right side of the exterior surface of the operation unit 201. Alternatively, multiple user access units may be provided on one of the exterior surfaces.

[0103] In this embodiment, a working space S1 to S4 is provided between the operating unit 201 and the exterior surface adjacent to the operating unit 201. This creates a working space S1 to S4 for rotating the operating unit 201. Consequently, access to the operating unit 201 is improved, the operating unit can be rotated to an angle suitable for the user, and the visibility and operability of the operating unit 201 can be improved.

[0104] While the example given shows a configuration in which working spaces S1 to S4 are provided on all four sides of the roughly rectangular operating section 201, the configuration is not limited to this. The operating section 201 can be roughly rectangular in shape in the planar direction, with working spaces S1 to S4 provided on at least one side. Alternatively, the operating section 201 may have a working space provided on only a portion of one of its sides. This allows access from at least one side of the operating section 201, enabling the operating section 201 to be adjusted to an angle suitable for the user.

[0105] Furthermore, the operating unit 201 is positioned so as not to protrude upward in the vertical direction from the upper surfaces 212a, 215a, and 221a, which are adjacent exterior surfaces surrounding the operating unit 201, and a working space S1 to S3 is provided between the operating unit 201 and the upper surfaces 212a, 215a, and 221a. This improves accessibility to the operating unit 201 and allows the operating unit 201 to be adjusted to an angle suitable for the user.

[0106] Furthermore, the area in front of and below the front end of the operating section 201 is left as an open workspace S4. This allows the front end of the operating section 201 to be directly grasped, and the operating section 201 to be adjusted to an angle suitable for the user.

[0107] Furthermore, a recess 223b is provided in the front upper cover 223, which is the outer casing below the operating unit 201, as one of the spaces surrounding the operating unit 201. This allows the recess 223b to be used as a workspace S4, securing workspace and enabling angle adjustment of the operating unit 201.

[0108] Furthermore, a user device for user access is placed in at least one of the left and right front upper-left boxes 213 and the front upper-right box 216 of the operation unit 201. This effectively utilizes the space within the left and right front upper-left boxes 213 and the front upper-right box 216 of the operation unit 201, enabling access to the user device from the front of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0109] Furthermore, the device is equipped with a USB connector 213a and an IC card reader 216a as user access components. This makes it easier to access the highly versatile user access components.

[0110] In the embodiment described above, the image forming unit uses four image forming modules of different colors, but the number of modules used is not limited and can be set as needed.

[0111] Furthermore, although a copier was used as an example of an image forming apparatus in the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other image forming apparatuses such as printers and facsimile machines, or other image forming apparatuses such as multifunction devices that combine these functions, may also be used. Alternatively, an image forming apparatus that uses a recording material carrier and sequentially overlays and transfers toner images of each color onto the recording material carried on the recording material carrier may also be used. Similar effects can be obtained by applying the present invention to these image forming apparatuses.

[0112] Furthermore, while the electrophotographic method was used as an example of the recording method in the embodiments described above, the method is not limited to this, and other recording methods such as the inkjet method may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 ...Image forming apparatus 102 ...Image forming unit 201...Operation unit 202 ... Display input section 203 ... Rotational center axis 204 ... rearmost 205 ... Front 206…bottom of front end 207...Left end 208...Right end 211... Front left upper case 211a...Right side 211b…Left side 211c...Front 212... Front upper left cover 212a...Top surface 212b...Aperture 213... Front upper left box 213a ... Connector 214... Front upper right case 214a ... Right side 214b…Left side 214c...Front 215... Front upper right cover 215a...Top surface 216... Front upper right box 216a ... Card reader 221... Main unit front cover 221a...Top surface 221b...Front 223... Front upper cover 223a...Top surface 223b ... recess 223c...Front 224...Front middle cover 225... Front cover 226... Right paper feed cover 227... Left paper feed cover 228... Bottom paper feed cover 312... Automatic document feeder for double-sided documents

Claims

1. A device body having an external surface, It comprises an operating section having an operating surface on which input operations can be performed, and configured to rotate around an axis between a first position in which the operating surface is inclined and a second position in which the operating surface is inclined more than the first position, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the first orientation of the operating section is such that the entire operating section does not protrude outward from the outer surface adjacent to the periphery of the operating section.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first orientation of the operating section is an orientation in which the foremost part in the front-to-back direction of the operating surface is inclined to be lower than the rearmost part.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first orientation of the operating section is such that the rearmost part of the operating surface in the front-rear direction does not protrude upward in the vertical direction relative to the outer surface adjacent to the operating section among the outer surfaces.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the first orientation of the operating section is such that the rearmost part of the operating surface does not protrude upward in the vertical direction with respect to at least one of the exterior surfaces adjacent to the rear side in the front-rear direction of the operating section, or to the left or right side in the left-right direction.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the exterior surfaces provided on the left or right side in the left-right direction of the operating section is provided with a user access section for user access.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the user access unit is at least one of a USB connector and an IC card reader.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second positions of the operating section are such that the foremost part of the operating surface in the front-rear direction does not protrude forward in the front-rear direction relative to the exterior surface adjacent to the periphery of the operating section among the exterior surfaces.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a transfer unit for transferring an image to a sheet and a fixing unit for fixing an image to a sheet are arranged in a sheet transport path in the left-right direction.

Images