Image forming apparatus

Abstract

In configurations where the user holds and rotates the control unit, a significant load may be placed on the mounting point of the control unit to the main body. If the strength of the mounting point is insufficient to withstand the load applied by the user rotating the control unit, it may cause the mounting point to flex, potentially reducing the user's operability. [Solution] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an operating unit that receives user input and rotates around a pivot axis, and having a display unit for displaying an image; a reading unit for reading an image formed on a sheet; and a support unit that supports at least a part of the operating unit and at least a part of the reading unit.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a rotatable operation unit. 【Background Art】 【0002】 In recent years, in an operation unit of an image forming apparatus, for the purpose that users of various heights can appropriately visually recognize and operate the operation unit, a configuration in which the operation unit is rotatable with respect to the main body is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an attachment configuration of an operation unit rotatable about a rotation axis to a main body. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-7166 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 When a user holds and rotates the operation unit as in Patent Document 1, a large load may be applied to the attachment portion of the operation unit to the main body. At this time, if the strength of the attachment portion is insufficient with respect to the load for the user to rotate the operation unit, there is a risk of causing deflection of the attachment portion and deteriorating the operability of the user. 【0005】 In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an attachment configuration of an operation unit that rotates with respect to an image forming apparatus main body. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation unit that receives an operation by a user and rotates about a rotation axis, the operation unit having a display unit that displays an image, a reading unit that reads an image formed on a sheet, and a support unit that supports at least a part of the operation unit and at least a part of the reading unit. [Effects of the Invention] 【0007】 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mounting configuration for a rotating operating unit relative to an image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0008】 [Figure 1] A front view showing the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing the operating section support member in this embodiment. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the support member for the operating section in this embodiment. [Figure 7] A top view showing the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the control panel in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0009】 Embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied, and the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to those. 【0010】 <Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus> The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 1 to 8. Figure 1 is a front view showing the image forming apparatus 11 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the left and right directions when facing the image forming apparatus 11 are defined as the left-right direction, the front and back directions as the front-back direction, and the direction corresponding to the vertical direction as the left-right direction. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the image forming apparatus 11 in this embodiment. 【0011】 In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 11 records an image on a recording material such as a sheet by an image forming unit (not shown). The paper discharge unit 13 has the function of discharging the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit to the outside of the image forming apparatus 11. In this embodiment, the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit is discharged from the rear to the front of the image forming apparatus 11. The recording material discharged by the paper discharge unit 13 is loaded onto the paper discharge tray 12. 【0012】 The reading unit 14 has the function of reading the image formed on the recording material and converting it into image data. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the reading unit 14 is provided above the paper output tray 12 in the vertical direction. The image read by the reading unit 14 and converted into image data is transferred to the image forming unit and can be formed again on the recording material. 【0013】 The control unit 10 accepts user input related to image formation and allows the user to operate the image forming apparatus 11. The control unit 10 is equipped with a display unit 101 that displays information related to image formation and is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus via a hinge 102. The control unit 10 can rotate around the pivot axis of the hinge 102, allowing the angle of the display unit 101 relative to the user to be changed. When a user operates the image forming apparatus 11, the optimal angle at which the display unit 101 can be viewed varies depending on the user's height. In particular, users with a relatively low eye level, such as those using wheelchairs, may have difficulty viewing the display unit 101. By allowing the control unit 10 to rotate around its pivot axis, the user can view the display unit 101 at an appropriate angle. 【0014】 Figure 4 shows the image forming apparatus 11 in this embodiment with the opening / closing cover unit 19 in the open position. The opening / closing cover unit 19 opens and closes by rotating around a pivot axis extending in the left-right direction, and opening it allows access to the inside of the image forming apparatus 11. Furthermore, the opening / closing cover unit 19 has an opening / closing cover 106 that forms the exterior of the image forming apparatus 11, and the opening / closing cover 106 is provided across the front of the image forming apparatus 11 and the paper discharge section 13. 【0015】 Next, the method of fixing the operating unit 10 and the reading unit 14 to the main body of the device will be explained in detail using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the operating unit support member 15 when the image forming apparatus 11 is viewed from the front. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration around the operating unit 10. Furthermore, Figure 7 is a top view of the image forming apparatus 11 viewed from above in the vertical direction. 【0016】 As shown in Figure 5, at least a portion of the display unit 101 and the operation unit support member cover 103 is positioned to overlap with the output tray 12 in the left-right direction. The vertical length between the paper loading surface of the output tray 12 and the lower end of the operation unit support member cover 103 is defined as the "maximum paper loading height H". Paper discharged onto the paper loading surface may curl. Therefore, the maximum paper loading height H is the sum of the paper height when the maximum number of sheets are loaded into the output tray 12 and the maximum output curl height. The maximum output curl height is the maximum vertical value of the curl that occurs in the paper when it is discharged into the output tray 12, and it varies depending on conditions such as paper type and temperature and humidity. Therefore, the maximum output curl height needs to be optimized for each product by adjusting the paper transport settings and image formation settings so as to satisfy the curl height specifications for each product. 【0017】 Also, let the maximum paper size of the papers stacked on the paper stacking surface of the discharge tray 12 be the "maximum paper stacking width W". The area (discharge space) surrounded by the maximum paper stacking height H and the maximum paper stacking width W is defined as the maximum paper stacking area A. Conventionally, since the operation unit 10 is arranged above the image forming apparatus 11 so as not to interfere with the trajectory of the paper during discharge onto the paper stacking surface, it has been difficult to miniaturize the entire image forming apparatus. In the present embodiment, miniaturization of the entire image forming apparatus is achieved without interfering with the discharge of the paper onto the paper stacking surface. 【0018】 The reading unit 14 is supported above the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 11 by the first frame 17 and the second frame 18. The first frame and the second frame are different in position in the left - right direction. When facing the image forming apparatus 11, the first frame 17 supports the reading unit 14 on the left side with respect to the paper discharge unit 13, and the second frame 18 supports the reading unit 14 on the right side with respect to the paper discharge unit 13. 【0019】 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 10 is supported not only by the operation unit support member 15 but also by the operation unit support plate 16. 【0020】 Here, the operation unit support member 15 is a member having a function of supporting the operation unit 10 and the reading unit 14 with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 11. That is, the operation unit support member 15 corresponds to the first support member. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit support member 15 supports the first frame 17 that supports the reading unit 14 and the operation unit 10 via the operation unit support plate 16. That is, the operation unit support plate 16 corresponds to the second support member. In the vertical direction, the operation unit support plate 16 is provided between the first frame 17 and the operation unit support member 15, and when viewed from the vertical direction, each of the first frame 17, the operation unit support plate 16, and the operation unit support member 15 overlaps with each other. In the present embodiment, the first frame 17 and the operation unit support member 15 are joined using screws (not shown) via the operation unit support plate 16, but other methods may be used for connection. That is, other joining methods such as welding or adhesion may be used. 【0021】 Furthermore, in the front-to-back direction, the operating section 10 is connected to a position different from the position where the first frame 17 is provided on the operating section support member 15. The operating section 10 has a hinge support plate 119 that supports the hinge 102, and the hinge support plate 119 is connected to the operating section support member 15 via the operating section support plate 16. In other words, in the vertical direction, the operating section support plate 16 is located between the hinge support plate 119 and the operating section support member 15, and when viewed from the vertical direction, the hinge support plate 119, the operating section support plate 16, and the operating section support member 15 each overlap each other. 【0022】 As described above, in this embodiment, both the first frame 17 and the hinge support plate 119, which are located at different positions in the front-rear direction, are connected to the operation unit support member 15 via the operation unit support plate 16. When a user applies a load to rotate the operation unit 10, a rotational moment is applied to the operation unit support member 15 and the operation unit support plate 16. At this time, since the first frame 17 located on the rear side of the operation unit support member 15 and the hinge support plate 119 located on the front side are connected via the common operation unit support plate 16, it is possible to reduce the deformation of the operation unit support member 15 due to the rotational moment. As a result, when a user rotates the operation unit 10, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will perceive deformation such as deflection around the operation unit 10 that accompanies the rotational movement, thereby improving usability. 【0023】 In this embodiment, the operating section support member 15 and the operating section support plate 16 are made of metal such as aluminum or steel. When a user rotates the operating section 10, a large load may be applied to the operating section support member 15 and the operating section support plate 16. In order to reduce the risk of deformation of the members supporting the operating section even in such cases, it is desirable that the operating section support member 15 and the operating section support plate 16 be made of a highly rigid material such as metal. 【0024】 Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the area around the operating unit 10. As shown in Figure 8, the operating unit support member 15 is covered by the operating unit support member cover 103, which forms the exterior of the image forming apparatus 11. The operating unit support member cover is sloped such that its width in the left-right direction narrows as it moves downward in the vertical direction. This increases the accessible area of ​​the paper output section 13, allowing the user to easily access the recording material output to the paper output section 13. 【0025】 As described above, in this embodiment, the operating unit 10 and the reading unit 14 are supported by the operating unit support member 15 via the operating unit support plate 16. In the vertical direction, the operating unit support plate 16 is located between at least a portion of the operating unit 10 and the operating unit support member 15, and between at least a portion of the reading unit 14 and the operating unit support member 15. Furthermore, when viewed from the vertical direction, at least a portion of the operating unit 10 and the operating unit support plate 16, and at least a portion of the operating unit support member 15 overlap each other. Furthermore, at least a portion of the reading unit 14 and at least a portion of the operating unit support plate, and at least a portion of the operating unit support member also overlap each other. By mounting the operating unit 10 in the above arrangement, it is possible to reduce the risk of the operating unit support member 15 bending and deforming even when a load is applied to rotate the operating unit 10. [Explanation of symbols] 【0026】 10 Control section 11 Image forming apparatus 12 Paper Output Trays 13 Paper output section 14 Reading section 15 Operating section support member 16 Operation unit support plate 17 First Frame 18 Second Frame 19 Opening / Closing Cover Unit 101 Display section 106 Opening / Closing Cover

Claims

[Claim 1] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, An operating unit that accepts user input and rotates around a pivot axis, and has a display unit that displays an image, A reading unit that reads the image formed on the sheet, A support portion that supports at least a part of the operating portion and at least a part of the reading portion, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: [Claim 2] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the front-to-back direction when facing the image forming apparatus, at least a portion of the operating section is supported by the support section in front of the reading section. [Claim 3] The aforementioned support portion is the first support portion, The first support portion supports at least a part of the reading portion and at least a part of the operating portion located above the first support portion in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, a second support portion is provided between the first support portion and at least a part of the reading portion, and between the first support portion and at least a part of the operating portion. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2. [Claim 4] The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, when viewed from the vertical direction, at least a portion of the first support portion and the second support portion and at least a portion of the reading portion each overlap each other. [Claim 5] The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, when viewed from the vertical direction, at least a portion of the first support portion and the second support portion and at least a portion of the operating portion each overlap each other.

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