Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that allows for easy replacement of the panel substrate without having to remove numerous fastening components. [Solution] The panel (touch panel 130, push button panel 140) can display information or input commands. The panel substrate 150 is connected to the panel or commands are input by the panel. The panel substrate 150 has a first surface 150A facing the panel and a second surface 150B opposite to the first surface 150A. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the panel. The first cover 110 covers the panel substrate 150 together with the panel from the side where the panel is located. The second cover 120 covers the panel substrate 150 from the side opposite to the first cover 110. The first fastening member SK1 fastens the first cover 110, the panel substrate 150, and the second cover 120 together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus including a panel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a panel for displaying information related to image formation or inputting commands and a panel substrate connected to the panel is known (Patent Document 1). In this image forming apparatus, the panel substrate can be replaced by removing a cover covering the panel substrate from the main body housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional image forming apparatus, when replacing the panel substrate, first, a plurality of fastening members such as screws are removed in order to remove the cover from the main body housing, and then, in order to remove the panel substrate from the cover, the fastening members fastening the panel substrate and the cover must be removed. For this reason, there is a problem that many fastening members must be removed and the panel substrate cannot be easily replaced.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily replace a panel substrate without removing many fastening members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image forming apparatus for solving the above - described problems forms an image on a sheet and includes a panel, a panel substrate, a first cover, a second cover, and a first fastening member. The panel displays information related to image formation or allows input of commands related to image formation. The panel substrate is connected to the panel or receives commands from the panel. The panel substrate has a first surface facing the panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first cover, together with the panel, covers the first surface of the panel substrate from the side on which the panel is positioned. The second cover covers the second surface of the panel substrate from the opposite side of the first cover. The first fastening member fastens the first cover, the panel substrate, and the second cover together.

[0007] Because it includes a first fastening member that fastens the first cover, the panel substrate, and the second cover together, the panel substrate can be easily replaced by removing the first fastening member without having to remove many other fastening members.

[0008] Furthermore, the first fastening member may be configured to fasten the first cover and the second cover from the second cover side.

[0009] Since the first fastening member is fastened from the second cover side, the first fastening member is less noticeable from the first cover side.

[0010] Furthermore, the first cover may have a boss that protrudes toward the second cover and has a hole into which the first fastening member fits.

[0011] Furthermore, the first fastening member may be a screw having a threaded portion and a head. The second cover may have a recess into which the head of the first fastening member fits, and a through hole that overlaps the hole in the boss and through which the threaded portion passes.

[0012] Since the head of the first fastening member fits into the recess, the head of the first fastening member can be made less conspicuous.

[0013] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may further include a main body housing, an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, a scanner capable of reading a document, and a scanner housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner and is part of the main body housing. The scanner housing may also have a second cover.

[0014] Furthermore, the second cover may be integrally formed with the scanner housing and may protrude horizontally.

[0015] The rigidity of the second cover can be ensured by forming it integrally with the scanner housing.

[0016] Furthermore, there may be multiple first fastening members. These multiple first fastening members may then fasten together the first cover, the panel substrate, and the second cover.

[0017] Furthermore, the first cover may have hooks that allow the panel substrate to hold the first cover.

[0018] Since the first cover has hooks to hold the panel substrate, the panel substrate will not fall off the first cover even if the first fastening member is removed.

[0019] The image forming apparatus may further include an image forming unit, a main board for controlling the image forming unit, and a cable for electrically connecting the main board and the panel board. The panel board may further have a connector to which the cable is connected. The connector may be located on a second surface of the panel board.

[0020] The connectors that electrically connect to the panel substrate are located on the side of the panel substrate opposite to the side facing the panel, making it easy to disconnect the cables when replacing the panel substrate.

[0021] Furthermore, the panel substrate may be fastened to the first cover and the second cover by only the first fastening member.

[0022] Since the panel substrate is fastened to the first cover and the second cover only by the first fastening member, the panel substrate can be removed by removing the first fastening member.

[0023] Further, the image forming apparatus may further include a metal plate disposed between the panel substrate and the second cover and fastened together with the panel substrate and the second cover by a first fastening member.

[0024] By further providing a metal plate fastened to the first fastening member together with the panel substrate and the second cover, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of static electricity on the panel substrate and the second cover. [[ID=�]]

[0025] Further, the image forming apparatus may further include a second fastening member that fastens the second cover and the panel substrate and does not fasten the panel substrate to the first cover.

[0026] By further providing a second fastening member that fastens the second cover and the panel substrate and does not fasten the panel substrate to the first cover, the panel can be replaced while the panel substrate remains fastened to the second cover without removing the second fastening member and by removing the first fastening member.

[0027] Further, the first fastening member and the second fastening member may be screws. And the second fastening member may be configured to be shorter than the first fastening member.

[0028] Further, the image forming apparatus may further include a shaft that supports the first cover so as to be rotatable with respect to the second cover. And the panel substrate may have a first surface facing the panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface. And the first cover may be configured to be rotatable between an open position where the second surface is exposed and a closed position where the second surface is not exposed.

[0029] Since the first cover is rotatable to an open position where the second surface of the panel substrate is exposed, the panel substrate can be removed in a state where it is located at the open position. By removing the panel substrate in a state where it is located at the open position, damage to the panel substrate can be suppressed.

[0030] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may further include a support plate positioned between the panel and the panel substrate to support the panel, which is fastened together with the first cover, the panel substrate, and the second cover by a first fastening member.

[0031] Furthermore, the panel substrate may be in contact with the support plate.

[0032] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may also include a third fastening member that fastens the first cover and the support plate, but does not fasten the panel substrate and the second cover to the first cover.

[0033] Since the system further includes a third fastening member that fastens the first cover and the support plate but does not fasten the panel substrate and the second cover to the first cover, the panel substrate can be replaced while the support plate remains fastened to the first cover by removing the first fastening member without removing the third fastening member.

[0034] Furthermore, the first and third fastening members may be screws. The third fastening member may also be shorter than the first fastening member.

[0035] The panel may also include a sensing panel for detecting contact, a liquid crystal panel positioned above the sensing panel, and a touch panel plate positioned between the sensing panel and the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel may be positioned between the touch panel plate and a support plate.

[0036] Furthermore, the support plate may be fastened to the first cover and the second cover by only the first fastening member.

[0037] Since the support plate is fastened to the first cover and the second cover only by the first fastening member, the support plate can be removed by removing the first fastening member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that allows for easy replacement of the panel substrate without removing many fastening members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus with the document holder of the scanner open. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the second cover with the first cover removed. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the panel substrate, support plate, and panel removed from the first cover. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the touch panel in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the control panel in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the control panel in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the control panel in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the control panel in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the control panel in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure (a) and Figure (b) show the first cover in the open position in another configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The first embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following explanation, directions will be described as those shown in Figure 1. The right side of Figure 1 will be referred to as "front," the left side as "back," the far side of the page as "right," and the near side as "left." The top and bottom of Figure 1 will be referred to as "top and bottom."

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus for forming images. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device capable of forming monochrome images and making copies. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a main body housing 10, a sheet supply unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a scanner 90, a main board 98, and an operation panel 100.

[0042] The sheet supply unit 30 comprises a sheet tray 31 and a sheet supply roller 32. The sheet tray 31 holds the sheets S. The sheet supply roller 32 supplies the sheets S held in the sheet tray 31 to the image forming unit 40.

[0043] The image forming unit 40 forms an image on the sheet S. The image forming unit 40 comprises an exposure unit 50, a process cartridge 60, and a fuser 70. The exposure unit 50, the process cartridge 60, and the fuser 70 are located within the main body housing 10.

[0044] The exposure unit 50 includes a light source, a deflector, a lens, a mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam as shown by the dashed line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0045] The process cartridge 60 comprises a drum cartridge 60A and a developer cartridge 60B.

[0046] The drum cartridge 60A comprises a photosensitive drum 61, a charger 62, and a transfer roller 63. A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0047] The developing cartridge 60B is detachable from the drum cartridge 60A. The developing cartridge 60B includes a developing roller 64, a supply roller 65, a layer thickness regulating blade 66, an agitator 67, and a toner storage section 68.

[0048] The toner storage section 68 stores the toner. The agitator 67 agitates the toner in the toner storage section 68. The agitator 67 also supplies the toner to the supply roller 65. The supply roller 65 supplies the toner to the develop roller 64. The layer thickness regulating blade 66 contacts the surface of the develop roller 64 to regulate the thickness of the toner on the develop roller 64 to a constant thickness.

[0049] The fuser 70 comprises a heating unit 71, a pressure roller 72, and an intermediate discharge roller 73. The heating unit 71 includes a heater, a fuser belt, a nip plate, etc. The heating unit 71 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 72 presses the sheet S against the heating unit 71.

[0050] The charger 62 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam onto the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 61, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 61 based on the image data. The developing roller 64 supplies toner to the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 61. This forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0051] The transfer roller 63 transports the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 30 between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 to the sheet S. The fuser unit 70 fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet S to the sheet S by transporting the sheet S between the heating unit 71 and the pressure roller 72.

[0052] The intermediate discharge roller 73 transports the sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed toward the discharge roller 81. The discharge roller 81 discharges the sheet S on which the image has been formed toward the discharge tray 13.

[0053] The scanner 90 is capable of reading documents. The scanner 90 has a document tray 91 and a document holder 92. A document is placed on the document tray 91. The document holder 92 is movable relative to the document tray 91 between a pressing position shown in Figure 2 and an open position shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the document holder 92 is rotatable relative to the document tray 91. The pressing position is the position in which the document placed on the document tray 91 is held down. The open position is the position in which the top surface of the document tray 91 is opened.

[0054] Returning to Figure 1, the document tray 91 includes a glass plate 93, a sensor unit 94, and a scanner housing 96.

[0055] The sensor unit 94 is movable relative to the main housing 10. More specifically, the sensor unit 94 is linearly movable horizontally relative to the main housing 10. By moving relative to the main housing 10, the sensor unit 94 reads the image of the document placed on the glass plate 93. The scanner housing 96 is a housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner 90. The scanner housing 96 constitutes a part of the main housing 10.

[0056] The document holder 92 has an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "ADF") 95. The ADF95 can hold a document. The ADF95 transports the placed document. The image of the transported document is read by the sensor unit 94.

[0057] In this embodiment, the scanner housing 96 includes a housing that accommodates the glass plate 93 and the sensor unit 94, and a housing for the ADF 95.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the main board 98 is located in the main housing 10. The main board 98 controls the image forming unit 40 and other components.

[0059] The control panel 100 is located at the front and top of the main body housing 10. The control panel 100 includes a first cover 110, a touch panel 130, a push button panel 140, a panel substrate 150, and a support plate 160 as shown in Figure 5.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the panel substrate 150 is a circuit board that receives commands from the operation panel 100 and transmits the input commands to the main board 98. The panel substrate 150 has a rectangular plate shape. The panel substrate 150 has a first surface 150A that faces the touch panel 130 and a second surface 150B that is opposite to the first surface 150A.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the first cover 110 constitutes the upper part of the operation panel 100. Together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, the first cover 110 covers the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150 from the side on which the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140 are located. In this embodiment, the first cover 110, together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, covers the panel substrate 150 from above.

[0062] The touch panel 130 is an example of a panel that displays information related to image formation. The touch panel 130 and the push-button panel 140 are also examples of panels on which commands related to image formation can be input.

[0063] The scanner housing 96 has a second cover 120 that protrudes horizontally. In this embodiment, the second cover 120 protrudes forward. The second cover 120 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96. The second cover 120 covers the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150 from the opposite side of the first cover 110.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are fastened together by a first fastening member SK1 and a fourth fastening member SK4. The first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 are screws having a head and a threaded portion. The first fastening member SK1 has a head SK11 and a threaded portion SK12. The first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 fasten the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 from the second cover 120 side. Multiple first fastening members SK1 and fourth fastening members SK4 are provided. Specifically, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are fastened together by five first fastening members SK1 and two fourth fastening members SK4.

[0065] The first cover 110 has a rectangular plate shape. As shown in Figure 5, the first cover 110 has a panel opening 111, a button window 112, a boss 113, a hook 114, and a positioning boss 115.

[0066] The panel opening 111 is an opening that exposes the touch panel 130 when the touch panel 130 is attached to the first cover 110. The panel opening 111 has a rectangular shape. The touch panel 130 is visible to the user and can be touched through the panel opening 111.

[0067] The button window 112 is a hole that exposes the push button panel 140. The button window 112 has a circular shape.

[0068] The boss 113 protrudes toward the second cover 120. The boss 113 has a hole 113A into which the first fastening member SK1 is inserted. The first fastening member SK1 is screwed into the boss 113. Multiple bosses 113 are arranged to correspond to multiple first fastening members SK1.

[0069] The hooks 114 are positioned corresponding to the horizontal edges of the panel substrate 150. The two hooks 114 protrude toward the second cover 120 and have claws at their tips that catch on the panel substrate 150. The hooks 114 hold both the left and right edges of the panel substrate 150. The hooks 114 hold the panel substrate 150 so that it does not fall out of the first cover 110 when the first cover 110 is removed from the second cover 120.

[0070] The positioning boss 115 is a boss that protrudes in a cross shape toward the second cover 120. The positioning boss 115 positions the touch panel 130 toward the first cover 110. One positioning boss 115 is located on each side of the panel opening 111.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the second cover 120 has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated horizontally. The second cover 120 has a recess 121 and a through hole 122. In this embodiment, the second cover 120 has a plurality of recesses 121 and a plurality of through holes 122.

[0072] The recess 121 is located on the side opposite to the side facing the panel substrate 150. The recess 121 is a hole into which the head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1 fits. The recess 121 is a bottomed hole. The diameter of the recess 121 is larger than the diameter of the head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1.

[0073] The through hole 122 is a hole through which the threaded portion SK12 of the first fastening member SK1 passes. The through hole 122 is positioned to overlap with the hole 113A of the boss 113. The through hole 122 is a hole formed in the center of the bottom of the recess 121. The diameter of the through hole 122 is smaller than the diameter of the head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the touch panel 130 includes a liquid crystal panel 131, a sensing panel 132, and a touch panel plate 133.

[0075] The liquid crystal panel 131 has a rectangular plate shape. The liquid crystal panel 131 is positioned on top of the sensing panel 132. The liquid crystal panel 131 can display information related to image formation and images such as buttons for inputting commands. The liquid crystal panel 131 is held by the touch panel plate 133.

[0076] The sensing panel 132 has a rectangular plate shape. The sensing panel 132 is placed on top of the liquid crystal panel 131. The sensing panel 132 can detect contact and accept commands. The sensing panel 132 is fixed to the touch panel plate 133 with double-sided tape 132A.

[0077] The touch panel plate 133 is positioned between the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132. The touch panel plate 133 is made of sheet metal. The touch panel plate 133 has a liquid crystal window 133A, a liquid crystal holding portion 133B, and positioning holes 133C. The liquid crystal window 133A is an opening that exposes the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 131. Multiple liquid crystal holding portions 133B are arranged around the edge of the liquid crystal window 133A and hold the liquid crystal panel 131. The positioning holes 133C are positioned corresponding to two positioning bosses 115. The touch panel plate 133 is positioned on the first cover 110 by the positioning holes 133C engaging with the positioning bosses 115. The touch panel plate 133 holds the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132, and also ensures the overall rigidity of the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5, the panel substrate 150 has substrate fastening holes 151, a push button switch 152, a positioning hole 153, a first connector C1, a second connector C2, and a third connector C3.

[0079] Multiple substrate fastening holes 151 are arranged on the panel substrate 150. In this embodiment, five substrate fastening holes 151 are arranged on the panel substrate 150. Each substrate fastening hole 151 is a hole through which the first fastening member SK1 for fastening the panel substrate 150 to the first cover 110 passes.

[0080] The push-button switch 152 is, for example, a main power switch. The push-button switch 152 is located on the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150.

[0081] The positioning holes 153 are positioned to correspond to the two positioning bosses 115. The panel substrate 150 is positioned on the first cover 110 by the positioning holes 153 engaging with the positioning bosses 115.

[0082] The first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3 are located on the second surface 150B. The first connector C1 is to which a harness extending from the liquid crystal panel 131 is connected. The second connector C2 is to which a harness extending from the sensing panel 132 is connected. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the touch panel 130 by the first connector C1 and the second connector C2. As shown in Figure 4, the third connector C3 is electrically connected to the main substrate 98 by a cable 99 provided by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0083] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the push-button panel 140 is positioned on top of the push-button switch 152 on the panel substrate 150. The push-button panel 140 is held in place by the button plate 141 on the first cover 110 so as to be movable up and down relative to the first cover 110. The push-button panel 140 is exposed through the button window 112 of the first cover 110. By pressing the push-button panel 140, the push-button switch 152 can be pressed down. In other words, the panel substrate 150 receives commands from the push-button panel 140.

[0084] The support plate 160 is made of sheet metal. The support plate 160 supports the touch panel 130 and ensures the rigidity of the touch panel 130. The support plate 160 is positioned between the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. The support plate 160 is positioned on the underside of the touch panel 130. When the touch panel 130 is pressed from above during operation, it supports the touch panel 130 from below. The support plate 160 has panel fastening holes 161 and positioning holes 162.

[0085] Multiple panel fastening holes 161 are arranged on the support plate 160. In this embodiment, four panel fastening holes 161 are arranged on the support plate 160. Each panel fastening hole 161 is positioned in a location corresponding to the hole 113A of the boss 113.

[0086] The positioning holes 162 are positioned to correspond to the two positioning bosses 115. The support plate 160 is positioned on the first cover 110 by the positioning holes 162 engaging with the positioning bosses 115.

[0087] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the touch panel 130 and support plate 160 are attached to the first cover 110 such that the positioning bosses 115 fit into the positioning holes 133C and 162, respectively. The panel substrate 150 is also attached to the first cover 110 such that the positioning boss 115 fits into the positioning hole 153. When the panel substrate 150 is attached to the first cover 110, the hooks 114 catch on the panel substrate 150. This secures the touch panel 130, support plate 160, and panel substrate 150 so that they do not fall off the first cover 110. Then, as shown in Figure 8, the threaded portion SK12 of the first fastening member SK1 enters the through hole 122 of the second cover 120, the substrate fastening hole 151, the panel fastening hole 161, and the hole 113A of the boss 113, and is tightened into the boss 113, thereby fastening the second cover 120, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the panel substrate 150 together to the first cover 110.

[0088] The panel substrate 150 is fastened to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 by only the first fastening member SK1. Similarly, the support plate 160 is fastened to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 by only the first fastening member SK1. The fourth fastening member SK4 fastens the first cover 110 and the second cover 120, but does not fasten the panel substrate 150 together with it. Therefore, by removing the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 and detaching the first cover 110 from the second cover 120, the panel substrate 150 and the support plate 160 can be detached from the first cover 110 without removing any other fastening members.

[0089] Next, we will describe the procedure for replacing the touch panel 130, the push button panel 140, and the panel circuit board 150.

[0090] As shown in Figure 2, when removing the touch panel 130, push button panel 140, or panel substrate 150 for replacement, first remove the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 from the operation panel 100.

[0091] As shown in Figure 4, by removing the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4, the first cover 110 can be removed from the second cover 120.

[0092] When the first cover 110 is removed from the second cover 120, the panel substrate 150 held by the first cover 110 is exposed. At this time, the panel substrate 150 is held by the first cover 110 by the hook 114 and therefore does not fall off the first cover 110.

[0093] Next, disconnect the harness from the first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3.

[0094] Next, the tip claw of the hook 114 that holds the panel substrate 150 is bent to remove the panel substrate 150 from the first cover 110.

[0095] To remove the touch panel 130, the support plate 160 is removed, and then the touch panel 130 is detached from the first cover 110.

[0096] To remove the push-button panel 140, the button plate 141 can be removed, and the push-button panel 140 can then be easily removed from the first cover 110.

[0097] Next, the procedure for installing the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140 will be described. First, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the push button panel 140 are installed on the first cover 110.

[0098] Next, the panel substrate 150 is attached so as to overlap the support plate 160 and the push button panel 140. At this time, the panel substrate 150 is engaged with the hook 114. When the panel substrate 150 is engaged with the hook 114, the panel substrate 150 is held in place by the first cover 110 and will not fall off the first cover.

[0099] Next, connect the harness extending from the LCD panel 131 to the first connector C1. Also, connect the harness extending from the sensing panel 132 to the second connector C2. And connect the harness extending from the main board 98 to the third connector C3.

[0100] Next, as shown in Figure 2, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are fastened together with the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4. At this time, as shown in Figure 7, the second cover 120, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the panel substrate 150 are fastened together to the first cover 110 by the first fastening member SK1.

[0101] According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. In conventional image forming apparatuses, when replacing a panel substrate, it was necessary to remove the fasteners that secured the cover, and then the fasteners that secured the panel to the cover, requiring the removal of many fasteners. However, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a first fastening member SK1 that fastens the first cover 110, the panel substrate 150, and the second cover 120 together. Therefore, by removing the first fastening member SK1, the panel substrate 150 can be easily replaced without having to remove many other fastening members.

[0102] Furthermore, since the first fastening member SK1 is fastened from the second cover 120 side, the first fastening member SK1 is less conspicuous from the first cover 110 side. In this embodiment, since the second cover 120 is positioned on the lower side, the first fastening member SK1 is not visible from above and is therefore less conspicuous.

[0103] Furthermore, the screw head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1 is recessed into the recess 121 of the second cover 120. This makes the screw head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1 less conspicuous.

[0104] Furthermore, since the second cover 120 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96, the rigidity of the second cover 120 can be ensured.

[0105] Furthermore, the first cover 110 has a hook 114 that holds the panel substrate 150. Therefore, even if the first fastening member SK1 is removed, the panel substrate 150 will not fall off the first cover 110. The worker can then easily remove the panel substrate 150 from the first cover 110 by disengaging the hook 114.

[0106] Furthermore, a third connector C3, to which a cable 99 electrically connects the main board 98 and the panel board 150 is connected, is located on the second side 150B of the panel board 150. This makes it easy to disconnect the cable 99 when replacing the panel board 150.

[0107] Furthermore, since the panel substrate 150 is fastened to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 only by the first fastening member SK1, the panel substrate 150 can be removed by removing the first fastening member SK1.

[0108] Furthermore, since the support plate 160 is fastened to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 only by the first fastening member SK1, the support plate 160 can be removed by removing the first fastening member SK1.

[0109] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 9. In the following description, components similar to those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0110] As shown in Figure 9, the operation panel 200 in the second embodiment includes a second fastening member SK2 that fastens the second cover 120 and the panel substrate 150. The second fastening member SK2 is a screw. The length L1 of the second fastening member SK2 is shorter than the length L2 of the first fastening member SK1. The panel substrate 150 has a nut NT. The second fastening member SK2 passes through the through hole 122 of the second cover 120 and the substrate fastening hole 151 and is tightened onto the nut NT. In this way, the second fastening member SK2 fastens the second cover 120 and the panel substrate 150. Note that the second fastening member SK2 does not fasten the panel substrate 150 to the first cover 110.

[0111] The second fastening member SK2 fastens the second cover 120 and the panel substrate 150, but does not fasten the panel substrate 150 to the first cover 110. Therefore, by removing the first fastening member SK1 without removing the second fastening member SK2, the first cover 110 can be removed from the second cover 120 while the panel substrate 150 remains fastened to the second cover 120. In this state, the touch panel 130 can be removed from the first cover 110 and replaced.

[0112] Next, a third embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the operation panel 300 in the third embodiment does not fasten the second cover 320 and the panel substrate 150, but includes a third fastening member SK3 that fastens the first cover 110 and the support plate 360. The third fastening member SK3 is a screw. The length L3 of the third fastening member SK3 is shorter than the length L1 of the first fastening member SK1.

[0113] In this configuration, the support plate 360 ​​has a panel fastening hole 361 into which the first fastening member SK1 fits, and a panel fastening hole 362 into which the third fastening member SK3 fits.

[0114] The third fastening member SK3 passes through the panel fastening hole 362 of the support plate 360 ​​and is tightened into the boss 113 of the first cover 110. In this way, the third fastening member SK3 fastens the first cover 110 and the support plate 360. The third fastening member SK3 does not fasten the panel substrate 150 and the second cover 320 to the first cover 110.

[0115] The third fastening member SK3 fastens the first cover 110 and the support plate 360, but does not fasten the panel substrate 150 and the second cover 320 to the first cover 110. Therefore, by removing the first fastening member SK1 without removing the third fastening member SK3, only the panel substrate 150 can be replaced while the support plate 360 ​​remains fastened to the first cover 110.

[0116] Although embodiments have been described above, the image forming apparatus 1 can be modified as appropriate as shown below.

[0117] In each of the embodiments described above, other components may be placed between the panel substrate 150 and the second cover 120. For example, the control panel 400 shown in Figure 11 further comprises a metal plate 470. The metal plate 470 is positioned between the panel substrate 150 and the second cover 120. The metal plate 470 is grounded by an earthing member (not shown). The metal plate 470 has a plate fastening hole 471 through which the fifth fastening member SK5 passes. The panel substrate 150 has a nut NT. The fifth fastening member SK5 passes through the through hole 122 in the second cover 120, the plate fastening hole 471 and the substrate fastening hole 151 in the metal plate 470, and is fastened into the nut NT.

[0118] In this configuration, the accumulation of static electricity on the panel substrate 150 and the second cover 120 is suppressed by further providing a metal plate 470 fastened together with the panel substrate 150 and the second cover 120 by a fifth fastening member SK5.

[0119] In the embodiment described above, the first cover 110 may be configured to rotate and move relative to the second cover 120. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 12, a shaft SF is further provided that rotatably supports the first cover 110 relative to the second cover 120. The first cover 110 is rotatable between an open position that exposes the second surface 150B shown in Figure 12(b) and a closed position that does not expose the second surface 150B shown in Figure 12(a).

[0120] In the configuration shown in Figure 12, the first cover 110 is rotatable to an open position that exposes the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150, allowing the panel substrate 150 to be removed while in the open position. Removing the panel substrate 150 while the first cover 110 is in the open position makes it easier to remove the panel substrate 150.

[0121] In the embodiments described above, a touch panel 130 and a push-button panel 140 were given as examples of panels that can display information related to image formation or input commands related to image formation, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the panel may consist only of a touch panel 130. For example, the panel may consist only of a push-button panel 140. For example, the panel may consist only of a liquid crystal panel, that is, one that has only the function of displaying information related to image formation.

[0122] In the embodiment described above, the first fastening member SK1 fastens the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 from the second cover 120 side. However, the first fastening member SK1 may also fasten the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 from the first cover 110 side.

[0123] In the embodiment described above, the first fastening member SK1, the second fastening member SK2, the third fastening member SK3, the fourth fastening member SK4, and the fifth fastening member SK5 were screws, but each fastening member may be a fastening member other than a screw. For example, the fastening members may be rivets or fastening pins.

[0124] In the first embodiment described above, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 were fastened together by five first fastening members SK1 and two fourth fastening members, but the number of first fastening members SK1 and fourth fastening members SK4 can be determined arbitrarily.

[0125] Other components may be provided between the touch panel 130 and the support plate 160. That is, the support plate 160 may indirectly support the touch panel 130 via other components.

[0126] In the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 1 was a multifunction device capable of forming monochrome images and making copies. However, for example, the image forming apparatus may be capable of forming color images. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may be a printer or a copier. The image forming apparatus may use an inkjet method as well as an electrophotographic method.

[0127] The elements described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 100 Panel Units 110 Cover 1 120 Second Cover 130 panels 150 Panel substrates SK1 First fastening member

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, A panel that displays information related to image formation or allows input of commands related to image formation, A panel substrate connected to the panel or to which commands are input by the panel, the panel substrate having a first surface facing the panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface, Together with the panel, a first cover covers the first surface of the panel substrate from the side on which the panel is placed, A second cover covers the second surface of the panel substrate from the opposite side of the first cover, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a first fastening member for fastening together the first cover, the panel substrate, and the second cover.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fastening member fastens the first cover and the second cover from the second cover side.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cover has a boss that protrudes toward the second cover and has a hole into which the first fastening member fits.

4. The first fastening member is a screw having a threaded portion and a head, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the second cover has a recess into which the head of the first fastening member fits, and a through hole which overlaps the hole of the boss and through which the screw portion passes.

5. The main casing and An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, A scanner capable of reading documents, A scanner housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner, comprising a scanner housing that constitutes a part of the main body housing, and further comprising, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the scanner housing has the second cover.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the second cover is integrally formed with the scanner housing and protrudes horizontally.

7. Multiple first fastening members are provided, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of first fastening members fasten together the first cover, the panel substrate, and the second cover, respectively.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cover further has hooks for holding the panel substrate.

9. Image forming unit, The main board that controls the image forming unit, The system further comprises a cable that electrically connects the main board and the panel board, The panel substrate further has a connector to which the cable is connected, The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the connector is arranged on the second surface.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the panel substrate is fastened to the first cover and the second cover by only the first fastening member.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a metal plate disposed between the panel substrate and the second cover, and fastened together with the panel substrate and the second cover by the first fastening member.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second fastening member that fastens the second cover and the panel substrate, but does not fasten the panel substrate to the first cover.

13. The first fastening member and the second fastening member are screws, The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the second fastening member is shorter than the first fastening member.

14. The first cover is further supported by a shaft that allows it to rotate relative to the second cover, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cover is rotatable between an open position that exposes the second surface and a closed position that does not expose the second surface.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support plate disposed between the panel and the panel substrate and supporting the panel, the support plate being fastened together with the first cover, the panel substrate and the second cover by a first fastening member.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the panel substrate is in contact with the support plate.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a third fastening member that fastens the first cover and the support plate, but does not fasten the panel substrate and the second cover to the first cover.

18. The first fastening member and the third fastening member are screws, The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the third fastening member is shorter than the first fastening member.

19. The panel comprises a sensing panel for detecting contact, a liquid crystal panel positioned above the sensing panel, and a touch panel plate positioned between the sensing panel and the liquid crystal panel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the liquid crystal panel is disposed between the touch panel plate and the support plate.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the support plate is fastened to the first cover and the second cover by only the first fastening member.

Images