Alarm lamp, control panel, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The objective is to provide an alarm lamp, an operation panel, and an image forming apparatus that can improve the visibility of the alarm lamp from an oblique direction and enhance its appearance. [Solution] The notification lamp 30 comprises a light source 31, a light guide 40, and an elongated opening 23 formed in a case body 22, and emits light from the light guide 40 through the opening 23 to notify predetermined information. The notification lamp comprises a main body 41 and a protrusion 42, the protrusion 42 is formed in an elongated shape along the shape of the opening 23 and is fitted into the opening 23, and the protrusion 42 is curved from the maximum protrusion position P1 where the amount of protrusion M in the emission direction G2 is maximum, to both ends 42a of the protrusion 42.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to image forming apparatuses such as copiers, multifunction devices, printers, and facsimile apparatuses, and operation panels and notification lamps provided in the image forming apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been provided an image forming apparatus in which an operation panel is provided with a notification lamp for notifying the state of the apparatus in a predetermined lighting mode. The notification lamp includes a light guide body serving as a lens and a light source. In the notification lamp provided on the operation panel, since there is a limit to the length (thickness) in the direction perpendicular to the panel surface of the operation panel, when the distance between the lens on the installation surface provided with the panel and the light source provided below the lens in the direction perpendicular to the panel surface cannot be increased, an elongated rod-shaped light guide body (light guide rod) may be used instead of the lens. Further, if light from the light source is applied to the side (longitudinal end face) of the light guide rod, the longitudinal width of the notification lamp can be set to be long even when the space in the thickness direction perpendicular to the panel is small.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an optical discharging device including an elongated rod-shaped light guide body and having light from an LED incident on the longitudinal end face of the light guide body. In the optical discharging device of Patent Document 1, light from an LED lamp is incident on the longitudinal end face of the light guide body, and the photoreceptor is irradiated with light from the flat portion of the light guide body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, applying the configuration of the light guide of the photostatic elimination device described in Patent Document 1 to an alarm lamp presents a problem in that the visibility of the alarm lamp cannot be adequately maintained. Specifically, if a narrow slit-shaped opening is provided in a thick case body such as the case body of an operation panel, and the light guide is placed inside the case body opposite the opening (i.e., the light guide is placed behind the opening), when viewed from an oblique angle in the short direction of the opening, the light-emitting surface (viewing surface) of the light guide is hidden by the thickness of the opening. As a result, the emitted light is blocked, and the visibility of the alarm lamp is reduced.

[0006] As described above, placing the light guide at the back of the opening makes it difficult to see the light-emitting surface depending on the angle of the control panel and the user's viewing position. As a result, there is a problem in that users may not easily notice notifications such as printing errors.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an alarm lamp, an operation panel, and an image forming apparatus that can improve the visibility of the alarm lamp from an oblique direction and enhance its appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the inventors of this disclosure first considered a method to improve the visibility of the alarm lamp by providing a roughly rectangular protrusion on a rod-shaped light guide and fitting it into the window (opening) of the control panel. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15 as a reference example, they considered a light guide 60 having a rectangular protrusion 62 that protrudes from a roughly rectangular main body 61. With the above configuration, it was found that the alarm lamp can be sufficiently visible even when viewed from an oblique angle in the short direction of the opening.

[0009] However, it was found that the presence of corners 63 on the protrusion 62 detracts from its appearance. Specifically, on the protrusion 62, a localized area of ​​strong light (bright spot) occurs at the corners 63 of the light-emitting surface 64 (visible surface) visible from the opening, resulting in a reduced appearance. Therefore, the inventors of this disclosure considered a configuration to eliminate the bright spots. As a result, they found that by eliminating the angular shape of the light-emitting surface 64 of the protrusion and forming the light-emitting surface 64 smoothly toward both ends of the protrusion, the occurrence of bright spots can be suppressed and the appearance can be improved.

[0010] An image forming apparatus provided in accordance with the above findings is an image forming apparatus provided in this disclosure, comprising a light source, a light guide for emitting light from the light source, and an elongated opening formed in a housing that houses the light source and the light guide, wherein the light guide emits light emitted from the light guide through the opening to provide predetermined information, and the light guide comprises a main body formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the opening and a protrusion formed to protrude in the direction of emission from which light from the light source is emitted, wherein the protrusion is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction of the opening, which is the longitudinal direction of the opening, and is fitted into the opening, and the protrusion is curved from the maximum protrusion position where the amount of protrusion in the emission direction is maximum to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an alarm lamp, an operation panel, and an image forming apparatus that can improve the visibility of the alarm lamp from an oblique direction and enhance its appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing an operation panel equipped with an alarm lamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]It is an exploded perspective view of the operation panel of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view when the operation panel of FIG. 3 is cut along line A1-A1. [Figure 6] The upper figure is a front view of the lamp showing the opening provided in the operation panel of FIG. 3, and the lower figure is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2 of the upper figure of FIG. 6. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing the light guide body included in the notification lamp of FIG. 3. [[ID=Il]] [Figure 8] The upper figure is a front view of the lamp of the light guide body of FIG. 7, and the lower figure is a plan view of the lamp of the light guide body of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] The upper figure is a plan view of the lamp showing the positions of the light guide body and the opening of the notification lamp of FIG. 3, and the lower figure is a front view of the lamp showing the visual recognition surface of the convex portion. [[ID=I6]] [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing the visual recognition direction of the notification lamp of FIG. 3. [[ID=If]] [Figure 11] It is a plan view of the lamp showing the position of the light source of the notification lamp of FIG. 3 and the path of the light of the light source. [Figure 12] It is a figure showing another first example of the light guide body. The upper figure is a front view of the lamp, and the lower figure is a plan view of the lamp. [Figure 13] It is a figure showing another second example of the light guide body. The upper figure is a front view of the lamp, and the lower figure is a plan view of the lamp. [Figure 14] It is a figure showing another third example of the light guide body. The upper left figure is a front view of the lamp, the upper right figure is a right side view, and the lower figure is a plan view of the lamp. [Figure 15] It is a reference figure showing a light guide body provided with a convex portion having a corner portion.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the notification lamp 30, the operation panel 20, and the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0014] [Image forming apparatus] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view in a side view showing the inside of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device having a copying function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a document feeder 2, an apparatus main body 3, and an operation panel 20.

[0016] In this specification, the left - right direction (the width direction of the image forming apparatus 1) in the state where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed is referred to as the "left - right direction X" for explanation. In this specification, the front - rear direction in the state where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed is referred to as the "front - rear direction Y" for explanation. Also, the front in the front - rear direction Y is referred to as "front Y1", and the rear is referred to as "rear Y2" for explanation. In this specification, the up - down direction in the state where the image forming apparatus 1 is installed is referred to as the "up - down direction Z" for explanation. Also, the upper side in the up - down direction Z is referred to as "upper Z1", and the lower side is referred to as "lower Z2" for explanation.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 transmits an image of a document read by an image reading unit (not shown) to the outside. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image of a document read by the image reading unit or an image received from the outside on a sheet P such as recording paper in color or monochrome. The image forming apparatus 1 may be a monochrome image forming apparatus. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 may be another type of color image forming apparatus. <​​​​​​As shown in Figure 2, a sheet transport path R is formed inside the housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. Sheets P supplied from the paper feed cassette 5 have images formed in the image forming unit 4 and are transported along the sheet transport path R via a fixing device and the like. The sheets P with the formed images are discharged from the discharge port 6 to the discharge tray 8 by the discharge roller 7. In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the sheets P discharged from the discharge port 6 are discharged from right to left (see discharge direction B in Figure 2).

[0020] [Embodiment] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 3 is a plan view of the operation panel 20 provided in the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the operation panel 20. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the operation panel 20 of Figure 3 when cut along the line A1-A1. The upper part of Figure 6 is a front view of the lamp showing the opening 23 provided in the operation panel 20 of Figure 3, and the lower part of Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the upper part of Figure 6 taken along the line A2-A2. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the light guide 40. The upper part of Figure 8 is a front view of the lamp showing the light guide 40, and the lower part of Figure 8 is a plan view of the lamp showing the light guide 40. The upper part of Figure 9 is a plan view of the lamp showing the positions of the light guide 40 and the opening 23 of the notification lamp 30, and the lower part of Figure 9 is a front view of the lamp showing the viewing surface 46 of the protrusion 42. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the viewing direction of the notification lamp 30. Figure 11 is a plan view of the lamp showing the position of the light source 31 of the notification lamp 30 and the path of light from the light source 31.

[0021] [Control Panel] The control panel 20 accepts user input. As shown in Figure 3, the control panel 20 has a roughly rectangular appearance. As shown in Figure 1, the control panel 20 is located in front Y1 of the main body of the device 3. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control panel 20 is located adjacent to the paper output space C of the main body of the device 3. In this specification, of the two surfaces that make up the front and back of the control panel 20, the front side will be referred to as the "display surface 20a" and described accordingly.

[0022] The control panel 20 is attached to the main body 3 of the device via a rocking device (not shown), and can change its orientation from one where the display surface 20a faces upward Z1 to one where the display surface 20a faces forward. In the example shown in Figure 1, the control panel 20 is in the orientation with the display surface 20a facing upward.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the control panel 20 comprises a display unit 21, a case body 22, a lamp cover 25, and an alarm lamp 30. As shown in Figure 4, the control panel 20 has a configuration in which the components constituting the display unit 21 and the alarm lamp 30 (light source 31, light guide 40, and light guide housing 33) are housed inside the case body 22.

[0024] The display unit 21 receives instructions for the device. The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal display that accepts operations when the user touches and selects various display buttons displayed on the display. The display unit 21 accepts various operations related to the functions of the image forming apparatus 1, such as printing, sending faxes, and copying.

[0025] The case body 22 constitutes the exterior of the operation panel 20. Inside the case body 22 are the display unit 21, light source 31, light guide 40, and the like. As shown in Figure 4, the case body 22 has a front case portion 22a that constitutes the display surface 20a, and a rear case portion 22b that constitutes the back of the case body 22. These are connected to form a space inside that can accommodate each component. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the case body 22 is provided with an opening 23.

[0026] The opening 23 is formed in the front portion 22a of the case. The opening 23 is an elongated gap formed in the case body 22. More specifically, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6, the opening 23 is an elongated elliptical gap formed along the longitudinal direction of the operation panel 20. In this specification, the portion of the case body 22 in which the opening 23 is provided will be referred to as the "wall portion 24". The opening 23 and the wall portion 24 constitute the notification lamp 30.

[0027] In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the opening 23 will be referred to as "opening longitudinal direction La," and the short direction of the opening 23 will be referred to as "opening short direction Sa." Furthermore, in this specification, of the surfaces that make up the front and back of the wall portion 24, the surface that is on the inside of the case body 22 will be referred to as "inner wall surface 24a," and the surface that is on the outside of the case body 22 will be referred to as "outer wall surface 24b."

[0028] The lamp cover 25 is a cover that covers the opening 23. The lamp cover 25 is made of a light-transmitting material. Therefore, in the operation panel 20, the light irradiated through the opening 23 passes through the lamp cover 25 and is visible from the outside.

[0029] [Notification lamp] As shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the alarm lamp 30 comprises a light source 31 and a light source substrate 32. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the alarm lamp 30 comprises a light guide housing 33 and a light guide 40. Furthermore, as described above, the wall portion 24 and the opening 23 provided on the operation panel 20 constitute the alarm lamp 30. In other words, the alarm lamp 30 comprises the wall portion 24, the opening 23, the light source 31, the light source substrate 32, the light guide housing 33, and the light guide 40.

[0030] The notification lamp 30 notifies predetermined information. In this embodiment, the notification lamp 30 notifies the status of the device. Specifically, the notification lamp 30 notifies the status of the device, such as printing in progress, printing error, or toner end. The notification lamp 30 is a lamp that notifies various information by the lighting patterns of the light source 31 (LED in this embodiment), such as lighting, blinking, and the color of the emitted light. For example, the notification lamp 30 notifies normal operation, such as printing in progress, with blue light. On the other hand, the notification lamp 30 notifies with orange light when an error occurs, such as a printing error or toner end.

[0031] Furthermore, the notification lamp may, for example, indicate the power supply status. Also, the notification lamp may, for example, emit light in a single color only. In other words, various options are available for the notification content and notification method of the notification lamp.

[0032] The alarm lamp 30 can be most efficiently seen when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the wall surface 24. In this specification, the viewing direction of the alarm lamp 30 will be described as the direction from the outer wall surface 24b toward the inner wall surface 24a, which is perpendicular to the wall surface 24, and will be referred to as the "lamp front view direction E" (see Figure 10). Furthermore, the view of the alarm lamp 30 from the lamp front view direction E will be simply referred to as the "lamp front view". In addition, in this specification, the near side of the lamp front view will be referred to as the "lamp front E1" and the far side as the "lamp rear E2".

[0033] In this specification, the viewing direction of the alarm lamp 30 is described as follows: the direction perpendicular to the lamp's front viewing direction E is referred to as the "lamp plan view direction F" (see Figure 5). Furthermore, in this specification, the view from the lamp plan view direction F is simply referred to as the "lamp plan view."

[0034] The light source 31 emits light. In the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, two light sources 31 are provided on the light source substrate 32. In the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the light sources 31 are LEDs. However, the light sources are not limited to LEDs and various other types can be selected.

[0035] The light guide housing 33 houses and supports the light guide 40. As shown in Figure 5, the light guide housing 33 is housed inside the case body 22 with the light guide 40 inside.

[0036] The light guide 40 allows light from the light source 31 to enter its interior, reflects that light inside the light guide 40, and emits it to the outside of the light guide 40.

[0037] In this specification, the direction in which light from the light source 31 is incident into the light guide 40 will be referred to as the "incident direction G1". In this specification, the direction in which light incident into the light guide 40 is emitted to the outside of the light guide 40 will be referred to as the "exit direction G2".

[0038] As shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the light guide 40 is an elongated member (rod-shaped member) formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the aperture 23 (aperture longitudinal direction La). As shown in Figure 7, the light guide 40 comprises a main body portion 41 and a protruding portion 42, and these are integrally formed.

[0039] In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the light guide 40 is referred to as the "longitudinal direction Lb of the light guide." In this specification, of the faces of the light guide 40, the face facing the aperture 23 is referred to as the "front face 40a," and the face facing the front face 40a is referred to as the "rear face 40b." Furthermore, in this specification, of the two end faces of the light guide 40 in the longitudinal direction Lb, the end face facing the light source 31 is referred to as the "one end face 40c," and the other end face is referred to as the "other end face 40d."

[0040] As shown in the lower part of Figure 8, the main body portion 41 is a prismatic portion that forms a roughly trapezoidal shape when viewed from above the lamp. More specifically, as shown in the lower part of Figure 8, the main body portion 41 has a rear surface 40b that is inclined relative to the front surface 40a, and the distance between the front surface 40a and the rear surface 40b decreases as you move from one end surface 40c to the other end surface 40d. Also, as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, the thickness of the main body portion 41 is roughly constant when viewed from the front of the lamp.

[0041] The protrusion 42 is a portion formed to protrude from the main body 41. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 42 is referred to as the "longitudinal direction of the protrusion Lc," and the short direction of the protrusion 42 in a front view of the ramp is referred to as the "short direction of the protrusion Sc." In this specification, both ends of the longitudinal direction of the protrusion Lc of the protrusion 42 are referred to as the "both ends of the protrusion 42a."

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 9, the protrusion 42 is fitted into the opening 23. Therefore, the visible surface 46 of the protrusion 42, which is the surface in front of the lamp E1, is a surface that can be seen from the opening 23. The visible surface 46 emits light when light from the light source 31 is emitted from it. Therefore, the visible surface 46 can be said to be the light-emitting surface of the notification lamp 30.

[0043] As shown in the upper part of Figure 8, the protrusion 42 has an elongated elliptical shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. That is, the viewing surface 46 has an elongated elliptical shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. More specifically, as shown in the upper part of Figure 8, the viewing surface 46 has an elliptical shape in which the size of the protrusion in the short direction Sc is largest at the center of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction Lc, and the size of the protrusion in the short direction Sc decreases towards both ends 42a of the protrusion. As shown in the lower part of Figure 9, the size and shape of the viewing surface 46 are approximately the same as the opening 23 when viewed from the front of the lamp. That is, the viewing surface 46 of the protrusion 42 is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction La of the opening.

[0044] As shown in the lower part of Figure 8, the protrusion 42 has its maximum protrusion amount M relative to the main body 41 at the center of the protrusion length Lc. In this specification, the position of the protrusion 42 that has the maximum protrusion amount in the ejection direction G2 from the main body 41 will be referred to as the "maximum protrusion position P1".

[0045] [First Embodiment] The notification lamp 30 of this embodiment comprises a light source 31, a light guide 40 that emits light from the light source 31, and an elongated opening 23 formed in a case body 22 that houses the light source 31 and the light guide 40. The light emitted from the light guide 40 is emitted from the opening 23 to notify predetermined information. In addition, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment comprises a main body portion 41 formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the opening 23 (opening longitudinal direction La) and a protrusion portion 42 formed to project in the emission direction G2 from which the light from the light source 31 is emitted. Furthermore, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the protrusion 42 is formed in an elongated shape along the shape of the opening 23 and is fitted into the opening 23. The viewing surface 46, which is the surface in the emission direction G2, is a curved surface 47 extending from the maximum protrusion position P1, where the amount of protrusion M in the emission direction G2 of the protrusion 42 is maximum, to both ends 42a of the protrusion 42, which are both ends of the protrusion 42 in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] As described above, the protrusion 42 is fitted into the opening 23. That is, in the alarm lamp 30, the tip of the protrusion 42 is configured to extend beyond the inner wall surface 24a of the opening 23 to the front of the lamp E1 (see Figure 9). In other words, in the alarm lamp 30, the protrusion 42 is positioned to fill the gap (opening 23) provided in the wall surface 24 of the case body 22. Therefore, in the alarm lamp 30 of this embodiment, compared to the case in which a light guide body without a protrusion is placed deep inside the opening 23, the viewing surface 46 is located at the front of the lamp E1, making it easier to see. For example, even when the operation panel 20 is facing upwards and the user views the alarm lamp 30 from a distance, the alarm lamp 30 becomes easier to see.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 10, even when the alarm lamp 30 is viewed from an oblique direction (see oblique viewing direction H in Figure 10), the viewing surface 46 reaches a height that is approximately the same as the outer wall surface 24b. Therefore, the viewing surface 46 can be seen without being obstructed by the thickness of the wall surface 24. In this way, the alarm lamp 30 can improve visibility from oblique directions.

[0048] Furthermore, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the convex portion 42 has its maximum protrusion position P1 at the center of the convex length Lc. In addition, the viewing surface 46 is a curved surface 47 extending from the maximum protrusion position P1 (center of the viewing surface 46) to both ends 42a of the convex portion. In other words, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the amount of protrusion M relative to the main body portion 41 is largest at the maximum protrusion position P1 of the convex portion 42, and the amount of protrusion M decreases towards both ends 42a of the convex portion. As a result, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment has a smooth viewing surface 46, which suppresses localized increases in brightness near both ends 42a of the convex portion and improves appearance.

[0049] In this way, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can improve visibility from oblique angles and enhance its appearance. As a result, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment makes the viewing surface 46 easier to see regardless of the angle of the operation panel 20 or the user's viewing position, making it easier for the user to notice notifications such as printing errors.

[0050] [Second Embodiment] In the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the light guide 40 receives light from the light source 31 in an incident direction G1 along the longitudinal direction of the light guide 40, and emits it in an exit direction G2 that intersects the incident direction G1.

[0051] More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the light source 31 is positioned opposite one end face 40c of the light guide 40. As a result, the light from the light source 31 is incident on the light guide 40 along the longitudinal direction Lb of the light guide. In other words, the end face (one end face 40c) of the light guide 40 along the longitudinal direction Lb is the incident surface 43 to which the light from the light source 31 is incident.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, light that enters the interior of the light guide 40 from the incident surface 43 is reflected on the inside of the rear surface 40b of the light guide 40 and emitted to the front surface 40. In other words, in the light guide 40, the inside of the rear surface 40b of the light guide 40 is a reflective surface 44 that reflects light, and the front surface 40a of the light guide 40 is an emission surface 45 that emits light.

[0053] Thus, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the incident direction G1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction Lb of the light guide. Furthermore, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the light guide 40 emits light from the light source 31 in a direction intersecting the incident direction G1. That is, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the emission direction G2 is intersecting the incident direction G1.

[0054] In the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the light source 31 is positioned facing one end face 40c of the light guide 40, and the light from the light source 31 is incident along the longitudinal direction Lb of the light guide. This allows the light incident from the light source 31 to diffuse and be captured and reflected over a wide range (the range over which the reflective surface 44 extends) and emitted.

[0055] As a result, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can reduce the number of light sources 31 and the distance between the light sources 31 and the light guide 40, compared to, for example, the case where the light source 31 is positioned opposite the rear surface 40b (when light is incident from the rear E2 of the lamp toward the front E1 of the lamp). Consequently, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can reduce the space required for arranging the light sources 31 and the light guide 40, and can suppress the enlargement of the object on which the notification lamp 30 is installed (in this embodiment, the operation panel 20).

[0056] [Third Embodiment] In the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the entire visible surface 46 of the protrusion 42 is composed of a curved surface 47, and the amount of protrusion M decreases as you move from the maximum protrusion position P1 toward both ends 42a of the protrusion.

[0057] Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the protrusion 42 has a mountain-like shape in which the amount of protrusion M is largest at the center of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction Lc of the protrusion, and the amount of protrusion M decreases towards both ends 42a of the protrusion. That is, the viewing surface 46 of the protrusion 42 is composed of a curved surface 47 over the entire area in the longitudinal direction Lc of the protrusion, and is curved substantially uniformly over the entire area in the longitudinal direction Lc of the protrusion.

[0058] As a result, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can suppress localized increases in brightness near both ends 42a of the protrusions, and suppress uneven brightness distribution on the viewing surface 46. Consequently, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can emit light almost uniformly across the viewing surface 46, further improving its appearance.

[0059] [Fourth Embodiment] In the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the size of the opening 23 in the shorter direction (maximum gap length D2) at the position where the gap of the opening 23 is largest (maximum gap position P2) is greater than or equal to the thickness of the wall portion 24 on which the opening 23 is provided in the case body 22 (wall portion thickness D1), and less than or equal to 2.5 times the thickness (wall portion thickness D1).

[0060] The thickness of the wall portion 24 is the distance between the outer wall surface 24b, which is the surface side of the wall portion 24, and the inner wall surface 24a, which is the inside side of the wall portion 24. In this specification, the thickness of the wall portion 24 is referred to as "wall portion thickness D1".

[0061] As shown in the upper part of Figure 6, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the opening 23 is an elongated ellipse. The size of the gap in the opening 23 is largest at the center in the longitudinal direction La of the opening. In this specification, the position where the gap of the opening 23 is largest is referred to as the "maximum gap position P2," and the size of the opening 23 in the short direction Sa at the maximum gap position P2 (the size of the gap) is referred to as the "maximum gap length D2."

[0062] As shown in the upper and lower figures of Figure 6, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the maximum gap length D2 is approximately 1.4 times the wall thickness D1. In other words, the maximum gap length D2 is greater than the wall thickness D1 and less than or equal to 2.5 times the wall thickness D1.

[0063] As a result, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can be made to emit light in a linear pattern while ensuring visibility, thereby improving its design.

[0064] [Fifth Embodiment] In the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the protrusion 42, at its maximum protrusion position P1, is at a height that coincides with the outer wall surface 24b of the wall portion 24 in the case body 22 where the opening 23 is provided.

[0065] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, in the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment, the maximum protruding position P1 is at a height that reaches the outer wall surface 24b. In other words, in the notification lamp 30, the protrusion 42 is configured to reach the surface side of the opening 23.

[0066] As a result, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can reduce the area hidden by the wall surface 24 when viewed from an oblique direction, thereby further improving visibility.

[0067] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, other examples of the light guide 40 in the operation panel 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 shows a light guide 40A according to another first example of the light guide 40. The upper part of Figure 12 is a view of the lamp from the front, and the lower part of Figure 12 is a view of the lamp from above.

[0068] As shown in the upper part of Figure 12, the light guide 40A according to the first example comprises a main body portion 41 and a protrusion portion 42A. Since the main body portion 41 has the same configuration as the main body portion 41 of the light guide 40, it will be described using the same reference numerals and a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0069] The protrusion 42A is a portion formed to protrude from the main body 41. As shown in the upper part of Figure 12, the protrusion 42A is formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal direction La of the opening. As shown in the upper part of Figure 12, the viewing surface 46A of the protrusion 42A has an elongated elliptical shape when viewed from the front of the lamp. Although not shown in the illustration, the size and shape of the protrusion 42A are approximately the same as the opening 23 when viewed from the front of the lamp.

[0070] In the light guide 40A, the protrusion 42A is composed of a flat surface 48 in the portion of the viewing surface 46A that is at the maximum protrusion position P1, and a curved surface 49 in part. Furthermore, in the light guide 40A, the curved surface 49 of the protrusion 42A is configured such that the amount of protrusion M decreases as it moves from the flat surface 48 toward both ends 42a of the protrusion.

[0071] More specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 12, in the convex portion 42A, the visible surface 46A is a flat surface 48 in all parts except for the vicinity of both ends 42a of the convex portion. That is, in the convex portion 42A, the maximum protrusion position P1 is configured to be in the range from the center to the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction Lc of the convex portion. In addition, in the convex portion 42A, a curved surface 49 is formed such that the amount of protrusion M decreases from the flat surface 48 toward both ends 42a of the convex portion. That is, the convex portion 42A has a flat surface 48 and a curved surface 49 in part of the longitudinal direction Lc of the convex portion.

[0072] As a result, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can suppress localized increases in brightness near both ends 42a of the protrusions. Consequently, the notification lamp 30 of this embodiment can have an improved appearance.

[0073] The light guide 40 may be configured, for example, as a light guide 40B having a protrusion 42B as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 shows a light guide 40B according to another second example of the light guide 40. The upper part of Figure 13 is a view of the lamp from the front, and the lower part of Figure 13 is a view of the lamp from above.

[0074] As shown in the upper part of Figure 13, the light guide 40B according to the second example comprises a main body portion 41 and a protrusion portion 42B. As shown in the lower part of Figure 13, the protrusion portion 42B has a flat surface 48 formed on the viewing surface 46B. Since the main body portion 41 has the same configuration as the main body portion 41 of the light guide 40, the same reference numerals are used for explanation, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0075] As shown in the upper part of Figure 13, the viewing surface 46B of the light guide 40B in the second example is rectangular when viewed from the front of the lamp. Also, the distance (thickness) of the protrusion 42B from the upper end to the lower end is constant.

[0076] The light guide 40 may be configured, for example, as a light guide 40C having a protrusion 42C as shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 shows a light guide 40C according to another third example of the light guide 40. The upper left of Figure 14 is a front view of the lamp, the upper right of Figure 14 is a right side view, and the bottom of Figure 14 is a top view of the lamp.

[0077] As shown in the upper left of Figure 14, the light guide 40C according to the third example comprises a main body portion 41 and a protrusion portion 42C. As shown in the lower part of Figure 14, the light guide 40C has a protrusion portion 42C on which a flat surface 48 is formed on the viewing surface 46C. Since the main body portion 41 has the same configuration as the main body portion 41 of the light guide 40, the same reference numerals are used for explanation and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0078] As shown in the upper left of Figure 14, the light guide 40C has a rectangular viewing surface 46C when viewed from the front of the lamp. Furthermore, the convex portion 42C has a configuration in which the distance from the upper end to the lower end changes. More specifically, as shown in the upper right of Figure 14, the convex portion 42C has an inclined surface 50 that slopes from the base end to the tip.

[0079] Thus, the notification lamp of this disclosure allows for various selections of the shape of the protrusion formed on the light guide. Specifically, the viewing surface of the protrusion may be an elliptical viewing surface when viewed from the front of the lamp, as shown by viewing surface 46 and viewing surface 46A. Alternatively, the viewing surface 46 of the protrusion may be rectangular when viewed from the front of the lamp, as shown by viewing surface 46B and viewing surface 46C.

[0080] Furthermore, the convex portion may be composed of a curved surface over its entire viewing surface, or a portion of the viewing surface may be composed of a flat surface and the other portion of the viewing surface may be composed of a curved surface.

[0081] [Seventh Embodiment] The control panel 20 of this embodiment is equipped with an alarm lamp 30.

[0082] According to the operation panel 20 of this embodiment, by providing the notification lamp 30 on the operation panel 20, which is frequently seen by the user, the notification lamp 30 is more likely to catch the user's eye. As a result, the operation panel 20 of this embodiment makes it easier for the user to understand the status of the device, and makes it easier for the user to notice notifications such as printing errors.

[0083] [Eighth Embodiment] In this embodiment, the control panel 20 is provided with an opening 23 in the display surface 20a, which is the front surface of the control panel 20, into which a protrusion 42 is fitted.

[0084] According to the operation panel 20 of this embodiment, by providing the notification lamp 30 on the display surface 20a that is easily visible to the user, the notification lamp 30 is more likely to catch the user's eye. As a result, the operation panel 20 of this embodiment makes it easier for the user to understand the status of the device.

[0085] [Ninth Embodiment] In the operation panel 20 of this embodiment, the opening 23 is provided above Z1 the display unit 21 that receives user input.

[0086] According to the operation panel 20 of this embodiment, by providing the notification lamp 30 above Z1 on the display unit 21, which is easily visible to the user, the notification lamp 30 is more likely to catch the user's eye. As a result, the operation panel 20 of this embodiment makes it easier for the user to understand the status of the device.

[0087] [Tenth Embodiment] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an operation panel 20.

[0088] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an operation panel 20 equipped with an alert lamp 30. The operation panel 20 is frequently seen by the user during operation and other operations. In other words, the operation panel 20 is easily noticed by the user when they operate the device. In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by providing the alert lamp 30 on the operation panel 20, the alert lamp 30 is easily noticed by the user. Furthermore, since the alert lamp 30 is configured to be easily visible when viewed from an oblique direction, the user is more likely to notice various alerts and understand the status of the device. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment makes it easier for the user to understand the status of the device.

[0089] [Embodiment No. 11] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an alert lamp 30.

[0090] According to the operation panel 20 of this embodiment, the notification lamp 30 is configured to be easily visible when viewed from an oblique angle, making it easier for the user to notice various notifications and understand the status of the device. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment makes it easier for the user to notice notifications such as printing errors.

[0091] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the notification lamp, operation panel, and image forming apparatus of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0092] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which an alarm lamp 30 is provided above the display unit 21 Z1 on the operation panel 20, but the alarm lamp may be provided in other locations. For example, the alarm lamp may be provided below or to the side of the display unit on the operation panel. Alternatively, the alarm lamp may be provided on the main body of the device.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the notification lamp 30 is horizontally elongated, the notification lamp may also be vertically elongated.

[0094] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various other ways. Therefore, these embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be constrained. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Furthermore, any variations or modifications within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Image forming apparatus 20 Control Panel 20a Display surface 21 Display section 22 Case Body 23 Aperture 24 Wall section 30. Notification lamp 31 Light source 40 Light guide 40A Light guide 40B light guide 40C light guide 41 Main body 42 Convex part 42A Convex part 42B protrusion 42C protrusion 42a Both ends of the protrusion 46 Visibility 46A Visibility 46B Visibility 46C Visibility 47 Curved surface 48 Flat surface 49 Curved surface D1 Wall thickness D2 Maximum gap length G1 incident direction G2 emission direction La Opening longitudinal direction Lb Light guide longitudinal direction Lc Convex Department Head Direction M Protrusion amount P1 Maximum protrusion position P2 Maximum gap position Sa opening short direction

Claims

1. An alarm lamp comprising a light source, a light guide that emits light from the light source, and an elongated opening formed in a case body housing the light source and the light guide, wherein the light emitted from the light guide is emitted from the opening to signal predetermined information, The light guide body is A main body portion formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the opening, It comprises a convex portion formed to protrude in the direction of emission from which the light from the light source is emitted, The aforementioned protrusion is, It is formed in an elongated shape along the shape of the opening and is fitted into the opening. An alarm lamp characterized in that the viewing surface, which is the surface in the direction of emission, is a curved surface extending from the maximum protrusion position where the amount of protrusion in the direction of emission is maximum at the protrusion portion to both ends of the protrusion portion, which are both ends in the longitudinal direction of the protrusion portion.

2. In the notification lamp according to claim 1, The light guide body is A notification lamp characterized in that the light from the light source is incident in an incident direction along the longitudinal direction of the light guide and is emitted in an exit direction intersecting the incident direction.

3. In the notification lamp according to claim 1, The aforementioned protrusion is, The entire area of ​​the aforementioned viewing surface is composed of a curved surface. An alarm lamp characterized in that the amount of protrusion decreases as you move from the maximum protrusion position toward both ends of the protrusion.

4. In the notification lamp according to claim 1, The aforementioned protrusion is, The notification lamp is characterized in that, at the maximum protruding position, it is at a height that coincides with the outer wall surface of the wall portion of the case body in which the opening is provided.

5. In the notification lamp according to claim 1, The aforementioned protrusion is, Of the aforementioned viewing surface, the portion that reaches the maximum protruding position is composed of a flat surface, and a portion of it is composed of a curved surface. An alarm lamp characterized in that the curved surface is configured such that the amount of protrusion decreases as it moves from the flat surface toward both ends of the convex portion.

6. An operation panel characterized by comprising an alarm lamp as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In the operation panel according to claim 6, An operation panel characterized in that, of the surfaces constituting the front and back of the operation panel, the display surface which is the front surface is provided with the opening into which the protrusion is fitted.

8. In the operation panel according to claim 6, The control panel is characterized in that the opening is provided above a display unit that receives user input.

9. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the operation panel described in claim 6.

10. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising an alarm lamp as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images