Control panel cover and image forming apparatus

Abstract

Compared to increasing the luminous intensity of the illuminated area to address the reduced visibility of the illuminated area when a control panel cover is attached to the control panel, this method suppresses the increase in cost. [Solution] The cover member 4 comprises mounting means used for attachment to an operating device 2 having at least an operating unit operated by the user and an irradiating unit that transmits information to the user by irradiating light; limiting units 4i and 4j that restrict the operation of the operating unit when attached to the operating device 2 by the mounting means; and a diffusion unit 4b that is located in the area irradiated by light from the irradiating unit when attached to the operating device 2 by the mounting means and diffuses the irradiated area by light.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation panel cover and an image forming apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an operation panel cover that is detachably mounted on the surface of an operation panel having a touch switch for use. In such an operation panel cover, a portion facing the touch switch has a gap with respect to a surface of the touch switch. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 6-31730 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Here, consider a case where an operation panel cover is attached to an operation panel in order to prevent erroneous operation on an operation unit, when the operation panel includes at least an operation unit operated by a user and an irradiation unit that irradiates light to convey information to the user. In such a case, if a part of the operation panel cover is located in a region irradiated with light by the irradiation unit, the light irradiation range is narrowed, which reduces the visibility of the light. On the other hand, when a change is made to increase the luminous intensity of the irradiation unit of the operation panel in order to address the reduction in light visibility, the cost will increase. An object of the present invention is to suppress an increase in cost compared to a case where an increase in the luminous intensity of an irradiation unit is used to address the reduction in visibility of light from the irradiation unit when an operation panel cover is attached to an operation panel. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an operation panel cover comprising: mounting means used for attachment to an operation panel having at least an operating section for user operation and an illuminating section that transmits information to the user by emitting light; a limiting section that restricts the operation of the operating section when attached to the operation panel by the mounting means; and a diffusion section located in the area irradiated by light from the illuminating section when attached to the operation panel by the mounting means, and diffusing the irradiated area by said light. The invention described in claim 2 is the control panel cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the diffusion portion is formed on the edge of the control panel cover. The invention described in claim 3 is an operation panel cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the operation panel is capable of changing the orientation of the surface on which the operation part of the operation panel is located by rotation, and the edge on which the diffusion part is formed extends in the direction of the rotation axis. The invention described in claim 4 is the operation panel cover according to claim 3, characterized in that the edge portion is the portion closer to the axis of rotation and the portion further away from the axis of rotation. The invention described in claim 5 is the operation panel cover according to claim 3, characterized in that the surface on which the light from the irradiation unit is incident in the diffusion unit is a plane formed along the axis of rotation. The invention described in claim 6 is an operation panel cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting portion comprises a first limiting portion that limits operation by covering the entire surface of the operation button which is the operation portion, and a second limiting portion that limits operation by partially covering the operation button. The invention described in claim 7 is an operation panel cover according to claim 6, characterized in that the second limiting portion allows the operation of the operation button by inserting a member from an area other than the area partially covered by the operation button. The invention described in claim 8 is an operation panel cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation panel has a shape in which the surface on which the operation unit is arranged has four sides, and the mounting means is formed over three of the four sides of the operation panel, while the central part is cut out on the remaining side leaving both ends intact, thereby being configured to be detachably attached to the operation panel. The invention described in claim 9 is the control panel cover according to claim 8, characterized in that the diffusion portion is formed in the central part of the remaining side. The invention described in claim 10 is an operation panel cover according to claim 8, characterized in that the operation unit is a touch panel, the mounting means includes a rib-shaped portion for maintaining a distance between the limiting portion and the touch panel, and the rib-shaped portion extends in a direction intersecting the remaining side. The invention described in claim 11 is an image forming apparatus including the operation panel cover described in claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, when an operation panel cover is attached to the operation panel, the reduction in visibility of the light from the irradiating part can be addressed by increasing the luminous intensity of the irradiating part, which can suppress the increase in cost. According to the invention of claim 2, the diffusion portion can be formed more easily than in a configuration in which the diffusion portion is not formed on the edge of the control panel cover. According to the invention of claim 3, compared to a configuration in which the edge portion on which the diffusion portion is formed extends in the direction of the rotation axis, the visual impact associated with changing the angle of the control panel can be suppressed. According to the invention of claim 4, compared to a configuration in which the edge is the portion closer to the axis of rotation, the visual impact associated with changing the angle of the control panel can be suppressed. According to the invention of claim 5, visibility can be improved compared to a configuration in which the surface on which the light from the irradiating section is incident in the diffusion section is a plane formed along the axis of rotation. According to the invention of claim 6, the limiting portion can respond according to the function performed by the operation button, compared to a configuration in which a first limiting portion that limits operation by covering the entire surface of the operation button as an operation portion and a second limiting portion that limits operation by partially covering the operation button are not adopted. According to the invention of claim 7, the second limiting portion can more reliably prevent erroneous operation compared to a configuration in which the operation button can be operated by inserting a member from an area other than the area partially covered by the operation button. According to the invention of claim 8, the mounting means is formed along three of the four sides of the operation panel, while the central part of the remaining side is cut out, leaving both ends intact. This improves the workability of attachment and detachment compared to a configuration in which the mounting means is not detachably attached to the operation panel. According to the invention of claim 9, the diffusion portion can be formed more easily than in the case where a configuration is not adopted in which a diffusion portion is formed in the central part of the remaining side. According to the invention of claim 10, the distance between the limiting portion and the touch panel can be more reliably secured compared to a configuration in which the rib-shaped portion extends in a direction intersecting the remaining side. According to the invention of claim 11, when an operation panel cover is attached to the operation panel, the reduction in visibility of the light from the irradiating part can be addressed by increasing the luminous intensity of the irradiating part, while minimizing the increase in cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of an image forming system to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a right-side view illustrating the change in posture caused by the movable holder of the operating device, with (a) showing the operating device in an upright position and (b) showing it in a reclined position. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view partially showing the internal structure of the operating device. [Figure 4] This is a right side view illustrating the positional relationship between the light-emitting device and the cover member. [Figure 5]It is a perspective view illustrating the irradiation portion of the optical member and the diffusion portion of the cover member. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view illustrating the operation device and the cover member. [Figure 7] It is a diagram illustrating the shape of the cover member, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a right side view, and (e) is a rear view. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view illustrating the shape of the cover member. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Image forming system 100> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system 100 to which the present embodiment is applied. The image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper P using an electrophotographic method or the like, and an operation device 2 for operating the image forming apparatus 1. A cover member 4 is attached to the operation device 2. The operation device 2 is an example of an operation panel, and the cover member 4 is an example of an operation panel cover. The image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment is an example of an image forming apparatus including an operation panel cover.

[0009] In the following description, the vertical direction (perpendicular direction) in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 may be simply referred to as the "vertical direction". Further, the upper side in the vertical direction of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 may be simply referred to as the "upper side", and the lower side may be simply referred to as the "lower side". The left-right direction in Fig. 1 may be simply referred to as the "left-right direction". Further, the left side in the left-right direction of Fig. 1 may be simply referred to as the "left side", and the right side may be simply referred to as the "right side". The depth direction of the paper surface of Fig. 1 or the depth direction of Fig. 2 may be simply referred to as the "depth direction". Further, the left side in the depth direction of Fig. 2 may be simply referred to as the "front side", and the right side may be simply referred to as the "rear side".

[0010] <Image forming apparatus 1> The image forming apparatus 1 includes paper storage units 11, 12, and 13 for storing paper P, and an image forming unit 14 for forming an image on the paper P. The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a discharge roller 15 for discharging the paper P on which an image has been formed, and a main body control unit 16 for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a movable document feeder 17 that sequentially feeds a plurality of documents.

[0011] The paper storage units 11 to 13 each store paper P of different sizes and types. In the illustrated example, each of the paper storage units 11 to 13 can be pulled out to the front side of the drawing sheet, that is, the front side in the width direction. Then, in a state where the paper storage units 11 to 13 are pulled out, a replenishment work of the paper P is performed by a user or the like.

[0012] The image forming unit 14 forms an image on the paper P conveyed from the paper storage units 11 to 13. The image forming unit 14 in the illustrated example forms an image on the paper P by an electrophotographic method in which toner adhered to a photoreceptor is transferred onto the paper P to form an image. However, the image forming unit 14 may adopt a configuration that forms an image by an inkjet method in which ink is ejected onto the paper P to form an image.

[0013] The discharge roller 15 discharges the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 14. The discharge roller 15 in the illustrated example is composed of a pair of rollers. As each of the pair of rollers rotates, the paper P is discharged from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0014] The main body control unit 16 controls the operation of each component provided in the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the main body control unit 16 in the illustrated example receives a signal indicating the content of an operation performed on the operation device 2.

[0015] The document feeder 17 is a device for feeding documents one by one to an area where images of documents are read, and is rotatable with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The document feeder 17 functions as a document table cover that covers the platen glass of the image forming apparatus 1, and opens and closes with respect to the platen glass.

[0016] Now, let's explain the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. First, in response to a signal from the operating device 2, the main control unit 16 outputs an instruction signal, and one sheet of paper P is fed out at a time from the paper storage units 11-13. Then, after an image is formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 14, the paper P with the formed image is discharged from the discharge roll 15.

[0017] <Control device 2> The operating device 2 comprises an operating unit 21 that is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and for operating the image forming apparatus 1, and a movable holder 30 that movably holds the operating unit 21. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a mounting plate 1a having a mounting surface for attaching the operating device 2. The movable holder 30 also has a movable part. The operating device 2 is attached to the mounting surface of the mounting plate 1a via the movable part of the movable holder 30. This allows the operating device 2 to change its orientation relative to the mounting plate 1a.

[0018] The control unit 21 is located on the front side of the control device 2. The operation unit 21 has a touch panel unit 22 that combines the function of displaying images for operation in the display area and the function of giving instructions by touching the display area. The operation unit 21 also has an input unit 23 on which various buttons are arranged. In this embodiment, on the surface of the operation unit 21, the touch panel unit 22 is located slightly above the center, and the input unit 23 is located below the touch panel unit 22. The operation unit 21, that is, the touch panel unit 22 and the input unit 23, is an example of an operation unit operated by the user.

[0019] The touch panel unit 22 uses a capacitive touch method that detects the touch position from a slight change in capacitance. The method of the touch panel unit 22 is not limited to this; for example, a resistive touch method that detects the position by the current flowing through the contact points of opposing electrodes may also be employed.

[0020] In this embodiment, the operation unit 21 is configured to include a touch panel unit 22, but it is not limited to this configuration. The operation unit 21 may also be configured to include a display unit that displays images for operation and an instruction unit located separately from the display unit, instead of the touch panel unit 22.

[0021] As described above, a cover member 4 is attached to the operating device 2. The cover member 4 is a member that covers at least the operating section 21. Therefore, in Figure 1, the lines of the touch panel section 22 and the input section 23 that appear on the outer surface of the operating device 2 are shown as dashed lines. The operating device 2 is rotatable around the rotation axis 30a, indicated by the dashed line. The rotation axis 30a extends in the left-right direction. The left-right direction is just one example of the axis of rotation. The operating device 2 has a shape in which the surface on which the operating section 21 is located has four sides, and the cover member 4 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the operating device 2.

[0022] <Changes in posture due to the movable holder 30 of the operating device 2> Figure 2 is a right side view illustrating the change in posture of the operating device 2 due to the movable holder 30, where (a) shows the operating device 2 in an upright position and (b) shows it in a lying position. The operating device 2 in Figure 2 is fitted with the cover member 4 described above. The movable holder 30 is attached to the mounting plate 1a.

[0023] The movable holder 30 has a rotating shaft 30a, indicated by a black circle in Figures 2(a) and (b). As described above, the rotating shaft 30a extends in the left-right direction. The operating device 2 is rotatable around the rotation axis 30a relative to the mounting plate 1a. Furthermore, the operating device 2 can be changed to an intermediate position between the upright position shown in Figure 2(a) and the reclined position shown in Figure 2(b), and can maintain that position. Note that Figure 2(a) corresponds to the orientation of the operating device 2 as seen from the front in Figure 1.

[0024] In this embodiment, the operating device 2 is rotatable with respect to the mounting plate 1a. More specifically, the operating device 2 can change the orientation of the surface on which the operating unit 21 is located by rotating it around the rotation axis 30a. The operating device 2 is mounted on the upper surface of the mounting plate 1a. In addition, a configuration in which the operating device 2 can slide in the front-rear direction relative to the mounting plate 1a is conceivable. A configuration in which the operating device 2 is fixed to the mounting plate 1a is also conceivable. Furthermore, a configuration in which the operating device 2 is attached to a location other than the top surface of the mounting plate 1a, for example, the bottom surface, is also conceivable.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2(a) or (b), the operating device 2 has a recessed portion 2a on its right side. The recessed portion 2a is a part into which the user's finger can be inserted when changing the orientation of the operating device 2. The recessed portion 2a may also be provided on the left side. In this embodiment, the operating device 2 is configured to be angle-adjustable relative to the mounting plate 1a, but it is not limited to this configuration. A configuration in which the operating device 2 cannot be angle-adjustable is also conceivable.

[0026] <Internal structure of the control device 2> Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view partially showing the internal structure of the operating device 2. The cover member 4 is not shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the operating device 2 has a light-emitting device 50. The light-emitting device 50 comprises a substrate 51 and a first light-emitting unit 52 and a second light-emitting unit 53 mounted on one side of the substrate 51. The first light-emitting unit 52 and the second light-emitting unit 53 emit light of different colors. For example, the first light-emitting unit 52 emits blue light, and the second light-emitting unit 53 emits red light.

[0027] Furthermore, the light-emitting device 50 includes a reflector 54 that reflects light from the first light-emitting unit 52 and the second light-emitting unit 53. The reflector 54 is located on the substrate 51 side and has an inlet into which light from the first light-emitting unit 52 and the second light-emitting unit 53 enters, a reflective surface that reflects the incident light, and an outlet that emits the light reflected from the reflective surface. The outlet has a narrower optical path width than the inlet. The reflective surface of the reflector 54 is inclined such that the optical path width narrows as it moves away from the substrate 51.

[0028] Furthermore, the light-emitting device 50 is located at the outlet of the reflector 54 and includes an optical member 55 that irradiates the light from the first light-emitting unit 52 and the second light-emitting unit 53 to the outside of the operating device 2. The irradiating unit 55a from which light is irradiated by the optical member 55 is exposed and constitutes a part of the outer surface of the operating device 2. The optical component 55 is a lens component. As shown in Figure 3, the light from the light-emitting device 50 is directed downwards, but the light is refracted by the optical component 55, causing the light from the irradiating section 55a to point upwards in the vertical direction (see Figure 4, which will be described later).

[0029] More specifically, the light emitted from the light-emitting device 50 is a notification light that informs the user whether the image forming apparatus 1 is functioning normally or not. By observing the color of the light emitted from the illumination section 55a of the optical element 55, the user can determine whether the image forming apparatus 1 is functioning normally. For example, if the image forming apparatus 1 is functioning normally, the notification light is blue; if it is malfunctioning, the notification light is red. Therefore, the blue and red notification lights from the illumination section 55a must be highly visible and easy for the user to recognize and confirm. In particular, when monitoring multiple image forming apparatuses 1 in continuous operation with a small number of people, it is essential that the user can easily confirm whether the apparatus is functioning normally or not using the notification light, even from a distance from the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the light emitted from the light-emitting device 50 can be in a continuous, steady state or a flashing state. Also, when the light from the light-emitting device 50 is flashed, the flashing interval can be varied to provide notification according to the interval. Moreover, the light emitted from the light-emitting device 50 can be any change related to the appearance of the light, such as a change in light intensity or a change in the illuminated area. The irradiation unit 55a is an example of an irradiation unit that conveys information to the user by emitting light.

[0030] Here, the light-emitting device 50 is formed to extend in the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 3). That is, the substrate 51 of the light-emitting device 50 extends in the left-right direction, and the first light-emitting section 52 and the second light-emitting section 53 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet of the reflector 54 extend in the left-right direction. The reflective surface of the reflector 54 is composed of a pair of planes that extend in the left-right direction and face each other.

[0031] <Positional relationship between the light-emitting device 50 and the cover member 4> Figure 4 is a right side view illustrating the positional relationship between the light-emitting device 50 and the cover member 4, and corresponds to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the light emitted from the irradiation portion 55a of the optical element 55 strikes the lower end portion 4a of the cover member 4. In other words, the lower end portion 4a of the cover member 4 is located in region A, which is irradiated by light from the irradiation portion 55a. Therefore, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, the lower end portion 4a of the cover member 4 narrows the illumination range of the notification light from the illumination unit 55a, reducing visibility for the user. To address this reduced visibility, measures such as increasing the luminosity of the first light-emitting unit 52 and the second light-emitting unit 53 (see Figure 3) can be considered, but there are concerns that this would increase costs. In this embodiment, a diffusion section 4b is provided at the lower end portion 4a of the cover member 4 to diffuse the irradiation range of the notification light from the irradiation section 55a.

[0032] Thus, the lower end portion 4a of the cover member 4 is located within the irradiation range of the notification light from the irradiation unit 55a. In the absence of the diffusion portion 4b, the surface of the lower end portion 4a is not smooth, causing diffuse reflection of the notification light from the irradiation unit 55a in various directions. As a result, the amount of transmitted light passing through the lower end portion 4a decreases, reducing the visibility of the notification light to the user.

[0033] In contrast, in this embodiment, a diffusion portion 4b is provided at the lower end portion 4a. This diffusion portion 4b has a chamfered shape, where the corner of the lower end portion 4a is beveled. More specifically, the diffusion portion 4b is formed by a so-called C-chamfer, for example, with a chamfering angle of 45 degrees. It is also conceivable to chamfer the diffusion portion 4b at an angle other than 45 degrees.

[0034] By providing a flat diffusion section 4b at the lower end 4a, diffuse reflection of the notification light at the lower end 4a is suppressed. Consequently, the amount of diffusely transmitted light due to scattering inside the lower end 4a increases, as does the amount of forward transmitted light. As a result, the illumination range of the notification light visible to the user is diffused. Diffusion of the light illumination range by the diffusion section 4b means that the range in which the notification light is visible is widened due to the increase in the amount of diffusely transmitted light. The diffusion section 4b is an example of a diffusion section that diffuses the area of ​​light irradiation.

[0035] In this embodiment, the diffusion portion 4b is formed at the lower end portion 4a of the cover member 4, i.e., the tip portion. The reason for providing the diffusion portion 4b at the tip portion of the cover member 4 is to correspond to the position of the irradiation portion 55a of the light-emitting device 50. Therefore, if the irradiation portion 55a is located in a place other than the tip portion, the diffusion portion 4b may be provided in a position corresponding to that location. A location other than the tip portion could be, for example, a place closer to the center than the tip portion when viewed from the front of the cover member 4. Furthermore, when the diffusion portion 4b is provided at the tip of the cover member 4, it becomes easier to form the diffusion portion 4b compared to when it is provided at a location other than the tip. The lower end portion 4a to the tip portion of the cover member 4 referred to here is an example of the edge portion of the operation panel cover. Region A is an example of a region illuminated by light from the irradiation unit.

[0036] In this embodiment, the lower end portion 4a to the tip portion of the cover member 4 extends in the direction of the rotation axis 30a (see, for example, Figure 2 or Figure 6), but is not limited to this. That is, a modified example in which the lower end portion 4a to the tip portion of the cover member 4 extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis 30a is also conceivable.

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the irradiation portion 55a of the optical element 55 and the diffusion portion 4b of the cover member 4. In Figure 5, the cover member 4 is shown with a dashed line. As shown in Figure 5, the optical element 55 extends in the left-right direction, and the illumination section 55a also extends in the left-right direction. The shapes of the optical element 55 and the illumination section 55a correspond to the emission port of the reflector 54 (see Figure 3).

[0038] In the diffusion section 4b, the light from the irradiation section 55a is incident on the surface 4b1. Surface 4b1 is a plane formed along the direction of the rotation axis 30a (see Figure 2). As described above, surface 4b1 is a surface formed by C-chamfering. Surface 4b1 is an example of a surface to which the light from the irradiation section is incident.

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the operating device 2 and the cover member 4. The operating device 2 shown in Figure 6 is positioned between the upright position in Figure 2(b) and the lying-down position in Figure 2(b). First, let's explain the cover member 4.

[0040] <Cover member 4> As shown in Figure 6, the cover member 4 has sides 4c and 4d extending in the left-right direction, and sides 4e and 4f extending in the up-down direction. The sides 4c to 4f of the cover member 4 correspond to the four sides of the operating device 2 when viewed from the front.

[0041] Edge 4c is the part closest to the axis of rotation 30a, and edge 4d is the part furthest from the axis of rotation 30a. Edge 4e is located on the left side when viewed from the front, and edge 4f is located on the right side. In this embodiment, the diffusion portion 4b is formed on the side portion 4c, which is closer to the rotation axis 30a, among the side portions 4c and 4d. It is also conceivable to form the diffusion portion 4b on the side portion 4d, which is further from the rotation axis 30a. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to form the diffusion portion 4b on the side portion 4e or side portion 4f of the cover member 4.

[0042] In this embodiment, the diffusion portion 4b of the cover member 4 is not formed over the entire length of the edge portion 4c of the cover member 4, but rather on a portion thereof. More specifically, the diffusion portion 4b is formed in the central part of the edge portion 4c in the left-right direction. The position of the diffusion portion 4b in the cover member 4 corresponds to the position of the irradiation portion 55a of the operating device 2. The diffusion section 4b enhances the visibility of the notification light to the user, even when the operating device 2 is in an upright position (see Figure 2(a)). A modified form in which the diffusion portion 4b is formed over the entire length of the edge portion 4c is also conceivable. Furthermore, while it is preferable that the diffusion portion 4b has a uniform shape in the left-right direction, it may also have a shape that changes as you move towards either the left or right direction.

[0043] <Operating section 21 and cover member 4 of the operating device 2> Next, the operating section 21 and cover member 4 of the operating device 2 will be described. As mentioned above, the operating section 21 has a touch panel section 22 and an input section 23. As shown in Figure 6, the cover member 4 includes a touch panel restriction section 4g that covers the touch panel section 22 and restricts the input of commands through the touch panel section 22. The cover member 4 also has four rib-shaped sections 4h on its back surface 41a.

[0044] The rib-shaped portion 4h extends in the vertical direction. The rib-shaped portion 4h extends in a direction that intersects with the edge portion 4c. It is also conceivable that the rib-shaped portion 4h may extend in a direction other than vertical. The direction in which it intersects with edge 4c is an example of the direction in which it intersects with the remaining edge.

[0045] The back surface 41a referred to here is the surface of the cover member 4 that faces the operating section 21 of the operating device 2 when the cover member 4 is attached to the operating device 2. Therefore, in Figure 6, the four rib-shaped sections 4h are shown with dashed lines.

[0046] To explain further, the four rib-shaped portions 4h are formed on the cover member 4 on surfaces other than the surface facing the touch panel portion 22. The touch panel limiting portion 4g can be said to be located in the area surrounded by the four rib-shaped portions 4h. Compared to the case without the four rib-shaped portions 4h, the gap between the touch panel limiting portion 4g of the cover member 4 and the touch panel portion 22 of the operating device 2 becomes larger. In addition, the four rib-shaped portions 4h maintain the distance between the touch panel limiting portion 4g of the cover member 4 and the touch panel portion 22 of the operating device 2.

[0047] In the operating device 2, the input section 23 of the operating section 21 includes a first button 23a on the right side and a second button 23b on the left side when viewed from the front. The first button 23a is, for example, a push button for displaying the home screen of the touch panel unit 22. The home screen referred to here is the screen that is first displayed after the power is turned on, and the content of which can be changed by setting. The second button 23b is a push button used, for example, to turn the power ON / OFF. Pressing the second button 23b when the power is OFF will turn the power ON. Pressing the second button 23b when the power is ON will turn the power OFF.

[0048] An example of the configuration of the cover member 4 will be described when the operating device 2 is equipped with such an input unit 23. The cover member 4 includes a first button limiting section 4i that restricts pressing the first button 23a, and a second button limiting section 4j that restricts pressing the second button 23b. The first button restriction section 4i covers the entire surface of the first button 23a.

[0049] The second button restriction portion 4j partially covers the second button 23b. That is, the second button restriction portion 4j has a through hole 4k formed therein to expose a part of the second button 23b. The through-hole 4k is large enough that it is difficult for a user's finger to press the second button 23b. More specifically, the through-hole 4k is large enough for the tip of a writing instrument, such as a pen, to pass through. Therefore, while it prevents accidental pressing of the second button 23b, it also allows for pressing the second button 23b without removing the cover member 4. In other words, it is possible to press the second button 23b by inserting the tip of a writing instrument. One example of a situation where pressing the second button 23b is necessary is when it is necessary to urgently stop the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0050] Here, the first button limiting section 4i and the second button limiting section 4j are examples of limiting sections. The first button limiting section 4i is an example of the first limiting section, and the second button limiting section 4j is an example of the second limiting section. The through hole 4k is an example of a region other than the partially covered region, and the tip of the writing instrument described above is an example of a component.

[0051] <Shape of cover member 4> Next, the shape of the cover member 4, including the configuration described above, will be explained. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the shape of the cover member 4. Figures 7(a) to 7(e) are projection views, and Figure 8 is a perspective view. Figure 7(a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a right side view, and (e) is a rear view.

[0052] As shown in Figures 7(b) and (e), the front portion 41 has the aforementioned through-hole 4k. Also, as shown in Figure 7(e), the back surface 41a of the front portion 41 has the aforementioned four rib-shaped portions 4h. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(b), the cover member 4 has a side portion 4c which is the lower side of the front portion 41, a side portion 4d which is the upper side, a side portion 4e which is the left side, and a side portion 4f which is the right side.

[0053] To explain further, as shown in Figure 7(e), the cover member 4 has side portions 42d, 42e, and 42f that extend from the front portion 41 to the rear. The side portion 42d is formed in correspondence with the edge portion 4d described above. The side portions 42e and 42f are formed in correspondence with the edge portions 4e and 4f described above.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7(e) or Figure 8, the cover member 4 has a corner portion 43 connecting the side portion 42d and the side portion 42e, and a corner portion 44 connecting the side portion 42d and the side portion 42f. In addition, the cover member 4 has a corner portion 45 formed at the lower end of the side portion 42e, and a corner portion 46 formed at the lower end of the side portion 42f. The side sections 42d to 42f and the corner sections 43 to 46 are formed with width in the front-to-back direction.

[0055] As is clear from Figure 7(c) or (e), no side portions like the side portions 42d to 42f are formed between the corner portions 45 and 46 of the cover member 4. That is, in the lower side portion 4c of the side portions 4c to 4f of the cover member 4 shown in Figure 7(b), the central portion is cut out, leaving the corner portions 45 and 46 intact, as shown in Figure 7(c) or (e). Sides 4c to 4f are examples of the four sides of the control panel. Sides 4d to 4f are examples of three sides, and side 4c is an example of the remaining side. Corner sections 45 and 46 are examples of both ends.

[0056] As shown in Figures 7(a), (c) to (d), and (e), the cover member 4 has an engaging portion 47 that extends downward from the rear end of the side portion 42d. The engaging portion 47 is provided corresponding to the edge portion 4d. As shown in Figure 7(d), the engaging portion 47 includes a portion 47a extending diagonally rearward from the side portion 42d and a portion 47b extending downward from portion 47a. In addition, as shown in Figure 7(e), portion 47b has two notches 47c and 47d formed at different positions in the left-right direction.

[0057] The cover member 4 is detachably attached to the operating device 2. That is, the cover member 4 can be attached to the operating device 2 without the use of tools, and can also be removed from the operating device 2 without the use of tools. The cover member 4 is attached to the operating device 2 by utilizing its elastic deformation. More specifically, in the cover member 4, the corner portions 43 to 46 are held at the four corners of the operating device 2, and the engaging portion 47 engages with the rear surface of the operating device 2. The corner sections 43-46 are integrally formed with the side sections 42d-42f. This ensures rigidity in three directions, from the edges 4d-4f of the cover member 4. On the other hand, the rigidity in the remaining direction, from the edge 4c of the cover member 4, is lower than the rigidity in the edges 4d-4f. It is also conceivable to adopt a structure in which the cover member 4 is screwed to the operating device 2 using a tool.

[0058] Furthermore, the cover member 4 engages with the rear surface of the operating device 2 at the engaging portion 47. This allows the operating device 2 to be securely attached to the cover member 4 by sandwiching it between the front portion 41 and the engaging portion 47 of the cover member 4. Furthermore, the engaging portion 47 has two notches 47c and 47d in portion 47b. This makes the engaging portion 47 easily deformable. Therefore, it can be removed by applying an external force to the cover member 4 attached to the operating device 2 and causing it to elastically deform. The side portions 42d to 42f, corner portions 43 to 46, and engaging portion 47 of the cover member 4 are examples of mounting means used for attachment to the control panel.

[0059] To explain further, a diffusion portion 4b is formed in the lower end portion 4a, which is a notched shape located between the corner portions 45 and 46 of the cover member 4. More specifically, the diffusion portion 4b is composed of a surface 4b1 formed by a C-chamfer. The surface 4b1 of the diffusion portion 4b extends in the direction of the rotation axis 30a (see also Figure 6). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(c) or (e), surface 4b1 is also formed on the end faces of corner portion 45 and corner portion 46. This further improves the visibility of the notification light from the diffusion portion 4b.

[0060] <Note> (((1))) Mounting means used for mounting to an operation panel having at least an operating section for user operation and an illuminating section that transmits information to the user by emitting light, A limiting unit that restricts the operation of the operating unit when it is attached to the operating panel by the mounting means, A diffuser is located in the area irradiated by the irradiation unit when the unit is attached to the control panel by the mounting means, and diffuses the irradiation area caused by the light, A control panel cover equipped with the following features. (((2))) The diffusion portion is formed on the edge of the operation panel cover. The control panel cover described in (((1))) is characterized by the following: (((3))) The aforementioned control panel is capable of changing the orientation of the surface on which the operating parts are located by rotation. The edge portion on which the diffusion portion is formed extends in the direction of the rotation axis, The control panel cover according to (((2))), characterized in that (((4))) The aforementioned edge portion is the portion closer to the axis of rotation and the portion further away from the axis of rotation. The control panel cover according to (((3))), characterized in that (((5))) In the diffusion section, the surface onto which the light from the irradiation section is incident is a plane formed along the axis of rotation. The control panel cover according to (((3))) or (((4))), characterized by the above. (((6))) The restricting unit comprises a first restricting unit that restricts operation by covering the entire surface of the operation button, which serves as the operation unit, and a second restricting unit that restricts operation by partially covering the operation button. An operation panel cover according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), characterized by the above. (((7))) The second limiting portion allows the operation of the operation button by inserting a member from an area other than the area partially covered by the operation button. The control panel cover according to (((6))), characterized in that (((8))) The aforementioned control panel has a shape in which the surface on which the operating section is located has four sides. The mounting means is formed along three of the four sides of the operation panel, while the remaining side is cut out in the center, leaving both ends intact, so that it can be detachably attached to the operation panel. The control panel cover according to (((1))), characterized in that (((9))) The diffusion portion is formed in the central part of the remaining side. The control panel cover according to (((8))), characterized in that (((10))) The aforementioned operating unit is a touch panel, The mounting means includes a rib-shaped portion for maintaining the distance between the limiting portion and the touch panel, The rib-shaped portion extends in a direction intersecting the remaining side. The control panel cover according to (((8))) or (((9))), characterized in that (((11))) An image forming apparatus including the control panel cover described in (((1))).

[0061] According to the invention of (((1))), when an operation panel cover is attached to the operation panel, the reduction in visibility of the light from the irradiating part can be addressed by increasing the luminous intensity of the irradiating part, which can suppress the increase in cost. According to the invention of (((2))), the diffusion portion can be formed more easily than in the case where the diffusion portion is not formed on the edge of the control panel cover. According to the invention of (((3))), compared to the case in which a configuration is not adopted in which the edge portion on which the diffusion portion is formed extends in the direction of the axis of rotation, the visual impact associated with changing the angle of the control panel can be suppressed. According to the invention of (((4))), compared to not adopting a configuration in which the edge is the part closer to the axis of rotation and the part farther away from it, the visual impact associated with changing the angle of the control panel can be suppressed. According to the invention of (((5))), visibility can be improved compared to a configuration in which the surface on which the light from the irradiating section is incident in the diffusion section is a plane formed along the axis of rotation. According to the invention of (((6))), the limiting part can respond according to the function performed by the operation button, compared to a configuration in which a first limiting part that limits operation by covering the entire surface of the operation button as an operation part and a second limiting part that limits operation by partially covering the operation button are not adopted. According to the invention of (((7))), the second limiting portion can more reliably prevent erroneous operation compared to a configuration in which the operation button can be operated by inserting a member from an area other than the area partially covered by the operation button. According to the invention of (((8))), the mounting means is formed along three of the four sides of the operation panel, while the central part of the remaining side is cut out while leaving both ends intact. This improves the workability of attachment and detachment compared to a configuration in which the operation panel is not detachably attached. According to the invention of (((9))), the diffusion portion can be formed more easily than in the case where a configuration is not adopted in which a diffusion portion is formed in the center of the remaining side. According to the invention of (((10))), the distance between the limiting portion and the touch panel can be more reliably secured compared to the case in which a configuration is not adopted in which the rib-shaped portion extends in a direction intersecting the remaining side. According to the invention of (((11))), when an operation panel cover is attached to the operation panel, the reduction in visibility of the light from the irradiating part can be addressed by increasing the luminous intensity of the irradiating part, which can suppress the increase in cost. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 2...Operating device, 4...Cover member, 4a...Lower end, 4b...Diffusion part, 4b1...Surface, 4c~4f...Edge part, 4i...First button restriction part, 4j...Second button restriction part, 4k...Through hole, 21...Operating part, 22...Touch panel part, 23...Input part, 42d~42f...Side part, 43~46...Corner part, 45, 46...Corner part, 47...Engaging part, 55a...Irradiation part, 100...Image forming system, A...Area

Claims

1. Mounting means used for mounting to an operation panel having at least an operating section for user operation and an illuminating section that transmits information to the user by emitting light, A limiting unit that restricts the operation of the operating unit when it is attached to the operating panel by the mounting means, A diffuser is located in the area irradiated by the irradiation unit when the unit is attached to the control panel by the mounting means, and diffuses the irradiation area caused by the light, A control panel cover equipped with the following features.

2. The diffusion portion is formed on the edge of the operation panel cover. The control panel cover according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned control panel is capable of changing the orientation of the surface on which the operating parts are located by rotation. The edge portion on which the diffusion portion is formed extends in the direction of the rotation axis, The control panel cover according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned edge portion is the portion closer to the axis of rotation and the portion further away from the axis of rotation. The control panel cover according to feature 3.

5. In the diffusion section, the surface onto which the light from the irradiation section is incident is a plane formed along the axis of rotation. The control panel cover according to feature 3.

6. The restricting portion comprises a first restricting portion that restricts operation by covering the entire surface of the operation button, which serves as the operation portion, and a second restricting portion that restricts operation by partially covering the operation button. The control panel cover according to feature 1.

7. The second limiting portion allows the operation of the operation button by inserting a member from an area other than the area partially covered by the operation button. The control panel cover according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned control panel has a shape in which the surface on which the operating section is located has four sides. The mounting means is formed along three of the four sides of the operation panel, while the remaining side is cut out in the center, leaving both ends intact, so that it can be detachably attached to the operation panel. The control panel cover according to feature 1.

9. The diffusion portion is formed in the central part of the remaining side. The control panel cover according to feature 8.

10. The aforementioned operating unit is a touch panel, The mounting means includes a rib-shaped portion for maintaining the distance between the limiting portion and the touch panel, The rib-shaped portion extends in a direction intersecting the remaining side. The control panel cover according to feature 8.

11. An image forming apparatus including the operation panel cover described in claim 1.

Images