Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus in which an operation unit and a power button are separately arranged.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 reads a document placed on a document placement table 11 with an image reading section 10 and forms an image of the document on a sheet with an image forming section 20. The sheet on which the image is formed is loaded on an ejection tray 31 through an ejection section 30. The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an operation unit 40 having a touch panel 41 so as to project from a front face of the image reading unit 10, and is provided with a power button 50 composed of a hardware key on a depth side of the operation unit 40 and on the front face of the image reading unit 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known image forming apparatuses that are equipped with multiple functions such as a copier, a printer, an image scanner, etc. Such image forming apparatuses are equipped with an operation unit having multiple operation buttons or operation keys for operating the multiple functions.

[0003] For example, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a rectangular operation unit on the front side of the image reading unit. The operation unit has a touch panel display and multiple hardware keys such as a power button, an energy saving button, and a numeric keypad. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-170070 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when various operation keys including the power button are arranged on one operation unit as in the image forming device of Patent Document 1, the power button is mixed up with other operation keys, and the importance of the power button is difficult to recognize. For example, in a series of operations such as operating a touch panel display or numeric keypad buttons, the power button may be operated by mistake without being aware of it. When the power button is operated, it takes time for the image forming device to restart, which is inconvenient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the present application comprises an image reading unit which reads a document placed on a document placing table, a document pressing cover which is freely opened and closed and is provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit, an image forming unit which forms an image read by the image reading unit on a sheet, a discharge unit which discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit, a discharge tray on which the sheet from the discharge unit is placed, and an operation unit having at least a touch panel display, and a power button consisting of a hardware key is provided on the front surface of the image reading unit, behind the operation unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of a power button and an operation unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a front view of the image forming apparatus when the operation unit according to the second embodiment is tilted to the maximum. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of an identification bar and an LED according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] EMBODIMENT 1 ***Overview of Image Forming Device*** FIG. 1 is a front view of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present application is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) equipped with a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a local area network (LAN) and is configured to be able to print image data sent from a terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the LAN. The image forming apparatus 1 may also be equipped with a wireless communication function such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. 1, the width direction of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the X-axis direction, the height direction as the Y-axis direction, and the depth direction as the Z-axis direction. In addition, the tip of the X-axis arrow is defined as the right side, the base end of the X-axis arrow as the left side, the tip of the Y-axis arrow as the upper side, and the base end of the Y-axis arrow as the lower side. The same applies to the other figures. When using the image forming apparatus 1, a user stands directly opposite the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading section 10, an image forming section 20, a discharge section 30, an operation unit 40, and the like.

[0011] ***Image reading section*** The image reading unit 10 is a flatbed scanner including a document placement table 11. The image reading unit 10 has a function of reading a document placed on the document placement table 11. The document placement table 11 has an original placement plate (not shown) made of a transparent resin plate-shaped member on its upper surface. The original placement plate may be made of any transparent plate, such as glass. The original placement plate is normally covered by the document retaining cover 12, but is exposed when the document retaining cover 12 is opened, allowing an original to be set on it. Inside the document placement table 11, a light source and a scanner unit including a line sensor (neither of which are shown) are provided.

[0012] The document pressing cover 12 is provided so that the front side can be opened and closed freely, with the edge in the depth direction as a fulcrum. In other words, the document pressing cover 12 is provided so as to be openable and closable on the top surface of the image reading unit 10. During image reading, the document pressing cover 12 is closed with a document placed on the document placement plate. An automatic document feeder 13 is provided above the document pressing cover 12, which can automatically feed documents by setting multiple documents at once.

[0013] ***Image forming section*** As shown in FIG. 1, a paper feed cassette 21 is provided below the image forming apparatus 1, and an image forming section 20 is provided above the paper feed cassette 21. The paper feed cassette 21 is a sheet storage unit equipped with multiple cassettes corresponding to paper sizes. A conveying unit (not shown) is provided between the paper feed cassette 21 and the image forming unit 20. The conveying unit picks up sheets one by one from a selected cassette and conveys them to the image forming unit 20. The image forming section 20 is disposed inside the image forming apparatus 1, and includes a printing unit (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the printing unit includes a line-type inkjet head. The printing unit is of a single-pass type, and therefore forms an image on the conveyed sheet in one pass. The image forming unit 20 can also form an image read by the image reading unit 10 on a sheet.

[0014] ***Discharge section*** The discharge section 30 is a conveying section that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming section 20 to the internal discharge section 32. The discharged sheet is placed on a discharge tray 31 in the internal discharge section 32.

[0015] ***Internal discharge section*** The internal discharge section 32 is a hollow portion of the housing formed between the image reading section 10 and the image forming section 20 in the vertical direction, and has a discharge tray 31 provided therein. The internal discharge section 32 is surrounded on the right side by the discharge section 30, on the bottom by the discharge tray 31, and on the top by the document placement table 11. The internal discharge section 32 is a space that opens to the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The internal discharge section 32 is formed as a space in which multiple sheets discharged from the discharge section 30 are placed. As shown in FIG. 1, the wall members forming the inside of the internal discharge section 32 are colored in a dark color. In a preferred example, the color is black. Black is an example of a dark color, and when expressed in a grayscale of 256 gradations, for example, the color may have a gradation value in the range of 0 to 20. Similarly, when other parts are simply referred to as black hereinafter, the same gradation value is used. Other colors such as navy blue and dark green may also be used. Incidentally, the color tone of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1 is ivory in a preferred embodiment, but it may be any light color, such as light gray or light blue.

[0016] ***Operation unit*** 1, the operation unit 40 includes at least a touch panel 41. The touch panel 41 will be described later. The operation unit 40 is a rectangular plate-like body, the long side of which extends in the X-axis direction. The length of the long side is defined as the width W.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the image forming apparatus. 2, the operation unit 40 is provided so as to protrude from the front surface of the image reading unit 10. More specifically, the protruding end of the touch panel 41 is inclined downward from the image forming apparatus 1. This improves visibility for a user facing the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 40 is also provided so as to be tiltable. More specifically, as shown by the arrow 80 in Fig. 2, the angle can be adjusted from the front side to the back side of the device, with the end side on the image reading unit 10 side as a fulcrum. In a preferred embodiment, the inclination can be adjusted within a range of approximately 100°.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 40 includes a touch panel 41, an LED 47, an LED 48, and the like. The touch panel 41 is a touch panel display, and in a preferred embodiment, a capacitance type touch panel is used. 3 shows, as an example, a state in which a home key 42 and four software keys are displayed on the screen of a touch panel 41. The home key 42 is always displayed in the upper left corner of the screen during operation, and when this key is operated, an initial screen is displayed. The four software keys are a printer key 43, a copy key 44, a scanner key 45, and a FAX key 46.

[0019] For example, when the copy key 44 is touched, the entire display screen is switched to a setting screen for the copy function. The setting screen may include, for example, a setting screen for selecting monochrome / color printing, the number of copies, and the enlargement / reduction ratio. Note that when other software keys are operated, the setting screen for each function is also displayed in the same manner.

[0020] The LEDs 47 and 48 are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) provided on the right side of the protruding end of the touch panel 41. The LEDs 47 and 48 are indicators that display the operating status of the image forming apparatus 1 by the way they light up. For example, the LED 47 indicates a normal state when lit in green, and an abnormal state when lit in red. The LED 48 indicates a normal transmission state of communication data by flashing in orange, and indicates a communication error or the occurrence of a sheet jam by lighting in orange. Note that two or more LEDs may be provided.

[0021] Return to Figure 1. As shown in FIG. 1, in a front view of the image forming apparatus 1, the internal discharge section 32 is provided to be located on the left side, and the operation unit 40 is provided to be located on the right side. At least a portion of the operation unit 40 is disposed so as to overlap a portion of the internal discharge section 32. In a preferred embodiment, a little less than half of the width W of the operation unit 40 overlaps with the internal discharge section 32.

[0022] ***Power button and identification bar*** FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the operation unit 40 and its surroundings. Here, the power button 50 and the identification bar 60 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] 1 and 2, a power button 50, which serves as the main power source for the image forming apparatus 1, is provided on the rear side of the operation unit 40 and on the front side of the image reading unit 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the power button 50 is provided on the front side of the document placement table 11. The power button 50 is also provided on a surface that intersects with the operation unit 40. The power button 50 is a hardware key. A hardware key is a button that can be pressed as a physical device, and in a preferred example, a push button switch with an illumination function is used. When the switch is pressed, it is held in the pressed position and lights up to indicate the pressed state. When pressed again, it returns to the initial position and turns off. Note that any mechanical push button switch will do, and it may be, for example, a tactile switch.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, the power button 50 is disposed separately from the operation unit 40. In a preferred embodiment, the power button 50 is disposed at the left end of the width W, which is the long side in the X-axis direction of the operation unit 40, when viewed from the front, but this is not limited thereto and it is sufficient that the power button is disposed within the range of the width W. In a preferred embodiment, the power button 50 is a square with sides of approximately 15 mm. Note that this is not a limitation on the dimensions or shape, and it is sufficient that the size and shape are good in visibility.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, a colored identification bar 60 extending in the X-axis direction is provided next to the power button 50 of the image forming apparatus 1. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the identification bar 60 is a tape-shaped portion having a width of about 8 mm, and extends to the right of the power button 50. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the identification bar 60 is set to about half the width W of the operation unit 40 from the side of the power button 50. However, the length is not limited to this and may be any length that is easy to recognize, for example, a length of at least ¼ of the width W.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the identification bar 60 is an emblem plate made of a plate-shaped sheet material colored blue, a color different from the device body, and coated with a transparent resin in a three-dimensional manner. The identification bar 60, which is made of a refreshing blue horizontal bar, symbolizes the incorporation of an inkjet printing unit. Any refreshing blue plate will do, and for example, a plated metal plate may be used. It may also be colored metallic blue or another metallic color. The identification bar 60 may be provided to the left of the power button 50.

[0027] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The image forming device 1 comprises an image reading unit 10 that reads a document placed on a document placing table 11, a document pressing cover 12 that is freely openable and closable provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 10, an image forming unit 20 that forms an image read by the image reading unit 10 onto a sheet, a discharge unit 30 that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 20, a discharge tray 31 on which the sheet from the discharge unit 30 is placed, and an operation unit 40 having at least a touch panel 41, and a power button 50 consisting of a hardware key is provided on the front surface of the image reading unit 10, behind the operation unit 40.

[0028] According to this configuration, since the operation unit 40 and the power button 50 are arranged separately, unlike the conventional configuration in which various operation keys including the power button 50 are arranged on one operation unit 40, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation such as unintentional operation of the power button 50 during a series of operations. Furthermore, by arranging the power button 50 separately from the operation unit 40, the position of the power button 50 becomes easy to recognize. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus 1 in which the position of the power button 50 is easy to recognize and erroneous operation of the power button 50 can be prevented.

[0029] In the image forming device 1, an internal discharge section 32, which is a space including a discharge tray 31, is formed between the image reading section 10 and the image forming section 20 in the vertical direction, and the internal discharge section 32 opens to the front side of the image forming device 1, and in a front view, at least a part of the operation unit 40 overlaps with a part of the internal discharge section 32. Since the internal discharge section 32 only needs to have an opening large enough to allow printed sheets to be removed from the discharge tray 31, this configuration does not cause functional problems even if part of the operation unit 40 overlaps, and the image forming device 1 can be made smaller by the amount of overlap.

[0030] The power button 50 is disposed within the range of the horizontal width W of the operation unit 40. According to this configuration, the operation unit 40 and the power button 50 are disposed side by side in the front-to-rear direction, making it easier for the user to recognize the position of the power button 50.

[0031] The inside of the internal discharge section 32 is colored a dark color. With this configuration, it is easy to distinguish the color from the white sheet, so it is easy to tell whether or not there is a printed matter, and it is easy to use.

[0032] The operation unit 40 is tiltable. With this configuration, the operation unit 40 can be tilted to an angle that is easy for the user to operate, and therefore, operability is good.

[0033] An identification bar 60, which is colored in a color different from that of the device body, is provided next to the power button 50. With this configuration, the identification bar 60 makes it easier to identify the power button 50.

[0034] The identification bar 60 is provided to extend to the right of the power button 50. With this configuration, the identification bar 60 makes it easier to recognize the power button 50. In addition, the distinctive blue color of the identification bar 60 emphasizes and leaves an impression that the device is equipped with an inkjet printing unit.

[0035] In a front view of the image forming apparatus 1, the internal discharge unit 32 is disposed on the left side, and the operation unit 40 is disposed on the right side. With this configuration, the operation unit 40 can be mounted on the right side where it is easy to operate.

[0036] The image forming section 20 is composed of a printing unit including an inkjet head. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an inkjet type image forming apparatus 1 in which the position of the power button 50 is easy to recognize and erroneous operation of the power button 50 can be prevented.

[0037] EMBODIMENT 2 ***Different aspects of the power button and identification bar*** FIG. 5 is a front view of the image forming apparatus when the operation unit is tilted to the maximum, and corresponds to FIG. In the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the positions of the power button 55 and the identification bar 65 are different from those of the power button 50 and the identification bar 60 of the first embodiment. In more detail, the power button 55 is shifted to the left so that the power button 55 does not overlap with the operation unit 40 when the operation unit 40 is tilted to the maximum extent from the front side to the rear side of the apparatus. Hereinafter, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same numbers, and the description that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0038] As described above, the operation unit 40 can be tilted from the front side to the back side with the end side on the image reading unit 10 side as a fulcrum. Fig. 5 shows the state where the operation unit 40 is tilted to the maximum from the front side to the back side of the device. This state is assumed when the installation position of the image forming device 2 is moved, etc. Power button 55 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with operation unit 40 when viewed from the front and tilted to the maximum from the front to the rear. More specifically, power button 55 is provided on the front side of image reading section 10, to the left of operation unit 40. As a result, in image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment, power button 55 can be operated even when operation unit 40 is tilted to the maximum from the front to the rear.

[0039] 5, the identification bar 65 extends to the right of the power button 55. In a preferred embodiment, the identification bar 65 is provided to the left of the width W of the operation unit 40 when it is tilted to the maximum when viewed from the front. Therefore, when the operation unit 40 is tilted to the maximum, the presence of the identification bar 65 makes it easier for the user to recognize the position of the power button 55.

[0040] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 2 has the power button 55 at a position that does not overlap with the operation unit 40 when the operation unit 40 is tilted to the maximum from the front side to the rear side of the apparatus. With this configuration, for example, when moving the image forming apparatus 2 with the operation unit 40 tilted to the maximum, the power button 55 can be operated even if the user forgets to turn off the power.

[0042] EMBODIMENT 3 ***Different aspects of the identification bar*** FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the power button and the operation unit according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. An identification bar 70 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 6 differs from the identification bar 60 of the first embodiment in that it is different from the identification bar 60 of the first embodiment. More specifically, the identification bar 70 is composed of LEDs. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0043] The identification bar 70 is composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) extending in the X-axis direction on the front side of the image reading unit 10. The identification bar 70 extends to the right of the power button 50, and its extension length and width are similar to those of the identification bar 60 in the first embodiment. The identification bar 70 is blue when turned off, and is a brighter blue when turned on. The identification bar 70 is lit when the image reading unit 10 is operating, and is turned off when the power is off. The identification bar 70 may be an indicator that displays the operating status of the image forming apparatus 1 by the way it is lit. For example, a green light indicates a normal state, and a red light indicates an abnormal state. As another example, a flashing orange light indicates normal transmission of communication data. An orange light may indicate a communication error or the occurrence of a sheet jam. Furthermore, two or more LEDs may be provided to constitute the identification bar 70. In this case, the identification bar 70 may be provided on the left and right sides of the power button, or the LEDs may be provided to extend in parallel.

[0044] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The identification bar 70 is composed of LEDs. With this configuration, the lighting state of the LEDs can be used to appeal to the user that an inkjet printing unit is installed and to indicate the operating status.

[0045] EMBODIMENT 4 ***Different aspects of the image forming unit*** Return to Figure 1. In the above, the image forming apparatus 1 has been described as having a printing unit including an inkjet head, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may have an electrophotographic printing unit. In more detail, the image forming section of the image forming apparatus 1 may have an exposure unit, a developing unit, a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, a transfer roller, a fixing unit (none of which are shown), and the like. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained. In addition, since the start-up time of the electrophotographic method is generally longer than that of the inkjet method, if the power is turned off due to an incorrect operation, it takes a long time to restart the device, so the effect of preventing incorrect operation is large. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1, 2... image forming apparatus, 10... image reading section, 12... document holding cover, 20... image forming section, 30... discharge section, 31... discharge tray, 32... internal discharge section, 40... operation unit, 41... touch panel, 50, 55... power button, 60, 65, 70... identification bar.

Claims

1. an image reading unit that reads a document placed on a document placement table; a document pressing cover provided on an upper surface of the image reading unit so as to be freely opened and closed; an image forming unit that forms the image read by the image reading unit on a sheet; a discharge section that discharges the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming section; a discharge tray on which the sheet is placed from the discharge unit; an operation unit having at least a touch panel display; a hardware device provided on the front side of the image reading unit and on the rear side of the operation unit; A power button consisting of a key; and an identification bar provided on the left and right sides of the power button, One of the identification bars is a plate-shaped sheet member that is colored in a color different from that of the device body, and the other 4. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit; and a display unit configured to display an image on the display unit;

2. The power button is disposed within a range of the width of the operation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. Between the image reading unit and the image forming unit in the vertical direction, there is a space including the discharge tray. A certain internal discharge section is formed, the internal discharge section opens to a front side of the image forming apparatus, When viewed from the front, at least a part of the operation unit overlaps with a part of the internal discharge section. R, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inside of the internal discharge section is colored dark. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. When viewed from the front, the internal discharge section is located on the left side and the operation unit is located on the right side.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The operation unit is tiltable. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When the operation unit is inclined to the maximum extent from the front side to the rear side of the device, The power button does not overlap with the operation unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The image forming unit is composed of a printing unit including an inkjet head. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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