Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To obtain an image forming device with which it is possible to reduce the space which is required in an operation to expose an inlet part and in an operation to take out an ejected document and recording medium, as compared with the case where the direction of an operation to expose an inlet part which is an entry for a document conveyed to a reader unit that reads the image formed on the document is different from the direction in which the document and recording medium are ejected.SOLUTION: The image forming device comprises: a first ejection unit by which a recording medium on which an image was formed by an image forming unit is ejected; and a second ejection unit by which a document having been read by a reader unit is ejected. The direction of ejection to the first ejection unit, the direction of ejection to the second ejection unit, and the direction of movement when an exterior part causes an inlet part to be exposed are the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The document reading apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a document placement table and an automatic document feeder that is rotatably supported on the document placement table between a closed position that covers the upper surface of the document placement table and an open position that exposes the upper surface of the document placement table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is an image forming apparatus in which the discharge direction of the document discharged through the image reading unit that reads the image of the conveyed document is the same as the discharge direction of the document discharged through the image forming unit that forms an image on the document. In that image forming apparatus, when performing an operation to expose the entrance portion that serves as the entrance of the document conveyed to the image reading unit that reads the image formed on the document, if the direction of that operation is different from the discharge direction of the document, space is required in each direction.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the space required when performing an operation to expose the entrance portion and an operation to take the discharged document, as compared with the case where the direction of the operation is different from the discharge direction of the document, in an image forming apparatus in which the discharge direction of the document discharged through the image reading unit that reads the image of the conveyed document is the same as the discharge direction of the document discharged through the image forming unit that forms an image on the document.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a document, a first discharging unit that discharges the document on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, an exterior unit that is movable and at least a part of which is the exterior of the apparatus, an entrance unit that is exposed by the movement of the exterior unit and serves as an entrance for the document to be conveyed to an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the document, the image reading unit that reads the image formed on the document after the entrance unit is exposed and then conveyed, and a second discharging unit that discharges the document read by the image reading unit, and is characterized in that the discharging direction of the first discharging unit, the discharging direction of the second discharging unit, and the moving direction of the exterior unit are the same.

[0007] An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the image reading unit reads an image of a document placed on the entrance unit and a part of the exterior unit that was exposed before the movement in the exterior unit.

[0008] An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the movement of the exterior unit is performed by a user holding a part of the exterior unit other than the top surface of the exterior unit.

[0009] An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein there are no holes for performing an operation of moving the exterior unit on the top surface of the exterior unit.

[0010] An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein there is a camera above the exterior unit that reads a subject placed on the upper part of the exterior unit.

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the exterior unit exposes the entrance unit by the movement by sliding.

[0012] The image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the slide is slid so as to exceed the width of the present apparatus before the slide is performed.

[0013] The image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a display is provided above the exterior portion.

[0014] The image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, wherein the movement of the exterior portion is performed so as not to contact the display.

[0015] The image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein when the exterior portion is viewed from above, the exterior portion and the display at least partially overlap in the depth direction.

[0016] The image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the entrance portion is located below the exterior portion, and when the movement is not performed, the exterior portion is not visible to the user.

[0017] The image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the exterior portion is located above the image forming portion, and the upper portion is flat.

[0018] The image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the exterior portion is provided at a height that can be operated by a user standing while operating the present apparatus.

[0019] The image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a guiding portion for guiding the exterior portion in the horizontal direction.

[0020] The image forming apparatus according to the 15th aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus described in the 14th aspect, wherein the guiding portion includes a guiding rail extending in the horizontal direction provided on one of the exterior portion or the apparatus main body, and a rotating member provided on the other of the exterior portion or the apparatus main body, inserted into the guiding rail, and rotating in the circumferential direction.

[0021] The image forming apparatus according to the 16th aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus described in the 14th aspect, wherein the document insertion portion includes a placing portion having a placing surface on which a document is placed, and a receiving port for receiving a document to be conveyed toward the image reading portion. The conveying portion for conveying the document is disposed on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the placing portion. The exterior portion is at least partially protruded to the other side in the horizontal direction with respect to the placing portion in a state where the placing surface is exposed, and is arranged side by side in the horizontal direction with respect to the placing portion. On the top surface facing upward in the exterior portion, in a state where the exterior portion exposes the placing surface, a part of the document placed on the placing surface is placed.

[0022] The image forming apparatus according to the 17th aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus described in the 16th aspect, wherein in a state where the exterior portion exposes the placing surface, the top surface of the exterior portion is inclined such that a portion on one side in the horizontal direction is lower than a portion on the other side.

[0023] The image forming apparatus according to the 18th aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus described in the 17th aspect, wherein in a state where the exterior portion exposes the placing surface, a portion on one side in the horizontal direction in the exterior portion is overlapped from above with a portion on the other side in the horizontal direction in the placing portion, and a recess recessed by the thickness of the exterior portion is formed in a portion of the placing portion where the exterior portion is overlapped.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] In an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which the discharge direction of a document discharged through an image reading unit that reads an image of a conveyed document is the same as the discharge direction of a document discharged through an image forming unit that forms an image on the document, when an operation is performed to expose an entrance portion that is an entrance of the document conveyed to an image reading unit that reads an image formed on the document, the space required for performing the operation of exposing the entrance portion and the operation of taking the discharged document can be reduced as compared with the case where the direction of the operation is different from the discharge direction of the document.

[0025] In an image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, a document to be read by an image reading unit can be placed so as to straddle an entrance portion and a portion of an exterior portion that was also exposed before movement.

[0026] In an image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress damage to the top surface when the user has a top surface.

[0027] In an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the appearance of the top surface is better than when there are holes formed in the top surface.

[0028] In an image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to read a subject placed on the top surface.

[0029] In an image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the operability of the exterior portion can be improved as compared with movement by rotation.

[0030] In an image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an exterior portion that moves by sliding can move beyond the width of the present apparatus before the sliding is performed.

[0031] In an image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the user can view matters displayed on a display above the exterior portion.

[0032] In an image forming apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the exterior portion can be moved without interfering with the display.

[0033] The image forming apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention can arrange the display on the front side in the depth direction of the apparatus as compared with the case where the display is arranged on the back side of the exterior part in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0034] The image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention can suppress the user from seeing the entrance part as compared with the case where the exterior part is moved.

[0035] The image forming apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention has a better appearance of the top surface as compared with the case where the top surface is uneven.

[0036] The image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention can be operated and moved by the user while standing.

[0037] The image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention can improve the operability of the exterior part as compared with the movement by rotation.

[0038] The image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention can improve the operability of the exterior part as compared with the case where the rotating member does not rotate.

[0039] The image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention can widen the portion where the document is placed as compared with the case where the document is placed only on the placing surface.

[0040] The image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention can suppress poor conveyance of the document as compared with the case where the top surface is along the horizontal direction.

[0041] The image forming apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention can reduce the step between the placing surface and the top surface as compared with the case where no recess is formed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] An example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Note that the arrow H shown in each figure is in the vertical direction and indicates the up and down direction of the apparatus, the arrow W is in the horizontal direction and indicates the width direction of the apparatus, and the arrow D is in the horizontal direction and indicates the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0044] (Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 110 that reads an image formed on a document G, an image forming unit 12 that forms a toner image by an electrophotographic method, and a conveyance unit 14 that conveys a recording medium P along a conveyance path 16. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a housing member 18 that houses the recording medium P and a control unit 28 that controls the entire apparatus.

[0045] In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, the image formed on the document G is read by the image reading device 110. Also, the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodating member 18 is conveyed along the conveyance path 16 by the conveyance unit 14. Further, the toner image formed by the image forming unit 12 is formed on the conveyed recording medium P, and the recording medium P on which the toner image is formed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0046] 〔Image forming unit 12〕 As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30 that respectively form toner images of each color, and a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit 30 to the recording medium P. Further, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P by the transfer unit 32 to the recording medium P.

[0047] -Toner image forming unit 30- A plurality of toner image forming units 30 are provided so as to form toner images for each color. In the present embodiment, a total of four toner image forming units 30 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are provided. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the attached Y, M, C, and K are omitted.

[0048] Each color toner image forming unit 30 is basically configured in the same manner except for the toner used. As shown in FIG. 2, it includes a rotating cylindrical image carrier 40 and a charger 42 that charges the image carrier 40. Further, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image carrier 40 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image with a developer Z containing toner. Thus, each color toner image forming unit 30 forms each color image using each color toner.

[0049] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, each color image carrier 40 is in contact with a transfer belt 50 (details will be described later) that moves in a circular motion. In the circumferential direction of the transfer belt 50 (see the arrow in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0050] -Transfer unit 32- As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer unit 32 includes a transfer belt 50 and a primary transfer roll 52 that is disposed on the opposite side of each color image carrier 40 across the transfer belt 50 and transfers the toner image formed on each color image carrier 40 to the transfer belt 50.

[0051] Further, the transfer unit 32 includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a drive roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and that transmits a rotational force to the transfer belt 50. Thereby, the transfer belt 50 is configured to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0052] Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 includes a secondary transfer roll 54 that is disposed on the opposite side of the winding roll 56 across the transfer belt 50 and transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the recording medium P. And a transfer nip NT for transferring the toner image to the recording medium P is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50.

[0053] In this configuration, the toner images are primarily transferred to the transfer belt 50 by the primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Also, the toner images are transferred from the transfer belt 50 to the recording medium P that is conveyed while being sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54 by the secondary transfer roll 54. Further, the recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward the fixing device 34.

[0054] -Fixing device 34- As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 34 is disposed on the downstream side of the transfer nip NT in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. The fixing device 34 heats and presses the toner image transferred onto the recording medium P to fix it onto the recording medium P.

[0055] 〔Conveyance Unit 14〕 As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance unit 14 includes a feed roll 20 that feeds out the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodating member 18 to the conveyance path 16, and a prevention roll 22 that prevents double feeding of the recording medium P fed out by the feed roll 20. Further, the conveyance unit 14 includes an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing of the recording medium P fed out to the transfer nip NT, and a discharge roll 26 that discharges the recording medium P onto which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34 to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0056] Specifically, the discharge roll 26 conveys the recording medium P from one side (left side in the figure) in the apparatus width direction to the other side (right side in the figure) and discharges it to the discharge portion 36 formed in the apparatus main body 10a. That is, the discharge direction of the recording medium P on which the image has been formed is the other direction in the apparatus width direction. The discharge portion 36 is an example of a first discharge portion.

[0057] 〔Image Reading Device 110〕 As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 110 is disposed in the upper portion of the image forming apparatus 10. And the image reading device 110 is configured to read the image described on the original G (see FIG. 4(B)). Note that details of the image reading device 110 will be described later.

[0058] 〔Others〕 The image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a display 250 through which a user inputs an instruction to the image forming apparatus 10. Note that details of the display 250 will be described later.

[0059] (Main Component Configuration) Next, the image reading device 110 and the display 250 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the image reading device 110 is disposed above the image forming device 10. As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the image reading device 110 includes a stacking unit 118 having a placing portion 120 on which an original document G is placed, and a conveying unit 140 that is disposed on one side (left side in the figure) in the device width direction with respect to the placing portion 120 and conveys the original document G.

[0060] Furthermore, the image reading device 110 includes a reading unit 156 that reads an image of the original document G conveyed by the conveying unit 140, and a discharging unit 158 that discharges the original document G whose image has been read by the reading unit 156. Also, the image reading device 110 includes an exterior portion 160 that blocks the view of the placing surface 122 of the placing portion 120, a shielding position (see FIGS. 3(A) and 4(A)) that blocks the view of the placing surface 122, and a guiding portion 180 (see FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B)) that guides the exterior portion 160 to an exposed position (see FIGS. 3(B) and 4(B)) where the placing surface 122 is exposed.

[0061] And, with the exterior portion 160 positioned at the exposed position, one or more original documents G can be placed on the placing surface 122 of the placing portion 120.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 110 includes an imaging device 220 that reads an image of a single stationary original document G.

[0063] 〔Stacking Unit 118〕 As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the stacking unit 118 includes a placing portion 120, a restricting portion 126 that restricts the position of the original document G (see FIG. 4(B)) placed on the placing surface 122 formed on the placing portion 120, and a detecting portion 128 that detects the original document G placed on the placing surface 122.

[0064] -Placing Portion 120- The placing portion 120 is plate-shaped with the plate thickness direction being the up-and-down direction of the apparatus, and is rectangular when viewed from above. Further, on the placing portion 120, a placing surface 122 on which the document G is placed and a recess 124 which is arranged on the other side in the apparatus width direction (right side in the figure) with respect to the placing surface 122 and is recessed with respect to the placing surface 122 are formed. Specifically, the recess 124 is recessed by the thickness of the top plate 162 of the exterior portion 160 with respect to the placing surface 122.

[0065] Further, the placing surface 122 and the recess 124 are formed across the apparatus depth direction, and when viewed from the apparatus depth direction, they are inclined with respect to the horizontal direction such that the portion on one side in the apparatus width direction is lower than the portion on the other side in the apparatus width direction.

[0066] Furthermore, through holes 122a and 124a penetrating in the up-and-down direction are formed in the placing portion 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the through hole 122a is formed in the portion on the center side in the apparatus depth direction and on the other side in the apparatus width direction of the placing surface 122. Also, the through hole 124a is formed in the portion on the center side in the apparatus depth direction and on the other side in the apparatus width direction of the recess 124.

[0067] -Restricting portion 126- As shown in FIG. 3(B), a pair of restricting portions 126 are provided and attached to the placing surface 122.

[0068] The pair of restricting portions 126 are spaced apart in the apparatus depth direction and are symmetric with respect to the apparatus depth direction. Also, the restricting portions 126 are guided by a pair of slits 122b formed in the placing portion 120 and extending in the apparatus depth direction, and are configured to move within a range determined in the apparatus depth direction. Further, the moving restricting portions 126 are configured to stop in place due to the frictional force generated between the restricting portions 126 and the placing surface 122. And the pair of restricting portions 126 are configured to contact the side edges of the document G placed on the exposed placing surface 122 and restrict the position of the document G in the apparatus depth direction.

[0069] Note that the loading unit 118 adopts the center register method, and when one of the regulating units 126 is moved in the depth direction of the apparatus, a mechanism (not shown) is provided to move the other regulating unit 126 by the same amount in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0070] In this configuration, by bringing the pair of regulating units 126 into contact with the side edges of the document G, detection means (not shown) detects the positions of the regulating units 126. Then, based on this detection signal, the control unit 28 derives the length of the document G in the document width direction.

[0071] - Detection unit 128 - The detection unit 128 is an optical reflection sensor, and as shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), a pair of them are provided side by side in the apparatus width direction.

[0072] One of the detection units 128 (hereinafter referred to as "detection unit 128a") is attached to the through-hole 122a and is configured to detect the document G placed on the placing surface 122 by emitting light upward. The other detection unit 128 (hereinafter referred to as "detection unit 128b") is attached to the through-hole 124a and is configured to detect the document G placed on the top surface 162a of the exterior unit 160 by emitting light upward.

[0073] In this configuration, when it is detected by detection means (not shown) whether the exterior unit 160 is in the exposed position, the detection units 128a and 128b irradiate the document G placed on the placing surface 122 with light.

[0074] Note that the light irradiation by the detection units 128a and 128b may be not limited to the case where the exterior unit 160 is in the exposed position, but may also be in other situations. For example, the detection units 128a and 128b may always irradiate light, or may irradiate light when it is detected that the image reading unit 110 is about to be used. The case where it is detected that the image reading unit 110 is about to be used is, for example, when an instruction to use the image reading unit 110 is received via a display (not shown), or when an imaging instruction from the imaging device 220 is received, etc.

[0075] 〔Transport Unit 140〕 As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the transport unit 140 is disposed on one side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the placing unit 120.

[0076] The transport unit 140 includes a plurality of transport rollers 144 that transport the document G along a U-shaped transport path 142 that is open on the side of the placing unit 120 when viewed from the depth direction of the apparatus, and a covering unit 146 that covers the plurality of transport rollers 144.

[0077] The covering unit 146 is formed of a resin material colored black, and has a top plate 148 that covers the transport rollers 144 from above, a side plate 150 that covers the transport rollers 144 from one side in the apparatus width direction, and a side plate 152 that covers the transport rollers 144 from the other side (the side of the placing unit 120) in the apparatus width direction.

[0078] An opening 152a and an opening 152b that extend in the depth direction of the apparatus are formed in the side plate 152. The opening 152a and the opening 152b are arranged vertically, and the opening 152a is located above the opening 152b. The opening 152a is an example of an entrance.

[0079] In this configuration, the transport unit 140 receives the document G placed on the placing surface 122 from the opening 152a and transports it along the transport path 142.

[0080] An entrance portion 130, which is an entrance of the document G transported to the reading unit 156 that reads the image formed on the document G, is formed by the opening 152a and the placing unit 120.

[0081] 〔Reading Unit 156, Discharge Unit 158〕 As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the reading unit 156 is arranged so as to face the transport path 142 so as to read the image of the document G transported along the transport path 142 by the transport unit 140.

[0082] The discharging unit 158 is plate-shaped with the plate thickness direction being the up-and-down direction of the apparatus, and is disposed below the placing unit 120. The discharging unit 158 is configured to receive the document G conveyed by the conveying unit 140 and discharged from the opening 150b. The discharging unit 158 is an example of a second discharging unit.

[0083] 〔Exterior unit 160〕 As described above, the exterior unit 160 is movable between a shielding position and an exposing position, and at least a part thereof constitutes the exterior of the apparatus main body 10a. Further, the exterior unit 160 is disposed at a height at which a user operating the apparatus main body 10a can operate it while standing. In other words, the exterior unit 160 is disposed at a position having a height of 700 [mm] or more and 1700 [mm] or less from the floor surface on which the image forming apparatus 10 is placed.

[0084] The exterior unit 160 located at the shielding position is disposed so as to cover the placing surface 122 from above and block the view to the placing surface 122 as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 4(A). The exterior unit 160 is guided by a guide portion 180 (see FIG. 5) between a shielding position for blocking the view to the placing surface 122 and an exposing position for exposing the placing surface 122 as shown in FIGS. 3(B) and 4(B). Thus, the exterior unit 160 is configured to move from the shielding position to the exposing position.

[0085] First, the exterior unit 160 in the state of being located at the shielding position will be described. In the exterior unit 160, the cross section cut by a plane orthogonal to the depth direction of the apparatus is L-shaped as shown in FIG. 4(A). Specifically, the exterior unit 160 includes a top plate 162 with the plate thickness direction being the up-and-down direction of the apparatus, and a wall plate 164 connected to the other end of the top plate 162 in the width direction of the apparatus and having the plate thickness direction being the width direction of the apparatus. Further, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the exterior unit 160 has a pair of side plates 166 respectively connected to both ends of the top plate 162 in the depth direction of the apparatus and both ends of the wall plate 164 in the depth direction of the apparatus, and having the plate thickness direction being the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0086] -Top plate 162- As shown in Fig. 3(A), the top plate 162 is rectangular with the length in the device width direction and the length in the device depth direction being the same when viewed from above. Further, the top surface 162a facing upward of the top plate 162 is flat without holes and is arranged along the horizontal direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the top plate 162 covers the placing portion 120 from above and is aligned with the top plate 148 of the covering portion 146 of the conveying portion 140 in the device width direction. And the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 is arranged in the same planar shape as the upper surface 148a of the top plate 148.

[0087] - Wall plate 164 - As shown in Fig. 3(A), the wall plate 164 is rectangular and extends in the device depth direction when viewed from the device width direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the wall plate 164 covers at least a part of the placing portion 120 from the other side in the device width direction and is aligned with the side plate 11 facing the other side in the device width direction of the device main body 10a in the device vertical direction. And the wall surface 164a facing the outside of the wall plate 164 is arranged in the same planar shape as the side surface 11a facing the outside of the side plate 11. In other words, the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position is arranged without protruding in the device width direction with respect to the device main body 10a.

[0088] Also, the user is configured to move the exterior portion 160 between the shielding position and the exposure position by holding this wall plate 164. In other words, the movement of the exterior portion 160 is configured to be performed by the user holding a part of the exterior portion 160 other than the top surface 162a.

[0089] - Side plate 166 - As shown in Figs. 3(A) and 5(A), the side plate 166 is rectangular and extends in the device width direction when viewed from the device depth direction, with a part on one side in the device width direction being cut out and a part on the other side in the device width direction protruding downward. Also, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the pair of side plates 166 sandwiches at least a part of the placing portion 120 from the device depth direction.

[0090] Further, as shown in FIG. 5(A), a slit-shaped guide rail 168 extending in the apparatus width direction is formed in the side plate 166. Specifically, a bent portion 168a that is bent and an inclined portion 168b that extends upward and obliquely from the bent portion 168a are formed in one portion of the guide rail 168 in the apparatus width direction.

[0091] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8(A)(B), an L-shaped covering portion 200 extending in the apparatus width direction is provided in the image reading apparatus 110 in order to block the view of the side plate 166.

[0092] In this configuration, the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position blocks the view of the placing surface 122 as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 4(A).

[0093] Here, in the present embodiment, "preventing from being seen from the outside", "blocking the view", and "shielding" include a state in which the inside is difficult to see as compared with a state in which at least the inside is exposed, in addition to a state in which the inside cannot be completely seen from the outside.

[0094] In addition, when there is a premise of imaging the document placed on the exterior portion 160 with the imaging device 220, the exterior portion 160 is preferably black.

[0095] Next, the exterior portion 160 in the exposed position will be described. In the state where the exterior portion 160 is located at the exposed position, as shown in FIGS. 3(B) and 4(B), the exterior portion 160 is aligned with the placing portion 120 in the apparatus width direction, and in the apparatus width direction, it is disposed on the opposite side of the conveying portion 140 with the placing portion 120 interposed therebetween. And, the other portion of the exterior portion 160 in the apparatus width direction protrudes toward the other side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the side plate 11 of the apparatus main body 10a. In other words, one end of the exterior portion 160 has moved beyond the width of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0096] Further, as shown in FIG. 4(B), one side portion in the apparatus width direction on the top plate 162 of the exterior portion 160 is overlapped with the concave portion 124 of the placing portion 120 from above. And the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 is arranged in the same planar shape as the placing surface 122 of the placing portion 120. Also, the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 is inclined at the same angle as the placing surface 122 of the placing portion 120.

[0097] In this configuration, the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position moves to the exposure position as shown in FIGS. 3(B) and 4(B) to expose the placing surface 122. Further, the surface on which the document G is placed is widened to the other side in the apparatus width direction by the top surface 162a of the top plate 162. And the rear end portion of the document G with its front end portion placed on the placing surface 122 is placed on the top surface 162a of the top plate 162.

[0098] 〔Guide portion 180〕 Next, the guide portion 180 and the like that guide the exterior portion 160 to the shielding position (see FIG. 3(A)) and the exposure position (see FIG. 3(B)) will be described.

[0099] A pair of guide portions 180 are provided on both sides of the exterior portion 160 in the apparatus depth direction, and the pair of guide portions 180 are symmetric with respect to the apparatus depth direction. Hereinafter, one of the guide portions 180 will be described.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the guide portion 180 includes a guide rail 168 formed on the side plate 166 of the exterior portion 160, and two rotating members 182 inserted into the guide rail 168 from the apparatus depth direction. Further, the guide portion 180 includes a guide plate 188 having a contact surface 188a that contacts the lower end of the side plate 166.

[0101] -Rotating member 182- As shown in Fig. 5(A), a pair of rotating members 182 are provided side by side in the apparatus width direction. One of the rotating members 182 (hereinafter referred to as "rotating member 182a") is disposed at the other end of the guide rail 168 in the apparatus width direction in a state where the exterior portion 160 is located at the shielding position. The other rotating member 182 (hereinafter referred to as "rotating member 182b") is disposed at a portion on the other side with respect to the central portion of the guide rail 168 in the apparatus width direction in a state where the exterior portion 160 is located at the shielding position. In the following description, when the rotating member 182 is not distinguished between the rotating member 182a and the rotating member 182b, the trailing a and b may be omitted.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 8(B), the rotating member 182 is attached to a frame 190 provided inside the side plate 166 in the apparatus depth direction. Specifically, the rotating member 182 includes a columnar main body portion 184a inserted into the guide rail 168, and a shaft portion 184b extending from the main body portion 184a toward the frame 190 side and inserted into a through hole 190a formed in the frame 190. Further, the rotating member 182 includes a retaining portion 184c attached to the end of the shaft portion 184b to prevent the shaft portion 184b from coming out of the through hole 190a, and a bearing (not shown) disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 184b and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 190a.

[0103] Further, the outer diameter of the main body portion 184a is made smaller than the rail width of the guide rail 168. Thereby, the rotating member 182 inserted into the guide rail 168 is adapted to rotate in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 184a.

[0104] - Guide plate 188 - As shown in Fig. 8(A), the guide plate 188 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction being the vertical direction of the apparatus. One end of the guide plate 188 in the depth direction of the apparatus is connected to the lower end of the covering portion 200, and the other end of the guide plate 188 in the depth direction of the apparatus is connected to the lower end of the frame 190. And, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the guide plate 188 extends from the conveying portion 140 to the other side in the apparatus width direction. Further, the end portion on the other side in the apparatus width direction of the guide plate 188 is located on one end side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the rotating member 182b in the apparatus width direction.

[0105] In this configuration, the user moves the exterior portion 160 to the other side in the apparatus width direction with the wall plate 164 of the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position. Then, as shown in Figs. 6(A) and 6(B), the guide rail 168 inserted with the rotating member 182 and the guide plate 188 in contact with the lower end of the side plate 166 regulate the guiding direction of the exterior portion 160. And, the exterior portion 160 is guided to the other side in the apparatus width direction.

[0106] Further, as shown in Fig. 6(B), when the bent portion 168a of the guide rail 168 reaches the rotating member 182b, the inclined portion 168b of the guide rail 168 receives the rotating member 182b. Thereby, the exterior portion 160 is guided to the exposed position while being inclined as shown in Fig. 6(C). The exterior portion 160 guided to the exposed position stops at the exposed position by the biasing force of a biasing means (not shown).

[0107] On the contrary, when the user moves the exterior portion 160 to one side in the apparatus width direction with the wall plate 164 of the exterior portion 160 located at the exposed position, the biasing force of the biasing means is released. And, as shown in Figs. 6(B) and 6(C), when the bent portion 168a of the guide rail 168 reaches the rotating member 182b, the exterior portion 160 is along the horizontal direction.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6(A), the exterior portion 160 is guided to one side in the apparatus width direction and hits a stopper (not shown) to stop at the shielding position.

[0109] As described above, the exterior portion 160 moves between a shielding position and an exposed position by moving in the horizontal direction. In other words, the exterior portion 160 moves between the shielding position and the exposed position by sliding movement.

[0110] 〔Imaging device 220〕 The imaging device 220 is a so-called calligraphy and painting camera. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3(A), it includes a support portion 224 that extends upward from a portion on the center side in the device width direction and on the back side in the device depth direction in the device main body 10a, and an imaging portion 230.

[0111] The support portion 224 includes a column portion 224a that extends upward from the device main body 10a, and an extension portion 224b that bends from the upper end of the column portion 224a and extends toward the front side in the device depth direction. The imaging portion 230 is attached to the extension portion 224b such that the imaging direction is downward.

[0112] In this configuration, the imaging device 220 images and reads a document G placed on the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 of the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position, or a document G placed so as to straddle the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 and the upper surface 148a of the top plate 148 of the covering portion 146.

[0113] 〔Display 250〕 The display 250 is a screen that displays operations for the image forming apparatus 10 and the image reading apparatus 110. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), it is attached to the column portion 224a. Further, at least a part of the display 250 overlaps the exterior portion 160 when viewed from above.

[0114] Furthermore, the display 250 is arranged separated from the movement locus of the exterior portion 160. In other words, the display 250 is configured not to interfere with the moving exterior portion 160.

[0115] (Operation of the main part configuration) Next, the operation of the main component configuration will be described. The operation of the main component configuration will be described separately for the case where the image reading device 110 reads the image of one or more original documents G, and the case where the image reading device 110 reads the image of a single stationary original document G.

[0116] 〔When reading the image of one or more original documents G〕 When the image reading device 110 reads the image of one or more original documents G, the user positions the exterior part 160 at the exposed position as shown in Fig. 3(B). Also, when the exterior part 160 is at the shielded position, the user holds the wall plate 164 of the exterior part 160 at the shielded position and moves the exterior part 160 to the other side in the device width direction. Thereby, the exterior part 160 is guided to the exposed position by the guide part 180. In this way, the user positions the exterior part 160 at the exposed position. As described above, the moving direction of the exterior part 160 at the shielded position is the other direction in the device width direction.

[0117] Next, the user places the original document G so as to straddle the placing surface 122 of the placing part 120 and the top surface 162a of the top plate 162. Further, the user brings the pair of regulating parts 126 into contact with the side edges of the original document G. Then, the user inputs an image reading instruction to the image reading device 110 through the display screen displayed on the display 250.

[0118] When an image reading instruction is input, the exterior part 160 positioned at the exposed position is detected by a detection means (not shown). When it is detected that the exterior part 160 is at the exposed position, the control unit 28 (see Fig. 1) derives the size of the original document G from the positions of the pair of regulating parts 126 and the detection signals from the detection parts 128a and 128b shown in Fig. 4(B).

[0119] In addition, when the detection units 128a and 128b emit infrared rays toward the document G, at least the portion of the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 of the exterior unit 160 that is irradiated with the light emitted from the detection unit 128b needs to be a transmissive material that transmits the light from the detection unit 128b. Specifically, when the exterior unit 160 is slid (guided) in the apparatus width direction, in a state where the exterior unit 160 is in the exposed position, at least the portion that is irradiated with the light emitted from the detection unit 128b needs to be a transmissive material.

[0120] When the size of the document G is derived, the conveyance unit 140 controlled by the control unit 28 conveys the documents G one by one along the conveyance path 142, and the reading unit 156 reads the image formed on the conveyed document G. Then, the conveyance unit 140 conveys the document G on which the image has been read from one side in the apparatus width direction to the other side and discharges it to the discharge unit 158. As described above, the discharge direction of the document G on which the image has been read is the other direction in the apparatus width direction.

[0121] Based on the image read by the reading unit 156, the image forming unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 forms a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto the conveyed recording medium P. Further, the recording medium P on which the toner image has been formed is discharged to the discharge unit 36 outside the apparatus main body 10a. As described above, the discharge direction of the recording medium P on which the image has been formed is the other direction in the apparatus width direction.

[0122] 〔When reading the image of a single stationary document G〕 When the image reading apparatus 110 reads the image of a single stationary document G, the user positions the exterior unit 160 at the shielding position as shown in FIG. 3(A). That is, when the exterior unit 160 is at the shielding position, the user maintains that state. On the other hand, when the exterior unit 160 is at the exposed position, the user moves the exterior unit 160 to one side in the apparatus width direction by holding the wall plate 164 of the exterior unit 160 at the exposed position. As a result, the exterior unit 160 is guided to the shielding position by the guide unit 180. In this way, the user positions the exterior unit 160 at the shielding position.

[0123] Next, the user places the document G so as to straddle the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 or the top surface 162a of the top plate 162 and the upper surface 148a of the top plate 148 of the covering portion 146. Note that in this embodiment, a white document G is used. Then, the user inputs an image reading instruction to the image reading device 110 through the display screen displayed on the display 250.

[0124] When an image reading instruction is input, the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position is detected by a detection means (not shown). When it is detected that the exterior portion 160 is located at the shielding position, the imaging device 220 controlled by the control unit 28 (see FIG. 1) captures the document G to read the image.

[0125] Based on the image read by the imaging device 220, the image forming unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 forms a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto the conveyed recording medium P to be formed. Further, the recording medium P on which the toner image is formed is discharged to the discharge portion 36 outside the apparatus main body 10a.

[0126] (Summary) As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, the discharge direction of the recording medium P on which an image is formed, the discharge direction of the document G from which an image is read, and the moving direction of the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position are the same direction. Thereby, in a configuration where the discharge direction of the recording medium P on which an image is formed and the discharge direction of the document G from which an image is read are the same, when performing an operation of exposing the entrance portion 130 that serves as the entrance of the document G conveyed to the reading unit 156, the direction of the operation is different from the discharge direction of the document G and the recording medium P. Compared to the case, the space required for the operation of exposing the entrance portion 130 and the operation of taking out the discharged document G and recording medium P is reduced.

[0127] In the image forming apparatus 10, the reading unit 156 is placed so as to straddle the placing surface 122 that constitutes the entrance unit 130 and the top surface 162a that was also exposed in the exterior unit 160 located at the exposure position before moving to the exposure position. In this way, the document G to be read by the reading unit 156 is placed so as to straddle the placing surface 122 and the top surface 162a of the exterior unit 160.

[0128] In the image forming apparatus 10, the movement of the exterior unit 160 is performed when the user holds the wall plate 164 other than the top surface 162a of the exterior unit 160. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the top surface 162a from being damaged when the user holds the top surface 162a.

[0129] In the image forming apparatus 10, there are no holes for operating the exterior unit 160 on the top surface 162a of the exterior unit 160. Thereby, the appearance of the top surface 162a is better compared to the case where there are holes formed on the top surface.

[0130] In the image forming apparatus 10, above the exterior unit 160, an imaging device 220 for reading an image of a document G as an example of a subject placed on the top surface 162a of the exterior unit 160 located at the shielding position is arranged. In other words, the image of the document G placed on the top surface 162a is read by the imaging device 220.

[0131] In the image forming apparatus 10, the exterior unit 160 moves from the shielding position to the exposure position by sliding. Thereby, the operability of the exterior unit 160 is improved compared to the movement by rotation.

[0132] In the image forming apparatus 10, when the exterior unit 160 moves from the shielding position to the exposure position, one end of the exterior unit 160 moves beyond the width of the apparatus main body 10a. In other words, the exterior unit 160 moves such that one end of the exterior unit 160 moves beyond the width of the apparatus main body 10a before the sliding movement is performed.

[0133] In the image forming apparatus 10, the display 250 is arranged apart from the movement locus of the exterior unit 160. Thereby, the exterior unit 160 can move without interfering with the display 250.

[0134] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10, when viewed from above, in the apparatus depth direction, at least a part of the exterior unit 160 and the display 250 overlap. Thereby, compared with the case where the display 250 is arranged on the back side of the exterior unit 160 in the apparatus depth direction, the display 250 is arranged on the front side in the apparatus depth direction.

[0135] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10, the exterior unit 160 located at the shielding position shields the view to the entrance unit 130 including the mounting surface 122. In other words, the entrance unit 130 is made invisible to the user due to the presence of the exterior unit 160. Further in other words, the user is suppressed from seeing the entrance unit 130.

[0136] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10, the top surface 162a of the exterior unit 160 is flat. Thereby, compared with the case where the top surface has irregularities, the appearance of the top surface 162a is improved.

[0137] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10, the exterior unit 160 is arranged at a height that can be operated by a user standing while operating the apparatus main body 10a. In other words, the exterior unit 160 is operated and moved by a standing user.

[0138] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10, the guide unit 180 guides and moves the exterior unit 160 in the horizontal direction. Thereby, compared with the movement by rotation, the operability of the exterior unit 160 is improved.

[0139] Also, in the image forming apparatus 10, the rotating member 182 inserted into the guide rail 168 rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 182. Thereby, compared with the case where the rotating member does not rotate, the operability of the exterior unit 160 is improved.

[0140] In the image forming apparatus 10, with the exterior portion 160 located at the exposed position, a part of the document G placed on the placing surface 122 is placed on the top surface 162a of the exterior portion 160. As a result, compared with the case where the document G is placed only on the placing surface 122, the portion where the document G is placed is widened.

[0141] In the image forming apparatus 10, with the exterior portion 160 located at the exposed position, the top surface 162a of the exterior portion 160 is inclined such that one side portion in the horizontal direction is lower than the other side portion. As a result, compared with the case where the top surface 162a is along the horizontal direction, conveyance failure of the document G is suppressed.

[0142] In the image forming apparatus 10, in the portion where the exterior portion 160 is overlaid on the placing portion 120, a recessed portion 124 recessed by the thickness of the exterior portion 160 is formed. As a result, compared with the case where no recessed portion is formed, the step difference between the placing surface 122 and the top surface 162a is reduced.

[0143] Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and the present invention can take various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 10 has been used to describe the present invention, but for example, an image forming apparatus such as an inkjet system may be used.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the exterior portion 160 moves in the horizontal direction, but it may be a rotational movement or the like. In this case, the effects achieved by moving in the horizontal direction are not achieved.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the movement of the exterior portion 160 is performed by the user holding the wall plate 164 of the exterior portion 160, but the user may also move the exterior portion 160 by holding the top surface 162a. In this case, the effects achieved by the movement of the exterior portion 160 when the user holds a portion other than the top surface 162a are not achieved.

[0146] Also, in the above embodiment, the exterior portion 160 located at the shielding position blocks the view to the entrance portion 130 including the placing surface 122. However, it is only necessary that the entrance portion 130 cannot be seen by the user due to the presence of the exterior portion 160.

[0147] Also, in the above embodiment, the rotating member 182 inserted into the guide rail 168 rotates, but it does not necessarily have to rotate. In this case, the effects achieved by rotation are not achieved.

[0148] Also, in the above embodiment, the top surface 162a of the exterior portion 160 located at the exposed position is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, but it may also be along the horizontal direction. In this case, the effects achieved by the inclination of the top surface 162a are not achieved.

[0149] Also, in the above embodiment, a recess 124 recessed by the thickness of the exterior portion 160 is formed in the portion of the placing portion 120 where the exterior portion 160 is overlaid, but the recess does not necessarily have to be formed. In this case, the effects achieved by the formation of the recess 124 are not achieved.

[0150] Also, in the above embodiment, the guide rail 168 is formed in the exterior portion 160 and the rotating member 182 is attached to the apparatus main body 10a, but the guide rail may be formed in the apparatus main body and the rotating member may be attached to the exterior portion.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0151] 10 Image forming apparatus 10a Apparatus main body 12 Image forming unit 36 Discharge portion (an example of the first discharge portion) 120 Placing portion 122 Placing surface 124 Recess 130 Entrance portion 140 Conveying portion 152a Opening (an example of the receiving port) 156 Reading unit 158 Discharge portion (an example of the second discharge portion) 160 Exterior portion 162a Top surface 168 Guide rail 180 Guide section 182 Rotating member 230 Imaging unit (an example of a camera) 250 Display

Claims

1. An image forming unit that forms an image on a document, A first discharge unit that discharges the document on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit, An exterior part that is movable and at least a part of which is the exterior of the apparatus main body, An entrance part that is exposed by the movement of the exterior part and serves as an entrance for the document to be conveyed to an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the document, The image reading unit that reads the image formed on the document after the entrance part is exposed and the document is conveyed, A second discharge unit that discharges the document read by the image reading unit, A guide unit that guides the exterior part in the horizontal direction, and The discharge direction of the first discharge unit, the discharge direction of the second discharge unit, and the movement direction of the exterior part are the same, The guide unit includes a guide rail extending in the horizontal direction provided on one of the exterior part or the apparatus main body, and a rotating member provided on the other of the exterior part or the apparatus main body, inserted into the guide rail, and rotating in the circumferential direction. An image forming apparatus.

2. The image reading unit reads the image of the document placed on the entrance part and the part that was exposed before the movement in the exterior part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The movement of the exterior part is performed by the user holding a part other than the top surface of the exterior part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. There are no holes for performing an operation of moving the exterior part on the top surface of the exterior part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. There is a camera above the exterior part that reads a subject placed on the upper part of the exterior part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The exterior part exposes the entrance part by the movement by sliding. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The slide is slid so as to exceed the width of the apparatus main body before the slide is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. There is a display above the exterior part. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The movement of the exterior part is performed so as not to contact the display. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

10. When the exterior part is viewed from above, the exterior part and the display at least partially overlap in the depth direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The inlet portion is located below the exterior portion and is not visible to the user due to the presence of the exterior portion when the movement is not performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The exterior portion is located above the image forming portion and has a flat upper portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The exterior portion is provided at a height that can be operated by a user standing while operating the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The inlet portion includes a placing portion where a placing surface for placing a document is formed, and a receiving port for receiving a document to be conveyed toward the image reading portion. The conveying portion for conveying the document is disposed on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the placing portion. In a state where the placing surface is exposed, at least a part of the exterior portion protrudes to the other side in the horizontal direction with respect to the placing portion and is arranged side by side in the horizontal direction with respect to the placing portion. On the top surface facing upward in the exterior portion, in a state where the exterior portion exposes the placing surface, a part of the document placed on the placing surface is placed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

15. In a state where the exterior portion exposes the placing surface, the top surface of the exterior portion is inclined such that a portion on one side in the horizontal direction is lower than a portion on the other side. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

16. In a state where the exterior portion exposes the placing surface, a portion on one side in the horizontal direction in the exterior portion is overlapped from above with a portion on the other side in the horizontal direction in the placing portion. In the portion of the placing portion where the exterior portion is overlapped, a recess is formed that is recessed by the thickness of the exterior portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15.

Images