Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an operation auxiliary tool and an image formation apparatus, capable of suppressing spread of infection through a grip part.SOLUTION: An operation auxiliary tool 100 includes a grip part 102 and an engagement part 101 engaging with a knob part of a paper cassette which is a drawing unit constituted to draw out from an apparatus body. By grasping and pulling the grip part 102 after inserting the knob part of the paper cassette into the engagement part 101 of the operation auxiliary tool 100 for engagement, the paper cassette can be drawn out without directly touching the knob part. Thus, the spread of infection through the grip part can be suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a drawer unit configured to be pullable with respect to a device main body has been known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus in which a paper feed tray as a drawer unit is pulled out from the device main body by a user gripping and pulling a handle provided on the paper feed tray.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The handle of a drawer unit such as a paper feed tray is a part that is touched by an unspecified number of users. When the handle is touched with a hand contaminated with a virus, there is a risk of the spread of infection through the handle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention In an image forming apparatus including a drawer unit configured to be pullable with respect to a device main body, the drawer unit has a handle portion with which an operation assisting tool engages. The operation assisting tool has an arch shape with an opening at the lower part into which the handle portion is inserted. The inner peripheral surface of the arch shape is the engaging portion that engages with the handle portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the arch shape is a gripping portion. The operation assisting tool extends vertically from the upper end and the lower end of the opposing surface of the gripping portion that opposes the side surface of the drawer unit in a state where the operation assisting tool is attached to the handle portion, and has a detent portion that abuts against the side plate of the device main body and stops rotation around the handle portion of the operation assisting tool in a state where the operation assisting tool is attached to the handle portion is characterized by the following.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the spread of infection through the handle can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the overlapping descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0009] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an original document reading unit 2 that optically reads image information of an original document D, an exposure unit 3 that irradiates exposure light L based on the image information read by the original document reading unit 2 onto a photosensitive drum 5, and an image forming unit 4 that forms a toner image (image) on the photosensitive drum 5. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a transfer unit 7 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 onto a sheet P (recording medium).

[0010] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an original document conveying unit 10 (automatic document feeder) that conveys the set original document D to the original document reading unit 2, and paper feeding devices 12 and 13 that feed the sheets P accommodated in the paper feed cassettes 12a and 13b. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes a manual paper feeding device 16 that feeds the sheet P manually set by the user.

[0011] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a registration roller pair 17 (conveying roller pair) that conveys the sheet P toward the transfer unit 7, and a fixing device 20 that fixes the toner image (unfixed image) carried on the sheet P. The fixing device 20 has a fixing roller 21 and a pressure roller 22. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 has a paper discharge tray 31 on which the sheets P discharged from the apparatus main body are stacked. Each of the paper feeding devices 12 and 13 has a placement unit (elevating plate) 42 and 43 configured to be able to be raised and lowered, and a paper feeding mechanism 52 as a paper feeding means.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the operation during normal image formation in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. First, the original document D is conveyed (fed) from the original document table in the direction of the arrow in the figure by the conveying rollers of the original document conveying unit 10 and passes over the original document reading unit 2. At this time, in the original document reading unit 2, the image information of the original document D passing above is optically read.

[0013] Then, the optical image information read by the original document reading unit 2 is converted into an electrical signal and then transmitted to the exposure unit 3 (writing unit). And from the exposure unit 3, exposure light L such as laser light based on the image information of the electrical signal is emitted toward the photosensitive drum 5 of the image forming unit 4.

[0014] On the other hand, in the image forming unit 4, the photosensitive drum 5 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, and through a predetermined image forming process (charging process, exposure process, developing process), an image (toner image) corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 5. Then, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred onto the sheet P conveyed by the resist roller pair 17 at the transfer unit 7 as an image forming unit.

[0015] On the other hand, the sheet P conveyed to the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) operates as follows. That is, one of the plurality of feeding devices 12 and 13 of the image forming apparatus 1 is automatically or manually selected (for example, it is assumed that the lower feeding device 13 is selected). Then, the uppermost sheet P in the feeding device 13 is fed by the feeding mechanism 52 and conveyed toward the conveying path K. After that, the sheet P passes through the conveying path K provided with a plurality of conveying rollers and reaches the position of the resist roller pair 17. At this time, the resist roller pair 17 is in a state of stopped rotation, and the skew of the sheet P is corrected by the leading edge of the sheet P hitting the nip.

[0016] When the manual feeding device 16 installed on the side of the image forming apparatus 1 is selected, the sheet P placed on the manual feed tray of the manual feeding device 16 by the user (when a plurality of sheets P are stacked, the uppermost sheet P) is fed toward the conveying path by the feeding mechanism 52 (feeding means). Then, when the sheet reaches the position of the resist roller pair 17 and the skew is corrected. After that, the rotation of the resist roller pair 17 is started, and the sheet is conveyed toward the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) in synchronization with the timing for alignment with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5.

[0017] In this way, the pair of resist rollers 17 functions as a pair of conveyance rollers that correct the skew of the sheet P by abutting the leading edge of the sheet P against the nip in a state where rotation has stopped, and then sandwich and convey the sheet P with the skew corrected in a rotated state in the nip. After the sheet P passes through the position of the transfer unit 7 after the transfer process, it reaches the fixing device 20 via the conveyance path. The sheet P that has reached the fixing device 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the toner image is fixed by the heat received from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure received from both rollers 21 and 22 (this is the fixing process).

[0018] After the fixing process in which the toner image has been fixed, the sheet P is discharged from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (fixing nip), then discharged from the image forming apparatus 1, and stacked on the paper discharge tray 31 as an output image. In this way, a series of image forming processes is completed.

[0019] Next, the feeding device in the present embodiment will be described in detail. Hereinafter, among the plurality of feeding devices 12 and 13 incorporated in the image forming apparatus 1, the lower feeding device 13 will be described. However, since the upper feeding device 12 has substantially the same configuration as the lower feeding device 13 except for the different installation positions, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the feeding device 13. The feeding device 13 is provided with a placement portion 43 (lifting plate) formed so as to be able to stack a plurality of sheets P, a feeding mechanism 52 as a feeding means for feeding the sheets P placed on the placement portion 43, and the like. The placement portion 43 is configured to move up and down by rotating in the forward and reverse directions about the rotation center axis 43a (see FIG. 1).

[0021] The feeding mechanism 52 includes a feed roller 53, a pickup roller 54, a separation roller 55 as a separation member, a torque limiter 56, a DC motor 77 (a drive source), and the like. Further, the feeding mechanism 52 includes a contact and separation mechanism for bringing the pickup roller 54 into contact with and separating it from the sheet P (the uppermost sheet P1) placed on the placement portion 43, and a moving mechanism 80 for moving the separation roller 55 in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction and perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 2).

[0022] The feed roller 53 is installed on the front end side in the feeding direction (the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 2) with respect to the sheet P placed on the placement portion 43, contacts the upper surface of the sheet P, and rotates (rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2) along the feeding direction of the sheet P to feed the sheet P in the feeding direction indicated by the dashed line arrow.

[0023] The pickup roller 54 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2 along the running direction while being in contact with the surface (upper surface) of the sheet P placed on the placement portion 43, and conveys the sheet P toward the position of the feed roller 53. Further, the pickup roller 54 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the sheet P (the uppermost sheet P1) placed on the placement portion 43. That is, the pickup roller 54 is formed to be movable between a retracted position (see FIG. 4(B)) where it does not contact the sheet P placed on the placement portion 43 and a contact position where it contacts as shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] The separation roller 55 is installed so as to form a nip portion with the feed roller 53. The separation roller 55 functions as a separation member for separating the lower sheet P from the uppermost sheet P so that only the uppermost sheet P is fed when a plurality of sheets P are clamped in the nip portion.

[0025] Specifically, when a single sheet P is clamped between the nip portions of the separation roller 55 serving as a separation member, it rotates along the feeding direction (in the direction of the dashed arrow in Fig. 2, rotating clockwise). In contrast, when a plurality of sheets P are clamped between the nip portions of the separation roller 55, it rotates along the direction opposite to the above feeding direction (in the direction of the solid arrow in Fig. 2, rotating counterclockwise). As a result, the uppermost sheet P1 among the plurality of sheets P is fed in the feeding direction along with the rotation of the feed roller 53, and the lower sheet P2 is conveyed in the direction opposite to the feeding direction.

[0026] The feed roller 53, the pickup roller 54, and the separation roller 55 each have a roller portion (roller part) formed of a rubber material (or resin material) on the shaft portion, which is formed by being divided into one or more parts in the axial direction. Also, the feed roller 53, the pickup roller 54, and the separation roller 55 are each formed such that the roller portion is detachable (replaceable) with respect to the shaft portion, enabling easy maintenance of the roller portion.

[0027] The DC motor 77 as a drive source is feedback-controlled so that the rotational speed of its motor shaft becomes a predetermined value. Specifically, by PWM control by the control unit 70, the current (or voltage) applied to the DC motor 77 is adjusted so that the rotational speed of the DC motor 77 remains constant regardless of load fluctuations. Specifically, when the load applied to the DC motor 77 is large, the current (or voltage) applied to the DC motor 77 is adjusted to be large. On the other hand, when the load applied to the DC motor 77 is small, the current (or voltage) applied to the DC motor 77 is adjusted to be small. Thereby, the rotational speed of the DC motor 77 is made constant.

[0028] The feeding device 13 moves up and down in the vertical direction according to the number of sheets P stacked on the placement portion 43 so that the pickup roller 54 can contact the uppermost sheet P stacked on the placement portion 43. Then, after the pickup roller 54 descends to a position where it contacts the upper surface of the sheet P placed on the placement portion 43 whose vertical position has been adjusted, the feeding operation of the sheet P is performed.

[0029] Also, an inlet guide plate is installed between the placement portion 43 and the nip portion between the feed roller 53 and the separation roller 55. Further, the feeding device 13 is provided with side fences for regulating the position of the sheet P placed on the placement portion 43 in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2). The side fences are respectively installed at both ends in the width direction so as to sandwich the sheet P, and are configured to be movable in the width direction in accordance with the size of the sheet P in the width direction by a manual movement mechanism.

[0030] Also, the feeding device 13 is provided with end fences for regulating the position of the sheet P placed on the placement portion 43 in the feeding direction (the left - right direction in FIG. 2). The end fences are installed so as to contact the rear end of the sheet P in the feeding direction, and are configured to be movable in the feeding direction in accordance with the size of the sheet P in the feeding direction by a manual movement mechanism.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the drive system of the feeding device 13. As shown in FIG. 3, on the shaft portion of the feed roller 53, a two - stage gear 65 having an upper - stage gear 65a and a lower - stage gear 65b is installed. The upper - stage gear 65a of the two - stage gear 65 meshes with the second gear 62c of the pulley - two - stage gear 62. The lower - stage gear 65b of the two - stage gear 65 meshes with an idler gear 67, and this idler gear 67 meshes with a gear 68 installed on the shaft portion of the pickup roller 54.

[0032] The first gear 62b of the pulley two-stage gear 62 meshes with the separation gear 69 installed on the shaft portion of the separation roller 55. A torque limiter 56 is also installed on the shaft portion of the separation roller. The DC motor 77 (drive motor) is provided with a motor pulley 60. A timing belt 61 is stretched between the motor pulley 60 and the pulley 62a of the pulley two-stage gear 62.

[0033] The drive is transmitted from the DC motor 77 to the separation gear 69 via the motor pulley 60, the timing belt 61, the pulley 62a, and the first gear 62b. Further, the drive is transmitted to or blocked from the separation roller 55 via the torque limiter 56 from the separation gear 69.

[0034] The torque limiter 56 is configured such that when a rotational load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the separation roller 55, the separation roller 55 idles relative to the torque limiter 56. When a single sheet P is clamped at the nip portion (the contact portion between the feed roller 53 and the separation roller 55), the rotational load applied to the separation roller 55 is relatively large when the sheet P is not clamped at the nip portion. At this time, the torque limiter 56 blocks the drive transmission from the DC motor 77 to the separation roller 55. Therefore, the separation roller 55 idles relative to the torque limiter 56 and is carried around (driven rotationally) in the clockwise direction of FIG. 3 along with the rotation of the feed roller 53.

[0035] When a plurality of sheets P are clamped at the nip portion, the rotational load applied to the separation roller 55 becomes relatively small due to the slip between the sheets P. Therefore, the torque limiter 56 transmits the drive from the DC motor 77 to the separation roller 55. As a result, the separation roller 55 is rotationally driven in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 3, and the lower sheets except the uppermost sheet P1 among the plurality of sheets P clamped at the nip portion are conveyed in the reverse direction and returned to the placement portion 43. With such a configuration, a single sheet P is sent out in the feeding direction (conveying direction) without double feeding of the sheet P from the nip portion between the feed roller 53 and the separation roller 55.

[0036] Also, the drive transmitted from the DC motor 77 to the pulley and two-stage gear 62 is transmitted to the upper gear 65a of the two-stage gear 65 via the second gear 62c, and the feed roller 53 is rotationally driven counterclockwise in FIG. 3. Further, the drive is transmitted to the gear 68 via the lower gear 65b of the two-stage gear 65 and the idler gear 67, and the pickup roller 54 is rotationally driven counterclockwise in FIG. 3.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the contact and separation mechanism of the pickup roller 54 in the feeding device 13. The pickup roller 54 is rotatably held by the arm 58. The arm 58 is rotatably held by the rotating shaft of the feed roller 53. A spring 73 that biases the pickup roller 54 to move to the retracted position and a solenoid 72 that moves the pickup roller 54 to the contact position against the biasing force of the spring 73 are connected to the protruding portion 58a of the arm 58.

[0038] Under the control of the control unit 70 (see FIG. 2), when the solenoid 72 is turned on, the pickup roller 54 moves to the contact position as shown in FIG. 4(A). When the solenoid 72 is turned off, the pickup roller 54 moves to the retracted position as shown in FIG. 4(B). The idler gear 67 described above with reference to FIG. 3 is installed on the arm 58 and rotates together with the arm 58 while maintaining the meshing state with the gear 68 of the pickup roller 54 and the meshing state with the gear 65b of the feed roller 53.

[0039] In a state where the sheet P is not set on the placement portion 43, this state is detected by the end detection sensor 95, and the pickup roller 54 is in a retracted state (see FIG. 4(B)) by the control of the solenoid 72 by the control unit 70 (see FIG. 2). When the sheet P is set on the placement portion 43, this state is detected by the end detection sensor 95, and the pickup roller 54 is moved from the retracted position to the contact position (the position shown in FIG. 4(A)) by the control of the solenoid 72 by the control unit 70. Then, with the pickup roller 54 in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P placed on the placement unit 43, the counterclockwise rotation drive of the pickup roller 54 is started, and at the same time, the rotation of the feed roller 53 and the separation roller 55 is started. As a result, the uppermost sheet P among the sheet bundle placed on the placement unit 43 by the pickup roller 54 is conveyed toward the nip portion between the feed roller 53 and the separation roller 55. Further, one sheet P is separated from the nip portion and conveyed toward the image forming unit.

[0040] Also, when all the sheets P placed on the placement unit 43 are fed and the placement unit 43 is in a state where no sheet P is set, this state is detected by the end detection sensor 95. When the end detection sensor 95 detects that no sheet is set, the pickup roller 54 moves back to the retracted position by the control of the solenoid 72 by the control unit 70 (the state in Fig. 4(B)).

[0041] Fig. 5 shows an example of the operation of the feeding device 13 and is a schematic diagram showing the operation when a plurality of sheets P are nipped at the nip portion. First, as shown in Fig. 5(A), when the sheet P is set on the placement unit 43, after the placement unit 43 rises to the optimal position, the pickup roller 54 moves from the retracted position toward the contact position by the control of the solenoid 72 by the control unit 70 (see Fig. 2). Then, the pickup roller 54 comes into contact with the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P1 placed on the placement unit 43. With the pickup roller 54 in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost sheet P1, the counterclockwise rotation drive of the pickup roller 54 is started. Then, the sheets P1 and P2 placed on the placement unit 43 by the pickup roller 54 are conveyed toward the nip portion between the feed roller 53 and the separation roller 55. At this time, it is assumed that the two sheets P1 and P2 are double-fed. Also, when the sheets P1 and P2 are not pinched at the nip portion, the torque limiter 56 is in an idling state, and the separation roller 55 rotates clockwise.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5(B), when the two re-fed sheets P1 and P2 are conveyed to the nip portion, the pickup roller 54 will move to the retracted position again. At this time, when the two sheets P1 and P2 are sandwiched in the nip portion, the torque limiter 56 is in a connected state, and the separation roller 55 starts to rotate counterclockwise. As the separation roller 55 rotates counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the lower sheet P2 is conveyed in the direction of the black arrow along the rotation of the separation roller 55 (returned toward the placement portion 43). Also, the upper sheet P1 (the uppermost sheet P1) is conveyed in the direction of the white arrow along the rotation of the feed roller 53 (conveyed toward the conveyance path of the image forming apparatus 1).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5(D), when the lower sheet P2 returned toward the placement portion 43 by the separation roller 55 passes through the nip portion, the torque limiter 56 becomes idling again, and the separation roller 55 rotates clockwise again. Note that when one sheet P is sandwiched in the nip portion from the state of FIG. 5(A), the separation roller 55 does not rotate counterclockwise as shown in FIGS. 5(B) and (C), and the uppermost sheet P1 is conveyed in the direction of the white arrow while being driven to rotate clockwise (FIG. 5(D)).

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus having a configuration different from that of FIG. 1. The image forming apparatus shown in this FIG. 6 does not have a document reading unit 2 or a document conveyance unit 10, and the upper surface of the apparatus serves as a paper discharge tray 31 where the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged. Also, the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6 includes a single feeding device 12.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the feeding device 12 in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, a feeding device 12 as a drawer device is a drawer unit that can be pulled out with respect to the main body and has a paper feeding cassette 12a that is a sheet storage unit. The paper feeding cassette 12a has a handle portion 12b on its side surface. When the sheets in the paper feeding cassette 12a are used up, the paper feeding cassette 12a is pulled out from the feeding device 12 in order to replenish the sheets in the paper feeding cassette 12a. At this time, the user pulls the paper feeding cassette 12a out of the feeding device 12 by gripping and pulling the handle portion 12b. Further, after replenishing the sheets in the paper feeding cassette 12a, the user pushes the paper feeding cassette 12a into the feeding device 12 by gripping and pushing the handle portion 12b.

[0046] The operation of pulling out the paper feeding cassette 12a is generally performed by the user who has instructed the printing of an image when the sheets in the paper feeding cassette run out during printing or when a paper jam occurs. Therefore, the handle portion 12b of the paper feeding cassette 12a may be gripped by an unspecified number of users. For this reason, there was a risk of so-called contact infection in which the virus adheres to the handle portion 12b by gripping the handle portion 12b with a virus-infected hand and the virus infects another user via the handle portion 12b. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an operation assisting tool is used so that the paper feeding cassette 12a can be pulled out without directly touching the handle portion 12b of the paper feeding cassette 12a. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to the drawings.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the operation assisting tool 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 8(a) is a front view, FIG. 8(b) is a side view, and FIG. 8(c) is a perspective view. The operation assisting tool 100 is owned by each user who uses this image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8, the operation assist tool 100 has an arch shape with an open bottom. The inner peripheral surface of this arch-shaped portion serves as an engaging portion 101 that engages with the handle portion 12b, and the outer peripheral surface serves as a gripping portion 102 that the user grips. At the lower parts of the surfaces 101a and 101b of the engaging portion 101 that are orthogonal to the pulling-out direction, a pair of protruding return portions 105 are provided. The distance between one return portion and the other return portion is sufficiently longer than the thickness of the handle portion 12b.

[0048] On the upper surface 102b of the gripping portion 102, as will be described later, a panel operation portion 103 for operating the operation panel 200 (see FIG. 11) is provided. The tip portion 103a, which is a pressing portion of the panel operation portion 103, is made of an elastic material and a material that allows the touch panel to react, and is formed of a material different from the main body of the operation assist tool 100. The tip portion 103a of the panel operation portion 103 is attached by a known method such as press-fitting, adhesion, or screwing. Also, by attaching the tip portion 103a by press-fitting or screwing, the tip portion 103a can be easily removed from the main body, and it is preferable that the tip portion 103a can be replaced. By making it replaceable, when the tip portion 103a is damaged, the operation assist tool 100 can be continuously used by replacing the tip portion 103a. Note that the entire panel operation portion 103 may be formed of a material different from the main body of the operation assist tool 100.

[0049] Also, facing the side surface of the paper feed tray 12a of the handle portion 102, at both ends in the width direction of the upper end and the lower end of the fingertip contact surface 102c that the user's fingertip contacts when gripping, there are provided anti-rotation portions 104 extending in the vertical direction. This anti-rotation portion 104 abuts against the side plate 12c (see FIG. 9) of the feeding device 12 to prevent the operation assist tool 100 from rotating around the handle portion. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the palm contact surface 102a of the gripping portion 102, which is located outside the handle portion 12b and against which the user's palm abuts when the user grips the gripping portion 102, is X mm longer downward than the fingertip contact surface 102c.

[0050] The operation assisting tool 100 is preferably configured with an antibacterial treatment or made of a metal material. As the antibacterial treatment, it is also possible to use a special material in which silver ions are kneaded into a resin, and any material or treatment with bactericidal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects may be used. As the metal material, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc. are also acceptable, and copper or copper alloy has a bactericidal effect and is more preferable. By configuring the operation assisting tool 100 with an antibacterial treatment or a metal material, it is possible to suppress the contact infection of the virus through the operation assisting tool 100. Alternatively, only the gripping portion 102 that the user grips may be configured with an antibacterial treatment or made of a metal material.

[0051] Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the engaging portion 101 is integrally formed with the gripping portion 102 from the same material, but the engaging portion 101 and the gripping portion 102 may be made of different materials. By configuring the engaging portion 101 and the gripping portion 102 with different materials, the engaging portion 101 can be made of a material suitable for engagement with the handle portion 12b, and the gripping portion 102 can be made of a material suitable for the user to grip. Thereby, the operability and functionality of the operation assisting tool 100 can be enhanced.

[0052] For example, the engaging portion 101 is made of a material with a high coefficient of friction such as EPDM or silicone rubber, and the coefficient of friction with respect to the handle portion 12b is made higher than the coefficient of friction of the gripping portion 102 with respect to the handle portion 12b. Then, the gripping portion 102 is made of a material with an antibacterial treatment or a metal material as described above. By configuring the engaging portion 101 with a material having a high coefficient of friction, when operating the handle portion 12b, the movement of the operation assisting tool 100 with respect to the handle portion 12b can be suppressed, and the feeding cassette 12a can be stably pulled out or pushed in. Also, by configuring the gripping portion 102 with an antibacterial treatment or a metal material, contact infection can be well suppressed.

[0053] The attachment of the engaging portion 101 to the gripping portion 102 (arch-shaped portion) of the engagement portion 101 can use known methods such as press-fitting, adhesion, screwing, etc. It is preferable to attach the engaging portion 101 to the gripping portion 102 (arch-shaped portion) removably by screwing or press-fitting, etc., so that the engaging portion 101 can be replaced. By making it replaceable, when the engaging portion 101 is damaged, the operating aid 100 can be continuously used by replacing the engaging portion 101.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state where the operating aid 100 is attached to the handle portion 12b. FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view. The operating aid 100 is inserted into the engaging portion 101 from above the handle portion 12b and attached to the handle portion 12b. Since the distance between one return portion and the other return portion is sufficiently longer than the thickness of the handle portion, when the operating aid 100 is attached to the handle portion 12b, the handle portion 12b can be inserted into the engaging portion 101 without the return portion 105 being caught.

[0055] When the operating aid 100 is attached to the handle portion 12b, the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 faces the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle portion 12b, and the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 faces the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b. Also, the upper surface 101c of the engaging portion 101 contacts the upper surface of the handle portion 12b, and the operating aid 100 is supported by the handle portion 12b. Also, when the operating aid 100 is attached to the handle portion 12b, the pair of return portions 105 are located below the handle portion 12b.

[0056] Also, when the operating aid 100 is attached to the handle portion 12b, the tip of the anti-rotation portion 104 faces the side plate 12c of the feeding device 12. When the operating aid 100 tries to rotate clockwise in FIG. 9(b), the tip of the lower anti-rotation portion 104 abuts against the side plate 12c of the feeding device 12, restricting the rotation of the operating aid 100 around the handle portion 12b. On the other hand, when the operating aid 100 tries to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 9(b), the tip of the upper anti-rotation portion 104 abuts against the side plate 12c of the feeding device 12, restricting the rotation of the operating aid 100 around the handle portion 12b.

[0057] In this way, by restricting the rotation of the operation assist tool 100 by the rotation prevention portion 104, the posture of the operation assist tool 100 can be maintained in the posture when pulling out as shown in FIG. 9(b). Thereby, the operation assist tool 100 attached to the handle portion 12b can be easily grasped. Further, when pulling out, the paper feed cassette 12a can be pulled out without changing the posture of the operation assist tool 100, and the pulling-out operation can be easily performed.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a state when the paper feed cassette 12a is pulled out from the paper feeding device 12 using the operation assist tool 100. FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view. When pulling out the paper feed cassette 12a, the user-owned operation assist tool 100 is attached to the handle portion 12b. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the user's hand H grips the grip portion 102 of the operation assist tool 100, the fingertip h1 contacts the fingertip contact surface 102c of the grip portion 102, and the palm h2 contacts the palm contact surface 102a of the grip portion 102.

[0059] Further, the operation assist tool 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the panel operation portion 103 on the upper surface 102b of the grip portion 102. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the grip portion 102 is gripped in such a manner that the user's finger sandwiches the panel operation portion 103. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operation assist tool 100 from moving in the width direction with respect to the user's hand H, and the operation assist tool 100 can be firmly gripped. Thereby, the operability of the operation of pulling out and pushing in the paper feed cassette 12a by the operation assist tool 100 can be improved.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 10(b), when the user's hand H grips the gripping portion 102, the palm h2 of the hand is positioned below the fingertips h1. In this embodiment, the palm contact surface 102a of the gripping portion 102 that the palm h2 of the hand contacts extends X mm below the fingertip contact surface 102c. Thereby, the area where the palm h2 of the user's hand contacts the palm contact surface 102a can be made wider than when the position of the lower end of the palm contact surface 102a is the same as the position of the lower end of the fingertip contact surface 102c. As a result, the user can stably grip the gripping portion 102, and can stably pull out and push in the paper feed cassette 12a by the operation assisting tool 100.

[0061] When the user grips and pulls the gripping portion 102 of the operation assisting tool 100, the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b, and the pulling force of the user is transmitted to the handle portion 12b through the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101. Thereby, the paper feed cassette 12a is pulled out from the paper feeding device 12.

[0062] In this embodiment, with the operation assisting tool 100 mounted on the handle portion 12b, the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 faces the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b. Therefore, the user can bring the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 into contact with the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b simply by gripping and pulling the gripping portion 102 without changing the posture of the operation assisting tool 100.

[0063] When the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle portion 12b and pulls out the paper feed cassette 12a, the return portion 105 provided on the second surface 101b faces the handle portion 12b from below. During the pulling operation, depending on how the user pulls, a force may be generated that causes the operation assist tool 100 to rotate clockwise as shown in Fig. 10(b). When a force is generated to rotate clockwise as shown in Fig. 10(b) during the pulling out, the return portion 105 provided on the second surface 101b of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the lower surface of the handle portion 12b. As a result, the rotation of the operation assist tool 100 is restricted, and it is possible to preferably suppress the operation assist tool 100 from coming off the handle portion 12b during the pulling out, and the paper feed cassette 12a can be stably pulled out from the paper feed device 12.

[0064] When pushing the paper feed cassette 12a into the paper feed device 12, the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle portion 12b, and the pushing force of the user is transmitted to the handle portion 12b through the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101. Thereby, the paper feed cassette 12a is pushed into the paper feed device 12.

[0065] In the present embodiment, when the operation assist tool 100 is attached to the handle portion 12b, the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle portion 12b faces the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101. Therefore, the user can bring the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 into contact with the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle portion 12b simply by gripping and pushing the gripping portion 102 without changing the posture of the operation assist tool 100.

[0066] Also, when the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle portion 12b and pushes the paper feed cassette 12a in, the return portion 105 provided on the first surface 101a faces the handle portion 12b from below. During the pushing-in operation, depending on how the user pushes, a force may be generated that causes the operation assisting tool 100 to rotate counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 10(b). When a force is generated to rotate counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 10(b) during the pushing-in operation, the return portion 105 provided on the first surface 101a of the engaging portion 101 abuts against the lower surface of the handle portion 12b. As a result, the rotation of the operation assisting tool 100 is restricted, and it is possible to preferably suppress the operation assisting tool 100 from coming off the handle portion 12b during the pushing-in operation, and the paper feed cassette 12a can be stably pushed into the paper feeding device 12.

[0067] When the paper feed cassette 12a is pushed into the position where the rotation preventing portion 104 of the operation assisting tool 100 abuts against the side plate 12c of the paper feeding device 12, due to the structure of the paper feeding device 12, the paper feed cassette 12a is automatically drawn into the paper feeding device 12. As a result, the paper feed cassette 12a is attached to the paper feeding device 12 and assumes the state shown in Fig. 10(b).

[0068] If the paper feed cassette 12a is not pushed all the way into the paper feeding device 12, for an operation assisting tool applied to a paper feeding device where the paper feed cassette 12a is not attached to the paper feeding device 12, the rotation preventing portion 104 may be eliminated. By eliminating the rotation preventing portion 104, the paper feed cassette 12a can be pushed all the way in by the operation assisting tool, and the paper feed cassette 12a can be attached to the paper feeding device.

[0069] Also, the rotation preventing portion 104 may be configured to be elastically deformable, and the operation assisting tool 100 may be configured to be able to push the paper feed cassette 12a all the way in. When the rotation preventing portion 104 abuts against the side plate 12c of the paper feeding device 12 and the operation assisting tool 100 is further pushed, the rotation preventing portion 104 elastically deforms, and the paper feed cassette 12a can be pushed all the way into the paper feeding device 12.

[0070] In this way, in this embodiment, the user can pull out and push in the paper feed cassette 12a without directly touching the handle portion 12b, and it is possible to suppress the contact infection of the virus.

[0071] Further, in the operation assisting tool 100 of this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the arch-shaped portion into which the handle portion 12b is inserted is used as the gripping portion 102. Thereby, the gripping portion 102 can be configured to be larger than the handle portion 12b, and it is easier to grip the gripping portion 102 than when gripping the handle portion 12b. As a result, force can be easily applied and the operation can be performed stably.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the operation panel 200 using the operation assisting tool 100 of this embodiment. When operating the operation panel 200 with the operation assisting tool 100, the operation assisting tool 100 is gripped in the same manner as when pulling out the paper feed cassette 12a. Then, the operation panel 200 can be operated by pressing the button 200a of the operation panel 200 with the tip portion 103a of the panel operation portion 103.

[0073] Since the operation panel 200 of the image forming apparatus is touched by an unspecified number of users for setting image quality, number of printed sheets, etc., there is a high possibility that the virus adheres to the operation panel 200. In this embodiment, the operation panel 200 can be operated without directly touching the operation panel 200 by the operation assisting tool 100. Thereby, the contact infection via the operation panel 200 can also be suppressed.

[0074] Next, a modified example of the operation assisting tool will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the operation assisting tool 100A of the modified example. The operation assisting tool 100A of this modified example is made of a soft resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or a rubber material such as urethane or silicon, and is configured such that the operation assisting tool 100A elastically deforms by the clamping force of the user.

[0075] In addition, in the operation assist tool 100A of the modification example, the return parts 105 below the first surface and the second surface of the engagement part are provided with a predetermined interval in the width direction and are formed as a plurality of columnar convex shapes.

[0076] FIG. 13 is a view showing a state where the operation assist tool 100A of the modification example is attached to the handle part 12b. FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view. Also in this modification example, when the operation assist tool 100A is attached to the handle part 12b, the first surface 101a of the engagement part 101 faces the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle part 12b, and the fingertip contact surface 102c faces the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle part 12b. Thus, similarly to the embodiment, when the user grasps and pulls the grip part 102, the second surface 101b of the engagement part 101 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 12b2 of the handle part 12b, and the paper feed cassette 12a can be pulled out. Also, when the user grasps and pushes the grip part 102, the first surface 101a of the engagement part 101 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 12b1 of the handle part 12b, and the paper feed cassette 12a can be pushed in.

[0077] Also, similarly to the embodiment, when pulling out and pushing in the paper feed cassette 12a, the return part 105 faces the lower surface of the handle part 12b, and the detachment of the operation assist tool 100 can also be suppressed. Further, similarly to the embodiment, the grip part 102 can grip larger than the handle part 12b and is easier to grip. Therefore, force can be easily applied, and stable operation can be performed.

[0078] Also in this modification example, the user can pull out and push in the paper feed cassette 12a without directly touching the handle part 12b, and the contact infection of the virus can be suppressed.

[0079] FIG. 14 is a view showing a state where a sheet bundle discharged onto the paper discharge tray 31 is clamped by the operation assist tool 100A of the modification example. FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 14(b) is a side view. The operation assist tool 100A of the modified example is configured to be elastically deformed by the clamping force of the user. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the operation assist tool 100A can be elastically deformed by the clamping force of the user, and the sheet bundle discharged onto the paper discharge tray 31 can be grasped by the operation assist tool 100A. Thereby, the sheet bundle can be taken out from the paper discharge tray 31 without directly touching the sheet bundle discharged by the operation assist tool 100A.

[0080] Further, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the sheet bundle is grasped by the operation assist tool, the return portion 105 abuts against the sheet bundle. In this modified example, since the return portion 105 has a plurality of convex shapes, the clamping force of the user can be concentrated on the return portion 105. Thereby, the sheet bundle can be preferably grasped by the operation assist tool.

[0081] Each return portion may be formed of a material having a higher friction coefficient with respect to the sheet than the main body of the operation assist tool 100A or a highly durable material, and each return portion may be formed separately from the main body of the operation assist tool 100A. By forming each return portion of a material having a higher friction coefficient with respect to the sheet than the main body of the operation assist tool 100A, when the sheet bundle is grasped by the operation assist tool, it is possible to prevent the sheet from slipping off the operation assist tool due to the weight of the sheet or the like.

[0082] For attaching each return portion 105 to the main body, known methods such as press-fitting, adhesion, and screwing can be used. It is preferable that the return portion 105 can be detachably attached by screwing, press-fitting, etc., so that the return portion 105 can be replaced. By making it replaceable, when the return portion 105 is damaged, the operation assist tool 100A can be continuously used by replacing the return portion 105.

[0083] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which the operation assist tool is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 15, it is preferable to configure the operation assist tool to be detachable from the side surface of the image forming apparatus which is a device using the operation assist tool. For holding the operation assist tool on the side surface of the image forming apparatus, known methods such as press-fitting, adsorption by magnetic force, and holding using magic tape (registered trademark) can be used.

[0084] Also, it is preferable to make the colors of a plurality of operation aids held on the side surface of the image forming apparatus different from each other so that it is possible to easily identify which user the operation aid corresponds to. Further, it is preferable to hold the operation aid outside the apparatus rather than inside the apparatus and expose the operation aid from the image forming apparatus. Thereby, for example, when using the operation aid or spraying alcohol or the like after use for disinfection becomes easy. Also, attachment and detachment of the operation aid to the image forming apparatus can be easily performed. Furthermore, the held operation aid can be easily visually recognized, and there is no need to search for the location where the operation aid is held.

[0085] In this way, by holding the operation aid in the image forming apparatus which is an apparatus using the operation aid, loss of the operation aid can be prevented as compared with the case where each user stores it individually. Also, when using, since the operation aid held on the image forming apparatus can be removed and used, it is also possible to prevent a situation such as the user having to return to the storage location where the operation aid is individually stored.

[0086] In the above, an example in which the operation aid of the present invention is used in the paper feed cassette 12a of the image forming apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation aid of the present invention can be used in an apparatus provided with a drawer unit.

[0087] FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a currency calculator 300 as an apparatus provided with a drawer unit. The currency calculator 300 is configured to be pullable with respect to the apparatus main body, and includes a stacker unit 301 which is a drawer unit where banknotes are loaded and is a sheet storage unit, and a discrimination unit 306 for discriminating banknotes. Also, the currency calculator 300 is configured to be pullable with respect to the apparatus main body, and includes an accumulation unit 308 which is a drawer unit for accumulating the discriminated banknotes and is a sheet storage unit.

[0088] The banknotes stacked in the stacker unit 301 are fed to a separation nip formed by the contact of the conveyance roller 304 with the separation belt 303 by the paper feed roller 302. The separation belt 303 rotates in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction. When multiple banknotes are stacked, only the lowermost banknote is conveyed toward the discrimination unit 306, and the banknotes from the second one onward are returned by the separation belt 303, so that the multiple fed banknotes are separated into single ones. The banknotes separated into single ones at this separation nip are conveyed to the discrimination unit 306, and the type of the banknote is discriminated by the discrimination unit 306. The amount is added according to the discriminated type of the banknote. An accumulation cart 307 is provided at the end of the conveyance path 305, and the banknotes conveyed one by one by the accumulation cart 307 are accumulated in the accumulation unit 308. When means for detecting the presence or absence of banknotes detects that there are no banknotes stacked in the stacker unit 301, the conveyance of the banknotes is terminated, and the accumulated amount is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel.

[0089] When pulling out from the apparatus main body, the handle parts of the stacker unit 301 and the handle parts of the accumulation unit 308 that are grasped may be touched by an unspecified large number of users. As a result, there is a risk of contact infection via the handle parts of the stacker unit 301 and the handle parts of the accumulation unit 308. Therefore, in the operation of pulling out and pushing in the stacker unit 301 and the operation of pulling out and pushing in the accumulation unit 308, by using the above-described operation assist tool, the stacker unit 301 and the accumulation unit 308 can be pulled out without directly touching the handle parts, and contact infection can be prevented.

[0090] What has been described above is an example, and specific effects are achieved for each of the following aspects. (Aspect 1) The operation assist tool 100 has a grip part 102 and an engagement part 101 that engages with a handle part 12b of a pull-out unit such as a paper feed cassette 12a configured to be pullable with respect to the apparatus main body. According to this, as described in the embodiment, by using the operation assist tool, the user can pull out and push in the pull-out unit without touching the handle part. Thereby, the spread of infection via the handle part can be suppressed.

[0091] (Aspect 2) In Aspect 1, the engaging portion 101 has a first opposing surface such as the first surface 101a that opposes the orthogonal surface on the downstream side in the pulling direction, such as the outer peripheral surface 12b1, among a pair of orthogonal surfaces orthogonal to the pulling direction of the pulling unit of the handle portion 12b, and a second opposing surface such as the second surface 101b that opposes the orthogonal surface on the upstream side in the pulling direction, such as the inner peripheral surface 12b2. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when pulling out the pulling unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a from the apparatus main body, the first opposing surface such as the first surface 101a contacts the handle portion 12b, thereby transmitting the pulling force of the user to the handle portion 12b and enabling the pulling unit to be pulled out from the apparatus main body. On the other hand, when pushing the pulling unit into the apparatus main body, the second opposing surface such as the second surface 101b contacts the handle portion 12b, thereby transmitting the pushing force of the user to the handle portion 12b and enabling the pulling unit to be pushed into the apparatus main body. Thereby, it is possible to perform the pulling out and pushing in operations of the pulling unit with respect to the apparatus main body using the operation assist tool.

[0092] (Aspect 3) In Aspect 2, in a state of being attached to the handle portion 12b, the first opposing surface such as the first surface 101a and the second opposing surface such as the second surface 101b oppose the orthogonal surface. According to this, as described in the embodiment, during the pulling out operation of the pulling unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a, the operation of opposing the first opposing surface such as the first surface 101a to the orthogonal surface and, during the pushing in operation of the pulling unit, the operation of opposing the second opposing surface such as the second surface 101b to the orthogonal surface become unnecessary. Thereby, the pulling unit can be pulled out simply by grasping and pulling the operation assist tool attached to the handle portion 12b, and the pulling unit can be pushed in simply by grasping and pushing the operation assist tool.

[0093] (Aspect 4) In Mode 2 or 3, the engaging portion 101 has an opening into which the handle portion is inserted at the lower part, and a return portion 105 protruding toward the handle portion side is provided at a position below the handle portion of the first opposing surface such as the first surface 101a and the second opposing surface such as the second surface 101b. According to this, as described in the embodiment, during the operation of the drawing unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a by the operation assist tool 100, it is possible to prevent the operation assist tool 100 from coming out of the handle portion 12b.

[0094] (Aspect 5) In any of Aspects 1 to 4, it has a detent portion 104 that stops rotation in a state of being attached to the handle portion 12b. According to this, as described in the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the operation assist tool attached to the handle portion 12b from rotating around the handle portion, and to maintain the posture of the operation assist tool in the posture when pulling out the drawing unit. As a result, it is possible to easily grasp the operation assist tool attached to the handle portion. Also, when pulling out, the drawing unit can be pulled out without changing the posture of the operation assist tool, and the pulling operation can be easily performed.

[0095] (Aspect 6) In any of Aspects 1 to 5, when the user grips the grip portion 102, the vertical length of the palm contact surface 102a of the grip portion 102 that contacts the palm h2 of the user's hand is longer than the vertical length of the fingertip contact surface 102c that contacts the fingertip of the user when the user grips the grip portion 102. According to this, as described in the embodiment, the user can stably grip the grip portion 102, and can stably pull out and push in the drawing unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a by the operation assist tool.

[0096] (Aspect 7) In any of Aspects 1 to 6, it has a panel operation portion 103 for operating the operation panel 200. According to this, as described in the embodiment, it is possible to operate the operation panel 200 without directly touching the operation panel 200 with the operation assist device, and it is possible to suppress contact infection through the operation panel 200.

[0097] (Aspect 8) In Aspect 7, the panel operation unit 103 is provided on the gripping unit 102. According to this, as described in the embodiment, it becomes possible to grip the gripping unit 102 by pinching the panel operation unit 103 with fingers, and the operation assist device can be firmly gripped. Thereby, the operability of the operation of pulling out and pushing in the drawer unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a by the operation assist device can be improved.

[0098] (Aspect 9) In Aspect 7 or 8, at least a pressing portion such as the tip portion 103a that presses the operation panel 200 of the panel operation unit 103 is configured to be replaceable. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when the pressing portion such as the tip portion 103a is damaged, the operation assist device can be continuously used by replacing the pressing portion.

[0099] (Aspect 10) In any one of Aspects 7 to 9, at least a pressing portion such as the tip portion 103a that presses the operation panel 200 of the panel operation unit 103 is configured of a material different from that of the main body of the operation assist device. According to this, at least the pressing portion such as the tip portion 103a of the panel operation unit 103 can be configured of a material that is easy to operate the operation panel, and the main body can be configured of a material that is easy to grip. Thereby, it is possible to easily achieve both the operability of the operation panel 200 and the operability of the drawer unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a.

[0100] (Aspect 11) In any one of Aspects 1 to 10, the engaging portion 101 is configured to be replaceable. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when the engaging portion 101 is damaged, the operation assisting tool 100 can be continuously used by replacing the engaging portion 101.

[0101] (Aspect 12) In any one of Aspects 1 to 11, the engaging portion 101 is made of a material different from that of the main body of the operation assisting tool. According to this, as described in the embodiment, the engaging portion 101 can be made of a material suitable for engagement with the handle portion 12b, and the gripping portion 102 can be made of a material suitable for gripping by the user. Thereby, the operation of the drawer unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a can be stably performed.

[0102] (Aspect 13) In Aspect 12, the friction coefficient between the engaging portion 101 and the handle portion 12b is higher than the friction coefficient between the main body of the operation assisting tool and the handle portion 12b. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when the engaging portion 101 abuts against the handle portion 12b and performs the pulling out and pushing in operations of the drawer unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a, the movement of the operation assisting tool 100 with respect to the handle portion 12b can be suppressed. Thereby, the drawer unit can be stably pulled out and pushed in.

[0103] (Aspect 14) In any one of Aspects 1 to 13, at least the gripping portion 102 is subjected to an antibacterial treatment. According to this, as described in the embodiment, the contact infection through the operation assisting tool can be preferably suppressed.

[0104] (Aspect 15) In any one of Aspects 1 to 13, at least the gripping portion 102 is made of metal. According to this, as described in the embodiment, the contact infection through the operation assisting tool can be preferably suppressed.

[0105] (Aspect 16) In any one of Aspects 1 to 15, it has an arch-shaped portion into which the gripping portion 12b is inserted, the inner peripheral surface of the arch-shaped portion is the engaging portion 101, the outer peripheral surface of the arch-shaped portion is the gripping portion 102, and the arch-shaped portion is configured to be elastically deformable. According to this, as described in the modification example, the operation assisting tool can be elastically deformed to sandwich a sheet bundle discharged from the image forming apparatus, and the sheet bundle can be taken out from the paper discharge tray 31 without directly touching the sheet bundle with the operation assisting tool.

[0106] (Aspect 17) In Aspect 16, a protrusion such as a return portion 105 is provided at the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the arch-shaped portion. According to this, as described in the modification example, during the operation of pulling out and pushing in the drawer unit such as the paper feed cassette 12a, the protrusion faces the gripping portion, and it is possible to prevent the operation assisting tool from coming off the gripping portion 12b. Also, when sandwiching a sheet bundle or the like, this protrusion abuts, and the sheet bundle can be sandwiched with a high contact pressure.

[0107] (Aspect 18) In Aspect 17, a protrusion such as the return portion 105 is configured to be replaceable. According to this, as described in the modification example, when the protrusion such as the return portion 105 is damaged, the operation assisting tool can be continuously used by replacing the protrusion.

[0108] (Aspect 19) In Aspect 17 or 18, a protrusion such as the return portion 105 is made of a material different from that of the arch-shaped portion. According to this, as described in the modification example, the protrusion such as the return portion 105 can be made of a material that can sandwich a sheet bundle or the like well with the operation assisting tool, and the arch-shaped portion can be made of a material that is easy for the user to grip. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both the sandwiching property of the sheet bundle by the operation assisting tool and the operability of the drawer unit.

[0109] (Aspect 20) In the operation assistive device according to Aspects 1 to 19, it is configured to be detachable from the device main body. According to this, as described with reference to FIG. 15, it is possible to prevent the loss of the operation assistive device as compared with the case where the user stores it individually. Also, when using it, since the operation assistive device held by the device main body can be removed and used, it is also possible to prevent a situation where the user returns to the storage location where the operation assistive device is individually stored.

[0110] (Aspect 21) In any of Aspects 1 to 20, the handle portion 12b is a handle portion of a sheet storage portion such as a paper feed cassette 12a that stores sheets. According to this, as described in the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the infection of the virus through the handle portion of the sheet storage portion.

[0111] (Aspect 22) In an image forming apparatus including a drawer unit configured to be pullable out with respect to the device main body, it includes an operation assistive device according to any of Aspects 1 to 21. According to this, as described in the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the infection of the virus through the handle portion of the drawer unit.

[0112] (Aspect 23) In Aspect 22, the operation assistive device is held at a visible location. According to this, as described with reference to FIG. 15, it is possible to easily find the operation assistive device held by the device.

[0113] (Aspect 24) In Aspect 22 or 23, it is configured to be able to hold a plurality of operation assistive devices. According to this, it is possible to hold the operation assistive devices of a plurality of users.

[0114] (Aspect 25) In the drawer device according to Aspect 24, the colors of the plurality of operation assistive devices are different from each other. According to this, as described with reference to FIG. 15, it is possible to distinguish, by color, the operation assist tools of the user and the operation assist tools of other users from among the plurality of operation assist tools held by the image forming apparatus.

[0115] (Aspect 26) In any one of Aspects 22 to 25, the drawer unit is the paper feed cassette 12a. According to this, as described in the embodiment, it is possible to suppress the infection of the virus through the handle portion 12b of the paper feed cassette 12a.

Explanation of Signs

[0116] 1: Image forming apparatus 12: Feeding device 12a: Paper feed cassette 12a1: Side surface 12b: Handle portion 12b1: Outer peripheral surface 12b2: Inner peripheral surface 12c: Side plate 100: Operation assist tool 100A: Operation assist tool 101: Engaging portion 101a: First surface 101b: Second surface 101c: Upper surface 102: Gripping portion 102a: Palm contact surface 102b: Upper surface 102c: Finger tip contact surface 103: Panel operation portion 103a: Tip portion 104: Anti-rotation portion 105: Return portion 200: Operation panel 200a: Button 300: Currency calculator 301: Stacker portion 308: Integration portion H: Hand h1: Finger tip h2: Palm

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0117]

Patent Document 1

Claims

In an image forming apparatus including a drawer unit configured to be pullable with respect to a device main body, the drawer unit has a handle portion to which an operation assisting tool is engaged, the operation assisting tool has an arch shape with an opening at the lower part into which the handle portion is inserted, an inner peripheral surface of the arch shape is an engaging portion that engages with the handle portion, and an outer peripheral surface of the arch shape is a gripping portion, the operation assisting tool has a rotation preventing portion that extends in the vertical direction from the upper end and the lower end of an opposing surface of the gripping portion that faces the side surface of the drawer unit with the operation assisting tool attached to the handle portion, and abuts against the side plate of the device main body with the operation assisting tool attached to the handle portion to prevent rotation around the handle portion of the operation assisting tool. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

2. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the engaging portion has a first opposing surface that faces an orthogonal surface on the downstream side in the pulling-out direction of the drawer unit of the handle portion and a second opposing surface that faces an orthogonal surface on the upstream side in the pulling-out direction, among a pair of orthogonal surfaces of the handle portion that are orthogonal to the pulling-out direction of the drawer unit. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

3. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, with the operation assisting tool attached to the handle portion, the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface face the orthogonal surface. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

4. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, a return portion protruding toward the handle portion side is provided at a position below the handle portion on the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

5. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, with the operation assisting tool of the gripping portion attached to the handle portion, it is located on the downstream side in the pulling-out direction of the drawer unit from the handle portion, and the vertical length of the orthogonal surface orthogonal to the pulling-out direction is longer than the vertical length of the opposing surface of the gripping portion. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

6. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the operation assisting tool has a panel operation portion for operating an operation panel. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

7. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, the panel operation portion is provided on the gripping portion. The image forming apparatus is characterized by this.

8. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, An image forming apparatus, wherein at least a pressing portion that presses the operation panel of the panel operation unit is configured to be replaceable.

9. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, An image forming apparatus, wherein at least a pressing portion that presses the operation panel of the panel operation unit is made of a material different from that of the main body of the operation assisting tool.

10. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, An image forming apparatus, wherein the operation assisting tool is configured such that the engaging portion is replaceable.

11. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An image forming apparatus, wherein the engaging portion is made of a material different from that of the main body of the operation assisting tool.

12. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, An image forming apparatus, wherein a friction coefficient between the handle portion of the engaging portion and the handle portion of the main body of the operation assisting tool is higher than that between the handle portion of the main body of the operation assisting tool and the handle portion.

13. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An image forming apparatus, wherein at least the gripping portion is subjected to an antibacterial treatment.

14. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An image forming apparatus, wherein at least the gripping portion is made of metal.

15. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, An image forming apparatus, wherein an arch-shaped portion of the operation assisting tool is configured to be elastically deformable.

16. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 15, An image forming apparatus, wherein a protrusion is provided at a lower end of an inner peripheral surface of the arch-shaped portion of the operation assisting tool.

17. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 16, An image forming apparatus, wherein the protrusion is configured to be replaceable.

18. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, An image forming apparatus, wherein the protrusion is made of a material different from that of the arch-shaped portion.

19. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, An image forming apparatus, wherein the operation assisting tool is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

20. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the operation assisting tool is held at a visually recognizable position.

21. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, An image forming apparatus, characterized in that it is configured to be able to hold a plurality of operation assisting tools.

22. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 21, An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the colors of the plurality of operation assisting tools are different from each other.

23. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the drawer unit is a paper feed cassette.

Images