Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which allows a user to adjust a sensing distance of a human sensor.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a human sensor which senses a person on the front side; an adjustment mechanism which adjusts a sensing distance of the human sensor; and a sensor cover which covers the human sensor and the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes an operator that is manually operated by a user for adjustment of the sensing distance. The human sensor and the adjustment mechanism are arranged within a height range of the sensor cover. The sensor cover includes a sensing window through which a sensing wave of the human sensor passes and an opening which exposes the operator. The operator is arranged on the side in the sheet ejection direction and is exposed through the opening so as to be visible from both the front and lateral sides.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices equipped with a motion sensor are known. For example, an image forming device equipped with a motion sensor switches to a power-saving mode when not in use for an extended period of time, and switches to a normal mode when the motion sensor detects a person. This saves power consumption and shortens the time it takes to return to normal mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-33050 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to adjust the detection distance of a human presence sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment includes a motion sensor that detects a person in front of the apparatus, an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the detection distance of the motion sensor, and a sensor cover that covers the motion sensor and the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism has an operator that is manually operated by a user to adjust the detection distance. The motion sensor and the adjustment mechanism are located within the height range of the sensor cover. The sensor cover has a detection window that allows the detection wave of the motion sensor to pass through and an opening that exposes the operator. The operator is located on the side in the paper ejection direction and is exposed through the opening so that it can be seen from both the front and the side. The sensor cover has a front surface facing forward and a rearward extending portion extending rearward from a side edge of the front surface. The detection window is formed in the front surface. The opening is formed in the rearward extending portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the motion sensor unit as seen from the front. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the left end of the motion sensor unit as seen from the rear. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the slider and the slider support portion as seen from the rear. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a sensor cover of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] A partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the sensor cover and the operator. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are perspective views of the motion sensor unit when the detection distance of the motion sensor is adjusted to a close distance, a normal distance, and a long distance, respectively. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are side views of the slider and the substrate holder when the detection distance of the human sensor is adjusted to a close distance, a normal distance, and a long distance, respectively. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are side views of the motion sensor when the detection distance of the motion sensor is adjusted to close range, normal range, and long range, respectively. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are side views of the image forming apparatus in a state where the detection distance of the human sensor is adjusted to a close distance, a normal distance, and a long distance, respectively. [Figure 13] 4A and 4B are a side cross-sectional view and a front view of a detection window formed in a sensor cover. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are a side cross-sectional view and a front view of a sensor cover and a detection window according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a combination of the motion sensor unit and the sensor cover. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a combination of a human sensor unit and another sensor cover. [Figure 17]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optional unit composed of a human sensor unit and a sensor cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Image forming apparatuses according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first model image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second model image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

[0008] In the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments, the scale of each part may be changed as appropriate. In addition, in the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments, the configuration may be omitted for the sake of explanation.

[0009] For ease of explanation, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is defined as shown in Figures 1 and 2 to define directions. The Z direction is the vertical direction, or the longitudinal direction, or the up-down direction. The +Z direction is upward, and the -Z direction is downward. The X and Y directions are horizontal or lateral directions. The Y direction is the depth direction or front-to-back direction of the image forming apparatus 10. The +Y direction is forward, and the -Y direction is backward. The X direction is the width direction or left-to-right direction of the image forming apparatus 10. The left-to-right direction is based on a view from the front, with the +X direction being the right and the -X direction being the left. The right and left are also referred to as sides. In the following explanation, all expressions relating to directions will follow this.

[0010] Although the first model image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 1 and the second model image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 2 differ in details, they have the same basic configuration. Therefore, in the following description, the two image forming apparatuses 10 will be described using the same reference numerals without any distinction being made between them.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) and has multiple functions, for example, a printing function, a scanning function, and a copying function.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation panel 11, a scanner unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, a paper discharge unit 15, and a human sensor unit 16.

[0013] Operation panel 11 is disposed, for example, above and in front of image forming unit 13. Operation panel 11 receives instructions (operation instructions) for executing various functions of image forming device 10 and setting information. For example, operation panel 11 has a touch panel, push buttons, etc. Operation panel 11 is disposed at a height that allows easy operation by a person of average height.

[0014] The scanner unit 12 is disposed, for example, above the image forming unit 13 and behind the operation panel 11. The scanner unit 12 uses a sensor such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) to read an image recorded on a document or the like and generate image data.

[0015] The paper feed unit 14 has paper feed cassettes 21 that store paper, and supplies paper from one of the paper feed cassettes 21 to the image forming unit 13 .

[0016] Image forming unit 13 is disposed above paper feed unit 14. Image forming unit 13 forms an image using toner on paper supplied from paper feed unit 14, based on image data read by scanner unit 12 or image data received from an external device. For this purpose, image forming unit 13 includes a photosensitive unit, a toner unit, etc. Furthermore, image forming unit 13 discharges the paper on which the image has been formed to the left to paper discharge unit 15.

[0017] The paper discharge section 15 receives the paper on which the image is formed and which is discharged from the image forming section 13, and stores it there.

[0018] The human sensor unit 16 is disposed above the image forming unit 13. The human sensor unit 16 detects people within a predetermined range in front of the image forming apparatus 10. The human sensor unit 16 is also capable of adjusting the detectable distance in front of the image forming apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as the detection distance). The human sensor unit 16 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The motion sensor unit 16 is disposed to the side of the operation panel 11, for example, on the left side. Furthermore, the motion sensor unit 16 is disposed at approximately the same height as the operation panel 11. Here, "disposed at approximately the same height" means, for example, that the area occupied by the motion sensor unit 16 and the area occupied by the operation panel 11 at least partially overlap in the height direction.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 10 also has exterior covers. The first model image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 1 has a first front cover 22, a second front cover 23, and a sensor cover 24. The second model image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 2 does not have the first front cover 22, but has the second front cover 23 and the sensor cover 24.

[0021] The sensor cover 24 covers the motion sensor unit 16. In the image forming apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, the first front cover 22 and the second front cover 23 cover the image forming unit 13. In the image forming apparatus 10 of FIG. 2, the second front cover 23 covers the image forming unit 13.

[0022] The first front cover 22 is fixed and cannot be opened or closed. The second front cover 23 is opened or closed for, for example, replacing the toner unit or the photosensitive unit, clearing jammed paper, or performing maintenance.

[0023] When all of the paper feed cassettes 21 and the second front cover 23 are closed, the image forming unit 13 and the paper feed unit 14 form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing.

[0024] The first model image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 1 is a larger model with a larger installation area than the second model image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 2. In other words, the image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 2 is a smaller model with a smaller installation area than the image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 1.

[0025] In the image forming apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, the paper feed unit 14 has four paper feed cassettes 21, and the paper discharge unit 15 is provided above the image forming unit 13 and to the left of the scanner unit 12. The operation panel 11 is disposed near the center in the width direction. The human sensor unit 16 is disposed in front of the operation panel 11.

[0026] The first front cover 22 and the second front cover 23 form part of the front panel. Also, the front portion of the paper feed cassette 21 forms part of the front panel. When the entire paper feed cassette 21 and the second front cover 23 are closed, the first front cover 22, the second front cover 23, and the front portion of the paper feed cassette 21 are, for example, at least partially flush with each other and aligned along the ZX plane.

[0027] The front surface of the sensor cover 24 is substantially flush with at least a portion of the front surfaces of the first front cover 22, the second front cover 23 and the paper feed cassette 21 in the closed state, and is along the ZX plane.

[0028] 2, the paper feed unit 14 has two paper feed cassettes 21, and the paper discharge unit 15 is provided between the scanner unit 12 and the image forming unit 13. The operation panel 11 is located near the right end in the width direction. The motion sensor unit 16 is located behind the operation panel 11.

[0029] The second front cover 23 forms part of the front panel. The front portion of the paper feed cassette 21 also forms part of the front panel. When the entire paper feed cassette 21 and the second front cover 23 are closed, the second front cover 23 and the front portion of the paper feed cassette 21 are, for example, at least partially flush with each other and aligned along the ZX plane.

[0030] Furthermore, the front surface of the sensor cover 24 is substantially flush with at least a part of the front surface of the second front cover 23 and the paper feed cassette 21 in the closed state, and is along the ZX plane.

[0031] 2 also has a card reader 26. The card reader 26 receives authentication information from an ID card. The card reader 26 is disposed between the operation panel 11 and the motion sensor unit 16 in the width direction, and is disposed at approximately the same height as the operation panel 11.

[0032] 3 is a block diagram of the main parts of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 has an operation panel 11, a scanner unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a paper feed unit 14, a human sensor unit 16, and a control unit 17.

[0033] The control unit 17 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 17 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 18, a memory 19, and an auxiliary storage device 20.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 20 permanently stores programs and data required for executing the various functions of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0035] The memory 19 is a main storage device and is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The memory 19 temporarily stores programs and data required for the processing executed by the CPU 18.

[0036] The CPU 18 receives information from the operation panel 11 and the motion sensor unit 16, reads the necessary programs and data from the auxiliary storage device 20 into the memory 19, and controls the scanner unit 12, image forming unit 13, and paper feed unit 14 by executing the programs.

[0037] For example, the control unit 17 switches the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 to a power saving mode when the apparatus is not used for a long period of time, and switches the operation to a normal mode when the motion sensor unit 16 detects a person.

[0038] Next, the human sensor unit 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the human sensor unit 16 as seen from the front. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the left end portion of the human sensor unit 16 as seen from the rear. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the slider 47 and the slider support portion 48 as seen from the rear.

[0039] The human sensor unit 16 has a human sensor 31 that detects a person and an adjustment mechanism 35 that adjusts the detection distance of the human sensor 31.

[0040] The human presence sensor 31 is configured, for example, by a pyroelectric infrared sensor. A pyroelectric infrared sensor uses the pyroelectric effect of pyroelectric ceramics to detect infrared rays emitted by people as thermal energy. Although the human presence sensor 31 can detect things other than people, for convenience it will be referred to as a human presence sensor here.

[0041] The human presence sensor 31 is mounted on a substrate 32 on which the necessary wiring and the like are formed. The human presence sensor 31 is attached vertically to the surface of the substrate 32. The wiring of the substrate 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 17. The human presence sensor 31 supplies a detection signal to the control unit 17.

[0042] The human presence sensor 31 has a receiving surface that receives detection waves. The human presence sensor 31 detects a person by receiving detection waves from the person present within a predetermined spatial range centered on an axis perpendicular to the receiving surface.

[0043] In the following description, for convenience, the direction of the axis perpendicular to the receiving surface of the human presence sensor 31 will be referred to as the detection direction of the human presence sensor 31. Also, for convenience, the range that the human presence sensor 31 can detect will be referred to as the detection range of the human presence sensor 31. The detection range of the human presence sensor 31 spreads out in a cone shape from the receiving surface, for example, with the detection direction as its center.

[0044] The adjustment mechanism 35 adjusts the detection distance of the human presence sensor 31 by changing the detection direction of the human presence sensor 31. More specifically, the adjustment mechanism 35 supports the human presence sensor 31 so that it can swing around an axis extending left and right, and adjusts the detection distance of the human presence sensor 31 by changing the detection direction of the human presence sensor 31.

[0045] For this reason, the adjustment mechanism 35 has a substrate holder 41 that holds the substrate 32, and a frame 43 that supports the substrate holder 41 in a swingable manner. The frame 43 has a pair of support shafts 44 that are coaxially arranged on both left and right ends. The substrate holder 41 extends laterally beyond the width (horizontal dimension) of the substrate 32, and has a pair of shaft engagement portions 42 at both left and right ends that respectively engage with the pair of support shafts 44 of the frame 43. This allows the substrate holder 41 to swing about the support shafts 44 of the frame 43, and the detection direction of the human sensor 31 changes in response to the swing of the substrate holder 41. In other words, the substrate holder 41 and the frame 43 constitute a swing support mechanism 40 that swingably supports the substrate 32.

[0046] The adjustment mechanism 35 has an operator 45 that is manually operated by the user to adjust the detection distance of the motion sensor 31. The operator 45 is provided at the left end. The operator 45 has a protrusion 46 to make it easier for the user to operate. The operator 45 is slidable in the up and down directions.

[0047] For this reason, the adjustment mechanism 35 has a slider 47 to which the operator 45 is fixed. The frame 43 also has a slider support part 48 at its left end. The slider support part 48 supports the slider 47 so that it can slide up and down. The slider 47 and the slider support part 48 form a support mechanism that supports the operator 45 so that it can slide up and down.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 , the substrate holder 41 has a cylindrical boss 51 that extends to the left through an opening 52 formed in the slider support portion 48. The slider 47 has a rectangular hole 53 that receives the left end of the boss 51. Therefore, as the slider 47 slides up and down, the boss 51 moves up and down. This causes the substrate holder 41 to swing around the support shaft 44 of the frame 43 with which the shaft engaging portions 42 on both the left and right ends of the substrate holder 41 engage. As a result, the detection direction of the human sensor 31 changes. In other words, the cylindrical boss 51 of the substrate holder 41 and the rectangular hole 53 of the slider 47 constitute a conversion mechanism that converts the up and down movement of the slider 47 into a swing of the substrate holder 41, which in turn converts into a change in the detection direction of the human sensor 31.

[0049] The operating element 45 can be positioned at a plurality of positions. For this reason, as clearly shown in Figure 6, the slider 47 has an elastically deformable cantilever lever 56. The cantilever lever 56 has a pawl 57 that protrudes to the right at its free end. The slider support part 48 also has a pawl receiver 58 with a plurality of recesses 59 that receive the pawl 57.

[0050] The pawl 57 of the cantilever 56 moves on the pawl receiver 58 of the slider support portion 48 as the slider 47 slides up and down. When the pawl 57 is positioned between the recesses 59, the cantilever 56 elastically deforms. When the pawl 57 is positioned in one of the recesses 59, the deformation of the cantilever 56 returns to its original state. At this time, the pawl 57 engages with the recess 59 while being biased by the restoring force of the cantilever 56. This limits the movement of the pawl 57 of the cantilever 56. As a result, the operating element 45 is positioned. In other words, the cantilever 56 of the slider 47 and the pawl receiver 58 of the slider support portion 48 constitute a positioning mechanism 55 that positions the operating element 45 at multiple positions.

[0051] When the operator 45 is operated with a small force that is insufficient to disengage the pawl 57 from the recess 59 against the restoring force of the cantilever lever 56, the positioning mechanism 55 maintains the engagement between the pawl 57 and the recess 59, prevents the operator 45 from sliding, and keeps the operator 45 in that position.

[0052] On the other hand, when the operator 45 is operated with a force large enough to disengage the pawl 57 from the recess 59 against the restoring force of the cantilever lever 56, the positioning mechanism 55 allows the operator 45 to slide.

[0053] The claw receiver 58 has three recesses 59. Therefore, the operating element 45 can be positioned in three stages. When the claw 57 engages with the upper recess 59, the motion sensor unit 16 adjusts the detection distance of the motion sensor 31 to a close distance. When the claw 57 engages with the center recess 59, the motion sensor unit 16 adjusts the detection distance of the motion sensor 31 to a normal distance. When the claw 57 engages with the lower recess 59, the motion sensor unit 16 adjusts the detection distance of the motion sensor 31 to a long distance. This will be described later.

[0054] The number of recesses 59 that the claw receiver 58 has is one example, and is not limited to this, and any other appropriate number may be used.

[0055] Next, we will explain the sensor cover 24 of the first model image forming apparatus 10 in Fig. 1 as a representative example. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the sensor cover 24. The sensor cover 24 is an exterior cover that covers the human sensor unit 16. The human sensor unit 16 is arranged within the height range of the sensor cover 24.

[0056] The sensor cover 24 is disposed, for example, at a position on the front and left side of the image forming apparatus 10. In order to define a space for accommodating the human sensor unit 16, the sensor cover 24 has a front surface portion 61 facing forward, a rearward extending portion 62 extending rearward from the left end of the front surface portion 61, and an upper surface portion 63 extending horizontally from the upper ends of the front surface portion 61 and the rearward extending portion 62.

[0057] The sensor cover 24 has a detection window 71 that transmits detection waves, such as infrared rays, from the motion sensor 31, and an opening 73 that exposes the operating element 45 of the adjustment mechanism 35. The detection window 71 and the opening 73 are formed in common in the sensor cover 24, and therefore can be formed inexpensively.

[0058] The detection window 71 is formed to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the front surface portion 61. Furthermore, the detection window 71 is formed below the center in the up-down direction of the front surface portion 61. The detection window 71 has a plurality of slits 72 extending in the width direction.

[0059] The opening 73 is formed in the rearward extending portion 62. The rearward extending portion 62 is curved outward. The rearward extending portion 62 forms a curved corner at the front and left of the image forming apparatus 10. The opening 73 has a height corresponding to the vertical sliding distance of the operating element 45. In other words, the height dimension of the opening 73 is greater than the sum of the height and vertical sliding distance of the protrusion 46 of the operating element 45. Furthermore, the horizontal dimension of the opening 73 along the outer surface of the rearward extending portion 62 is greater than that of the protrusion 46 of the operating element 45.

[0060] The motion sensor unit 16 is disposed in a space defined on three sides by the front surface 61, rear extension 62, and top surface 63 of the sensor cover 24. In other words, the motion sensor unit 16 is disposed behind the front surface 61 of the sensor cover 24. Furthermore, the motion sensor unit 16 is disposed near the rear extension 62.

[0061] The motion sensor 31 of the motion sensor unit 16 is disposed behind the detection window 71. The operator 45 of the adjustment mechanism 35 is exposed through an opening 73 of the rear extension portion 62, as shown in Figure 1. In other words, the operator 45 is disposed on the side of the image forming apparatus 10 in the paper discharge direction.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the operating element 45 and the sensor cover 24 in a state in which the motion sensor unit 16 is covered by the sensor cover 24, i.e., in the state shown in Fig. 1. As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 8, the operating element 45 of the motion sensor unit 16 is positioned so as to be visible from both the front and the side through the opening 73 in the rear extension portion 62.

[0063] 8, the operation element 45 does not protrude from the sensor cover 24. That is, the operation element 45, including the protrusion 46, is disposed inside the outer surface of the rearward extending portion 62, i.e., rearward or to the right.

[0064] 9 to 12, adjustment of the detection distance of the human sensor 31 in the human sensor unit 16 will be described. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the human sensor unit 16, Fig. 10 is a side view of the slider 47 and the substrate holder 41, Fig. 11 is a side view of the human sensor 31, and Fig. 12 is a side view of the image forming apparatus 10, all relating to states in which the detection distance of the human sensor 31 has been adjusted to a close distance, a normal distance, or a long distance.

[0065] In Fig. 9, the state where the detection distance is adjusted to a close distance is depicted in the upper row, the state where the detection distance is adjusted to a normal distance is depicted in the middle row, and the state where the detection distance is adjusted to a long distance is depicted in the lower row. In Figs. 10 to 12, the state where the detection distance is adjusted to a close distance is depicted on the right, the state where the detection distance is adjusted to a normal distance is depicted in the center, and the state where the detection distance is adjusted to a long distance is depicted on the left.

[0066] When the detection distance is adjusted to a close distance, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 9 and the right side of Fig. 10, the operator 45 and slider 47 are positioned at the upper of the three stages, the claw 57 of the cantilever lever 56 of the slider 47 engages with the upper recess 59 (see Fig. 6), and the substrate 32 is positioned horizontally. Therefore, as shown on the right side of Fig. 11, the detection direction Da of the human sensor 31 faces downward, and the detection range Ra of the human sensor 31 spreads out in a cone shape centered on the downward detection direction Da.

[0067] The range that the human sensor 31 can actually detect is the portion of the detection range Ra of the human sensor 31 that extends through the detection window 71 of the sensor cover 24. As a result, the detection distance of the human sensor 31 is the close distance La, as shown on the right side of Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, arrow A indicates the boundary of the range that the human sensor 31 can detect through the detection window 71 on a plane that extends in the up-down and front-to-back directions.

[0068] When the operating element 45 is slid downward to transition from the state shown in the upper row of Fig. 9 to the state shown in the middle row, the slider 47 is slid downward accordingly to transition from the state shown on the right side of Fig. 10 to the state shown in the center. This causes the boss 51 of the substrate holder 41 that engages with the rectangular hole 53 of the slider 47 to move downward. Accordingly, the substrate holder 41 is rotated counterclockwise around the support shaft 44 of the frame 43 with which the shaft engaging portion 42 of the substrate holder 41 engages. As a result, the detection direction of the human sensor 31 is rotated from below to forward.

[0069] When the claw 57 of the cantilever lever 56 of the slider 47 engages with the central recess 59 (see FIG. 6), the operator 45 and slider 47 are positioned in the center of the three stages, and the detection distance is adjusted to the normal distance, as shown in the middle of FIG. 9 and the center of FIG. 10. In this state, as shown in the center of FIG. 11, the detection direction Db of the human sensor 31 faces downward and forward, and the detection range Rb of the human sensor 31 spreads out in a cone shape centered on the detection direction Db facing downward and forward.

[0070] The range that the human sensor 31 can actually detect is the portion of the detection range Rb of the human sensor 31 that extends through the detection window 71 of the sensor cover 24. As a result, as shown in the center of Figure 12, the detection distance of the human sensor 31 is the normal distance Lb.

[0071] When the operating element 45 is slid downward to transition from the state shown in the middle row of Fig. 9 to the state shown in the lower row, the slider 47 is slid downward accordingly to transition from the state shown in the center of Fig. 10 to the state shown on the left side. This causes the boss 51 of the board holder 41 to move downward by the slider 47, causing the board holder 41 to rotate counterclockwise around the support shaft 44 of the frame 43, and the detection direction of the human sensor 31 to rotate further forward.

[0072] When the claw 57 of the cantilever lever 56 of the slider 47 engages with the lower recess 59 (see FIG. 6), the operator 45 and slider 47 are positioned at the lower of the three stages, and the detection distance is adjusted to a long distance, as shown in the bottom of FIG. 9 and the left side of FIG. 10. In this state, as shown on the left side of FIG. 11, the detection direction Dc of the human sensor 31 faces further forward than the detection direction Db, and the detection range Rc of the human sensor 31 spreads out in a cone shape with the detection direction Dc, which faces further forward, as its center.

[0073] The range that the human sensor 31 can actually detect is the portion of the detection range Rc of the human sensor 31 that extends through the detection window 71 of the sensor cover 24. As a result, as shown on the left side of Figure 12, the detection distance of the human sensor 31 is the long distance Lc.

[0074] The above is a description of the operation of sliding the operating element 45 downward from an upper position, but the operation of sliding the operating element 45 upward from a lower position can be easily inferred from the above description.

[0075] Next, the structure of the detection window 71 formed in the sensor cover 24 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows a side cross-sectional view and a front view of the detection window 71. The side cross-sectional view of the detection window 71 is shown on the left, and the front view of the detection window 71 is shown on the right. Although not shown, the human sensor 31 is disposed behind the detection window 71.

[0076] 13, the detection window 71 is formed in the lower portion of the front surface portion 61 facing forward. The detection window 71 has a plurality of, for example, three, slits 72. The slits 72 extend in the width direction.

[0077] For this reason, no optical components that transmit the detection wave are disposed in front of the motion sensor 31. Therefore, the motion sensor 31 is not affected by reflection or refraction of the detection wave caused by optical components blocking the motion in front of the motion sensor 31. Furthermore, since the motion sensor 31 receives the detection wave without passing through optical components, it is useful for efficiently detecting people. Furthermore, since the detection window 71 has multiple slits 72, it is useful for achieving a long detection distance. Each slit 72 is formed at a height that prevents the entry of a finger, pen, or the like. This prevents fingers, pens, or the like from accidentally touching the motion sensor 31, thereby avoiding damage to the motion sensor 31.

[0078] The lowest slit 72 is open downward. That is, the lowest slit 72 is formed at the lower end of the front surface 61 of the sensor cover 24. Therefore, dust does not accumulate in the lowest slit 72. Furthermore, the intrusion of dust into the interior of the sensor cover 24 is also reduced.

[0079] Next, the structure of a modified sensor cover 24 and detection window 71 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 shows a side cross-sectional view and a front view of the detection window 71. The side cross-sectional view of the detection window 71 is shown on the left, and the front view of the detection window 71 is shown on the right.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 14, the detection window 71 has multiple, for example, three, slits 72. The slits 72 extend in the width direction. Each slit 72 is formed at a height that prevents the entry of a finger, pen, or the like. The advantages of the detection window 71 having the slits 72 are the same as those in Fig. 13.

[0081] The sensor cover 24 has a front surface portion 61 facing forward and a bottom surface portion 64 facing downward. The bottom surface portion 64 is continuous with the front surface portion 61 and extends obliquely rearward from the lower end of the front surface portion 61.

[0082] The two upper slits 72 are formed in the front surface portion 61. The lowest slit 72 is formed in the bottom surface portion 64. Therefore, the lowest slit 72 is open downward. This prevents dust from accumulating in the lowest slit 72. This also reduces the amount of dust that gets into the interior of the sensor cover 24.

[0083] Next, the combination of the motion sensor unit 16 and the sensor cover 24 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figures 15 and 16 show the motion sensor unit 16 and the sensor cover 24 as viewed from above. In Figures 15 and 16, only the essential parts of the motion sensor unit 16, namely, the motion sensor 31, the circuit board 32, and the circuit board holder 41, are shown.

[0084] 15 and 16, the motion sensor unit 16 is the same, but the sensor cover 24 is different. More specifically, the first combination example of the motion sensor unit 16 and the sensor cover 24 shown in Fig. 15 and the second combination example of the motion sensor unit 16 and the sensor cover 24 shown in Fig. 16 differ in the width of the slit 72 formed in the sensor cover 24. For convenience, only one slit 72 is depicted in Figs. 15 and 16.

[0085] 15, the slit 72 formed in the sensor cover 24 has a width Wa. This width Wa is a width that does not block the detection range Rd of the human sensor 31 in the lateral direction.

[0086] 16, the slit 72 formed in the sensor cover 24 has a width Wb that is narrower than the width Wa. This width Wb is a width that partially blocks the detection range Rd of the human sensor 31 in the horizontal direction, limiting it to the detection range Re.

[0087] Therefore, the lateral range that the motion sensor unit 16 can actually detect through the slit 72 is wider in the combination example of FIG. 15 than in the combination example of FIG.

[0088] The appropriate horizontal detection range of the human sensor unit 16 is determined depending on the application, etc. For example, the example of Fig. 15 with a wide horizontal detection range is suitable for the large model of image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1, and the example of Fig. 16 with a narrow horizontal detection range is suitable for the small model of image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 2.

[0089] Next, an optional unit 80 composed of the human sensor unit 16 and the sensor cover 24 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the optional unit 80 composed of the human sensor unit 16 and the sensor cover 24.

[0090] Generally, even if the image forming apparatus 10 is the same model, the functions installed may differ depending on the model, for example, some may not have the motion sensor unit 16, or some may not have the card reader 26. Also, although the need for these functions may not be felt at the time of initial installation, a desire to add these functions may arise later.

[0091] The optional unit 80 meets such demands. The optional unit 80 is composed of a motion sensor unit 16 and a sensor cover 24. The sensor cover 24 has a detection window 71 for the motion sensor 31 of the motion sensor unit 16 and an opening 73 for the operation element 45 of the motion sensor unit 16. The sensor cover 24 also has a card reader 26.

[0092] Even if the image forming apparatus 10 is a basic model with minimum functionality, it is common for the wiring required for units installed in high-end models to be built in. The motion sensor unit 16 has a mounting portion 81 for mounting to the sensor cover 24 and connecting the wiring.

[0093] Therefore, the user can easily add the desired functions to the image forming device 10 by removing the existing cover to be replaced with the sensor cover 24, attaching the human sensor unit 16 to the sensor cover 24 and connecting the wiring, and then attaching the sensor cover 24 to the image forming device 10.

[0094] According to the image forming device 10 of the embodiment described above, the operator 45 for adjusting the detection distance of the human sensor 31 is exposed through the opening 73 of the sensor cover 24 on the side in the paper discharge direction so that it can be seen from both the front and the side, allowing the user to adjust the detection distance of the human sensor 31.

[0095] The motion sensor unit 16 is disposed at approximately the same height as the operation panel 11. Therefore, the operation element 45 is disposed at a height that makes it easy to operate, allowing the user to easily operate the operation element 45 without having to change their posture significantly.

[0096] The operating element 45 can be slid up and down, which allows for a simple adjustment of the detection distance of the human sensor 31. Furthermore, the current adjustment state of the detection distance of the human sensor 31 can be visually ascertained based on the up and down position of the protrusion 46.

[0097] Because the operator 45 is located on the side in the paper ejection direction, it is relatively far from the operation panel 11. This prevents accidents such as accidentally sliding the operator 45 while operating the operation panel 11. Furthermore, operation can be performed efficiently without worrying about making a mistake, such as sliding the operator 45 with the left hand while operating the operation panel 11 with the right hand.

[0098] The operator 45 is exposed so as to be visible from both the front and the side through an opening 73 formed in the rear extension 62 of the sensor cover 24. This allows for easy access when operating the operator 45. The operator 45 can also be easily found, and the user will not be confused when trying to find it.

[0099] The operation element 45 does not protrude from the sensor cover 24. This reduces unintentional and careless contact with the operation element 45. This reduces undesired changes to the detection distance of the human sensor 31.

[0100] The operating element 45 can be positioned at a plurality of positions, which prevents the operating element 45 from sliding due to a light touch on the operating element 45, thereby preventing the detection distance of the human sensor 31 from being undesirably changed.

[0101] In the embodiment, the operator 45 is slidable in the up and down direction, but is not limited to this. The operator 45 may be configured with another well-known structure, such as a rotary dial, as long as it can be operated by the user's hand. Preferably, the rotary dial has a mark attached thereto so that the detection distance of the motion sensor 31 can be seen.

[0102] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 35 is configured to adjust the detection distance of the human presence sensor 31 by changing the detection direction of the human presence sensor 31, but is not limited to this and may have other configurations. For example, a slider or the like may be provided in front of the detection direction of the human presence sensor 31, and the detection distance of the human presence sensor 31 may be adjusted by changing the position of the slider.

[0103] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0104] The inventions described in the specification and drawings of this application are as follows: [1] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper, A human presence sensor that detects people in front of the vehicle, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the detection distance of the human presence sensor; a sensor cover that covers the human sensor and the adjustment mechanism; the adjustment mechanism has an operator that is manually operated by a user to adjust the detection distance; the human presence sensor and the adjustment mechanism are disposed within a height range of the sensor cover; the sensor cover has a detection window through which a detection wave of the human sensor passes and an opening through which the operation element is exposed, the operator is disposed on a side in a paper discharge direction and is exposed through the opening so as to be visible from both the front and the side; Image forming device. [2] The image forming apparatus according to [1], wherein the operator is disposed inside the outer surface of the sensor cover. [3] The image forming apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein the operator is slidable. [4] The image forming apparatus according to [3], wherein the operator can be positioned at a plurality of positions. [5] An image forming apparatus described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the sensor cover has a front portion facing the front and a rear extension portion extending rearward from the side end of the front portion, the detection window is formed in the front portion, and the opening is formed in the rear extension portion. [6] An image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], having an operation panel that accepts operation instructions, wherein the human presence sensor and the adjustment mechanism are arranged to the side of the operation panel. [7] The image forming apparatus according to [6], further comprising a card reader for receiving authentication information, the card reader being disposed between the human sensor and the operation panel. [8] The image forming apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the detection window has at least a slit that opens downward. [9] The image forming apparatus according to [8], wherein the sensor cover has a front surface facing forward, and the slit is formed at a lower end of the front surface.

[10] The image forming apparatus described in [8], wherein the sensor cover has a front surface portion facing forward and a bottom surface portion facing downward, extending rearward from the lower end of the front surface portion, and the slit is formed in the bottom surface portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10...image forming apparatus, 11...operation panel, 12...scanner section, 13...image forming section, 14...paper feed section, 15...paper discharge section, 16...human presence sensor unit, 17...control section, 18...CPU, 19...memory, 20...auxiliary storage device, 21...paper feed cassette, 22...first front cover, 23...second front cover, 24...sensor cover, 26...card reader, 31...human presence sensor, 32...circuit board, 35...adjustment mechanism, 40...swing support mechanism, 41...base Plate holder, 42...shaft engagement portion, 43...frame, 44...support shaft, 45...operator, 46...protrusion, 47...slider, 48...slider support portion, 51...boss, 52...opening, 53...rectangular hole, 55...positioning mechanism, 56...cantilever lever, 57...claw, 58...claw receiver, 59...recess, 61...front portion, 62...rear extension portion, 63...upper surface portion, 64...lower surface portion, 71...detection window, 72...slit, 73...opening, 80...optional unit, 81...mounting portion.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, A human presence sensor that detects people in front of the vehicle, an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the detection distance of the human presence sensor; a sensor cover that covers the human sensor and the adjustment mechanism; the adjustment mechanism has an operator that is manually operated by a user to adjust the detection distance; the human presence sensor and the adjustment mechanism are disposed within a height range of the sensor cover; the sensor cover has a detection window through which a detection wave of the human sensor passes and an opening through which the operation element is exposed, the operator is disposed on a side in a paper discharge direction and is exposed through the opening so as to be visible from both the front and the side; the sensor cover has a front surface portion facing forward and a rearward extending portion extending rearward from a side end of the front surface portion, the detection window is formed in the front surface, The opening is formed in the rear extension. Image forming device.

2. an operation panel for receiving operation instructions; The human sensor and the adjustment mechanism are disposed to the side of the operation panel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. a card reader for receiving authentication information; The card reader is disposed between the motion sensor and the operation panel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the sensor cover has a downwardly facing lower surface portion extending rearward from a lower end of the front surface portion; The detection window is formed in the lower surface portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images