Composite machine

Abstract

To provide a compound machine which has an external recording medium insertion port with excellent convenience for a user.SOLUTION: A compound machine comprises a display unit including a display region which displays an image on an operation panel provided in a rotatable manner on the front side of a body, an input unit and an external recording medium insertion port. The input unit is arranged on the operation panel outside the display unit on the right side relative to the center part of the display unit when the operation panel is viewed from the front. The external recording medium insertion port is arranged on the operation panel outside the display unit on the left side relative to the center part of the display unit when the operation panel is viewed from the front and on the upper side relative to the uppermost part of the input unit. When viewed from the body front, a left side end of the display unit is arranged within a range on the center right side in the left-right direction of a handle of a document automatic feeding unit in the body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral. [Background technology]

[0002] A multifunction device is a device that includes an image reading device, an image forming device, a facsimile sending / receiving device, a storage device, etc., and is capable of performing image reading, image printing, image copying, image transmission, etc. A certain percentage of multifunction devices also have an external recording medium insertion port such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory slot. The multifunction device can read image data files, document files, etc. from a USB memory inserted into the USB slot, and print images and documents based on them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4233293 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, USB receptacles are typically located near the operation panel. Figure 2 of Patent Document 1 shows an example in which the USB receptacle is located immediately adjacent to the right side of the operation panel. This requires users to be careful not to hit the USB receptacle or the USB memory inserted therein when operating the operation panel, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, if the USB memory or the USB receptacle actually hits the receptacle, there is a risk of damage. Furthermore, because the metal part of the USB receptacle is exposed, it is inconvenient to work without hitting the device itself, and there is a risk of damage. Furthermore, because the metal part is exposed, if the user's arm or hand actually hits the USB receptacle, there is a risk of injury due to static electricity or discharge.

[0005] This is not limited to USB ports, but also applies to other types of external recording media ports such as SD card memory ports, CompactFlash (registered trademark) memory ports, and multimedia memory card ports.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multifunction peripheral having a memory card slot that is highly convenient for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a multifunction peripheral comprising an operation panel rotatably provided on the front side of a main body, the operation panel comprising a display unit including a display area for displaying images, an input unit and an external recording medium insertion port, the input unit being located on the operation panel outside the display unit to the right of the center of the display unit when viewed from the front, the external recording medium insertion port being located on the operation panel outside the display unit to the left of the center of the display unit when viewed from the front, and above the top of the input unit, and the left end of the display unit being located within a range to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the handle of an automatic document feeder provided on the main body when viewed from the front of the main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the external recording medium insertion port becomes more convenient for users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of an operation panel unit of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another configuration of the operation panel unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]10A to 10C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration in the vicinity of an operation panel of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another configuration in the vicinity of the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11A to 11C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing another configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing another configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13A to 13C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing still another configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13A to 13C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing another configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 13A to 13C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 13A to 13C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 13A to 13C are a front view, a left side view, and a plan view showing the configuration of an operation panel of a multifunction peripheral according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic view of the vicinity of a USB port. [Figure 17] 13A to 13C are a front view, a left side view, and a plan view showing another configuration of the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic view of the vicinity of another USB port. [Figure 18]13A to 13C are a front view, a top view, and a left side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 13A to 13C are a front view, a top view, and a left side view showing another configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 12A to 12C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 12A to 12C are a front view, a top view, and a right side view showing the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a multifunction peripheral according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction peripheral according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, an operation panel unit 843 is provided at the top right of the front surface of a main body 830. As shown in Fig. 2, a touch panel 300 and input buttons 311 are arranged on the operation panel 843. The touch panel 300 is provided with a display area 301 and a touch area 302. In the example of Fig. 2, the touch area 302 is provided in a portion excluding the vicinity of the outer edge of the display area 301. However, the display area 301 and the touch area 302 may be the same, or, as opposed to the example of Fig. 2, the display area 301 may be provided in a portion excluding the vicinity of the outer edge of the touch area 302. This relationship between the display area 301 and the touch area 302 is similar in other embodiments.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the USB port 321 is provided at a position above the touch area 302 of the operation panel 843.

[0013] The position of USB socket 321 may be any position above touch area 302 of operation panel 843, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0014] It should be noted that the USB port 321 may be replaced with other types of memory card port, such as an SD card memory port, a compact flash memory port, or a multimedia memory card port.

[0015] According to this embodiment, the USB port is located on the front of the multifunction peripheral, away from the operation panel, thereby eliminating the conventional problem. Furthermore, by locating the USB port higher than the operation panel, it is easily visible and does not impair user operability.

[0016] The operation panel 843 is attached near the top end of the upper front panel 831, with a rotation axis 851 near the top edge of the operation panel 843 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the user can orient the operation panel 843 to face forward, diagonally, or upward. The upper front panel 831 is a panel that occupies a predetermined range from the top end of the front of the main body. It is sufficient that it occupies the vicinity of the top end, and that range may extend downward.

[0017] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, an operation panel unit 843 is provided near the upper right side of the front surface of a main body 830. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the operation panel 843 is provided with a touch panel 300 and input buttons 311. Also, the touch panel 300 is provided with a display area 301 and a touch area 302.

[0018] 4 and 5, the USB port 321 is provided at a position above the operation panel 843.

[0019] The position of USB socket 321 may be any position as long as it is above operation panel 843, and may be, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0020] [Third embodiment] In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, an operation panel unit 843 is provided at the top right of the front surface of a main body 830. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, a USB port 321 is provided near the center of an upper front panel 831 of the main body 830 in the width direction.

[0021] The position of the USB port 321 is above the touch area 302 of the touch panel 300 provided on the operation panel 831 .

[0022] 8, similarly to the second embodiment, the position of operation panel 843 may be shifted slightly downward compared to the first embodiment, and USB outlet 321 may be located above operation panel 843. In this case as well, USB outlet 321 is disposed near the center in the width direction of upper front panel 831 of main body 830.

[0023] [Fourth embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, an operation panel unit 843 is provided at the top right of the front surface of a main body 830. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, a USB port 321 is provided near the left end of an upper front panel 831 of the main body 830.

[0024] The position of the USB socket 321 may be on the left side of the center of the upper front panel 831 of the main body 830, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 11, if operation panel 843 is provided at the top left of the front surface of main body 830, USB port 321 may be located to the right of the center of upper front panel 831 of main body 830.

[0026] In any of the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the position of the USB socket 321 is above the touch area 302 of the touch panel 300 provided on the operation panel 831.

[0027] 9 and 10, operation panel 843 is on the right side when viewed from the front of main body 830, and USB port 321 is on the left side, but there may be no port other than USB port 321 on the left side of upper front panel 831 of main body 830. Also, buttons may not be provided.

[0028] 11, operation panel 843 is on the left side when viewed from the front of main body 830, and USB port 321 is on the right side, but there may be no port other than USB port 321 on the right side of upper front panel 831 of main body 830. Also, buttons may not be provided.

[0029] Although not shown, similarly to the second embodiment, the position of operation panel 843 may be shifted slightly downward compared to the first embodiment, so that USB port 321 is located above operation panel 843. In this case as well, USB port 321 is located on the opposite side of operation panel 843 when viewed in the width direction of upper front panel 831 of main body 830.

[0030] [Fifth embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, when the handle 323 on the automatic document feeder SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 824 is viewed as the center in the left-right direction, an operation panel 843 is provided to the right of the handle 323, and a USB port 321 is provided to the left of the handle 323.

[0031] As shown in Figure 13, if the handle 323 on the automatic document feeder SPF824 is viewed as the center in the left-right direction, the operation panel 843 may be provided to the left of it, and the USB port 321 may be provided to the right of it.

[0032] In any of the examples shown in FIG. 12, the position of the USB socket 321 is above the touch area 302 of the touch panel 300 provided on the operation panel 831.

[0033] Although not shown, similarly to the second embodiment, the position of operation panel 843 may be shifted slightly downward compared to the first embodiment, and USB port 321 may be located above operation panel 843. In this case as well, when handle 323 provided on automatic document feeder SPF 824 is viewed as the center in the left-right direction, operation panel 843 is provided to the right of that and USB port 321 is provided to the left. When handle 323 provided on automatic document feeder SPF 824 is viewed as the center in the left-right direction, operation panel 843 may be provided to the left of that and USB port 321 may be provided to the right.

[0034] [Sixth embodiment] In the sixth embodiment, operation panel unit 843 faces upward. In the first embodiment, operation panel unit 443 faces diagonally upward, so that USB outlet 321 provided on operation panel unit 843 is located above and at the rear of touch area 302 as shown in Fig. 2, but in the sixth embodiment, operation panel unit 443 faces upward, so that USB outlet 321 provided on operation panel unit 843 is located in the same horizontal direction as touch area 302 and at the rear of touch area 302 as shown in Fig. 14. [Seventh embodiment] In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the USB port 321 is provided on the inner side of the main body relative to the operation panel unit 843.

[0035] In the seventh embodiment, unlike the fourth embodiment, it is not necessary to provide USB outlet 321 on the opposite side of operation panel unit 843 when viewed from the center of main body 830. In other words, in the seventh embodiment, it is sufficient to provide USB outlet 321 on the same side of operation panel unit 843 when viewed from the center of main body 830.

[0036] However, although not shown, USB port 321 may be provided on the opposite side of operation panel unit 843 when viewed from the center of main body 830.

[0037] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, unlike the fifth embodiment, when handle 323 provided on automatic document feeder SPF 824 is viewed as the center in the left-right direction, it is not necessary to provide USB outlet 321 on the opposite side of operation panel unit 843. In other words, in the seventh embodiment, when handle 323 provided on automatic document feeder SPF 824 is viewed as the center in the left-right direction, it is sufficient to provide USB outlet 321 on the same side of operation panel unit 843.

[0038] However, although not shown, when the handle 323 provided on the automatic document feeder SPF 824 is seen as the center in the left-right direction, the USB port 321 may be provided on the opposite side of the operation panel unit 843.

[0039] [Eighth embodiment] In any of the first to seventh embodiments, the color of peripheral portion 325 of USB socket 321 is the same as the color of the front and side edges of operation panel portion 843, as shown in FIG.

[0040] In this case, it is preferable to make the color of the front edge and side edge different from the color of operation surface 843a of operation panel unit 843 other than touch panel 300. In this case, the color of peripheral portion 325 of USB port 321 also differs from the color of operation surface 843a of operation panel unit 843.

[0041] [Ninth embodiment] In any of the first to seventh embodiments, the color of peripheral portion 325 of USB socket 321 is made different from the color of the front edge and side edge of operation panel portion 843, as shown in FIG.

[0042] In this case, it is preferable that the color of peripheral portion 325 of USB port 321 be different from the color of the operation surface of operation panel 843 other than touch panel 300.

[0043] [Tenth embodiment] In the tenth embodiment, the USB receptacle 321 has an opening at the top.

[0044] For example, in the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 8, USB receptacle 321 has an opening at the front, but in the tenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, USB receptacle 321 has an opening at the top.

[0045] For this purpose, for example, a USB storage section 327 is provided in which a USB memory can be inserted vertically as shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 18, USB port 321 is located above touch area 302 of operation panel 300.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 18, USB storage section 327 extends vertically and USB outlet 321 faces directly upward, but as shown in FIG. 19, USB storage section 327 may extend diagonally from the lower back of the main body to the upper front when viewed from the side, and USB outlet 321 may face diagonally upward so that its opening can be seen from the front.

[0048] [Eleventh embodiment] In the eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the upper surface of a main body 830 is provided with two protrusions 329 and one recess 331 sandwiched between them.

[0049] The USB socket 321 is placed in the recess 331 .

[0050] [Twelfth embodiment] In the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the upper surface of a main body 830 is provided with two protrusions 329 and one recess 331 sandwiched between them.

[0051] The USB socket 321 is installed in the protrusion 329 .

[0052] [Thirteenth embodiment] The thirteenth embodiment relates to a multifunction peripheral 800 including the document reading device according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments. Figures 22 and 23 show the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 800.

[0053] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the multifunction device 800 includes a document reading device 820 that reads an image of a document, a multifunction device main body (image forming unit main body) 830 that forms an image on a sheet, an operation panel unit 843 for operating the document reading device 820 and the multifunction device main body 830, and an arithmetic processing unit 841 that controls the document reading device 820 and the multifunction device main body 830 based on operations via the operation panel unit 843.

[0054] In addition to using the document reading device 820 alone for image reading and the multifunction device main body 830 alone for image formation, these can also be linked to copy images. The multifunction device 800 may also include a storage device and a facsimile device (not shown). The storage device can store images read by the document reading device 820 and images received by the facsimile device. The facsimile device can transmit images read by the document reading device 820 and images stored in the storage device, and can receive images from an external device. The multifunction device 800 may also include an interface for connecting to a personal computer via a network. A personal computer connected to the multifunction device 800 can use the functions of the multifunction device for data that it can manage.

[0055] The document reading device 820 includes an automatic document feeder SPF (Single Pass Feeder) 824 that automatically feeds documents, and a reading device main body 822 that reads images of the documents. In addition to the components shown in Fig. 23, the document reading device 820 also includes the components not shown in Fig. 23 but shown in Fig. 22. As shown in Fig. 22, the reading device main body 822 includes a document table 826.

[0056] The multifunction device main body 830 includes a sheet feeding section 10 that feeds sheets, a manual feed section 20 that can manually feed sheets, and an image forming section 30 that forms an image on a sheet fed by the sheet feeding section 10 or the manual feed section 20.

[0057] The sheet feeding section 10 includes a sheet stacking section 11 for stacking sheets, and a separation feeding section 12 for separating and feeding the sheets stacked in the sheet stacking section 11 one by one. The sheet stacking section 11 includes a middle plate 14 that rotates around a rotation shaft 13, and the middle plate 14 rotates to lift the sheets upward when feeding them. The separation feeding section 12 includes a pickup roller 15 that feeds the sheets lifted by the middle plate 14, and a pair of separation rollers 16 that separates the sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 one by one.

[0058] The manual feed unit 20 includes a manual tray 21 on which sheets can be stacked, and a separation feed unit 22 that separates and feeds the sheets stacked on the manual tray 21 one by one. The manual tray 21 is rotatably supported by the multifunction device main body 830, and when manually feeding, the sheets can be stacked by fixing it at a predetermined angle. The separation feed unit 22 includes a pickup roller 23 that feeds the sheets stacked on the manual tray 21, and a separation roller 24 and separation pad 25 that separate the sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 one by one.

[0059] The image forming unit 30 includes four process cartridges 31Y-31K that form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), photosensitive drums 740Y-740K (described later), an exposure device 32 that exposes the surfaces of these, a transfer unit (transfer means) 33 that transfers the toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K to a sheet, and a fixing unit 34 that fixes the transferred toner images to the sheet. The letters (Y, M, C, K) added to the end of the reference numerals indicate the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).

[0060] Each of the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K is removable and replaceable from the multifunction device main body 830. Since the four process cartridges 31Y to 31K have the same configuration except for the color of the images they form, only the configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms yellow (Y) images will be described, and a description of the process cartridges 31M to 31K will be omitted.

[0061] The process cartridge 31Y includes a photosensitive drum 740Y as an image carrier, a charger 741Y that charges the photosensitive drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a drum cleaner 743Y that removes toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 740Y. The developing device 742Y includes a developing device main body (not shown in detail) that develops the image on the photosensitive drum 740Y, and a toner cartridge (not shown in detail) that supplies toner to the developing device main body. The toner cartridge is detachably attached to the developing device main body, and can be removed from the developing device main body and replaced when the toner stored therein runs out.

[0062] The exposure device 32 includes a light source (not shown) that irradiates laser light, and a plurality of mirrors (not shown) that guide the laser light to the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K. The transfer unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt 35 that carries toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K, primary transfer rollers 36Y-36K that perform primary transfer of the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K onto the intermediate transfer belt 35, a secondary transfer roller 37 that performs secondary transfer of the toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 35 onto a sheet, and a belt cleaner 38 that removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 35. The intermediate transfer belt 35 is stretched over a drive roller 39a and a driven roller 39b, and is pressed against the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K by the primary transfer rollers 36Y-36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips (sandwiches) the intermediate transfer belt 35 with the drive roller 39a, and transfers the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 to the sheet at the nip N. The fixing unit 34 includes a heating roller 34a that heats the sheet, and a pressure roller 34b that presses against the heating roller 34a.

[0063] The operation panel unit 843 includes a display unit 845 that displays predetermined information, and an input unit 847 through which the user inputs instructions to the document reading device 820 and the multifunction peripheral main body 830. In this embodiment, the operation panel unit 843 is disposed on the front side of the reading device main body 822. The front side corresponds to the front side of the paper in FIG.

[0064] Display unit 845 includes display area 302 of touch panel 300. Display unit 845 may also include other display areas.

[0065] The input unit 847 includes the touch area 301 of the touch panel 300. The input unit 847 may also include input buttons and the like.

[0066] 23, the arithmetic processing unit 841 includes a CPU 841a that drives and controls the sheet feeding unit 10, manual feeding unit 20, image forming unit 30, and document reading device 820, and a memory 841b that stores various programs for operating the CPU 841a and various information used by the CPU 841a. The arithmetic processing unit 841 integrally controls the operations of the sheet feeding unit 10, manual feeding unit 20, image forming unit 30, and document reading device 820 based on operations on an operation panel unit 843 by a user, and forms an image on a sheet.

[0067] Next, an image forming operation (image forming control by the arithmetic processing unit 841) by the multifunction peripheral 800 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, an image forming operation will be described as an example in which the image forming unit 30 forms an image of a read document fed by the automatic document feeder 824 and read by the reading device main body 822 on a sheet fed by the sheet feeder 10.

[0068] When a user inputs an image formation start signal into the input section 847 of the operation panel section 843, the document to be read that the user placed on the automatic document feed section 824 is automatically fed toward the document reading position, and the image is read by the reading device main body 822 at the document reading position.

[0069] When the image of the original is read by the reading device main body 822, the exposure device 32 irradiates the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K with a plurality of laser beams corresponding to each of them based on the image information of the read original. At this time, the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K are pre-charged by the chargers 741Y-741K, respectively, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K by irradiating them with the corresponding laser beams. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K are developed by the developing devices 742Y-742K, and toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y-740K. The toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y to 740K are superimposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 35 by the primary transfer rollers 36Y to 36K, and the superimposed and transferred toner images (full-color toner images) are transported to the nip portion N while being carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35.

[0070] In parallel with the image forming operation described above, the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit 11 are separated one by one by the separation and feeding unit 12 and fed to the sheet conveying path 26 by the pickup roller 15. Then, a pair of registration rollers 27 located upstream of the nip N in the sheet conveying direction corrects skew, and the sheet is conveyed to the nip N at a predetermined conveying timing. The full-color toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred onto the sheet conveyed to the nip N by the secondary transfer roller 37.

[0071] The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressurized in the fixing unit 34 to melt and fix the toner image, and is then discharged outside the apparatus by a pair of discharge rollers 18. The sheet discharged outside the apparatus is stacked on a discharge sheet stacking unit 19.

[0072] When forming images on both sides (first and second sides) of a sheet, before the sheet with an image formed on its first side is discharged outside the device, the pair of discharge rollers 18 is rotated in the reverse direction to convey the sheet to the double-sided conveying path 17, and the sheet is re-conveyed via the double-sided conveying path 17 to the image forming unit 30. Then, an image is formed on the second side, just like on the first side, and the sheet is discharged outside the device. The sheet discharged outside the device is stacked on the discharged sheet stacking unit 19.

[0073] In each embodiment, the following multifunction devices (1) to (6) may be provided. (1) A multifunction device characterized by having an external recording medium insertion port at a position higher than the touch area that a user touches on an operation panel provided near the top end of the front side of the main body. (2) A multifunction device characterized by having an external recording medium insertion port located at a position higher than the operation panel located near the top end of the front side of the main body. (3) A multifunction device characterized by having an external recording medium insertion port at a position on the back side of the touch area that a user touches on an operation panel provided near the top end of the front side of the main body. (4) According to the present invention, a multifunction peripheral is characterized in that an external recording medium insertion port is provided at a position behind an operation panel provided near the top end of the front side of the main body. (5) A multifunction device characterized by having an external recording medium insertion port in a protrusion provided on the main body housing. (6) A multifunction device characterized by having an external recording medium insertion port in a recess provided in the main body housing.

[0074] The present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main characteristics. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited to the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent range of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The present invention can be used in a multifunction peripheral, and also in a device having a USB port. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 300 touch panel 301 Display area 302 Touch Area 321 USB port 843 Operation panel

Claims

1. An operation panel rotatably provided on the front side of the main body includes a display section including a display area for displaying images, an input section, and an external recording medium insertion port; the input unit is disposed on the operation panel outside the display unit on the right side of the center of the display unit when the operation panel is viewed from the front, the external recording medium insertion port is disposed on the operation panel outside the display unit on the left side of the center of the display unit when the operation panel is viewed from the front, and above the top of the input unit; the input unit is not provided on the operation panel above the external recording medium insertion port, the operation panel includes a touch area on a front surface of the operation panel, separate from the input unit; the touch area and the external recording medium insertion port rotate while facing the same side when the operation panel rotates relative to the main body; A multifunction printer characterized in that the paper feed direction of an automatic document feeder provided in the main body and the paper discharge direction of a paper discharge unit provided in the main body that discharges printed paper are both to the left when viewed from the front of the operation panel.

2. 2. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the external recording medium insertion port is located at a position deeper than the display area when viewed from the front of the main body.

3. 3. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the external recording medium insertion port is located above the touch area when the main body is viewed from the front.

4. 4. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the external recording medium insertion port opens upward or obliquely upward.

5. 5. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the external recording medium insertion port is surrounded by a border of the same color as the front and side edges of the operation panel.

6. 6. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 5, wherein the color of the front edge and the side edge of the operation panel is different from the color of the operation surface of the operation panel.

7. 5. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the external recording medium insertion port is surrounded by a border of a different color from the color of the front and side edges of the operation panel.

8. 8. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 7, wherein the color of the border surrounding the external recording medium insertion slot is different from the color of the operation surface of the operation panel.

9. 2. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is not provided on the front side of the operation panel outside the display unit on the left side of the center of the display unit.

Images