Processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent an overhanging part of a support member from projecting upward beyond a table compared with a case where the overhanging part of the support member is arranged on a top face of the table.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 comprises: a table 50 on which a target TA is placed; and a support member 60 that is provided on a top face 52 of the table 50, supports a part to be supported on which at least one of an operation and display related to processing is performed, has an overhanging part 65 overhanging outward at a lower end part, has a plurality of members 64A, 64B adjacent to each other in a direction along the top face 52 of the table 50 and joined to each other into a columnar shape, and has a top face 65D of the overhanging part 65 embedded downward into the top face 52 of the table 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure including a plurality of mounting parts, a plurality of support columns for supporting the upper mounting part of the mounting parts arranged opposite to each other vertically, and a connecting part for connecting the support columns and the lower mounting part. The mounting part is configured to form engaging and connecting parts for engaging and connecting the connecting parts at a plurality of locations on the peripheral edge. The support columns are configured by continuously arranging a plurality of support column forming members in the vertical direction. The connecting part is provided with a support column connecting and engaging part for connecting and engaging with the support column at the upper part, and a main insertion and engaging part for inserting and engaging with the main engaging and connecting part of the engaging and connecting part at the lower part. And an extended connecting leg is provided between the support column connecting and engaging part and the main insertion and engaging part so that the peripheral edge of the mounting part and the support column form a continuous surface. The extended connecting leg is provided so as to project in two directions along the peripheral edge of the mounting part, and is provided with an auxiliary insertion and engaging part for inserting and engaging with the auxiliary engaging and connecting part of the engaging and connecting part at the lower part. A prefabricated storage body is disclosed.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a joint for a pipe structure material characterized by the following (1) to (3).

[0004] (1) The insertion part inserted into the hollow part from the end opening of the pipe is a joint formed by combining joint split pieces that are at least bisected by a plane including each axis. Each of the joint split pieces is provided with a bearing cylinder protruding inward from the inner surface of each joint split piece at the central part on one axis passing through each insertion part or at the intersection with each axis. And a through hole for opening the bearing cylinder to the outside is provided as a tool insertion hole such as a hexagonal wrench. The disk-shaped rotating body is rotatably supported by each bearing cylinder of the combined joint split pieces.

[0005] (2) The push rods connecting the disc-shaped rotating body and its inner end are arranged along the axis of each insertion part, and the tapered portion formed at the tip of each push rod is installed to be able to move back and forth in the axial direction while in contact with the tapered receiving surface formed on the inner surface of each insertion part.

[0006] (3) The configuration is such that by rotating the disc-shaped rotating body with a rotary tool such as a square wrench inserted from the outside through the through hole, the push rod is pushed out or pulled in, causing the tapered portion of the push rod to enter each tapered receiving surface, expanding the insertion portion and increasing its diameter, pressing the outer surface of the insertion portion against the inner surface of the pipe to connect the pipes, or by rotating the disc-shaped rotating body in the reverse direction, the tapered portion is retracted from the tapered receiving surface and its diameter is reduced, releasing the pressing force and disengaging the connection with the joint. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-52457 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-155260 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In a processing apparatus comprising a platform on which an object is placed, and a support member provided on the upper surface of the platform, which supports a supported portion on which at least one of processing operations and displays are performed, and which has an overhang portion that protrudes outward at its lower end, and is formed into a column by joining a plurality of adjacent members in the direction along the upper surface, when the overhang portion is positioned on the upper surface of the platform, the overhang portion protrudes above the upper surface of the platform.

[0009] The present invention aims to suppress the overhang of the support member from protruding above the upper surface of the base, compared to the case where the overhang of the support member is positioned on the upper surface of the base. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first embodiment comprises a platform on which an object is placed, and a support member provided on the upper surface of the platform, which supports a supported portion on which at least one of processing operations and display is performed, and which has an overhang at its lower end that protrudes outward, and is formed in a columnar shape by joining a plurality of adjacent members in the direction along the upper surface, with the overhang embedded below the upper surface.

[0011] In the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the upper edge of the outer end of the protruding portion is positioned at a height below the height of the upper surface of the base.

[0012] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the height of the upper edge of the outer end of the protruding portion is the same as the height of the upper surface of the base.

[0013] The fourth embodiment is one of the first to third embodiments, comprising a main body of the device and a reading unit provided above the main body of the device for reading an image of a document while transporting the document, wherein the stand is provided on one side in the left-right direction relative to the main body of the device, the reading unit is provided with an opening / closing part that moves toward the support member to open, and the support member is positioned on the stand in a position where it does not interfere with the opening / closing part after it has opened.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the opening and closing portion is opened by rotating toward the support member side around an axis provided on one side of the reading portion.

[0015] The sixth embodiment includes the supported portion, which is positioned in a location where the opening and closing portion does not interfere after opening, in the fourth or fifth embodiment.

[0016] In the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the distance from the front end of the inner end of the protruding portion to the front end of the base exceeds half of the minimum width of the paper size most frequently used in the processing device.

[0017] In the eighth aspect, as in the seventh aspect, the distance is set to be 3 / 4 or more of the minimum width of the paper size.

[0018] The ninth embodiment is one of the first to eighth embodiments and comprises: a main body of the device; a reading unit provided above the main body of the device for reading an image of a document while transporting the document; a supported portion provided on one side in the left-right direction relative to the reading unit; a document storage portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction relative to the reading unit for storing the document; a clip storage portion provided on the main body of the device on the other side relative to the document storage portion for storing a clip; and an discharge portion provided on the main body of the device on the other side relative to the clip storage portion for discharging a recording medium on which an image has been formed from the main body of the device.

[0019] The tenth aspect is a further configuration of the ninth aspect, comprising an insertion slot into which a terminal is inserted, wherein the clip housing portion and the insertion slot are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in a single recess, and the other end of the recess is positioned further to the other side than the other end of the document housing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the configuration of the first embodiment, compared to the case where the protruding portion of the support member is positioned on the upper surface of the base, the protruding portion of the support member is suppressed from protruding above the upper surface of the base.

[0021] In this specification, the protrusion of the support member is defined as suppressed if the amount of protrusion of the support member above the upper surface of the base is smaller than when the support member is positioned on the upper surface of the base. Therefore, in this invention, if the amount of protrusion of the support member is smaller than when it is positioned on the upper surface of the base, it is permissible for the support member to protrude relative to the upper surface of the base. Furthermore, the case in which the entire protrusion is positioned below the upper surface of the base is also included in the definition of suppressed protrusion of the support member.

[0022] According to the configuration of the second aspect, when the upper edge of the outer end portion of the overhanging portion is arranged at a position higher than the height of the upper surface of the base, interference between the object and the overhanging portion is suppressed when placing the object on the base.

[0023] According to the configuration of the third aspect, when the height of the upper edge of the outer end portion of the overhanging portion is lower than the height of the upper surface of the base, sinking of the object on the overhanging portion is suppressed when placing the object on the base.

[0024] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, damage to the support member and the opening / closing portion is suppressed as compared with the case where the support member is arranged at a position where the opening / closing portion after opening in the base interferes.

[0025] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the amount by which the opening / closing portion protrudes from the reading portion toward the support member side is reduced as compared with the case where the opening / closing portion linearly moves toward the support member side and is opened.

[0026] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, damage to the supported portion and the opening / closing portion is suppressed as compared with the case where the supported portion is arranged at a position where the opening / closing portion after opening interferes.

[0027] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, when the distance from the front end at the inner end portion of the overhanging portion to the front end of the base is 1 / 2 or less of the minimum width in the paper size with the highest usage frequency in the processing apparatus, the paper placed on the base is suppressed from falling off the base.

[0028] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, when the distance from the front end at the inner end portion of the overhanging portion to the front end of the base is less than 3 / 4 of the minimum width in the paper size with the highest usage frequency in the processing apparatus, the paper placed on the base is suppressed from falling off the base.

[0029] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, compared with the case where the clip storage portion is provided in the apparatus main body on one side with respect to the document storage portion, it is possible to intuitively make the user of the processing apparatus recognize that operations are performed in the order toward the other side.

[0030] According to the configuration of the tenth embodiment, compared to the case where the other end of the recess is positioned on one side of the other end relative to the document storage section, the user of the processing device can intuitively recognize that the operations should be performed in a sequence moving toward the other side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the clip housing section and insertion slot according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the support member and display unit and the opening / closing cover according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the base, support member, and display unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the support member according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the joining process of the cover of the support member according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the joining process of the cover of the support member according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the support member and base according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] (Image forming apparatus 10) The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is a front view of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0034] In the diagram, the arrow UP indicates the upper part of the device (specifically, vertically upward), and the arrow DO indicates the lower part of the device (specifically, vertically downward). The arrow LH indicates the left side of the device, and the arrow RH indicates the right side. The arrow FR indicates the front of the device, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the device. These directions are defined for explanatory purposes only, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that the term "device" may be omitted in each direction of the device. For example, "upper part of the device" may simply be referred to as "upper."

[0035] Furthermore, in the following explanations, "up and down direction" may be used to mean "both upward and downward" or "either upward or downward." "Left and right direction" may be used to mean "both right and left" or "either right or left." Note that "left and right direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. "Front and back direction" may be used to mean "both forward and backward" or "either forward or backward." Note that "front and back direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. In addition, the up and down direction, left and right direction, and front and back direction are directions that intersect each other (specifically, orthogonal directions).

[0036] Furthermore, the symbol with a "×" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. Also, the symbol with a "·" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of a processing apparatus, and is an apparatus that performs image forming processing to form an image. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises an image forming apparatus body 11, a media storage section 12, a manual feed tray 16, a media discharge section 13, a clip storage section 72, an insertion slot 74, an image forming section 18, a reading section 20, a document storage section 22, a document discharge section 23, an opening / closing cover 26, a stand 50, a display section 70, and a support member 60. The parts of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0038] (Image forming apparatus main body 11) The image forming apparatus body 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of the apparatus body, and is the part in which each component of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus body 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, the image forming apparatus body 11 has a housing 11A that accommodates each component of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0039] (Media storage section 12) The media storage section 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 that houses the recording medium. The recording medium housed in this media storage section 12 is supplied to the image forming section 18. Paper, for example, is used as the recording medium.

[0040] (Manual feed tray 16) The manual feed tray 16 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 on which recording media are loaded. A tray refers to a component on which recording media are loaded. Manual feeding refers to the operation of loading recording media manually by the user of the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the manual feed tray 16 refers to the component on which recording media are loaded manually by the user of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0041] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the manual feed tray 16 is located outside the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 (specifically, on the left side), and opens and closes relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 with its lower part as a pivot point. Figures 1 and 2 show the manual feed tray 16 in an open state relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus 11.

[0042] Recording media are loaded into this manual feed tray 16 in an open state relative to the image forming apparatus body 11. The recording media loaded into the manual feed tray 16 include, for example, recording media that cannot be fed out from the media storage unit 12 or are unsuitable for feeding out from the media storage unit 12. Such recording media include cardboard, postcards, envelopes, non-standard sized paper, and resin film.

[0043] (Media discharge section 13) The media discharge section 13 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of a discharge section, and is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 from which the image-formed recording medium is discharged. The media discharge section 13 is located outside the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 (specifically, on the right side). The recording medium from which the image-formed recording medium is discharged from the main body of the image forming apparatus 11 is discharged into this media discharge section 13.

[0044] (Clip housing section 72 and insertion opening 74) The clip housing section 72 shown in Figure 3 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 into which the clip is housed. The insertion slot 74 shown in Figure 3 is the slot into which a terminal (specifically, for example, a USB terminal) is inserted.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the clip housing portion 72 and the insertion slot 74 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction within a single recess 76. Specifically, the insertion slot 74 is located to the right of the clip housing portion 72 within the recess 76. The recess 76 is provided in the image forming apparatus body 11. Specifically, the recess 76 is provided in the front portion of the upper part of the image forming apparatus body 11.

[0046] The clip storage section 72 is used, for example, to temporarily store clips that were holding multiple documents together. Therefore, the user performs the following operation as an example: The user removes the clips that were holding multiple documents together, stores the clips in the clip storage section 72, stores the documents together in the document storage section 22, performs image scanning, and after completion, removes the clips from the clip storage section 72 and re-attaches the documents together.

[0047] (Image forming unit 18) The image forming unit 18 shown in Figure 1 has the function of forming an image on a recording medium. Examples of the image forming unit 18 include an inkjet type image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using ink, and an electrophotographic type image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using toner.

[0048] In an inkjet-type image forming unit, for example, ink droplets are ejected from an ejection unit onto a recording medium to form an image on the recording medium. Alternatively, an inkjet-type image forming unit may form an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets from an ejection unit onto a transfer medium and transferring the ink droplets from the transfer medium to the recording medium.

[0049] In an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, charging, exposure, development, and transfer are performed to form an image on the recording medium. Alternatively, an electrophotographic image forming unit may perform charging, exposure, and transfer to form an image on a transfer medium, and then transfer the image from the transfer medium to the recording medium to form an image on the recording medium.

[0050] It should be noted that the image forming unit is not limited to the inkjet-type image forming unit and the electrophotographic-type image forming unit mentioned above, but various other image forming units can be used.

[0051] (Reading unit 20) The reading unit 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a part of the image forming apparatus 10 that has the function of reading the image of a document while transporting the document. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reading unit 20 is located above the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the reading unit 20 opens and closes relative to the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus, with its rear and lower portion as the pivot point. In Figures 1 and 2, the reading unit 20 is shown in a closed state relative to the main body 11 of the image forming apparatus.

[0052] The reading unit 20 specifically comprises a housing 21, a reading device (not shown), and a transport mechanism (not shown). The reading unit 20 transports the document supplied from the document storage unit 22 using the transport mechanism and reads the image of the document using the reading device. As an example of the reading device, a contact image sensor called a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used.

[0053] (Manuscript storage section 22) The document storage section 22 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 that stores documents. The document storage section 22 is provided in the reading section 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the document storage section 22 is located on the right side of the housing 21 of the reading section 20. Documents loaded in this document storage section 22 are supplied to the reading section 20. For example, paper is used as the document.

[0054] (Original output section 23) The document ejection section 23 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 from which the document is ejected. Documents from which images have been read by the reading section 20 are ejected to this document ejection section 23.

[0055] (Opening / closing cover 26) The opening / closing cover 26 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of an opening / closing mechanism and is provided on the reading section 20. The opening / closing cover 26 opens by moving toward the support member 60 side (i.e., the left side), as described later (see Figure 4). Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the opening / closing cover 26 opens by rotating toward the support member 60 side around a shaft portion 26A provided on one side (specifically, the left side) of the reading section 20.

[0056] In other words, the opening / closing cover 26 is provided on the reading unit 20 so as to be rotatable between a closed position (indicated by a solid line in Figure 4) and an open position (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 4). In the open position, the opening / closing cover 26 is restricted from moving beyond the open position toward the support member 60 (i.e., to the left) by contact with a limiting part (not shown). In other words, the opening / closing angle (rotation angle) of the opening / closing cover 26 is restricted.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the opening / closing cover 26 is opened, the transport path (not shown) through which the document is transported in the reading unit 20 is exposed, making it possible to resolve document jams (so-called jams) in the transport path.

[0058] (50 units) The base 50 shown in Figure 5, etc., has the function of being on which the target TA can be placed. The upper surface 52 of the base 50 is the mounting surface on which the target TA can be placed.

[0059] The platform 50 can be used to temporarily place items that the user does not intend to use when using the image forming apparatus 10, as target TAs. For example, if the user wants the reading unit 20 to read images from some of multiple documents, the other documents that are not to be read can be temporarily placed on the platform 50 as target TAs.

[0060] The base 50 is located on one side (specifically, the left side) of the image forming apparatus body 11 in the left-right direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the base 50 protrudes to the left from the left side of the upper part of the image forming apparatus body 11, such that its upper surface 52 is positioned along the upper surface 11B of the image forming apparatus body 11. The base 50 is located above the manual feed tray 16 (see Figure 1).

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, a recess 54 is formed on the upper surface 52 of the base 50 where the support member 60 is placed. The support member 60 is attached to the base 50 in the recess 54 of the base 50.

[0062] (Display section 70) The display unit 70 shown in Figure 5, etc., is an example of a supported unit on which at least one of processing operations and displays are performed. The display unit 70 has the function of displaying various messages related to image formation processing, such as operation screens and operation guidance. Specifically, the display unit 70 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0063] In this embodiment, the display unit 70 also functions as an operation unit that is operated by the user. Specifically, the display unit 70 is composed of a touch panel display that integrates display and operation functions. The touch panel display is a touch panel such as a resistive type or a capacitive type, and detects the user's touch operation.

[0064] Thus, the display unit 70 is a component that performs both operations and displays related to processing (specifically, image formation processing).

[0065] (Support member 60) The support member 60 shown in Figure 5, etc., is a member that supports the display unit 70. This support member 60 is provided on the upper surface 52 of the base 50 and extends upward from the upper surface 52.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the support member 60 has a shaft portion 62, a cover 64, and a hinge portion 66. The shaft portion 62 is formed in the shape of a rod extending upward from the base 50. This shaft portion 62 supports the load of the display unit 70 via the hinge portion 66.

[0067] The hinge portion 66 functions as a mechanism for moving the display portion 70. The hinge portion 66 allows the display portion 70 to change its orientation in the left-right and up-down directions within a predetermined range of angles.

[0068] The cover 64 is a component that covers the outer circumference of the shaft portion 62. This cover 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape). Furthermore, the cover 64 has an overhang portion 65 that protrudes outward at its lower end. The overhang portion 65 protrudes radially outward from the cover 64 in the circumferential direction. That is, the overhang portion 65 protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions from the lower end of the cover 64. In a plan view, this overhang portion 65 is formed in a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0069] The cover 64 is formed into a columnar shape by joining adjacent members 64A and 64B in a direction along the upper surface 52 of the base 50 (specifically, in the circumferential direction along the shaft portion 62) (see Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8). It should also be noted that members 64A and 64B are opposing members in a direction along the upper surface 52 of the base 50 (specifically, in the front-to-back direction).

[0070] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, members 64A and 64B are joined to each other in a direction along the upper surface 52 of the base 50 (specifically, in the front-to-back direction), and then moved downward in the recess 54 of the base 50 to be attached to the base 50. Members 64A and 64B are fixed to the shaft portion 62 by fixing members 67 such as screws.

[0071] As described above, after joining members 64A and 64B are moved downward and attached to the base 50, the protruding portion 65 is embedded below the upper surface 52 of the base 50, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. It is not necessary for the entire protruding portion 65 to be located below the upper surface 52 of the base 50; it is sufficient for at least a part of the protruding portion 65 to be located below the upper surface 52 of the base 50.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the upper edge 65B of the outer end 65A of the protruding portion 65 is positioned at a height below the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50 (specifically, the upper edge 54A of the recess 54). Specifically, the height of the upper edge 65B is the same as the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50. However, the height of the upper edge 65B and the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50 do not need to be perfectly identical; for example, there may be an error of about ±3 mm.

[0073] The upper surface 65D of the overhang 65 is sloped downward from the inner end 65X (i.e., the base portion of the support member 60) to the outer end 65A. Therefore, the inner end 65X is positioned higher than the upper edge 65B of the outer end 65A. As shown in Figures 5 and 9, the upper surface 65D of the overhang 65, together with the upper surface 52 of the base 50, serves as a mounting surface on which the object TA is placed. It is desirable that the slope of the upper surface 65D of the overhang 65 be small in order to prevent the object TA placed on it from sliding off the outside of the overhang 65.

[0074] The distance LA (see Figure 9) from the front end 65Y of the inner end 65X of the protruding portion 65 to the front end 50Y of the base 50 exceeds half of the minimum width of the paper size most frequently used in the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, A4 size). Furthermore, the distance LA is set to be 3 / 4 or more of the minimum width of the paper size (specifically, A4 size).

[0075] (Positional relationship of each part in the image forming apparatus 10) The positional relationship between the support member 60, the display unit 70, and the opening / closing cover 26 is as follows.

[0076] In other words, the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) and the display unit 70 are positioned so as not to interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 on the base 50 after it has been opened (see Figure 4). Furthermore, throughout the entire range in which the display unit 70 can move by the hinge 66, the support member 60 and the display unit 70 are positioned so as not to interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 after it has been opened. Therefore, even when the display unit 70 is facing forward (i.e., towards the front), the support member 60 and the display unit 70 are positioned so as not to interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 after it has been opened.

[0077] In this embodiment, the opening and closing angle (rotation angle) of the opening / closing cover 26 is limited, so that the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) and the display unit 70 are positioned on the base 50 so that the opening / closing cover 26 does not interfere with them after opening. In this configuration, the distance from the rotation center to the closest part of the support member 60 and the display unit 70 is shorter than the distance from the rotation center to the furthest part of the opening / closing cover 26.

[0078] The positional relationship between the reading unit 20, the display unit 70, the document storage unit 22, the clip storage unit 72, the recess 76 in which the clip storage unit 72 is located, and the media ejection unit 13 is as follows (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0079] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display unit 70 is located on one side (specifically, the left side) of the reading unit 20 in the left-right direction. The document storage unit 22 is located on the other side (specifically, the right side) of the reading unit 20 in the left-right direction.

[0080] The clip housing section 72 is provided on the image forming apparatus body 11 on the other side (specifically, the right side) relative to the document housing section 22. The media discharge section 13 is provided on the image forming apparatus body 11 on the other side (specifically, the right side) relative to the clip housing section 72.

[0081] Furthermore, the recess 76 in which the clip housing portion 72 and insertion slot 74 are located has its other end (specifically, the right end) 76A positioned further to the other side (specifically, to the right) than its other end (specifically, the right end) 22A relative to the document housing portion 22.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 70 is provided on one side (specifically, the left side) in the left-right direction relative to the insertion slot 74, and the media discharge unit 13 is provided on the other side (specifically, the right side) in the left-right direction relative to the insertion slot 74. That is, the display unit 70, the insertion slot 74, and the media discharge unit 13 are arranged from one side (specifically, the left side) to the other side (specifically, the right side) in the left-right direction.

[0083] Furthermore, the components of the image forming apparatus 10 may be arranged such that one side in the left-right direction is the right side and the other side in the left-right direction is the left side.

[0084] (Effect according to this embodiment) In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the protruding portion 65 of the support member 60 is embedded below the upper surface 52 of the base 50.

[0085] Therefore, compared to the case where the protruding portion 65 of the support member 60 is positioned on the upper surface 52 of the base 50, the protruding portion 65 of the support member 60 is suppressed from protruding upward from the upper surface 52 of the base 50.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the upper edge 65B of the outer end 65A of the protruding portion 65 is positioned at a height below the upper surface 52 of the base 50 (specifically, the upper edge 54A of the recess 54).

[0087] Therefore, compared to the case where the upper edge 65B of the outer end 65A of the protruding portion 65 is positioned higher than the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50 (specifically, the upper edge 54A of the recess 54), interference between the target TA and the protruding portion 65 is suppressed when the target TA is placed on the base 50. Note that "the case where the upper edge 65B is positioned higher than the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50" here means that the upper edge 65B is positioned higher than the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50 by an amount exceeding the margin of error.

[0088] Specifically, in this embodiment, the height of the upper edge 65B is the same as the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50.

[0089] Therefore, compared to the case where the height of the upper edge 65B is lower than the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50, interference between the target TA and the protruding portion 65 when the target TA is placed on the base 50 is suppressed. Note that "the case where the height of the upper edge 65B is lower than the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50" means that it is lower than the error range between the height of the upper edge 65B and the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) is positioned so as not to interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 on the base 50 after it has been opened (see Figure 4).

[0091] Therefore, compared to the case where the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) is positioned in a location where it interferes with the opening / closing cover 26 after it has been opened on the base 50, damage to the support member 60 and the opening / closing cover 26 is suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the opening / closing cover 26 rotates toward the support member 60 around a shaft portion 26A provided on one side (specifically, the left side) of the reading section 20 to open.

[0093] Therefore, compared to the case where the opening / closing cover 26 moves linearly toward the support member 60 to open, the amount by which the opening / closing cover 26 protrudes from the reading section 20 toward the support member 60 is reduced. As a result, the support member 60 can be positioned closer to the reading section 20.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 70 is positioned so as not to interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 on the base 50 after it has been opened (see Figure 4).

[0095] Therefore, compared to the case where the display unit 70 is positioned in a location where it interferes with the opening / closing cover 26 on the base 50 after it has been opened, damage to the display unit 70 and the opening / closing cover 26 is suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance LA (see Figure 9) from the front end 65Y of the inner end 65X of the protruding portion 65 to the front end 50Y of the base 50 exceeds half of the minimum width of the paper size most frequently used in the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, A4 size).

[0097] Therefore, compared to the case where the distance LA is 1 / 2 or less of the minimum width of the most frequently used paper size in the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, A4 size), the likelihood of the paper placed on the stand 50 falling off the stand 50 is suppressed.

[0098] Specifically, in this embodiment, the distance LA is set to be 3 / 4 or more of the minimum width of the paper size (specifically, A4 size).

[0099] Therefore, compared to the case where the distance LA is less than 3 / 4 of the minimum width of the most frequently used paper size in the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, A4 size), the paper placed on the stand 50 is less likely to fall off the stand 50.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clip housing section 72 is provided on the image forming apparatus body 11 on the other side in the left-right direction relative to the document housing section 22 (specifically, the right side).

[0101] Therefore, compared to the case where the clip housing section 72 is provided on the image forming apparatus body 11 on one side in the left-right direction relative to the document housing section 22 (specifically, the left side), the user of the image forming apparatus 10 can intuitively recognize that operations should be performed in a sequence moving from the left side to the right side. For example, when making a copy in the image forming apparatus 10, the user can intuitively recognize that operations should be performed sequentially from left to right on the display section 70, document housing section 22, clip housing section 72, and media ejection section 13.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recess 76 in which the clip housing portion 72 and insertion slot 74 are located has its other end (specifically, the right end) 76A positioned further to the other side (specifically, to the right) than the other end (specifically, the right end) 22A relative to the document housing portion 22.

[0103] Therefore, compared to the case where the other end (specifically the right end) 76A of the recess 76 is positioned on one side (specifically the left side) of the other end (specifically the right end) 22A of the document storage section 22, the user of the image forming apparatus 10 can intuitively recognize that the operation should proceed in a sequence toward the other side (specifically the right side).

[0104] Specifically, it is intuitively clear that the operation on the document storage section 22 is followed by the operation on the clip storage section 72.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clip housing portion 72 and the insertion opening 74 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction within a single recess 76, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, the recess 76 extends far to the left and right, which evokes a greater sense of lateral movement.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 70, the insertion slot 74, and the media ejection unit 13 are arranged from one side (specifically, the left side) to the other side (specifically, the right side) in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, for example, when inserting a terminal into the insertion slot 74 to perform image formation, it is intuitively understood that operations on the display unit 70, the insertion slot 74, and the media ejection unit 13 should be performed sequentially from left to right. Specifically, such operations include, for example, an instruction operation instructing the display unit 70 to perform image formation involving the insertion of a terminal, an insertion operation in which the terminal is inserted into the insertion slot 74 after the instruction operation, and an ejection operation in which the recording medium P on which the image has been formed is removed from the media ejection unit 13 after the insertion operation.

[0107] (Modified image forming apparatus 10) In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus 10 was used as an example of a processing apparatus, but it is not limited to this. Examples of processing apparatuses include devices that perform medical processing (e.g., displaying images for medical diagnosis). Therefore, the processing performed by the processing apparatus is not limited to image forming processing, and various other processing methods can be applied.

[0108] (Triangulation of the opening / closing cover 26) In this embodiment, the opening / closing cover 26 rotates toward the support member 60 side around a shaft portion 26A provided on one side (specifically, the left side) of the reading section 20, as shown in Figure 4, to open, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the opening / closing cover 26 may be configured to open by moving linearly toward the support member 60 side.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening and closing angle (rotation angle) of the opening / closing cover 26 is limited so that the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) and the display unit 70 are positioned so that they do not interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 after it has been opened on the base 50. However, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the distance from the rotation center to the closest part of the support member 60 and the display unit 70 may be longer than the distance from the rotation center to the furthest part of the opening / closing cover 26 so that the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) and the display unit 70 are positioned so that they do not interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 after it has been opened on the base 50.

[0110] (A modified example of the 50-unit model) In this embodiment, the platform 50 was provided on the left side relative to the image forming apparatus body 11, but it is not limited to this. The platform 50 may be provided, for example, on the right side or the front side relative to the image forming apparatus body 11.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance LA (see Figure 9) from the front end 65Y of the inner end 65X of the protruding portion 65 to the front end 50Y of the base 50 was set to be 3 / 4 or more of the minimum width of the paper size most frequently used in the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, A4 size), but it is not limited to this. For example, the distance LA may be set to be less than 3 / 4 of the minimum width of the paper size most frequently used in the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, A4 size). Moreover, the distance LA may be set to be 1 / 2 or less of the minimum width of the paper size most frequently used in the image forming apparatus 10 (specifically, A4 size).

[0112] (Modified form of support member 60) In this embodiment, the height of the upper edge 65B of the outer end 65A of the protruding portion 65 was aligned with the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50, but this is not limited to this. For example, the upper edge 65B may be positioned higher than the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50 by an error margin. Alternatively, the upper edge 65B may be positioned lower than the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50 by an error margin. In other words, as long as at least a part of the protruding portion 65 is located below the upper surface 52 of the base 50, the positional relationship between the height of the upper edge 65B and the height of the upper surface 52 of the base 50 is irrelevant.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) was positioned in a location on the base 50 where it did not interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 after it had been opened (see Figure 4), but this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the support member 60 (specifically, the cover 64) may be positioned in a location on the base 50 where it did interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 after it had been opened.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 65 was formed in a rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed from above, but it is not limited to this. The shape of the protruding portion 65 in a plan view may be, for example, a quadrilateral shape other than a rectangle, a polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral, or a circular shape. In other words, the shape of the protruding portion 65 in a plan view is not limited to a specific shape, and various shapes can be used.

[0115] The members 64A and 64B constituting the cover 64 were joined to each other in a direction along the upper surface 52 of the base 50 (specifically, in the front-to-back direction), but are not limited to this. The members 64A and 64B may be joined by moving them to each other in the vertical direction, for example, and the direction in which the members 64A and 64B are joined can be in various directions.

[0116] In this embodiment, the cover 64 was composed of members 64A and 64B, but it is not limited to this. For example, the cover 64 may be composed of three or more members.

[0117] (Modified display unit 70) In this embodiment, the display unit 70, as an example of a supported unit, was a component that performed both operations related to processing (specifically, image forming processing) and display, but is not limited to this. An example of a supported unit may be a component that performs either operations related to processing (specifically, image forming processing) or display. In other words, an example of a supported unit may be a component that performs at least one of operations related to processing (specifically, image forming processing) or display.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display unit 70 was positioned in a location where it did not interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 on the base 50 after it was opened (see Figure 4), but this is not limited to this. The display unit 70 may be positioned in a location where it does interfere with the opening / closing cover 26 on the base 50 after it was opened.

[0119] (Modified version of clip housing section 72, etc.) In this embodiment, the clip housing section 72 was provided on the image forming apparatus body 11 on the other side in the left-right direction relative to the document housing section 22 (specifically, the right side), but it is not limited to this. For example, the clip housing section 72 may be provided on the image forming apparatus body 11 on one side in the left-right direction relative to the document housing section 22 (specifically, the left side).

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recess 76 in which the clip housing portion 72 and insertion slot 74 are located has its other end (specifically, the right end) 76A positioned further to the other side (specifically, to the right) than the other end (specifically, the right end) 22A relative to the document housing portion 22, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the other end (specifically, the right end) 76A of the recess 76 may be positioned further to one side (specifically, to the left) than the other end (specifically, the right end) 22A relative to the document housing portion 22.

[0121] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the modified forms shown above may be combined in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Image forming apparatus main unit 11A enclosure 11B Top surface 12 Media storage section 13 Media discharge section 16 Manual feed trays 18 Image forming unit 20 Reading section 21 cabinets 22 Manuscript storage section 23 Original output section 26 Opening / Closing Cover 26A Shaft 50 units 50Y front end 52 Top side 54 recess 54A Upper edge 60 Support member 62 Shaft section 64 Cover 64A, 64B components 65 Overhang 65A end 65B Upper edge 65D top surface 65X end 65Y front end 66 Hinge section 67 Fixing member 70 Display section 72 Clip storage section 74 outlets 76 recesses TA target

Claims

1. A platform on which the object is placed, A support member provided on the upper surface of the base, supporting a supported part on which at least one of processing operations and display is performed, having an overhang at its lower end that protrudes outward, a plurality of adjacent members joined together in the direction along the upper surface to form a columnar shape, and the overhang is embedded below the upper surface, The reading unit reads the manuscript, Equipped with, The reading section is provided with an opening / closing section that moves toward the support member to open. The support member is positioned so as not to interfere with the opening and closing part after it has been opened. Processing device.

2. The stand is provided on one side in the left-right direction relative to the main body of the device, The opening and closing part rotates toward the support member side around an axis provided on one side of the reading section to open. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The supported portion is positioned so as not to interfere with the opening and closing portion after it has been opened. Equipped with, The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A platform on which an object is placed, A support member provided on the upper surface of the base, supporting a supported part on which at least one of processing operations and display is performed, having an overhang at its lower end that protrudes outward, a plurality of adjacent members joined together in the direction along the upper surface to form a columnar shape, and the overhang is embedded below the upper surface, Equipped with, The distance from the front end of the inner end of the protruding portion to the front end of the base exceeds half of the minimum width of the paper size most frequently used in the processing device. Processing device.

5. The distance is set to be 3 / 4 or more of the minimum width in the paper size. The apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The device body and A reading unit is provided above the main body of the device, which reads the image of the document while transporting it. A supported section is provided on one side in the left-right direction relative to the reading section, and at least one of the processing operations and display is performed on it. A platform on which the object is placed, A support member provided on the upper surface of the base, supporting the supported portion, having an overhang that protrudes outward at its lower end, and formed into a column by joining multiple adjacent members in the direction along the upper surface, with the overhang embedded below the upper surface, A document storage section is provided on the other side of the reading unit in the left-right direction, and the document is stored in the document storage section, On the other side of the document storage section, the device body is provided with a clip storage section for storing clips, On the other side of the clip housing portion, the device body is provided with an outlet portion from which the recording medium on which the image is formed is discharged from the device body, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

7. Further comprising an outlet into which a terminal is inserted, The clip housing and the insertion opening are arranged side by side in the left-right direction within a single recess. The other end of the recess is positioned further to the other side than the other end of the document storage section. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

Images