Image formation device

Abstract

Provided is an image formation device in which a panel substrate can be easily repaired or replaced. An image formation device 1 comprises a touch panel 130, a panel substrate 150, a first cover 110, and a second cover 120. The touch panel 130 is capable of displaying information pertaining to image formation or receiving input of a command pertaining to image formation. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the touch panel 130. The first cover 110 has an opening 111 that exposes a part of the touch panel 130. The first cover 110 covers the panel substrate 150. The second cover 120 covers the panel substrate 150 from the side opposite from the first cover 110 with the panel substrate 150 sandwiched therebetween. One of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 is displaceable with respect to the other of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 between an open position in which the panel substrate 150 is exposed and a closed position in which the panel substrate is covered.

Description

Image forming apparatus

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus including a panel substrate.

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a panel for displaying information related to image formation or inputting commands and a panel substrate connected to the panel has been known (see Patent Document 1). In this image forming apparatus, the panel substrate is attached to the cover, and the panel substrate can be repaired or replaced by removing the panel substrate together with the cover from the main body housing.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-157799

[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, when repairing or replacing the panel substrate, after removing the panel substrate together with the cover from the main body housing, it is necessary to hold the removed cover in another place for repair or replacement work. Therefore, the panel substrate could not be easily repaired or replaced.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily repairing or replacing a panel substrate.

[0006] An image forming apparatus for solving the above-described problems forms an image on a sheet and includes a main body housing, a panel, a panel substrate, a first cover, and a second cover. The panel can display information related to image formation or input commands related to image formation. The panel substrate is electrically connected to the panel. The first cover has an opening for exposing a part of the panel. The first cover covers the panel substrate. The second cover covers the panel substrate from the side opposite to the first cover with the panel substrate interposed therebetween. One of the first cover and the second cover is displaceable with respect to the other of the first cover and the second cover between an open position for exposing the panel substrate and a closed position for covering the panel substrate.

[0007] One of the first cover and the second cover is displaceable with respect to the other of the first cover and the second cover between an open position for exposing the panel substrate and a closed position for covering the panel substrate. Therefore, the panel substrate can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first cover or the second cover.

[0008] Furthermore, the panel may be positioned between the panel substrate and the first cover. The panel may also be configured to be replaceable when the first or second cover is in the open position.

[0009] When the first or second cover is in the open position, the panel is exposed for replacement. Therefore, the panel can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first or second cover.

[0010] Furthermore, one of the first cover and the second cover may be configured to be rotatable relative to the other of the first cover and the second cover.

[0011] Furthermore, one of the first cover and the second cover may be configured to be rotatable relative to the other of the first and second covers while detachably supporting the panel and panel substrate.

[0012] Since one of the first and second covers is rotatable relative to the other while detachably supporting the panel and panel substrate, the panel and panel substrate can be easily repaired or replaced.

[0013] The other of the first and second covers may be configured to detachably support the panel and the panel substrate.

[0014] Furthermore, the first cover may be configured to detachably support the panel and panel substrate, and to be rotatable relative to the second cover between an open position in which the panel substrate can be repaired or replaced, and a closed position in which the panel substrate cannot be replaced.

[0015] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may also include a sheet tray from which a sheet can be set from the front. And, when the first cover is in the closed position, the shaft may be configured to be located behind the panel substrate.

[0016] When the first cover is in the closed position, the shaft is positioned behind the panel substrate, allowing the front of the first cover to be opened.

[0017] Furthermore, in the front-to-back direction, the shaft may be configured to be located between the center of gravity of the first cover in the closed position and the center of gravity of the first cover in the open position.

[0018] In the front-to-back direction, the shaft is positioned between the center of gravity of the first cover in the closed position and the center of gravity of the first cover in the open position, thus stably maintaining the first cover in the open position. For this reason, the panel substrate can be easily replaced when the first cover is in the open position.

[0019] The image forming apparatus may further include an image forming unit, a main board for controlling the image forming unit, and a cable for electrically connecting the main board and the panel board. The panel board may further have a connector to which the cable is connected. When the first cover is in the closed position, the connector may be located on the second surface of the panel board.

[0020] With the first cover in the closed position, the connector is located on the second surface of the panel board, making it easy to disconnect the cable from the connector and replace the panel board. Furthermore, since the first cover rotates only within a predetermined range, it does not become loose when replacing the panel board, preventing the cable from being unnecessarily pulled.

[0021] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may further include a scanner capable of reading a document, and a scanner housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner and is part of the main body housing. The first cover may be configured such that the external design surface contacts the scanner housing, thereby holding the first cover in the open position.

[0022] The design surface of the first cover comes into contact with the scanner housing, which holds the first cover in the open position, thus ensuring that the first cover remains stably in the open position.

[0023] Furthermore, the first cover may have a panel opening that exposes the panel. The scanner housing may also have corners that extend in the left-right direction perpendicular to the vertical and front-back directions and contact the periphery of the panel opening of the first cover when the first cover is in the open position. The left-right dimension of the panel opening may be smaller than the left-right dimension of the corner.

[0024] By making the left-right dimension of the panel opening smaller than the left-right dimension of the corner, it is possible to prevent the panel exposed through the panel opening from coming into contact with the corner of the scanner housing.

[0025] Furthermore, the system may further include a support plate positioned between the panel and the panel substrate to support the panel. The support plate may be held in place by the first cover.

[0026] Furthermore, the first cover may be configured to be located within the area of ​​the main body housing when viewed from above, even when in the open position.

[0027] When the first cover is in the open position, it is located within the area of ​​the main body casing when viewed from above. Therefore, even when the first cover is in the open position, it does not protrude outside the area of ​​the main body casing, and there is no need to leave space for opening and closing.

[0028] Additionally, the seat tray may be able to be pulled forward.

[0029] The shaft may also be located within the scanner housing.

[0030] The shaft may also be positioned in the first cover.

[0031] Furthermore, the second cover may be configured to detachably support the panel and the panel substrate. The first cover may also be rotatable relative to the second cover between an open position that exposes the panel substrate and a closed position that covers the panel substrate together with the panel.

[0032] By rotating the first cover to the open position, the panel substrate can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first or second cover.

[0033] Furthermore, the panel may be positioned between the panel substrate and the first cover. When the first cover is in the open position, the panel may be exposed in a replaceable manner.

[0034] Since the panel is exposed in a replaceable manner when the first cover is in the open position, the panel can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first or second cover.

[0035] The image forming apparatus may further comprise a main body housing, a scanner, and a scanner housing. The scanner is capable of reading original documents. The scanner housing constitutes the external design surface of the scanner and forms part of the main body housing. The scanner housing may also have a second cover.

[0036] Furthermore, the second cover may be formed integrally with the scanner housing.

[0037] The second cover is integrally formed with the scanner housing, which reduces the number of parts. Furthermore, the rigidity of the second cover can be increased by integrating it with the scanner housing.

[0038] Furthermore, the second cover may support the panel and the panel substrate from below. The panel may also protrude above the upper edge of the second cover.

[0039] The panel protrudes above the upper edge of the second cover, making it easier to handle when replacing the panel.

[0040] The panel may also include a liquid crystal panel, a sensing panel, and a touch panel plate that supports the liquid crystal panel and the sensing panel.

[0041] Further, the panel substrate may have a first connector, a second connector, a first surface, and a second surface. The first connector is connected to a first cable that connects the liquid crystal panel and the panel substrate. The second connector is connected to a second cable that connects the sensing panel and the panel substrate. The first surface is a surface facing the first cover. The second surface is a surface on the opposite side of the first surface. And the first connector and the second connector may be located on the first surface of the panel substrate.

[0042] Since the first connector and the second connector are located on the first surface of the panel substrate, it is easy to insert and remove the cables.

[0043] Further, the image forming apparatus may further include an image forming unit and a main board that controls the image forming unit. And the panel substrate may be connected to a third cable that connects the main board and the panel substrate, and may have a third connector located on the first surface of the panel substrate.

[0044] Further, the second cover may be configured to detachably support the panel and the panel substrate. And the second cover may be rotatable with respect to the first cover between an open position where the panel substrate is exposed and a closed position where the panel substrate is covered together with the panel.

[0045] By rotating the second cover to the open position, the panel substrate can be easily replaced without removing the first cover or the second cover.

[0046] Further, the panel may be located between the panel substrate and the first cover. And when the second cover is in the open position, the panel may be configured to be exposed for repair or replacement.

[0047] Since the panel is exposed for repair or replacement when the second cover is in the open position, the panel can be easily replaced without removing the first cover or the second cover.

[0048] Further, it may further include a main body housing, a scanner capable of reading a document, and a scanner housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner and forms a part of the main body housing. And the scanner housing may have a first cover.

[0049] Further, the first cover may be integrally formed with the scanner housing.

[0050] Since the first cover is integrally formed with the scanner housing, the number of parts can be reduced. Also, since the first cover is integrally formed with the scanner housing, the rigidity of the first cover can be increased.

[0051] Further, the main body housing may have a contact surface. And the second cover may be configured to be held in the open position by contacting the contact surface.

[0052] Since the second cover is held in the open position by contacting the contact surface, it is easy to repair or replace the panel or the panel substrate.

[0053] Further, the main body housing may have a discharge tray on which the sheet on which an image is formed is loaded, and a protrusion protruding above the loading surface. And the protrusion may have a contact surface.

[0054] Since the protrusion having the contact surface protrudes above the loading surface, even if the second cover contacts the contact surface, the second cover and the sheet do not interfere with each other.

[0055] Further, the second cover may face obliquely upward in a state of contacting the contact surface.

[0056] Since the second cover faces obliquely upward, it is easy to repair or replace the panel or the panel substrate.

[0057] Further, the scanner housing may be movable to a first position and a second position located above the first position. And the second cover may not be rotatable to the open position when the scanner housing is located at the first position, and may be rotatable to the open position when the scanner housing is located at the second position.

[0058] The second cover may also have a bottom wall and a first side wall. The bottom wall is located below the panel substrate when the second cover is in the closed position. The first side wall extends from the bottom wall. The first side wall may also be located below the panel substrate when the second cover is in the open position.

[0059] When the second cover is in the open position, the first side wall is positioned below the panel substrate, thus preventing the panel substrate from falling.

[0060] The second cover may also have a second side wall extending from the bottom wall. The second side wall extends from the first side wall toward the scanner housing when the second cover is in the closed position. When the second cover is in the closed position, the panel substrate may protrude above the upper end of the second side wall. When the second cover is in the closed position, the upper end of the first side wall may protrude above the panel substrate.

[0061] When the second cover is in the closed position, the panel substrate protrudes above the upper edge of the second side wall, making it easier to handle the panel substrate when replacing it. Also, when the second cover is in the closed position, the upper edge of the first side wall protrudes above the panel substrate, which helps to prevent the panel substrate from falling.

[0062] Furthermore, the scanner housing may also include a shaft that rotatably supports the second cover. The scanner housing may also have a hole for supporting the shaft.

[0063] By providing a shaft that rotatably supports the second cover, the second cover does not detach from the scanner housing when the second cover is in the open position.

[0064] Furthermore, the main casing may include a front cover that forms the front of the main casing. The second cover may be configured to be held in the open position by contacting the front cover.

[0065] The second cover is held in the open position by contacting the front cover, making it easier to repair or replace the panel or panel circuit board.

[0066] Furthermore, the scanner housing may also be provided with a shaft that rotatably supports the second cover. The scanner housing may also be configured to have elongated holes that are long vertically to support the shaft.

[0067] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may also include a sheet tray from which a sheet can be set from the front. And, when the first cover is in the closed position, the shaft may be configured to be located in front of the panel substrate.

[0068] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may further include a sheet tray from which a sheet can be set from the front. When the first cover is in the closed position, the shaft may be configured to be located in one of the left-right directions perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction with respect to the panel substrate.

[0069] Furthermore, when the first cover is in the open position, the panel substrate may be configured to face upwards.

[0070] With the first cover in the open position, the panel substrate is facing upwards, making it easy to replace the panel substrate.

[0071] Furthermore, when the first cover is in the open position, the design surface of the first cover may be configured to be in contact with the upper surface of the main body housing.

[0072] When the first cover is in the open position, the design surface of the first cover comes into contact with the top surface of the main body housing, thus stably maintaining the first cover in the open position.

[0073] Furthermore, the main casing may further include a front cover that constitutes the front of the main casing. When the first cover is in the open position, the design surface of the first cover may be in contact with the upper end surface of the front cover.

[0074] When the first cover is in the open position, the design surface of the first cover contacts the upper end surface of the front cover, thereby stably maintaining the first cover in the open position.

[0075] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that allows for easy repair or replacement of the panel substrate.

[0076] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus. This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus. This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with the scanner's document holder open. This is a front view of the image forming apparatus with the first cover closed. This is a front view of the image forming apparatus with the first cover open. This is a perspective view of the touch panel, push button panel, support plate, and panel substrate. This is an exploded perspective view of the touch panel. This is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel. This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the operation panel. Figure (a) shows the first cover in the closed position, and Figure (b) shows the first cover in the open position. This is a top view of the image forming apparatus with the first cover open. This is a perspective view showing the operation panel in the second embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the operation panel in the third embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the operation panel in the fourth embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the operation panel in the fifth embodiment. This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus in the sixth embodiment. This is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with the scanner's document holder open in the sixth embodiment. This is a front view of the image forming apparatus with the first cover closed in the sixth embodiment. This is a perspective view of the operation panel with the first cover open in the sixth embodiment. This is a perspective view of the touch panel, support plate, button plate, and panel substrate removed from the second cover in the sixth embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of the touch panel in the sixth embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel in the sixth embodiment. This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the operation panel in the sixth embodiment. This is a side view (a) of the operation panel with the first cover closed and a side view (b) of the operation panel with the first cover open in the sixth embodiment. This is a front view of the image forming apparatus with the second cover closed in the seventh embodiment. This is a perspective view of the scanner housing in the seventh embodiment after it has been moved to the second position. This is a side view (a) of the scanner housing in the seventh embodiment after it has been moved to the first position and a side view (b) of the scanner housing in the seventh embodiment after it has been moved to the second position. This is a perspective view of the operation panel with the second cover open in the seventh embodiment. This is a side view (a) of the operation panel with the second cover closed and a side view (b) of the operation panel with the second cover open in the seventh embodiment. This is a perspective view of the touch panel, support plate, button plate, and panel substrate removed from the second cover in the seventh embodiment.This is a cross-sectional view of the control panel. This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the control panel. This is a perspective view of the control panel in the eighth embodiment with the second cover open. These are side views (a) to (c) of the control panel showing the movement of displacing the second cover from the closed position to the open position in the eighth embodiment.

[0077] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, directions will be described in the direction shown in Figure 1. The right side of Figure 1 will be referred to as "front," the left side as "back," the far side of the page in Figure 1 as "right," and the near side of the page in Figure 1 as "left." The top and bottom of Figure 1 will be referred to as "top and bottom."

[0078] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device capable of forming monochrome images and making copies. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a main body housing 10, a sheet supply unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a scanner 90, a main circuit board 98, and an operation panel 100.

[0079] The main housing 10 includes an output tray 13 and a front cover FC. The output tray 13 has a loading surface 13A on which the image-formed sheets S are stacked. The front cover FC constitutes the front surface of the main housing 10.

[0080] The sheet supply unit 30 comprises a sheet tray 31 and a sheet supply roller 32. The sheet tray 31 holds the sheets S. The sheet tray 31 can be pulled forward and the sheets S can be set in it. The sheet supply roller 32 supplies the sheets S held in the sheet tray 31 to the image forming unit 40.

[0081] The image forming unit 40 forms an image on the sheet S. The image forming unit 40 comprises an exposure unit 50, a process cartridge 60, and a fuser 70. The exposure unit 50, the process cartridge 60, and the fuser 70 are located within the main body housing 10.

[0082] The exposure unit 50 includes a light source, a deflector, a lens, a mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam as shown by the dashed line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0083] The process cartridge 60 comprises a drum cartridge 60A and a developer cartridge 60B.

[0084] The drum cartridge 60A comprises a photosensitive drum 61, a charger 62, and a transfer roller 63. A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0085] The developing cartridge 60B is detachable from the drum cartridge 60A. The developing cartridge 60B includes a developing roller 64, a supply roller 65, a layer thickness regulating blade 66, an agitator 67, and a toner storage section 68.

[0086] The toner storage section 68 stores the toner. The agitator 67 agitates the toner in the toner storage section 68. The agitator 67 also supplies the toner to the supply roller 65. The supply roller 65 supplies the toner to the developing roller 64. The layer thickness regulating blade 66 contacts the surface of the developing roller 64 to regulate the thickness of the toner on the developing roller 64 to a constant thickness.

[0087] The fuser 70 comprises a heating unit 71, a pressure roller 72, and an intermediate discharge roller 73. The heating unit 71 includes a heater, a fuser belt, a nip plate, etc. The heating unit 71 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 72 presses the sheet S against the heating unit 71.

[0088] The charger 62 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The exposure unit 50 emits a light beam onto the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 61, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image based on image data on the photosensitive drum 61. The developing roller 64 supplies toner to the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 61. This forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0089] The transfer roller 63 transports the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 30 between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 61 to the sheet S. The fuser unit 70 transports the sheet S, on which the toner image has been transferred, between the heating unit 71 and the pressure roller 72, thereby fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet S.

[0090] The intermediate discharge roller 73 transports the sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed toward the discharge roller 81. The discharge roller 81 discharges the sheet S on which the image has been formed toward the discharge tray 13.

[0091] The scanner 90 is capable of reading documents. The scanner 90 has a document tray 91 and a document holder 92. A document is placed on the document tray 91. The document holder 92 is movable relative to the document tray 91 between a pressing position shown in Figure 2 and an open position shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the document holder 92 is rotatable relative to the document tray 91. The pressing position is the position in which the document placed on the document tray 91 is held down. The open position is the position in which the top surface of the document tray 91 is opened.

[0092] Returning to Figure 1, the document tray 91 includes a glass plate 93, a sensor unit 94, and a scanner housing 96.

[0093] The sensor unit 94 is movable relative to the main housing 10. More specifically, the sensor unit 94 is linearly movable horizontally relative to the main housing 10. By moving relative to the main housing 10, the sensor unit 94 reads the image of the document placed on the glass plate 93. The scanner housing 96 is a housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner 90. The scanner housing 96 constitutes a part of the main housing 10.

[0094] The document holder 92 has an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "ADF") 95. The ADF 95 can hold a document. The ADF 95 transports the document that has been placed in it. The image of the transported document is read by the sensor unit 94.

[0095] In this embodiment, the scanner housing 96 includes a housing for the glass plate 93 and the sensor unit 94, and a housing for the ADF 95.

[0096] As shown in Figure 2, the main board 98 is located in the main body housing 10. The main board 98 controls the image forming unit 40 and other components.

[0097] The control panel 100 is located at the front and top of the main body housing 10. The control panel 100 includes a first cover 110, a second cover 120, a touch panel 130, a push button panel 140, a panel substrate 150, and a support plate 160 as shown in Figure 6.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, the panel substrate 150 is a circuit board that receives commands from the operation panel 100 and transmits the input commands to the main board 98. The panel substrate 150 has a rectangular plate shape. The panel substrate 150 has a first surface 150A that faces the touch panel 130 and a second surface 150B that is opposite to the first surface 150A.

[0099] As shown in Figure 2, the first cover 110 constitutes the upper part of the operation panel 100. Together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, the first cover 110 covers the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150 from the side on which the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140 are located. In this embodiment, the first cover 110, together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, covers the panel substrate 150 from above.

[0100] The touch panel 130 is an example of a panel that displays information related to image formation. The touch panel 130 and the push-button panel 140 are also examples of panels on which commands related to image formation can be input.

[0101] The scanner housing 96 has a second cover 120 that protrudes horizontally. In this embodiment, the second cover 120 protrudes forward. The second cover 120 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96. The second cover 120 covers the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150 from the opposite side of the first cover 110.

[0102] As shown in Figure 8, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 form a substrate housing section 190 for housing the panel substrate 150. The substrate housing section 190 is the area enclosed by the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. The panel substrate 150 is located in the substrate housing section 190.

[0103] As shown in Figure 4, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are fastened together by a first fastening member SK1 and a fourth fastening member SK4. The first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 are screws having a head and a threaded portion. The first fastening member SK1 has a head SK11 and a threaded portion SK12. The first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 fasten the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 from the second cover 120 side. Multiple first fastening members SK1 are provided. Specifically, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are fastened together by three first fastening members SK1 and one fourth fastening member SK4.

[0104] As shown in Figure 5, the first cover 110 has a rectangular plate shape. The first cover 110 has a panel opening 111, a button window 112, a boss 113, a hook 114, and a positioning boss 115.

[0105] The panel opening 111 is an opening that exposes the touch panel 130 when the touch panel 130 is attached to the first cover 110. The panel opening 111 has a rectangular shape. The touch panel 130 is visible to the user through the panel opening 111 and can also be touched.

[0106] The button window 112 is a hole that exposes the push button panel 140. The button window 112 is circular.

[0107] The boss 113 protrudes toward the second cover 120. The boss 113 has a hole 113A into which the first fastening member SK1 fits. The first fastening member SK1 is screwed into the boss 113. Multiple bosses 113 are arranged to correspond to multiple first fastening members SK1.

[0108] The hooks 114 are positioned corresponding to the horizontal edges of the panel substrate 150. The two hooks 114 protrude toward the second cover 120 and have claws at their tips that catch on the panel substrate 150. The hooks 114 hold both the left and right edges of the panel substrate 150. The hooks 114 hold the panel substrate 150 so that it does not fall off the first cover 110 when the first cover 110 is removed from the second cover 120.

[0109] The positioning boss 115 is a boss that protrudes in a cross shape toward the second cover 120. The positioning boss 115 positions the touch panel 130 toward the first cover 110. One positioning boss 115 is located on each side of the panel opening 111.

[0110] As shown in Figure 4, the second cover 120 has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated horizontally. The second cover 120 has recesses 121 and through holes 122. In this embodiment, the second cover 120 has a plurality of recesses 121 and a plurality of through holes 122.

[0111] The recess 121 is located on the side opposite to the side facing the panel substrate 150. The recess 121 is a hole into which the head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1 fits. The recess 121 is a bottomed hole. The diameter of the recess 121 is larger than the diameter of the head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1.

[0112] The through hole 122 is a hole through which the threaded portion SK12 of the first fastening member SK1 passes. The through hole 122 is positioned to overlap with the hole 113A of the boss 113. The through hole 122 is a hole formed in the center of the bottom of the recess 121. The diameter of the through hole 122 is smaller than the diameter of the head SK11 of the first fastening member SK1.

[0113] As shown in Figure 7, the touch panel 130 includes a liquid crystal panel 131, a sensing panel 132, and a touch panel plate 133.

[0114] The liquid crystal panel 131 has a rectangular plate shape. The liquid crystal panel 131 is positioned on top of the sensing panel 132. The liquid crystal panel 131 can display information related to image formation and images such as buttons for inputting commands. The liquid crystal panel 131 is held by the touch panel plate 133.

[0115] The sensing panel 132 has a rectangular plate shape. The sensing panel 132 is placed on top of the liquid crystal panel 131. The sensing panel 132 can detect contact and accept commands. The sensing panel 132 is fixed to the touch panel plate 133 with double-sided tape 132A.

[0116] The touch panel plate 133 is positioned between the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132. The touch panel plate 133 is made of sheet metal. The touch panel plate 133 has a liquid crystal window 133A, a liquid crystal holding portion 133B, and positioning holes 133C. The liquid crystal window 133A is an opening that exposes the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 131. Multiple liquid crystal holding portions 133B are arranged on the edge of the liquid crystal window 133A and hold the liquid crystal panel 131. The positioning holes 133C are arranged corresponding to two positioning bosses 115. The touch panel plate 133 is positioned on the first cover 110 by the positioning holes 133C engaging with the positioning bosses 115. The touch panel plate 133 holds the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132, and also ensures the overall rigidity of the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132.

[0117] As shown in Figure 6, the panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the touch panel 130. The panel substrate 150 has substrate fastening holes 151, a push button switch 152, a positioning hole 153, a first connector C1, a second connector C2, and a third connector C3.

[0118] Multiple substrate fastening holes 151 are arranged on the panel substrate 150. In this embodiment, four substrate fastening holes 151 are arranged on the panel substrate 150. Each substrate fastening hole 151 is a hole through which the first fastening member SK1 for fastening the panel substrate 150 to the first cover 110 passes.

[0119] The push-button switch 152 is, for example, a main power switch. The push-button switch 152 is located on the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150.

[0120] The positioning holes 153 are arranged to correspond to the two positioning bosses 115. The panel substrate 150 is positioned on the first cover 110 by the positioning holes 153 engaging with the positioning bosses 115.

[0121] The first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3 are located on the second surface 150B. The first connector C1 is to which a harness extending from the liquid crystal panel 131 is connected. The second connector C2 is to which a harness extending from the sensing panel 132 is connected. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the touch panel 130 by the first connector C1 and the second connector C2. As shown in Figure 5, the third connector C3 is electrically connected to the main substrate 98 by a cable 99 provided by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0122] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the push-button panel 140 is positioned on top of the push-button switch 152 on the panel substrate 150. The push-button panel 140 is held by the first cover 110 by a button plate 141 so as to be movable up and down relative to the first cover 110. The push-button panel 140 is exposed through the button window 112 of the first cover 110. By pressing the push-button panel 140, the push-button switch 152 can be pressed down. In other words, the panel substrate 150 receives commands from the push-button panel 140.

[0123] The support plate 160 is made of sheet metal. The support plate 160 supports the touch panel 130 and ensures the rigidity of the touch panel 130. The support plate 160 is positioned between the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. The support plate 160 is positioned below the touch panel 130. When the touch panel 130 is pressed from above during operation, it supports the touch panel 130 from below. The support plate 160 has panel fastening holes 161 and positioning holes 162.

[0124] Multiple panel fastening holes 161 are arranged on the support plate 160. In this embodiment, four panel fastening holes 161 are arranged on the support plate 160. Each panel fastening hole 161 is positioned to correspond to the hole 113A of the boss 113.

[0125] The positioning holes 162 are positioned to correspond to the two positioning bosses 115. The support plate 160 is positioned on the first cover 110 by the positioning holes 162 engaging with the positioning bosses 115.

[0126] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the touch panel 130 and support plate 160 are attached to the first cover 110 such that the positioning bosses 115 fit into the positioning holes 133C and 162, respectively. The panel substrate 150 is also attached to the first cover 110 such that the positioning boss 115 fits into the positioning hole 153. When the panel substrate 150 is attached to the first cover 110, the hooks 114 catch on the panel substrate 150. This secures the touch panel 130, support plate 160, and panel substrate 150 so that they do not fall off the first cover 110. Then, as shown in Figure 9, the threaded portion SK12 of the first fastening member SK1 enters the through hole 122 of the second cover 120, the substrate fastening hole 151, the panel fastening hole 161, and the hole 113A of the boss 113, and is tightened into the boss 113, thereby fastening the second cover 120, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the panel substrate 150 together to the first cover 110.

[0127] The panel substrate 150 is fastened to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 by only the first fastening member SK1. Similarly, the support plate 160 is fastened to the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 by only the first fastening member SK1. The fourth fastening member SK4 fastens the first cover 110 and the second cover 120, but does not fasten the panel substrate 150 together with it. Therefore, by removing the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 and removing the first cover 110 from the second cover 120, the panel substrate 150 and the support plate 160 can be removed from the first cover 110 without removing any other fastening members.

[0128] As shown in Figure 2, the scanner housing 96 has corners 96A. The corners 96A are the corners of the top and front surfaces that cover the ADF 95. The corners 96A extend in the left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical and front-back directions.

[0129] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the image forming apparatus 1 includes a shaft SF that rotatably supports the first cover 110. The first cover 110 is rotatable around the shaft SF as the pivot point between a closed position shown in Figure 10(a) and an open position shown in Figure 10(b). The closed position is a position in which the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150 is not exposed. The open position is a position in which the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150 is exposed.

[0130] In this embodiment, the shaft SF is located in the second cover 120. That is, the shaft SF is located in the scanner housing 96. The first cover 110 is rotatably engaged with the shaft SF. The shaft SF extends in the left-right direction. The shaft SF rotatably supports the first cover 110 relative to the main housing 10.

[0131] As shown in Figure 10(a), when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is located behind the panel substrate 150. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the center of gravity G of the first cover 110 is located in front of the shaft SF.

[0132] As shown in Figure 10(b), when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the center of gravity G of the first cover 110 is located behind the shaft SF. In the front-rear direction, the shaft SF is located between the center of gravity G of the first cover 110 in the closed position and the center of gravity G of the first cover 110 in the open position. In other words, when the first cover 110 moves from the closed position to the open position, the center of gravity G moves from the front to the back of the shaft SF, allowing it to maintain the open position.

[0133] When the first cover 110 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the first cover 110 is held in the open position by the external design surface 110G coming into contact with the scanner housing 96. More specifically, the first cover 110 in the open position comes into contact with the corner portion 96A of the scanner housing 96. That is, the corner portion 96A holds the first cover 110 in the open position.

[0134] The corner portion 96A contacts the periphery of the panel opening 111 of the first cover 110. As shown in Figure 4, the left-right dimension L1 of the panel opening 111 is smaller than the left-right dimension L2 of the corner portion 96A.

[0135] As shown in Figure 11, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, it is located within the area of ​​the main body housing 10 when viewed from above. In other words, when viewed from above, the open first cover 110 does not protrude from the main body housing 10.

[0136] Next, we will describe the procedure for replacing the touch panel 130, the push button panel 140, and the panel circuit board 150.

[0137] As shown in Figure 4, when removing the touch panel 130, push button panel 140, or panel substrate 150 for replacement, first remove the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4 from the operation panel 100.

[0138] As shown in Figure 5, by removing the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4, the first cover 110 can be rotated to the open position.

[0139] When the first cover 110 is rotated to the open position, the panel substrate 150 held by the first cover 110 is exposed. At this time, the panel substrate 150 is held by the first cover 110 by the hook 114 and will not fall off the first cover 110.

[0140] Next, disconnect the harness from the first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3.

[0141] Next, the tip claw of the hook 114 that holds the panel substrate 150 is bent to remove the panel substrate 150 from the first cover 110.

[0142] As shown in Figure 9, when removing the touch panel 130, the support plate 160 is removed, and then the touch panel 130 is detached from the first cover 110.

[0143] When removing the push button panel 140, the push button panel 140 can be easily removed from the first cover 110 by removing the button plate 141.

[0144] Next, the procedure for installing the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140 will be described. First, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the push button panel 140 are attached to the first cover 110.

[0145] Next, the panel substrate 150 is attached so as to overlap the support plate 160 and the push button panel 140. At this time, the panel substrate 150 is engaged with the hook 114. When the panel substrate 150 is engaged with the hook 114, the panel substrate 150 is held in place by the first cover 110 and will not fall off the first cover.

[0146] Next, connect the harness extending from the LCD panel 131 to the first connector C1. Also, connect the harness extending from the sensing panel 132 to the second connector C2. And connect the harness extending from the main board 98 to the third connector C3.

[0147] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the first cover 110 is rotated from the open position to the closed position. Then, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are fastened together with the first fastening member SK1 and the fourth fastening member SK4. At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the second cover 120, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the panel substrate 150 are fastened together to the first cover 110 by the first fastening member SK1.

[0148] As described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 1, since the first cover 110 is rotatable between an open position in which the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150 is exposed and a closed position in which the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150 is not exposed, the panel substrate 150 can be removed by positioning the first cover 110 in the open position. In this case, since the first cover 110 is rotatable between the open position and the closed position, the panel substrate 150 can be removed in a predetermined position in which the first cover 110 is supported by the shaft SF. As a result, there is no need to hold the removed first cover 110 in another location while performing replacement work, and the panel substrate 150 can always be removed in the same position. As a result, the panel substrate 150 can be easily replaced.

[0149] If the first cover 110 is held in a separate location while replacement work is being performed, there is a possibility that the cable 99 electrically connecting the main board 98 and the panel board 150 may be pulled more than necessary. However, as shown in Figure 10(b), in this embodiment, the first cover 110 rotates to open, so that the cable 99 is not pulled more than necessary.

[0150] Furthermore, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is positioned behind the panel substrate 150, which allows the front side of the first cover 110 to be opened.

[0151] Furthermore, in the front-to-back direction, the shaft SF is positioned between the center of gravity G of the first cover 110 in the closed position and the center of gravity G of the first cover 110 in the open position, so that the first cover 110 is stably maintained in the open position. As a result, the panel substrate 150 can be easily replaced when the first cover 110 is in the open position.

[0152] Furthermore, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3 are positioned on the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150. Therefore, when the first cover 110 is in the open position and the second surface 150B of the panel substrate 150 is exposed, the first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3 are also exposed. As a result, it is easy to remove the harnesses and cables from the first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3, making it easy to replace the panel substrate 150.

[0153] Furthermore, the design surface 110G of the first cover 110 comes into contact with the scanner housing 96, which holds the first cover 110 in the open position, thus ensuring that the first cover 110 remains stably in the open position.

[0154] Furthermore, since the left-right dimension L1 of the panel opening 111 is smaller than the left-right dimension L2 of the corner 96A, it is possible to prevent the touch panel 130 exposed through the panel opening 111 from coming into contact with the corner 96A of the scanner housing 96.

[0155] Furthermore, since the second cover 120 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96, the rigidity of the second cover 120 is ensured.

[0156] Furthermore, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, it is located within the area of ​​the main body housing 10 when viewed from above. Therefore, even when the first cover 110 is in the open position, it does not protrude outside the area of ​​the main body housing 10, and there is no need to leave space for opening and closing the first cover 110.

[0157] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 12. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0158] The image forming apparatus 1A in the second embodiment includes an operation panel 100. The operation panel 100 is located on the upper part of the main body housing 10. The first cover 110 of the operation panel 100 is rotatably supported by a shaft SF. The first cover 110 is rotatable between a closed position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a dashed line, with the shaft SF as the pivot point. In this embodiment, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is positioned rearward by the panel substrate 150.

[0159] When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the exterior design surface 110G and the touch panel 130 of the first cover 110 face upward. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the first cover 110, together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, covers the panel substrate 150 from above. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the panel substrate 150 is located below the touch panel 130 and is not exposed.

[0160] When moving the first cover 110 from the closed position to the open position, the first cover 110 is rotated approximately 180° around the shaft SF. The first cover 110 moves from in front of the shaft SF to behind the shaft SF. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the shaft SF is located in front of the panel substrate 150.

[0161] When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the exterior design surface 110G of the first cover 110 contacts the upper surface 10U of the main housing 10. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is exposed. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is facing upward.

[0162] In the image forming apparatus 1A of the second embodiment, the first cover 110 is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, so that the panel substrate 150 can be removed when the first cover 110 is in a predetermined position. Therefore, the panel substrate 150 can be easily replaced. Also, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is positioned behind the panel substrate 150, so that the front side of the first cover 110 can be opened. Also, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the first cover 110 is positioned behind the shaft SF. Therefore, the operation panel 100 does not interfere with the front members. Also, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the exterior design surface 110G of the first cover 110 is in contact with the upper surface 10U of the main body housing 10, so that the first cover 110 is stably maintained in the open position. Also, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is facing upward, so that the panel substrate 150 can be easily replaced.

[0163] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 13. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0164] The image forming apparatus 1B in the third embodiment includes an operation panel 100 and a front cover FC. The operation panel 100 is located on the upper part of the main body housing 10. The front cover 20 constitutes the front surface of the main body housing 10. The first cover 110 of the operation panel 100 is rotatably supported by a shaft SF. The first cover 110 is rotatable between a closed position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a dashed line, with the shaft SF as the pivot point. In this embodiment, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is located in front of the panel substrate 150.

[0165] When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the exterior design surface 110G and the touch panel 130 of the first cover 110 face upward. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the first cover 110, together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, covers the panel substrate 150 from above. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the panel substrate 150 is located below the touch panel 130 and is not exposed.

[0166] When moving the first cover 110 from the closed position to the open position, the first cover 110 is rotated approximately 180° around the shaft SF. The first cover 110 moves from behind the shaft SF to in front of the shaft SF. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the shaft SF is located behind the panel substrate 150.

[0167] When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the exterior design surface 110G of the first cover 110 contacts the upper end surface 20U of the front cover FC. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is exposed. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is facing upward.

[0168] In the image forming apparatus 1B of the third embodiment, the first cover 110 is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, so that the panel substrate 150 can be removed when the first cover 110 is in a predetermined position. This allows for easy replacement of the panel substrate 150. Furthermore, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is positioned in front of the panel substrate 150, and when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the first cover 110 is positioned in front of the shaft SF. This prevents interference between the operation panel 100 and rear components. Additionally, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the exterior design surface 110G of the first cover 110 contacts the upper end surface 20U of the front cover 20, thus stably maintaining the first cover 110 in the open position. Moreover, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 faces upward, making it easy to replace the panel substrate 150.

[0169] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 14. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0170] The image forming apparatus 1C in the fourth embodiment includes an operation panel 100 and a side cover 21. The operation panel 100 is located on the upper part of the main body housing 10. The side cover 21 constitutes the side of the main body housing 10. The first cover 110 of the operation panel 100 is rotatably supported by a shaft SF. The first cover 110 is rotatable between a closed position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a dashed line, with the shaft SF as the pivot point. In this embodiment, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is located to the left as one example of a left-right direction perpendicular to the vertical and front-rear directions with respect to the panel substrate 150.

[0171] When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the exterior design surface 110G and the touch panel 130 of the first cover 110 face upward. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the first cover 110, together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, covers the panel substrate 150 from above. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the panel substrate 150 is located below the touch panel 130 and is not exposed.

[0172] When moving the first cover 110 from the closed position to the open position, the first cover 110 is rotated approximately 180° around the shaft SF. The first cover 110 moves from the right of the shaft SF to the left of the shaft SF. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the shaft SF is located to the left of the panel substrate 150.

[0173] When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the design surface 110G of the first cover 110 contacts the upper end surface 21U of the side cover 21. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is exposed. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is facing upward.

[0174] In the image forming apparatus 1C of the fourth embodiment, the first cover 110 is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, so that the panel substrate 150 can be removed when the first cover 110 is in a predetermined position. This allows for easy replacement of the panel substrate 150. Furthermore, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is located to the left of the panel substrate 150, so when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the first cover 110 is located to the left of the closed position. This prevents interference between the operation panel 100 and the member on the right. Additionally, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the exterior design surface 110G of the first cover 110 contacts the upper end surface 21U of the side cover 21, thus stably maintaining the first cover 110 in the open position. Moreover, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is facing upward, making it easy to replace the panel substrate 150.

[0175] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 15. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0176] [Fifth Embodiment] The image forming apparatus 1D in the fifth embodiment includes an operation panel 100 and an output tray 10T. The operation panel 100 is located on the upper part of the main body housing 10. The output tray 10T is located on the upper surface of the main body housing 10. The first cover 110 of the operation panel 100 is rotatably supported by a shaft SF. The first cover 110 is rotatable between a closed position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a dashed line, with the shaft SF as the pivot point. In this embodiment, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is located to the right as one example of a left-right direction perpendicular to the vertical and front-rear directions with respect to the panel substrate 150.

[0177] When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the exterior design surface 110G and the touch panel 130 of the first cover 110 face upward. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the first cover 110, together with the touch panel 130 and the push button panel 140, covers the panel substrate 150 from above. When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the panel substrate 150 is located below the touch panel 130 and is not exposed.

[0178] When moving the first cover 110 from the closed position to the open position, the first cover 110 is rotated approximately 170° around the shaft SF. The first cover 110 moves from the left of the shaft SF to the right of the shaft SF. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the shaft SF is located to the right of the panel substrate 150.

[0179] When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the exterior design surface 110G of the first cover 110 contacts the discharge tray 10T. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is exposed. When the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is facing upward.

[0180] In the image forming apparatus 1D of the fifth embodiment, the first cover 110 is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, so that the panel substrate 150 can be removed when the first cover 110 is in a predetermined position. Therefore, the panel substrate 150 can be easily replaced. Also, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the shaft SF is located to the right of the panel substrate 150, so when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the first cover 110 is located to the right of the shaft SF. Therefore, the operation panel 100 does not interfere with the left-side component. Also, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the exterior design surface 110G of the first cover 110 is in contact with the discharge tray 10T, so that the first cover 110 is stably maintained in the open position. In addition, when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the panel substrate 150 is facing upward, making it easy to replace the panel substrate 150.

[0181] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, the first cover 110 detachably supported the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. In contrast, the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second cover detachably supports the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0182] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the main board 98 is located in the main housing 10. The main board 98 controls the image forming unit 40 and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a third cable CA3. The third cable CA3 electrically connects the main board 98 and the panel board 150.

[0183] The operation panel 200 of the sixth embodiment includes a first cover 210 and a second cover 220.

[0184] The first cover 210 has a panel opening 211, which is an example of an opening that exposes a part of the touch panel 130. The first cover 210 constitutes the upper part of the operation panel 200. Together with the touch panel 130 and the power button PB, the first cover 210 covers the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150 from the side on which the touch panel 130 and the power button PB are located. In this embodiment, the first cover 210 covers the panel substrate 150 from above.

[0185] The second cover 220 constitutes the lower part of the operation panel 200. The second cover 220 covers the touch panel 130, the power button PB, and the panel substrate 150 from the opposite side of the first cover 210, sandwiching them between them. In this embodiment, the second cover 220 covers the touch panel 130, the power button PB, and the panel substrate 150 from below. The second cover 220 supports the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 from below.

[0186] The scanner housing 96 has a second cover 220. In this embodiment, the second cover 220 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96. The second cover 220 protrudes horizontally, more specifically forward.

[0187] The touch panel 130 is located between the panel substrate 150 and the first cover 210. The touch panel 130 is an example of a panel that displays information related to image formation. The touch panel 130 and the power button PB are also examples of panels on which commands related to image formation can be input. The power button PB is the main power switch.

[0188] The panel board 150 is the circuit board for the operation panel 200. The panel board 150 has the function of receiving commands from operations on the operation panel 200 and transmitting the input commands to the main board 98.

[0189] As shown in Figure 18, the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are fastened together by a fastening member SK. Here, the fastening member SK is, for example, a screw. That is, the second cover 220 is fixed to the first cover 210 by a screw. In this embodiment, the screw is screwed into the first cover 210 from below.

[0190] The second cover 220 has a recess 221 and a through hole 222. In this embodiment, the second cover 220 has a plurality of recesses 221 and a plurality of through holes 222.

[0191] The recess 221 is a hole into which the fastening member SK fits. The recess 221 is a bottomed hole. The through hole 222 is a hole through which the fastening member SK passes.

[0192] The first cover 210 is displaceable relative to the second cover 220 between an open position that exposes the panel substrate 150 and a closed position that covers the panel substrate 150 together with the touch panel 130. In this embodiment, the first cover 210 is rotatable relative to the second cover 220 between the closed position shown in Figure 18 and the open position shown in Figure 19.

[0193] As shown in Figure 19, the first cover 210 has a rectangular plate shape. The first cover 210 has a panel opening 211, a button window 212, and a boss 213.

[0194] The panel opening 211 is an opening that exposes the touch panel 130 when the touch panel 130 is attached to the first cover 210. The panel opening 211 has a rectangular shape. The touch panel 130 is visible to the user through the panel opening 211 and can be touched.

[0195] The button window 212 is a hole that exposes the power button PB. The button window 212 has a circular shape.

[0196] The boss 213 protrudes toward the second cover 220. The boss 213 has a hole 213A into which the fastening member SK is inserted. The fastening member SK is screwed into the boss 213. Multiple bosses 213 are arranged to correspond to multiple fastening members SK.

[0197] As shown in Figure 20, the second cover 220 has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated horizontally. The second cover 220 further has positioning bosses 223.

[0198] The through hole 222 is positioned to overlap with the hole 213A of the boss 213 of the first cover 210. The through hole 222 is a hole formed in the center of the bottom of the recess 221.

[0199] The positioning boss 223 is a boss that protrudes upward in a cross shape. The positioning boss 223 positions the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 on the second cover 220. One positioning boss 223 is located on each of the left and right ends of the touch panel 130.

[0200] The second cover 220 detachably supports the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. When the first cover 210 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 are exposed.

[0201] The control panel 200 further includes a button plate 140 and a support plate 160. The button plate 140 and the support plate 160 are located between the panel substrate 150 and the touch panel 130.

[0202] The button plate 140 is made of sheet metal. The button plate 140 supports the power button PB from below. The button plate 140 has a button plate hole 141. The button plate hole 141 is positioned to correspond to the power button PB.

[0203] The support plate 160 is made of sheet metal. The support plate 160 supports the touch panel 130 and ensures the rigidity of the touch panel 130. When the touch panel 130 is pressed from above during operation, the support plate 160 supports the touch panel 130 from below. The support plate 160 has panel fastening holes 161 and positioning holes 162.

[0204] Multiple panel fastening holes 161 are arranged on the support plate 160. The panel fastening holes 161 are positioned in locations corresponding to the holes 213A of the boss 213.

[0205] The positioning hole 162 is positioned corresponding to the positioning boss 223 of the second cover 220. The support plate 160 is positioned on the first cover 210 by the positioning hole 162 engaging with the positioning boss 223.

[0206] The panel substrate 150 has a rectangular plate shape. The panel substrate 150 has a first surface 150A and a second surface 150B. The first surface 150A is the surface facing the touch panel 130. The first surface 150A faces the first cover 210 when the first cover 210 is in the open position. The second surface 150B is the surface opposite to the first surface 150A. The second surface 150B faces the second cover 220.

[0207] The panel substrate 150 has substrate fastening holes 151, a button switch 152, a positioning hole 153, a first connector C1, a second connector C2, and a third connector C3. The button switch 152, the first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3 are located on the first surface 150A.

[0208] Multiple substrate fastening holes 151 are arranged on the panel substrate 150. Each substrate fastening hole 151 is a hole through which a fastening member SK for fastening the panel substrate 150 to the first cover 210 passes.

[0209] The button switch 152 is a push switch for starting the image forming apparatus 1. The button switch 152 is located below the power button PB and the button plate hole 141 of the button plate 140. The button switch 152 can contact the power button PB through the button plate hole 141.

[0210] The positioning holes 153 are positioned to correspond to the positioning bosses 223 of the second cover 220. The panel substrate 150 is positioned on the second cover 220 by the positioning holes 153 engaging with the positioning bosses 223.

[0211] The first connector C1 is connected to the first cable CA1, which connects the liquid crystal panel 131 and the panel substrate 150. The second connector C2 is connected to the second cable CA2, which connects the sensing panel 132 and the panel substrate 150. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the touch panel 130 by the first connector C1 and the second connector C2.

[0212] The third connector C3 is connected to the third cable CA3 provided by the image forming apparatus 1. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the main substrate 98 via the third connector C3.

[0213] The touch panel 130, support plate 160, and panel substrate 150 are each attached to the second cover 220 so that positioning bosses 223 can be inserted into them. Then, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the fastening member SK enters the through hole 222 of the second cover 220, the substrate fastening hole 151, the panel fastening hole 161, and the hole 213A of the boss 213, and is tightened into the boss 213. As a result, the second cover 220, touch panel 130, support plate 160, and panel substrate 150 are fastened together to the first cover 210.

[0214] As shown in Figure 21, the touch panel 130 includes a liquid crystal panel 131, a sensing panel 132, a touch panel plate 133, and an inner frame 134.

[0215] The liquid crystal panel 131 has a rectangular plate shape. The liquid crystal panel 131 is positioned on top of the sensing panel 132. The liquid crystal panel 131 can display information related to image formation and images such as buttons for inputting commands. The liquid crystal panel 131 is held by the touch panel plate 133.

[0216] The sensing panel 132 has a rectangular plate shape. The sensing panel 132 is placed on top of the liquid crystal panel 131. The sensing panel 132 can detect contact and receive commands. The sensing panel 132 is fixed to the touch panel plate 133 with double-sided tape.

[0217] The touch panel plate 133 is positioned between the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132. The touch panel plate 133 supports the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132. The touch panel plate 133 is made of sheet metal. The touch panel plate 133 has a liquid crystal window 133A, a liquid crystal holding portion 133B, and positioning holes 133C. The liquid crystal window 133A is an opening that exposes the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 131. Multiple liquid crystal holding portions 133B are arranged on the edge of the liquid crystal window 133A and hold the liquid crystal panel 131. The positioning holes 133C are arranged corresponding to two positioning bosses 223. The touch panel plate 133 is positioned on the second cover 220 by the positioning holes 133C engaging with the positioning bosses 223. The touch panel plate 133 holds the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132 and ensures the overall rigidity of the liquid crystal panel 131 and the sensing panel 132.

[0218] The inner frame 134 holds the liquid crystal panel 131, the sensing panel 132, and the touch panel plate 133. The inner frame 134 is made of resin. The inner frame 134 holds the touch panel plate 133. The inner frame 134 is molded integrally with the power button PB. The inner frame 134 has the power button PB, a liquid crystal window 134A, and positioning holes 134B. The liquid crystal window 134A is an opening that exposes the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 131. The positioning holes 134B are arranged to correspond to two positioning bosses 223. The inner frame 134 is positioned on the second cover 220 by the positioning holes 134B engaging with the positioning bosses 223.

[0219] As shown in Figure 22, the button plate 140 is positioned on top of the button switch 152 on the panel substrate 150. The power button PB is exposed through the button window 212 of the first cover 210. When the power button PB is pressed, the button switch 152 is pressed by the power button PB.

[0220] As shown in Figures 24(a) and (b), the image forming apparatus 1 has a shaft SF that rotatably supports the first cover 210. The first cover 210 is rotatable around the shaft SF as the pivot point between the closed position shown in Figure 24(a) and the open position shown in Figure 24(b).

[0221] As shown in Figure 24(a), when the first cover 210 is in the closed position, the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 are not exposed. In other words, when the first cover 210 is in the closed position, the user cannot perform maintenance work such as replacing or repairing the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150.

[0222] As shown in Figure 24(b), when the first cover 210 is in the open position, it is held in the open position by contacting the scanner housing 96. The center of gravity of the first cover 210 moves from front to back of the shaft SF when it moves from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, the first cover 210 can maintain the open position.

[0223] When the first cover 210 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 are exposed. In other words, when the first cover 210 is in the open position, the user can perform maintenance work such as replacing or repairing the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150.

[0224] The touch panel 130 is positioned above the second cover 220. The touch panel 130 protrudes above the upper edge of the second cover 220. Also, a portion of the panel substrate 150 is positioned above the second cover 220. A portion of the panel substrate 150 protrudes above the upper edge of the second cover 220.

[0225] In this embodiment, the shaft SF is located in the second cover 220. That is, the shaft SF is located in the scanner housing 96. The first cover 210 is rotatably engaged with the shaft SF. The shaft SF extends in the left-right direction. The shaft SF rotatably supports the first cover 210 relative to the main housing 10.

[0226] Next, we will describe the procedure for repairing or replacing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, and panel circuit board 150.

[0227] As shown in Figure 18, when removing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, or panel substrate 150 for replacement, the fastening member SK is first removed from the operation panel 200.

[0228] As shown in Figure 19, removing the fastening member SK allows the first cover 210 to be rotated to the open position.

[0229] When the first cover 210 is rotated to the open position, the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150, which are held by the second cover 220, are exposed. The first cover 210 is held in the open position by contacting the document holder 92. Once the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150 are exposed, the user can perform maintenance work such as replacing or repairing the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150.

[0230] When the first cover 210 is in the closed position, the touch panel 130 is partially exposed through the panel opening 211, but it cannot be repaired or replaced. In contrast, when the first cover 210 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 can be repaired or replaced.

[0231] As shown in Figure 20, when removing the touch panel 130, the first cable CA1 is disconnected from the first connector C1, the second cable CA2 is disconnected from the second connector C2, and then the touch panel 130 is lifted upwards.

[0232] To remove the button plate 140, first remove the touch panel 130, then lift the button plate 140 upwards.

[0233] To remove the panel board 150, first disconnect the third cable CA3 from the third connector C3, then lift the panel board 150 upwards.

[0234] Next, the procedure for installing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, and panel substrate 150 will be described.

[0235] When installing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, and panel substrate 150, first, the panel substrate 150 is attached to the second cover 220. At this time, the positioning holes 153 of the panel substrate 150 are inserted into the positioning bosses 223 of the second cover 220. Then, the third cable CA3 extending from the main board 98 is connected to the third connector C3.

[0236] Next, the support plate 160 and the button plate 140 are attached to the panel substrate 150. At this time, the positioning holes 162 of the support plate 160 are inserted into the positioning bosses 223 of the second cover 220. The button plate 140 is then placed on the panel substrate 150 so that the button plate holes 141 are positioned above the button switches 152.

[0237] Next, the touch panel 130 is mounted on the support plate 160 and the button plate 140. At this time, the positioning holes 133C of the touch panel plate 133 are inserted into the positioning bosses 223 of the second cover 220.

[0238] Next, connect the first cable CA1 extending from the liquid crystal panel 131 to the first connector C1. Also, connect the second cable CA2 extending from the sensing panel 132 to the second connector C2.

[0239] Next, as shown in Figure 18, the first cover 210 is rotated from the open position to the closed position. Then, the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are fastened together with the fastening member SK. At this time, as shown in Figure 22, the second cover 220, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the panel substrate 150 are fastened together to the first cover 210 by the first fastening member SK1.

[0240] According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0241] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the second cover 220 detachably supports the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. The panel substrate 150 can be repaired or replaced by displacing the first cover 210 from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, the panel substrate 150 can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first cover 210 or the second cover 220.

[0242] Furthermore, when the first cover 210 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 is exposed in a replaceable manner. Therefore, the touch panel 130 can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first cover 210 or the second cover 220.

[0243] Furthermore, since the second cover 220 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96, the number of parts can be reduced. Also, because the second cover 220 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96, the rigidity of the second cover 220 can be increased.

[0244] Furthermore, because the touch panel 130 protrudes above the upper edge of the second cover 220, it is easier to hold the touch panel 130 when replacing it.

[0245] Furthermore, because the screws are screwed into the first cover 210 from below, the screws are not noticeable.

[0246] Furthermore, the second cover 220 and the panel substrate 150 are fastened together to the first cover 210 with screws. Therefore, the second cover 220 and the panel substrate 150 do not need to be fixed individually, and the panel substrate 150 can be easily attached and detached.

[0247] Furthermore, the positioning of the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 on the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150 makes it easy to plug and unplug cables.

[0248] Furthermore, the third connector C3 is located on the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150, making it easy to plug and unplug the cable.

[0249] Furthermore, by providing a shaft SF that rotatably supports the second cover 220, the first cover 210 does not detach from the scanner housing 96 when the first cover 210 is in the open position.

[0250] [Seventh Embodiment] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the first cover 110 was displaced between a closed position and an open position. In contrast, the seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the second cover is displaced between a closed position and an open position. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in the sixth embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0251] As shown in Figure 2, the main board 98 is located in the main body housing 10. The main board 98 controls the image forming unit 40 and other components. The third cable CA3 electrically connects the main board 98 and the panel board 150.

[0252] As shown in Figure 25, the operation panel 300 of the seventh embodiment has a first cover 310 and a second cover 320.

[0253] The first cover 310 has a panel opening 311, which is an example of an opening that exposes a part of the touch panel 130. The first cover 310 constitutes the upper part of the operation panel 300. Together with the touch panel 130 and the power button PB, the first cover 310 covers the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150 from the side on which the touch panel 130 and the power button PB are located. In this embodiment, the first cover 310 covers the panel substrate 150 from above.

[0254] The second cover 320 constitutes the lower part of the operation panel 300. The second cover 320 covers the touch panel 130, the power button PB, and the panel substrate 150 from the opposite side of the first cover 310. In this embodiment, the second cover 320 covers the touch panel 130, the power button PB, and the panel substrate 150 from below. The second cover 320 supports the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 from below.

[0255] The scanner housing 96 has a first cover 310. In this embodiment, the first cover 310 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96. The second cover 320 protrudes horizontally, more specifically forward.

[0256] The touch panel 130 is located between the panel substrate 150 and the first cover 310. The touch panel 130 is an example of a panel that displays information related to image formation. The touch panel 130 and the power button PB are also examples of panels on which commands related to image formation can be input. The power button PB is the main power switch.

[0257] The panel board 150 is the circuit board for the operation panel 300. The panel board 150 has the function of receiving commands from operations on the operation panel 300 and transmitting the input commands to the main board 98.

[0258] As shown in Figure 25, the first cover 310 and the second cover 320 are fastened together by a fastening member SK. Here, the fastening member SK is, for example, a screw. That is, the second cover 320 is fixed to the first cover 310 by a screw. In this embodiment, the screw is screwed into the first cover 310 from below.

[0259] The second cover 320 has a recess 321 and a through hole 322. In this embodiment, the second cover 320 has a plurality of recesses 321 and a plurality of through holes 322.

[0260] The recess 321 is a hole into which the fastening member SK fits. The recess 321 is a bottomed hole. The through hole 322 is a hole through which the fastening member SK passes.

[0261] The scanner housing 96 is movable between a first position shown in Figure 25 and a second position shown in Figure 26. The second position is located above the first position.

[0262] As shown in Figure 27(a), when the scanner housing 96 is in the first position, the scanner housing 96 is not tilted with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0263] As shown in Figure 27(b), when the scanner housing 96 is in the second position, it is tilted horizontally such that its front is higher than its rear. Specifically, when the scanner housing 96 is in the second position, it is tilted 10 to 15 degrees horizontally. When the scanner housing 96 is in the second position, it is held by the link 97. When the scanner housing 96 is in the second position, the space above the output tray 13 is increased. This increased space above the output tray 13 allows for more sheets S to be loaded and makes it easier to remove the sheets S.

[0264] Here, the main housing 10 has a projection 10P that protrudes above the loading surface 13A. As shown in Figure 26, the projection 10P is located at the left end of the loading surface 13A so as not to interfere with the sheet S loaded on the loading surface 13A. The projection 10P has a contact surface AS. The contact surface AS is angled upwards.

[0265] The second cover 320 is displaceable between a closed position as shown in Figure 26 and an open position as shown in Figure 28. As shown in Figure 26, the closed position is the position in which the panel substrate 150 is covered together with the touch panel 130. As shown in Figure 28, the open position is the position in which the panel substrate 150 is exposed. In this embodiment, the second cover 320 is rotatable between the closed position and the open position relative to the first cover 310.

[0266] As shown in Figure 29(a), in this embodiment, the second cover 320 cannot be rotated to the open position when the scanner housing 96 is in the first position. As shown in Figure 29(b), the second cover 320 can be rotated to the open position when the scanner housing 96 is in the second position.

[0267] In this embodiment, the second cover 320 is held in the open position by contacting the contact surface AS. The second cover 320 is angled upward while in contact with the contact surface AS.

[0268] As shown in Figure 28, the first cover 310 has a rectangular plate shape. The first cover 310 has an upper wall 310U, a front wall 310F, and a side wall 310S. The first cover 310 also has a panel opening 311, a button window 312, and a boss 313. The panel opening 311 and the button window 312 are formed in the upper wall 310U.

[0269] The upper wall 310U is the wall that constitutes the upper side of the first cover 310. The front wall 310F is the wall that extends downward from the front end of the upper wall 310U. The front wall 310F has a notch 310K. The side walls 310S are the walls that extend downward from both the left and right ends of the upper wall 310U.

[0270] The panel opening 311 is an opening that exposes the touch panel 130 when the touch panel 130 is attached to the first cover 310. The panel opening 311 has a rectangular shape. The touch panel 130 is visible to the user through the panel opening 311 and can also be touched.

[0271] The button window 312 is a hole that exposes the power button PB. The button window 312 has a circular shape.

[0272] The boss 313 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper wall 310U. The boss 313 protrudes toward the second cover 320. The boss 313 has a hole 313A into which the fastening member SK is inserted. The fastening member SK is screwed into the boss 313. Multiple bosses 313 are arranged to correspond to multiple fastening members SK.

[0273] As shown in Figure 30, the second cover 320 has a rectangular plate shape that is elongated horizontally. The second cover 320 has a bottom wall 320B, a first side wall 320F, and a second side wall 320S. The second cover 320 also has positioning bosses 323.

[0274] The bottom wall 320B is a wall that constitutes the bottom of the second cover 320. The bottom wall 320B is located below the panel substrate 150 when the second cover 320 is in the closed position. The first side wall 320F is a wall that extends upward from the front end of the bottom wall 320B when the second cover 320 is in the closed position. The first side wall 320F has an extension portion 320E.

[0275] As shown in Figure 26, the extension portion 320E is the part that fits into the notch 310K of the first cover 310 when the second cover 320 is in the closed position. Also, as shown in Figure 28, the first side wall 320F is located below the panel substrate 150 when the second cover 320 is in the open position. Furthermore, the extension portion 320E covers the touch panel 130 from below when the second cover 320 is in the open position.

[0276] As shown in Figure 26, the second side wall 320S is a wall that extends upward from both the left and right ends of the bottom wall 320B when the second cover 320 is in the closed position. The second side wall 320S also extends from the first side wall 320F toward the scanner housing 96 when the second cover 320 is in the closed position. The second side wall 320S is in contact with the side wall 310S of the first cover 310 when the second cover 320 is in the closed position.

[0277] As shown in Figure 30, the through hole 322 is positioned to overlap with the hole 313A of the boss 313 of the first cover 310. The through hole 322 is a hole formed in the center of the bottom of the recess 321.

[0278] The positioning boss 323 is a cross-shaped protruding boss. The positioning boss 323 positions the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 on the second cover 320. One positioning boss 323 is located on each of the left and right ends of the touch panel 130.

[0279] The second cover 320 detachably supports the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. When the first cover 310 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 are exposed.

[0280] The control panel 300 further includes a button plate 140 and a support plate 160. The button plate 140 and the support plate 160 are located between the panel substrate 150 and the touch panel 130.

[0281] The button plate 140 is made of sheet metal. The button plate 140 supports the power button PB from below. The button plate 140 has a button plate hole 141. The button plate hole 141 is positioned to correspond to the power button PB.

[0282] The support plate 160 is made of sheet metal. The support plate 160 supports the touch panel 130 and ensures the rigidity of the touch panel 130. When the touch panel 130 is pressed from above during operation, the support plate 160 supports the touch panel 130 from below. The support plate 160 has panel fastening holes 161 and positioning holes 162.

[0283] Multiple panel fastening holes 161 are arranged on the support plate 160. The panel fastening holes 161 are positioned in locations corresponding to the holes 313A of the boss 313.

[0284] The positioning hole 162 is positioned corresponding to the positioning boss 323 of the second cover 320. The support plate 160 is positioned on the first cover 310 by the positioning hole 162 engaging with the positioning boss 323.

[0285] The panel substrate 150 has a rectangular plate shape. The panel substrate 150 has a first surface 150A and a second surface 150B. The first surface 150A is the surface facing the touch panel 130. The first surface 150A faces the first cover 310 when the second cover 320 is in the open position. The second surface 150B is the surface opposite to the first surface 150A. The second surface 150B faces the second cover 320.

[0286] The panel substrate 150 has substrate fastening holes 151, a button switch 152, a positioning hole 153, a first connector C1, a second connector C2, and a third connector C3. The button switch 152, the first connector C1, the second connector C2, and the third connector C3 are located on the first surface 150A.

[0287] Multiple substrate fastening holes 151 are arranged on the panel substrate 150. Each substrate fastening hole 151 is a hole through which a fastening member SK for fastening the panel substrate 150 to the first cover 310 passes.

[0288] The button switch 152 is a push switch for starting the image forming apparatus 1. The button switch 152 is located below the power button PB and the button plate hole 141 of the button plate 140. The button switch 152 can contact the power button PB through the button plate hole 141.

[0289] The positioning holes 153 are positioned to correspond to the positioning bosses 323 of the second cover 320. The panel substrate 150 is positioned on the second cover 320 by the positioning holes 153 engaging with the positioning bosses 323.

[0290] The first connector C1 is connected to the first cable CA1, which connects the liquid crystal panel 131 and the panel substrate 150. The second connector C2 is connected to the second cable CA2, which connects the sensing panel 132 and the panel substrate 150. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the touch panel 130 by the first connector C1 and the second connector C2.

[0291] The third connector C3 is connected to the third cable CA3 provided by the image forming apparatus 1. The panel substrate 150 is electrically connected to the main substrate 98 via the third connector C3.

[0292] The touch panel 130, support plate 160, and panel substrate 150 are each attached to the second cover 320 so that positioning bosses 323 can be inserted into them. Then, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the fastening member SK enters the through hole 322 of the second cover 320, the substrate fastening hole 151, the panel fastening hole 161, and the hole 313A of the boss 313, and is tightened into the boss 313. As a result, the second cover 320, touch panel 130, support plate 160, and panel substrate 150 are fastened together to the first cover 310.

[0293] As shown in Figure 31, the button plate 140 is positioned on top of the button switch 152 on the panel substrate 150. The power button PB is exposed through the button window 312 of the first cover 310. When the power button PB is pressed, the button switch 152 is pressed by the power button PB.

[0294] As shown in Figures 29(a) and (b), the image forming apparatus 1 has a shaft SF that rotatably supports the second cover 320. The shaft SF extends in the left-right direction. The shaft SF protrudes from the second cover 320. The scanner housing 96 also has a hole that supports the shaft SF. The second cover 320 is rotatable around the shaft SF as the pivot point between the closed position shown in Figure 8C(a) and the open position shown in Figure 29(b). As a result, the second cover 320 is rotatable relative to the first cover 310.

[0295] As shown in Figure 29(a), when the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 are not exposed. In other words, when the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the user cannot perform maintenance work such as replacing or repairing the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150.

[0296] As shown in Figure 29(b), when the second cover 320 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150 are exposed. That is, when the second cover 320 is in the open position, the user can perform maintenance work such as replacing or repairing the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150.

[0297] As shown in Figure 29(a), the touch panel 130 protrudes above the upper end of the second cover 320. When the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the panel substrate 150 protrudes above the upper end of the second side wall 320S. Also, when the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the upper end of the first side wall 320F protrudes above the panel substrate 150.

[0298] Next, we will describe the procedure for repairing or replacing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, and panel circuit board 150.

[0299] As shown in Figure 25, when removing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, or panel substrate 150 for replacement, the fastening member SK is first removed from the operation panel 300. When removing the fastening member SK, the scanner housing 96 may be in the first position or the second position.

[0300] After removing the fastening member SK, the scanner housing 96 is moved to the second position as shown in Figure 26. Once the scanner housing 96 is moved to the second position, the second cover 320 can be rotated to the open position as shown in Figure 29(b).

[0301] The second cover 320 is held in the open position by contacting the contact surface AS. The second cover 320 is facing diagonally upward while in contact with the contact surface AS.

[0302] When the second cover 320 is rotated to the open position, the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150 held by the second cover 320 are exposed. With the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150 exposed, the user can perform maintenance work such as replacing or repairing the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150.

[0303] When the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the touch panel 130 is partially exposed through the panel opening 311, but it cannot be repaired or replaced. In contrast, when the second cover 320 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 can be repaired or replaced.

[0304] As shown in Figure 30, when removing the touch panel 130, the first cable CA1 is disconnected from the first connector C1, the second cable CA2 is disconnected from the second connector C2, and then the touch panel 130 is removed by pulling it forward.

[0305] To remove the button plate 140, remove the touch panel 130 first, then remove the button plate 140 by pulling it forward.

[0306] To remove the panel board 150, first disconnect the third cable CA3 from the third connector C3, and then remove the panel board 150 by pulling it forward.

[0307] Next, the procedure for installing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, and panel substrate 150 will be described.

[0308] When installing the touch panel 130, button plate 140, and panel substrate 150, first, the panel substrate 150 is attached to the second cover 320. At this time, the positioning holes 153 of the panel substrate 150 are inserted into the positioning bosses 323 of the second cover 320. Then, the third cable CA3 extending from the main board 98 is connected to the third connector C3.

[0309] Next, the support plate 160 and the button plate 140 are attached to the panel substrate 150. At this time, the positioning holes 162 of the support plate 160 are inserted into the positioning bosses 323 of the second cover 320. The button plate 140 is also aligned with the panel substrate 150 so that the button plate holes 141 are positioned on the button switch 152.

[0310] Next, the touch panel 130 is attached to the support plate 160 and the button plate 140. At this time, the positioning hole 133C of the touch panel plate 133 is inserted into the positioning boss 323 of the second cover 320.

[0311] Next, connect the first cable CA1 extending from the liquid crystal panel 131 to the first connector C1. Also, connect the second cable CA2 extending from the sensing panel 132 to the second connector C2.

[0312] Next, as shown in Figure 25, the second cover 320 is rotated from the open position to the closed position. Then, the first cover 310 and the second cover 320 are fastened together with the fastening member SK. At this time, as shown in Figure 31, the second cover 320, the touch panel 130, the support plate 160, and the panel substrate 150 are fastened together to the first cover 310 by the first fastening member SK1. After this, the scanner housing 96 may be returned to the first position.

[0313] According to the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0314] In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the second cover 320 detachably supports the touch panel 130 and the panel substrate 150. By displacing the second cover 320 from the closed position to the open position, the panel substrate 150 can be repaired or replaced. Therefore, the panel substrate 150 can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first cover 310 or the second cover 320.

[0315] Furthermore, since the touch panel 130 is exposed in a replaceable manner when the second cover 320 is in the open position, the touch panel 130 can be easily repaired or replaced without removing the first cover 310 or the second cover 320.

[0316] Furthermore, since the first cover 310 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96, the number of parts can be reduced. Also, since the first cover 310 is integrally formed with the scanner housing 96, the rigidity of the first cover 310 can be increased.

[0317] Furthermore, because the screws are screwed into the first cover 310 from below, the screws are not noticeable.

[0318] Furthermore, the positioning of the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 on the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150 makes it easy to plug and unplug cables.

[0319] Furthermore, the third connector C3 is located on the first surface 150A of the panel substrate 150, making it easy to plug and unplug the cable.

[0320] Furthermore, the second cover 320 is held in the open position by contacting the contact surface AS, which facilitates repair or replacement of the touch panel 130 or panel substrate 150.

[0321] Furthermore, since the projection 10P having the contact surface AS protrudes above the loading surface 13A, even if the second cover 320 comes into contact with the contact surface AS, the second cover 320 and the sheet S do not interfere with each other.

[0322] Furthermore, the fact that the second cover 320 is angled upward makes it easier to repair or replace the touch panel 130 or the panel circuit board 150.

[0323] Furthermore, when the second cover 320 is in the open position, the first side wall 320F is located below the panel substrate 150, thus preventing the panel substrate 150 from falling.

[0324] Furthermore, when the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the panel substrate 150 protrudes above the upper end of the second side wall 320S, making it easier to handle the panel substrate 150 when replacing it. Also, when the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the upper end of the first side wall 320F protrudes above the panel substrate 150, thus preventing the panel substrate 150 from falling.

[0325] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29(a), when the second cover 320 is in the closed position, the touch panel 130 protrudes above the upper end of the second cover 320. Therefore, it might seem that the touch panel 130 would interfere with the first cover 310 when rotating the second cover 320 to the closed position. However, as shown in Figure 28, because the first cover 310 has a notch 310K, the touch panel 130 can rotate the second cover 320 from the closed position to the open position without interfering with the first cover 310.

[0326] Furthermore, by providing a shaft SF that rotatably supports the second cover 320, the second cover 320 does not detach from the scanner housing 96 when the second cover 320 is in the open position.

[0327] [Eighth Embodiment] Next, an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34.

[0328] In the seventh embodiment, the scanner housing 96 was moved from the first position to the second position, and the second cover 320 was displaced from the closed position to the open position. In contrast, in the eighth embodiment, the second cover 420 is displaced from the closed position to the open position without moving the scanner housing 96 to the second position. In the following description, parts identical to those in the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0329] As shown in Figure 33, the second cover 420 of the eighth embodiment has a bottom wall 420B, a first side wall 420F, and a second side wall 420S. The second cover 420 also has a recess 421, a through hole 422, and a positioning boss 423. The second cover 420 is displaced from a closed position to an open position when the scanner housing 96 is in a first position. Then, as shown in Figure 34(c), the second cover 420 is held in the open position by contacting the front cover FC.

[0330] The second cover 420 further comprises a base portion 425 and a shaft SF.

[0331] The base portion 425 extends downward from the bottom wall 420U. The base portion 425 supports the entire second cover 420 from below.

[0332] The shaft SF is located at the bottom of the base portion 425. The shaft SF rotatably supports the second cover 420. The scanner housing 96 also has an elongated hole LH. The elongated hole LH is elongated vertically. The elongated hole LH supports the shaft SF of the second cover 420.

[0333] Next, the procedure for displacing the second cover 420 from the closed position to the open position will be described. As shown in Figure 34(a), the shaft SF of the second cover 420 is located in the center of the elongated hole LH in the closed position.

[0334] To move the second cover 420 from the closed position to the open position, lower the second cover 420 as shown in Figure 34(b). Then, the shaft SF of the second cover 420 is positioned at the lower end of the elongated hole LH. In the state shown in Figure 34(b), the touch panel 130 is removed from the first cover 310, and the engagement between the power button PB and the button window 312 is released, allowing the second cover 420 to move back and forth.

[0335] When the second cover 420 is pulled forward from the state shown in Figure 34(b), the second cover 420 rotates, and the contact portion 425A of the base portion 425 comes into contact with the front cover FC. The contact of the contact portion 425A with the front cover FC holds the second cover 420 in the open position shown in Figure 34(c). The second cover 420 is facing diagonally upward while in contact with the front cover FC.

[0336] At this time, the shaft SF of the second cover 420 moves from the lower end to the upper end of the elongated hole LH. When the second cover 420 is displaced to the open position, the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150 held by the second cover 420 are exposed. Once the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150 are exposed, the user can perform maintenance work such as replacing or repairing the touch panel 130 and panel substrate 150.

[0337] In the eighth embodiment as well, the second cover 420 is displaceable relative to the first cover 310 between an open position that exposes the panel substrate 150 and a closed position that covers the panel substrate 150 together with the first cover 310. Therefore, by displacing the second cover 420 to the open position, the panel substrate 150 can be easily repaired or replaced. In addition, in the second embodiment, the second cover 420 is held in the open position by contacting the front cover FC, making it easier to repair or replace the touch panel 130 or the panel substrate 150.

[0338] Although embodiments have been described above, the image forming apparatus 1 can be modified as appropriate as shown below.

[0339] In the embodiments described above, the first cover or the second cover rotates as an example of a configuration in which one of the first and second covers is displaced relative to the other of the first and second covers. However, the first cover or the second cover may be displaced by sliding movement. In this configuration, the first cover or the second cover is slidable between a closed position and an open position relative to the main housing. Furthermore, a stopper may be provided to hold the first cover or the second cover in place so that it does not come off the main housing when it is in the open position.

[0340] In the first and sixth embodiments described above, an example was given in which the first cover is movable and the second cover is fixed. In the seventh and eighth embodiments, an example was given in which the second cover is movable and the first cover is fixed. In this case, the panel substrate and touch panel may be supported by the movable cover or by the fixed cover.

[0341] In the embodiment described above, the shaft SF was located on the second cover of the scanner housing 96, but the shaft SF may also be located on the first cover.

[0342] The first cover and the second cover may be connected by a hinge having a shaft SF. For example, a torque hinge can be used. By using a torque hinge, it is possible to prevent the first cover from opening and closing suddenly.

[0343] In each of the embodiments described above, a cushioning material such as a sponge may be placed between the first cover and the second cover. By placing a cushioning material between the first cover and the second cover, the first cover can be closed slowly.

[0344] In the embodiments described above, a touch panel 130 and a push-button panel 140 were exemplified as examples of panels that can display information related to image formation or input commands related to image formation, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the panel may have only a touch panel 130. For example, the panel may have only a push-button panel 140. For example, the panel may have only a liquid crystal panel, that is, a panel that has only the function of displaying information related to image formation.

[0345] In the embodiment described above, the fastening member fastens the first cover and the second cover from the second cover side, but it is also possible to fasten the first cover and the second cover from the first cover side.

[0346] In the embodiment described above, the fastening members were screws, but each fastening member may be a fastening member other than a screw. For example, the fastening members may be rivets or fastening pins.

[0347] Furthermore, the number of fastening members used to fasten the first cover and the second cover together is arbitrary.

[0348] Furthermore, the shape, thickness, and length of the shaft SF are arbitrary.

[0349] Other components may be provided between the touch panel 130 and the support plate 160. That is, the support plate 160 may indirectly support the touch panel 130 via other components.

[0350] In the embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus 1 was a multifunction device capable of forming monochrome images and making copies. However, for example, the image forming apparatus may be capable of forming color images. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus may be a printer or a copier, etc.

[0351] The elements described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination.

[0352] 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Main housing 100 Operation panel 110 First cover 120 Second cover 130 Touch panel 150 Panel substrate

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, comprising: a panel capable of displaying information related to image forming or inputting commands related to image forming; a panel substrate electrically connected to the panel; a first cover having an opening that exposes a part of the panel and covering the panel substrate; and a second cover that covers the panel substrate from the opposite side of the first cover, wherein one of the first cover and the second cover is displaceable relative to the other of the first cover and the second cover between an open position that exposes the panel substrate and a closed position that covers the panel substrate.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the panel is located between the panel substrate and the first cover, and the panel is exposed for repair or replacement when the first cover or the second cover is in the open position.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first cover and the second cover is rotatable relative to the other of the first cover and the second cover.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that one of the first cover and the second cover is rotatable relative to the other of the first cover and the second cover while detachably supporting the panel and the panel substrate.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the other of the first cover and the second cover detachably supports the panel and the panel substrate.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cover detachably supports the panel and the panel substrate, and is rotatable relative to the second cover between an open position in which the panel substrate can be repaired or replaced and a closed position in which the panel substrate cannot be replaced.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a main housing and a shaft that rotatably supports the first cover with respect to the main housing, wherein the panel substrate has a first surface facing the panel and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first cover exposes the second surface in the open position and does not expose the second surface in the closed position.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a sheet tray from which a sheet can be set from the front, wherein the shaft is located behind the panel substrate when the first cover is in the closed position.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, in the front-rear direction, the shaft is located between the center of gravity of the first cover in the closed position and the center of gravity of the first cover in the open position.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: an image forming unit; a main board for controlling the image forming unit; and a cable for electrically connecting the main board and the panel board, wherein the panel board further has a connector to which the cable is connected, and the connector is located on the second surface of the panel board.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a scanner capable of reading a document, and a scanner housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner and is a part of the main body housing, wherein the first cover is held in the open position by the external design surface of the first cover contacting the scanner housing.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the scanner housing has corners that extend in a left-right direction perpendicular to the vertical and front-rear directions and contact the periphery of the opening of the first cover when the first cover is in the open position, and the left-right dimension of the opening is smaller than the left-right dimension of the corners.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support plate disposed between the panel and the panel substrate and supporting the panel, wherein the support plate is held by the first cover.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that when the first cover is in the open position, it is located within the area of ​​the main body housing when viewed from above.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the sheet tray can be pulled forward.

16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the shaft is located in the scanner housing.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the shaft is located in the first cover.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the second cover detachably supports the panel and the panel substrate, and the first cover is rotatable with respect to the second cover between an open position that exposes the panel substrate and a closed position that covers the panel substrate.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the panel is located between the panel substrate and the first cover, and the panel is exposed for repair or replacement when the first cover is in the open position.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a main body housing; a scanner capable of reading a document; and a scanner housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner and constitutes a part of the main body housing, wherein the scanner housing has the second cover.

21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the second cover is formed integrally with the scanner housing.

22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the second cover supports the panel and the panel substrate from below, and the panel protrudes above the upper end of the second cover.

23. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the panel comprises a liquid crystal panel, a sensing panel, and a touch panel plate supporting the liquid crystal panel and the sensing panel.

24. The image forming apparatus according to 23, wherein the panel substrate has a first connector to which a first cable connecting the liquid crystal panel and the panel substrate is connected, a second connector to which a second cable connecting the sensing panel and the panel substrate is connected, a first surface facing the first cover, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first connector and the second connector are located on the first surface of the panel substrate.

25. The image forming apparatus according to 24, further comprising an image forming unit and a main board for controlling the image forming unit, wherein the panel board has a third connector to which a third cable connecting the main board and the panel board is connected, and the third connector is located on the first surface of the panel board.

26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the second cover detachably supports the panel and the panel substrate, and is rotatable with respect to the first cover between an open position that exposes the panel substrate and a closed position that covers the panel substrate.

27. The image forming apparatus according to 26, wherein the panel is located between the panel substrate and the first cover, and the panel is exposed for repair or replacement when the second cover is in the open position.

28. The image forming apparatus according to 26, further comprising a main body housing, a scanner capable of reading a document, and a scanner housing that constitutes the external design surface of the scanner and constitutes a part of the main body housing, wherein the scanner housing has the first cover.

29. The image forming apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the first cover is formed integrally with the scanner housing.

30. The image forming apparatus according to 28, characterized in that the main body housing has a contact surface, and the second cover is held in the open position by contacting the contact surface.

31. The image forming apparatus according to 30, wherein the main body housing has an output tray having a loading surface on which image-formed sheets are loaded, and a projection that protrudes above the loading surface, and the projection has the contact surface.

32. The image forming apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the second cover is angled upward while in contact with the contact surface.

33. The image forming apparatus according to 30, characterized in that the scanner housing is movable between a first position and a second position located above the first position, the second cover cannot be rotated to the open position when the scanner housing is in the first position, and can be rotated to the open position when the scanner housing is in the second position.

34. The image forming apparatus according to 33, wherein the second cover has a bottom wall located below the panel substrate when the second cover is in the closed position, and a first side wall extending from the bottom wall, the first side wall located below the panel substrate when the second cover is in the open position.

35. The image forming apparatus according to 34, wherein the second cover is a second side wall extending from the bottom wall, and when the second cover is in the closed position, the second side wall further extends from the first side wall toward the scanner housing, and when the second cover is in the closed position, the panel substrate protrudes above the upper end of the second side wall, and when the second cover is in the closed position, the upper end of the first side wall protrudes above the panel substrate.

36. The image forming apparatus according to 33, further comprising a shaft that rotatably supports the second cover, wherein the scanner housing has a hole for supporting the shaft.

37. The image forming apparatus according to 28, wherein the main body housing comprises a front cover that constitutes the front surface of the main body housing, and the second cover is held in an open position by contacting the front cover.

38. The image forming apparatus according to 37, further comprising a shaft that rotatably supports the second cover, wherein the scanner housing has vertically elongated slots for supporting the shaft.

39. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a sheet tray from which a sheet can be set from the front, wherein the shaft is located in front of the panel substrate when the first cover is in the closed position.

40. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a sheet tray from which a sheet can be set from the front, wherein when the first cover is in the closed position, the shaft is located in one of the left-right directions perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction with respect to the panel substrate.

41. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the panel substrate is facing upward when the first cover is in the open position.

42. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that when the first cover is in the open position, the design surface of the first cover is in contact with the upper surface of the main body housing.

43. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the main body housing further comprises a front cover that constitutes the front surface of the main body housing, and when the first cover is in the open position, the design surface of the first cover is in contact with the upper end surface of the front cover.

Images