JP2005227634A - Image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus of an in-body paper discharge type which is adaptable to UD and in which the visibility of an in-body paper discharge tray is improved and the ease of taking out of recording paper after transfer is assured by providing an operating panel to be retractable at a lower space of an image reading section. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus constituted in such a manner that the recessed part formed with the image can be discharged into the in-body space formed in the lower part of the image reading section is so configured that the operating unit moves slidingly to a retracting position formed in the lower part of the image reading section and can be housed therein. Further, portions of selection keys of the operating unit are visible and key access from the outside is mad possible in the state that the operating unit is held housed in the retracting position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, or a combination of these, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus provided with a storage mechanism for an operation panel used for function selection display.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses have been designed to be vertical with a compact planar size so that they do not get in the way in tight office environments. ing. In such an image forming apparatus, the LCD (liquid crystal display) used for the operation unit is made a small type to improve the visibility of the recording paper discharged in the cylinder.

  On the other hand, image forming apparatuses in recent years have become more complex and multifunctional, and an operation panel has been enlarged correspondingly, and a wide-sized liquid crystal display area is often used. High-speed machines developed for the POD (print-on-demand) market need to adopt a large LCD with particular emphasis on operability and functionality, so a vertical operation panel may be provided on the back of the machine. However, as shown in FIG. 4, in a normal office device, even if the operation panel has a wide liquid crystal display area, it is fixed to the apparatus body so as to protrude to the front of the apparatus.

Recently, as an image forming apparatus compatible with universal design (hereinafter referred to as UD), the main body of the apparatus has been designed so that it can be easily operated while standing on the front of the main body and while sitting by a disabled person. There is also provided an image forming apparatus including a tilt type operation panel that can freely change the mounting angle of the operation panel protruding to the front.
JP 2003-246114 A

  As shown in FIG. 4, when an operation panel having a wide-size liquid crystal display area is fixedly attached to the upper front surface of the image forming apparatus for in-body discharge, the operation buttons and the like are not available because the liquid crystal display area is large. Although the display and characters can be enlarged, the operability for the user is improved, but the visibility of the recording paper ejected in the cylinder is adversely affected by the operation panel that protrudes from the front of the apparatus. The difficulty of taking out also increases.

  On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus having a tilt-type operation panel that can freely change the mounting angle of the operation panel protruding from the front surface of the apparatus main body, the display on the operation panel is easy to see for a handicapped person in a wheelchair. Although the operability is improved, the protruding operation panel is tilted forward to cover the discharge tray for in-cylinder discharge. The visibility of the recorded paper becomes worse. In addition, there is a new problem that it is difficult for a disabled person who is in a wheelchair to access the platen glass because the tilted operation panel is in the way.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in the in-cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus, the operability of the operation panel is lowered by adopting a configuration in which the operation panel can be retracted to the lower space of the image reading unit. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that improves the visibility of the in-body discharge stand and ensures the ease of taking out the recording paper after transfer.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be positioned so as to protrude from the front surface of the apparatus main body, and the image forming apparatus includes an operation unit for selecting and displaying various operation contents. The operation unit is configured to be slidable from the projected position to a retracted position provided inside the apparatus main body and stored.

  The second image forming apparatus according to the present invention is the operation unit in the first image forming apparatus adopting a configuration in which the recording paper on which the image is formed is discharged into a cylinder space formed below the image reading unit. Is configured to be slidable and retractable to a retracted position formed in the lower part of the image reading unit.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured such that at least a part of the selection key of the operation unit can be visually observed and the selection operation from the outside can be performed in a state where the operation unit is stored in the retracted position. preferable. According to the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, the following operational effects can be obtained.

  In the first image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the operation unit is configured to be slidable from the position where the operation unit protrudes to the retracted position provided inside the apparatus main body, so that it can be pulled out and used whenever necessary. In addition, it is possible to solve the problem that it is difficult for a physically handicapped person who is in a wheelchair to access the platen glass because the operation panel is in the way, and a UD-compatible device can be obtained.

  In the second image forming apparatus according to the present invention, since the operation panel can be retracted to the lower space of the image reading unit in the in-body discharge type image forming apparatus, a wide-size display unit is provided in the operation unit. However, it does not get in the way of operation. For example, when using as a printer, slide the operating unit to the bottom of the image reading unit, and when using it as a copy or network scanner, pull out the operating unit to the front and use it while maintaining high operability. The visibility of the internally ejected recording paper can be improved, and the ease of taking out the recording paper after transfer can be secured.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured so that at least a part of the selection keys of the operation unit can be visually observed while the operation unit is stored in the retracted position, so that an external selection operation is also possible. Even in the storage state, it is possible to select the minimum function, for example, copy selection in the auto mode, and the inefficiency due to storage is reduced. As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the operability is improved even for a physically handicapped person in a wheelchair, and an excellent effect for UD can be achieved.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 for carrying out the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a document transport unit 10, an image reading unit 20, an image processing unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a paper feeding unit 50, a fixing device 60, a paper discharge unit 70, and a re-transport path for automatic two-sided copying. 80. An image reading unit 20 is mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, and a document conveying unit 10 is mounted thereon.

  Documents placed on the document table 11 of the document conveying unit 10 with the writing surface facing upward are separated one by one by the pickup roller 12 and sent to the document conveying path by the conveying roller 13. When the original passes through the slit glass 14 disposed on the upper surface of the image reading unit 20, an image is read by the optical system of the image reading unit 20.

  The image reading unit 20 includes a scanning unit A composed of a light source L for illuminating a document and a mirror 21, a traveling body B composed of two roof mirrors 22 and 23 for guiding reflected light, an imaging lens 24, and a CCD image sensor 25 (hereinafter referred to as “scanning unit A”). , CCD sensor). In the image reading unit 20, when the original passes through the slit glass 14, the original is read by the scanning unit A, and the reflected light is guided onto the CCD sensor 25 by the two roof mirrors 22 and 23 and the imaging lens 24. To form an optical image.

  The CCD sensor 25 converts the read light image into electronic image data and sends it to the image processing unit 30. The image processing unit 30 performs analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like on the electronic image data, and then conveys the digitized image information data to the image forming unit 40.

  The image forming unit 40 has a photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier on the surface of which a latent image is formed, and the photosensitive drum 1 is arranged in the order of operation along the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1. A charging device 41 that charges the surface substantially uniformly, an exposure device 42 that writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member, and a toner that is transferred to the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to form a toner. A developing device 43 that forms an image, a transfer device 44 that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to the recording paper P, and a cleaning device 45 that cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer. It is arranged.

  The exposure device 42 of the image forming unit 40 includes a semiconductor laser oscillation device 420, which electrically modulates a semiconductor laser based on digitized image information data, and passes through a collimator lens to a polyhedral reflector (polygon mirror) 421. And sub-scanning by the lens group. Further, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated to perform main scanning, and the electrostatic latent image is reproduced on the photosensitive drum 1.

  Prior to exposure, a predetermined surface charge is imparted to the photosensitive drum 1 by corona discharge of the charging device 41. However, the laser beam irradiation reduces the charge at the exposed portion in accordance with the exposure amount, resulting in a result. As described above, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information data is formed on each photosensitive drum 1. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by the developer toner supplied from the developing device 43 and becomes a toner image.

  On the other hand, a paper feed unit 50 is provided in the lower part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. In the paper feed cassette 51 for storing the recording paper P, there is disposed a movable plate 52 whose free end is always urged upward by an urging means such as a leaf spring, and the recording paper P placed thereon is arranged. The uppermost one is configured to contact the paper feed pickup roller 53.

  The recording paper P in contact with the paper feed pickup roller 53 is ejected from the paper feed cassette 51 by the rotation of the roller, separated one by one by the paper feed rollers 54 and 54A, and then guided by a plurality of intermediate rollers 55 to be registered. It is conveyed to the roller 56.

  The conveyed recording paper P is corrected by the registration roller 56 in the bending of the recording paper P, and fed to the transfer device 44 at a paper feed timing. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is collectively transferred onto the recording paper P by the transfer device 44. The recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 60 and fixed by a fixing roller. In this image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper P sent out from the paper feed cassette 51 is transported to the fixing device 60 through a transport path formed in a substantially vertical direction.

  The recording paper P heated for the fixing process is cooled by a cooling fan (not shown), is sandwiched between paper discharge rollers 71, is discharged outside the apparatus, and is placed on a paper discharge table 72. When the double-sided copy function is selected, the recording paper P that has been subjected to single-sided image processing sent to the re-conveying path 80 by the paper discharge path switching plate 73 is again subjected to double-sided image processing in the image forming unit 40, The paper is discharged by a paper discharge roller 71 of the paper discharge unit 70 and placed on a paper discharge tray 72.

  In general, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured as a copying machine that transfers a toner image onto the recording paper P as described above, and by adding a control function, a communication function, a storage function, and an input / output device, a printer, a facsimile, a network It can be configured as a multi-function machine having functions such as a scanner. In the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above, an operation panel 2 including a large liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided for function selection by graphic display.

  In the conventional example, the operation panel 2 is fixed so as to protrude from the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. An arrow in FIG. 4 indicates a viewing direction C when a user standing on the front of the apparatus and operating the image forming apparatus 100 looks at the paper discharge unit 70 provided in the cylinder. Although such an operation panel 2 has a large liquid crystal display area, the operability for the user is improved. However, the operation panel 2 is provided at a position that obstructs the user's viewing direction C. Visibility is getting worse.

  2 and 3 are views showing the mounting position and storage state of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The operation panel 2 is pulled out in the form of protruding from the front surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 in a normal use state, and slides and moves when the image forming apparatus 100 is not used or the printer function is selected. The image reading unit 20 is configured to be housed in the lower part. 2 shows a case where the operation panel 2 is pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3 shows a case where the operation panel 2 is housed in the lower part of the image reading unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 100. In each figure, (a) is a side view of the image forming apparatus, and (b) is a top view.

  In FIG. 2, the operation panel 2 is drawn out so as to protrude to the front surface of the image forming apparatus. As can be seen from the top view (b), the operation panel 2 has a wide and easy-to-use shape. However, when viewed from the side view (a), the discharge unit 70 in the cylinder while the user is operating the image forming apparatus 100. The viewing direction C for viewing is blocked by the operation panel 2.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operation panel 2 is housed in the retracted position formed in the lower part of the image reading unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 100. As can be seen from FIG. 3B, the operation panel 2 is retracted to the lower part of the image reading unit 20, and most of the selection keys cannot be operated from the upper part. However, at least the copy button 3 in the auto mode is arranged at a position where it can be seen, and is accessible.

  Further, as can be seen from FIG. 3A, in the state of being retracted to the retracted position formed in the lower portion of the image reading unit 20, the paper discharge unit 70 formed in the cylinder is in a state that is visible to the user. Thus, the user can easily take out the recording paper P.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 configured as described above is used as a printer, the operation panel 2 can be slid to the lower part of the image reading unit 20 and can be operated by conveying image data from a computer. When used as a copy or network scanner, the user can first pull out the operation panel 2 to the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100 and perform an operation while the entire screen of the operation panel 2 is visible. For example, the copy magnification, the number of copies, etc. can be set in this state.

  When the setting is completed and the copying operation is started, the operation panel 2 is housed in a housing portion formed below the image reading unit 20 so that the paper discharge unit 70 in the cylinder can be seen. This facilitates confirmation and removal of the recording paper P. When the copying operation is repeated, the copying operation can be repeated without pulling out the operation panel 2 again by operating the copy button 3 in the auto mode arranged so that it can be used even in the storage state.

  The method for using the copy operation has been described above by way of example. However, the same applies when the network scanner function is selected. At least the selection key arranged at a visible position is the copy button 3 in the auto mode. The present invention is not limited to this, and a start button of the scanner or other selection buttons may be added. Various changes can be made according to the function of the image forming apparatus 100.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a mounting position of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. (A) is a side view of the image forming apparatus, and (b) is a top view. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a storage state of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. (A) is a side view of the image forming apparatus, and (b) is a top view. It is a side view which shows the attachment position of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus in a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive drum 2 Operation panel 3 Copy button 10 Document conveying part 20 Image reading part 30 Image processing part 40 Image forming part 50 Paper feeding part 60 Fixing apparatus 70 Paper discharge part 80 Reconveying path 100 Image forming apparatus C Visual direction P Recording paper

Claims (3)

An image forming apparatus including an operation unit for selecting and displaying various operation contents,
The operation unit can be positioned so as to protrude from the front surface of the apparatus main body, and is configured to be slidable from the protruding position to a retracted position provided inside the apparatus main body to be stored. . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image-formed recording paper is discharged into a cylinder space formed at a lower portion of the image reading unit.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the operation unit is configured to be slidable and retracted to a retracted position formed below the image reading unit.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of a selection key of the operation unit is configured to be operable in a state where the operation unit is stored in the retracted position. .

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