JP2007199608A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make operability excellent even when an apparatus is installed closely to a wall etc. <P>SOLUTION: This copying machine comprises a document reader 2, a copying machine main body 1, and a support mechanism. A document is placed on the document reader 2 by an operator and the document reader reads image information of the placed document. The copying machine main body 1 has the document reader 2 mounted on its top surface and forms an image on a form on the basis of the image information read by the document reader 2. The support mechanism supports the document reader 2 on the copying machine main body 1 freely movably in right-left directions to and away from the operator who places the document. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a document reading device on the upper surface of an image forming apparatus main body.

  2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine includes an image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a sheet, and a document reading device provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body.

  The image forming apparatus main body includes an image forming unit including a photosensitive drum and a developing device, a paper feeding unit disposed below the image forming unit, a fixing unit disposed downstream of the image forming unit in the sheet conveyance direction, and And a discharge unit. The document reading device also includes a contact glass on which the document is placed, a cover on the contact glass, and a scanner unit that scans the document placed on the contact glass and reads the image information of the document. Yes.

  In such an image forming apparatus, when an operator places a document on the contact glass and presses the start key, the image information of the document is read, and a toner image is formed in the image forming unit based on the image information. The Then, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding unit to the image forming unit, and the toner image is transferred onto the sheet. Thereafter, the toner image on the sheet is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device and is discharged to the discharge unit.

  In the image forming apparatus as described above, the manuscript placement table portion can be moved in the front-rear direction, rotated, and changed in installation angle so that operability is good even when a short stature person or a wheelchair user operates. A possible device has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

However, in the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the document table is relatively heavy, the support mechanism becomes complicated and large in order to rotate it, and it is difficult to realize a realistic configuration.
JP 2005-142734 A

  In general, an image forming apparatus is often installed with a side surface on one side of the apparatus close to a wall or a pillar. Therefore, the operator's arms and hands are often cramped and the operability is often poor. In addition, when a large original such as newspaper or a book original that protrudes from the contact glass is placed on the original reading device, if the image forming apparatus is placed close to the wall or the like, the original will be placed due to the wall becoming an obstacle. There is a problem that the document cannot be placed or the document is damaged. For this reason, the image forming apparatus cannot be disposed close to a wall or a pillar, and there may be a case where a wider installation space is required compared to the dimensions of the apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with good operability even when the apparatus is installed close to a wall or the like.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect includes a document reading device, an image forming device main body, and a supporting unit. The document reading device reads the image information of the placed document while the document is placed by the operator. In the image forming apparatus main body, a document reading device is placed on the upper surface, and an image is formed on a sheet based on image information read by the document reading device. The supporting unit supports the document reading device on the image forming apparatus main body so as to be movable in the left-right direction with respect to an operator who places the document.

  In this apparatus, image information of a document is read by a document reading device. Based on this image information, the image information is formed on the paper in the image forming apparatus main body. At this time, the document reading apparatus can be moved in the left-right direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, even when one of the image forming apparatuses is installed close to a wall or the like, the document reading apparatus can be moved away from the wall or the like by moving the document reading apparatus to the opposite side of the wall or the like. Therefore, the workability of the operator for the document reading apparatus is improved.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect is the apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the support means includes a rail and a pulley. The rail is provided on one of the document reading device and the image forming apparatus main body. The pulley is rotatably provided on the other of the document reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus main body, and moves along the rail.

  Here, for example, a pulley is provided on the bottom surface of the document reading device, and a rail is provided on the top surface of the image forming apparatus main body. Then, the pulley of the document reading apparatus moves while rotating along the rail on the image forming apparatus main body side. Therefore, the document reading apparatus can be smoothly moved with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein a set of reading device side terminals for transmitting image information is provided on the bottom surface of the original reading device. Are each capable of selectively contacting the reading device side terminal, the central terminal provided at the center position in the left-right direction, the right terminal provided on the right side of the central terminal, and provided on the left side of the central terminal. And a left terminal.

  In this apparatus, the reading apparatus side terminal of the document reading apparatus can selectively contact any one of the center terminal, the right terminal, and the left terminal of the image forming apparatus main body. That is, when the document reading device is positioned in the center with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, the reading device side terminal and the center terminal are in contact, and when the document reading device is moved to the right side, the reading device side When the terminal and the right terminal are in contact with each other and the document reading apparatus is moved to the left side, the reading apparatus side terminal and the left terminal are in contact with each other.

  With the above configuration, even when the document reading apparatus is moved to the left or right, the image information read by the document reading apparatus can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body without any problem. Further, in this case, the configuration is simplified and a space for laying the cable is not required as compared with a case where image information is sent using a cable.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the document reading device has a central position with respect to the image forming apparatus main body, a right position moved to the right by a predetermined distance from the central position, and a central position. Can be positioned to the left side position moved to the left side by a predetermined distance. The reading device side terminal contacts the center terminal when the document reading device is in the center position, contacts the right terminal when the document reading device is in the right position, and contacts the left terminal when the document reading device is in the left position.

  In this apparatus, not only when the document reading apparatus is at the center position but also when it is moved left and right, positioning can be performed at predetermined positions on the left and right. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the original reading apparatus from moving while the original reading apparatus is moved left and right.

  In the present invention as described above, operability is improved even when the apparatus is installed close to a wall or the like.

  FIG. 1 shows a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The copying machine includes a copying machine main body 1 for forming an image on a sheet, and a document reading device 2 provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1.

  The copying machine main body 1 includes an image forming unit including a photosensitive drum and a developing device, a paper feeding unit disposed below the image forming unit, a fixing unit disposed downstream of the image forming unit in the sheet conveyance direction, And a discharge unit. Since each of these functional units is the same as a known configuration, detailed illustration and description are omitted.

  A sheet feeding unit 4 having a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 3 a and 3 b for storing sheets is provided below the copying machine main body 1. A sheet is supplied from the sheet feeding unit 4 to the image forming unit.

  The document reading device 2 scans a document placed on the contact glass 5, a contact glass 5 on which the document is placed, a cover 6 provided on the contact glass 5 so as to be openable and closable. And a scanner unit 7 for reading image information. In addition, an operation panel 8 provided with various keys for instructing image forming conditions and a display panel is provided on the front side of the scanner unit 7 (the side on which the operator is located).

  In such an image forming apparatus, when an operator places a document on the contact glass and presses the start button, the image information of the document is read, and a toner image is formed in the image forming unit based on the image information. The Then, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding unit to the image forming unit, and the toner image is transferred onto the sheet. Thereafter, the toner image on the paper is fixed by the fixing device and discharged to the discharge unit.

  Further, in this copying machine, the document reading device 2 is supported by the support mechanism 10 so as to be movable in the left-right direction with respect to the copying machine body 1. Therefore, the document reading device 2 can move in the left-right direction with respect to an operator located on the front side of the operation panel 8.

  The support mechanism 10 includes a rail 11 provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1 and a plurality of pulleys 12 (see FIG. 2) provided on the bottom surface of the document reading device 2. The rail 11 has a rail 11 a provided on the back side of the copying machine main body 1 and a rail 11 b provided on the front side of the copying machine main body 1. Both rails 11a and 11b are provided to extend in the left-right direction, and are laid parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the pulley 12 includes two pulleys 12 a and 12 b provided on the back side of the copying machine body 1, and two pulleys 12 c and 12 d provided on the front side of the copying machine body 1. ,have. Two pulleys 12a and 12b on the back side move while rotating along the rail 11a of the copying machine main body 1, and pulleys 12c and 12d on the near side move while rotating along the rail 11b. .

  In addition, terminals are provided for electrically connecting the copying machine main body 1 and the document reading device 2, respectively. That is, as apparent from FIG. 3 in which the original reading device 2 is removed from the copying machine main body 1, a central terminal 15a is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1 at the center position in the left-right direction. A right terminal 15b is provided on the right side, and a left terminal 15c is provided on the left side of the central terminal 15a. A reading device side terminal 16 is provided on the bottom surface of the document reading device 2 at a position where it can come into contact with each of the terminals 15 a to 15 c of the copying machine main body 1. These terminals 15 a to 15 c and 16 are contacts for transmitting image information read by the document reading device 2 to the copying machine main body 1, and transmit and receive control signals between the copying machine main body 1 and the document reading device 2. A plurality of contacts such as a contact for power supply and a contact for power supply.

  Further, the copying machine has a positioning mechanism 20 for positioning the document reading device 2 when the document reading device 2 moves left and right with respect to the copying machine main body 1. That is, the positioning mechanism 20 fixes the document reading device 2 at the position (center position) when the reading device side terminal 16 of the document reading device 2 and the center terminal 15a on the copier body 1 side come into contact with each other. When the apparatus side terminal 16 and the right terminal 15b are in contact, the document reading apparatus 2 is fixed at that position (right position), and when the reading apparatus side terminal 16 and the left terminal 15c are in contact, the document reading apparatus 2 is fixed. Fix in position (left side position).

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5, the positioning mechanism 20 includes three pairs of projections 21 and holes 22 provided at positions corresponding to the terminals 15 a to 15 c on the copying machine main body 1 side. A pair of contact members 23 and engagement pins 24 provided on the side of the document reading device 2, an interlocking member 25 for interlocking the contact members 23 and the engagement pins 24, and a release button 26. Have.

  Three pairs of protrusions 21 and holes 22 are provided side by side in the lateral direction on the front side of the apparatus on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1. The protrusion 21 and the hole 22 are provided side by side in the front-rear direction.

  The contact member 23 and the engagement pin 24 are provided on the lower surface of the document reading device 2 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The abutting member 23 is urged downward by the spring 30 and is movable upward by abutting against the protrusion 21 at each of the center position, the right side position, and the left side position. The engaging pin 24 has a disk-like flange 24 a at the upper end, and is biased upward by a spring 31 provided between the flange 24 a and the lower frame 2 a of the document reading device 2. ing. When the engaging pin 24 moves downward, it can be engaged with the hole 22.

  The interlocking member 25 is disposed between the contact member 23 and the engaging pin 24 and is supported by a part of the document reading apparatus 2 so as to be rotatable around the support pin 32 and movable in the vertical direction. . The interlocking member 25 includes a first pressing portion 25 a that contacts the upper end of the contact member 23 and a second pressing portion 25 b that contacts the flange 24 a of the engagement pin 24. A release member 33 extending upward is fixed to the support pin 32 that rotatably supports the interlocking member 25. The release member 33 is urged downward by a spring 34. Further, the release member 33 is formed with a through hole 33a. When the interlocking member 25 rotates, the first pressing portion 25a presses the contact member 23 downward, or the second pressing portion 25b presses the engagement pin 24 downward. Can take a posture.

  The release button 26 is a member for releasing the engagement when the engagement pin 24 is engaged with the hole 22. A wedge-shaped wedge portion 26 a is formed at the tip of the release button 26. The release button 26 is urged to the outside of the apparatus by a spring 35.

  In the above configuration, when the document reading device 2 is located at the center position, the right position or the left position, and the terminals 15a to 15c on the copier body 1 side and the terminal 16 on the document reading device 2 side are in contact with each other. The relative position between the two is fixed and locked by the positioning mechanism 20. That is, when the document reading device 2 is located at any one of the center position, the right position, and the left position, the contact member 23 contacts the protrusion 21 and the contact member 23 rises against the biasing force of the spring 30. As the abutting member 23 moves up, the first pressing portion 25a of the interlocking member 25 is lifted, and conversely, the second pressing portion 25b moves downward. Then, the engaging pin 24 pressed by the second pressing portion 25 b descends against the urging force of the spring 31, and the engaging pin 24 engages with the hole 22. Thereby, the movement of the document reading device 2 is prohibited.

  On the other hand, when the release button 26 is pushed inward of the device against the biasing force of the spring 35, the wedge portion 26a enters the through hole 33a of the release member 33, and the release member 33 and the interlocking member 25 are moved along with this entry. Lifted up. Accordingly, the pressing force of the second pressing portion 25b against the engaging pin 24 is released, and the engaging pin 24 rises and comes out of the hole 22. That is, the engagement between the engagement pin 24 and the hole 22 is released, and the document reading device 2 can be moved.

  As described above, in this copying machine, the document reading device 2 can be used by being fixed at an arbitrary position of the center position, the right position or the left position. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the document reading device 2 is used while being fixed at the center position. Further, when there is a wall, a pillar, or the like on the right side of the copying machine, the document reading device 2 can be fixed and used at the right position as shown in FIG. In this case, since the document reading device 2 moves to the left side with respect to the copying machine main body 1, the operator can operate the right side without being obstructed by a wall or a pillar, and the operability is improved. . On the other hand, when there is a wall, a pillar, or the like on the left side of the copying machine, the document reading device 2 may be fixed and used at the left position, contrary to the position shown in FIG. Also in this case, as described above, the operator can operate without being obstructed by a wall or a pillar, and the operability is improved.

[Other Embodiments]
(A) In the above embodiment, as the support mechanism, a rail is provided on the copier body 1 side and a pulley is provided on the document reading device 2 side. However, these relations may be reversed. That is, a pulley may be provided on the copier body 1 side and a rail may be provided on the document reading device 2 side.

  (B) The position in the left-right direction is not limited to the center position, the right position, and the left position, and may be usable at four or more positions, or may be used at two positions. Also good.

1 is an external perspective view of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the original reading device as viewed from below with the document reading device removed. 1 is an external perspective view showing only a copying machine main body. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the document reading apparatus is moved leftward. The cross-sectional block diagram of a positioning mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copying machine main body 2 Original reading apparatus 11 Rail 12 Pulley 15a-15c Terminal 16 in copying machine main body side Terminal 20 in reading apparatus side Positioning mechanism

Claims (4)

A document reading device that reads the image information of the placed document as well as the document placed by the operator;
An image forming apparatus main body on which the document reading device is placed and an image is formed on a sheet based on image information read by the document reading device;
A support means for supporting the document reading device on the image forming apparatus main body so as to be movable in the left-right direction with respect to an operator placing the document;
An image forming apparatus. The support means is
A rail provided on one of the document reading device and the image forming apparatus main body;
A pulley that is rotatably provided on the other of the document reading device and the image forming apparatus main body, and moves along the rail;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A set of reading device side terminals for transmitting image information is provided on the bottom surface of the original reading device,
The image forming apparatus main body can selectively contact each of the reading device side terminals, a central terminal provided at a central position in the left-right direction, a right terminal provided on the right side of the central terminal, A left terminal provided on the left side of the center terminal,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The document reading device is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body at a center position, a right position moved to the right by a predetermined distance from the center position, and a left position moved to the left by a predetermined distance from the center position. Is possible,
The reading device side terminal is in contact with the central terminal when the document reading device is in the central position, is in contact with the right terminal when in the right position, and is in contact with the left terminal when in the left position. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

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