JP2008085893A - Electronic device with operating panel and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily operate keys on an operating panel in a sitting state, while suppressing the manufacturing cost, and in particular, to make an electronic device suitable for use by a user in a wheelchair. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 with an operating panel 30 comprises an apparatus body 11, in which various electronic components for image formation are mounted internally and the operating panel 30 for performing predetermined input operation in response to operations of the electronic components additionally provided in the apparatus body 11. The operating panel 30 comprises a first panel 31, at a side separated from the apparatus body 11 and a second panel 32, linked to the first panel 31, at a side of the apparatus body 11. The first panel 31 is configured to change the angle to the horizontal plane between a small tilting angle S1 of a first tilting angle approximately equal to the tilting angle of the second panel 32 and a large tilting angle S2 of a second tilting angle that is larger than the first tilting angle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device with an operation panel in which an operation panel is attached to an apparatus main body, and an image forming apparatus as one aspect of the electronic device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, an image forming apparatus as an aspect of an electronic device with an operation panel that employs an operation panel configured to be easily used even by a wheelchair user who is in a wheelchair. Are known.

  First, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the operation panel is between a first angle within a range of 20 ° to 30 ° with respect to a horizontal plane and a second angle smaller than the first angle. The angle can be changed. In this way, when the angle of the operation panel is set to the first angle, the operator who is sitting on the chair and faces the operation panel can easily see the operation panel and can easily perform the operation.

The image forming apparatuses described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 relate to a copying machine in which a reading unit for reading a document image is provided at the top of the apparatus main body, and an operation panel is attached to a front position of the reading unit. ing. Such a reading unit is configured to be able to be pulled out toward the front, and the tilt angle of the operation panel is increased when the reading unit is pulled out. In this way, an operator who faces the operation panel in the sitting position can easily operate the reading unit by pulling the reading unit forward, and the operation panel has a large inclination angle, which also allows the operation panel to be operated. It becomes easy.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-119498 JP 2004-191826 A JP-A-2005-84086

  By the way, the operation board is relatively difficult to operate, for example, a setting key for initial setting, an input key for the number of copies operated when executing the image forming process, and a start key for starting the image forming process. An operation key is provided. Normally, the operation keys are arranged on the operation board in front of the operator so that they are easy to use, whereas the setting keys are generally provided on the back side of the operation board because they are not frequently used. is there.

  Looking at the operation board according to Patent Document 1 from this point of view, when the first operation angle is set to be large so that the operation panel can be easily operated in the sitting position, the angle of the operation panel is changed as a whole. All the operation keys are in the field of view, and unless this is used, it is not possible to quickly recognize which key should be operated, resulting in inconvenience that it takes time to operate the key. In particular, when the operator is a wheelchair user, this tendency is conspicuous because there are fewer opportunities to contact the operation panel as compared to a healthy person.

  In addition, the operation boards described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 have the same disadvantages as those in Patent Document 1, and if the inclination angle of the operation board is increased, the reading unit, which is a heavy object, is pulled forward. It must be a big burden for wheelchair users.

  In addition, as a device, a mechanism for moving the reading unit must be provided, and there is a problem that the device cost increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and can easily operate the operation keys of the operation panel in the sitting position while suppressing the manufacturing cost, and is particularly suitable for use by a wheelchair user. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device with an operation panel and an image forming apparatus provided with a suitable operation panel.

  The invention according to claim 1 (electronic device with operation panel) is attached to the apparatus main body on which various electronic components are mounted, and performs a predetermined input operation for the operation of the electronic parts. An operation panel-equipped electronic device comprising an operation panel for the operation panel, wherein the operation panel is disposed on a side of the apparatus main body adjacent to the first panel on the side separated from the apparatus main body. A first posture in which the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are substantially flush with each other, and a second posture in which the first and second panels are bent upward. It is characterized by being connected so that the posture can be changed.

  According to this configuration, the electronic component in the apparatus main body is caused to perform a predetermined operation on the operation panel including the first panel on the side separated from the apparatus main body attached to the apparatus main body and the second panel on the apparatus main body side. By performing the input operation, the electronic device performs its intended operation in accordance with the input operation by exhibiting its function.

  The operation panel is between a first posture in which the panel surfaces of the first panel and the second panel are substantially flush with each other and a second posture in which the first panel and the second panel are bent upward. When the input operation is performed using both the first and second panels, the operation panel is set to the first posture while the input operation is performed using only the first panel. When the operation panel is set to the second position when performing the operation, the input operation can be performed efficiently without being confused by the operation keys on the first panel.

  As described above, the operation panel is positioned between the first position in which the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are substantially flush with the second position in which the first and second panels are bent upward. By making it possible to change the posture, it becomes possible to select which posture, and the ease of the input operation is improved according to the type of the input operation.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the tilt angle of the first panel with respect to the horizontal plane is set to a first tilt angle substantially equal to the tilt angle of the second panel in a state where the operation panel is set to the first posture. The angle with respect to the horizontal plane of the first panel is set to a second tilt angle that is larger than the first tilt angle in a state where the operation panel is set to the second posture. Is.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to make the operation surface of the first panel substantially flush with the operation surface of the second panel by setting the first panel to a first inclination angle with a small angle, thereby The operability for both the first and second panels is equalized. In addition, the first panel can be easily input in a standing position due to the small inclination angle.

  On the other hand, the input operation with respect to the 1st panel in a sitting position becomes easy by setting a 1st panel to the 2nd inclination angle with a large angle. Therefore, the first panel is suitable for, for example, a wheelchair user or the like sitting on a wheelchair to perform an input operation. The first panel is provided with operation keys that cause the electronic device to perform a normal steady operation, while the second panel is less frequently used instead of the key operation for initial setting for the operation of the electronic device. If the setting key is arranged, when the normal input operation is performed, the first panel set to the second inclination angle is in a state of being separated from the second panel having a smaller angle. Thus, if the first panel is in a line with the second panel, it is possible to avoid confusion with the setting keys on the second panel when performing a normal input operation using only the operation keys on the first panel. Operation of the operation keys becomes easy.

  As described above, the operation panel includes a first panel whose tilt angle is variable between a first tilt angle having a small angle and a second tilt angle having a large angle, and a second panel connected to the first panel. Since it is configured, the first panel can be easily used in the standing position or the sitting position by adjusting the angle of the first panel between the first and second inclination angles.

  In particular, by setting the first panel to the second tilt angle having a large angle, it is possible to make the first panel distinguish from the second panel, thereby using the first panel. Normal input operations can be easily performed in the sitting position. Therefore, the operation panel is particularly suitable for use by a wheelchair user who sits on the wheelchair and performs key operations.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the first panel and the second panel are provided with a link mechanism that can be folded in two at the connection position between the first panel and the second panel. It is what.

  According to such a configuration, by setting the first panel to the second tilt angle having a large angle, the operation panel is projected upward with the connection position between the first and second panels as a boundary by the operation of the link mechanism. Because of the folded state, when performing an input operation using the first panel, it becomes difficult to see the surface of the second panel, which makes it difficult to confuse the keys on the first panel with the keys on the second panel.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the apparatus main body includes a pair of hinge portions that sandwich the operation panel from the respective end surface sides thereof, and the link mechanism includes the first panel. A base shaft supported concentrically from opposite end surfaces and projecting in opposite directions from each other, and a pair of hinge portions pivotally supporting the base end side of the second panel. An end shaft, a connecting shaft that connects the first and second panels, and an axial track that is provided opposite to each other on the tip side of the pair of hinge portions and that guides the tip of the tip shaft. The axial track is set to be inclined upwardly toward the apparatus main body, and the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are in a state where the first panel is set to the first inclination angle. Located on the same plane Installation position such that the distal end shaft is located on the distal end side of the axial track and the distal end shaft is positioned on the proximal end side of the axial track with the first panel set at the second inclination angle. Is set.

  According to such a configuration, by setting the second panel to the first inclination angle, the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are positioned on substantially the same plane. By changing the second panel to the second inclination angle from this state as the starting point, the tip axis of the second panel moves forward toward the apparatus main body while being guided by the shaft track provided in the hinge portion.

  As a result, the first panel rotates about the connecting axis so that the tip is directed to the apparatus main body, and the second panel connected to the first panel by the connecting axis is opposite to the first panel about the base end axis. As a result, the first and second panels are protruded upward at the portion connected by the connecting shaft.

  And the angle with respect to a horizontal surface turns into a 2nd inclination angle when the front end axis | shaft reaches | attains the base end side (apparatus main body side) of an axial track | orbit of the 1st panel.

  When returning the first panel set to the second inclination angle to the first inclination angle, the tip side of the second panel may be pulled in a direction away from the apparatus main body. By doing so, the first and second panels move in the opposite directions, the second panel returns to the first inclination angle, and the panel surfaces of the first and second panels become substantially flush.

  In this way, the link mechanism connects the first shaft and the second panel with the distal shaft protruding from the first panel, the proximal shaft guided by the shaft track of the hinge portion provided on the second panel, and the first panel. And the shaft shaft with the shaft track inclined upwardly toward the apparatus body, and the front end shaft in a state where the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are located on substantially the same plane. By setting the installation position so that the distal end shaft is located on the proximal end side of the axial track with the first panel reaching the second inclination angle while Although the configuration, the second panel changes its angle following the change in the angle of the first panel, and an angle change in cooperation between the first and second panels can be easily realized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the second panel is an operation for operating the operation panel in a state where the first panel is set at the second inclination angle. It is characterized by hiding from a person's view.

  According to this configuration, the second panel is hidden from the field of view of the operator who operates the operation panel in a state where the first panel is set at the second inclination angle. Key operations on the first panel can be performed without being confused by the keys.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention (image forming apparatus) is an image forming apparatus in which the electronic device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is mounted with various members for image formation on the apparatus main body. It is characterized by this.

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus can enjoy the operational effects of the operation panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus main body is provided with a paper discharge unit that discharges the paper on which image forming processing has been performed, and the operation panel is in the second posture. In this state, a part of the paper discharge unit can be visually recognized through a space formed by approaching the apparatus main body with the posture set.

  According to the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, when the paper discharge unit is a so-called in-body discharge type provided between the upper image reading unit and the lower image forming unit, Although there is a disadvantage that the paper part is hidden behind the operation panel and is difficult to see, the operation panel approaches the apparatus main body by being set to the second posture, and the leading end side of the operation panel has occupied so far. Since the empty space becomes empty, a part of the paper discharge unit can be visually confirmed through the empty space, and the discharge state of the paper to the paper discharge unit can be easily visually confirmed.

  As described above, for example, when the operation panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4 is adopted in the in-body discharge type image forming apparatus, the discharge unit is set by setting the operation second panel to the second posture. Inconvenience that it is difficult to visually recognize is eliminated, and the workability in the sitting position is further improved.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the attitude of the operation panel is the first attitude in which the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are substantially flush with each other, and the first and second panels are bent upward. Since the posture can be changed between the second posture and which posture can be selected, the ease of the input operation can be improved according to the type of the input operation.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation panel is connected to the first panel having a variable inclination angle between the first inclination angle having a small angle and the second inclination angle having a large angle, and the first panel. Since the second panel is configured, the angle of the first panel is adjusted between the first and second inclination angles so that the first panel can be easily used in the standing position or the sitting position. it can.

  Then, by setting the first panel to the second tilt angle having a large angle, the first panel can be made to distinguish from the second panel, so that the normal operation input using the first panel is performed. It can be easily performed in a sitting position without being confused with the input keys on the second panel, and the operation panel should be suitable for use by a wheelchair user who performs key operations while sitting on a wheelchair. it can.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, by setting the first panel to the second inclination angle having a large angle, the operation panel can be operated at the connection position between the first and second panels by the action of the link mechanism. When the input operation using the first panel is performed, it becomes difficult to see the surface of the second panel, so that the key on the first panel is more than the key on the second panel. It can be difficult to confuse.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the link mechanism includes a tip shaft projecting from the first panel, a proximal shaft guided by the shaft track of the hinge portion provided on the second panel, And a connecting shaft for connecting the second panel, the shaft track is inclined upwardly toward the apparatus body, and the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are substantially on the same plane. The installation position is set so that the distal end shaft is positioned on the distal end side of the axial track while the distal end shaft is positioned on the proximal end side of the axial track while the first panel reaches the second inclination angle. By doing so, the second panel changes its angle following the change in the angle of the first panel while having a simple configuration, thereby easily realizing an appropriate change in the angle between the first and second panels. be able to.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the second panel is hidden from the view of the operator who operates the operation panel in a state where the first panel is set at the second inclination angle, the operator of the first panel is The key operation of the first panel can be performed without being confused by the keys of the second panel, and the operability of the input operation can be improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention (an image forming apparatus), the image forming apparatus includes the electronic apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein various members for image formation are mounted on the apparatus main body. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can receive the operation and effect of the operation panel according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, for example, when the operation panel according to any one of the second to fourth aspects is employed in the in-body discharge type image forming apparatus, the second operation panel is set to the second posture. This eliminates the inconvenience that it is difficult to visually recognize the paper discharge unit, and it is possible to further improve the workability particularly in the sitting position.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a state in which the operation panel is set to a small inclination angle, and FIG. Indicates a state where a large inclination angle is set. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a front sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 10. 1 and 2, the XX direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the Y-Y direction is referred to as the front-rear direction. In particular, the -X direction is leftward, the + X direction is rightward, the -Y direction is frontward, and the + Y direction is rearward. That's it.

  An image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called in-body discharge type copying machine, and includes an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a sheet storage unit 14, and a discharge unit 15 in an apparatus main body 11. An image reading unit 16 and an operation unit 20 are formed.

  The apparatus main body 11 includes a lower main body 111 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape in appearance, an upper main body 112 having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape disposed above the lower main body 111, and the upper main body 112 and the lower main body 111. And a connecting body 113 interposed therebetween. The connecting body 113 is a structure for connecting the discharge body 15 between the lower main body 111 and the upper main body 112 to each other, and is erected from the left part of the lower main body 111. Yes. The upper body 112 is supported at the upper end of the connecting body 113 with the rear part thereof.

  The lower main body 111 includes an image forming unit 12, a fixing unit 13, and a paper storage unit 14, and an image reading unit 16 is mounted on the upper main body 112. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 20 protrudes rightward from the right edge of the upper body 112.

  The paper discharge unit 15 is formed between the lower main body 111 and the upper main body 112. The paper discharge unit 15 has a cylinder discharge tray 151 formed on the upper surface of the lower main body 111, and the paper P onto which the toner image from the image forming unit 12 has been transferred is transferred from the lower part of the coupling body 113 to the cylinder P. The paper is discharged toward the inner paper discharge tray 151.

  The image forming unit 12 forms a toner image on the paper P fed from the paper storage unit 14, and is sequentially arranged from the upstream side (right side) to the downstream side as shown in FIG. A magenta unit 12M, a cyan unit 12C, a yellow unit 12Y, and a black unit 12K.

  Each unit 12M, 12C, 12Y, and 12K includes a photosensitive drum 121 and a developing device 122, respectively. Each photosensitive drum 121 is supplied with toner from a corresponding developing device 122 while rotating counterclockwise in FIG. Each developing device 122 is replenished with toner from a toner cartridge (not shown) disposed on the front side of the apparatus main body 11 (the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 2).

  A charger 123 is provided immediately below each photoconductor drum 121, and an exposure device 124 is provided further below each charger 123. Each photosensitive drum 121 is charged uniformly by the charger 123, and laser light corresponding to each color based on the image data read by the image reading unit 16 is charged from each exposure device 124. By irradiating the peripheral surface of each photoconductive drum 121, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of each photoconductive drum 121. By supplying toner from the developing device 122 to the electrostatic latent image, a toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121.

  A transfer belt 125 stretched between the driving roller 125 a and the driven roller 125 b is provided at a position above the photosensitive drum 121 so as to contact the photosensitive drum 121.

  The transfer belt 125 is driven against a peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 by a transfer roller 125c provided corresponding to each photosensitive drum 121, and is driven with a driving roller 125a and a driven roller while being synchronized with the photosensitive drum 121. Circulate between 125b.

  Accordingly, when the transfer belt 125 circulates, the magenta toner image is transferred onto the surface of the transfer belt 125 by the photosensitive drum 121 of the magenta unit 12M, and then the photosensitive drum of the cyan unit 12C is placed at the same position on the transfer belt 125. The transfer of the cyan toner image by 121 is performed in the overcoating state, and then the transfer of the yellow toner image by the photosensitive drum 121 of the yellow unit 12Y to the same position of the transfer belt 125 is performed in the overcoating state. The transfer of the black toner image by the photosensitive drum 121 of the black unit 12K is performed in the overcoating state.

  As a result, a color image is formed on the surface of the transfer belt 125. The color image formed on the surface of the transfer belt 125 is transferred to the paper P conveyed from the paper storage unit 14.

  A drum cleaning device 126 that removes and cleans residual toner on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 121 is provided at the right side of each photosensitive drum 121 in FIG. The peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 cleaned by the drum cleaning device 126 is directed to the charger 123 for a new charging process.

  Waste toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 121 by the drum cleaning device 126 is collected in a toner collection bottle (not shown) through a predetermined path.

  A sheet conveyance path 127 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the left position of the image forming unit 12. The paper transport path 127 is provided with a transport roller pair 127a at an appropriate position, and the paper P from the paper storage unit 14 is directed toward the transfer belt 125 that is wound around the drive roller 125a by the drive of the transport roller pair 127a. Be transported.

  A second transfer roller 128 that contacts the surface of the transfer belt 125 is provided in a position opposite to the driving roller 125 a in the sheet conveyance path 127, and the sheet P being conveyed through the sheet conveyance path 127 is transferred to the transfer belt 125. The toner image on the transfer belt 125 is transferred to the paper P by being pressed and clamped by the second transfer roller 128.

  A belt cleaning device 125c (not shown) that removes residual toner remaining on the surface of the transfer belt 125 is provided on the right side of the transfer belt 125. Residual toner on the surface is removed by the belt cleaning device 125c and cleaned around the next transfer process.

  The fixing unit 13 performs a fixing process on the toner image on the paper P transferred by the image forming unit 12, and includes a fixing roller 131 having an energization heating element as a heating source therein and a left side. The fixing roller 131 and a pressure roller 132 disposed to face each other are provided. Then, the transfer-processed paper P led out from the image forming unit 12 through the second transfer roller 128 is pressed and held between the fixing roller 131 and the pressure roller 132, and the toner image is heated by the fixing roller 131. Is fixed, and a stable color image is formed on the paper P.

  The color-printed paper P that has undergone the fixing process passes through a paper discharge conveyance path 129 extending from the upper part of the fixing unit 13 and is discharged toward the in-body paper discharge tray 151 through the discharge roller pair 152. .

  The paper storage unit 14 is a paper tray 141 that is detachably mounted at a position below the exposure device 124 in the apparatus main body 11 (shown in two stages in FIG. 1, but for convenience of illustration, one stage in FIG. 2). Is shown). A sheet bundle is stored in the sheet tray 141. Then, the sheet P is fed out from the sheet bundle stored in the sheet tray 141 one by one by driving the pickup roller 142, and introduced into the image forming unit 12 through the sheet conveyance path 127.

  The image reading unit 16 presses the contact glass 161 mounted on the upper surface opening of the upper main body 112 on which the document P1 is placed with the document surface facing down, and the document placed on the contact glass 161. An original mat 162 that can be opened and closed with respect to the contact glass 161, and an optical system unit 163 that is built in the upper body 112 for reading the original image of the original P1 placed on the contact glass 161. ing.

  The optical system unit 163 scans a document image from the document surface by moving the light source 164 from below through the contact glass 161 in a state where the document placed on the contact glass 161 is pressed by the document mat 162. It is read by a CCD (charge coupled device) 165 by reflected light. The document image information read by the CCD 165 is output to the exposure device 124 of the image forming unit 12 after being digitized.

  Hereinafter, the operation unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the operation unit 20. 4 is an assembled perspective view of the operation unit 20 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 (A) shows a state in which the first panel 31 is set to a small inclination angle, and FIG. 4 (B) shows the first panel. Reference numeral 31 denotes a state where the large inclination angle is set. 3 and 4 are the same as those in FIG. 1 (X is the left-right direction (-X: leftward, + X: rightward), Y is the front-rear direction (-Y: forward, + Y: backward)).

  As shown in these drawings, the operation unit 20 includes a pair of left and right hinge portions 21 projecting forward from the front edge portion 112a of the upper main body 112, and an operation sandwiched between the hinge portions 21. A panel 30 and a link mechanism 40 interposed between the operation panel 30 and the hinge portion 21 are provided.

  Each of the hinge portions 21 has the same trapezoidal shape in a side view, and a portion corresponding to the bottom side of the trapezoid is fixed to the front edge portion 112a of the upper body 112 by screwing or the like and forward from the front edge portion 112a. It protrudes toward you. The hinge portion 21 is an inclined edge surface 211 whose upper edge surface is inclined downward toward the front, and is thereby tapered toward the front.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, a pair of upper and lower through holes 112b are formed in the front edge portion 112a of the upper body 112 at positions spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction, while the rear edge surface 212 of each hinge portion 21 is formed. Screw holes 213 corresponding to the pair of through holes 112b are screwed. Then, the screw N is inserted into the through hole 112b of the front edge portion 112a and then screwed into the screw hole 213 of the hinge portion 21 to be bound, whereby each hinge portion 21 is connected to the front edge portion 112a of the upper body 112. Fixed to.

  A guide long groove (shaft track) 22 as a component of the link mechanism 40 on which a distal end shaft 33 of the first panel 31 described later is guided on the opposing surface of each hinge portion 21 as described above, and a second described later. A shaft hole 23 into which a base end shaft 34 projecting from the panel 32 is fitted so as to be rotatable about an axis is recessed. The guide long groove 22 is provided so as to incline upward from the front lower position of the hinge portion 21 toward the front edge portion 112 a of the upper main body 112. On the other hand, the shaft hole 23 is provided at the lower rear portion of the hinge portion 21. The shaft hole 23 is provided at a position facing a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the guide long groove 22.

  Moreover, the opposing surface of each hinge part 21 is provided with the stopper 25 which mutually opposed in the downward position of the center part of the front-back direction. These stoppers 25 are for supporting the first panel 31 in a state in which the first panel 31 described later is set to the small inclination angle S1, thereby preventing the first panel 31 from sliding down. is there.

  The operation panel 30 is provided on the side of the front edge 112a of the upper body 112 between the pair of hinge parts 21 and the first panel 31 spaced from the front edge 112a of the upper body 112 between the pair of hinge parts 21. And the front edge part is provided with the 2nd panel 32 connected with the rear edge part of the 1st panel 31. FIG. The second panel 32 has a front-rear width dimension set to be considerably shorter than a front-rear width dimension of the first panel 31 (approximately 1/3 in the example shown in FIG. 3).

  The upper surface of the first panel 31 is provided with minimum necessary operation keys and the like when the image forming apparatus 10 executes image forming processing. In the present embodiment, a start key 311 that is pressed when starting the image forming process is provided at the right position on the upper surface of the first panel 31, and “ A matrix-like numeric keypad 312 with numerals “0” to “9” and the like is provided, and an LCD (Liquid crystal display) 313 is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the first panel 31.

  The numeric keypad 312 is mainly for inputting the number of copies of the paper P. The LCD 313 is used to display input information, error messages, and the like that have been actually performed using the numeric keypad 312 and to input normal setting items (for example, paper size) relating to image forming processing. Therefore, the operator can cause the image forming apparatus 10 to execute normal image forming processing using the operation keys on the first panel 31 and the LCD 313.

  On the other hand, the second panel 32 is provided with an initial setting key for causing the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a special image forming process. Specifically, for example, a FAX key 321 for switching the function of the image forming apparatus 10 to a facsimile machine, a maintenance key 322 that a service person pushes during maintenance work, and the like are provided as initial setting keys.

  Therefore, when the usual copy process is performed, it is possible to make the time just by pressing only the operation key of the first panel 31 without operating the initial setting key of the second panel 32.

  The link mechanism 40 is concentric from the end shafts 33 that are concentrically protruded from opposite end surfaces 316 of the first panel 31 in opposite directions, and from the respective end surfaces 326 of the second panel 32 in the left-right direction. The proximal shaft 34 projecting in opposite directions, the connecting shaft 35 that connects the front edge of the first panel 31 and the rear edge of the second panel 32, and the distal shaft 33 are in sliding contact with each other. The guide long groove 22 to be fitted in and the shaft hole 23 into which the base end shaft 34 is fitted in a sliding contact state.

  The tip shaft 33 is provided at a substantially central position in the front-rear direction on the end surface 316 of the first panel 31. Further, the proximal end shaft 34 is provided at a rear end position on the end surface 326 of the second panel 32.

  On the other hand, the second panel 32 is provided with a pair of left and right projecting shaft seats 327 projecting forward from the upper side of the left and right ends of the front edge, and the first panel 31 has a rear A recessed shaft seat 317 corresponding to the protruding shaft seat 327 is provided above the left and right end portions of the edge portion. The projecting shaft seats 327 are respectively provided with through holes 327a concentric with each other, and the recessed shaft seat 317 is screwed with a screw hole 317a facing the through hole 327a.

  The tip shaft 33 is formed by a headless screw. A male screw corresponding to the female screw of the screw hole 317a is screwed to the tip of the tip shaft 33.

  Accordingly, with the rear edge of the first panel 31 fitted between the pair of projecting shaft seats 327 of the second panel 32, the connecting shaft 35 is inserted into the through holes 327a of the projecting shaft seats 327, and the first panel The first panel 31 and the second panel 32 are connected to each other around the connecting shaft 35 so as to be rotatable relative to each other by being screwed into the screw holes 317a of the recessed shaft seat 317.

  A rear inclined edge surface 315 is formed at the rear edge of the first panel 31 so as to be inclined forward as it goes downward, and at the front edge of the second panel 32 downward. Accordingly, a front inclined edge surface 325 that is inclined rearward is formed. The first and second panels 31 and 35 are provided with the rear inclined edge surface 315 and the front inclined edge surface 325, so that the first and second panels 31 and 35 can be rotated around the connecting shaft 35 in a direction approaching each other. .

  When mounting the operation panel 30 between the pair of hinge portions 21, first, one hinge portion 21 (right hinge portion 21 in the example shown in FIG. 3) is fixed to the front edge portion 112 a of the upper body 112. While the first and second panels 31 and 32 are continuously connected to each other by the connecting shaft 35, the right end shaft 33 of the first panel 31 is fitted into the guide long groove 22 of the right hinge portion 21, and the second panel The base end shaft 34 of 32 is inserted in the shaft hole 23 of the hinge part 21 on the right side.

  Next, the left hinge portion 21 is fixed to the front edge portion 112 a of the upper main body 112 via a screw N. At the time of fixing, the distal end shaft 33 on the left side of the first panel 31 and the proximal end shaft 34 on the left side of the second panel 32 are fitted into the guide long groove 22 and the shaft hole 23 of the left hinge portion 21, respectively. By doing so, the operation panel 30 is mounted between the pair of hinge portions 21 as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the top surfaces of the first and second panels 31 and 32 are flush with the front end shaft 33 of the first panel 31 positioned at the lowermost portion of the guide long groove 22, and the first panel 31, the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal plane is set to a small inclination angle (first inclination angle) S1 (in this embodiment, the first inclination angle is approximately 5 °), while the tip shaft 33 of the first panel 31 is the guide long groove 22. In the state where the second panel 32 is substantially vertical, the inclination angle of the first panel 31 with respect to the horizontal plane is a large inclination angle (second inclination angle) S2 (in this embodiment, the second inclination angle). Is set to approximately 15 °), the inclination angle of the guide long groove 22 (approximately 25 ° in the present embodiment), the length dimension of the guide long groove 22, the longitudinal length of the first and second panels 31, 32, and Tip shaft 33 Installation position of and proximal shaft 34 are set.

  Incidentally, when the first panel 31 is set to the small inclination posture S1, the operation panel 30 is set to the first posture according to the present invention. On the other hand, when the first panel 31 is set to the large inclined posture S2, the operation panel 30 is set to the second posture according to the present invention.

  Therefore, in the state where the first panel 31 is pulled forward, the first panel 31 is set to the small inclination angle S1, as shown in FIG. 4A, and thereby the first and second panels 31, 32 are set. In the state where the first panel 31 is pushed in, the first panel 31 is set to a large inclination angle S2, as shown in FIG. 4B. Only the upper surface of the first panel 31 is hidden behind the first panel 31 and is easily visible.

  FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the operation of the operation unit 20 according to the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the first panel 31 is set to the small inclination angle S1, FIG. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the first panel 31 is changing the angle from the small inclination angle S1 toward the large inclination angle S2. FIG. 5C shows that the first panel 31 has been changed to the large inclination angle S2. Each state is shown. In addition, the direction display by Y in FIG. 5 is the same as the case of FIG. 1 (-Y: front, + Y: back).

  First, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the state where the first panel 31 is set to the small inclination angle S1, the inclination angle of the first panel 31 with respect to the horizontal plane is set to about 5 °, and the stopper 25 is provided. To prevent the tilt angle from being less than about 5 °. In this state, since the top surfaces of the first and second panels 31 and 32 are substantially flush with each other, both the operation keys of the first panel 31 and the setting keys of the second panel 32 are particularly suitable in the standing position. Can be operated.

  In this state, when the front end of the first panel 31 is pressed slightly downward as shown by an arrow in FIG. 5B and then pressed backward, first, the first panel 31 is moved to the tip shaft 33. The second panel 32 connected to the first panel 31 via the connecting shaft 35 is rotated counterclockwise around the base end shaft 34. As a result, in both the first and second panels 31 and 32, the portion of the connecting shaft 35 protrudes upward, and the operation panel 30 has a “h” shape in a side view.

  Next, when the front end of the first panel 31 is pressed rearward in this state, the inclination angle of the first panel 31 gradually increases as the tip shaft 33 is guided by the guide long groove 22. Accordingly, the inclination angle of the second panel 32 also gradually increases.

  When the tip shaft 33 reaches the uppermost portion of the guide long groove 22, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first panel 31 is changed to a large inclination angle S2, and the second panel 32 is , Almost vertical. As a result, the second panel 32 is hidden behind the first panel 31 from the front and cannot be seen. Therefore, when only the operation keys such as the start key 311 and the numeric keypad 312 on the first panel 31 are operated while sitting on the chair, the first panel 31 has a large inclination angle S2 that is easy to see in the sitting position. Since unnecessary setting keys such as the FAX key 321 on the second panel 32 are not visible, the first panel 31 is very easy to operate in the sitting position.

  As described above in detail, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment responds to the operation of the apparatus main body 11 in which various electronic components for image formation are mounted, and the operation of the electronic components attached to the apparatus main body 11. Since the operation panel 30 includes an operation panel 30 for performing a predetermined input operation, a predetermined operation is performed on the electronic components in the apparatus main body 11 from the operation panel 30 attached to the apparatus main body 11. When the input operation for performing the operation is performed, the electronic device performs its intended operation in accordance with the input operation by exhibiting its function.

  The operation panel 30 includes a first panel 31 on the side separated from the apparatus main body 11 and a second panel 32 on the apparatus main body 11 side connected to the first panel 31. The first panel 31 is a horizontal plane. The first panel 31 is angled because it is variably configured between a first tilt angle that is substantially equal to the tilt angle of the second panel 32 and a second tilt angle that is larger than the first tilt angle. First, the input operation to the first panel 31 in the standing position is facilitated by setting the small tilt angle S1 to be small, and the first panel 31 is set to the small tilt angle S1 by setting the first tilt angle S1. It becomes possible to make the operation surface of the panel 31 substantially flush with the operation surface of the second panel 32, thereby making the operability for both the first and second panels 31 and 32 even.

  On the other hand, by setting the first panel 31 to the large inclination angle S2 of the second inclination angle having a large angle, first, the input operation to the first panel 31 in the sitting position becomes easy. For example, it becomes suitable for a wheelchair user or the like sitting on a wheelchair to perform an input operation. Accordingly, the first panel 31 is provided with operation keys for causing the electronic device to perform a normal and steady operation, while the second panel 32 is frequently used instead of key operations for initial setting for the operation of the electronic device. If a setting key with a small number is arranged, the first panel 31 set to the second inclination angle is in a state of being separated from the second panel 32 having a smaller angle when performing a normal input operation. When the first panel 31 is in a line with the second panel 32, the operation keys are confused with the setting keys on the second panel 32 in performing a normal input operation using only the operation keys on the first panel 31. Therefore, the operation keys can be easily operated.

  As described above, the operation panel 30 includes the first panel 31 in which the tilt angle is variable between the first tilt angle having a small angle and the second tilt angle having a large angle, and the second panel connected to the first panel 31. By configuring the first panel 31 with the panel, the angle of the first panel 31 is adjusted between the first and second inclination angles, so that the first panel 31 can be easily used in the standing position or the sitting position, and in particular the angle. By setting the second inclination angle to be large, it is possible to make the first panel 31 distinct from the second panel 32, whereby normal operation input using the first panel 31 can be performed. It can be easily performed in the sitting position. Therefore, it is possible to make the operation panel 30 particularly suitable for use by a wheelchair user who sits on the wheelchair and performs key operations.

  In addition, since the first panel 31 is configured to be variable in angle by folding the first panel 31 and the second panel 32 at the connection position between the first panel 31 and the second panel 32 by the link mechanism 40, the first panel 31 By setting 31 to a second inclination angle having a large angle, the operation panel 30 is in a two-fold state that is convex upward with the connection position between the first and second panels 31 and 32 as a boundary by the link mechanism 40, This makes it difficult to see the surface of the second panel 32 when performing an input operation using the first panel 31, and makes it difficult to confuse the keys on the first panel 31 with the keys on the second panel 32. .

  The apparatus main body 11 has a pair of hinge portions 21 that sandwich the operation panel 30 from each end face side, and the link mechanism 40 is concentric from the mutually opposing end faces of the first panel 31 in opposite directions. A protruding distal end shaft 33, a proximal end shaft 34 supported at a position opposite to the pair of hinge portions 21 that pivotally support the proximal end side of the second panel 32, and the first and second panels 31. , 32 and a guide long groove 22 provided on the front end side of the pair of hinge portions 21 so as to oppose each other and guiding each front end of the front end shaft 33. The guide long groove 22 includes: The tip shaft 33 is set to the tip end side of the guide long groove 22 in a state where the inclination is set to rise upward toward the apparatus main body 11 and the panel surfaces of the first and second panels 31 and 32 are located on substantially the same plane. Located and The first panel 31 is installed position as the tip end shaft 33 in a state that has reached the second inclination angle is located on the proximal side of the guide long groove 22 is set.

  According to this configuration, the second panel 32 is set to the first inclination angle, so that the panel surfaces of the first and second panels 31 and 32 are positioned on substantially the same plane. By changing the second panel 32 to the second inclination angle starting from this state, the distal end shaft 33 of the second panel 32 is guided upward by the guide long groove 22 provided in the hinge portion 21 so as to move forward. Head to.

  As a result, the first panel 31 is rotated around the connecting shaft 35 so that the tip is directed to the apparatus main body 11, and the second panel 32 connected to the first panel 31 by the connecting shaft 35 is rotated around the base end shaft 34. The first and second panels 31 and 32 are pivoted in the opposite direction to the first panel 31, whereby the portions connected by the connecting shaft 35 protrude upward.

  And as for the 1st panel 31, when the front end axis | shaft 33 reaches | attains the base end side (device main body 11 side) of the guide long groove 22, the angle with respect to a horizontal surface turns into a 2nd inclination angle.

  In order to return the first panel 31 once set to the second inclination angle to the first inclination angle, the front end side of the second panel 32 may be pulled in a direction away from the apparatus main body 11. By doing so, the first and second panels 31 and 32 move in the opposite direction, the second panel 32 returns to the first inclination angle, and the panel surfaces of the first and second panels 31 and 32 are substantially flush. It becomes a state.

  As described above, the link mechanism 40 includes the distal end shaft 33 projecting from the first panel 31, the proximal end shaft 34 guided by the guide long groove 22 of the hinge portion 21 provided in the second panel 32, and the first And the connecting shaft 35 for connecting the second panels 31 and 32, the guide long groove 22 is set to be inclined upwardly toward the apparatus main body 11, and the first and second panels 31, The front end shaft 33 is positioned on the front end side of the guide long groove 22 in a state where the 32 panel surfaces are substantially on the same plane, while the front end shaft 33 is in the state where the first panel 31 has reached the second inclination angle. By setting the installation position so as to be positioned on the base end side of the long groove 22, the second panel 32 changes in angle following the change in angle of the first panel 31 with a simple configuration, and thereby the first panel 31 changes. And second pack It is possible to realize the cooperation angular change Le 31 mutually.

  In addition, since the second panel 32 is hidden from the field of view of the operator who operates the operation panel 30 with the first panel 31 set to the second inclination angle, the operator of the first panel 31 The key operation of the first panel 31 can be performed without being confused by the 32 keys.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and includes the following contents.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 has been described as an example of the electronic apparatus with the operation panel 30. However, the present invention is not limited to the electronic apparatus being an image forming apparatus. For example, any device having an operation panel such as an ATM (automatic teller machine) or a ticket machine may be used.

  (2) In the above embodiment, a copying machine has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus 10. However, the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus 10 being a copying machine. It may be a facsimile machine.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the guide long groove 22 as the shaft track is employed in the hinge portion 21, but the present invention is not limited to the shaft track being the guide long groove 22. It may be a guide long hole penetrating through.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the distal end shaft 33 and the proximal end shaft 34 are mounted on the first and second panels 31 and 32 separately from the first panel 31 and the second panel 32, respectively. However, instead of this, for example, when the first and second panels 31 and 32 are injection-molded products, the distal end shaft 33 and the proximal end shaft 34 are integrated with the first and second panels 31 and 32 from the beginning. You may make it form.

1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a state in which an operation panel is set to a small inclination angle, and FIG. 2B is a state in which the operation panel is set to a large inclination angle. Each state is shown. It is explanatory drawing of front sectional view for demonstrating the internal structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows one Embodiment of an operation part. FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of the operation unit shown in FIG. 3, (A) shows a state where the first panel is set to a small inclination angle, and (B) shows a state where the first panel is set to a large inclination angle. Show. It is explanatory drawing of the side view for demonstrating the effect | action of the operation part which concerns on this invention, (A) is the state in which the 1st panel was set to the small inclination angle, (B) is the 1st panel having a small inclination. A state in which the angle is changing from the angle toward the large inclination angle, (C) shows a state in which the first panel is changed to the large inclination angle.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Apparatus main body 111 Lower main body 112 Upper main body 112a Front edge part 112b Through-hole 113 Connection body 12 Image forming part 12M Magenta unit 12C Cyan unit 12Y Yellow unit 12K Black unit 121 Photosensitive drum 122 Developing device 123 Charger 124 Exposure Device 125 Transfer Belt 125a Drive Roller 125b Driven Roller 125c Belt Cleaning Device 125c Transfer Roller 126 Drum Cleaning Device 127 Paper Transport Path 127a Transport Roller Pair 128 Transfer Roller 129 Paper Discharge Transport Path 13 Fixing Section 131 Fixing Roller 132 Addition Pressure roller 14 Paper storage part 141 Paper tray 142 Pickup roller 15 Paper discharge part 151 In-body paper discharge tray 152 Paper discharge roller pair 16 Image reading part 161 Contact Trough 162 Document mat 163 Optical system unit 164 Light source 165 CCD 20 Operation section 21 Hinge section 211 Inclined edge surface 212 Rear edge surface 213 Screw hole 22 Guide long groove (axial track) 23 Shaft hole 25 Stopper 30 Operation panel 31 First panel 311 Start Key 312 Numeric keypad 313 LCD
315 Rear inclined edge surface 316 End surface 317 Recessed shaft seat 317a Screw hole 32 Second panel 321 Magnification key 322 Double-sided printing key 323 Print density key 325 Front inclined edge surface 326 End surface 327 Projection shaft seat 327a Through hole 33 Tip shaft 34 Base End shaft 35 Connecting shaft 40 Link mechanism N Screw P Paper P1 Document S1 Small tilt angle (first posture)
S2 Large tilt angle (2nd posture)

Claims (7)

An electronic device with an operation panel, comprising: an apparatus main body on which various electronic components are mounted; and an operation panel attached to the apparatus main body and performing a predetermined input operation for the operation of the electronic component. There,
The operation panel includes a first panel on the side separated from the apparatus main body, and a second panel on the apparatus main body side adjacent to the first panel, and the panels of the first and second panels An operation characterized in that the posture is changeable between a first posture in which the surfaces are substantially flush with a second posture in which the first and second panels are bent upward. Electronic equipment with panels. In a state where the operation panel is set in the first posture, the inclination angle of the first panel with respect to the horizontal plane is set to a first inclination angle substantially equal to the same inclination angle of the second panel,
The angle with respect to the horizontal surface of the first panel in a state in which the operation panel is set to the second attitude is set to a second inclination angle that is larger than the first inclination angle. Electronic device with operation panel as described.   The electronic device with an operation panel according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a link mechanism that can fold the first panel and the second panel into two at the connection position between the first panel and the second panel. The apparatus main body has a pair of hinge portions that sandwich the operation panel from each end face side thereof,
The link mechanism includes a tip shaft that is concentrically protruded from opposite end surfaces of the first panel in opposite directions, and
A base shaft supported at a position opposite to the pair of hinge portions that pivotally supports the base end side of the second panel;
A connecting shaft connecting the first and second panels;
A shaft track provided on the tip side of each of the pair of hinge portions so as to face each other and guiding each tip of the tip shaft;
The axial track is set to be inclined forwardly toward the apparatus main body, and the panel surfaces of the first and second panels are substantially the same in a state where the first panel is set to the first inclination angle. The tip shaft is positioned on the base end side of the shaft track in a state where the tip shaft is positioned on the tip side of the shaft track and the first panel is set at the second inclination angle. 4. The electronic device with an operation panel according to claim 3, wherein an installation position is set so as to be positioned.   5. The operation according to claim 1, wherein the second panel is hidden from a field of view of an operator who operates the operation panel in a state where the first panel is set at the second inclination angle. Electronic equipment with panels.   6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus is provided with various members for image formation mounted on the apparatus main body.   The apparatus main body is provided with a paper discharge section for discharging the paper on which image forming processing has been performed, and the operation panel is moved toward the apparatus main body while being set in the second posture. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to visually recognize a part of the paper discharge unit through a formed space.

Images