JP2008203770A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To have an operation panel unit for an image forming apparatus smoothly moved to a using stance and a storing stance. <P>SOLUTION: The operation panel unit 5 which can be freely rotated to the storing stance and the using stance is provided with; a button member 53 energized by a compression coil spring 57, a first connecting member 54 with a base end side connected to the button member 53 to be freely rotated and with a central part supported to be freely rotated, a second connecting member 55 with a base end side connected to be freely rotated to a tip end side of the first connecting member 54, and a restraining member 56 with one end side connected to be freely rotated to a tip end side of the second connecting member 55 and supported to be freely rotated. The restraining member 56 is restrained to an abutting part 22b when the operation panel unit is in a using stance. When the button member 53 is pressed in, the retraining part 56 is rotated through the first connecting member 54 and the second connecting member 55 and stored in a projecting part 52b and the restrained state is easily released. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a scanner unit having a function of reading a document as image data, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on the read image data of the document. The present invention relates to an operation panel unit that performs various operations.

  Generally, a so-called all-in-one provided with a scanner unit having a function of reading a document as image data and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on the read image data of the document or image data input from an external device. In the image forming apparatus of the type, an operation panel unit that performs various operations in the scanner unit, the image forming unit, and the like is provided in front of the housing. This operation panel unit is supported on the upper side in the height direction so as not to increase the size of the entire apparatus and to improve the operability of operation buttons and the like arranged on the operation panel unit. It can be rotated from a stowed posture in which the front surface is substantially parallel to the front surface of the housing to a use posture that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front surface of the housing, so that it does not rotate by a button operation or the like in the used posture. Some are locked to the housing.

  By the way, in the operation panel unit as described above, in order to simplify the structure, a locking member for locking the operation panel unit to the housing is integrally formed on the rear cover located at the rear portion of the operation panel unit. When releasing the locked state of the operation panel unit, there is a configuration in which the locking member or its peripheral portion is pushed in and elastically deformed. However, the locking member or its peripheral part is formed with high rigidity in order to suppress backlash due to button operation of the operation panel unit, and a large force is required when pushing them. Therefore, the operation of storing the operation panel unit is complicated, and sometimes the rear cover may be damaged.

As a structure of an operation panel having an opening / closing mechanism, for example, in Patent Document 1, a leaf spring is provided on the back surface of the operation panel, and the operation panel is biased so that a predetermined force is applied to the operation panel. Is disclosed that can be maintained in a state where it is locked to a predetermined locking portion and completely closed. In Patent Document 2, a cam portion is formed on the rotating shaft of the operation panel, a leaf spring is provided on the cam portion, and the operation panel is manually closed to a predetermined position. Thereafter, the reaction force of the leaf spring automatically The one that is closed is disclosed. Moreover, in patent document 3, the shock absorbing material which absorbs an impact is provided in the front part of the housing | casing which opposes an operation panel, and even if big force is added when closing an operation panel, a big impact does not act on a housing | casing part. What has been made is disclosed. However, these patent documents do not show a structure or the like that solves the above-described problem.
JP 2001-053455 A JP 09-046053 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-307066

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and can operate the operation panel unit smoothly in the use posture and the storage posture without damaging the rear cover, while having a simple configuration. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes a scanner housing, a housing having a printer housing provided at a lower portion of the scanner housing, and an abbreviation provided at an upper portion of the scanner housing. A rectangular document table; a belt-shaped transmission window provided on a side of the document table, the longitudinal direction of which is a longitudinal direction; and an auto document feeder that sequentially conveys the document, and is placed on the document table A scanner unit that reads the original document that has passed through the transmission window by the auto document feeder as image data, and image data of the document that is provided inside the printer housing and read by the scanner unit or input from an external device An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on the image data that has been recorded, and a front surface of the printer housing, in the scanner unit and the image forming unit, etc. An operation panel unit that performs a seed operation, the operation panel unit including an operation panel plate on which operation buttons to which various functions are assigned and a liquid crystal display unit that displays an operation state of each unit are arranged, and the operation panel plate And a rear cover whose upper side in the height direction is rotatably supported by the printer housing, and the operation button array surface of the operation panel plate is substantially parallel to the front surface of the printer housing. From the stowed storage posture to a use posture inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front surface of the printer casing, and when the operation panel unit is in the use posture, the operation is performed by operating the operation panel plate. In the image forming apparatus that is locked so that the panel unit does not rotate, the rear cover upper center projects to the side opposite to the operation panel plate. In the retracted position, substantially the entire protrusion is positioned inside the printer casing, and in the use position, the entire protrusion is positioned outside the printer casing. The operation panel unit is disposed below the rear cover, and is provided with a button member slidably provided in a direction perpendicular to the operation panel plate, and between the back surface of the operation panel plate and the button member. A compression coil spring that urges the button member to the side opposite to the operation panel plate, and is rotatably provided at the front end side of the projecting portion of the rear cover. A locking member that is locked to the control panel, and a space formed by the operation panel plate and the rear cover. A base end side is connected to the button member, and a central portion is rotatably supported. Provided in a space formed by the first connection member, the operation panel plate, and the rear cover, a proximal end side is rotatably connected to a distal end side of the first connection member, and a distal end side is connected to the locking member. A second connecting member rotatably connected, and in a state in which the compression coil spring extends and biases the button member, the first connecting member and the second connecting member The urging force of the compression coil spring is transmitted to the locking member, the distal end of the locking member protrudes outside the protruding portion, and the locking member is locked to the printer housing in the use posture. When the button member is pushed into the rear cover against the urging force of the compression coil spring, the locking member is moved in a predetermined direction via the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Rotated to Tip of Kigakaritome member is stored inside the protruding portion, the locking of the printer housing and the locking member is released by it, but it is possible to return to the retracted position.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scanner unit that reads a document as image data, and an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper based on image data of the document read by the scanner unit or image data input from an external device. A housing that houses the scanner unit and the printer unit, and an operation panel unit that is provided on a front surface of the housing and that performs various operations. The operation panel unit has an operation button array surface on the printer. When the storage panel can be rotated between a storage posture that is substantially parallel to the front surface of the housing and a use posture that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front surface of the printer housing, and the operation panel unit is in the use posture. In the image forming apparatus locked so that the operation panel unit does not rotate, the operation panel unit is provided on the back side of the image forming apparatus. The button member is locked to the front surface of the printer housing, the button member is linked to the lock member, and the button member is biased in a predetermined direction so that the lock member protrudes outward. The button member is moved in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction against the urging force of the spring in the use posture and the locking member being locked to the printer housing. By pushing in, the front end of the locking member is stored inside the operation panel unit, whereby the locking of the locking member and the printer housing is released, and it is possible to return to the storage position. There is something.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the button member is pushed inside the rear cover against the urging force of the compression coil spring in the use posture and the locking member being locked to the printer housing. The locking member is rotated in a predetermined direction via the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the leading end of the locking member is stored inside the protrusion, thereby locking the locking member and the printer housing. Is released. Moreover, since the button member is arrange | positioned at the lower part of a rear cover, it is easy to push in a button member. Therefore, unnecessary force is not applied to the rear cover, and damage to the rear cover can be prevented. In addition, when the compression coil spring is extended and urges the button member, the tip of the locking member protrudes to the outside of the protruding portion, so that when the operation panel unit is rotated to the use position, the locking member is It abuts against the abutment and is pushed into the protrusion. When the locking member gets over the contact portion, the locking member protrudes from the lower surface of the protruding portion by the biasing force of the compression coil spring. Therefore, the operation panel unit can be easily locked to the printer housing.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the button member is pushed inside the rear cover against the urging force of the compression coil spring in the use posture and the locking member being locked to the printer housing. The locking member is rotated in a predetermined direction via the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the leading end of the locking member is stored inside the protrusion, thereby locking the locking member and the printer housing. Is released. Therefore, unnecessary force is not applied to the rear cover, and damage to the rear cover can be prevented.

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is of a so-called all-in-one type, and includes a resin casing 2 having a scanner casing 21 and a printer casing 22 provided at a lower portion of the scanner casing 21, and a printer casing 22. A scanner unit 3 that is arranged above and reads a document (not shown) as image data, and an image data of a document that is provided inside the printer housing 22 and read by the scanner unit 3 or an image input from an external device An image forming unit 4 that forms an image on the recording paper 10 based on data, an operation panel unit 5 that is provided on the front surface of the printer housing 22 and that performs various operations in the scanner unit 3 and the image forming unit 4, and the housing 2 is provided at a side portion of the front surface and includes a connector portion 6 to which an external device such as a digital still camera or a memory card is connected. If this apparatus is equipped with a communication device such as a modem, it can also be used as a facsimile.

  A paper feed tray 7 on which the recording paper 10 conveyed to the image forming unit 4 is set is provided on the back surface of the printer housing 22, and a paper discharge tray 8 is provided on the front surface of the image forming unit 4. It is provided on the body 22 so that it can be pulled out and stored, and an image is formed by the image forming unit 4 and receives the recording paper 10 discharged to the front of the printer housing 22. The paper discharge tray 8 is not limited to the one that can be freely drawn out and stored. For example, the paper discharge tray 8 is supported by the printer housing 22 and can be opened and closed, or can be removable. May be.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, from an external device connected to the connector unit 6 or the like, or an external personal computer connected via a connector (not shown) provided on the back of the printer housing 22, for example. The image forming unit 4 has a function of forming an image on the recording paper 10 using the input image data or the like, image data read by the scanner unit 3, or the like.

  The scanner unit 3 is of a so-called flatbed type, and has a substantially rectangular document table 31 disposed on the upper surface of the scanner housing 21 configured separately from the printer housing 22, and the document table 31. On the side, the image forming apparatus 1 has a transmission window 32 arranged in a strip shape so that the longitudinal direction is the longitudinal direction. The document table 31 and the transmission window 32 are made of a transparent material, and are made of, for example, a glass plate. A document cover 33 is provided above the document table 31 of the scanner unit 3 so as to be openable and closable on the scanner housing 21 so as to cover the upper surface of the scanner housing 21. An auto document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”) 34 is provided on the upper portion of the document cover 33 to sequentially convey the document by the center registration method.

  Inside the scanner housing 21, for example, a reading unit (not shown) configured to read a document as image data, which includes a motor and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) driven by the motor, is housed. Yes. The scanner unit 3 is configured to move the CIS along the document table 31 inside the scanner housing 21, to image the document placed on the document table 31 by the CIS, and to read the document as image data. Yes. The scanner unit 3 is configured to read the document as image data by reading the surface of the conveyed document through the transmission window 32 and the CIS while the document is being conveyed by the ADF 34. The scanner unit 3 may be configured to be able to read a document by a reading unit using an image sensor such as a CCD.

  The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the recording paper 10 by a so-called inkjet method. The image forming unit 4 includes, for example, a roller that feeds the recording paper 10 one by one from the paper feed tray 7 into the printer housing 22 and discharges it onto the paper discharge tray 8, a motor that drives the roller, and the like. A recording paper transport mechanism (not shown), a carriage (not shown) equipped with a recording head for ejecting ink onto the recording paper 10 transported inside the printer housing 22, and the carriage in the transport direction of the recording paper 10 A motor (not shown) and a drive belt (not shown) that are driven to reciprocate in a direction substantially orthogonal to the motor are configured. Note that the image forming unit 4 may form an image on the recording paper 10 by, for example, an electrophotographic method or a thermal transfer method.

  2 and 3 show the operation panel unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation panel unit 5 includes an operation panel 51 on which operation buttons 51 a to which various functions are assigned and a liquid crystal display unit 51 b for displaying the operation state of each unit are arranged, and a rear cover 52 attached to the back of the operation panel 51. And a button member 53 that is fitted into a hole 52c formed in the lower end side central portion of the rear cover 52 and can be pushed into the hole 52c.

  When the operation button 51a exposed from the opening on the front surface of the operation panel plate 51 is pressed, a switch (not shown) mounted on a circuit board disposed inside the operation panel unit 5 is operated. The scanner unit 3 is configured to start reading an original and set various parameters.

  Near both side portions of the upper portion of the rear cover 52 (the surface opposite to the operation panel plate 51), bearing portions 52a into which the rotary shaft 22a disposed in the printer housing 22 is inserted are formed. As a result, the operation panel unit 5 is tilted to a predetermined angle with respect to the front surface of the printer housing 22 from the storage posture in which the operation button array surface 51c of the operation panel plate 51 is substantially parallel to the front surface of the printer housing 22. It can be rotated to the usage posture. Further, a protrusion 52 b is formed at the center of the rear surface of the rear cover 52 so as to protrude to the side opposite to the operation panel plate 51. The lower surface of the protrusion 52b is curved so as not to interfere with the printer housing 22 when the operation panel unit 5 is rotated.

  A compression coil spring 57 is attached between the back surface of the operation panel plate 51 and the button member 53, and urges the button member 53 to the side opposite to the operation panel plate 51. The protrusion 52 b of the rear cover 52 is provided with a locking member 56 that is locked to the front surface of the printer housing 22 in the use posture. In the space formed by the operation panel plate 51 and the rear cover 52, the base end side is connected to the button member 53, and the center portion is rotatably supported by the first connecting member 54 and the base end side is the first. A second connecting member 55 is provided which is rotatably connected to the distal end side of the connecting member 54 and whose distal end side is rotatably connected to the locking member 56. Two sets of the first connecting member 54 and the second connecting member 55 are arranged so that the second connecting member 55 abuts in the vicinity of both side portions of the locking member 56. The locking member 56 is rotatably provided at the distal end side of the protruding portion 52b, and the distal end of the locking member 56 protrudes from an opening 52d formed in the protruding portion 52b when the button member 53 is not pushed. ing. When the operation panel unit 5 is in a use posture, that is, when the operation panel plate 51 is tilted to a predetermined position (for example, about 45 °) with respect to the front surface of the printer housing 22, it is provided in the printer housing 22. The tip of the locking member 56 is locked to the contact portion 22b.

  Next, the operation of the operation panel unit of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the operation panel unit 5 is in the stowed position, the button member 53 is biased by the compression coil spring 57 and is positioned substantially on the same surface as the rear cover 52. At this time, the urging force of the compression coil spring 57 is transmitted to the locking member 56 via the button member 53, the first connecting member 54, and the second connecting member 55, and the tip of the locking member 56 protrudes from the protruding portion 52b. It is held in the state. Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the operation panel unit 5 is rotated, the locking member 56 comes into contact with the contact portion 22b. At this time, as described above, the locking member 56 is inclined so as to become thinner toward the tip thereof, so that it is rotated in the direction of the arrow A in the drawing without being caught by the contact portion 22b. It is pushed into the protrusion 52b. Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the locking member 56 gets over the contact portion 22 b, the locking member 56 protrudes from the lower surface of the protruding portion 52 b due to the urging force of the compression coil spring 57. Thereby, the operation panel unit 5 can be easily locked to the printer housing 22 (use posture). Next, as shown in FIG. 3D, when the operation panel unit 5 is in the use posture and is locked to the printer housing 22, the button member 53 is moved against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 57. When pushed into the operation panel plate 51 side, the locking member 56 rotates in the direction of arrow B in the figure via the first connecting member 54 and the second connecting member 55 and is stored inside the protruding portion 52b. 56 and the contact portion 22c of the printer housing 22, that is, the locked state of the operation panel unit 5 can be released. When the locked state is released, the operation panel unit 5 can be rotated to the storage posture shown in FIG. As described above, since the button member 53 is disposed at the lower back of the rear cover 52, the button member 53 can be easily pushed. Therefore, unnecessary force is not applied to the rear cover 22, and the rear cover 22 is prevented from being damaged.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the structure of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not change the meaning of invention. For example, three sets of the first connecting member 54 and the second connecting member 55 may be arranged so that the second connecting member 55 comes into contact with the vicinity of the center portion and both side portions of the locking member 56, A portion that is pivotally supported by the rear cover 52 in the one connecting member 54 may be provided between the proximal end side and the distal end side.

1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an operation panel unit of the image forming apparatus. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operation panel unit is in a retracted position, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a locking member of the operation panel unit is in contact with a contact portion, and (c) is an operation panel unit. Sectional drawing which shows the state which is in a use attitude | position and was latched by the printer housing | casing, (d) is sectional drawing which shows the state which the operation panel unit is in a use attitude | position and the latching state was cancelled | released.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Case 3 Scanner part 4 Image forming part 5 Operation panel unit 21 Scanner case 22 Printer case 51 Operation panel board 51a Operation button 51b Liquid crystal display part 52 Rear cover 52b Protrusion part 53 Button member 54 1st connection member 55 Second connecting member 56 Locking member 57 Compression coil spring

Claims (2)

A housing having a scanner housing and a printer housing provided at a lower portion of the scanner housing;
A substantially rectangular document table provided at an upper portion of the scanner casing; a belt-shaped transmission window provided in a longitudinal direction on a side of the document table; and an auto document feeder that sequentially conveys documents. A scanner unit that reads, as image data, a document placed on the document table or a document that has passed through the transmission window by an auto document feeder;
An image forming unit that is provided inside the printer casing and forms an image on recording paper based on image data of a document read by the scanner unit or image data input from an external device;
An operation panel unit that is provided on the front surface of the printer casing and performs various operations in the scanner unit, the image forming unit, and the like;
The operation panel unit is attached to an operation panel plate on which operation buttons to which various functions are assigned and a liquid crystal display unit for displaying an operation state of each unit are arranged, and a rear surface of the operation panel plate. A rear cover that is rotatably supported by the printer casing, and a front surface of the printer casing from a storage posture in which the operation button array surface of the operation panel plate is substantially parallel to the front surface of the printer casing. Can be rotated to a use posture inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to
When the operation panel unit is in the use posture, in the image forming apparatus locked so that the operation panel unit does not rotate by an operation on the operation panel plate,
In the upper center of the rear cover, a protrusion is formed so as to protrude to the opposite side of the operation panel plate. In the storage position, substantially the entire protrusion is located inside the printer casing, and the use In the posture, almost the entire protrusion is located outside the printer housing,
The operation panel unit is
A button member disposed at a lower portion of the rear cover and slidable in a direction perpendicular to the operation panel plate;
A compression coil spring provided between the back surface of the operation panel plate and the button member, and biasing the button member to the opposite side of the operation panel plate;
A locking member that is rotatably provided at a front end side of the protruding portion of the rear cover, and is locked to a front surface of the printer housing in the use posture;
A first connecting member provided in a space formed by the operation panel plate and the rear cover, a base end side of which is connected to the button member, and a central portion thereof is rotatably supported;
The second panel is provided in a space formed by the operation panel plate and the rear cover, the base end side is rotatably connected to the tip end side of the first connecting member, and the tip end side is rotatably connected to the locking member. A connecting member;
In a state where the compression coil spring is extended and urges the button member, the urging force of the compression coil spring is transmitted to the locking member via the first connection member and the second connection member. The tip of the locking member protrudes outside the protruding portion,
By pressing the button member into the rear cover against the urging force of the compression coil spring in the use posture and the locking member being locked to the printer casing, The locking member is rotated in a predetermined direction via the one connecting member and the second connecting member, and the leading end of the locking member is stored inside the protruding portion, whereby the locking member and the printer housing are stored. An image forming apparatus, wherein the body is unlocked and can be returned to the storing position. A scanner unit for reading a document as image data;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on image data of a document read by the scanner unit or image data input from an external device;
A housing for housing the scanner unit and the printer unit;
An operation panel unit that is provided on the front surface of the housing and performs various operations;
The operation panel unit can rotate between a storage posture in which the operation button array surface is substantially parallel to the front surface of the printer housing and a use posture that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front surface of the printer housing. And
In the image forming apparatus locked so that the operation panel unit does not rotate when the operation panel unit is in the use posture,
The operation panel unit is provided on the back side of the operation panel unit, and includes a locking member that is locked to the front surface of the printer housing in the use posture, a button member that is linked to the locking member, and the locking member. A spring member for urging the button member in a predetermined direction so as to protrude outward;
In the state of use and in a state where the locking member is locked to the printer casing, the button member is pushed in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction against the biasing force of the spring, The front end of the locking member is housed inside the operation panel unit, whereby the locking of the locking member and the printer housing is released, and it is possible to return to the storage position. Image forming apparatus.

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