JP2008276144A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus making operation and paper supplying action for the apparatus easy for a user with a handicap in his legs without influencing the operation of the apparatus by a normal user. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with an apparatus main body 100 to which a paper supplying tray 103 is integrated to be able to be pulled out, an operation unit 120 arranged on a front surface side of the apparatus main body 100 in a normal state, and a connection part 123 connecting an operating unit 120 to be able to be moved in a right to left direction. The operation unit 120 is revolved in a horizontal direction with an end part in the horizontal direction on a front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 as an axis. The user operates the image forming apparatus 1 in a position separated horizontally from a space adjacent to the image forming apparatus 1 in the front surface direction by having the operating unit 120 moved against the apparatus main body 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that takes into account the convenience of a user with a disability.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices.

  Such an image processing apparatus is often configured as an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like.

  Conventionally, in such an image forming apparatus, operability for a user who has difficulty in using a cane, a crutch, a wheelchair or the like has been a problem.

  In order to deal with such a problem, in Patent Document 1, image formation is performed so that it is easy for a wheelchair user and a disabled user of the upper right limb to operate without increasing the size and complexity of the configuration of the image forming apparatus. A technique has been proposed in which an automatic document feeder provided in the upper part of the apparatus rotates in a horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus main body, and even a user who has difficulty in placing a foot can easily set a sheet on the automatic document feeder. .

  Also, in Patent Document 2, image forming is a technique for solving the difficulty of pulling out a paper feed tray when a user with limited mobility stands in front of the apparatus and operates the apparatus (including a wheelchair). The direction of pulling out the paper feed tray from the equipment body is provided on the front and side of the equipment where the operation unit is provided, and with the paper feed tray stored in the equipment, a tray different from the paper feed tray is installed on the side of the equipment. A technique has been proposed that can be pulled out and can supply transfer paper to the tray.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, as a technique for solving a difference in viewpoint between a user who operates the apparatus while sitting in a wheelchair and a user who operates the apparatus standing up, a movement of the operation section is performed by attaching the operation section to a movable arm. The technology which can be operated in the state which the user who utilizes a wheelchair seated in front of the apparatus is seated is proposed.
JP 2005-17323 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-8342 JP 2004-198475 A

  However, Patent Document 1 does not suggest that the operation unit rotates and slides. There is no suggestion that the above movement can be operated only by a user who is authenticated by the authentication device. Further, there is no suggestion that the paper feed tray is pulled out by a button operation on the operation unit, and that the paper feed tray is not pulled out by a button operation when the operation unit is not moved from the front of the operation.

  In Patent Document 2, in the case of a wheelchair user, the problem relating to the difficulty of paper feeding operation, such as when the hand cannot reach the side of the device, is not solved. In order to replenish the transfer paper, it is necessary for the user to move from the front of the apparatus operating the apparatus, which is inconvenient for a user who is in a disabled state.

  Also with the technique of Patent Document 3, when a user takes a discharged printed matter, it is necessary to move from the position where the apparatus is operated, which is inconvenient for a user who is in a disabled state.

  Further, the conventional image forming apparatus has the following problems.

  In a general image forming apparatus, the paper feed tray is pulled out only from the front side, and mounting of the drawer from the side surface may cause further problems such as a layout problem of the apparatus in the office.

  If a paper output tray for documents that have been printed out or documents that have been transported and discharged into the device for scanning is provided on the side of the device, it will reach the paper output tray if it is located in front of the device. It may not be.

  In the case where consideration is given to a user who has a physical disability, such as a user with a disability, in the device, the device configuration may be inconvenient for a normal user or the size of the device may be increased.

  When trying to replenish the transfer paper to the paper feed tray, it is necessary to pull out the paper feed tray to the front of the device. As described above, the foot using crutches, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. is inconvenient. If the user is still in front of the device, it cannot be pulled out easily.

  When the paper discharge tray is installed on the left side of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to move to the place where the paper discharge tray is installed when trying to pick up the printed matter that has been discharged. In the state where the printer is in the front of the apparatus, the printed matter cannot be easily taken.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of at least the above-described problems, and an image that facilitates the operation and feeding operation of a device by a user with reduced mobility without affecting the operation of the device by a normal user. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus in which a paper feed tray is housed so that it can be pulled out, and is disposed on the front side of the apparatus main body in a normal state. And an interface unit that connects the interface unit so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the connecting portion includes a hinge mechanism that supports the interface unit so that the interface unit can be opened and closed in the left-right direction. To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the connecting portion includes a slide mechanism that supports the interface unit so as to be slidable in the left-right direction from the apparatus main body. And

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the interface unit includes an operation unit for inputting information by the user and a display for visually displaying the information. And at least one of the parts.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the interface unit automatically transfers the placed document into the apparatus main body. It has a conveyance part.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the interface unit is arranged in a deformed state in which the interface unit is moved in the left-right direction from the normal state. It is arranged so as to correspond to an operation or a visual recognition at an operation position during deformation that is a front side and a position deviated in the left-right direction from a paper feed tray that is pulled out from the apparatus main body.

  The invention according to claim 7 further includes a deformation button for instructing the image forming apparatus to deform from the normal state to the deformed state in the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, The deformation button is provided on the operation position side during deformation in the image forming apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is a side surface different from the drawer surface of the paper feed tray and is perpendicular to the drawer surface. The deformation operation position is a position where the interface unit is disengaged from the paper feed tray in a state where the interface unit is pulled out from the apparatus main body toward the paper discharge tray. And

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the drawer operation for automatically pulling out the paper feed tray from the main body of the apparatus or the storage for automatically storing it. It further has a paper feed tray drive mechanism for realizing the operation.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, the image forming apparatus according to claim 10 further includes a paper feed tray drive button that instructs the drawer operation or the storage operation. In the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is provided on the operation position side during deformation.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein only when the interface unit is moved in the left-right direction from the normal state, The sheet feeding tray drive mechanism is operated according to an operation.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth to eleventh aspects, the pulling-out operation is executed in response to the exhaustion of the paper stored in the paper feed tray. To do.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 is accommodated in the sheet feeding tray only when the interface unit is moved from the normal state to the left-right direction. The pulling-out operation is executed in response to the exhausted paper.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, when the interface unit is not moved in the left-right direction from the normal state, the storing operation of the paper feed tray is performed. It is characterized by not performing.

  The invention according to claim 15 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the drawer or storage is displayed on the interface unit during the pull-out operation or the storage operation. To do.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the paper feed tray drive mechanism includes a pull-out end position detection sensor that detects a pull-out end position of the paper feed tray, and the paper supply tray. A paper feed tray open / close detection sensor for detecting an open / closed state of the paper tray, and the drawer position during the drawer operation can be adjusted by each of the sensors.

  The invention described in claim 17 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an authentication device for authenticating the user, wherein the movement of the interface unit in the left-right direction from the normal state is as follows: The authentication apparatus can be used.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that facilitates an operation of a device and a paper feeding operation by a user with limited mobility without affecting an operation of the device by a normal user.

The first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the apparatus is deformed when the interface unit moves relative to the apparatus main body.
According to the above configuration, the interface unit moves with respect to the apparatus main body, thereby enabling the operation of the apparatus from the position avoiding the drawer area of the sheet feed tray, the drawer of the sheet feed tray, the replenishment of sheets, and the like.

As a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the sheet feeding tray is opened and closed by operating a button of an operation unit or the like.
According to the above configuration, even when a strong force is required to pull out the paper feed tray from the apparatus main body, the user can easily pull out the paper feed tray from the apparatus main body due to the configuration of the paper feed tray. To do.

The third embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has the following aspects.
When continuous printing is in progress and the paper tray becomes paper end, and continuous printing cannot be continued, paper end occurs by automatically pulling out the paper tray and displaying it on the operation unit. As a result, it is possible to easily know the next action that the user must perform, and to save the trouble of pulling out the paper feed tray.
When pulling out the paper feed tray by operating the buttons on the operation unit and automatically pulling out the paper feed tray when a paper end occurs, It is characterized in that it can be adjusted to an amount that can be easily pulled out even by a physically handicapped person or a person with no hand power.
Also, when the interface unit has not moved left and right from the device, do not pull out the paper feed tray by the button operation on the operation unit, and do not automatically pull out when the paper end occurs. Thus, it is possible to provide the same operability as in the past to the user who performs the operation in front of the apparatus.
The movement of the interface unit in the left-right direction can be operated only by a user who has been authenticated by the authentication device, and can prevent an inadvertent operation.

Hereinafter, an example in which the above-described embodiment is performed will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
According to the present invention, in a general image forming apparatus in which an operation unit is provided in front of the apparatus and a paper feed tray is pulled out from the apparatus front, the apparatus is deformed by the operation unit moving relative to the apparatus main body. The gist is to facilitate the operation of the apparatus at a position around the apparatus and out of the range in which the paper feed tray slides.

A first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view schematically showing an external appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment in a normal state. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a multifunction machine having a scanner and a printer, and includes an apparatus main body 100, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 110, and an operation unit 120. Have As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 100 includes a controller 101, a host I / F 102, a paper feed tray 103, a print engine 104, a paper discharge tray 105, and an imaging unit 131.

  The controller 101 includes an engine control unit 106, a main control unit 107, and an input control unit 108. The ADF 110 also includes a document placement table 111 and a paper discharge tray 112. The operation unit 120 includes an operation unit 121 and a display panel 122.

  The operation unit 120 is connected to the apparatus main body 100 via a connecting part 123, and the connecting part 123 includes a drive control part 124 that moves the operation unit 120 relative to the apparatus main body 100. In FIG. 2, the electrical connection is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of paper is indicated by broken arrows.

  The controller 101 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a control program such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM), and firmware stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk is a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The controller 101 is configured by a software control unit that is loaded into a volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as a memory) such as a CPU and configured according to the control of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  The main control unit 107 plays a role of controlling the entire control units included in the controller 101, and gives commands to the respective units of the controller 101 based on signals received or generated by other control units.

  Further, the main control unit 107 performs image processing based on the image information included in the print job received by the input control unit 108 and generates image formation information.

  The input control unit 108 inputs a print job input via the host I / F 102 and operation information input by the user from the operation unit 120 to the main control unit 107, and operates the operation unit 120 in accordance with a command from the main control unit 107. The information is displayed on the display panel 122 or information is transmitted to the host device via the host I / F 102.

  The engine control unit 106 serves as a drive unit that controls or drives the print engine 104 and the imaging unit 131, and drives the feed roller and the transport roller included in the feed tray 103 in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 107. The paper is conveyed to the print engine 104, and the print engine 104 is driven based on the image formation information to form an image on the paper.

  The document on which image formation has been performed by the print engine 104 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 105 or conveyed to a post-processing device (not shown).

  In addition, the engine control unit 106 drives the document feeding table 111 and the conveyance roller included in the ADF 110 in accordance with a command from the main control unit 107, conveys the read document to the imaging unit 131, and drives the imaging unit 131 to drive the document. The optical information is converted into an electrical signal to generate image information. The document imaged by the imaging unit 131 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 112.

  The host I / F 102 is an interface when the image forming apparatus 1 communicates with other devices such as a host device via a line such as a LAN. The print job transmitted from the host apparatus is input to the controller 101 via the host I / F 102, and image forming processing based on the print job is executed under the control of the controller 101.

  The operation unit 120 is a user interface unit that allows a user to directly operate the image forming apparatus 1 or visually check the state of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the operation unit 120 is provided on the outer periphery of the apparatus main body 100, and its operation surface is provided from the center of the apparatus main body 100 toward the outside in the horizontal direction.

  The operation unit 120 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The operation unit 121 includes various buttons, wheel switches, and the like, and the user operates the operation unit 121 to input information and give commands to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The display panel 122 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch sensor, and the like. The display panel 122 visually displays information on the liquid crystal display unit, detects a user operation with the touch sensor, and converts the information into information input to the input control unit 108. .

  Here, the operation unit 120 is connected to the apparatus main body 100 via the connecting portion 123. If the surface on which the operation unit 120 is provided in the state shown in FIG. 1A (normal state) is the front surface, the operation unit 120 rotates about the connecting portion 123 in the state as viewed from the front, so that FIG. As shown to a), it is movable to the left-right direction with respect to the apparatus main body 100. FIG.

  In other words, the operation unit 120 is movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the surface of the apparatus main body 100 on which the operation unit 120 is provided. That is, the operation unit 120 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body 100 with the connecting portion 123 as an axis.

  The connecting portion 123 is a connecting member that connects the operation unit 120 to the apparatus main body, and also serves as a hinge mechanism that supports the operation unit 120 to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body.

  In addition, the connecting unit 123 includes a drive control unit 124, and the operation unit 120 moves relative to the apparatus main body 100 when the drive control unit 124 deforms the connecting unit 123 based on a user instruction.

  Further, the drive control unit 124 constantly monitors the rotation state of the coupling unit 123 and can detect the relative movement amount of the operation unit 120 with respect to the apparatus main body 100.

  Note that the operation unit 123 plays a role as a user interface unit as described above, and is used for visually confirming an operation unit in which the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 and the state of the image forming apparatus 1. You may have only any one of a display part.

  Next, the normal operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a printer, first, when the input control unit 108 receives a print job via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a LAN (Local Area Network) connected to the host I / F 102, The control unit 107 generates image formation information based on the image information included in the print job.

  The engine control unit 106 controls the print engine 104 and the paper feed tray 103, pulls out printing paper from the paper feed tray 103, conveys it to the print engine 104, and print engine based on the image formation information generated by the main control unit 107. 104 is driven to execute image formation.

  The print engine 104 performs image formation on the paper conveyed from the paper feed tray 103 according to the image formation information input from the engine control unit 106.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a scanner, the input control unit 108 transmits an operation signal to the main control unit 107 according to the operation of the display panel 122 by the user.

  The main control unit 107 inputs the operation signal received from the input control unit 108 to the engine control unit 106.

  The engine control unit 106 drives the ADF 110 and conveys the document to be imaged set on the document table 111 to the imaging unit 131, and an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) included in the imaging unit 131 generates the document. Scan optically and generate image information from the optical information.

  The engine control unit 106 receives the image information generated by the imaging unit 131 and stores it in a storage medium included in the image forming apparatus 1 or transmits it to an external storage device or host device via the host I / F 102.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 operates as a copying machine, the main control unit 107 generates image formation information based on the image information received from the imaging unit 131 by the engine control unit 106. Based on the image formation information, the engine control unit 106 drives the print engine 104 as in the case of the printer operation.

  In such an image forming apparatus 1, the gist of the present embodiment is that the operation unit 120 moves relative to the apparatus main body 100 as shown in FIG.

  The deformation and operation unit 120 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, 5A, and 5B.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 5A shows the state of FIG. 1A, and FIG. Each corresponds to the state of a). 5A is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1A viewed from the ADF 110 side, and FIG. 5B is a plan view of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. It is the top view seen from.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, the operation unit 120 is a longitudinal component having a rectangular surface (hereinafter referred to as the operation surface 120 a) on which the operation unit 121 and the display panel 122 are provided.

  That is, the facing direction of the operation surface 120a of the operation unit 120 and the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 120 are orthogonal. The operation surface 120a is disposed slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane with the longitudinal direction as an axis.

  Thereby, when the user visually recognizes the display panel 122, it is easy to visually recognize the operation unit 120 from an obliquely upper position, not directly above the operation unit 120, that is, from above.

  Further, as indicated by the characters “sample” in the display panel 122 shown in FIG. 3, the display panel 122 displays information with the upper side in FIG. In other words, the vertical direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the operation surface 120a. That is, when the display panel 122 is viewed from the direction in which the operation surface 120a is inclined, the characters are displayed so that they can be recognized correctly. In other words, the operation unit 120 is arranged corresponding to an operation or visual recognition from the direction in which the operation surface 120a is inclined.

  Accordingly, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the lower left direction in FIG. 1A or the lower direction in FIG. 5A, that is, the direction in which the paper feed tray 103 is provided is the front direction. In other words, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the direction in which the operation unit 120 protrudes from the apparatus main body 100 or is arranged with respect to the apparatus main body 100 in the normal state is the front direction.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 in the normal state shown in FIG. 1A, the surface on which the paper feed tray 103 and the operation unit 120 are provided is the front. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 5A, the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 120 and the front direction of the image forming apparatus 1 are perpendicular to each other in the normal state of the image forming apparatus 1. To do.

  The connecting portion 123 connects the apparatus main body 100 and the operation unit 120 at the horizontal end on the front of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, a discharge tray 105 is provided on the side surface in the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the connecting portion 123 is provided. In other words, the paper discharge tray 105 is a side surface different from the drawer surface of the paper feed tray 103 and is a surface perpendicular to the drawer surface of the paper feed tray.

  The operation unit 120 rotates in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 4A or FIG. 5A to FIG. In other words, the operation unit 120 rotates in the horizontal direction about the horizontal end portion on the front of the image forming apparatus 1 as an axis. In other words, the operation unit 120 is movable in the left-right direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front.

  As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B, the operation surface 120 a of the operation unit 120 is rotated by the connecting portion 123 at the horizontal end of the space facing the front of the image forming apparatus 1. The arrangement corresponds to an operation from a direction perpendicular to the moving axis and perpendicular to the front direction of the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the operation unit 120 is located in front of the image forming apparatus 1 and is displaced in the left-right direction from the sheet feed tray 103 in the state of being pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 as shown in FIG. Position) corresponding to operation and visual recognition.

Therefore, the user can operate the image forming apparatus 1 at a position deviated in the horizontal direction from the space adjacent to the image forming apparatus 1 in the front direction by moving the operation unit 120 with respect to the apparatus main body 100. Become. In other words, in the state of FIG. 4A, the user faces the space facing the front of the image forming apparatus 1 and the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1 (the surface on which the paper discharge tray 105 is provided in this embodiment). The image forming apparatus 1 can be operated in a space adjacent to the space to be operated, that is, a space A defined by the alternate long and short dash lines L ₁ and L _{2 in} FIG.

  The connecting portion 123 is provided with a click mechanism for fixing the state, and the apparatus main body 100 of the operation unit 120 in the state shown in FIG. 1A, the state shown in FIG. The rotation with respect to is locked.

  Here, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out from the state of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1B, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out in the front direction. That is, the direction in which the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 is substantially parallel to the direction in which the operation unit 120 is arranged with respect to the apparatus main body 100 in the normal state shown in FIG.

  Therefore, when the user who is a healthy person operates the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is set in the normal state shown in FIG. 1A and stands in front of the image forming apparatus 1. Operation and paper replenishment to the paper feed tray 103 can be performed. On the other hand, a handicapped user such as a wheelchair operates the image forming apparatus 1 in the space A around the apparatus shown in FIGS. The image forming apparatus 1 can be operated at the detached position, and the replenishment of the paper feed tray 103 and the removal of the paper from the paper discharge tray 105 can be easily performed without moving.

  Even in the normal state shown in FIG. 1A, it is not impossible to operate or visually recognize the operation unit 120 from the space A by reaching out, but the button arrangement of the operation unit 121 or the display panel 122 is not possible. The display direction and the display of characters described on the operation surface 120a are inconvenient because the operation from the space A does not correspond to the visual recognition. As the operation unit 120 moves as shown in FIG. 4B, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 from the space A can be comfortably executed.

  The space A will be further described. The space A according to the present embodiment is a space that includes a deformation operation position where the user operates the apparatus in the deformed state of the image forming apparatus 1. The user who operates the image forming apparatus 1 in the space A is a handicapped user who mainly uses a cane, a crutch, a wheelchair or the like.

  This is because, in view of the difficulty of movement of a user with limited mobility, such a user does not move from a predetermined position without operating the apparatus, pulling out a paper tray and refilling paper, and removing paper from the paper discharge tray. This is because it can be taken out.

  Therefore, the position where the user with reduced mobility operates the apparatus should not be within the range in which the sheet feeding tray 103 moves when the sheet feeding tray 103 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100, It must be within reach. At the same time, it is preferable that the hand reaches the paper discharge tray.

Based on these requests, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a drawer for the paper feed tray 103 in the image forming apparatus 1 so that the user can pull out the paper tray 103 and replenish paper. It is located in front of the surface (front in the above description) (a space below the one-dot chain line L ₁ in FIG. 5A).

Further, in the operation of pulling out the paper feed tray 103, a position outside the space facing the surface on which the drawer of the paper feed tray 103 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 so that the user does not interfere with the paper feed tray. the user is located (Fig. 5 (a space left than one-dot chain line L ₂ in a)). That is, the space A is a position that satisfies the above two conditions. Therefore, in the deformed state of the image forming apparatus 1, the operation surface 120a of the operation unit 120 is arranged so as to correspond to such an operation from the space A.

In the present embodiment, the paper discharge tray 105 is provided in the side surface direction with the pulling-out direction of the paper feed tray 103 as the front direction. Accordingly, when determining the one-dot chain line L ₂ , there is a possibility of both sides of the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1. By selecting the side on which the paper discharge tray 105 is provided, the paper feed tray can be pulled out and In addition to the paper replenishment operation and avoidance of interference with the paper feed tray, the convenience of taking out the paper from the paper discharge tray can be improved.

  Next, an operation when the image forming apparatus 1 is deformed from the state shown in FIG. 1A to the state shown in FIG. The deformation of the device is executed by the operation of the operation unit 121 by the user. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 121 includes a deformation button 121a.

  Here, the deformation button 121a is provided in the vicinity of the end portion on the connection portion 123 side on the operation surface 120a. Therefore, the deformation button 121a is provided on the operation surface 120a on the side close to the space A shown in FIG. 5A, that is, on the operation position side during deformation, and can be operated from the space A.

  When the deformation button 121 a is pressed, a deformation signal is transmitted from the operation unit 121 to the drive control unit 124. The drive control unit 124 drives the rotating shaft of the connecting unit 123 in response to receiving the deformation signal, and rotates the operation unit 120. Note that the deformation signal may not be directly input from the operation unit 121 to the drive control unit 124, but may be exchanged via the input control unit 108.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation unit 120 is configured as one independent unit, and has a connecting portion having a rotation shaft that rotates in the horizontal direction with respect to the apparatus main body 100. It is connected to the apparatus main body 100 via 123.

  As a result, the operation unit 120 rotates with respect to the apparatus main body 100 about the connecting portion 123 as an axis, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be deformed into two forms of a normal state and a deformed state. In the normal state of the image forming apparatus 1, the operation surface 120 a of the operation unit 120 is disposed so as to be operated from the direction in which the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out (front direction).

  Accordingly, a user who is a healthy person can stand up in front of the apparatus and operate the image forming apparatus 1 or pull out the paper feed tray 103 to replenish paper.

  On the other hand, in the case of a handicapped user, the operation surface 120a of the operation unit 120 is moved from the operation range when the paper feed tray 103 transitions from the retracted state to the pulled out state by changing the image forming apparatus 1 to the deformed state. It is arranged so as to be operated from a position that is out of position and capable of pulling out the paper feed tray 103, replenishing paper, and taking out paper from the paper discharge tray.

  As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience of a user with a disability.

  In the above description, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B, an example has been described in which the operation unit 120 is realized by rotating around the connecting portion 123, but FIG. Various modes are conceivable as modes in which the apparatus can be operated from the space A shown in FIG. An example of this will be described with reference to FIGS. 4B and 5C. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a deformed state of the image forming apparatus 1 according to another aspect of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5C is a top view corresponding to the state of FIG. is there.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the example of FIG. 4B is provided via a connecting portion 123 so that the operation unit 120 slides horizontally with respect to the apparatus main body. That is, the connecting portion 123 may be a slide mechanism.

  The direction in which the operation unit 120 slides is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out in the image forming apparatus 1. That is, it is the left-right direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5C, the operation surface 120a of the operation unit 120 is at a position out of the pulling range of the paper feed tray 103, and from the drawer of the paper feed tray 103, paper replenishment, and the paper discharge tray. It is arranged to be operated from a position where the sheet can be taken out.

  Therefore, the same effects as described above can be obtained by the variety shown in FIG. In addition, the rotation mechanism and the slide mechanism differ in the aspect of Fig.4 (a) and the aspect of FIG.4 (b). Accordingly, there is a difference in ease of mounting and the like depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus to be applied, and it is preferable that the image forming apparatus is appropriately selected and used.

Further, in the above description, an example based on the side surface of the apparatus in the selection of the alternate long and short dash line L ₂ shown in FIG. 5A has been described, but the alternate long and short dash line L ₂ is used in the operation of pulling out the paper feed tray 103. It is defined for the purpose of avoiding the range through which the paper feed tray 103 passes.

Therefore, it is not always necessary to use the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1 as a reference. As shown in FIG. 1B, the drawer surface of the paper feed tray 103 does not reach the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1 in the horizontal direction. , one-dot chain line L ₂ is defined by an end portion in a direction perpendicular to the drawing direction and the horizontal direction of the paper feed tray 103.

  In the above description, the operation unit 120 is a longitudinal member. As shown in FIG. 5A and the like, the lateral width of the apparatus main body 100 (the horizontal dimension in FIG. 5A) and the operation unit. Although the example in which the longitudinal dimension of 120 is substantially the same has been described, these configurations have no technical significance, and are appropriately selected depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus to be applied.

  Similarly, in the above description, the operation unit 120 is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1, and as shown in FIG. Explained the example.

  Thus, in the case of FIG. 5B, the paper feed tray 103 can be pulled out from the space A and the paper can be replenished. In the case of FIG. 4B, it is possible to take out the paper from the paper discharge tray 105 from the space A.

  On the other hand, the lower part of the operation unit 120 is not necessarily free. For example, in the case of FIG. 4A, when only the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and the removal of the paper from the paper discharge tray 105 are intended, the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out from the space A or the paper is replenished. Since there is no necessity, the lower part of the operation unit 120 does not need to be vacant.

  In the case of FIG. 4B, when the purpose is to operate the image forming apparatus 1, to pull out the paper feed tray 103 and to replenish paper, it is necessary that the paper discharge tray 105 can be accessed from the space A. Therefore, it is not necessary that the lower part of the operation unit 120 is vacant.

  This makes it possible to increase the size of the portion that moves relative to the apparatus main body 100, and according to the merit and mechanical merit of a device such as a circuit to be accommodated inside, FIG. , (B), it is preferable to appropriately select the case where the lower part of the operation unit 120 is empty.

  Further, in the above example, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 120 and the drawer portion of the paper feed tray 103 are provided in the same direction with respect to the apparatus main body 100, and the paper discharge tray 105 is perpendicular thereto. The example provided in the direction has been described.

  However, the direction in which the paper discharge tray 105 is provided may be opposite to the direction in which the drawer portion of the paper feed tray 103 is provided, and the paper discharge tray 105 is provided in the direction in which the operation unit 120 is provided, and in a direction perpendicular thereto. A drawer portion of the paper feed tray 103 may be provided.

  These aspects are preferably selected and implemented as appropriate in accordance with the layout in the office of the apparatus simultaneously with the aspects of FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

  In the above description, the operation surface 120a is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. However, the inclination can be adjusted by the user. In particular, the normal state shown in FIG. 1 (a) and the deformed state shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) can be different between when the user is standing and when sitting on a wheelchair or the like.

  Therefore, by making it possible to adjust the tilt angle of the operation surface 120a, it is possible to improve the user's operation convenience in each case. Further, when the operation unit 120 is changed from the normal state shown in FIG. 1A to the deformed state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the angle of the operation surface 120a may be automatically changed. good. Furthermore, not only the angle of the operation surface 120a but also the height of the operation unit 120 may be adjustable by deforming the connecting portion 123.

  In the above description, an example in which the operation unit 120 moves relative to the apparatus main body 100 has been described. However, an aspect in which the ADF 110 or the scanner unit including the ADF 110 and the imaging unit 131 moves relative to the apparatus main body 100 is also conceivable. .

  As a result, in addition to the operation on the operation unit 120, it is possible to easily set a read document on the ADF 110. That is, the interface unit to be moved with respect to the apparatus main body 100 may be configured to include not only the operation unit 120 but also the ADF 110 and the scanner unit.

  As a result, it is possible to set the read original from the space A to the ADF 110 and the scanner unit on the paper. Further, although only the ADF 110 may be moved, it is preferable that the scanner unit also be moved at the same time in consideration of paper conveyance from the ADF 110 to the scanner unit.

  When the scanner unit including the imaging unit 131 is moved with respect to the apparatus main body, the imaging unit 131 is accommodated in a separate housing instead of the apparatus main body 100 in the block diagram of FIG. In the same manner as described above, the connecting portion is lent and connected to the apparatus main body 100.

  Such an example will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 6A to 6C are top views showing examples corresponding to FIGS. 5A to 5C in the above embodiment. FIG. 6A is a state substantially the same as FIG. 5A and shows a normal state of the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 6B shows a deformed state of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to FIG. 5B, and the ADF 100 (or scanner unit) and the operation unit 120 rotate with respect to the apparatus main body 100, so This shows a state where the above operation and the setting of the paper on the ADF 100 are facilitated. FIG. 6C shows a deformation state of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to FIG. 5C, and the ADF 100 (or scanner unit) and the operation unit 120 slide with respect to the apparatus main body 100 so that the image forming apparatus 1 can be removed from the space A. The state where the operation and the setting of the paper on the ADF 100 are facilitated is shown.

  As described above, by moving the ADF 100 or the scanner unit in addition to the operation unit 120, it becomes possible to facilitate the operation of the apparatus and the paper feeding operation and the setting of the read original by the user with limited mobility.

  The operation unit 120 and the ADF 100 (or the scanner unit) do not need to move together, and may move separately. In particular, when moving only the operation unit 120 and when moving including the ADF 100 (or scanner unit), since the scale of the moving object is different, the time and power required for the movement may be different.

  Therefore, by making each movable separately, it is significant when only the operation unit 120 needs to be moved and the ADF 100 and the scanner unit need not be moved.

In the above description, an example in which the image forming apparatus 1 transitions from the normal state to the deformed state or transitions from the deformed state to the normal state in accordance with the operation of the deform button 121a included in the operation unit 120 is described. However, you may deform | transform by operation of parts other than the operation unit 120, for example, the operation part provided in the apparatus main body 100. FIG. Also in this case, in order to facilitate the operation from the space A, it is preferable to provide it on the side close to the alternate long and short dash line L ₂ in FIG.

  Further, instead of operating the operation unit, the user may manually move the operation unit 120, the ADF 100, and the scanner to be deformed.

A second example carried out in the second embodiment will be described in detail.
In the first exemplary embodiment, the operation unit 120 moves with respect to the apparatus main body 100, so that the apparatus can be operated from a position that avoids the pull-out range of the paper feed tray 103, the paper feed tray can be pulled out, and the paper can be replenished. Explained the example.
However, depending on the configuration of the paper feed tray 103 in the image forming apparatus 1, a strong force may be required to pull out the paper feed tray 103 from the apparatus main body 100. The drawer operation of the paper feed tray 103 may be difficult.
In the present embodiment, an example in which the paper feed tray 103 can be opened and closed by operating a button on the operation unit 121 or the like will be described.
In addition, about the structure which attaches | subjects the code | symbol similar to Example 1, the same or equivalent part as Example 1 is shown, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration shown in FIGS. Here, the paper feed tray 103 according to the present embodiment is accommodated in the apparatus main body 100 via a drive mechanism, and is automatically pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 when the engine control unit 106 controls the drive mechanism. Alternatively, it is accommodated in the apparatus main body 100.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can perform an automatic pulling-out operation and an automatic accommodation operation of the paper feed tray 103.

  The drive of the paper feed tray 103 is executed based on the operation of the operation unit 121 and the display panel 122 by the user and the detection that the paper stored in the paper feed tray 103 is exhausted (paper end).

  It should be noted that the automatic pulling-out operation of the paper feed tray 103 according to the present embodiment is not executed in the normal state of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1A, and is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Only executed in the deformed state.

  As a result, when a user who is a healthy person is standing in front of the apparatus and operating the apparatus, the paper feed tray 103 is not unexpectedly pulled out unexpectedly, and the safety of the apparatus can be improved. It becomes possible.

  The drive mechanism of the paper feed tray 103 is constituted by a motor, and this motor is driven under the control of the engine control unit 106. That is, when the engine control unit 106 drives a motor included in the drive mechanism of the paper feed tray 103, the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out or accommodated from the apparatus main body 100.

  The drive mechanism of the paper feed tray 103 is provided with a sensor that detects the accommodation state of the paper feed tray 103. This sensor includes a paper feed tray open / close detection sensor and a paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor.

  A sensor provided in the drive mechanism of the paper feed tray 103 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line PP in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line QQ in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the paper feed tray 103 is provided with a protrusion 103a. The paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b and the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103c are push-type switches provided at positions facing the protrusion 103a in the paper feed tray 103 pull-out direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b is pressed by the protrusion 103a.

  That is, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103 b is turned on when the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in a state where the paper feed tray 103 is completely pulled out from the apparatus main body 100, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 103c is pressed by the protrusion 103a. Become.

  That is, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 103c is turned on when the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out to the maximum position where it can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 100.

  Therefore, when the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b is ON, it indicates that the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100, and when the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103c is ON, A state in which the paper tray 103 is completely pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 is shown.

  When both sensors are OFF, it indicates that the paper feed tray 103 is being pulled out. Detection states of these sensors are input to the engine control unit 106 and transmitted to the main control unit 107.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a paper end occurs during the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

  When a paper end occurs (step S801), the main control unit 107 checks whether there is a sheet being conveyed from the paper feed tray 103 to the print engine 104 via the engine control unit 106 (step S802).

  If there is a sheet being conveyed (step S802), the process waits until the conveyance of the sheet is completed. If there is no sheet being conveyed (step S802), the main control unit 107 accesses the drive control unit 124 via the input control unit 108 and confirms whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a normal state or a deformed state. (Step S803).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S803, if the image forming apparatus 1 is in the deformed state (step S803), the main control unit 107 controls the engine control unit 106 to feed the paper in the direction in which the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100. The drive mechanism of the tray 103 is driven (step S804).

  Thereafter, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 103c is turned on, and the main control unit 107 confirms the completion of paper feed tray drawing (step S805), and the processing is ended.

  On the other hand, if the result of step S803 is that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal state (step S803), the processing is terminated as it is.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, automatic drawer or automatic accommodation of the paper feed tray 103 by the operation of the operation unit 120 will be described.

  In a state where the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b is ON, when the user presses a paper feed tray open / close button included in the operation unit 120, an instruction to pull out the paper feed tray is given to the main control unit 107 via the input control unit 108. Is transmitted (step S901).

  When the main control unit 107 receives the paper tray extraction instruction, the main control unit 107 accesses the drive control unit 124 via the input control unit 108 and confirms whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal state or the deformed state (step S902). ).

  As a result of the confirmation in step S902, if the image forming apparatus 1 is in the deformed state (step S902), the main control unit 107 controls the engine control unit 106 to feed the paper in the direction to pull out the paper feed tray 103 from the apparatus main body 100. The drive mechanism of the tray 103 is driven (step S903).

  Thereafter, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 103c is turned on, and the main control unit 107 confirms the completion of paper feed tray drawing (step S905).

  On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal state as a result of step S903 (step S903), the main control unit 107 controls the input control unit 108 and the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal state on the display panel 122. Displays a warning to pull out the paper feed tray (step S904), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103b is ON, the user presses a paper feed tray open / close button included in the operation unit 120 to feed paper to the main control unit 107 via the input control unit 108. A tray accommodation instruction is transmitted (step S1001).

  When the main control unit 107 receives the paper tray extraction instruction, the main control unit 107 accesses the drive control unit 124 via the input control unit 108 and confirms whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a normal state or a deformed state (step S1002). ).

  If it is determined in step S1002 that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the deformed state (step S1002), the main control unit 107 controls the engine control unit 106 to feed the paper feed tray 103 in the direction in which it is accommodated in the apparatus main body 100. The drive mechanism of the paper tray 103 is driven (step S1003). Thereafter, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b is turned on, and the main control unit 107 confirms the end of accommodation of the paper feed tray (step S1005), thereby terminating the process.

  On the other hand, if the result of step S1002 is that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal state (step S1002), the main control unit 107 controls the input control unit 108 to display the image forming apparatus 1 in the normal state on the display panel 122. A warning that the paper feed tray is accommodated manually is displayed (step S1004), and the process ends.

  Thus, by automatically pulling out the paper feed tray 103, it is possible to omit the work of pulling out the paper feed tray 103, which can be a difficult task for a user with limited mobility.

  Further, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, when a paper end occurs, the sheet feeding tray 103 is automatically pulled out, so that the sheet can be loaded without performing a button operation or the like for pulling out the sheet feeding tray 103. Replenishment can be performed.

  Further, before executing the automatic pulling-out operation of the paper feed tray 103, the user who is a healthy person can check whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a normal state or a deformed state via a sensor included in the drive control unit 124. When working while standing in front of the apparatus (the surface from which the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out), it is possible to prevent the paper feed tray 103 from being unexpectedly pulled out and coming into contact with the user.

  It should be noted that the button that the user instructs to automatically pull out or house the paper feed tray 103 is the same as the deformation button 121a of the operation unit 120, on the operation surface 120a, on the side close to the space A shown in FIG. It is provided on the hour operation position side and can be operated from the space A.

  In the above description, a motor is used as the drive mechanism of the paper feed tray 103, and the paper feed tray 103 is accommodated from a state where it is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 as shown in FIGS. The example that can be driven to the above state has been described.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100, a stroking mechanism such as a spring is contracted, and a click mechanism is provided to maintain the state. Anyway.

  The click mechanism is released according to the operation of the operation unit 120, the energy accumulated in the stroking mechanism is released, and the striation mechanism expands, whereby the paper feed tray 103 is pushed out from the apparatus main body 100.

  As a result, in the pulling-out operation of the paper feed tray 103, it is possible to release at least the locking between the apparatus main body 100 and the paper feed tray 103 by operating the operation unit 120. The drawer of the tray 103 can be prepared in advance.

  Note that the click mechanism may be released based on the paper end in the same manner as described above, not only when the operation unit 120 is operated.

  In the above description, the example in which the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b and the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103c are configured by push-down switches has been described. However, for example, a contact detection sensor, It can also be realized by other methods such as a sensor that detects the presence of an object by reflection of electromagnetic waves, sound waves, and the like.

  Further, in the above description, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b and the paper feed tray pull-out end position detection sensor 103c are completely disengaged from the apparatus main body 100 when the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100, respectively. The example in which the pulled-out state is detected has been described. However, the state is not necessarily in a complete state. For example, the state in which the paper feed tray 103 is almost completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100 or the paper feed tray 103 is in the apparatus main body. It may be already ON in a state close to the state of being completely pulled out from 100.

In the above description, an example in which the user uses the touch panel function of the operation unit 121 of the operation unit 120 or the display panel 122 as an example in which the user instructs the automatic opening / closing of the paper feed tray 103 has been described. Other than 120, for example, an operation unit directly provided on the apparatus main body 100 may be used. Also in this case, in order to facilitate the operation from the space A, it is preferable to provide it on the side close to the alternate long and short dash line L ₂ in FIG.

  In the above description, an example in which automatic drawer or automatic accommodation of the paper feed tray 103 is executed only when the image forming apparatus 1 is in a deformed state. However, even a healthy person holds a document. In some cases, such as when the hand is blocked, it is difficult to pull out and store the paper feed tray. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 may be executed in the normal state. In particular, by automatically pulling out the paper feed tray 103 at the time of paper end, it is possible to recognize the paper end even from a position that is so far away that the display contents of the display panel 122 cannot be visually recognized.

Hereinafter, a third example performed in the third embodiment will be described in detail.
The present embodiment is an example that is implemented in a mode different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
The present embodiment is an example in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is modified and added in the same manner as the first and second embodiments.
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the use position of the user who is inconvenient is set to a position that is avoided from the pull-out range of the paper feed tray.

  The configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, which is a modified embodiment of the first embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, and 13. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment viewed from the front (from the paper feed tray side). FIG. 13 is a view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the side surface (discharge tray side).

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 in which the configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 2 further includes an authentication device 20.

  A main control unit 107 that controls the entire controller 101 shown in FIG. 2 causes the authentication device 20 (see FIG. 12) to determine whether or not the user is qualified to move the interface unit.

  When it is determined by the authentication of the authentication device 20 that the user deserves to move the operation unit 120, which is an interface unit, the scanner unit, and the ADF 110 (that is, the above-mentioned user who has difficulty in walking), the main control unit 107 The authentication display is executed on the display panel 122 of the operation unit 120 in accordance with the above command, or the authentication information is transmitted to the host device via the host I / F 102.

  Only the authenticated user can drive the operation unit drive motor 17 (movement of the interface unit) by pressing the deformation button 121a (see FIG. 3) of the operation unit 121 by the authentication device 20.

  When it is determined by the authentication of the authentication device 20 that the user is not worth moving the interface unit, if the user tries to move the interface unit easily, a warning is displayed on the display panel 122 and the operation unit 121 Even when the deformation button 121a is pressed, the interface unit is not moved (the operation unit drive motor and the scanner drive motor (not shown) are not driven).

  When the operation unit 120 is moved by the operation of the operation unit 121 by the user, the operation unit drive motor is driven, and the operation unit 120 is moved to the position A in FIG.

  When the scanner unit and the ADF are moved by the operation of the user operation unit 121, the scanner drive motor is driven to move the scanner unit and the ADF to the position A in FIG.

  Alternatively, according to a user instruction (operation on the operation unit 121), the input control unit 108 instructs the drive drive control unit 124 to deform the connecting unit 123, thereby simultaneously operating the operation unit 120, the scanner unit, and the ADF. Relative movement (rotation movement, slide movement) with respect to the main body 100 is performed.

  The movement amount of the operation unit, the scanner unit, and the ADF is detected by the drive control unit 124 as described in the first embodiment.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention, by further including the authentication device, only the authenticated user can locate the operation unit, the scanner unit, and the ADF from the front of the device (paper feed tray). It is possible to move in the left-right direction. In addition, the operation unit, the scanner unit, and the ADF can be moved simultaneously.
Further, according to the above, it is possible to prohibit an operation of a person who tries to move the interface unit easily.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the operation of pulling out and storing the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment in which the second exemplary embodiment is additionally performed. I will explain.

  In this embodiment, the display panel 122 in the operation unit 120 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 displays the drawer state and the storage state of the paper feed tray 103.

  As described above in the second exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment automatically operates the paper supply tray driving motor when the drawer button and the storage button of the paper supply tray 103 in the operation unit 120 are pressed. The paper feed tray 103 can be pulled out and stored automatically.

  As described above in the second embodiment, the drive mechanism for the paper feed tray 103 is provided with a sensor for detecting the accommodation state of the paper feed tray 103. The sensor includes a paper feed tray open / close detection sensor and a paper feed tray drawer. It consists of an end position detection sensor.

  In this embodiment, when the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out, a message to that effect is displayed on the display panel 122 in the operation unit 120.

  In this embodiment, when the paper feed tray 103 is stored, this is displayed on the display panel 122 in the operation unit 120.

With the button operation displayed on the display panel 122 of the operation unit 120, the paper feed tray is pulled out and stored, and the paper feed tray is taken in and out while being on the side of the apparatus (discharge tray side).
At this time, the drawer and storage are displayed to automatically pull out the paper feed tray when continuous printing cannot be continued because the paper tray becomes a paper end during continuous printing. Is displayed on the operation unit, it is possible to easily know the next action to be performed by the user due to the occurrence of a paper end, and to save the trouble of pulling out the paper feed tray.

  As in the second embodiment, the automatic pulling-out operation of the paper feed tray 103 according to the present embodiment is not executed in the normal state of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. , (B) is executed only in the deformed state.

  When the interface unit has not moved left and right from the device, do not pull out and store the paper tray by operating the buttons on the operation unit, and do not automatically pull out or automatically store paper when a paper end occurs. Thus, the same familiar operability as in the past can be provided to the user who operates in front of the apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the paper feed tray 103 is provided with a protrusion 103a. The paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b and the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103c are push-type switches provided at positions facing the protrusion 103a in the paper feed tray 103 pull-out direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b is pressed by the protrusion 103a.

  That is, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103 b is turned on when the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, in a state where the paper feed tray 103 is completely pulled out from the apparatus main body 100, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 103c is pressed by the protrusion 103a. Become.

  That is, the paper feed tray drawing end position detection sensor 103c is turned on when the paper feed tray 103 is pulled out to the maximum position where it can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 100.

  Therefore, when the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b is ON, it indicates that the paper feed tray 103 is completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100, and when the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103c is ON, A state in which the paper tray 103 is completely pulled out from the apparatus main body 100 is shown.

  When both sensors are OFF, it indicates that the paper feed tray 103 is being pulled out. Detection states of these sensors are input to the engine control unit 106 and transmitted to the main control unit 107.

  Thus, by automatically pulling out and storing the paper feed tray 103, it is possible to omit the operation of pulling out and storing the paper feed tray 103, which can be a difficult task for users with limited mobility. It becomes.

  Furthermore, the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b and the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103c can measure how far the paper feed tray 103 is away from the apparatus main body 100 and adjust the drawer position.

  Measure the drawer amount at the final drawer position of the paper feed tray, calculate the ratio to that amount, adjust the drawer amount or measure the drawer time, measure the time when it is fully pulled out, and depending on that time Set the withdrawal amount as a percentage.

  As described above, the paper feed tray pull-out position detection sensor 103c is close to a state in which the paper feed tray 103 is almost completely accommodated in the apparatus main body 100 or a state in which the paper feed tray 103 is almost completely pulled out from the apparatus main body 100. Then, a withdrawal end sign may be issued.

  Further, it is possible to notify the user of the drawer state, storage state, 103 drawer position state, and storage position state of the paper feed tray 103 by displaying on the display panel 122 of the operation unit 120.

  The user can adjust the drawer position and the storage position by the operation in the operation unit 120 by the paper feed tray open / close detection sensor 103b and the paper feed tray drawer end position detection sensor 103c.

  As a result, the user can fully know the position state of the paper feed tray 103 and can adjust the position of the paper feed tray.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, when the paper feed tray is pulled out by operating the button of the operation unit and when the paper feed tray is automatically pulled out when the paper end occurs, It is possible to adjust the maximum amount that can be physically pulled out, or the amount that can be easily pulled out even by a physically handicapped person or a person with weak arm strength.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows typically the operation unit which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view schematically showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows typically the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Example of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Example of this invention. It is the schematic which looked at the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention from the front. It is the schematic which looked at the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Example of this invention from the side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 20 Authentication apparatus 100 Main body 101 Controller 102 Host I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Paper feed tray 104 Print engine 105 Paper discharge tray 106 Engine control part 107 Main control part 108 Input control part 110 ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 111 Document mounting stand 112 Paper discharge tray 120 Operation unit 120a Operation surface 121 Operation part 121a Deformation button 122 Display panel 123 Connection part 124 Connection drive part 131 Imaging part

Claims (17)

A main body of the paper tray that can be pulled out;
An interface unit disposed on the front side of the apparatus main body in a normal state;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a connecting portion that connects the interface unit so as to be movable in the left-right direction.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a hinge mechanism that supports the interface unit so that the interface unit can be opened and closed in a left-right direction.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit includes a slide mechanism that supports the interface unit so as to be slidable in the left-right direction from the apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interface unit includes at least one of an operation unit through which a user inputs information and a display unit that visually displays information. apparatus.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interface unit includes an automatic conveyance unit that automatically conveys a placed document to the inside of the apparatus main body.   When the interface unit is in a deformed state in which the interface unit is moved in the left-right direction from the normal state, the interface unit is in front of the apparatus main body and at a position that is out of the left-right direction from the paper feed tray that has been pulled out from the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed so as to correspond to an operation or visual recognition at an operation position. A deformation button for instructing the image forming apparatus to deform from the normal state to the deformed state;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the deformation button is provided on the deformation operation position side in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus further includes a paper discharge tray provided on a side surface different from the drawer surface of the paper feed tray and perpendicular to the drawer surface,
The image according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the operation position at the time of deformation is a position where the interface unit is disengaged from the paper feed tray in a state where the interface unit is pulled out from the apparatus main body toward the paper discharge tray. Forming equipment.   9. The paper feeding tray drive mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a paper feeding tray driving mechanism that realizes an operation of automatically pulling out the paper feeding tray from the apparatus main body or a storing operation of automatically storing the paper feeding tray. The image forming apparatus described. A paper feed tray drive button for instructing the drawer operation or the storage operation;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the paper feed tray driving button is provided on the operation position side during the deformation in the image forming apparatus.   The paper feed tray drive mechanism is operated according to an operation of the paper feed tray drive button only when the interface unit is moved from the normal state to the left-right direction. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the drawing operation is executed when a sheet stored in the sheet feeding tray is exhausted.   The drawer operation is executed only when the interface unit is moved in the left-right direction from the normal state, triggered by the exhaustion of the paper stored in the paper feed tray. Item 13. The image forming apparatus according to Item 12.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the interface unit is not moved in the left-right direction from the normal state, the storage operation of the paper feed tray is not performed.   15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the drawer or storage is displayed on the interface unit during the drawer operation or the storage operation. The paper feed tray drive mechanism is
A drawer end position detection sensor for detecting a drawer end position of the paper feed tray;
A paper feed tray open / close detection sensor for detecting an open / closed state of the paper feed tray,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a drawing position at the time of the drawing operation can be adjusted by each of the sensors. An authentication device for authenticating the user;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the authentication unit can move the interface unit in the left-right direction from the normal state.

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