JP2008298995A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus holding articles a user carries. <P>SOLUTION: An accommodating recess 26 is formed on the media drive 20 side of the upper face of an image output device 12, and a lid 28 is provided for uncovering or covering the accommodating recess 26. A digital camera 25 is accommodated in this accommodating recess 26, and the lid 28 is closed. Thus, the digital camera 25 is restrained. This prevents the digital camera 25 placed on the image output device 12 from being stolen or dropping as a result of unintentional touch of it during the operation of a UI operating section 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus typified by a printer, a copier, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a composite apparatus, or the like is provided with one or more paper cassettes for setting sheets as printing media. If the paper supplied in the paper cassette is, for example, a raw paper (high-priced paper) such as a check or securities, a patent is issued to prevent financial damage and the risk of unauthorized use due to theft of such high-priced paper. In Document 1, it is impossible to unlock the paper until the paper in the paper feed cassette runs out.

By the way, in public markets such as convenience stores, customers (users) often bring their own luggage, such as bags, along with manuscripts to be copied. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the baggage that you brought in.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-157334

  In view of the above fact, an object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of holding a baggage carried by a user.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, a storage space, a storage room, or a hooking portion for a user's portable object is provided in the apparatus main body.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage chamber is a drawer box or a box with an open / close lid.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the placement space is a plate material taken out from the apparatus main body.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the hooking portion includes a hook fixed to the apparatus main body, a lock member that rotates and closes an opening portion of the hook, It is characterized by including.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the user's portable items (bags, handbags, backpacks, shopping bags, umbrellas, originals to be copied, files, etc.) are placed in a storage space, stored in a storage room, or a hooking unit. The risk of the portable object being stolen or lost is reduced.

  In the second and fourth aspects of the invention, since the user's portable items can be restrained, the theft of the portable items can be prevented.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when it is unnecessary, it can be stored in the apparatus main body.

  Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment according to an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a digital printing apparatus 10 used in a public market such as a convenience store. The digital printing apparatus 10 includes an image output apparatus 12 having a copy, a printer, and a FAX function, and a user interface operation unit 14 (hereinafter referred to as “UI”) configured by overlapping a touch panel on a display panel formed of a liquid crystal display panel. A personal computer 16 (hereinafter referred to as “PC 16”) having an operation unit 14 ”and a charging device 18 for permitting the number of copies / prints corresponding to the amount of money inserted.

  The PC 16 has a media drive 20 that reads / writes data from / to a loaded recording medium (not shown). Media data read from the recording medium loaded in the media drive 20 is displayed on the UI operation unit 14 via a control unit (not shown) built in the media drive 20.

  The UI operation unit 14 is necessary for printing media data read from a recording medium (recording medium such as SmartMedia (registered trademark)) on which image data or the like when the user takes a picture with the digital camera 25 is recorded. A series of operations (selecting image data to be printed, inputting the number of prints, editing instructions, starting printing, etc.) are also displayed.

  On the other hand, in the image output apparatus 12, a document table 46 on which a document is placed and a cover 48 covering the document table 46 are provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 46, and an operation panel 50 provided on the upper surface of the image output device 12. To enable copy operations. Further, the image output apparatus 12 includes a printing unit 22, which is configured to include mechanisms such as a photoconductor, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and a fixing conveyance unit (not shown).

  Based on the media data of the recording medium input from the PC 16, or the image data from the scanner module constituting the scanner function, the FAX module constituting the FAX function, or the printer module constituting the printer function, the charging device 18 An image is formed in accordance with the amount of money input to.

  Then, the recording paper on which the image is formed based on the media data of the recording medium is ejected from the print outlet 24 provided in the image output device 12, and the recording on which the image is formed based on the image data by the printer module or the like. The paper is discharged onto a discharge tray provided on the side surface of the image output device 12 or the like. However, for convenience of explanation, the position of the discharge tray is not specified here, and the illustration is omitted.

  Next, the gist of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially box-shaped storage recess 26 is provided on the top surface of the image output device 12 on the media drive 20 side. The storage recess 26 is provided with a lid 28 that opens and closes the storage recess 26, and can be opened toward the back of the image output device 12. The size of the storage recess 26 is set so that the digital camera 25 can be stored.

  When the recording medium loaded in the digital camera 25 is loaded into the media drive 20, the digital camera 25 after removing the recording medium gets in the way of operating the UI operation unit 14. For this reason, the digital camera 25 is housed in the housing recess 26 and the lid 28 is closed. As a result, the digital camera 25 is restrained.

  Accordingly, the digital camera 25 placed on the image output device 12 is stolen while the UI operation unit 14 is operated, or the digital camera 25 is dropped by hitting the digital camera 25. Does not occur. In addition, since such a problem does not occur, the UI operation unit 14 can be operated with peace of mind and concentration.

  Here, the digital camera 25 is housed in the housing recess 26, but is not limited to the digital camera. In addition, although the storage recess 26 is provided on the upper surface of the image output device 12, it is not limited to this position. For example, although not shown, a storage box may be provided on the front or side of the image output device 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (note that the charging device 18 and the like are not shown here), the mounting table 30 on which the PC 16 and the media drive 20 are placed is made hollow, and the drawer-type storage box 32 is attached to the drawer-type storage box 32. You may make it carry out sliding movement within the mounting base 30. FIG.

  A notch 32A is formed on the front surface of the storage box 32 so that a finger can be caught. By placing a finger on the notch 32A and pulling the storage box 32 forward, the storage box 32 is pulled out, and the digital camera 25 can be stored in the storage box 32. When the storage box 32 is stored in the mounting table 30, the digital camera 25 is restrained and cannot be easily removed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a recess 34 is formed in the mounting table 30 (here, the cross section of the recess 34 has a substantially arcuate shape, but the shape is not particularly specified if the surface is recessed). ), The digital camera 25 may be placed in the recess 34.

  In this case, the appearance of the digital camera 25 is exposed, but the standing position of the user who operates the UI operation unit 14 is in front of the recess 34, and the recess 34 is provided between the UI operation unit 14 and the user. Since the digital camera 25 is temporarily placed in the recess 34, the digital camera 25 can be monitored and the UI operation unit 14 can be operated with peace of mind.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, a tray 40 having a pair of shaft portions 36 at the lower portion of the mounting table 30 and having a rectangular recess 38 for temporarily placing the digital camera 25 can be rotated by the shaft portion 36. The tray 40 may be rotated 180 degrees around the shaft portion 36 when necessary and exposed to the front surface of the mounting table 30 so that it can be used. In this case, the shaft portion 36 is provided with a ratchet mechanism or the like (not shown) so that the tray 40 can maintain a horizontal state.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the content substantially the same as 1st Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the image output apparatus 12 having a copy, printer, and FAX function (here, the UI operation unit 14 and the personal computer 16 shown in FIG. 1 are not necessarily required), Two storage boxes 44 that can store A4 size files 43 are provided on the front side along the width direction of the image output device 12.

  A user who uses the image output device 12 closes the cover 48 with the document placed on the document table 46 of the image output device 12 and puts it on the upper surface of the image output device 12 according to the amount of money put into the charging device 18. Copying is performed by operating the operation panel 50 provided. When a document to be copied is extracted from a file or document holder, the file or document holder can be stored in the storage box 44.

  Further, since there are two storage boxes 44, the original before copying is stored in one storage box 44, and the original after copying is stored in the other storage box 44, so that the original before copying and the original after copying are stored. Can be prevented from mixing.

  In this way, by storing files, documents, recording paper, and the like in the storage box 44, information leakage can be prevented even when confidential information is included in these. Even if the user concentrates on copying operations, there is no risk of these materials being stolen or lost.

  Here, the storage box 44 is provided on the front side of the image output device 12, but the position where the storage box 44 is provided varies depending on the position of the paper feed cassette. Further, it is not limited to the storage box 44 as long as it can hold a file or a document.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a file pocket 45 having an L-shaped cross section is provided on the side surface (or the front surface) of the image output device 12, and a file 47 or a document is held in the file pocket 45. Also good. In this case, since the side wall in the width direction of the file pocket 45 is an opening, even the file 47 of A4 or larger can be held.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the image output device 12 may be surrounded by a standing wall 48 and a file pocket 45 may be provided inside the standing wall 48 positioned in the width direction of the image output device 12. In this case, since the file pocket 45 is not exposed to the outside, there is no risk that these materials will be stolen or lost even if the user concentrates on the copy operation or the like.

  Here, in the above-described image output device 12, the discharge tray is not mentioned. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a shaft portion 54 is provided on the base side of the discharge tray 52 to open and close the discharge tray 52. Is supported by the shaft portion 54 so as to be opened and closed. The discharge tray 52 may be opened only after the cover 56 is opened so that the recording paper P on the discharge tray 52 can be taken out. This prevents the recording paper P discharged during copying from being stolen or lost.

  9A and 9B, when the discharge tray 58 is provided at the center of the image output device 60, a bellows-like cover 64 may be provided at the opening 62. The magnets 66 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the opening 62 and the bent portion 64A of the cover 64, and when the cover 64 is opened, the magnets are magnetically attached to each other, so that the open state is maintained. The discharge tray 58 is not opened until the cover 64 is opened so that the recording paper P on the discharge tray 58 can be taken out.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the content substantially the same as 2nd Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a plate-like mounting table 68 may be provided on the front surface (or a side surface) of the image output device 12. When the image output device 12 is used in the public market, many users have luggage such as a bag 67, a handbag, a backpack, and a shopping bag.

  For this reason, when carrying out a copy operation, these packages are obstructive and may be placed under the feet, but according to the present embodiment, these packages can be placed on the mounting table 68. , Can prevent loss of luggage, and can perform operations such as copying with peace of mind.

  Here, there is a case where the mounting table 68 is not necessary, and in this case, the mounting table 68 becomes an obstacle. For this reason, although not shown, the mounting table 68 may be foldable, or the mounting table 68 may be housed in the image output device 12 as shown in FIG.

  In this case, a rectangular hole 70 is formed on the front surface of the image output device 12, and a box-shaped hollow portion 72 connected to the rectangular hole 70 is formed inside the image output device 12. The mounting table 68 is slidable.

  In addition, a notch 70A is formed in the center of the upper wall of the rectangular hole 70. On the other hand, a hole 68A is formed on the front side of the mounting table 68 so that the hole 68A can be handed through the notch 70A. Thereby, the mounting table 68 can be pulled out.

  Here, the mounting table 68 is manually pulled out, but a so-called push-open type locking mechanism (a pin is moved along the outer shape of the heart cam using the heart cam) is placed on the mounting table 68 and the image output device 12. When the front surface of the mounting table 68 is pressed, the locked state is released and the mounting table 68 is pushed out by the spring force, and when the front surface of the mounting table 68 is pressed again, The mounting table 68 may be locked while being housed in the image output device 12.

  Further, the mounting table 68 is not limited to one, and as shown in FIG. 12, it may be possible to draw out in two upper and lower stages, or the two mounting tables 68 may be staggered in the vertical direction. good.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the content substantially the same as 3rd Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a cylindrical hooking portion 74 protrudes from a corner of the image output device 12 located in the vicinity of the operation panel 50 on the upper surface of the image output device 12. Since the baggage such as a bag, a handbag 75, a backpack, a shopping bag or the like can be hooked on the hook portion 74, it is not necessary to place these baggage under the feet when performing a copying operation.

  Here, for example, when the hooking portion 74 is unnecessary by using the push-open type locking mechanism described above to enable the hooking portion 74 to enter and exit the image output device 12, the hooking portion 74 74 may be stored in the image output device 12.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of hooks 74 may be provided so that a plurality of loads can be hooked on the hooks 74. In this case, the hooking portions 74 may be provided at both corners along the width direction of the image output device 12, and the hooking portion 74 on the side that is convenient depending on the location of the image output device 12 or the like is used. Anyway.

  In addition to the hook portion 74, as shown in FIG. 15, a hook 76 having a substantially L-shaped cross section is provided on the front surface (or a side surface) of the image output device 12, and a bag or handbag is provided on the hook 76. 75, a backpack, a shopping bag, etc. may be hooked.

  16A and 16B, a substantially rectangular storage portion 78 is provided on the front surface of the image output apparatus 12, and the hook 76 is stored in the storage portion 78. good. In this case, the hook 76 is rotatably supported by the shaft portion 80, and the hook 76 is restricted in movement with the hook 76 hitting the bottom wall 78A of the storage portion 78, and the hook 76 is exposed to the outside and can be used. It becomes. In addition, the hook 76 is stored in the storage portion 78 in a state where it touches the back wall 78 </ b> B of the storage portion 78. Also in this case, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a plurality of hooks 76 may be provided.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the content substantially the same as 4th Embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, a hook 76 having a substantially L-shaped cross section is provided on the front surface of the image output device 12, and the hook 76 is provided on the image output device 12. A lock member 86 that is rotatable with respect to the shaft portion 84 is provided so that the open portion of the hook 76 can be closed.

  When the lock member 86 hits the tip of the hook 76, the hook 76 is closed, and a bag or a handbag 75 can be hooked on the hook 76. It cannot be removed from 76. In other words, the bag or the handbag 75 is restrained so that it cannot be taken carelessly by a third party.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a luggage compartment 88 that can accommodate luggage may be provided on the front surface of the image output device 12 so as to be able to enter and exit. In this case, a rectangular hole 90 is formed on the front surface of the image output device 12, and a box-shaped hollow portion 92 connected to the rectangular hole 90 is formed inside the image output device 12. A box-shaped luggage compartment 88 can be slid.

  An arc-shaped notch 88A is formed at the upper front end of the luggage compartment 88. When the luggage compartment 88 is pulled with the hand held on the notch 88A, the luggage compartment 88 is pulled out, Will be exposed. In this way, when the luggage compartment 88 is pulled out and a luggage such as a bag 67 is placed in the luggage compartment 88 and the luggage compartment 88 is stored in the image output device 12, the luggage in the luggage compartment 88 is restrained. It will not be taken carelessly by a third party.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, a luggage portion 94 may be provided on the side portion of the image output device 12. A luggage box 96 having a substantially box shape (not limited to a substantially box shape) is recessed in the luggage portion 94 so that the luggage can be stored in the luggage box 96. The luggage part 94 is provided with an opening / closing lid 98 for opening and closing the luggage compartment 96. When a luggage is placed in the luggage compartment 96 and the opening / closing lid 98 is closed, the luggage is restrained in the luggage compartment 96. .

  Here, the stored luggage can be restrained, and the luggage can be taken out when the opening / closing lid 98 is opened. However, for example, the restraint can be performed in conjunction with the billing apparatus 18. Also good. That is, when the image output device 12 is used, the open / close lid 98 is locked in the closed state, and when the use of the image output device 12 is finished, the closed state of the open / close lid 98 is released.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the content substantially the same as 5th Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 21, an umbrella stand 100 may be provided on the front surface of the image output device 12. The umbrella stand 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed with a substantially conical recess 100A along the vertical direction, but is not limited to this shape. Also, it is not limited to an umbrella, and may be a handle.

  In the public market, an umbrella stand is provided, and an umbrella is put in the umbrella stand. However, since an unspecified number of people visit, there is a concern that the umbrella may be mistaken or stolen, and carry the umbrella. The number of people is increasing. Thus, when carrying an umbrella, the umbrella becomes an obstacle during copying. For this reason, by providing the umbrella stand 100 in the image output device 12, the umbrella 101 can be put into the umbrella stand 100 during copying, and the umbrella 101 does not get in the way.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the umbrella stand 100 may be stored. In this case, a rectangular hole 102 is formed on the front surface of the image output device 12, and a box-shaped hollow portion 104 connected to the rectangular hole 102 is formed inside the image output device 12. The umbrella stand 100 can be slid.

  A grip portion 106 is formed on the front surface of the umbrella stand 100, and the umbrella stand 100 is pulled out by placing a hand on the grip portion 106 and pulling it. When the umbrella stand 100 is not required, the umbrella stand 100 is stored in the image output device 12. Also in this case, a plurality of umbrella stands 100 may be provided as shown in FIG.

  Here, the grip portion 106 is provided on the front surface of the umbrella stand 100, and the hand is placed on the grip portion 106 so that the umbrella stand 100 can be moved in and out of the image output device 12, but the push-open type described above is used. The umbrella stand 100 may be moved in and out using a lock mechanism.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, a pedal 108 is provided on the front surface of the image output device 12, and the operation of the pedal 108 and the operation of the pyramid-shaped umbrella stand 110 are interlocked. In conjunction with this operation, the umbrella stand 110 may be tilted forward and exposed to the front of the image output device 12 for use. When the pedal 108 is returned to the original position, the umbrella stand 110 is returned to the original position in conjunction with the operation of the pedal 108 and stored in the image output device 12.

  Besides this, as shown in FIG. 25, a folding umbrella stand 112 may be used. Storage concave portions 114 and 116 are provided on the side surface of the image output device 12, and a plate-shaped holder 118 can be stored in the storage concave portion 114. A box-shaped container 120 is stored in the storage concave portion 116. It can be stored. The side walls of the holder 118 and the container 120 are connected by a link 122, and the holder 118 and the container 120 are integrally opened and closed by the vertical movement of the link 122.

  By the way, the holder 118 has a substantially rectangular shape, and a circular through hole 124 is formed on one side along the longitudinal direction so that an umbrella can be inserted. Drops flowing from the inserted umbrella are stored in the container 120 positioned below the holder 118.

  A substantially U-shaped notch 126 is formed on the opposite side of the through-hole 124 of the holder 118, and an arc-shaped recess 128A is formed on the upper surface of the side end of the holder 118 so that the hook 118 128 is provided. A bag or the like can be hooked on the hook 128 through the notch 126.

  According to these embodiments, when using an installed copying machine (multifunction machine) in a public place where an unspecified number of people visit, when performing copying, digital camera printing, etc., the user's luggage, etc. In addition, it is possible to work efficiently with peace of mind by easily holding and storing the items (portable items) that are necessary and incidental to the work. In addition, by restraining these portable items, theft can be prevented, and operations such as copying and digital camera printing can be performed safely and centrally.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, although described above for each embodiment, a configuration having a plurality of embodiments described above may be used.

1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the 2nd modification of an image forming device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 3rd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a discharge tray of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a perspective view showing a modification of the discharge tray of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the main part. It is a perspective view which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a perspective view which shows the 3rd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the principal part. (A) is a perspective view showing a fourth modification of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the main part. (A) is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a perspective view showing a main part. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 3rd modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 4th modification of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Digital printing device (image forming device)
12 Image output device (image forming device)
26 Storage recess (box, storage room)
28 Lid (Opening and closing lid)
30 mounting table (restraint)
32 Storage box (drawer box, storage room)
34 Concavity (space for storage)
38 Rectangular recess (space)
44 Storage box (storage room)
46 File pocket (storage space)
68 Mounting table (plate material, storage space)
74 Hook 76 Hook (Hook)
86 Lock member (Hook)
88 Baggage compartment (drawer box, storage room)
96 Baggage compartment (box, storage room)
98 Opening and closing lid 100 Umbrella stand (space)
124 Through-hole (storage room)
128 Hook (Hook)

Claims (4)

  An image forming apparatus characterized in that an installation space for a user's portable object, a storage room, or a hooking portion is provided in the apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage chamber is a drawer box or a box with an opening / closing lid.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the placement space is a plate material taken out from the apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hook part includes a hook fixed to the apparatus main body and a lock member that rotates to close an opening part of the hook. .

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