JP2012234102A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that is configured to erect an operation unit to be directed to an operator of an operation screen, has the operation unit reduced in thickness, and suppresses slip of the operation unit against other components.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 is capable of drawing an operation unit 11 toward an operator and rotating an operation screen 102 to be directed to the operator at a position where the operation unit 11 has been drawn. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a slide and hinge mechanism 300 that supports the operation unit movably in a direction to be drawn and a direction to be rotated, the slide and hinge mechanism 300 including protrusions 307 and 308 provided at both ends of the operation unit and on the apparatus body side; and a tabular cam member 301 that is fixed at both ends of the operation unit and has grooves 301a and 301b formed thereon, which regulate the direction of movement of the operation unit in the direction to be drawn and the direction to be rotated by the protrusions move through the grooves.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which an operation unit with an operation surface facing upward is disposed in a housing in which an image formation unit is housed. More specifically, the operation unit is erected so that the operation surface is directed toward the operation side. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a characteristic in structure.

  An image reading unit (for example, a flatbed scanner) is arranged on the upper part of a casing in which an image forming unit (for example, an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method) is housed, and an operation unit having a liquid crystal screen is arranged at a height position of the image reading unit. An image forming apparatus arranged in the above has been put into practical use. In such an image forming apparatus, generally, the upward operation surface of the operation unit is positioned lower than the reading surface so as not to obstruct the operation of placing the document on the reading surface of the image reading unit from the operation side. Has been placed.

  However, when an operation unit with an operation surface facing upward is arranged at the top of the casing of a tall image forming apparatus, for example, for children and wheelchair users, various operations are performed on the operation unit while viewing the display image on the liquid crystal screen. It may not be easy to set up and operate. For this reason, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus in which an operation unit, which is normally arranged with its operation surface facing upward, is erected as necessary so that it can be easily operated from a low position on the operation side (patent) Reference 1).

  In Patent Document 1, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 of the present application, an operation unit 500 arranged at the upper part of the casing of the image forming apparatus is slid to the front side and pulled out (FIG. 22A), An image forming apparatus is disclosed which is rotated downward at the pulled-out position (FIG. 22B). More specifically, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 supports the operation unit 500 so that the operation unit 500 can be rotated downward by a rotation shaft arranged at the left and right center back end portions of the operation unit 500, so It has a free hinge mechanism 504 (FIG. 23) that can be held at an intermediate position. The image forming apparatus also includes a slider 506 as a slide mechanism for supporting the fixed side member of the universal hinge mechanism 504 so that the fixed side member can be pulled out to the side where the operation unit 500 is operated. The slider 506 is guided by a left rail 508 and a right rail 509 formed on the support unit 507, and can move smoothly in the front-rear direction. When the display / input unit 501 is moved back and forth, the rail roller 505 that is integrally supported by the slider 506 is guided to the left rail 508 and the right rail 509. Further, in the image forming apparatus, a moving space of the extra length portion of the bundled wire 511 that is connected to the operation unit 500 and hangs downward is formed inside the housing surface of the image forming unit (FIG. 23). In addition, an elongated opening 510 (FIG. 23) that penetrates the bundled wire 511 is formed on the housing surface of the image forming unit arranged so as to block the pull-out path of the operation unit 500.

JP 2010-102143 A

  However, the slide mechanism described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

  That is, the universal hinge mechanism 504 is disposed at the left and right center back end of the operation unit 500, and a slide mechanism for guiding the hinge mechanism 504 is also disposed below the liquid crystal display unit 502 at the left and right center of the operation unit 500. Therefore, the arrangement of the liquid crystal display unit 502 and the substrate unit in the operation unit 500 is limited, and the operation unit itself needs to have a relatively large thickness.

  A universal hinge mechanism 504 is disposed at the back end of the liquid crystal display unit 502 at the center of the left and right of the operation unit 500. Therefore, when the operation unit 500 is pulled out, when the operator presses a button such as a number / alphabet key 105 near the left and right ends of the operation unit 500, a large amount of rattling appears on the left and right center portions. May worsen.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the thickness of the operation unit and suppressing backlash during operation in a configuration in which the operation unit can be erected so that the operation surface is directed toward the operation side. Is to provide.

  The above object is achieved by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, the present invention includes an apparatus main body for forming an image on a recording material, and an operation unit attached to the apparatus main body with an operation surface facing upward in order to operate the apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus that can be pulled out to the operating side and rotated so that the operating surface is directed to the operating side at the pulled-out position, the operating unit is pulled in the pulling direction and the rotating direction. A slide and hinge mechanism that is movably supported, and is provided at both ends of the operation unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pull-out direction, and is fixed to the both ends of the operation unit. Each having a plate-like cam member formed with a groove portion that defines the moving direction of the operating portion in the pulling direction and the rotating direction as the protrusion moves in the projection portion. An image forming apparatus characterized by having id and the hinge mechanism.

  According to the present invention, in the configuration in which the operation unit can be erected so that the operation surface is directed toward the operation side, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the operation unit and suppress rattling during operation.

1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with an operation unit pulled out. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state in which an operation unit is rotated downward. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part in which a casing of the operation unit is removed in a state where the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is rotated downward. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of a slide and hinge mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of a slide and hinge mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing in detail a part of a slide and hinge mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial operation explanatory view of a slide and hinge mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modification of the slide and hinge mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of bundle movement when the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is viewed from below. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of bundle movement when the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is viewed from below. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of bundle movement when the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is viewed from below. It is explanatory drawing of the movement groove | channel of the bundle line of the image forming apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention in a state where an operation unit is rotated downward. It is explanatory drawing of the movement of a bundle line which looked at the operation part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on the further another Example of this invention from the downward direction. It is a perspective view of the operation part of a prior art example. It is the perspective view which looked at the operation part of the prior art example from the lower part.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
1. Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. In the following description, the front side of the sheet of FIG. 1 is referred to as “front (front)” of the image forming apparatus 1 and the rear side of the sheet is referred to as “rear”. Further, the left and right sides of the image forming apparatus 1 are left and right when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front, and the upper and lower sides are up and down in the vertical direction. The front side of the image forming apparatus 1 is usually the side on which the operator operates the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes first, second, third, and third toner images that are formed by electrophotography along the moving direction of the image carrying surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. This is a tandem-type full-color multi-function peripheral in which a fourth image forming unit PY, PM, PC, PK is arranged.

  In the first image forming unit PY housed in the main body (apparatus main body) 3 of the image forming apparatus 1, a yellow toner image is formed and primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12. In the second image forming unit PM, a magenta toner image is formed and primary-transferred over the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12. In the third and fourth image forming units PC and PK, a cyan toner image and a black toner image are formed, respectively, and similarly, the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are sequentially superimposed and sequentially transferred.

  The four color toner images carried on the intermediate transfer belt 12 are transported to the secondary transfer portion T2, and are secondarily transferred to the recording material P separately transported to the secondary transfer portion T2.

  The recording material P on which the toner image is secondarily transferred by the secondary transfer portion T2 is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 14 accommodated in the vertical path portion 4, and is discharged after the toner image is fixed on the surface. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 5 by the roller 15.

  A paper feed cassette 2 is arranged at the lower part of the apparatus main body 3 so as to be pulled out to the front side. A recording material P such as a recording sheet pulled out one by one from the sheet feeding cassette 2 stands by in front of the secondary transfer portion T2, and in time with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12, the secondary transfer portion T2. Sent out.

  An image reading unit (flat bed scanner in this embodiment) 6 is disposed above the apparatus main body 3 via a vertical path unit 4. The image reading unit 6 optically reads an image on the lower surface of a document placed on a reading surface (a glass plate in this embodiment) and converts it into image data. A document can be placed on the reading surface 6a with the automatic document feeder (ADF) 7 lifted. The automatic document feeder 7 separates the documents one by one from the bundled document loaded on the document tray 8 and passes the document through the reading surface 6a to cause the image reading unit 6 to flow and read the document.

  The operation unit 11 is disposed at the height position of the image reading unit 6 with the operation surface facing upward, and is drawn out to the front side, which is the operation side, and rotated downward, thereby being indicated by a broken line in FIG. It is possible to stand the operation surface at the position toward the front side. The operation surface of the operation unit 11 is a main plane formed by the operated element group on the operation unit 11, and in this embodiment, the surface of the liquid crystal display unit 102 to be described later or the input key group to be described later is covered. It is represented by a plane including the pressing part.

  In the vertical path section 4 immediately below the operation section 11, a conveyance mechanism for the recording material P including the paper discharge roller 15, various sensors, a blower fan, and the like are housed.

  A paper discharge tray 5 serving as a stacking unit on which the recording material P output from the apparatus main body 3 is stacked is disposed between the apparatus main body 3 and the image reading unit 6, and a recording material on which an image is formed by the apparatus main body 3. P is loaded so that it can be taken out from the front side.

2. Basic Configuration of Operation Unit FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the operation unit 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the state in which the operation unit 11 is pulled out. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the state in which the operation unit 11 is rotated downward. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part in which the casing of the operation unit 11 is removed in a state where the operation unit 11 is rotated downward.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 11 is disposed at a position lower than the reading surface 6 a as a height position below the reading surface 6 a of the image reading unit 6 and on the front side of the image reading unit 6. A vertical path cover 10 is disposed below the operation unit 11 so as to cover the vertical path 4 on the upstream side of the paper discharge tray 5 in the conveyance direction of the recording material P.

  In the automatic reading mode, a document is set on the document tray 8 of the automatic document feeder 7. In the manual reading mode, the reading surface 6a of the image reading unit 6 can be accessed by rotating the automatic document feeder 7 rearward and opening it upward. The operation unit 11 is always positioned at a position lower than the reading surface 6a so as not to hinder the accessibility of the operation of setting a document on the reading surface 6a.

  Then, after setting the document on the document tray 8 of the automatic document feeder 7 (or the reading surface 6a of the image reading unit 6), through the operation unit 11, the monochrome or color reading mode, the copy output size, the recording material P Enter information such as the type of copy and the number of copies.

  Based on the information input to the operation unit 11, the image reading unit 6 reads the image information of the document. Then, the recording material P stacked in the paper feed cassette 2 or on the open manual feed tray 9 is fed, an image is formed by the apparatus main body 3, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 5 via the vertical path unit 4. Loaded.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display / input unit 101 of the operation unit 11 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 102 that displays an operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 and has a touch panel function as a substitute for keys to be described later. ing. The display / input unit 101 is also provided with a start key 103 for starting a copy operation and a print operation and a stop key 104 for stopping the operation. The display / input unit 101 is also provided with a number / alphabet key 105 for inputting the number of prints, a FAX number, an e-mail address, and the like. These input key groups have a plurality of switch actuating member (button) groups 105a (FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display / input unit 101 is supported by a support unit 201 so as to be able to be pulled out horizontally to the front side. The support unit 201 is fixed to the apparatus main body 3. Therefore, the display / input unit 101 can move freely in the front-rear direction horizontally with respect to the support unit 201. More specifically, the display / input unit 101 is located between the storage position (first position) pushed backward with respect to the support unit 201 and the maximum drawer position (second position) pulled out to the front side. Can be moved horizontally in the front-rear direction.

  The support unit 201 has the same or similar appearance color and / or surface treatment as the exterior cover of the apparatus main body 3 or the operation unit 11 in order to improve the appearance quality when the display / input unit 101 is pulled out. A tray-like cover 320 is attached (FIGS. 4 and 5).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display / input unit 101 is rotated by 50 degrees downward at a position where the display / input unit 101 is horizontally drawn to the front side along the support unit 201 so that the liquid crystal display unit 102 faces the front side. Can stand up. More specifically, the display / input unit 101 is rotated in a vertical plane with respect to the support unit 201 at the maximum pull-out position, so that the liquid crystal display unit 102 can freely move in the range of 0 to 50 degrees with respect to the horizontal. It is possible to set the angle.

  Therefore, even if the operation unit 11 is installed at a high position, an operator with a low line of sight, such as a short stature or a wheelchair user, pulls the operation unit 11 forward and then rotates the liquid crystal unit downward. The display unit 102 can be set so as to be easy to see. As described above, by changing (tilting) the angle of the display / input unit 101, the visibility of the liquid crystal display 102 and the operability of the operation unit 11 are improved.

  Further, the display / input unit 101 is rotated so that the front side of the display / input unit 101 is tilted downward so that the rear vertex position is maintained at the position below the reading surface 6a of the document reading unit 6 at the maximum drawing position. Move. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, the accessibility to the reading surface 6a of the image reading unit 6 located behind the operation unit 11 and higher than the operation unit 11 can be ensured.

  Further, since the display / input unit 101 is disposed on the front side of the image reading unit 6 and on the right side of the paper discharge tray 5, the display / input unit 101 can be accessed even if the display / input unit 101 is tilted. Can be secured. If the display / input unit 101 gets in the way when the recording material P stacked on the paper discharge tray 5 is taken out to the front side, the display / input unit 101 may be temporarily rotated upward.

  Further, in the state where the display / input unit 101 is in the storage position, as shown in FIG. 2, the side surface on the front side of the operation unit 11 and the side surface on the front side of the vertical path unit cover 10 are on the same plane. Appearance quality is improved.

  When the display / input unit 101 is pulled out from the storage position to the maximum pull-out position, the lower surface (bottom surface) of the display / input unit 101 moves to a position outside the front side of the vertical path cover 10. For this reason, when the angle of the display / input unit 101 is changed at the maximum drawing position, the display / input unit 101 does not interfere with the vertical path cover 10 and the space inside the vertical path cover 10 is effectively used. it can.

3. Slide and Hinge Mechanism FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are exploded perspective views of the main part of the operation unit 11, respectively. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the operation unit 11 cut in the left-right direction. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the slide and hinge mechanism. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a part of the slide and hinge mechanism. FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a part of the slide and hinge mechanism. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a part of the slide and hinge mechanism.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the fixing member 202 of the support unit 201 is fixed to the image reading unit 6 and the apparatus main body 3 by a plurality of fixing screws (not shown). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the left hinge 300L and the right hinge 300R as a slide and hinge mechanism having a plate-like cam member are provided at the left and right ends of the operation unit stay 322 with screws 317 and 318, respectively. It is fixed with. The hinge portions 300R and 300L are fixed to the fixing member 202 as will be described later. The operation unit stay 322 is for attaching the following units. That is, in each unit such as the liquid crystal display unit 102 in the display / input unit 101 shown in FIG. 6, the board unit 102 a of the liquid crystal display unit 102, and the electric board (control board 401) such as the electric board 105 b of the number / alphabet keys 105. is there. Accordingly, the display / input unit 101 is fixed to the fixing member 202 so as to be able to rotate after being pulled out as will be described later via the hinge portions 300R and 300L. In addition, the operation unit stay 322 is attached with the casing of the operation unit 11. Further, the cover 320 is fixed to the fixing member 202 with screws 321.

  The left hinge portion 300L and the right hinge portion 300R have the configurations and functions shown in the following (1) to (7). In the present embodiment, the left hinge portion 300L is symmetrical to the right hinge portion 300R. Accordingly, the right side hinge part 300R (hereinafter also simply referred to as “hinge part”) will be mainly described in detail below as an example. However, those having the same name have substantially the same configuration and function as those of the right hinge part 300R except that the left hinge part 300L is provided symmetrically.

  (1) The hinge part 300R has a cam plate 301 as a plate-like cam member. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cam plate 301 has the following configuration. The cam plate 301 has a linear first cam groove 301a as a groove portion. The first cam groove 301a extends substantially horizontally in a state where the hinge portion 300R is assembled. The first cam groove 301a has a width L1 that allows a first cam pin 307a and a second cam pin 307b, which will be described later, to slide smoothly without play when the display / input unit 101 is pulled out along the support unit 201 to the front side. Have The cam plate 301 has an arcuate second cam groove 301b as a groove centering on one end (left end in FIG. 13) 301a1 of the first cam groove 301a. The second cam groove 301b extends upward in an arc from the first cam groove 301a in a state where the hinge portion 300R is assembled. The second cam groove 301b merges with the first cam groove 301a. In addition, the cam plate 301 is provided at a corner portion where the first cam groove 301a and the second cam groove 301b form an acute angle so that the first and second cam pins 307a and 307b can slide smoothly. A chamfered shape portion 301e. Further, the cam plate 301 has a plurality (two in the present embodiment) having a direction in which the longitudinal axis coincides with the central axis of the first cam groove 301a at a predetermined angle with respect to the arc center of the second cam groove 301b. Square holes 301c and 301d. The plurality of square holes 301c and 301d are concentric with the arc center of the first cam groove 301a and are provided at different angular positions with respect to the central axis of the first cam groove 301a. The cam plate 301 is fixed to the operation unit stay 322 by screwing a screw 317 passed through the screw hole 301e into the screw hole 322b of the operation unit stay 322 (FIG. 8).

  In the present embodiment, the cam plate 302 of the left hinge portion 300L uses the same components as the cam plate 301 of the right hinge portion 300R.

  (2) The hinge portion 300R includes a leaf spring 303 as an elastic member that constitutes the clamping member. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the leaf spring 303 has the following form. The leaf spring 303 has a protrusion 303a having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The protrusion 303a protrudes toward the cam plate 301 in a state where the hinge part 300R is assembled. The leaf spring 303 has a round hole 303c and a two-sided hole 303d through which the first and second cam pins 307a and 307b pass, respectively. In addition, the leaf spring 303 has a plate-like throttle shape 303b for preventing the cam plate 301 and a slide arm 309, which will be described later, from being caught in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the protrusion 303a. In the present embodiment, the base width L2 of the protrusion 303a has a relationship of L2 <L1 with respect to the width L1 of the first cam groove 301a. That is, when the display / input unit 101 is pulled out to the front side along the support unit 201, the leaf spring 303 is guided by the first cam pin 307a and the third cam pin 307b, and the protrusion 303a is guided by the first cam groove. Move within 301a. At this time, with the above relationship, it is possible to prevent the protrusion 303a from contacting the end face of the cam groove 301a and generating a load. In the present embodiment, the width L3 of each of the plurality of square holes 301c and 301d has a relationship of L2 ≧ L3> L4 with respect to the width L2 at the base of the protrusion 303a and the width L4 at the tip of the protrusion 303a. Thereby, the front-end | tip of the protrusion 303a falls reliably in each of the some square holes 301c and 301d, and can prevent rattling.

  In this embodiment, the leaf spring 304 of the left hinge portion 300L is the same component as the leaf spring 303 of the right hinge portion 300R, and is used by changing the mounting direction.

  (3) The hinge part 300R has a slide arm 309 as a slide member. As shown in FIG. 9, the slide arm 309 has the following form. The slide arm 309 has a C-shaped cross section. The slide arm 309 has the following on the side surfaces extending in the vertical direction. That is, the holes 309a and 309b into which the first and second cam pins 307a and 307b are respectively fitted, the hole 309c through which the stopper 319 passes, and the hole 309d for fixing the second spacer 313 described later with the screw 315. . Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the slide arm 309 holds a bent portion 202 a on the right side of the fixing member 202, a second spacer 313 described later, and a first spacer 311 described later. The stopper 319 is fixed to the screw hole 202e (FIG. 9) of the fixing member 202. The stopper 319 moves in grooves 311d and 313a of first and second spacers 311 and 313 described later.

  In this embodiment, the slide arm 310 of the left hinge portion 300L is a pressed sheet metal part that is plane-symmetric with the slide arm 309 of the right hinge portion 300R. ing.

  (4) The hinge part 300 </ b> R includes a first spacer 311. As shown in FIG. 9, the first spacer 311 has the following configuration. The first spacer 311 has a groove 311 d that passes through the stopper 319 and restricts the slide amount of the display / input unit 101. The groove 311d extends in a substantially horizontal direction in a state where the hinge part 300R is assembled. The first spacer 311 has screw holes 311a and 311b for fixing the first and second cam pins 307a and 307b, respectively. The first spacer 311 has a screw hole 311c for fixing the screw 315.

  In the present embodiment, the first spacer 312 of the left hinge portion 300L is the same component as the first spacer 311 of the right hinge portion 300R, and is used by changing the mounting direction.

  (5) The hinge part 300R includes the second spacer 313. The second spacer 313 is made of elastic plastic. And as shown in FIG. 9, the 2nd spacer 313 has the following forms. Similar to the groove 311 d of the first spacer 311, there is a groove 313 a that penetrates the stopper 319 and regulates the slide amount of the display / input unit 101. The groove 313a extends in a substantially horizontal direction in a state where the hinge part 300R is assembled. Further, the second spacer 313 has an arched shape 313b provided above and below the groove 313a in order to prevent backlash due to a gap between the hinge portion 300R and the bent portion 202a of the fixing member 202. The arched shape 313b is pressed against the bent portion 202a and deformed to take the above-mentioned backlash. Further, the hinge part 300R has protrusions 313c and 313d provided on the inner side in the vicinity of both ends of the groove 313a in order to perform a click function. The protrusions 313c and 313d allow the stopper 319 to get over the two ends of the groove 313a. The projections 313c and 313d clarify the state at the storage position and the state at the maximum pull-out position when the display / input unit 101 is slid by the above-described click function. The second spacer 313 has holes 313e and 313f for avoiding interference with the screw tips of the first and second cam pins 307a and 307b. The fixed portion 313h formed at one end portion of the second spacer 313 disposed on the rear side in the assembled state of the hinge portion 300R is an end portion on the same direction side of the first spacer 311 and the slide arm 309. Is placed outside the slide arm 309. Then, the screw 315 is screwed into the screw hole 311c of the second spacer 313 through the hole 313g formed in the fixing portion 313h and through the hole 309 formed in the slide arm 309. As a result, the first spacer 311, the second spacer 313, and the slide arm 309 are fixed.

  In the present embodiment, the second spacer 314 of the left hinge 300L is the same component as the second spacer 313 of the right hinge 300R, and is used by changing the mounting direction.

  (6) The hinge part 300R includes a first cam pin (first protrusion) 307a and a second cam pin (second protrusion) as shaft-like protrusions that form protrusions provided on the apparatus body 3 side. ) 307b. Both the first and second cam pins 307a and 307b are formed of stepped screws. The first and second cam pins 307a and 307b have the following forms as shown in FIGS. The first and second cam pins 307a and 307b pass through pressure members 305a and 305b, a plate spring 303, a first cam groove 301a of the cam plate 301, and a slide arm 309, which will be described later, The first spacer 311 is fixed to the screw holes 311a and 311b.

  (7) The hinge part 300R includes pressure members 305a and 305b. The pressurizing members 305a and 35b have the following forms as shown in FIGS. In the present embodiment, the pressure members 305a and 305b are coil springs, and when fixed by the first and second cam pins 307a and 307b, the springs 303, cam plate 301, and slide arm 309 are contacted by their elasticity. Increases surface friction. The first and second cam pins 307a and 307b compress and hold the pressure members 305a and 305b with the leaf spring 303 by the flange-shaped portions 307a1 and 307b1. As a result, an appropriate resistance force is generated in the slide / tilt operation of the display / input unit 101 to prevent an inadvertent slide / tilt operation.

  In the embodiment, coil springs are used as the pressure members 305a and 305b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a member having an elastic member and shape such as a bent scissor-shaped leaf spring, a spring washer, and a wave washer as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the left hinge part 300L has a symmetrical form with the right hinge part 300R. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the left hinge portion 300L includes a cam plate 302, a leaf spring 304, a slide arm 310, a first spacer 312, a second spacer 314, and first and second cam pins 308a and 308b. Have The left hinge 300L includes pressure members 306a and 306b, a first spacer 312, a second spacer 314, a screw 316 for fixing the slide arm 310, and a screw 318 for fixing the cam plate 302. The slide arm 310 is attached to the bent portion 202 b on the left side of the fixing member 202.

4). Operation Next, the slide / tilt operation of the display / input unit 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 does not illustrate the display / input unit 101 fixed to the operation unit stay 322, but the display / input unit 101 moves integrally with the operation unit stay 322 illustrated in FIG. .

  The first and second cam pins 307a and 307b are restrained in the horizontal direction in the first cam groove 301a of the cam plate 301 from the storage position shown in FIG. Therefore, the display / input unit 101 cannot rotate. In the retracted position, the second cam pin 307b hits one end (front side) 301a2 of the first cam groove 301a, and in the maximum extended position, the first cam pin 307a is the other (rear) of the first cam groove 301a. The side) end 301a1.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 (b), 11 (c), and 14 (a) to 14 (c), the display / input unit 101 has the second cam pin 307b only at the maximum extended position. It becomes possible to enter the second cam groove 301b side with the first cam pin 307a abutting against one end 301a1 of the first cam groove 301a as the center of rotation. That is, the operation unit 11 can be rotated so as to tilt in a direction (downward) for shielding the paper discharge tray 5 from the operation side at the position pulled out to the operation side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the display / input unit 101 is rotated, the projection 303a of the leaf spring 303 is fitted into the square holes 301c and 301d of the cam plate 301, and a click feeling is obtained. At the same time, the protrusion 303a is prevented from falling off due to the elasticity of the leaf spring 303 itself and the pressure applied by the pressure members 305a and 305b. For this reason, the tilt angle of the display / input unit 101 can be held.

  Further, when the display / input unit 101 is slid from the storage position shown in FIG. 11A to the maximum drawer position shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the stopper 319 passes through protrusions 313c and 313d provided on the inner side in the vicinity of both ends of the groove 313a of the second spacer 313, and a click feeling is obtained. As a result, the slide position is clarified and the display / input unit 101 can be restricted from moving inadvertently.

  As described above, the display / input unit 101 moves smoothly in the front-rear direction and is supported at a predetermined inclination angle at the maximum pull-out position, so that operability is improved.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 3 with the operation surface facing upward in order to operate the apparatus main body 3 and the apparatus main body 3 to operate the apparatus main body 3. And an operation unit 11. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 11 can be pulled out to the operating side and can be rotated so that the operating surface is directed to the operating side at the pulled-out position. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a slide and hinge mechanism 300 (300L, 300R) that supports the operation unit 11 so as to be movable in the pulling-out direction and the rotating direction. The slide and hinge mechanism 300 has protrusions 307 provided on the apparatus main body side at both ends of the operation unit 11 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the pulling-out direction. The slide and hinge mechanism 300 has a plate-like cam member 301 as follows. That is, the plate-like cam member 301 is fixed to the both end portions of the operation portion 11, and the projection portion 307 moves in each of them, so that the operation portion 11 moves in the pulling direction and the rotation direction. The groove part 301 which prescribes | regulates is formed.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the groove portion 301 includes a linear first cam groove 301a and a first end portion 301a1 of the first cam groove 301a formed so as to merge with the first cam groove 301a. And an arcuate second cam groove 301b centered at the center. In particular, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 307 has first and second protrusions 307a and 307b arranged along the pulling-out direction. When the operation unit 11 is pulled out, the first and second protrusions 307a and 307b move in the first cam groove 301a (in the first cam groove). In addition, when the operation portion 11 is in the pulled-out position, the first protrusion 307a abuts on the first end 301a1 of the first cam groove 301a, and the second protrusion 307b is the second cam. Enter the groove 301b. As a result, the plate-like cam member 301 rotates around the first protrusion 307a.

  Further, in this embodiment, the slide and hinge mechanism 300 is disposed on the both ends of the operation unit 11 and is slidably engaged with the fixing member 202 on the apparatus main body side along the pulling direction. Have The first and second protrusions 307 a and 307 b are fixed to the slide member 309. In this embodiment, the slide and hinge mechanism 300 includes holes 303c and 303d through which the first and second protrusions 307a and 307b pass, and sandwiches the plate-like cam member 301 with the slide member 309. A clamping member 303 is provided. In the present embodiment, the slide and hinge mechanism 300 includes the first and second protrusions 307 a and 307 b for applying pressure for clamping the plate-like cam member 301 between the clamping member 303 and the sliding member 309. Pressure members 305a and 305b held by In this embodiment, the plate-like cam member 301 is concentric with the center of the arc of the second cam groove 301b and has a plurality of holes provided at different angular positions with respect to the central axis of the first cam groove 301a. 301c and 301d. In this embodiment, the clamping member 303 has a protrusion 303a that engages with the plurality of holes 301c and 301d. When the operation unit 11 is rotated, the protrusion 303a of the clamping member 303 is fitted into the holes 301c and 301d of the plate-like cam member 301, and the angular position of the operation unit 11 is restricted. In the present embodiment, the corner portion sandwiched between the first cam groove 301a and the second cam groove 301b of the plate-like cam member 301 is chamfered.

5. Next, a method for accommodating the bundled wire connecting the operation unit 11 and the control unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 3 will be described.

  Here, in the case of the slide mechanism described in Patent Document 1 described above with reference to FIG. 23, when the operation unit 500 is pulled out, a bundled line 511 connecting the operation unit 500 and the control unit of the apparatus main body is connected to the operation unit. Arrange it so that it hangs down. Therefore, the elongated opening 510 provided in the housing of the apparatus main body that penetrates the bundled wire 511 and the slide mechanism itself are exposed as an appearance. Therefore, the appearance is complicated, and in some cases, it may be unsightly.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the extra length portion of the bundled wire is moved according to the movement of the operation unit with the configuration described below.

  16, 17, and 18 are explanatory diagrams of the movement of the bundle line when the operation unit 11 is viewed from below. In particular, FIG. 16 shows the display / input unit 101 in the stowed position with the support unit 201. FIG. 17 shows the display / input unit 101 in the storage position with the bundled cover described later removed. FIG. 18 shows the display / input unit 101 in a state where it is at the maximum drawer position together with the support unit 201 with a bundled wire cover to be described later removed.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 to 17, the display / input unit 101 is integrally provided with a handle 121 on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the front side end of the left and right center portion of the lower cover 250 which is a part of the housing. Is formed. The handle portion 121 is formed with a recess 121a that allows the operator's fingers to be hooked. Further, the support unit 201 has a notch 211 formed in an arrangement and shape corresponding to the handle 121.

  2 forms the casing surface of the apparatus main body 3 so as to be continuous with the side surface of the operation unit 11 on the side to be operated. For this reason, the vertical path portion cover 10 is also formed with a recess 10a serving as an entry path for fingers toward the recess 121a of the handle portion 121.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the fixing member 202 of the support unit 201 disposed on the lower surface of the operation unit 11 and the right end portion on the front side of the cover 320 are respectively introduced portions for allowing the bundled wires 131 to pass therethrough. 202c and 320a are formed.

  One end of the bundle 131 that electrically connects the control unit of the apparatus main body 3 and the display / input unit 101 passes through the introduction parts 320a and 202c of the support unit 201 from the top to the bottom, and then controls the apparatus main body 3 below. Connected to the department. The other end of the bundle 131 passes through the introduction portions 202 c and 320 a of the support unit 201 from the bottom to the top and enters the display / input unit 101. On the lower surface (bottom surface) of the fixing member 202 adjacent to the introduction portion 202c of the support unit 201, the bundle 131 is held by the fixing member 202 by the bundle holding member 202d (FIGS. 9, 16, and 18).

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the bundle 131 entering the display / input unit 101 is a space formed by a depression of the lower cover 250 below the start key 103, the stop key 104, and the number / alphabet key 105. It is accommodated in the accommodating part 250f which is. These start key 103, stop key 104, and number / alphabet key 105 are on the right side of the display / input unit 101. In particular, in this embodiment, the bundled wire 131 is formed after the outer periphery of the guide rib 250c, which is a cylindrical protrusion provided on the lower cover 250, so as to protrude in the housing portion 250f, substantially loops around the outer periphery of the guide rib 250c. The control board 401 is connected via a connector 131a.

  The loop-like extra length portion of the bundle 131 in the state where the display / input unit 101 shown in FIG. 17 is in the storage position is narrowed in the state where the display / input unit 101 shown in FIG. In this way, it is absorbed by a predetermined length. Then, when the angle of the display / input unit 101 is changed at the maximum drawing position, the remaining extra length is absorbed. As described above, the length of the bundled wire 131 is defined so as not to hinder the movement of the display / input unit 101. The accommodating portion 250f constitutes a moving space for the extra length portion of the bundle 131.

  Further, the bundled wire 131 is fixed to the lower cover 250 by the bundled wire holding member 131b in the vicinity of the connector 131a in the housing portion 250f so that a load is not applied to the connector 131a when the display / input unit 101 slides.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the bundle cover 251 is attached to the lower cover 250 with the bundle 131 connected to the apparatus body 3 and the display / input unit 101 as described above. The bundled cover 251 is attached by inserting the claw portion 251a into the engaging portions 250a and 250b of the lower cover 250 and hooking the elastic engaging claw 251b on the notch portion 250e of the lower cover 250. The bundled wire cover 251 closes the accommodating portion 250f so as to open an opening (moving groove) 252 described later.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the bundled line accompanying the slide of the display / input unit 101. FIG. 19A shows a state where the display / input unit 101 is in the storage position as viewed from below, and FIG. 19B shows a state where the display / input unit 101 is in the maximum pull-out position as viewed from below. Indicates.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 10, in a state where the bundle wire cover 251 is closed, a part of the bundle wire 131 is a space formed by the depression of the lower cover 250 and the end portion 251 c of the bundle wire cover 251. It is possible to move freely in the opening (moving groove) 252. The depression of the lower cover 250 that forms the opening 252 is a part of the housing portion 250f.

  The bundle line 131 changes the tilt angle by the display / input unit 101 moving horizontally with respect to the support unit 201 and rotating at the maximum drawing position. In this process, since one end of the bundle wire 131 is held by the fixing member 202 by the bundle wire holding member 202d, the bundle wire 131 is pulled in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 18 and is wound around the guide rib 250c in the opening 252. To move. On the other hand, when the display / input unit 101 moves from the maximum drawing position to the storage position, the bundle 131 moves in the counterclockwise direction opposite to the arrow in FIG. 18 due to its own elasticity, as shown in FIG. Return to state.

  Thus, the bundle 131 has a sufficient extra length in a loop shape in the lower space of the start key 103, the stop key 104, and the number / alphabet key 105. Therefore, in the horizontal movement operation and the tilt operation of the display / input unit 101, the horizontal movement operation and the tilt operation are smoothly performed, and the operability is improved.

  When the display / input unit 101 is held in the storage position by the support unit 201, the display / input unit 101 can be easily pulled out from the support unit 201 by accessing the handle 121. Further, when the display / input unit 101 is at the maximum pull-out position, the tilt angle of the display / input unit 101 can be arbitrarily changed by hooking a finger on the handle portion 121. Even when the operation unit 11 is installed at a high position, the handle 121 is provided on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the lower cover 250 of the operation unit 11, so that an operation with a low gaze such as a short stature or a wheelchair user is performed. Even a person can easily perform a slide operation and a tilt operation.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the housing for accommodating the extra length portion of the bundled wire 131 having one end connected to the operation unit 11 and the other end connected to the apparatus main body 3 inside the casing of the operation unit 11. Part 250f. Further, in the present embodiment, the bundle 131 is accommodated by forming a loop in the accommodating portion 250f (inside the accommodating portion). In particular, in this embodiment, a cylindrical protrusion 250c around which the loop of the bundled wire 131 is wound is formed in the housing portion 250f.

6). Effects As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) Since the hinge mechanism having a plate-like cam member is arranged on both the left and right sides of the operation unit, the hinge mechanism can be thinned, and the arrangement of the liquid crystal display unit and the substrate unit at the left and right center of the operation unit is affected. The thickness of the operation unit itself can be reduced.

  (2) Since hinge mechanisms with plate-like cam members are arranged at the left and right ends of the operation unit, the hinge mechanism can be operated even when the operator presses buttons such as numbers / alphabet keys near the left and right ends of the operation unit. The part can be supported at both left and right ends, and the play can be reduced.

  (3) The bundling line connecting the operation unit and the control unit of the device main body should avoid the lower part of the liquid crystal display unit that needs to be thick and create a loop in the space below the operation unit such as numeric / alphabet keys. Arranged. Further, the bundled wire passes through the lower surface from the front end surface of the housing (fixing member) of the apparatus main body. Therefore, when the operation unit is pulled out, the housing of the apparatus main body can be covered with a casing (cover) in the form of a tray that does not have an opening, which is preferable in appearance. In this embodiment, since the hinge mechanisms having the plate-like cam members are arranged at the left and right ends of the operation unit, it is easy to secure a wide space below the operation unit, and the bundled wire storage unit is provided on the operation unit side. It becomes easy.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained. Since the operation unit is rotated so that the operation surface faces the front for the first time when the operation unit is pulled out to the front side, it is possible to secure a space in the housing of the apparatus body without bending to a position where the operation unit does not interfere with the rotation operation unit. . In addition, since the operation unit is rotated at the position where the operation unit is pulled out to the front side so that the operation surface faces frontward, both visibility and operability of the operation unit can be improved.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the configuration in which the operation unit can be erected so that the operation surface is directed toward the operation side, the space inside the housing of the apparatus main body is effectively utilized, and the visibility and operability of the operation unit are achieved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the operation unit and to prevent rattling during operation.

Example 2
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, elements having the same functions or configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a state in which the operation unit 11 in the present embodiment is rotated downward.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that the slide arms 309 and 310 of the left and right hinge portions 300R and 300L in the first embodiment are replaced with the slide arm 330 as an integral part. That is, in the present embodiment, the slide arm 330 includes the left and right slide arm portions 330a and 330b corresponding to the left and right hinge portions 300R and 300L of the slide arm 309 and 310, respectively, and the connecting portion 330c that connects them. And are integrally formed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the slide members 309 arranged on both ends of the operation unit 11 are connected and integrated by the connection unit 330c.

  By using the slide arm 330 as an integral part in this way, when the display / input unit 101 is slid, even if a force is applied to a portion other than the central portion on the left and right, the force is distributed to the left and right. Therefore, an effect is obtained in which the display / input unit 101 can be prevented from sliding while being tilted.

  In this embodiment, the slide arm 330 is formed as an integral part. However, even if the slide arms 309 and 310 in the first embodiment are connected and fixed by a connecting member which is a separate part, this book The same effect as the embodiment can be obtained.

Example 3
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, elements having the same functions or configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 21 shows the display / input unit 101 in the storage position in the present embodiment with the bundle cover 251 and a pulley described later removed.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that a pulley 253 is added instead of the guide rib 250c (FIGS. 17 and 18) provided on the lower cover 250 in the first embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, a rotatable pulley 253 around which the loop of the bundle wire 131 is wound is provided in the housing portion 250f.

  The pulley 253 has a radius that is greater than the minimum bending radius at which the bundled wire 131 does not break, such as disconnection. The pulley 253 is mounted in the accommodating portion 250f of the lower cover 250 as follows. That is, the rotary shaft 250d provided in the lower cover 250 is rotatably fitted in the center hole 253a of the pulley 253, and the bundle 131 is wound around the outer peripheral groove 253b of the pulley 253 counterclockwise in FIG. Thereafter, by attaching the bundle wire cover 251 to the lower cover 250, the pulley 253 is rotatably held between the lower cover 250 and the bundle wire cover 251.

  Thereby, in the horizontal movement operation and tilt operation of the display / input unit 101, even if tension is applied to the bundle wire 131, the bundle wire 131 does not become the minimum bending radius or less, and the pulley 253 rotates. The effect which can prevent the coating | coated part damage by friction etc. is acquired.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated according to the specific Example, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Example. As long as the operation portion is rotated after being pulled out, the present invention can be implemented in another embodiment in which a part or all of the configuration of the above-described embodiment is replaced with the alternative configuration. Further, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, but can also be implemented by an inkjet image forming apparatus. The present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus that uses an intermediate transfer belt, and can also be implemented in an image forming apparatus that transfers a toner image to a recording material carried on a recording material conveyance belt. The present invention can be implemented not only in a tandem type in which a plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged along the belt member but also in a single drum type in which one photosensitive drum is arranged.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Operation part 101 Display / input unit 121 Handle part 131 Bundled wire 201 Support unit 202 Fixing member 252 Opening part 300 Hinge part 301, 302 Cam plate 303, 304 Leaf spring 305, 306 Pressurizing member 307, 308 Cam pin 309, 310 Slide Arm 311, 312 First spacer 313, 314 Second spacer 319 Stopper 322 Operation unit stay PY, PM, PC, PK Image forming unit

Claims (11)

An apparatus main body that forms an image on a recording material; and an operation unit that is attached to the apparatus main body with an operation surface facing upward to operate the apparatus main body, and the operation unit is pulled out to an operation side. In the image forming apparatus capable of rotating the operation surface toward the operation side at the pulled-out position,
A slide and hinge mechanism for supporting the operation unit so as to be movable in the pull-out direction and the rotation direction, provided at the apparatus main body side at both ends of the operation unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pull-out direction. A protrusion and a groove portion that is fixed to the both end portions of the operation portion and that defines the moving direction of the operation portion in the pulling direction and the rotation direction are formed by moving the protrusion in each of them. An image forming apparatus comprising a slide and hinge mechanism including a plate-shaped cam member. The groove portion includes a linear first cam groove and an arc-shaped second cam centered on a first end portion of the first cam groove formed so as to merge with the first cam groove. And a cam groove
The protrusion has first and second protrusions arranged along the pull-out direction,
When the operation portion is pulled out, the first and second protrusions move in the first cam groove, and when the operation portion is in the pulled-out position, the first cam groove The plate-like cam member is centered on the first protrusion by the first protrusion abutting against the first end and the second protrusion entering the second cam groove. To rotate,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The slide and hinge mechanism includes a slide member that is disposed on both ends of the operation unit and that engages with a fixing member on the apparatus main body side so as to be movable along the pull-out direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second protrusion is fixed to the slide member.   The slide and hinge mechanism has a hole through which the first and second protrusions pass, and a clamp member that clamps the plate-like cam member between the slide member, the clamp member, and the slide member 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a pressure member that is held by the first and second protrusions for applying a pressure to sandwich the plate-like cam member between the first and second protrusions. apparatus.   The plate-like cam member has a plurality of holes concentric with the arc center of the second cam groove and provided at different angular positions with respect to the central axis of the first cam groove, and the clamping member Has projections that engage with the plurality of holes, and when the operation unit is rotated, the projections of the clamping member fit into the holes of the plate-like cam member, and the operation unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the angle position is regulated.   The corner portion sandwiched between the first cam groove and the second cam groove of the plate-like cam member is chamfered, according to any one of claims 2 to 5. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the slide members disposed on both ends of the operation unit are connected and integrated by a connecting unit.   2. A housing portion for housing a surplus length portion of a bundled wire having one end connected to the operation portion and the other end connected to the apparatus main body inside the casing of the operation portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the bundled wire is housed in a loop formed in the housing portion.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a cylindrical protrusion around which the loop of the bundled wire is wound is formed in the housing portion.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a rotatable pulley around which the loop of the bundled wire is wound.

Images