JP2014225033A - Input device and image forming apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device configured to prevent damage to a projection part which protrudes from a predetermined state of an input operation unit, and to provide an image forming apparatus including the same.SOLUTION: An input device includes an input operation unit which is disposed to rock with respect to a device body via a tilt mechanism and receives an input operation. The input device includes a projection part which can protrude from a predetermined state of the input operation unit. When the projection part protrudes from the predetermined state, the tilt mechanism is locked.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device and an image forming apparatus that can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus including an input device in which an input operation unit that receives an input operation is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the apparatus main body via a tilt mechanism is known (for example, a patent). References 1-3).

Further, a projecting portion that can project from a predetermined predetermined state of the input operation unit (specifically, a slide device that is stored in the storage position of the apparatus main body, and that can slide by projecting from the storage position) More specifically, an image forming apparatus including an input device provided with an operation panel slidable with respect to the apparatus main body is also conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

JP 2009-290432 A JP 2009-204639 A JP 2009-139880 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-258484

In view of such background art, in an input device in which an input operation unit that receives an input operation is provided so as to be able to swing with respect to the apparatus main body via a tilt mechanism, the protruding portion protrudes from a predetermined state (specifically specifically in the case that protrude from the retracted position the slide apparatus to the input operation unit) is, there is the following problem.

That is, in such an input device and an image forming apparatus including the input device, the input operation unit is tilted in a state where the protruding portion protrudes from a predetermined state (specifically, the sliding device protrudes from the storage position ). Oscillates, the projecting portion (specifically, the slide device ) comes into contact with each part of the apparatus main body, and the projecting portion (specifically, the slide device ) is damaged.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a (breakage of the slide apparatus when sliding device protrudes from the storage position in particular) projecting portion of the damage when the projecting portion projects from the predetermined state of the input operation section An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can be prevented and an image forming apparatus including the same.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an input device in which an input operation unit that receives an input operation is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the apparatus body via a tilt mechanism, and the input operation unit is predetermined. protruding portion that is capable protrude from a predetermined state (while specifically stored in the storage position of the input operation unit, a slide device which is capable projected to slide from the retracted position) wherein the protrusion Provided is an input device characterized in that the tilt mechanism is locked when a portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, when the slide device protrudes from the storage position ). . The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus comprising the input device according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, when the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, when the slide device protrudes from the storage position ), the tilt mechanism is locked. In a state where the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, a state where the slide device protrudes from the storage position ) , the input operation portion is fixed without being swung by the tilt mechanism. Therefore, the protruding portion (specifically, the slide device ) does not come into contact with each part of the device main body. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent the protrusion (specifically, the slide device ) from being damaged.

  The slide device may be any device as long as it can be stored and used in the input operation unit. Examples of the slide device include a key input operation device having a keyboard and a reading device (specifically, a card reader) for reading a recording medium such as an IC card.

In the present invention, detection means for detecting whether or not the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, detection means for detecting whether or not the slide device protrudes from the storage position ) , It is preferable to include a lock device that locks the tilt mechanism. In this case, the aspect which operates the said locking device based on the detection result of the said detection means can be illustrated.

In this specific matter, it is possible to easily detect whether or not the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state by the detecting means (specifically, whether or not the slide device protrudes from the storage position ) and the lock. The tilt mechanism can be reliably locked by the device.

  In the present invention, the locking device includes an engaging part for locking the movable member in the tilt mechanism, an engaging part for engaging the engaging part, and a drive part for driving the engaging part. Can be illustrated.

  With this specific matter, the locking device can be easily realized with a simple configuration including the engaging portion, the locking portion, and the driving portion.

Examples of the detection means include the following modes (a) and (b). That is,
In the aspect (a), the detection means detects the presence / absence of light from the light emitting unit by the displacement of the light emitting unit that emits light and the operation of the projecting unit (specifically, the sliding operation of the slide device ). It is an aspect containing the photosensor provided with the light-receiving part.

In this specific matter, by using the photosensor including the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, it is determined whether or not the protruding unit protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, the slide device is in the storage position). can be simply and easily to detect whether or not) projecting from become. In addition, a generally used photosensor can be used as the photosensor, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

In the aspect (b), the detection means is an automatic return type in which the ON state or the OFF state is maintained only while the detection unit is pressed by the pressing force by the operation of the projecting portion (specifically, the sliding operation of the sliding device ). It is an aspect including a push switch.

In this specific matter, by using the automatic return type push switch, it is determined whether or not the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, whether or not the sliding device protrudes from the storage position ) . It becomes possible to detect easily and easily. In addition, a generally used push switch can be used as the automatic return push switch, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

In the present invention, there is provided a lock mechanism that locks the tilt mechanism in conjunction with a protruding operation in which the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, a protruding operation in which the slide device protrudes from the storage position ). May be.

In this specific matter, the tilt mechanism is locked in conjunction with a projecting operation in which the projecting portion projects from the predetermined state by the lock mechanism (specifically, a projecting operation in which the slide device projects from the storage position ) . Therefore, it is possible to omit detection means for detecting whether or not the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, detection means for detecting whether or not the slide device protrudes from the storage position ). Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the cost.

In the present invention, the lock mechanism includes an engaging portion for locking the movable member in the tilt mechanism, an engaging portion for engaging the engaging portion, and the protruding portion (specifically, the slide device ). The aspect provided with the interlocking | linkage part which engages the said latching | locking part with the said engaging part in conjunction with the said protrusion operation | movement of can be illustrated.

  With this specific matter, the locking mechanism can be easily realized with a simple configuration including the engaging portion, the locking portion, and the interlocking portion.

In the present invention, the projecting portion is a slide device that can slide and project from the predetermined state, and the interlocking portion is rotated by the slide operation of the slide device and is rotated by the slide operation. Along with this, it is possible to exemplify an aspect including a rotation mechanism that rotates the locking portion.

  In this specific matter, the rotation mechanism can easily convert the slide operation of the slide device into the engagement operation (rotation operation) of the locking portion, and thereby the projecting operation of the slide device. It is possible to easily configure the interlocking portion that interlocks and engages the locking portion with the engaging portion.

In the present invention, the projecting portion may be a slide device that is slidable from the predetermined state and includes a slide mechanism that slidably supports the slide device with respect to the input operation unit. Good. In this case, the aspect which serves as a part of structural member with the said slide mechanism and the said lock mechanism can be illustrated.

  In this specific matter, since the slide mechanism and the lock mechanism also serve as part of the constituent members, the number of parts can be reduced while maintaining the functions of both the slide mechanism and the lock mechanism, It is possible to simplify the device configuration, reduce the device size, and reduce the device cost.

As described above, according to the present invention, the tilt mechanism is locked when the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, when the slide device protrudes from the storage position ). Therefore, in a state where the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state (specifically, a state where the slide device protrudes from the storage position ) , the input operation portion is not swung by the tilt mechanism. since the state of being fixed to, projecting portion (specifically, the slide device) without contacts to each part of the apparatus main body, by which, projecting portion of (specifically, the slide system) It becomes possible to prevent damage.

1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus including an image reading device as an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 1A is a left side view of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the image forming apparatus. FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views showing an image reading apparatus in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 1A shows a state where an input operation unit is at a first operation position, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which exists in a storage position, (c) is a figure which shows the state which has an input operation part in the 2nd operation position between a 1st operation position and a storage position. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a display unit of an input operation unit in the image reading apparatus, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a part of the display unit in the input operation unit, and FIG. It is a front view which shows the display screen. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the slide apparatus in the image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 1, Comprising: (a) is a figure which shows the state in which the slide apparatus is stored in the storing position, (b) is a slide apparatus stored. It is a figure which shows the state which protrudes from a position and is located in a protrusion position. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the slide apparatus in an image reading apparatus, Comprising: (a) is a perspective view which shows the state in which the slide apparatus is located in the protrusion position from the input operation part of an image reading apparatus, (b) ) Is a front view showing a keyboard in the slide device. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the slide mechanism in which a slide apparatus slide-moves in steps with respect to an input operation part. FIG. 7 is a left side view for explaining inconveniences in the case where there is no tilt mechanism lock configuration in an image reading apparatus including an input operation unit, a tilt mechanism, and a slide device, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the input operation part rock | fluctuates in the state which protrudes, (b) is a figure which shows the state which the slide apparatus protruded from the storing position is contacting the apparatus main body. It is the schematic front view which looked at the detection part which is an example of the detection means provided in the input operation part and the slide apparatus from the top, Comprising: (a) is a figure which shows the state in which the slide apparatus is stored in the storage position. (B) is a figure which shows the state which the slide apparatus protrudes from the storing position. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the input operation part and slide apparatus in which the detection part shown in FIG. 9 was provided, (a) is a figure which shows the state in which the slide apparatus is stored in the storage position, (b) These are figures which show the state which the slide apparatus protrudes from the storing position. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the locking device provided in the input operation part. FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating an example of a control system in the image reading apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is the schematic front view which looked at the detection part which is another example of the detection means provided in the input operation part and the slide apparatus from the top, Comprising: (a) shows the state by which the slide apparatus is stored in the storing position. It is a figure and (b) is a figure which shows the state which the slide apparatus protrudes from the storing position. FIG. 3 is a system block diagram illustrating another example of a control system in the image reading apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation control by a control unit of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the lock mechanism provided in the input operation part and the slide apparatus, Comprising: The figure which shows the state by which the slide apparatus is stored in the storing position, and the lock state of the tilt mechanism is cancelled | released by the lock mechanism It is. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the lock mechanism provided in the input operation part and the slide apparatus, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the state which the slide apparatus protrudes from a storing position and the tilt mechanism is locked by the lock mechanism. It is the schematic sectional drawing which looked at the 2nd rotation member and its peripheral part in a rotation mechanism from the top.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus 1 including an image reading device 2 as an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  1 includes an image reading device 2 that reads an image of a document, and an image that records and forms an image of the document read by the image reading device 2 or an image received from the outside on a recording sheet such as a recording sheet. A forming unit 3, a sheet conveying system 4 that conveys a recording sheet, and a control unit 50 (see FIGS. 12 and 14 described later) for controlling the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1 are provided.

  The image forming unit 3 includes various units and various devices (not shown) for forming an image by an electrophotographic image forming process. The sheet conveying system 4 includes a paper feed tray 4a, a manual paper feed tray 4b, and a discharge tray 4c.

  The image reading apparatus 2 is incorporated in the apparatus main body 1 a of the image forming apparatus 1 above the image forming unit 3. In the image forming unit 3, the entire original image read by the image reading device 2 is sent as image data to the image forming unit 3 of the image forming device 1, and the image formed by the image forming unit 3 based on the image data. Is recorded on the recording sheet.

  The image reading apparatus 2 is provided such that the input operation unit 6 can swing with respect to the apparatus main body 2a via a tilt mechanism 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 described later).

(Tilt mechanism)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 2A shows a left side view of the image forming apparatus 1, and FIG. 2B shows a front view of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the image reading device 2 in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state where the input operation unit 6 is in the first operation position, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the input operation unit 6 is in the storage position. ) Shows a state where the input operation unit 6 is in the second operation position between the first operation position and the storage position.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image reading apparatus 2 includes an input operation unit (specifically, an input operation panel) 6 that receives an input operation of various setting information and information for operating each function of the entire apparatus. And a tilt mechanism 10 for attaching the input operation unit 6 to the apparatus main body 2a of the image reading apparatus 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the width direction (sub-scanning direction) Y. The input operation unit 6 also functions as an input operation unit of the image forming apparatus 1.

  One end of the input operation unit 6 is rotatably supported by the tilt mechanism 10 at the front end in the depth direction (main scanning direction) X of the upper part of the apparatus main body 2a. In other words, the image reading apparatus 2 can change the tilt in the vertical direction Z of the input operation unit 6 by a swing operation to the input operation unit 6 by an operator such as a user.

  In the present embodiment, the input operation unit 6 is held in an inclined posture stepwise by a holding mechanism (not shown). That is, in the image reading apparatus 2, the input operation unit 6 is rotated stepwise by an operator's swing operation to the input operation unit 6. Here, the input operation unit 6 includes the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2a within a range (specifically, 13.5 ° to 83.5 °) of a predetermined angle θ (see FIG. 3) with respect to the upper surface 2b of the apparatus main body 2a. The first operation position (see FIG. 3A) at the smallest angle (specifically 13.5 °) with respect to 2b and the storage at the largest angle (specifically 83.5 °) The position (see FIG. 3B) and the second operation position (see FIG. 3C) at an angle between them (for example, 48.5 ° near the center) are inclined in a plurality of stages. ing.

  Specifically, the tilt mechanism 10 includes a rotation support shaft 11 along the width direction Y and a bearing portion 12 that rotatably supports the rotation support shaft 11.

The rotation support shaft 11 has an input operation section on the other side (left side in FIG. 2B) when viewed from the front side with the base end side facing the one side (right side in FIG. 2B) as viewed from the front. 6 is cantilevered. The bearing unit 12 is a pair of bearing units 12 and 12 provided on both sides in the width direction Y of the apparatus main body 2 a of the image reading apparatus 2. The tilt mechanism 10 is configured such that a rotation support shaft 11 provided on the input operation unit 6 side is rotatably inserted into bearing units 12 and 12 provided on the apparatus main body 2a side.

  Further, protrusions (not shown) that can be retracted inward are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces corresponding to the bearing portions 12, 12 at both ends of the rotary support shaft 11, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the bearing portions 12, 12 are provided. Are provided with a plurality of receiving portions (not shown) for receiving the protruding portions. These protrusions and receiving parts constitute a holding mechanism (not shown) that holds the tilted posture of the input operation unit 6 in a stepwise manner.

  The input operation unit 6 includes a display unit 61 (see also FIGS. 12 and 14) that is connected to the output system of the control unit 50 and displays display information.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display unit 61 of the input operation unit 6 in the image reading apparatus 2. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a portion of the display unit 61 in the input operation unit 6, and FIG. 4B is a front view showing a display screen 61 a in the display unit 61.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 61 is a display panel having a display screen 61 a capable of displaying display information (see FIG. 4B) such as input contents and the operation status of the entire apparatus. . A typical example of the display panel is a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. Here, the display screen 61a of the display unit 61 is provided with a touch panel that receives a touch operation by an operator. This touch panel acts as the input operation device 62 (see FIGS. 12 and 14). The image reading apparatus 2 further includes a slide device (here, a key input operation device) 20 that is stored in a storage position inside the input operation unit 6 and that can slide out from the storage position. Yes.

(About slide device)
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the slide device 20 in the image reading device 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows a state in which the slide device 20 is stored in the storage position, and FIG. 5B shows a state in which the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position and is located at the protrusion position. ing. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the slide device 20 in the image reading device 2. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a state in which the slide device 20 is located at the protruding position from the input operation unit 6 of the image reading device 2, and FIG. 6B shows the keyboard 21 in the slide device 20. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the slide device 20 is an input operation device that can be operated by a key input by an operator, and includes a keyboard 21 (see FIG. 6B).

  The image reading device 2 includes a slide mechanism 22 that supports the slide device 20 to be slidable with respect to the input operation unit 6. The slide mechanism 22 includes a pair of slide mechanisms 22 and 22 provided at both ends in the width direction T perpendicular to the slide direction S and the thickness direction W, and includes a pair of fixed slide portions 22a and 22a and a pair of intermediate portions. Slide portions 22b and 22b and a pair of support slide portions 22c and 22c are provided. 5 and 6, only one side of the pair of slide mechanisms 22, 22 is shown, and the other side is not shown.

  The fixed slide portions 22 a and 22 a are provided to be fixed to both end portions 6 a and 6 a in the width direction T inside the input operation portion 6. The intermediate slide portions 22b and 22b are slidable between the one side (back side) S1 and the other side (front side) S2 along the slide direction S with respect to the fixed slide portions 22a and 22a. The support slide portions 22c and 22c support both end portions 20a and 20a in the width direction T of the slide device 20, and one side (back side) S1 and the other side along the slide direction S with respect to the intermediate slide portion 22b. (Front side) Slidable with S2. That is, the image reading device 2 stores the input operation unit 6 from the protruding position to the storage position on one side (back side) S1 in the sliding direction S by the slide operation of the operator on the slide device 20, or the storage position Can be pulled out to the protruding position on the other side (front side) S2 in the sliding direction S.

  In the present embodiment, the slide device 20 is slid in stages with respect to the input operation unit 6 by a slide operation by an operator.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic side view for explaining the slide mechanism 22 in which the slide device 20 slides with respect to the input operation unit 6 in a stepwise manner. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the slide device 20 is stored in the storage position of the input operation unit 6.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the slide mechanism 22 includes a stopper mechanism 23 that holds the slide device 20 in stages so that the slide device 20 does not come out due to its own weight even when the input operation unit 6 is inclined. .

  The stopper mechanism 23 is a pair of stopper mechanisms 23, 23 provided on side surfaces 20 b of both end portions 20 a, 20 a (see FIG. 6A) in the width direction T of the slide device 20. 5 and 6, the stopper mechanisms 23, 23 are not shown. Moreover, in FIG. 7, only one side is shown among a pair of stopper mechanisms 23 and 23, and illustration is abbreviate | omitted about the other side. Further, in FIG. 7, the fixed slide portion 22a, the intermediate slide portion 22b, and the support slide portion 22c are not shown.

  The stopper mechanism 23 includes a slide engagement portion 231 having an uneven surface that is uneven along the slide direction S, and a slide engagement portion 232 that engages the slide engagement portion 231.

  The slide engagement portion 231 includes a first recess 231a, a second recess 231b, a rack gear portion 231c, and an engagement support portion 231d that is elongated in the slide direction S.

  The engagement support portion 231d supports the first and second recesses 231a and 231b and the rack gear portion 231c. The first recess 231a is provided at the end of one side (back side) S1 of the engagement support portion 231d in the sliding direction S. The second recessed portion 231b is provided at the end portion on the other side (front side) S2 of the engagement support portion 231d in the sliding direction S. The rack gear portion 231c is arranged in parallel along the slide direction S.

  The slide locking portion 232 includes a sliding contact portion 232a that makes sliding contact with the uneven surface of the slide engagement portion 231 and an urging portion 232b that biases the sliding contact portion 232a toward the uneven surface of the slide engagement portion 231. ing. Specifically, the sliding contact portion 232a and the biasing portion 232b are formed of an elastic member having elasticity such as a metal member. Specifically, the slidable contact portion 232a and the urging portion 232b are integrally formed and configured by a leaf spring. That is, the slidable contact portion 232a has a curved shape opened on the side opposite to the slide engaging portion 231 side. The urging portion 232b has a plate shape in which one end portion is connected to one end portion of the sliding contact portion 232a, and the other end portion is fixed to and supported by the input operation portion 6.

  Here, the slide locking portion 232 is provided at three locations, that is, an end portion on one side (back side) S1 in the slide direction S, an end portion on the other side (near side) S2, and an intermediate portion in the slide direction S. It has been. Further, the rack gear portion 231c is formed up to the end of one side (back side) S1 in the sliding direction S, and the first and second recesses 231a and 231b deviate from the arrangement position of the rack gear portion 231c in the width direction T. (Specifically, inside the arrangement position of the rack gear portion 231c in the width direction T).

  With this configuration, in the image reading device 2, when the slide device 20 is slid by the operator, the stopper mechanisms 23, 23 have the slide locking portions 232 provided at both ends in the slide direction S. The slide device 20 can be held in the retracted position by the sliding contact portion 232a being locked to the first and second recesses 231a and 231b, respectively. Further, in the image reading device 2, the sliding contact portion 232a of the slide locking portion 232 provided at the end on the near side in the sliding direction S is locked to the first concave portion 231a, so that the slide device 20 is moved to the protruding position. Can be held in. Further, in the image reading device 2, the sliding contact portion 232a of the slide locking portion 232 provided at the intermediate portion in the sliding direction S is locked between any of the gears of the rack gear portion 231c. It can be held between the retracted position and the protruding position.

  Here, the first recess 231a and the second recess 231b have a length in the sliding direction S wider than the gear interval of the rack gear portion 231c and a height of the rack gear portion 231c from the viewpoint of generating a large resting force. The height of the gear is higher. By doing so, the stopper mechanism 23 can more reliably and stably maintain the slide device 20 with the first recess 231a and the second recess 231b than with the rack gear portion 231c.

  As described below, the image reading apparatus 2 including the input operation unit 6, the tilt mechanism 10, and the slide device 20 has the following inconvenience unless the tilt mechanism 10 is locked. is there.

  FIG. 8 is a left side view for explaining inconveniences in the case where the tilt mechanism 10 is not locked in the image reading apparatus 2 including the input operation unit 6, the tilt mechanism 10, and the slide device 20. FIG. 8A shows a state in which the input operation unit 6 is swung while the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position, and FIG. 8B shows a slide device 20 that protrudes from the storage position. Is in contact with the apparatus main body 2a.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the input operation unit 6 is swung by the tilt mechanism 10 with the slide device 20 protruding from the storage position (see FIG. 8A), the slide device 20 is moved to the device main body 2a. The component member α is contacted (see FIG. 8B), and the slide device 20 is damaged.

  Therefore, the image reading apparatus 2 of the present embodiment is configured to lock the tilt mechanism 10 when the slide apparatus 20 protrudes from the storage position.

  Next, the configuration of the first to third embodiments for locking the tilt mechanism 10 when the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position will be described below.

(First embodiment)
The image reading apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a detection unit 30 (an example of a detection unit) that detects whether or not the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position, as illustrated in FIGS. ) And a locking device 40 that locks the tilt mechanism 10.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of a detection unit 30 as an example of detection means provided in the input operation unit 6 and the slide device 20 as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the input operation unit 6 and the slide device 20 provided with the detection unit 30 shown in FIG. FIG. 9A and FIG. 10A show a state in which the slide device 20 is stored at the storage position. FIG. 9B and FIG. 10B show a state where the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view for explaining the locking device 40 provided in the input operation unit 6.

  The detection unit 30 includes a detected unit 31 and a sensor unit 32 that detects the detected unit 31. One of the input operation unit 6 and the slide device 20 (here, the slide device 20) is provided with a detected portion 31 fixed, and the other (here, the input operation unit 6) is provided with a sensor unit 32. Has been provided. The detected part 31 is a detected piece provided at the end of one side (back side) S1 in the sliding direction S of the slide device 20.

  Here, the sensor unit 32 is a transmissive photosensor including a light emitting unit 32a that emits light and a light receiving unit 32b that detects the presence or absence of light from the light emitting unit 32a by displacement due to the sliding operation of the slide device 20. (See FIG. 9).

  Specifically, the sensor unit 32 blocks or passes incident light incident on the light receiving unit 32b from the light emitting unit 32a by the detected unit 31 by the movement of the detected unit 31 accompanying the movement of the slide device 20 in the sliding direction S. Thus, the presence or absence of the incident light is detected by the light receiving unit 32b. The sensor unit 32 is connected to the input system of the control unit 50 (see FIG. 12). The sensor unit 32 may be a reflective photosensor.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the locking device 40 is a pair of locking devices 40, 40 provided at both ends in the width direction T. In FIG. 11, only one side of the pair of locking devices 40, 40 is shown, and the other side is not shown. In FIG. 11, the slide mechanism 22 and the like are not shown.

  The locking device 40 drives the engaging portion 41 for locking the movable member (here, the rotation support shaft 11) in the tilt mechanism 10, the engaging portion 42 for engaging the engaging portion 41, and the engaging portion 42. And a drive unit (specifically, an electromagnetic solenoid) 43 for performing the above operation.

  Specifically, the engaging portion 41 includes a plurality of concave portions 41a,... And a plurality of convex portions 41b,. The engaging portion 41 is provided on at least a portion (here, the entire circumference) corresponding to the rotation range of the input operation portion 6 on the outer peripheral surface of the bearing portion 12 provided on the apparatus main body 2 a side of the image reading device 2. . The locking portion 42 has a tip portion (specifically, a claw) 42 a corresponding to the concave portion 41 a of the engaging portion 41, and can be rotated around a rotation shaft 42 b along the width direction T. Has been. The distal end portion 42a of the locking portion 42 is engaged with any one of the concave portions 41a,. The engaging portion 42 is a movable portion 43a (specifically, a plunger) in which a portion between the rotation shaft 42b and the tip end portion 42a can be reciprocated (movable in the vertical direction in this example). The rotary shaft 42c along the width direction T is provided so as to be rotatable about a fulcrum. The rotation shaft 42 b is fixed to the input operation unit 6. The biasing member 43b is made of an elastic member such as a spring, and biases the movable portion 43a in a direction in which the locking portion 42 is released from the engaging portion 41 (separation direction B1 in the contact / separation direction B). As shown, the drive unit 43 and the locking unit 42 are interposed (specifically, inserted through the movable unit 43a).

  The drive unit 43 is fixed to the input operation unit 6. The drive unit 43 is connected to the output system of the control unit 50 (see FIG. 12), and the front end 42a of the locking unit 42 is engaged with the recess 41a of the engagement unit 41 based on an instruction signal from the control unit 50. It is possible to switch between a locked state to be engaged and an unlocked state in which the tip end portion 42a of the engaging portion 42 is separated from the concave portion 41a of the engaging portion 41. Specifically, when the non-operation signal (off signal) is instructed from the control unit 50, the driving unit 43 rotates the locking unit 42 toward the separation side B1 in the contact / separation direction B by the urging force of the urging member 43b. Move. As a result, the locking device 40 is brought into an unlocked state in which the locking portion 42 does not lock the engaging portion 41. On the other hand, when there is an operation signal (ON signal) instruction from the control unit 50, the drive unit 43 rotates the locking unit 42 in the contact direction B2 in the contact / separation direction B against the urging force of the urging member 43b. Move. Thereby, the locking device 40 is brought into a locked state in which the engaging portion 42 engages the engaging portion 41.

  FIG. 12 is a system block diagram showing an example of a control system in the image reading apparatus 2 shown in FIG.

  The image reading apparatus 2 further includes a control unit 50 that operates the lock device 40 based on the detection result of the detection unit 30.

  The control unit 50 controls the entire image reading apparatus 2 and includes a processing unit 50a such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a rewritable nonvolatile memory. 50b. The ROM can store a control program that is a procedure of processing executed by the processing device 50a. The RAM can provide a work area for work. The nonvolatile memory can back up and hold data necessary for control, and can hold and rewrite various data. The controller 50 is instructed by a main controller (not shown) that controls the entire image forming operation provided in the image forming apparatus 1.

  In the control unit 50, the sensor unit 32 in the detection unit 30, the input operation device (touch panel here) 62 in the input operation unit 6, and the keyboard 21 of the slide device 20 are electrically connected to the input system. In the control unit 50, the display unit 61 in the input operation unit 6 and the drive unit 43 of the lock device 40 that locks the tilt mechanism 10 are electrically connected to the output system. And the control part 50 operates the drive part 43 of the locking device 40 based on the detection result of the detection part 30. FIG.

  The control unit 50 irradiates light from the light emitting unit 32a in the sensor unit 32 to the light receiving unit 32b (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the slide device 20 is in the storage position, and the detected unit 31 is light from the light emitting unit 32a. If the light receiving unit 32b does not receive the light from the light emitting unit 32a (the state shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A), the slide device 20 is stored from the light receiving unit 32b. An output signal (specifically, an off signal) indicating that it is in a position (not receiving light) is transmitted. On the other hand, when the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position and the detected part 31 does not block the light from the light emitting part 32a, that is, the light receiving part 32b receives the light from the light emitting part 32a. In the state of FIG. 9B and FIG. 10B, an output signal (specifically, an ON signal) indicating that the slide device 20 protrudes (receives light) from the storage position from the light receiving portion 32b. ) Is sent. The control unit 50 detects whether or not the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position based on an output signal (specifically, an off signal or an on signal) indicating the storage state of the slide device 20 received from the light receiving unit 32b. It has become.

  When the detection unit 30 detects that the slide device 20 is in the storage position, the control unit 50 switches the lock device 40 to the unlocked state, and the detection unit 30 causes the slide device 20 to protrude from the storage position. When it is detected that the lock device 40 is present, the lock device 40 is switched to the locked state.

(Second Embodiment)
The image reading apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a detection unit 70 (another example of detection means) instead of the detection unit 30 in the first embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a detection unit 70 as another example of detection means provided in the input operation unit 6 and the slide device 20 as viewed from above. FIG. 13A shows a state where the slide device 20 is stored in the storage position. FIG. 13B shows a state in which the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the detection unit 70 includes a detected unit 71 and a switch unit 72 that detects the detected unit 71. One of the input operation unit 6 and the slide device 20 (here, the slide device 20) is provided with a detected portion 71, and the other (here, the input operation unit 6) is provided with a switch unit 72. . The detected portion 71 is provided at the end on the back side S <b> 1 in the sliding direction S of the slide device 20. The detected portion 71 may also serve as a constituent member of the slide device 20 (for example, a side plate of the slide device 20).

  The switch unit 72 is an automatic return push switch that is maintained in an on state or an off state only while being pressed by a pressing force generated by a sliding operation of the slide device 20.

  Specifically, the switch portion 72 has a movable portion 72a. When the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position and no pressing force is applied, the movable portion 72a is protruded by a biasing means such as a spring (not shown). ing. That is, when the slide device 20 is in the storage position and the pressing force is applied to the movable portion 72a, the switch portion 72 is turned on, while the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position and presses the movable portion 72a. When is released, it is turned off. The switch unit 72 may be configured such that the on state and the off state are reversed.

  FIG. 14 is a system block diagram showing another example of the control system in the image reading apparatus 2 shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, the same components as those shown in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The system block diagram shown in FIG. 14 is obtained by providing a detection unit 70 in place of the detection unit 30 in the system block diagram shown in FIG. That is, in the control unit 50, the switch unit 72 in the detection unit 70 is electrically connected to the input system. And the control part 50 operates the locking device 40 based on the detection result of the detection part 70. FIG.

  When the slide device 20 is in the storage position and a pressing force is applied to the movable portion 72a (the state shown in FIG. 13A), the control unit 50 confirms that the slide device 20 is in the storage position from the switch unit 72. An output signal (specifically, an ON signal) is transmitted. On the other hand, when the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position and the pressing force to the movable portion 72a is released (the state shown in FIG. 13B), the control unit 50 moves the slide device 20 from the switch portion 72 to the storage position. An output signal (specifically, an off signal) indicating that it protrudes from is transmitted. The control unit 50 detects whether or not the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position based on an output signal (specifically, an on signal or an off signal) indicating the storage state of the slide device 20 received from the switch unit 72. It has become.

  When the detection unit 70 detects that the slide device 20 is in the storage position, the control unit 50 switches the lock device 40 to the unlocked state, and the detection unit 70 causes the slide device 20 to protrude from the storage position. When it is detected that the lock device 40 is present, the lock device 40 is switched to the locked state.

[Example of control of operation control by control unit]
Next, a control example of operation control by the control unit 50 of the image reading apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation control by the control unit 50 of the image reading apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 15, first, the protruding state of the slide device 20 is detected by the detection units 30 and 70 (step S <b> 1).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the slide device 20 protrudes based on the detection results of the detection units 30 and 70 (step S2). If it is determined that the slide device 20 protrudes (step S2: Yes), the locking device 40 is switched to the locked state to lock the tilt mechanism 10 (step S3). On the other hand, when it is determined that the slide device 20 is located at the storage position (step S2: No), the lock device 40 is switched to the unlocked state to release the locked state of the tilt mechanism 10 (step S4).

  Next, the process of steps S1 to S4 is repeated until an instruction to end the process is received in step S5 (step S5: No), and if the instruction to end the process is given (step S5: Yes), the process ends.

(Third embodiment)
The image reading apparatus 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is provided with a lock mechanism 80 in place of the detection units 30 and 70 and the lock device 40 in the first or second embodiment.

  16 and 17 are schematic side views for explaining the lock mechanism 80 provided in the input operation unit 6 and the slide device 20. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the slide device 20 is stored in the storage position and the lock state of the tilt mechanism 10 is released by the lock mechanism 80, and FIG. 17 shows a lock mechanism in which the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position. 80 shows a state in which the tilt mechanism 10 is locked. In the configuration of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the same components as those in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second rotating member 842 and its peripheral portion in the rotating mechanism 84 as viewed from above.

  The lock mechanism 80 is configured to lock the tilt mechanism 10 in conjunction with a protruding operation in which the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position.

  In the present embodiment, the lock mechanism 80 is a pair of lock mechanisms 80 and 80 provided at both ends in the width direction T. 16 and 17, only one side of the pair of lock mechanisms 80, 80 is shown, and the other side is not shown. 16 and 17, the slide mechanism 22 and the like are not shown.

  The lock mechanism 80 includes an engaging portion 81 for locking the movable member (here, the rotation support shaft 11) in the tilt mechanism 10, an engaging portion 82 for engaging the engaging portion 81, and a protruding operation of the slide device 20. And an interlocking portion 83 that engages the engaging portion 82 with the engaging portion 81.

Specifically, the engaging portion 81 includes a plurality of concave portions 81a,... And a plurality of convex portions 81b,. The engaging portion 81 is provided on at least a portion (here, the entire circumference) corresponding to the rotation range of the input operation portion 6 on the outer peripheral surface of the bearing portion 12 provided on the apparatus main body 2 a side of the image reading device 2. . The locking portion 82 has a tip portion (specifically, a claw) 82 a corresponding to the concave portion 81 a of the engaging portion 81, and can be rotated about a rotation shaft 82 b along the width direction T. It has the bearing part 82c made (refer FIG. 18). Rotating shaft 82b is provided to be fixed to the input operation unit 6. The distal end portion 82a of the locking portion 82 is engaged with any one of the concave portions 81a,.

  The interlocking portion 83 engages the engaging portion 82 with the engaging portion 81 when the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position, while the engaging portion 81 of the engaging portion 82 when the slide device 20 is stored at the storage position. It is set as the structure which cancels | releases engagement.

  Specifically, the interlocking unit 83 includes a rotation mechanism 84 that rotates by the sliding operation of the slide device 20 and rotates the locking unit 82 along with the rotation by the sliding operation.

  The rotation mechanism 84 rotates in the rotation direction A of the one direction A1 and the other direction A2 in accordance with the sliding operation of the one direction side (back side) S1 and the other direction side (front side) S2 in the sliding direction S of the slide device 20. The locking portion 82 is separated from the engagement portion 81 by rotation in the rotation direction A (see FIG. 16) in one rotation direction A1 and the other direction A2 (separation in the contact / separation direction B (see FIG. 16)). The second rotating member 842 that rotates (rotates to the side B1) and contacts (rotates to the contacting side B2 in the contact / separation direction B), and the one direction A1 and the other direction A2 from the first rotating member 841 to the second rotating member 842. And a drive transmission mechanism 843 for transmitting the rotational drive. In this embodiment, the slide mechanism 22 and the lock mechanism 80 serve as part of the constituent members.

  Specifically, the first rotating member 841 is rotatably supported on the rotating shaft 841a on the other side (front side S2) of the input operation unit 6 in the sliding direction S. The rotation shaft 841a is fixed to the input operation unit 6 and provided. The first rotating member 841 is provided with a pinion gear 841b that meshes with the rack gear portion 231c of the slide engaging portion 231 in the stopper mechanism 23 on the outer peripheral surface. Thereby, the 1st rotation member 841 rotates in the rotation direction A of one direction A1 and the other direction A2 with the sliding operation | movement of the slide apparatus 20. As shown in FIG.

  The locking portion 82 of the locking mechanism 80 is rotatably provided on the rotating shaft 82b via the bearing portion 82c so that the tip end portion 82a faces the engaging portion 81 side.

  The second rotating member 842 is provided on the bearing portion 82c via the slip clutch 842a on one side (back side S1) in the sliding direction S of the input operation portion 6 (see FIG. 18). Here, the sliding clutch 842a rotates the bearing portion 82c with the rotation of the second rotating member 842 on the driving side (the locking portion 82) when the bearing portion 82c (the locking portion 82) on the driven side is at a low load. When a load of a predetermined level or more is applied to the bearing portion 82c (locking portion 82) that is the driven side, the second rotating member that is on the driving side while the bearing portion 82c (locking portion 82) is stopped. This is a member that allows the rotation of 842.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 84 further includes a regulating member 844. The regulating member 844 regulates the movement of the locking portion 82 in the direction away from the engaging portion 81 (the separation side B1 in the contact / separation direction B). The restricting member 844 is fixed to the input operation unit 6. The restricting member 844 may also serve as a constituent member of the input operation unit 6 (for example, a frame of the input operation unit 6).

  The drive transmission mechanism 843 includes a first transmission member 843a coupled to the first rotation member 841, a second transmission member 843b coupled to the second rotation member 842, and the first transmission member 843a to the second transmission member 843b. And a third transmission member 843c for transmitting the rotational drive.

   Specifically, the first transmission member 843 a is a rotating pulley or a rotating gear (here, a rotating pulley), and is fixed to the first rotating member 841. Here, the first transmission member 843a and the first rotation member 841 are integrally formed. The second transmission member 843b is a rotating pulley or a rotating gear (here, a rotating pulley), and is fixed to the second rotating member 842 (see FIG. 18). Here, the second transmission member 843b and the second rotation member 842 are integrally formed. The third transmission member 843c is an endless belt or a rotating gear (here, an endless belt), and is wound around the first transmission member 843a and the second transmission member 843b. Here, the drive transmission mechanism 843 is configured by a pulley and an endless belt, but may be configured by a plurality of gear trains.

  With this configuration, in the lock mechanism 80, when the slide device 20 is slid to one side (back side) S1 in the slide direction S by the operator and stored in the storage position (see FIG. 16), the slide mechanism 20 The first rotating member is moved in a direction (one direction A1) in which the distal end portion 82a of the engaging portion 82 is separated from the concave portion 81a of the engaging portion 81 by the movement of the rack portion 231c of the coupling portion 231 toward the one side S1 in the sliding direction S. The pinion gear 841b 841 rotates, and further, the second rotating member 842 rotates in one direction A1 via the drive transmission mechanism 843, and the locking portion 82 rotates in the separation direction B1. As a result, the lock mechanism 80 is brought into an unlocked state in which the engaging portion 82 does not engage the engaging portion 81. At this time, the locking portion 82 may come into contact with the restricting member 844 and stop before the operator finishes the sliding operation of the slide device 20. However, even if the locking portion 82 stops in this way, the second clutch 842a can allow the second rotating member 842 to rotate in one direction A1. Thereby, it becomes possible to continue the slide operation to the one side (back side) S1 of the slide direction S of the slide apparatus 20 by an operator.

  On the other hand, when the slide device 20 is slid in the slide direction S toward the other side (near side) S2 of the slide direction S by the operator and protrudes from the storage position (see FIG. 17), the rack gear portion 231c of the slide engagement portion 231 is used. The pinion gear 841b of the first rotating member 841 rotates in the direction (the other direction A2) in which the distal end portion 82a of the engaging portion 82 faces the concave portion 81a of the engaging portion 81 due to the movement to the other side S2 in the sliding direction S of Further, the second rotating member 842 rotates in the other direction A2 via the drive transmission mechanism 843, and the locking portion 82 rotates in the contact direction B2. Thereby, the locking mechanism 80 is brought into a locked state in which the engaging portion 82 engages the engaging portion 81. At this time, the locking portion 82 may come into contact with the engaging portion 81 and stop before the slide operation of the slide device 20 by the operator is finished. However, even if the locking portion 82 stops in this manner, the second clutch 842a can be allowed to rotate in the other direction A2 by the slip clutch 842a. Thereby, it becomes possible to continue the slide operation to the other side (front side) S2 of the slide direction S of the slide apparatus 20 by the operator.

(About the first to third embodiments)
According to the first to third embodiments described above, since the tilt mechanism 10 is locked when the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position, the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position. since the input operation unit 6 in a state of being fixed without being swung by the tilt mechanism 10, the sliding device 20 does not come into contact with the component α of the apparatus body 2 a. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent the slide device 20 from being damaged.

  Moreover, in 1st and 2nd embodiment, it is provided with the detection parts 30 and 70 which detect whether the slide apparatus 20 protrudes from the storing position, and the lock apparatus 40 which locks the tilt mechanism 10, Whether or not the slide device 20 protrudes from the storage position can be easily detected by the detection units 30 and 70, and the tilt mechanism 10 can be reliably locked by the lock device 40.

  In the first and second embodiments, the engaging portion 41 for locking the rotation support shaft 11 in the tilt mechanism 10, the engaging portion 42 for engaging the engaging portion 41, and the engaging portion 42 are driven. Thus, the lock device 40 can be easily realized with a simple configuration including the drive unit 43 that performs the above operation.

  In the third embodiment, since the tilt mechanism 10 is locked by the locking mechanism 80 in conjunction with the protruding operation in which the sliding apparatus 20 protrudes from the storage position, the sliding apparatus as provided in the first and second embodiments. The detection units 30 and 70 for detecting whether or not 20 protrudes from the storage position can be omitted, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

  In the third embodiment, the engaging portion 81 for locking the rotation support shaft 11 in the tilt mechanism 10, the engaging portion 82 for engaging the engaging portion 81, and the protruding operation of the slide device 20 are interlocked. Thus, the lock mechanism 80 can be easily realized with a simple configuration that includes the interlocking portion 83 that engages the engaging portion 82 with the engaging portion 81.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the rotation mechanism 84 can easily convert the slide operation of the slide device 20 into the engagement operation (rotation operation) of the locking portion 82, so It is possible to easily configure the interlocking portion 83 that engages the locking portion 82 with the engaging portion 81 in conjunction with the operation.

  In the third embodiment, the slide mechanism 22 and the lock mechanism 80 also serve as part of the constituent members, so that the number of parts can be reduced while maintaining the functions of both the slide mechanism 22 and the lock mechanism 80. Therefore, it is possible to realize a simplified apparatus configuration, a compact apparatus, and a reduced apparatus cost.

  In the first to third embodiments, the tilt mechanism 10 is locked when the slide device 20 protrudes. However, the tilt mechanism 10 is moved at a position where the slide device 20 protruding to some extent can hit an obstacle by swinging. You may make it lock.

  In the first to third embodiments, the input device is applied to the image forming apparatus as an image reading device, but may be applied to any electronic device.

  In the first to third embodiments, the slide device 20 is a key input operation device including a keyboard, but may be a reading device (specifically, a card reader) that reads a recording medium such as an IC card.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image reading apparatus (an example of an input device)
2a Device main body 6 Input operation unit 10 Tilt mechanism 20 Slide device 22 Slide mechanism 23 Stopper mechanism 30 Detection unit (an example of detection means)
31 Detected part 32 Sensor part (photo sensor)
32a Light emission part 32b Light reception part 40 Locking device 41 Engagement part 42 Locking part 43 Drive part 50 Control part 70 Detection part (Another example of detection means)
71 Detected part 72 Switch part (automatic return type push switch)
80 locking mechanism 81 engaging portion 82 locking portion 83 interlocking portion 84 rotating mechanism 841 first rotating member 842 second rotating member 842a slip clutch 843 drive transmission mechanism 843a first transmission member 843b second transmission member 843c third transmission member 844 Regulating member A Rotation direction B Contact / separation direction S Slide direction

Claims (10)

An input device in which an input operation unit for receiving an input operation is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the apparatus main body via a tilt mechanism,
Providing a projecting portion that can project from a predetermined state of the input operation unit,
An input device, wherein the tilt mechanism is locked when the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state . The input device according to claim 1,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state; and a lock device for locking the tilt mechanism;
An input device that operates the lock device based on a detection result of the detection means. The input device according to claim 2,
The locking device includes an engaging portion for locking a movable member in the tilt mechanism, an engaging portion for engaging the engaging portion, and a drive unit for driving the engaging portion. Characteristic input device. The input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
Said sensing means includes a light emitting portion for emitting light, an input device which comprises a photosensor and a light receiving portion for detecting the presence or absence of light from said light emitting portion by displacement due to operation of the projecting portion . The input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
The detection means includes an input device which comprises an automatic return type push switch on state or off state is maintained only while being pressed by the pressing force by the operation of the projecting portion. The input device according to claim 1,
An input device comprising: a locking mechanism that locks the tilt mechanism in conjunction with a protruding operation in which the protruding portion protrudes from the predetermined state . The input device according to claim 6,
The locking mechanism includes an engaging portion for locking the movable member in the tilt mechanism, and the locking portion for locking the engaging portion, the engaging portion in conjunction with the protruding operation of the projecting portion An input device comprising: an interlocking portion that engages with the engaging portion. The input device according to claim 7,
The projecting portion is a slide device that can project by sliding from the predetermined state,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking unit includes a rotation mechanism that is rotated by a slide operation of the slide device and that rotates the locking portion in accordance with the rotation by the slide operation. An input device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising:
The projecting portion is a slide device that can project by sliding from the predetermined state,
A slide mechanism that slidably supports the slide device with respect to the input operation unit;
The input device, wherein the slide mechanism and the lock mechanism also serve as a part of a constituent member.   An image forming apparatus comprising the input device according to claim 1.

Images