JP2016012062A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that secures an airway between an operation panel and an image reading part even when the operation panel is inclined, so as to prevent heat from accumulating in a paper ejecting part in a body.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 10 is an image forming apparatus of an in-body paper ejecting type having an in-body paper ejection part 16 between an image forming part 12 and an image reading part 14, and includes an operation panel 18 that is provided on the front side of the image reading part so that the angle thereof is variable. In a reference state in which the operation panel is arranged in the substantially horizontal direction, connection parts 38 and 56 support the operation panel so that a rear end face of the operation panel is in proximity with a front end face of the image reading part. Meanwhile, in an inclined state in which the operation panel is inclined from the reference state, the connection parts support the operation panel so as to form an airway 62 communicating an interior space and an exterior space of the in-body paper ejection part between the operation panel and the image reading part.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an in-body discharge type image forming apparatus having an image forming unit and an image reading unit disposed above the image forming unit.

  An example of a conventional in-cylinder paper discharge type image forming apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-151867. An image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a scanner unit (image reading unit) and a paper discharge space (recording medium) that is disposed under the scanner unit and is discharged from a paper discharge port (recording medium). In-body discharge unit), a printer unit (image forming unit) arranged below the discharge space, and an operation that protrudes forward from the scanner unit and is supported by a variable angle of inclination in the vertical direction Part (operation panel). The operation unit includes a plurality of movable operation panels, and each movable operation panel is configured such that the inclination angle can be changed independently.

JP 2007-11223 A [G03G 15/00]

  In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the operation panel is tilted downward from the reference position, a part of the opening on the front side of the in-cylinder discharge unit is blocked by the operation panel. It is difficult for the heat of the recording medium accommodated in the storage medium to be discharged to the external space. That is, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the operation panel is tilted, heat tends to be accumulated in the in-body sheet discharge unit. An increase in temperature in the in-body sheet discharge unit may cause an increase in internal temperature (temperature in the housing of the image forming unit or the like), which may cause a malfunction in the operation of the image forming unit or the like.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel image forming apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which heat hardly accumulates in the in-body sheet discharge section even when the operation panel is tilted.

  A first invention is an in-body discharge type image forming apparatus having an image forming unit and an image reading unit disposed above the image forming unit, and is provided on the lower surface side of the image reading unit, An in-cylinder sheet discharge unit that stores a recording medium on which an image is formed by the unit, an operation panel provided on the front side of the image reading unit, and a connecting unit that connects the operation panel to the image reading unit in a variable angle. In the reference state where the operation panel is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, the rear end surface of the operation panel and the front end surface of the image reading unit are close to each other, and in the tilted state where the operation panel is tilted from the reference state, the operation panel and the image reading The image forming apparatus is provided with an air passage that communicates the internal space and the external space of the in-body sheet discharge unit with the image forming unit.

  In the first invention, the image forming apparatus is an in-body discharge type, and includes an image forming unit and an image reading unit disposed above the image forming unit. On the lower surface side of the image reading unit, an in-body sheet discharge unit that accommodates a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is provided. In addition, an operation panel is provided on the front side of the image reading unit through a connecting unit so that the angle can be changed.

  In the reference state in which the operation panel is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, the connecting unit supports the operation panel so that the front end surface of the image reading unit and the rear end surface of the operation panel are close to each other. On the other hand, in the tilted state in which the operation panel is tilted from the reference state, the connecting portion secures a ventilation path between the image reading unit and the operation panel for communicating the internal space and the external space of the in-body sheet discharge unit. In the state, support the operation panel. That is, the connecting portion forms an air passage between the image reading portion and the operation panel in conjunction with the tilting of the operation panel from the reference state. Thus, a ventilation path is secured even in a state where the operation panel covers the opening on the front side of the in-body discharge section.

  According to the first invention, when the operation panel is in a tilted state, an air passage is formed between the image reading unit and the operation panel so as to communicate the internal space and the external space of the in-body sheet discharge unit. The heat of the recording medium discharged to the in-cylinder discharge unit is appropriately discharged to the external space, and the heat is prevented from being accumulated in the in-cylinder discharge unit. As a result, the temperature inside the image forming apparatus can be prevented from rising, and the temperature of the recording medium discharged into the in-body discharge portion can be quickly lowered.

  The second invention is dependent on the first invention, and in the maximum tilt state in which the operation panel is tilted most from the reference state, the rear end surface of the operation panel is positioned below the lower surface of the image reading unit.

  In the second invention, when the operation panel is in the maximum tilted state, the rear end surface of the operation panel is positioned below the lower surface of the image reading unit, and the air passage is arranged in the cylinder so as to follow the lower surface of the image reading unit. It is formed at the upper opening on the front side of the paper discharge unit. Since the heat inside the in-cylinder paper discharge unit tends to accumulate in the upper part, the heat in the in-cylinder paper discharge unit is properly discharged to the external space by forming a ventilation path in the upper opening on the front side of the in-cylinder paper discharge unit. Is done.

  A third invention is dependent on the first or second invention, the connecting portion includes a slide mechanism, and the operation panel is slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the image reading portion.

  In the third invention, the connecting portion is constituted by, for example, a support frame having a long hole and a protrusion fitted into the long hole, and the operation panel is slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the image reading portion. As a result, an air passage is more appropriately formed between the image reading unit and the operation panel.

  A fourth invention is dependent on any one of the first to third inventions, and the connection portion supports the operation panel at both lateral ends of the operation panel, and an air passage is formed between the connection portions.

  In 4th invention, a connection part supports an operation panel in the horizontal direction both ends of an operation panel. A ventilation path is formed between the connecting portions. As a result, an air passage is more appropriately formed between the image reading unit and the operation panel.

  A fifth invention is dependent on any one of the first to fourth inventions, and further includes a blower section that generates an air flow in the ventilation path.

  In 5th invention, it is further provided with ventilation parts, such as a crossflow fan. The blower generates an air flow with respect to the air passage formed when the operation panel is tilted. As a result, the exchange of the air in the in-body discharge section and the outside air is promoted.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the replacement of the air in the in-cylinder paper discharge unit and the outside air is promoted, so that it is more reliably prevented that heat is accumulated in the in-cylinder paper discharge unit.

  According to the present invention, when the operation panel is in a tilted state, the air passage is formed between the image reading unit and the operation panel so as to communicate the internal space and the external space of the internal discharge unit. The heat of the recording medium discharged to the inner discharge portion is appropriately discharged to the external space, and the heat is prevented from being accumulated in the in-body discharge portion. As a result, the temperature inside the apparatus can be prevented from rising, and the temperature of the recording medium discharged to the in-body discharge section can be quickly lowered.

  The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

1 is an illustrative view showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a state where an operation panel is in a reference state in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a state where an operation panel is in a maximum tilt state in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view schematically showing a state when the operation panel of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 is tilted, where (A) shows a state in which the operation panel is in a reference state, and (B) shows the operation panel forward. A state in which the operation panel is slid is shown, and (C) shows a state in which the operation panel is in a maximum tilt state. In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the operation panel is an illustrative view schematically showing a state where the operation panel is in a maximum tilt state, and (A) is a perspective view schematically showing an operation panel portion. B) is an illustrative view for explaining the air flow in the operation panel portion. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view schematically showing a state where an operation panel is in a maximum tilt state in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an illustrative view schematically showing a state where an operation panel is in a maximum tilt state in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a cylinder discharge type image forming having a cylinder discharge unit 16 between an image forming unit 12 and an image reading unit 14. Device. As will be described later, the image forming apparatus 10 forms a multicolor or single color image on a predetermined sheet (recording medium) based on the image data read by the image reading unit 14, and the sheet on which the image is formed. Is discharged into the in-body discharge unit 16 and stored. In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like.

  In the following description, the surface facing the user's standing position, that is, the surface on which the operation panel 18 described later is provided is the front surface (front surface), and the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the image forming apparatus 10 and its constituent members is defined. The horizontal direction (lateral direction) of the image forming apparatus 10 and its constituent members is defined based on the state when the image forming apparatus 10 is viewed from the user.

  First, the basic configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 and an image reading unit 14 disposed above the image forming unit 12. The image forming unit 12 includes a first connection case 20 formed on the upper right side and a second connection case 22 formed on the upper rear end side, and these first connection case 20 and second connection case 22. Thus, the image reading unit 14 is supported. As a result, an in-cylinder space is formed on the lower surface side of the image reading unit 14 and is used as the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 that stores the image-formed paper.

  The image forming unit 12 includes an exposure unit, a developing device, a photosensitive drum, a charger, an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer roller, a fixing unit, and the like. The image forming unit 12 forms an image by electrophotography on a sheet conveyed from a sheet feeding cassette 26 or the like disposed below the image forming unit 12. In other words, the image forming unit 12 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum according to the image data with a charger, an exposure unit, and the like, and the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum is developed with toner by the developing unit. Image. Further, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto a sheet by an intermediate transfer belt and a transfer roller, and the toner image transferred onto the sheet is thermally fixed by a fixing unit. Thereafter, the sheet on which the image has been formed is discharged to the in-body discharge unit 16 from the discharge port 28 formed in the upper part of the first connection housing 20. Note that image data for forming an image on a sheet is image data read by the image reading unit 14, image data transmitted from an external computer, or the like.

  The image reading unit 14 includes a housing having a document placement table formed of a transparent material on the upper surface. In this housing, a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like are provided. The image reading unit 14 exposes the document surface with a light source, and guides reflected light reflected from the document surface to the imaging lens by a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged on the light receiving element of the line sensor by the imaging lens. The line sensor detects the luminance and chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates image data based on the image on the document surface. As the line sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD), a contact image sensor (CIS), or the like is used.

  A document pressing cover 30 is attached to the upper surface of the image reading unit 14 through a hinge or the like so as to be freely opened and closed. The document pressing cover 30 is provided with an ADF (automatic document feeder) 34 that automatically feeds documents placed on the document placing tray 32 one by one to the image reading position of the image reading unit 14. It is done.

  In addition, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped mounting portion 36 (see FIG. 3) that protrudes forward is provided on the lower left side of the front surface of the image reading unit 14. In addition, on both side surfaces (the left side surface and the right side surface) of the attachment portion 36, short columnar projections 38 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) projecting in the lateral direction are provided. Then, the operation panel 18 is provided at a variable angle on the front side of the image reading unit 14 by connecting a projection 38 of the attachment unit 36 and a support frame 56 of the operation panel 18 described later. By making the angle of the operation panel 18 changeable according to the user's line of sight, the operability of the operation panel 18 is improved. The specific configuration of the operation panel 18 will be described later.

  The in-body discharge unit 16 has a bottom surface and a top surface defined by the image forming unit 12 and the image reading unit 14, and a right side surface and a back surface defined by the first connection case 20 and the second connection case 22. That is, the front side and the left side of the in-body discharge unit 16 are open. The bottom surface of the in-body discharge unit 16 has an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the first connection housing 20, and serves as a discharge tray 40 that receives the image-formed paper discharged from the discharge port 28. Used.

  Although not shown, a controller that controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and transmits a control signal to each part of the image forming apparatus 10 according to an input operation to the operation panel 18 by the user, and causes the image forming apparatus 10 to execute various operations. .

  Next, a specific configuration of the operation panel 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 18 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided on the front side of the image reading unit 14. On the upper surface (operation surface) of the operation panel 18, a touch panel display 50 configured by laminating piezoelectric sensors and the like on a liquid crystal display panel, and operation buttons 52 such as a power button and a power saving button are provided. The display 50 displays software keys (buttons) and messages for accepting various settings, print instructions, and the like from the user. Note that the wiring 54 (see FIG. 3) that connects the operation panel 18 and the control unit of the above-described image forming apparatus 10 is provided so as to pass the right side of the operation panel 18, for example.

  Further, the operation panel 18 is connected to the image reading unit 14 so that the angle can be varied (can be tilted). In the first embodiment, the operation panel 18 has a reference state shown in FIG. 2, that is, a state where the operation panel 18 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, and a maximum tilt state shown in FIG. 3, ie, the operation panel 18 is in a substantially vertical direction. The angle can be varied in two stages with respect to the state of being arranged in the position.

  Here, when the operation panel 18 is tilted downward from the reference position, a part of the opening on the front side of the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 is blocked by the operation panel 18, so that it is accommodated in the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16. It becomes difficult for the heat of the paper to be discharged to the external space. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the operation panel 18 is tilted, ventilation between the image reading unit 14 and the operation panel 18 allows the internal space and the external space of the in-body sheet discharge unit 16 to communicate with each other. By forming the path 62, the air permeability (heat exhausting property) of the in-body sheet discharge unit 16 is maintained.

  Specifically, a rectangular flat support frame 56 that protrudes rearward is formed at the rear end portion (the end portion on the image reading unit 14 side) of both side surfaces of the operation panel 18. The support frame 56 is formed with a long hole 58 that extends through the support frame 56 in the thickness direction (lateral direction) and extends in the front-rear direction. The operation panel 18 is connected to the image reading unit 14 so that the angle of the operation panel 18 is variable and slidable by fitting the projection 38 of the mounting portion 36 into the long hole 58. The angle of the operation panel 18 can be changed so that the front end thereof moves up and down with the projection 38 as a support shaft, and the projection 38 can slide in the front-rear direction by sliding along the long hole 58. Is possible. That is, the support frame 56 and the protrusion 38 function as a connecting portion that connects the operation panel 18 to the image reading portion 14 so that the angle of the operation panel 18 is variable and slidable. In addition, a recessed portion 60 (see FIG. 4) capable of accommodating the attachment portion 36 is formed at the lower rear end of the operation panel 18.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, in the reference state in which the operation panel 18 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, the protrusion 38 is locked at the front end of the long hole 58 and the inside of the recess 60 The mounting portion 36 is accommodated in the housing. The connecting portions (the support frame 56 and the protruding portion 38) support both side portions of the operation panel 18 so that the front end surface 14a of the image reading unit 14 and the rear end surface 18a of the operation panel 18 are close to each other. Further, this reference state is maintained by a lock mechanism (not shown). The proximity mentioned here includes a contact state, and the front end surface 14a of the image reading unit 14 and the rear end surface 18a of the operation panel 18 may be in contact with each other in the reference state.

  In such a reference state, the opening on the front side of the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 is not blocked by the operation panel 18, so that the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 is maintained in air permeability (heat exhaustability). In addition, since the front end surface 14a of the image reading unit 14 and the rear end surface 18a of the operation panel 18 are close to each other, the forward projection of the operation panel 18 is suppressed, so that the user is not disturbed. The

  As shown in FIG. 4B, when the operation panel 18 is tilted downward from the reference state, the lock mechanism is released and the operation panel 18 is slid forward. Then, the protrusion 38 is locked at the rear end portion of the long hole 58, and the operation panel 18 is tilted downward with the protrusion 38 as a support shaft so that the operation surface of the operation panel 18 faces forward.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4C, in the tilted state (maximum tilted state) in which the operation panel 18 tilts downward from the reference state, the protrusion 38 is locked at the rear end portion of the long hole 58. . The connecting portion (the support frame 56 and the protruding portion 38) secures an air passage 62 that allows the internal space of the in-body discharge portion 16 to communicate with the external space between the image reading portion 14 and the operation panel 18. Thus, both sides of the operation panel 18 are supported. That is, the connecting portion forms an air passage 62 between the image reading unit 14 and the operation panel 18 in conjunction with the tilting of the operation panel 18 from the reference state. At this time, the ventilation path 62 is formed between the connecting portions that support the operation panel 18 at both lateral ends of the operation panel 18. Further, the rear end surface 18a of the operation panel 18 is positioned below the lower surface 14b of the image reading unit 14, and the air passage 62 extends along the lower surface 14b of the image reading unit 14 to the front surface of the in-body discharge unit 16. It is formed in the upper part of the opening on the side.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, even when the operation panel 18 is in the maximum tilt state where the operation panel 18 covers the opening on the front side of the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16, the ventilation for communicating the internal space and the external space of the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16. A path 62 is secured. Here, the heat of the paper placed on the paper discharge tray 40 moves upward. Further, the paper discharge port 28 that discharges warm air together with the heated image-formed paper is located above the in-body paper discharge unit 16. That is, the heat in the in-body discharge unit 16 tends to accumulate on the top. For this reason, the air passage 62 is formed in the upper opening on the front side of the in-cylinder paper discharge unit 16 so that the air in the in-cylinder paper discharge unit 16 and the outside air are appropriately exchanged. The heat is appropriately discharged to the external space.

  When returning the operation panel 18 from the maximum tilt state to the reference state, an operation reverse to the above may be performed. That is, the operation panel 18 is tilted upward so that the operation panel 18 is in a substantially horizontal state with the protrusion 38 as a support shaft. Then, after the operation panel 18 in a substantially horizontal state is slid rearward and the protrusion 38 is locked at the front end of the long hole 58, the lock mechanism may be set.

  According to the first embodiment, when the operation panel 18 is in a tilted state, the air passage that communicates the internal space and the external space of the in-body sheet discharge unit 16 between the image reading unit 14 and the operation panel 18. Since 62 is formed, the heat of the paper discharged to the in-cylinder paper discharge unit 16 is appropriately discharged to the external space, and the heat is prevented from accumulating in the in-cylinder paper discharge unit 16. As a result, the temperature inside the image forming apparatus 10 can be prevented from rising, and the temperature of the paper discharged to the in-body paper discharge unit 16 can be quickly lowered.

  Further, even when the operation panel 18 is tilted, the inside of the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 can be visually confirmed through the ventilation path 62, so that the state of the paper stored in the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 can be visually confirmed. Becomes easy.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that a cross flow fan (air blowing unit) 70 for generating an air flow in the air passage 62 is provided. Since the configuration of the other parts is the same, parts common to the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 is an in-body discharge type image forming apparatus having an in-body discharge section 16 between the image forming section 12 and the image reading section 14.

  A mounting portion 36 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding forward is provided on the lower left side of the front surface of the image reading unit 14. In addition, on both side surfaces of the attachment portion 36, short columnar projections 38 protruding in the lateral direction are provided. Then, by connecting the projection 38 of the mounting portion 36 and the support frame 56 of the operation panel 18, the operation panel 18 is provided at a variable angle on the front side of the image reading unit 14. That is, the support frame 56 and the protrusion 38 function as a connecting portion that connects the operation panel 18 to the image reading portion 14 so that the angle of the operation panel 18 is variable and slidable.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the cross flow fan 70 is provided between the connecting portions (the support frame 56 and the protruding portion 38) provided in the attachment portion 36, that is, at both lateral ends of the operation panel 18. The cross flow fan 70 is provided such that its rotating shaft extends in the lateral direction, and is rotated by the power of a drive motor (not shown) to cross the rotating shaft (in this second embodiment, the front direction, i.e. An air flow is generated in a direction in which air is discharged from the paper discharge unit 16. A plurality of vent holes 72 are formed in the outer wall of the attachment portion 36 that covers the cross flow fan 70.

  When the operation panel 18 is tilted downward from the reference state (maximum tilt state), the rear end surface 18a of the operation panel 18 is positioned below the lower surface 14b of the image reading unit 14, and the image reading unit 14 and the operation panel An air passage 62 is formed between the air passage 18 and the air passage 18. In the second embodiment, since a plurality of vent holes 72 are formed in the outer wall of the attachment portion 36, the path passing through the internal space of the attachment portion 36 also includes the internal space and the external space of the in-body discharge portion 16. It becomes the ventilation path 62 which communicates.

  For example, a sensor that detects that the operation panel 18 is in the maximum tilt state is provided, and the cross flow fan 70 is driven to rotate when an instruction to start printing is input in a state in which the operation panel 18 is in the maximum tilt state. Is done. By the rotation of the cross flow fan 70, an air flow is generated in the ventilation path 62 in the direction in which the air in the in-body discharge unit 16 is discharged to the external space. Thereby, the replacement of the air in the in-body paper discharge unit 16 and the outside air is promoted.

  According to the second embodiment, since the cross flow fan (air blowing unit) 70 that generates the air flow in the air passage 62 is provided, the replacement of the air in the in-body discharge unit 16 and the outside air is promoted, and the It is more reliably prevented that heat is accumulated in the inner paper discharge unit 16.

  In the second embodiment described above, the cross flow fan 70 is used to generate an air flow in the direction (exhaust direction) in which air is discharged from the in-body discharge unit 16 with respect to the ventilation path 62. However, an air flow may be generated in the intake direction.

  In addition, the air blowing section that generates the air flow in the ventilation path is not necessarily arranged in the attachment section 36 (between the coupling sections). For example, an axial blower as a blower is provided in the second connecting housing 22 formed on the rear end side of the in-body discharge unit 16 so that air is blown from the axial blower to the ventilation path 62. An air flow in the exhaust direction may be generated in the ventilation path 62. Conversely, an air flow in the intake direction may be generated in the air passage 62 by exhausting air using a blower provided in the second connection housing 22.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that a rectangular flat support frame is provided in the image reading unit 14 and a projection connected to the support frame is provided in the operation panel 18. Since the configuration of the other parts is the same, parts common to the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment is an in-body discharge type image forming apparatus having an in-body discharge section 16 between the image forming section 12 and the image reading section 14.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a substantially rectangular flat support frame 76 that protrudes forward is formed at the lower part of the left side surface of the image reading unit 14 and the lower part of the central part in the horizontal direction of the front surface. The support frame 76 is formed with a long hole 78 that extends through the support frame 76 in the thickness direction and extends in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, short cylindrical projections 80 projecting in the lateral direction are provided on the rear end sides of both side surfaces of the operation panel 18. Then, by connecting the support frame 76 of the image reading unit 14 and the protrusion 80 of the operation panel 18, the operation panel 18 is provided on the front side of the image reading unit 14 in a variable angle. That is, the support frame 76 and the protrusion 80 function as a connecting portion that connects the operation panel 18 to the image reading portion 14 so that the angle of the operation panel 18 is variable and slidable.

  In the reference state in which the operation panel 18 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, the protrusion 80 is locked at the rear end portion of the long hole 78, and the connecting portion (the support frame 76 and the protrusion 80) is connected to the image reading unit 14. Both sides of the operation panel 18 are supported so that the front end surface 14a and the rear end surface 18a of the operation panel 18 are close to each other.

  Further, when the operation panel 18 is tilted downward from the reference state, the lock mechanism is released, the operation panel 18 is slid forward, and the protrusion 80 is locked at the front end of the long hole 78, so that the protrusion With 80 as a support shaft, the operation panel 18 is tilted downward so that the operation surface faces forward. In the tilted state (maximum tilted state) in which the operation panel 18 is tilted downward from the reference state, the connecting portion (the support frame 76 and the protruding portion 80) is discharged into the body between the image reading unit 14 and the operation panel 18. The both sides of the operation panel 18 are supported in a state in which the air passage 62 that communicates the internal space and the external space of the portion 16 is secured.

  According to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the operation panel 18 is tilted, the internal space between the image reading section 14 and the operation panel 18 and the external space of the in-body sheet discharge section 16 are externally provided. Since the air passage 62 that communicates with the space is formed, the heat of the sheet discharged to the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 is appropriately discharged to the external space, and the heat is accumulated in the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16. Is prevented.

  In the third embodiment as well, as in the second embodiment, an air blowing section such as a cross flow fan may be provided between the connecting sections.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that the support shaft for tilting the operation panel 18 is arranged at the center in the front-rear direction of the operation panel 18. Since the configuration of the other parts is the same, parts common to the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

  The image forming apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment is a cylinder discharge type image forming apparatus having a cylinder discharge unit 16 between the image forming unit 12 and the image reading unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a substantially rectangular flat support frame 76 that protrudes forward is formed at the lower part of the left side surface of the image reading unit 14 and the lower part of the laterally central part of the front surface. A circular hole 82 that penetrates the support frame 76 in the thickness direction is formed in the support frame 76. On the other hand, a short columnar protrusion 80 protruding in the lateral direction is provided at the center in the front-rear direction of both outer side surfaces of the operation panel 18. Then, by connecting the support frame 76 of the image reading unit 14 and the protrusion 80 of the operation panel 18, the operation panel 18 is provided on the front side of the image reading unit 14 in a variable angle. In other words, the support frame 76 and the protrusion 80 function as a connecting portion that connects the operation panel 18 to the image reading portion 14 in a variable angle manner.

  In the reference state in which the operation panel 18 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, the connecting portion (the support frame 76 and the protrusion 80) is such that the front end surface 14a of the image reading unit 14 and the rear end surface 18a of the operation panel 18 are close to each other. The both sides of the operation panel 18 are supported.

  Further, when the operation panel 18 is tilted downward from the reference state, the lock mechanism is released, and the operation surface of the operation panel 18 is moved forward with the projection 80 provided at the center in the front-rear direction of the operation panel 18 as a support shaft. Tilt to face. In the tilted state (maximum tilted state) in which the operation panel 18 is tilted downward from the reference state, the connecting portion (the support frame 76 and the protruding portion 80) is discharged into the body between the image reading unit 14 and the operation panel 18. The both sides of the operation panel 18 are supported in a state in which the air passage 62 that communicates the internal space and the external space of the portion 16 is secured.

  According to the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the operation panel 18 is tilted, the internal space between the image reading section 14 and the operation panel 18 and the external space of the in-body sheet discharge section 16 are separated. Since the air passage 62 that communicates with the space is formed, the heat of the sheet discharged to the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16 is appropriately discharged to the external space, and the heat is accumulated in the in-cylinder sheet discharge unit 16. Is prevented.

  In the fourth embodiment, a blower such as a cross flow fan may be provided between the connecting parts.

  In the fourth embodiment, the support shaft for tilting the operation panel 18 is arranged at the center in the front-rear direction of the operation panel 18, but the support shaft may be arranged at the front end of the operation panel 18.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the angle of the operation panel 18 is variable in two steps of the reference state and the maximum tilt state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the angle of the operation panel 18 may be variable in three or more steps. it can. For example, the operation panel 18 is tilted at an arbitrary angle between the reference state and the maximum tilted state by providing a known ratchet mechanism or the like for the connecting portion that connects the image reading unit 14 and the operation panel 18. It may be held.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the user manually changes the angle of the operation panel 18, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the angle of the operation panel 18 can be changed electrically according to a button operation by the user.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the first connection housing 20 is arranged on the right side and the operation panel 18 is arranged on the left side, but this arrangement may be reversed. The operation panel 18 may extend over the entire length of the image reading unit 14 in the lateral direction.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 is exemplified by a multi-function machine in which a copier, a facsimile machine, a printer, and the like are combined. However, the image forming apparatus 10 is an in-body discharge type and an operation panel. As long as the angle is variable, it may be any one of a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, etc., or a multifunction machine combining at least two of these.

  It should be noted that the specific numerical values such as the dimensions mentioned above are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the needs of product specifications and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 12 ... Image forming part 14 ... Image reading part 16 ... In-cylinder paper discharge part 18 ... Operation panel 28 ... Paper discharge port 38,80 ... Projection part (connection part)
56,76 ... support frame (connection part)
62 ... Ventilation path 70 ... Cross flow fan (air blowing part)

Claims (5)

An in-body discharge type image forming apparatus having an image forming unit and an image reading unit disposed above the image forming unit,
An in-cylinder sheet discharge unit that is provided on a lower surface side of the image reading unit and that stores a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
An operation panel provided on a front surface side of the image reading unit; and a connecting unit that connects the operation panel to the image reading unit in a variable angle.
In the reference state in which the operation panel is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, the rear end surface of the operation panel and the front end surface of the image reading unit are close to each other,
In the tilted state in which the operation panel is tilted from the reference state, a ventilation path is formed between the operation panel and the image reading unit to communicate the internal space and the external space of the in-body discharge unit. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rear end surface of the operation panel is positioned below the lower surface of the image reading unit in a maximum tilt state in which the operation panel is tilted most from the reference state. The connecting portion includes a slide mechanism,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel is slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the image reading unit.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion supports the operation panel at both lateral ends of the operation panel, and the ventilation path is formed between the connection portions. 5.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a blower that generates an air flow in the ventilation path.

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