JP2016111515A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device where an input device provided at an image formation device and the structure of the body of the image formation device can be fixed simply while the appearance is kept.SOLUTION: An image formation device 1 comprises: an input device 50 provided at the body of the image formation device 1; a side plate 9 that is the structure body of the body of the image formation device 1; and a fixture member 56 to be inserted to the inside of the body of the image formation device 1. The plane 9h of the side plate 9 and the plane 52h of the support member 52 of the input device 50 are inserted and pressure-welded between the engaging parts 56h of the fixation member 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus includes an input unit including an operation unit including an operation button for a user to operate the image forming apparatus and a display unit such as a display for displaying a state of the image forming apparatus. It is provided on the outer surface of the main body.

  By adjusting the attitude of the input device to the user's preference, the operability and visibility of the user can be improved. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an image forming apparatus in which a movable display unit is provided on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

JP 2012-139997 A

  However, as in Patent Document 1, when a user operates an input device that is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus and includes a movable display unit and an operation unit, a large load may be applied in the moving direction of the input device. is there. Alternatively, a load may be applied in a direction different from the moving direction of the input device. In that case, there is a possibility that the exterior member on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus holding the input device may be deformed or loosened, thereby impairing the quality of the product.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, when the input device is arranged at a position vertically away from the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus so that the user can easily operate the input device. Deformation and backlash of the exterior member are likely to occur.

  Further, even when the input device is configured to be fixed to the exterior member on the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus, the operation unit operated by the user may be disposed at a position away from the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus. Similarly, deformation and backlash of the exterior member are likely to occur.

  In order to solve these problems, it is conceivable to screw the input device and the structure inside the main body of the image forming apparatus from the upper surface direction of the main body of the image forming apparatus. Alternatively, a fixing member for fixing the input device and the structure inside the main body of the image forming apparatus may be added to the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  However, if a fixing screw or a fixing member is added to a location that can be visually recognized by the user, the boundary line with the exterior member increases, or an access portion or a fixing screw for attaching the fixing member can be seen from the user. As a result, there is a problem in that the appearance is deteriorated and the cost is increased by adding an exterior member for hiding them.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that the input device provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus and the structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus are simply maintained while maintaining the appearance. An image forming apparatus that can be fixed to the camera is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an input device provided in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a main body of the image forming apparatus. A first engaging portion of the structure body and a second engaging portion of the input device are clamped and fixed by the fixing member. And

  According to the above configuration, the input device provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus and the structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus can be easily fixed, and the appearance is good.

(A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus based on this invention. 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. (A) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the state which closed the opening-and-closing door. (B) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the state which opened the opening-and-closing door. It is perspective explanatory drawing of the hinge part vicinity which shows the state which opened and closed the door. It is a perspective explanatory view showing a connection configuration of an operation unit and a support member of the input device. (A) is sectional explanatory drawing seen from the side surface which shows the connection structure of the operation part and support member of an input device. (B) is sectional explanatory drawing seen from the plane side which shows the connection structure of the operation part and support member of an input device. (A) is a perspective explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st engaging part of a structure, and the 3rd engaging part of the supporting member of an input device. (B) is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st engaging part of a structure, and the 3rd engaging part of the supporting member of an input device. (A) is a perspective explanatory view showing a configuration in which the first engagement portion of the structure and the third engagement portion of the support member of the input device are clamped and pressed by a fixing member. (B) is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a configuration in which the first engaging portion of the structure and the third engaging portion of the support member of the input device are sandwiched and pressed by a fixing member.

  An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

<Image forming apparatus>
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1A and 1B are external perspective views showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 1A shows the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (the main body of the image forming apparatus). It is a perspective view which shows the state which the operation part 51 of the input device 50 provided in the upper surface cover 8 to rotate so that it might fall. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state where the operation unit 51 of the input device 50 is raised. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment employs an electrophotographic system in which process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK of four colors of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K can be attached and detached. This is an example of the full-color image forming apparatus. In the following description, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be used as a representative for the process cartridges P. The same applies to other image forming process means.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridges P for the respective colors are arranged in the horizontal direction in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Note that the number of process cartridges P to be mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is not necessarily limited to the present embodiment, and is appropriately set as necessary. For example, in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 that forms a monochrome (single color) image, the number of process cartridges P attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is one. Further, although the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment illustrates a printer, it is not necessary to be limited to this.

  The image forming apparatus 1 using an electrophotographic system forms an image on a recording material S such as a sheet using an electrophotographic system. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1 include an electrophotographic copying machine, or an electrophotographic printer such as a laser beam printer or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) printer. Furthermore, a facsimile machine and a word processor are included. Alternatively, the present invention can also be applied to other image forming apparatuses 1 such as a multifunction machine that combines these various functions.

  An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic image forming process. The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured by a process cartridge system, and the process cartridge P is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 to form a color image on the recording material S.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b), and 2, the side provided with an opening / closing door 3 that is pivotably opened / closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. 1 (a), ( b) and the right side of FIG. Further, the side opposite to the front side (the left side in FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIG. 2) is the back side (rear side). Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front, the right side is referred to as a driving side and the left side is referred to as a non-driving side.

  Each process cartridge P has the same electrophotographic image forming process means, and only the color of the developer (toner) is different. A rotational driving force is transmitted to each process cartridge P from a motor 62 which is a driving source shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Further, a charging bias voltage is applied to each process cartridge P from a charging bias power source (not shown) provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 to a charging roller serving as a charging unit (not shown). Further, a developing bias voltage is applied from a developing bias power source (not shown) to a developing roller serving as a developing means (not shown). Further, a primary transfer bias voltage is applied to a primary transfer roller 16 serving as a primary transfer unit from a primary transfer bias power source (not shown). Further, a secondary transfer bias voltage is applied to a secondary transfer roller 14 serving as a secondary transfer unit from a secondary transfer bias power source (not shown).

  Above each process cartridge P, a laser scanner unit LS serving as an image exposure unit is provided. The laser scanner unit LS emits laser light (not shown) according to image information. A laser beam (not shown) emitted from the laser scanner unit LS passes through an exposure window (not shown) provided in each process cartridge P and is irradiated onto the surface of each photosensitive drum 40. As a result, the surface of each photosensitive drum 40 is scanned and exposed by laser light (not shown) according to the image information.

  In the process cartridge PY, yellow Y toner is accommodated in a developing device 2Y as developing means. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 40Y serving as an image carrier is uniformly charged by a charging roller serving as a charging unit (not shown). An electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 40Y uniformly charged by a charging roller (not shown) with laser light corresponding to image information from a laser scanner unit LS serving as image exposure means. A yellow Y toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40Y by a developing roller (not shown) provided in the developing device 2Y serving as a developing unit to form a toner image.

  In the process cartridge PM, magenta M toner is accommodated in a developing device 2M as developing means. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 40M as an image carrier is uniformly charged by a charging roller (not shown) as a charging unit. An electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 40M uniformly charged by a charging roller (not shown) with laser light corresponding to image information from a laser scanner unit LS serving as image exposure means. The toner of magenta M is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40M by a developing roller (not shown) provided in the developing device 2M as developing means to form a toner image.

  In the process cartridge PC, cyan C toner is accommodated in a developing device 2C as developing means. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 40C serving as an image carrier is uniformly charged by a charging roller serving as a charging unit (not shown). The surface of the photosensitive drum 40C uniformly charged by a charging roller (not shown) is irradiated with laser light corresponding to image information from a laser scanner unit LS serving as image exposure means, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. A cyan C toner is supplied from a developing roller (not shown) provided in the developing device 2C serving as a developing unit for the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40C to form a toner image.

  In the process cartridge PK, black K toner is accommodated in a developing device 2K as developing means. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 40K serving as the image carrier is uniformly charged by a charging roller serving as a charging unit (not shown). An electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 40K uniformly charged by a charging roller (not shown) with laser light corresponding to image information from a laser scanner unit LS serving as image exposure means. With respect to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40K, black K toner is supplied by a developing roller (not shown) provided in the developing device 2K as developing means to form a toner image.

  Below each process cartridge P, an intermediate transfer unit 11 as a transfer member is provided. The intermediate transfer unit 11 is provided with a flexible intermediate transfer belt 12 that is rotatably stretched by a driving roller 13, a turn roller 17, and a tension roller 15.

  The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 40 of each process cartridge P is in contact with the upper surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12, and the contact portion is configured as a primary transfer portion. On the inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt 12, primary transfer rollers 16 are provided so as to face the respective photosensitive drums 40. When a primary transfer bias voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 16 from a primary transfer bias power source (not shown), each color toner image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 40 is primarily transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. The

  A secondary transfer roller 14 is in contact with the turn roller 17 with the intermediate transfer belt 12 interposed therebetween. A contact portion between the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 14 is configured as a secondary transfer portion. A secondary transfer bias voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 14 from a secondary transfer bias power source (not shown). As a result, the toner images of the respective colors primarily transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 are secondarily transferred collectively onto the surface of the recording material S conveyed to the secondary transfer portion.

  A feeding unit 18 is provided below the intermediate transfer unit 11 shown in FIG. The feeding unit 18 includes a feeding tray 19 in which recording materials S are stacked and accommodated, a feeding roller 20, and the like. A fixing unit 21 serving as a fixing unit and a discharge unit 22 are provided on the upper left side in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. A part of the upper surface cover 8 constituting the upper surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 on the discharge unit 22 side is configured as a discharge tray 23.

  The recording material S loaded on the up-and-down middle plate in the feeding tray 19 is fed out by the feeding roller 20 and separated and fed one by one by a separating means (not shown). Thereafter, the toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit in accordance with the position of the toner image primarily transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the registration roller 24.

  After the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is secondarily transferred onto the surface of the recording material S, it is nipped and conveyed by a fixing roller and a pressure roller provided in a fixing unit 21 serving as a fixing unit. In this process, the toner image is fixed on the recording material S by being heated and pressurized. Thereafter, the paper is nipped and conveyed by a discharge roller provided in the discharge unit 22 and discharged onto the discharge tray 23. In FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a cassette cover for the feeding tray 19.

<Image forming operation>
An image forming operation for forming a full-color image using the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, a rotational driving force is transmitted from the motor 62 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the photosensitive drums 40 provided in the process cartridges P shown in FIG. 2 are counterclockwise indicated by arrows in FIG. It is rotationally driven in the turning direction.

  Further, a rotational driving force is transmitted from the motor 62 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the driving roller 13 is rotationally driven. As a result, the intermediate transfer belt 12 is also rotationally driven at a conveying speed corresponding to the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 40 in the direction of arrow A in FIG.

  The surface of each photosensitive drum 40 that is rotationally driven is uniformly charged by a charging roller (not shown). The laser scanner unit LS scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 40 uniformly charged by a charging roller by irradiating a laser beam (not shown) according to an image signal of each color.

  Thereby, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to each color corresponding to the image signal is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 40. The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 40 is developed as a toner image by supplying each color developer (toner) by a developing roller (not shown) that is rotationally driven at a predetermined peripheral speed.

  By such an image forming process operation, a yellow Y color toner image corresponding to the yellow Y component of the full color image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40Y of the process cartridge PY. The toner image is primarily transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the action of the primary transfer roller 16Y.

  Similarly, a magenta M color toner image corresponding to the magenta M component of the full color image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40M of the process cartridge PM. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred superimposed on the yellow Y-color toner image already transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the action of the primary transfer roller 16M.

  Similarly, a cyan C color toner image corresponding to the cyan C component of the full color image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40C of the process cartridge PC. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred superimposed on the yellow Y and magenta M toner images already transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the action of the primary transfer roller 16C.

  Similarly, a black K toner image corresponding to the black K component of the full-color image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 40K of the process cartridge PK. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred superimposed on the yellow Y, magenta M, and cyan C toner images already transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the action of the primary transfer roller 16K. .

  In this way, four full-color unfixed toner images of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12.

  After the toner image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 40 is primarily transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12, the toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum 40 is cleaned by each cleaner 26 serving as a cleaning unit. It is scraped off from the surface of 40 and collected.

  On the other hand, the recording material S accommodated in the feeding tray 19 is separated and fed one by one by the cooperation of a feeding roller 20 that is rotationally driven at a predetermined control timing and a separating means (not shown), and is registered. It is conveyed to. The recording material S conveyed to the registration roller 24 is nipped and conveyed by the registration roller 24 at a predetermined control timing, and the secondary transfer composed of a contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12. It is conveyed to the part.

  The four-color superimposed toner images that are primarily transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the action of the secondary transfer roller 14 are collectively transferred to the recording material S conveyed to the secondary transfer portion.

  After the toner image on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is secondarily transferred to the recording material S, the toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12 is removed by the cleaner 27 serving as a cleaning unit. It is scraped off and collected from the outer peripheral surface.

<Opening door>
Next, the configuration of the open / close door 3 that is pivotably opened and closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3A and 3B are side explanatory views of the vicinity of the open / close door 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the left side (non-driving side) of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3A shows a state in which the open / close door 3 is closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 3B shows a state in which the open / close door 3 is opened with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the hinge portion of the open / close door 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the left side (non-driving side) of FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the open / close door 3 is opened with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. 3 and 4, a part of the exterior member of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is omitted in order to explain the rattling prevention mechanism provided at the hinge portion of the opening / closing door 3.

<Backlash prevention mechanism>
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a projection 4 for preventing rattling is provided inside the open / close door 3. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a recess 5 for preventing rattling is provided on the exterior member of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 corresponding to the protrusion 4 provided on the opening / closing door 3. As shown in FIG. 3A, in a state where the open / close door 3 is closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the convex portion 4 provided on the open / close door 3 is provided on the exterior member of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The recessed portion 5 is engaged.

  This prevents the opening / closing door 3 from being deformed or rattling in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 3B, the rattling prevention mechanism by the engagement between the convex portion 4 provided on the opening / closing door 3 and the concave portion 5 provided on the exterior member of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus. In a state where the opening / closing door 3 is opened with respect to one main body, the engagement between the convex portion 4 and the concave portion 5 is released and separated. Therefore, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 3 is not affected.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a handle for the user to open and close the open / close door 3 at a position corresponding to the left and right upper ends of the open / close door 3 of the exterior member of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. Part 6 is provided. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the handle portion 6 is configured to have a shape in which the upper side is wide and the lower side is narrow. As a result, when the user puts his / her hand on the handle portion 6 and performs the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 3, the user is guided to operate at the upper position of the opening / closing door 3 farthest from the hinge portion of the opening / closing door 3. As a result, the user can open and close the open / close door 3 with a light force.

  A rattling prevention mechanism by engagement between the convex portion 4 provided on the open / close door 3 and the concave portion 5 provided on the exterior member of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and the handle portion 6 are respectively provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. It is provided on both the left and right sides.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a reinforcing member 7 is provided inside the opening / closing door 3. The reinforcing member 7 prevents the opening / closing door 3 from being deformed by a user's opening / closing operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the reinforcing member 7 also functions as a light shielding member in a state where the open / close door 3 is closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The reinforcing member 7 functions as a light shielding member so that strong light from the outside does not enter the opening 30 where the laser scanner unit LS and the process cartridge P in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 are provided. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 is not affected by the strong light quantity from the outside during the image forming process operation.

<Input device>
Next, the configuration of the input device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, an input device 50 is provided on the top cover 8 serving as an exterior member constituting the top surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the input device 50 has a support member 52 fixed to the lower surface side of the upper surface cover 8, and is rotatable (movable) around the rotation shaft 52 c with respect to the support member 52. ) And an operation unit 51 connected to each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the operation unit 51 is exposed to the upper surface side of the upper surface cover 8 and is rotatably provided. A connecting portion between the support member 52 and the operation portion 51 is inserted into an opening (not shown) provided in the upper surface cover 8, and the operation portion 51 and the support member 52 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the upper surface cover 8.

  The user operates the image forming apparatus 1 via a control unit (not shown) by tapping (touching) a predetermined display key displayed on the display unit 51a that displays various information of the operation unit 51. The operation unit 51 of the present embodiment includes a display unit 51a that displays various information of the image forming apparatus 1, and a touch panel (operation surface) for operating the image forming apparatus 1 when the user taps (touches) it. It is comprised by the flat form provided in the plane part.

  The operation unit 51 of the present embodiment includes a display unit 51a. In addition, the operation unit 51 may include only the display unit 51a or only a button or a switch such as a key for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the operation unit 51 may be provided with a mounting unit for mounting an external memory such as a memory card.

<Angle adjustment mechanism>
Next, an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude angle of the operation unit 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7. FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the configuration of an upper surface cover 8 serving as an exterior member of the image forming apparatus 1 and an input device 50 provided on the upper surface cover 8. FIG. 5 is an explanatory perspective view showing a configuration of a connecting portion between the operation portion 51 and the support member 52. In FIG. 5, in order to explain the angle adjustment mechanism, a part of the operation unit 51 and a part of the support member 52 are omitted.

  FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional explanatory view seen from the side surface showing the configuration of the connecting portion between the operation portion 51 and the support member 52. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional explanatory view seen from the plane direction showing the configuration of the connecting portion between the operation portion 51 and the support member 52. Fig.7 (a) is the perspective view which looked at the upper surface cover 8 shown to Fig.1 (a), (b) from the back surface side. FIG. 7B shows a configuration of the flat surface portion 9h (first engaging portion) of the side plate 9 (structure) and the flat surface portion 52h (third engaging portion) of the support member 52 of the input device 50. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the attitude angle of the operation unit 51 by allowing the operation unit 51 to rotate. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A, the operation unit 51 is rotatable about a rotation shaft 52c with respect to the support member 52 fixed to the back surface side of the upper surface cover 8 of the image forming apparatus 1. It is connected.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the support member 52 is fixed to the back side of the top cover 8. Accordingly, the operation unit 51 is rotatably supported with respect to the upper surface cover 8 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the support member 52.

  The operation unit 51 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 52c provided on the support member 52. Thereby, the attitude angle of the operation unit 51 with respect to the upper surface cover 8 can be changed. As shown in FIG. 6A, an internal gear 51b provided along the circumference centering on the rotation shaft 52c is provided inside the operation portion 51. The support member 52 is provided with an external gear 53 that meshes with an internal gear 51b provided in the operation portion 51.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a compression spring 54 is provided as a biasing means for biasing the external gear 53 in the direction of arrow G in FIG. The external gear 53 is fixed to a support shaft 55 that is rotatably supported by the support member 52. A compression spring 54 made of a coil spring is fitted on the support shaft 55. One end of the compression spring 54 is locked to a locking portion 52f provided on the support member 52 shown in FIG. 6B, and the other end is slidably pressed against the side surface of the external gear 53. As a result, the external gear 53 and the compression spring 54 are held by the support member 52 via the support shaft 55.

  The external gear 53 is always urged in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 5 by the extension force of the compression spring 54. The support shaft 55 receives a biasing force applied to the side surface of the external gear 53 by the extension force of the compression spring 54. Therefore, when the user operates the attitude angle of the operation unit 51, a constant load is generated with respect to the movement of the external gear 53 around the support shaft 55 in the rotational direction.

  The user grips the operation unit 51 and rotates around the rotation shaft 52c in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6A against a constant braking load received by the extension force of the compression spring 54. Then, the internal gear 51b provided in the operation unit 51 also rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6A around the rotation shaft 52c. As a result, the external gear 53 provided on the support member 52 that meshes with the internal gear 51b provided on the operation unit 51 rotates about the support shaft 55 in the clockwise direction in FIG.

  As a result, the operation unit 51 can rotate around the rotation shaft 52 c while receiving a constant braking load by the extension force of the compression spring 54, and change the posture angle of the image forming apparatus 1 with respect to the upper surface cover 8. A side surface of the external gear 53 is urged by the extension force of the compression spring 54 to apply a predetermined braking force.

  Thereby, the operation unit 51 is held in a state in which the posture angle with respect to the upper surface cover 8 is changed. As a result, the posture angle of the operation unit 51 can be adjusted to a desired posture angle that is easy for the user to visually recognize or operate, and the operability and visibility of the user can be satisfied.

  For example, when the user performs an operation of pressing the touch panel on the operation unit 51, a braking force that resists the pressing force by the user's touch is applied by the extension force of the compression spring 54. Accordingly, the posture angle of the operation unit 51 can be held in a state adjusted to the user's preferred posture angle.

  On the other hand, when the user adjusts the posture angle of the operation unit 51, the operation unit 51 is rotated against a certain braking load received by the extension force of the compression spring 54, thereby causing the posture angle of the operation unit 51 to be adjusted. Can be changed as appropriate.

<Fixing member>
Next, the configuration of the fixing member 56 for fixing the input device 50 to the side plate 9 that is the structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the vicinity of the input device 50 of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the vicinity of the support member 52 that rotatably supports the operation unit 51 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a state in which the support member 52 and the side plate 9 shown in FIG. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a state in which the support member 52 and the side plate 9 shown in FIG. 7 and 8, the exterior members other than the top cover 8 are omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the operation unit 51 and the upper surface cover 8 are connected by a support member 52. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the flat surface portion 52 h serving as the third engaging portion of the support member 52 constituting the input device 50 is provided on the side plate 9 serving as the structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. It is placed on the flat surface portion 9h that is the first engaging portion provided.

  A drive unit 60 having a motor 62 serving as a drive source of the image forming apparatus 1 and a side plate 61 that supports the motor 62 is fixed to the side plate 9 of the present embodiment. The drive unit 60 is provided with a static elimination needle 63 so that the motor 62 is not electrically affected by the outside. The static elimination needle 63 is supported on the side plate 61 by a support member 64.

  7 (a) and 7 (b), the operation portion 51 that is rotatably connected to the support member 52 and the upper surface cover 8 provided with the support member 52 are fixed to the side plate 9. Absent. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, a case is considered in which the user applies a load to the operation unit 51 above the image forming apparatus 1 indicated by the arrow B direction in FIG.

  Then, the support member 52 connected to the operation unit 51 is lifted in the direction of arrow B (upward) in FIG. As a result, the upper surface cover 8 to which the support member 52 is fixed may be deformed by being lifted in the direction of arrow B (upward) in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the support member 52 of the present embodiment is provided with two flat portions 52 h that are substantially parallel to the flat portion 9 h of the side plate 9. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a substantially rectangular fixing member 56 to be inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (inside the main body of the image forming apparatus) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the fixing member 56 is provided with two engaging portions 56h. The engaging portions 56h are provided at two locations corresponding to the flat portions 9h of the side plate 9 and the flat portions 52h provided at two locations of the support member 52.

  In a state where the flat surface portion 9h of the side plate 9 and the flat surface portion 52h of the support member 52 are overlapped, the flat surface portion 9h and the flat surface portion 52h are fixed between the two engaging portions 56h. The member 56 is inserted in the direction of arrow E in FIG. For this reason, when force is applied in the direction in which the flat surface portion 9h and the flat surface portion 52h are separated from each other, the two engaging portions 56h are pressed so as not to be separated from each other. .

  A side cover serving as an exterior member is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 outside the support member 52 and the fixing member 56. As a result, the support member 52 and the fixing member 56 are covered with the side cover serving as an exterior member so as not to be visible to the user from the appearance of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the outer end portion of the fixing member 56 is provided with engaging portions 56a and 56b formed with engaging holes 56c and 56d made of through holes. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7A, convex portions 52 a and 52 b are projected from the outer end portion of the support member 52.

  When the fixing member 56 is inserted in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 8A with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the convex portions 52a and 52b of the support member 52 are inserted into the engagement holes 56c and 56d of the fixing member 56. Inserted. Further, a screw 25 serving as a fixing member shown in FIG. 8A is screwed into a screw hole 52e provided in a fixing portion 52d provided protruding from the outer end portion of the support member 52 shown in FIG. 7A. Conclude. As a result, the fixing member 56 is fixed to the support member 52.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the fixing member 56 is attached to the support member 52. In this state, the planar portion 9h of the side plate 9 serving as a structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 by the U-shaped engaging portion 56h of the fixing member 56, and the planar portions 52h provided at two locations of the support member 52, respectively. In the overlapped state, it is clamped and fixed.

  As a result, the side plate 9 and the support member 52 are fixed by the fixing member 56. The operation unit 51 rotatably connected to the support member 52 and the upper surface cover 8 to which the support member 52 is fixed include the structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 via the support member 52 and the fixing member 56. It is fixed to the side plate 9 which becomes.

  As a result, when the user operates the operation unit 51, the input device 50 and the top cover 8 can be prevented from being deformed or rattling, and usability (ease of use) can be improved. In addition, the support member 52 and the fixing member 56 are provided inside the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 of the upper surface cover 8.

  Further, the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 is covered with a side cover (not shown) serving as an exterior member. Therefore, the support member 52 and the fixing member 56 are not visible to the user in appearance. For this reason, it is not necessary to separately add an exterior member for hiding the fixing member 56, so that the cost is prevented and the appearance design of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved.

  In the present embodiment, an example of the input device 50 in which the operation unit 51 is movable and has an angle adjustment mechanism has been described. In addition, the operation member 51 may be fixed and the support member 52 and the upper surface cover 8 may be connected.

  In some cases, the operation member 51 may be fixed and the support member 52 need not be provided. In that case, the operation part 51 and the upper surface cover 8 are directly connected and supported. Then, a flat surface portion 9h serving as a first engagement portion of the side plate 9 serving as a structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 by the U-shaped engagement portion 56h of the fixing member 56, and an operation portion 51 constituting the input device 50. A flat portion (not shown) which is the second engaging portion may be fixed by pressing. Thereby, the input device 50 provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and the structure of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 can be easily fixed, and the appearance is good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 9 ... Side plate (structure)
9h ... plane part (first engaging part)
50… Input device
51… Operation part
52… Support member
52h ... plane part (third engaging part)
56… Fixing member
56h ... engaging part

Claims (6)

An input device provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus;
A structure of a main body of the image forming apparatus;
A fixing member inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Have
An image forming apparatus, wherein the first engaging portion of the structure and the second engaging portion of the input device are clamped and fixed by the fixing member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input device is provided on an exterior member of a main body of the image forming apparatus. An input device provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus;
An exterior member provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus;
A support member provided on the exterior member, to which the input device is movably connected;
A structure of a main body of the image forming apparatus;
A fixing member inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus;
Have
The image forming apparatus, wherein the fixing member fixes the first engaging portion of the structure and the third engaging portion of the support member in a sandwiched state.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is configured to be invisible to a user from an appearance of a main body of the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input device is provided on an upper surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input device includes a display unit that displays information or an operation unit that operates the image forming apparatus when touched by a user.

Images