JP2021053818A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image formation device which enables improvement of visibility of a display panel while securing sufficient operability.SOLUTION: An image formation device has: a paper discharge part where a recording medium formed with images is discharged; a movable part which is moved in a predetermined movable range by an operation of an operator; and a display part which has a display panel and a storage part for storing a storage object portion of the display panel in a drawable manner and which may shift between a first state in which the storage object portion is stored in the storage part and a second state in which the storage object portion is drawn from the storage part. The display part is provided in a manner that the entire display panel is located at the outside of a movable range in the first state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, a display panel is provided for displaying information such as the progress of an image forming operation and various setting contents (for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, in order to improve the visibility of the display panel and increase the amount of information to be displayed, it is required to increase the size of the display panel.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-61182

However, as the display panel becomes larger, the operator operates to move the movable parts of the image forming apparatus (scanner cover members, various doors, trays, etc.), and the recording medium on which the image is formed is ejected. There is a problem that the operation of the operator when taking out from the unit is hindered by the display panel, and the operability of the image forming apparatus is deteriorated.
As described above, the conventional image forming apparatus has a problem that it is not easy to achieve both operability and visibility of the display panel.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the visibility of a display panel while ensuring sufficient operability.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
A paper ejection unit from which the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged, and
A movable part that is moved within a predetermined movable range by the operation of the operator,
It has a display panel having at least a part of flexibility and a storage portion for retractably storing the flexible storage target portion of the display panel, and the storage target portion is stored in the storage portion. A display unit capable of transitioning between the first state and the second state in which the storage target portion is pulled out from the storage unit.
With
The display unit is characterized in that, in the first state, the entire display panel is provided so as to be located outside the range of the movable range.

The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The display unit is characterized in that a part of the display panel is provided within the movable range in the second state.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 is
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
A paper ejection unit from which the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged, and
A movable part that is moved within a predetermined movable range by the operation of the operator,
It has a display panel having at least a part of flexibility and a storage portion for retractably storing the flexible storage target portion of the display panel, and the storage target portion is stored in the storage portion. A display unit capable of transitioning between the first state and the second state in which the storage target portion is pulled out from the storage unit.
With
When the operator sets the work range to be a target of work by the operator when taking out the recording medium discharged to the paper ejection unit and performing the operation on the movable unit.
The display unit is characterized in that, in the first state, the entire display panel is provided so as to be located outside the working range.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The display unit is characterized in that a part of the display panel is provided within the working range in the second state.

The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The display unit is characterized in that the storage target portion is provided in a direction in which the storage target portion is horizontally drawn out from the storage portion.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.
The display unit is provided at a position where the storage target portion is pulled out toward the paper ejection portion side with respect to the storage portion, and the display unit is provided.
In the second state, the display panel is provided in such a manner that a part of the display panel is located within a range of the work range that can be a target of work when the operation of taking out the recording medium discharged to the paper ejection unit is performed. It is characterized by being done.

The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.
The display unit has a first direction in which the storage target portion is horizontally pulled out from the storage portion and a second direction in which the storage target portion is pulled out from the storage portion in a direction in which the storage target portion has a vertically downward component. It is characterized by having a rotation mechanism that rotates between the two.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
A detection unit that detects the orientation of the display unit and
A display control means for switching the display content by the display unit according to the detection result of the orientation of the display unit by the detection unit, and
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The storage portion is characterized in that the storage target portion of the display panel is wound up and stored.

The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9.
In the second state, the storage target portion is provided with a fixing portion for fixing the display panel so that the storage target portion is not wound around the storage portion.

The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10.
It is characterized by including a pull-in portion that exerts a force on the display panel in a direction in which the storage target portion is pulled into the storage portion.

The invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The display panel is characterized by having a touch panel that overlaps the display area of the display panel and accepts a contact operation by the operator.

The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 12.
The display unit in the second state is characterized by including a support member that supports a surface of the display panel on the side opposite to the touch panel side.

The invention according to claim 14 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
It is provided with an image reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium placed on a predetermined mounting surface.
The movable portion is characterized by having a cover member that is moved within the movable range between a state of covering the previously described mounting surface and a state of exposing the previously described mounting surface by the operation.

The invention according to claim 15 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
The movable portion is characterized by having at least one of an openable and closable door and an openable and closable tray.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the visibility of the display panel can be improved while ensuring sufficient operability.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image forming part. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus when the operation display part is in an expanded state. It is the figure which looked at the image forming apparatus from the right. It is a block diagram which shows the main functional composition of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the operation display part. FIG. 6 (c) is an enlarged view showing a portion in the vicinity of the storage portion. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between a display panel and a work range. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on modification 1. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between a display panel and a work range when the operation display part is in the 2nd direction in the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between a display panel and a movable range when the operation display part is in the 2nd direction in the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on modification 2. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between a display panel and a work range when the operation display part is in the 3rd direction in the modification 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between a display panel and a movable range when the operation display part is in the 3rd direction in the modification 2. FIG. It is a figure which looked at the operation display part which concerns on modification 3 from the axial direction of the storage part.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that forms a color image by an electrophotographic method.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 1a, an operation display unit 30 (display unit) provided outside the housing 1a, a scanner 40 provided on the upper portion of the housing 1a, and the like. A paper ejection portion 60 or the like exposed to the outside of the housing 1a is provided at the lower part of the scanner 40. The image forming apparatus 1 is operated by an operator standing in front of the operation display unit 30. In the following, when viewed from this operator, the direction toward the front is "forward", the direction toward the back is "rear", the direction toward the left is "left", the direction toward the right is "right", and the direction is upward. The direction is referred to as "upward" and the downward direction is referred to as "downward".
Further, on the front side surface (hereinafter referred to as the front surface) of the housing 1a, doors 81 and 82 that can be opened and closed and paper feed trays 83 to 85 (tray) that can be opened and closed are provided. Further, a door 86 that can be opened and closed and a manual feed tray 87 (tray) that can be opened and closed are provided on the right side of the pair of side surfaces adjacent to the front surface.
Further, inside the housing 1a, an image forming unit 20 for forming an image on paper (recording medium) is provided.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming unit 20.
The image forming unit 20 forms an image on the paper supplied from the paper feed trays 83 to 85 or the manual feed tray 87, and discharges the image to the paper ejection unit 60.
The image forming unit 20 includes an image carrier 21 which is a drum-shaped photoconductor that supports an electrostatic latent image on the surface, a cleaning unit 22 that removes residual toner on the surface of the image carrier 21, and an image carrier 21. An electrostatic latent image is formed by using a charging roller 23 that uniformly charges the surface, an exposed portion 24 that exposes the surface of the charged image carrier 21 to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developer containing toner. The developing unit 25 that develops and forms a toner image on the surface of the image carrier 21 and the formed toner image are first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 261 in the transfer region, and further secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 261 to paper. Transfer section 26, fixing section 27 for fixing the toner image to the paper, and a plurality of transport rollers 28 for transporting the paper along the transport path from the paper feed trays 83 to 85 or the manual feed tray 87 to the paper discharge section 60. Be prepared. Of the above, the image bearing body 21, the cleaning unit 22, the charging roller 23, the exposure unit 24, and the developing unit 25 constitute an image forming unit.

Four image forming units are provided corresponding to each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black), and Y, M, C are provided along the lower horizontal plane of the intermediate transfer belt 261. , K are arranged in this order. In each image forming unit, the cleaning unit 22, the charging roller 23, the exposure unit 24, and the developing unit 25 are arranged in this order along the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier 21.

The image carrier 21 rotates about a predetermined rotation axis. A photosensitive layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the image carrier 21.

The cleaning unit 22 has a flat plate-shaped cleaning blade made of an elastic body, and by bringing the cleaning blade into contact with the surface of the image carrier 21, it adheres to the surface of the image carrier 21 and is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 261. Removes foreign matter such as toner that remains without being used.

The charging roller 23 is a tubular member that comes into contact with the surface of the image carrier 21 and is driven to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis as the image carrier 21 rotates. The charging roller 23 uniformly charges the surface of the image carrier 21 by applying a charging drive voltage from a power supply unit (not shown).

The exposure unit 24 includes an LD (Laser Diode) as a light emitting element, exposes the surface of the image carrier 21 charged by the charging roller 23 by irradiating a laser beam, and electrostatically lurks on the image carrier 21. Form an image.

The developing unit 25 includes a developing sleeve (developing roller) arranged so as to face the surface of the image carrier 21. The developing unit 25 supplies a developer containing toner supplied from a toner bottle (not shown) to the surface of the developing sleeve having a predetermined development bias potential, so that the toner in the developing agent carries an image from the surface of the developing sleeve. It is attached to an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the body 21 to form a toner image on the surface of the image carrier 21.

The transfer unit 26 is bridged around two belt transfer rollers 262, four primary transfer rollers 263 arranged to face each image carrier 21, belt transfer rollers 262, and primary transfer rollers 263. The intermediate transfer belt 261 and the belt cleaning unit 264 for removing the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 261 are driven by the rotation of the belt transfer roller 262 while being urged against one of the belt transfer rollers 262. It is provided with a rotating secondary transfer roller 265.
In the transfer unit 26, the intermediate transfer belt 261 orbits in a state where a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the primary transfer roller 263, so that the toner is transferred from the surface of the rotating image carrier 21 to the intermediate transfer belt 261. Transcribed. Further, after the toners of each color of Y, M, C, and K are superimposed and transferred, the paper passes between the secondary transfer roller 265 to which a predetermined bias voltage is applied and the intermediate transfer belt 261, so that the paper is intermediate. The color toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 261 to the paper. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 261 without being transferred to the paper is removed by the cleaning blade of the belt cleaning unit 264.

The fixing unit 27 heats and pressurizes the paper on which the toner image is transferred to fix the toner image on the paper. The fixing portion 27 includes a pair of rollers including a heating roller and a pressure roller for holding the paper. The paper on which the toner image is fixed is conveyed by the conveying roller 28 and sent to the paper ejection unit 60.

Returning to FIG. 1, the operation display unit 30 includes a display panel 31 having a touch panel on the surface. The operation display unit 30 displays various information on the display panel 31, converts the operator's input operation (contact operation) on the touch panel into an operation signal, and outputs the information to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 5).
Further, at least a part of the display panel 31 is flexible, and the operation display unit 30 is a storage unit that winds up a flexible storage target portion of the display panel 31 and stores it so that it can be pulled out. It has 32. With such a configuration, in the operation display unit 30 of the present embodiment, the storage target portion of the display panel 31 is stored in the storage unit 32 (first state) (FIG. 1), and the storage target portion is stored. A transition is possible between the expanded state (second state) drawn from the unit 32 (FIG. 3). In the stored state, the display panel 31 can display in the first display area, and in the expanded state, the display panel 31 can display in a second display area larger than the first display area. In the following, pulling out the storage target portion of the display panel 31 from the storage unit 32 is also simply referred to as “pulling out the display panel 31 from the storage unit 32”, and storing the storage target portion of the display panel 31 in the storage unit 32. , Simply "store the display panel 31 in the storage unit 32".
The display panel 31 that can be wound up in this way is also called a rollable touch panel. The configuration and state transition of the display panel 31 will be described in detail later.

The scanner 40 has an image reading unit 41 provided on the upper part of the housing 1a and a cover member 42 provided on the upper part of the image reading unit 41.
The image reading unit 41 irradiates the platen glass 411 (see FIG. 2) constituting the mounting surface 41a on which the paper is placed and the paper on the mounting surface 41a with light from the mounting surface 41a side. It is provided with an optical system such as a light source and a reflecting mirror, and an image pickup element that detects the light emitted from the optical system and reflected by the paper. Under the control of the control unit 10, the image reading unit 41 reads an image of the paper placed on the mounting surface 41a of the platen glass 411 for each of the colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue). The image data in the bitmap format of is generated and stored in the storage unit 14 (see FIG. 5).

The cover member 42 is provided with an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that conveys manually fed documents one by one and causes the image reading unit 41 to read them. Further, the cover member 42 is moved within a movable range between the state of covering the mounting surface 41a (see FIG. 1) and the state of exposing the mounting surface 41a by the operation of the operator.
FIG. 4 is a view of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the right. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the cover member 42 is pulled up to expose the mounting surface 41a, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which the cover member 42 is pulled down to expose the mounting surface 41a. The covered state is shown. The operator puts his / her hand on the handle 42a provided on the front side of the cover member 42 and lifts it upward, so that the entire cover member 42 is rotated around the fulcrum 42b on the back side of the housing 1a. It can be pulled up.

The paper ejection unit 60 shown in FIG. 1 is outside the housing 1a on the left side of the operation display unit 30 and below the scanner 40 when viewed from an operator standing in front of the operation display unit 30 (front side of the housing 1a). The paper that is exposed to the image and has an image formed by the image forming unit 20 is ejected in a state that can be taken out by the operator.

The door 81 is provided so as to be openable and closable at the lower part of the operation display unit 30 and the paper ejection unit 60 on the front surface of the housing 1a. The door 81 can be opened by putting a hand on the handle 81a at the upper right end and pulling it toward you. FIG. 4B shows a state in which the door 81 is opened. A toner cartridge or the like used in the developing unit 25 is stored inside the door 81, and the door 81 is opened and closed by an operator when the toner cartridge is replaced or the like.

The door 82 is provided so as to be openable and closable at the lower part of the door 81 on the front surface of the housing 1a. The door 82 can be opened by putting a hand on the handle 82a at the upper right end and pulling it toward you. Various consumables and the like are stored inside the door 82, and the door 82 is opened and closed by an operator when the consumables are replaced or various maintenance is performed.

The paper feed trays 83 to 85 are provided at the lower part of the door 82 on the front surface of the housing 1a so as to be openable and closable in a direction of pulling out toward the front. Paper forming an image is placed on the paper feed trays 83 to 85. The paper feed trays 83 to 85 are opened and closed by the operator when the paper is replenished.

The door 86 is provided so as to be openable and closable on the side surface of the housing 1a. The door 86 can be opened by putting a hand on the handle 86a at the upper end and pulling it toward the front. When the door 86 is opened, a part of the paper transport path can be exposed. The door 86 is opened and closed by an operator to deal with a paper jam.

The bypass tray 87 is provided so as to be openable and closable at the lower part of the door 86 on the side surface of the housing 1a. As shown in FIG. 2, the bypass tray 87 can be brought into a state in which paper can be placed by putting a hand on the handle 87a at the upper end and pulling it toward the front.

In the following, the cover member 42, the doors 81, 82, 86, the paper feed trays 83 to 85, and the manual feed tray 87 are collectively referred to as a movable part. Further, the range through which the movable part passes when the movable part is moved by the operation of the operator is referred to as a movable range R1. The movable range R1 includes a range in which the cover member 42 is moved by the operation of the operator (FIG. 4 (a)) and a range in which the door 81 is moved by the operation of the operator (FIG. 4 (b)).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 (display control means), an operation display unit 30 having an image forming unit 20, a display panel 31, and an acceleration sensor 33 (detection unit), a scanner 40, a communication unit 50, and the like. , Each of these parts is connected via a bus 90. In the following, the description of the configuration already described will be omitted.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 13 (Read Only Memory), and a storage unit 14.

The CPU 11 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM 13 to perform various arithmetic processes.

The RAM 12 provides the CPU 11 with a working memory space and stores temporary data.

The ROM 13 stores various programs, setting data, and the like executed by the CPU 11. Instead of the ROM 13, a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory may be used.

The storage unit 14 is configured by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and stores image data acquired by the scanner 40, image data input from the outside via the communication unit 50, and the like.

The control unit 10 having the CPU 11, the RAM 12, the ROM 13, and the storage unit 14 collectively controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 according to a program.
For example, the control unit 10 operates each unit of the image forming unit 20 based on the image data stored in the storage unit 14 to form an image on paper.

The operation display unit 30 detects an operator's input operation (contact operation) on the touch panel 312 provided on the display panel 31, specifies a selection position by the input operation, and outputs an operation signal indicating the specified selection position. It is transmitted to the control unit 10.
Further, the operation display unit 30 has an acceleration sensor 33 that detects the orientation of the display panel 31, and transmits the detection result of the orientation of the display panel 31 to the control unit 10.

The communication unit 50 is composed of a network card or the like. The communication unit 50 is connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and transmits / receives information to / from an external device on the communication network. The control unit 10 communicates with an external device on the communication network via the communication unit 50.

Next, the configuration of the operation display unit 30 and the transition of the state between the stored state and the expanded state will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation display unit 30. Of these, FIG. 6A is a view of the stored operation display unit 30 viewed from the front of the display panel 31, and FIG. 6B shows the stored operation display unit 30 in the axial direction of the storage unit 32. FIG. 6 (c) is a view of the operation display unit 30 in the expanded state as viewed from the axial direction of the storage unit 32.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the storage portion 32 is a member having a hollow cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the operation display unit 30 in the stored state, the constantly exposed portion 31a within a predetermined range from the tip of the display panel 31 is exposed to the outside of the storage unit 32. The storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 excluding the constantly exposed portion 31a is in a state of being wound inside the storage portion 32. As described above, in the display panel 31, at least the storage target portion 31b has flexibility, and the storage target portion 31b can be wound and stored inside the storage portion 32. In the present embodiment, the entire display panel 31 including the constantly exposed portion 31a has flexibility, but only the storage target portion 31b may have flexibility.
Further, a spring 34 (pull-in portion) is provided inside the storage portion 32. One end of the spring 34 is fixed to a central axis (not shown) in the storage portion 32, and the other end is attached to the end portion of the storage target portion 31b opposite to the constantly exposed portion 31a side.

When the operator pulls the display panel 31 to the left from the stored state shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 is stored as shown in FIG. 6 (c). It is pulled out from the unit 32 and exposed to the outside, and is in an expanded state. As a result, the display area of the display panel 31 is expanded.
In the state of FIG. 6C, the mainspring 34 is in an extended state due to the storage target portion 31b being pulled out, and the restoring force of the mainspring 34 acts on the display panel 31. That is, the mainspring 34 exerts a force on the display panel 31 in a direction in which the storage target portion 31b is pulled into the storage portion 32.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6 (c) in the vicinity of the storage portion 32.
As shown in FIG. 7, the display panel 31 includes a flexible display substrate 311 and a flexible touch panel 312 laminated on the display substrate 311.
The configuration of the display substrate 311 is not particularly limited, but for example, an organic EL panel in which an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element is formed on a flexible base material can be used.
The touch panel 312 is provided in a range that overlaps the display area of the display panel 31, in this case, a range that overlaps the entire display board 311. The display board 311 and the touch panel 312 are integrally joined, and are wound and stored inside the storage unit 32 in the joined state.

The touch panel 312 detects the contact of a user's finger, a stylus, or other operating means with respect to the surface thereof, and the position thereof. In the present embodiment, the capacitance type touch panel 312 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of touch panels such as a resistance film type and an optical type may be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of protrusions 35 (fixed portions) are provided on the side of the display panel 31 opposite to the touch panel 312 side, that is, on the back surface. The protrusion 35 is provided at a position of the storage portion 32 that abuts on the edge of the opening for pulling out the display panel 31 in the expanded state. By supporting the display panel 31 by contacting the protrusion 35 with the edge of the opening of the storage portion 32, the display panel 31 can be fixed so that the storage target portion 31b is not wound around the storage portion 32 in the expanded state. It has become like. Further, by removing the protrusion 35 from the edge of the opening of the storage portion, the display panel 31 is pulled into the storage portion 32 by the restoring force of the mainspring 34, and the storage state is changed.
By changing the protrusion 35 that comes into contact with the edge of the opening of the storage portion 32 among the plurality of protrusions 35, the position of the display panel 31 is fixed in the intermediate state of the transition from the stored state to the expanded state. You can also do it.

Next, the positional relationship between the display panel 31 of the operation display unit 30 and other components will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the operation display unit 30 is provided so that the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 is pulled out from the storage portion 32 in the horizontal direction to the left. Specifically, the storage portion 32 is attached at an angle slightly inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the vertical direction so that the upper end is located behind the lower end. As a result, the display panel 31 is pulled out to the left in the horizontal direction with its normal line slightly inclined upward with respect to the front direction. By pulling out the display panel 31 in an inclined state in this way, the operator standing in front of the image forming apparatus 1 can easily see the display panel 31.

Further, the operation display unit 30 is provided at a position where the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 is pulled out toward the paper ejection unit 60 side with respect to the storage unit 32. In other words, the operation display unit 30 is arranged on the right side with respect to the paper ejection unit 60, and the display panel 31 is pulled out toward the left side. With such an arrangement, the display panel 31 can be pulled out using the space of the paper ejection unit 60 to expand the display area. Further, for the operator standing in front of the image forming apparatus 1, the operation of pulling out the display panel 31 in the horizontal direction is natural and less burdensome, so that the display panel 31 can be pulled out intuitively, easily, and easily.
From another viewpoint, the operation display unit 30 is oriented so that the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 faces the inside of the image forming device 1 (inward) with respect to the storage unit 32 when viewed from the front of the image forming device 1. It is provided at the position where it is pulled out. Here, the inward direction means a direction having a component in the direction opposite to the outward direction (outward direction) of the image forming apparatus 1 at the shortest distance from the storage portion 32 when viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 1. When the storage target portion 31b is pulled out from the storage portion 32 outward, the pulled out display panel 31 is likely to protrude to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1, and the displayed display panel 31 pulled out and protruding to the outside is an image forming apparatus. It tends to interfere with people passing by the side of 1. On the other hand, by adopting a configuration in which the storage target portion 31b is pulled out inward from the storage portion 32, these problems can be prevented from occurring.

Here, in the stored state in which the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 is wound up, the display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the work range R2 by the operator.
Further, in the expanded state in which the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 is pulled out, the display panel 31 is located outside the range of the movable range R1 of the movable portion described above, while a part of the display panel 31 is within the range of the work range R2. It is designed to be located inside.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the display panel 31 and the working range R2 in each of the stored state and the expanded state. 8A and 8B are views of the image forming apparatus 1 viewed from the front, FIG. 8A shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, and FIG. 8B shows the operation display unit 30. Indicates the case where is in the expanded state.
In FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), the work range R2 by the operator is shown as a dot-dotted area. Here, the work range R2 is a work performed by the operator when the operator takes out the paper discharged to the paper ejection unit 60 and performs an operation for moving the movable portion with respect to the movable portion described above. It is a range that can be the target of. Specifically, it is a range that can be the target of work by the operator when the operator performs the above operation or operation in a state where it is assumed that the operation display unit 30 is not attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

Specifically, the work range R2 is a series of operations from the operator reaching for the paper ejection unit 60, grasping the paper, and returning the hand in order to take out the paper ejected to the paper ejection unit 60. , Includes the range through which parts of the operator's body (usually arms and hands) can pass. When the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front, the range is from the paper ejection port to the paper ejection unit 60 (the right end of the paper ejection unit 60 in FIG. 8A) to the paper ejection unit 60 in the left-right direction. It is up to the left end, and the vertical direction is a predetermined range upward from the surface on which the paper is placed in the paper ejection unit 60 (the lower surface of the paper ejection unit 60 in FIG. 8A). In the example of FIG. 8A, the predetermined range can be a region up to the lower surface of the image reading unit 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the paper ejection portion 60 may be 20 cm above the surface on which the paper is placed.
Further, in the work range R2, in a series of operations in which the operator reaches for the handle 42a, puts a finger on the handle 42a, and lifts the cover member 42 in order to pull up the cover member 42 upward, the operator's body Includes the range that some (usually arms and hands) can pass through. Similarly, the working range R2 includes a range through which a part of the operator's body can pass in a series of operations for returning the cover member 42 in the upwardly pulled state to the state of covering the mounting surface 41a. .. These ranges are the area occupied by the cover member 42 in the closed state, the area occupied by the cover member 42 in the lifted state, and the area between the closed state and the lifted state when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front. The moving area of the cover member 42 of the above is combined.
Further, in the work range R2, the operator reaches for the handles 81a and 82a in order to pull the doors 81 and 82 toward and opens them, puts a finger on the handles 81a and 82a, and pulls the doors 81 and 82. In a series of defeating movements, it includes a range through which a part of the operator's body (usually arms and hands) can pass. Similarly, the working range R2 includes a range through which a part of the operator's body can pass in a series of operations for returning the doors 81 and 82 in the opened state. These ranges are the regions of the handles 81a and 82a and the regions in the vicinity thereof when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the front.
In addition, although the description is omitted in FIG. 8, a part of the operator's body passes through the working range R2 in the operation for opening and closing the paper feed trays 83 to 85, the door 86, and the manual feed tray 87. Includes the range to be obtained.
The working range R2 is a three-dimensional range, but in FIG. 8, a portion of the working range R2 included in a plane passing through the front surface of the housing 1a is drawn.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the display panel 31 is located outside the working range R2 in the stored state.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the expanded state, a part of the display panel 31 is located within the working range R2. Specifically, a part of the display panel 31 is within the working range R2, which is within the range through which a part of the operator's body passes when performing an operation of taking out the paper discharged to the paper ejection unit 60.
Further, as can be seen from the fact that the operation display unit 30 is outside the range of the movable range R1 in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the display panel 31 is in the range of the movable range R1 in the stored state and the expanded state. Located outside.
As described above, in the operation display unit 30, the entire display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2 in the retracted state, and a part of the display panel 31 is within the working range R2 in the expanded state. It is provided in a positioned manner. According to this configuration, the operation display unit 30 can be expanded to expand the display area of the display panel 31 to improve visibility, and the operation display unit 30 can be returned to the stored state. The operability of the image forming apparatus 1 can be ensured so that both the movable range R1 and the working range R2 and the display panel 31 do not interfere with each other.

(Modification example 1)
Next, a modification 1 of the above embodiment will be described. In this modification, the operation display unit 30 is rotatably provided around a rotation axis perpendicular to the display panel 31, and the display panel 31 can be pulled out in a direction having a vertically downward component. It is different from the above embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modified example 1.
The operation display unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 of this modification is attached to the housing 1a via a hinge unit 36 (rotation mechanism). The hinge portion 36 can rotate the operation display portion 30 around a rotation axis perpendicular to the display panel 31. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present modification, the drawing direction of the display panel 31 (storage target portion 31b) from the storage unit 32 can be changed by rotating the operation display unit 30. In the hinge portion 36 of this modification, the operation display portion 30 has a first orientation (FIG. 1) in which the storage target portion 31b is horizontally pulled out from the storage portion 32, and the storage target portion 31b is vertically downward from the storage portion 32. It is possible to rotate it with a second direction (FIG. 9) drawn out in the direction having the component of. In FIG. 9, the operation display unit 30 is in the second orientation, and the display panel 31 is pulled out to be in the expanded state.
Here, in FIG. 9, the direction in which the display panel 31 is pulled out is a direction slightly inclined forward with respect to the downward direction (vertically downward direction), and this direction is hereinafter referred to as a downward pull-out direction. The direction in which the display panel 31 is pulled out is not limited to the downward pull-out direction, and may be configured to be pulled out vertically downward, for example.

When the orientation of the operation display unit 30 is changed between the first orientation shown in FIG. 1 and the second orientation shown in FIG. 9, the acceleration sensor 33 provided in the operation display unit 30 is transferred to the control unit 10. On the other hand, a detection signal indicating the direction of the operation display unit 30 is transmitted. When the control unit 10 receives the detection signal, the control unit 10 switches the display content on the display panel 31 according to the detection result of the orientation of the operation display unit 30 by the acceleration sensor 33. That is, the control unit 10 rotates the display on the display panel 31 according to the detected current orientation of the operation display unit 30. As a result, the operation display unit 30 can display an appropriate orientation to the operator regardless of whether the operation display unit 30 is in the first orientation or the second orientation.
By allowing the display panel 31 to be pulled out in the downward pull-out direction as shown in FIG. 9, the display panel 31 can be pulled out even when the position of the operator's viewpoint is low, such as when the operator is using a wheelchair. Can be made easier to see.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the display panel 31 and the work range R2 when the operation display unit 30 is in the second orientation in the first modification. FIG. 10A shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, and FIG. 10B shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the expanded state.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the display panel 31 is located outside the working range R2 in the stored state.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the expanded state, a part of the display panel 31 is located within the working range R2. Specifically, a part of the display panel 31 is within the work range of the operator when opening and closing the door 81 in the work range R2.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the display panel 31 and the movable range R1 when the operation display unit 30 is in the second orientation in the modified example 1. FIG. 11A shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, and FIG. 11B shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the expanded state.
As shown in FIG. 11A, the stored display panel 31 is located outside the range of all the movable ranges R1 including the movable range R1 of the door 81.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, in the expanded state, a part of the display panel 31 is located within the movable range R1 of the door 81.

As described above, in the operation display unit 30, the entire display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2 in the retracted state, and a part of the display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2 in the expanded state. It is provided so as to be located within the range of R2. According to this configuration, by expanding the operation display unit 30, it is possible to expand the display area of the display panel 31 in the downward pull-out direction to improve visibility, and the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state. By returning it, the operability of the image forming apparatus 1 can be ensured so that both the movable range R1 and the working range R2 and the display panel 31 do not interfere with each other.
The positional relationship between the movable range R1 and the working range R2 and the display panel 31 when the operation display unit 30 is in the first orientation is the same as that of the above embodiment.

(Modification 2)
Next, the second modification will be described. This modification is different from the first modification in that the display panel 31 can be pulled out in a direction having a vertically upward component. Hereinafter, the differences from the modified example 1 will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modified example 2.
In the hinge portion 36 of this modification, the operation display portion 30 has a first orientation (FIG. 1) in which the storage target portion 31b is horizontally pulled out from the storage portion 32, and the storage target portion 31b is vertically upward from the storage portion 32. It is possible to rotate it with a third direction (FIG. 12) drawn out in the direction having the component of. In FIG. 12, the operation display unit 30 is in the third orientation, and the display panel 31 is pulled out to be in the expanded state.
Here, in FIG. 12, the direction in which the display panel 31 is pulled out is a direction slightly inclined to the rear side with respect to the upward direction (vertically upward direction), and this direction is hereinafter referred to as an upward pull-out direction. The direction in which the display panel 31 is pulled out is not limited to the upward pulling direction, and may be configured to be pulled out vertically upward, for example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the display panel 31 and the work range R2 when the operation display unit 30 is in the third orientation in the modified example 2. FIG. 13A shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, and FIG. 13B shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the expanded state.
As shown in FIG. 13A, the display panel 31 is located outside the working range R2 in the stored state.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, in the expanded state, a part of the display panel 31 is located within the working range R2. Specifically, a part of the display panel 31 is within the work range of the operator when pulling up the cover member 42 in the work range R2.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the display panel 31 and the movable range R1 when the operation display unit 30 is in the third orientation in the second modification. FIG. 14A shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, and FIG. 14B shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the expanded state.
As shown in FIG. 14A, the display panel 31 in the stored state is located outside the range of all the movable ranges R1 including the movable range R1 of the cover member 42.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, in the expanded state, a part of the display panel 31 is located within the movable range R1 of the cover member 42.

As described above, in the operation display unit 30, the entire display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2 in the retracted state, and a part of the display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2 in the expanded state. It is provided so as to be located within the range of R2. According to this configuration, by expanding the operation display unit 30, the display area of the display panel 31 can be expanded in the upward pull-out direction to improve visibility, and the operation display unit 30 can be stored. By returning it, the operability of the image forming apparatus 1 can be ensured so that both the movable range R1 and the working range R2 and the display panel 31 do not interfere with each other.
The positional relationship between the movable range R1 and the working range R2 and the display panel 31 when the operation display unit 30 is in the first orientation is the same as that of the above embodiment.

Further, the modified example 2 may be combined with the modified example 1. That is, the operation display unit 30 may be rotatable in the first to third directions so that the display panel 31 can be pulled out in any of the horizontal direction, the downward pull-out direction, and the upward pull-out direction.

(Modification example 3)
Next, a modification 3 of the above embodiment will be described. This modification may be combined with the modification 1 or the modification 2. This modification is different from the above embodiment in that it includes a support member that supports the back surface of the display panel 31 that is pulled out from the storage portion 32. Hereinafter, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described.

FIG. 15 is a view of the operation display unit 30 according to the modified example 3 as viewed from the axial direction of the storage unit 32. FIG. 15A shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, and FIG. 15B shows a case where the operation display unit 30 is in the expanded state.
As shown in FIG. 15A, in the stored state, the surface of the display panel 31 opposite to the touch panel side (hereinafter referred to as the back surface) is supported by the outer surface of the housing 1a. Further, inside the housing 1a, a plate-shaped support member 70 is stored in a state where it can be moved in the pull-out direction of the display panel 31.

As shown in FIG. 15B, when the display panel 31 is pulled out to the left, the support member 70 is pulled out to the left in conjunction with the display panel 31. The mechanism for interlocking the display panel 31 and the support member 70 is not particularly limited, but for example, the left ends of the display panel 31 and the support member 70 in FIG. 15A are connected to each other by a connecting member (not shown). Can be. When the display panel 31 is fixed in the expanded state, the position of the support member 70 is also fixed by a fixing portion (not shown). The support member 70 abuts and supports the back surface of the display panel 31 in the extended operation display unit 30. As a result, even if the display panel 31 is flexible, the display panel 31 is bent to make it difficult to operate, or the display panel 31 is bent to display when a finger or the like is brought into contact with the display panel 31. It is possible to suppress problems such as difficulty in operation.

When the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 is stored inside the storage unit 32 from the state of FIG. 15B, the support member 70 is also stored inside the housing 1a in conjunction with this. In the stored state shown in FIG. 15A, the support member 70 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2.

As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment operates the image forming unit 20 that forms an image on the paper and the paper discharging unit 60 that ejects the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 20. A cover member 42, doors 81, 82, 86, paper feed trays 83 to 85, and a manual feed tray 87 as movable parts that are moved within the movable range R1 by a person's operation, and a display panel having at least a part of flexibility. A storage state (first) having 31 and a storage portion 32 for retractably storing the flexible storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31, and the storage target portion 31b is stored in the storage portion 32 (first). The operation display unit 30 is provided with an operation display unit 30 capable of transitioning between an expanded state (second state) in which the storage target portion 31b is pulled out from the storage unit 32, and the operation display unit 30 is in the stored state. The entire display panel 31 is provided so as to be located outside the movable range R1.
According to such a configuration, the display area of the display panel 31 can be widened and the visibility of the display panel 31 can be improved by expanding the operation display unit 30. Further, by returning the operation display unit 30 to the retracted state, it is possible to prevent the movable range R1 and the display panel 31 from interfering with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display panel 31 from interfering with the operation of the movable unit. it can. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display panel 31 while ensuring sufficient operability of the image forming apparatus 1.

Further, the operation display unit 30 according to the modified examples 1 and 2 is provided in such a manner that a part of the display panel 31 is located within the movable range R1 in the expanded state. According to this, the display area of the display panel 31 can be sufficiently enlarged in the expanded state to make it easier to improve the visibility. Even in this configuration, by returning the operation display unit 30 to the retracted state, the movable range R1 and the display panel 31 can be prevented from interfering with each other.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming unit 20 that forms an image on paper, a paper discharging unit 60 that ejects the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 20, and an operator's operation. A cover member 42, doors 81, 82, 86, paper feed trays 83 to 85, and a manual feed tray 87 as movable parts moved within the movable range R1, and a display panel 31 having at least a part of flexibility. A storage state 32 in which the flexible storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 is retractably stored, and the storage target portion 31b is stored in the storage portion 32 (first state). , And an operation display unit 30 capable of transitioning between the expanded state (second state) in which the storage target portion 31b is pulled out from the storage unit 32, and the operator is discharged to the paper ejection unit 60. When the work range R2 is the range that can be the target of the work by the operator when the paper is taken out and the movable part is operated, the entire display panel 31 of the operation display unit 30 is the work range in the stored state. It is provided so as to be located outside the range of R2.
According to such a configuration, the display area of the display panel 31 can be widened and the visibility of the display panel 31 can be improved by expanding the operation display unit 30. Further, by returning the operation display unit 30 to the retracted state, it is possible to prevent the work range R2 and the display panel 31 from interfering with each other, so that the display panel 31 hinders the operation of the operator within the work range R2. Can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display panel 31 while ensuring sufficient operability of the image forming apparatus 1.

Further, the operation display unit 30 is provided in such a manner that a part of the display panel 31 is located within the range of the work range R2 in the expanded state. According to this, the display area of the display panel 31 can be sufficiently enlarged in the expanded state to make it easier to improve the visibility. Even in this configuration, the operation display unit 30 can be returned to the retracted state so that the work range R2 and the display panel 31 do not interfere with each other.

Further, the operation display unit 30 is provided so that the storage target portion 31b is horizontally pulled out from the storage unit 32. For the operator standing in front of the image forming apparatus 1, the operation of pulling out the display panel 31 in the horizontal direction is natural and less burdensome. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the display panel 31 can be pulled out intuitively, easily, and easily. Can be done.

Further, the operation display unit 30 is provided at a position where the storage target portion 31b is pulled out toward the paper discharge unit 60 side with respect to the storage unit 32, and in the expanded state, the paper discharge is out of the work range R2. It is provided in such a manner that a part of the display panel 31 is located within a range that can be the target of the work of the operator when performing the operation of taking out the paper discharged to the unit 60. According to this, the display panel 31 can be pulled out by using the space of the paper ejection unit 60 to expand the display area.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modification 1, the operation display unit 30 is pulled out from the storage unit 32 in the first direction in which the storage target portion 31b is horizontally pulled out, and the storage target portion 31b is pulled out downward from the storage unit 32. It includes a hinge portion 36 that rotates with and from a second orientation that is pulled out in a direction. By allowing the display panel 31 to be pulled out in the downward pulling direction in this way, the display panel 31 can be visually recognized even when the position of the operator's viewpoint is low, such as when the operator is using a wheelchair. It can be made easier.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 has an acceleration sensor 33 that detects the orientation of the operation display unit 30, and a control unit 10 that switches the display content of the operation display unit 30 according to the detection result of the orientation of the operation display unit 30 by the acceleration sensor 33. And. As a result, the operation display unit 30 can display an appropriate orientation to the operator regardless of whether the operation display unit 30 is in the first orientation or the second orientation.

Further, the storage unit 32 winds up and stores the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31. With such a configuration, the storage target portion 31b can be smoothly stored and pulled out.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a protrusion 35 for fixing the display panel 31 so that the storage target portion 31b is not wound around the storage portion 32 in the expanded state. According to this, the operation display unit 30 can be maintained in the expanded state even if the operator releases the display panel 31.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a spring 34 that exerts a force on the display panel 31 in a direction in which the storage target portion 31b is pulled into the storage portion 32. According to this, since the display panel 31 is pulled into the storage unit 32 by the restoring force of the mainspring 34, the operation display unit 30 can be easily transitioned to the stored state.

Further, the display panel 31 has a touch panel 312 that overlaps the display area of the display panel 31 and accepts a contact operation by the operator. According to this, the input operation can be performed by an intuitive and simple method in which the input means such as a finger is brought into contact with the display panel 31. Further, by pulling out the display panel 31 from the storage unit 32, the area where the input operation is accepted can be increased. Thereby, the operability of the input operation can be improved.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modified example 3 includes a support member 70 that supports a surface of the display panel 31 in the expanded state of the operation display unit 30 opposite to the touch panel 312 side. According to this, even if the display panel 31 has flexibility, the display panel 31 bends and is difficult to operate, or the display panel 31 bends when a finger or the like is brought into contact with the display panel 31. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as difficulty in displaying and operating.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit that reads an image of the paper mounted on the mounting surface 41a, and the movable portion covers the mounting surface 41a by the operation of the operator. It has a cover member 42 that is moved within a movable range R1 with and from a state in which the placement surface 41a is exposed. According to this, when the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, the operation of the cover member 42 and the operation of the operator with respect to the cover member 42 can be prevented from being hindered.

Further, the movable portion has doors 81, 82, 86 that can be opened and closed, and paper feed trays 83 to 85 that can be opened and closed, and a manual feed tray 87. According to this, when the operation display unit 30 is in the retracted state, the operations of the doors 81, 82, 86, the paper feed trays 83 to 85, and the manual feed tray 87 and the operator's operation on each of these parts are not hindered. Can be done.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and each modification, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the above embodiment, the operation display unit 30 is provided on the right side of the paper ejection unit 60 and above the door 81, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the operation display unit 30, the entire display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2 in the retracted state, and a part of the display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the working range R2 in the expanded state. It can be provided at any position and mode such that it is located within the range.

Further, in the modified example 1, a part of the expanded display panel 31 is located within the movable range R1 of the door 81, and in the modified example 2, a part of the expanded display panel 31 is movable of the cover member 42. Although described with reference to an example in which the display panel 31 is located within the range of the range R1, the display panel 31 in the expanded state may be located within the range of the movable range R1 of the other movable portion. For example, the display panel 31 can be pulled out so as to wrap around to the right side surface of the housing 1a, and in the expanded state in which the display panel 31 is pulled out, a part of the display panel 31 is within the movable range R1 of the door 86 and the manual feed tray 87. It may be in a mode such that it is located in.

Further, the cover member 42, the doors 81, 82, 86, the paper feed trays 83 to 85, and the manual feed tray 87 have been exemplified as the movable parts, but the purpose is not limited to these, and the movable portion is within a predetermined movable range by the operation of the operator. Any member moved by can form a movable part.

Further, in the above embodiment, the description has been made with reference to an example in which the touch panel 312 is provided on the surface of the display panel 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the touch panel 312 is not provided on the surface of the display panel 31, the display panel 31 exclusively displays, and the input operation of the operator is accepted by the operation unit provided in another area of the housing 1a. Good. In this case, the operation unit may have a push button that can be physically pressed, or may have a touch panel that is superposed on the display screen.

Further, in the above embodiment, the spring 34 is illustrated as the pull-in portion, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any member that exerts a force on the display panel 31 in the direction of pulling the storage target portion 31b into the storage portion 32 is pulled in. Can be used as. For example, instead of the simple spring 34, a mechanism may be used in which a force for winding the display panel 31 is applied to the display panel 31 by pulling it slightly in the pulling direction to release the physical lock. Further, the pull-in portion is not limited to one that exerts an elastic force (restoring force) on the display panel 31 like the mainspring 34, and may be one that exerts a force generated by driving the motor on the display panel 31. For example, the retractable portion may be one that retracts the display panel 31 into the storage portion 32 by rotating a rotating shaft to which the end portion of the display panel 31 is attached by a motor.

Further, in the above embodiment, the protrusion 35 is illustrated as the fixing portion, but the fixing portion is not limited to this, and the fixing portion can fix the display panel 31 so that the storage target portion 31b is not wound around the storage portion 32. Can be the mechanism of. For example, the display panel 31 may be fixed at an arbitrary position (seamlessly) by controlling the frictional force with the surface of the display panel 31.

Further, in the above embodiment, the operation display unit 30 is set to the stored state by winding the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 around the storage unit 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage target portion 31b of the display panel 31 may be folded and stored in the storage portion 32. The form of folding is not particularly limited, but for example, a bellows structure including repeated mountain folds and valley folds can be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the operation display unit 30 is in the expanded state, a part of the display panel 31 is located within at least one of the movable range R1 and the working range R2. Not limited to this. That is, the operation display unit 30 may be provided so that the entire display panel 31 is located outside the movable range R1 and the work range R2 when the operation display unit 30 is in the expanded state.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the MFP, and may be an electrophotographic single-function printer, an inkjet recording printer, or the like.
Further, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on paper as a recording medium has been exemplified, but this is a reference for an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium of another material such as a resin sheet or cloth. The invention may be applied.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. ..

1 Image forming apparatus 1a Housing 10 Control unit (display control means)
20 Image forming unit 30 Operation display unit (display unit)
31 Display panel 31a Always exposed part 31b Storage target part 311 Display board 312 Touch panel 32 Storage part 33 Accelerometer (detection part)
34 Wind-up spring (pull-in part)
35 Protrusion (fixed part)
36 Hinge part (rotation mechanism)
40 Scanner 41 Image reading unit 41a Mounting surface 411 Platen glass 42 Cover member 42a Handle 42b Support point 50 Communication unit 60 Paper ejection unit 70 Support members 81, 82, 86 Doors 81a, 82a, 86a, 87a Handles 83 to 85 Paper feed tray (tray)
87 Bypass tray (tray)
90 Bus R1 Movable range R2 Working range

Claims (15)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
A paper ejection unit from which the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged, and
A movable part that is moved within a predetermined movable range by the operation of the operator,
It has a display panel having at least a part of flexibility and a storage portion for retractably storing the flexible storage target portion of the display panel, and the storage target portion is stored in the storage portion. A display unit capable of transitioning between the first state and the second state in which the storage target portion is pulled out from the storage unit.
With
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display unit is provided in a manner in which the entire display panel is located outside the movable range in the first state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is provided in a manner in which a part of the display panel is located within the movable range in the second state. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium,
A paper ejection unit from which the recording medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged, and
A movable part that is moved within a predetermined movable range by the operation of the operator,
It has a display panel having at least a part of flexibility and a storage portion for retractably storing the flexible storage target portion of the display panel, and the storage target portion is stored in the storage portion. A display unit capable of transitioning between the first state and the second state in which the storage target portion is pulled out from the storage unit.
With
When the operator sets the work range to be a target of work by the operator when taking out the recording medium discharged to the paper ejection unit and performing the operation on the movable unit.
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the display unit is provided in a manner in which the entire display panel is located outside the working range in the first state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display unit is provided in a manner in which a part of the display panel is located within the working range in the second state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display unit is provided in a direction in which the storage target portion is horizontally drawn out from the storage unit. The display unit is provided at a position where the storage target portion is pulled out toward the paper ejection portion side with respect to the storage portion, and the display unit is provided.
In the second state, the display panel is provided in such a manner that a part of the display panel is located within a range of the work range that can be a target of work when the operation of taking out the recording medium discharged to the paper ejection unit is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. The display unit has a first direction in which the storage target portion is horizontally pulled out from the storage portion and a second direction in which the storage target portion is pulled out from the storage portion in a direction in which the storage target portion has a vertically downward component. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a rotating mechanism for rotating between. A detection unit that detects the orientation of the display unit and
A display control means for switching the display content by the display unit according to the detection result of the orientation of the display unit by the detection unit, and
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the storage portion winds up and stores the storage target portion of the display panel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a fixing portion for fixing the display panel so that the storage target portion is not wound around the storage portion in the second state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a pull-in portion that exerts a force on the display panel in a direction in which the storage target portion is pulled into the storage portion. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display panel has a touch panel that overlaps the display area of the display panel and accepts a contact operation by the operator. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a support member that supports a surface of the display panel in the second state opposite to the touch panel side. It is provided with an image reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium placed on a predetermined mounting surface.
The movable portion has a cover member that is moved within the movable range between a state of covering the previously described mounting surface and a state of exposing the previously described mounting surface by the operation. 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the movable portion has at least one of an openable and closable door and an openable and closable tray.

Images