JP3183460B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a printing apparatus for printing on recording paper, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of housing an operation panel in an apparatus case.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as an image forming apparatus, for example, a copy apparatus having a copy function and a multifunctional peripheral apparatus having many functions such as a printer function, a facsimile function, a scanner function, and a copy function have been developed. Have been. This type of image forming apparatus mainly includes an operation panel on which a user inputs various data, and a printing apparatus such as an ink jet printer or a laser printer which is mounted inside the apparatus case and prints on recording paper (printing paper). An input operation of various data is performed by an operation panel, and printing on a recording sheet by a printing device is performed based on the operation. The operation panel is generally provided on the upper part of the apparatus case so that a user of the image forming apparatus can easily operate the operation panel.

Incidentally, in an image forming apparatus having a copy function, a scanner device for reading an image recorded on a document sheet is mounted on an upper portion of an apparatus case. For this reason, it is not possible to provide a space for installing the operation panel at the top of the device case, and to increase the size of the entire device body case to provide a space for installing the operation panel or to avoid a scanner device mounted at the top of the device case. The operation panel is provided so as to protrude (project) outward from the upper portion of the device case, thereby providing a space for installing the operation panel.

[0004]

However, in such an image forming apparatus, in order to provide an installation space for the operation panel in the apparatus case, it is necessary to enlarge the apparatus case or to project the operation panel from the apparatus case. For this reason, the number of packaging materials used for transporting the image forming apparatus increases, and the size of the packaging itself increases, so that there is a problem that the transport cost of the image forming apparatus increases. In addition, when the operation panel is protruded outward from the apparatus case, the operation panel is easily gripped when moving the image forming apparatus, and a large load is applied to the operation panel due to the grip, and the image forming apparatus is damaged. There was a problem of doing it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can reduce the size of a package of an image forming apparatus and prevent the operation panel from being gripped and damaged during movement. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the following.

[0006]

In order to achieve this object, an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises an operation panel for inputting various data and setting of the apparatus, and an operation panel for operating and setting the operation panel. A printing apparatus for performing printing on recording paper, and a device main body in which the printing device is stored; a panel storage portion provided on an outer surface of the device main body and formed so as to be capable of storing the operation panel; a support member for releasably supporting the operation panel housed in portion into the panel housing outer, released by the support member
Release of the operation panel with provided in the operation panel
And two or more key members arranged side by side in the outgoing direction,
The support panel or the panel storage section includes an operation panel.
When released, the two or more key members
At least one key member is exposed outside the panel storage portion.
A first parking member that parks the support member at a position where
Another key member of the two or more key members is the panel member.
A second step of parking the supporting member at a position exposed outside the storage section;
And a parking member .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the image forming apparatus is not used, the operation panel is accommodated in the panel accommodating portion provided on the outer surface of the apparatus main body by the support member. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is used, the operation panel is released to the outside of the panel storage unit by the support member, and the released operation panel is operated by the user to perform various data input and apparatus settings. Will be Based on the operation and settings of this operation panel,
The printing device prints on the recording paper.

When using an image forming apparatus, the operation
The operation panel is provided on the outer surface of the device body by the support member.
The support member is released from the panel storage part,
Depending on the material, two or more key members on the operation panel
At least one key member is exposed outside the panel storage portion.
Parked at

On the other hand, the operation panel is further released by the support member.
When released, the support member is operated by the second parking member.
Other key members in two or more key members in a panel
Is parked at a position exposed outside the panel storage section. That is,
Operation panel released to the outside of the panel storage unit via the support member
The first parking member and the second parking member
Are also released in two stages.

For example, the support member is parked by the first parking member.
Marking at least one key member that is exposed when stopped
Key member for starting and stopping printing by the printing device
While the supporting member is parked by the second parking member,
The other key members to be output may be changed depending on the machine settings, paper size,
When a key member for changing settings such as print density, operating Pas
Start printing when the panel is released by one stage 1
Key members are exposed outside the panel storage section, and the operation panel is
Perform device settings and change settings when releasing two levels
Another key member is exposed outside the panel storage portion.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
In the image forming apparatus described in (1), the support member is the first member.
The key member exposed to the outside of the panel storage portion while being parked by the parking member includes a start key member operated when starting the operation of the printing apparatus.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, it operates in the same manner as the image forming apparatus of the first aspect .
The operation panel is released from a panel storage portion provided on an outer surface of the apparatus main body by a support member, and the support member is configured such that at least one of two or more key members of the operation panel is stored in the panel by a first parking member. Parked at a position exposed outside. Since the key member exposed to the outside of the panel storage portion in this state has a start key member,
By operating the start key member, the operation of the printing apparatus (including the printing operation) can be started.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the key member exposed outside the panel storage unit in a state where the support member is parked by the second parking member changes a setting state of the printing apparatus. A setting change key member operated in the case is provided.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the image forming apparatus operates in the same manner as the image forming apparatus of the first or second aspect, and the operation panel is parked by the first parking member via the support member. When the support member is further released from the pressed state, the support member is parked by the second parking member at a position where the other key members of the two or more key members of the operation panel are exposed outside the panel storage portion. In this state, the key member exposed to the outside of the panel storage section has a setting change key member. By operating the setting change key member, the setting state of the printing apparatus, for example, the setting of the apparatus, paper size or printing. Settings such as density can be changed.

The operation panel is set in accordance with the storing operation when the supporting member in the state parked by the second parking member is stored in the state parked by the first parking member. By erasing (clearing) the setting status of the printing apparatus changed by the change key member, usability and operability of the image forming apparatus can be further improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3 , wherein the operation panel is disposed above the support member, and the support member has a lower portion than the operation panel arrangement position in the panel storage portion. It is attached to be able to swing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4 , wherein the support member includes a side wall member that is substantially flush with an outer surface of the apparatus main body when the operation panel is stored in the panel storage unit. I have.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5 , wherein the power supply device supplies power to the printing device, and the power supply device supplies the operation panel to the outside of the panel storage unit by the support member. A switch device for starting power supply to the printing device.

According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, it operates in the same manner as the image forming apparatus of any one of the first to fifth aspects, and the operation panel is moved outward from the inside of the panel storage portion by the support member. When the power is released, the power supply to the printing apparatus is started to be supplied to the printing apparatus by the switch device, and the driving of the printing apparatus is started.

[0020] The image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect is the first aspect.
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device supplies power to the printing device, and the operation of the operation panel by the support member in the panel storage portion causes the power supply device to perform the operation. A switch device for stopping power supply to the printing device.

According to the image forming apparatus of the claim 7, on which acts similarly to the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, it is emitted by the support member to the panel accommodating outsiders Operation panel When the printing apparatus is stored in the panel storage section, power supply to the printing apparatus by the power supply apparatus is stopped by the switch device, and driving of the printing apparatus is stopped.

[0022]

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a state where a panel unit 8 is discharged from a panel storage unit 7. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunctional peripheral device having various functions such as a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy (copy) function. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 is formed in a box-like body, and a receiver 3 is attached to a left side (left side in FIG. 1). The receiver 3 is placed on a hook 3a provided on the apparatus main body 2 during a non-call, and is picked up from the hook 3a and used during a call. The state where the handset 3 is placed on the hook 3a is called an on-hook state, and the state where the handset 3 is picked up from the hook 3a is called an off-hook state.

An automatic sheet feeding device (Auto
matic Document Feeder, hereinafter referred to as “ADF”. ) 4
Are arranged. The ADF 4 is for transporting a facsimile document transmitted to a facsimile machine (not shown) of the other party during the facsimile function and a copy document copied at the time of the copy function. (Rear side) is swingably mounted upward.

On the left side of the ADF 4, there is provided a document placing table 4a on which a plurality of documents can be placed in a stacked state. The original placed on the original placing table 4a is an ADF4
Conveyed (supplied) to a portion between the lower surface and the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2,
Scanner device (not shown) mounted on the upper part of the device main body 2
Thereby, the image drawn on the surface of the original is read. The document whose image has been read is further transported, and the ADF
The document discharge tray 4c is discharged from a document discharge port 4b provided on the right side of the document 4 and is provided below the document mounting table 4a.
Placed on The document discharge table 4c is formed so that a plurality of documents whose images have been read by the scanner device can be placed in a stacked state.

When copying a document, the size of the document is detected by a document size detecting device (not shown), and the print result printed on the recording paper is enlarged or reduced according to the size of the recording paper. May be appropriately performed.

A cassette insertion portion 5 is provided below the ADF 4 and below the apparatus main body 2. A paper cassette 5 a capable of stacking and storing a plurality of recording papers is detachably mounted on the cassette insertion portion 5. The recording paper is conveyed into the apparatus main body 2 from the paper cassette 5a mounted on the cassette insertion portion 5, and is printed by a printing device (not shown) such as an inkjet printer mounted inside the apparatus main body 2. The printed recording paper is supplied to a paper discharge port 6a provided on the left side of the apparatus main body 2.
And is placed on the upper surface of the sheet discharge plate 6 extended outward from the sheet discharge port 6a.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an ink jet printer is used as a printing apparatus mounted inside the apparatus main body 2. Such an ink jet printer can reduce the installation space as compared with a printing device such as a laser printer, for example, so that the panel housing portion 7 for housing the panel unit 8 therein without increasing the size of the device main body 2. Can be provided. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1
By mounting an ink jet printer, it is possible to make the device more compact than when a laser printer or the like is mounted.

Front wall 2a of apparatus body 2 (front side in FIG. 1)
Has a recessed panel storage section 7 in which a panel unit 8 described later can be stored. The panel storage section 7 has a rectangular opening when viewed from the front, and the shape of the opening is formed so as to conform to the cross-sectional outer shape of the panel unit 8. A substantially long groove-shaped cutout groove 7a is provided in a substantially central portion of the upper edge portion of the panel storage portion 7. The notch 7a is for inserting a fingertip or the like when the panel unit 8 is pulled out and ejected. The upper end of the panel unit 8 housed in the panel housing 7 is exposed from the notch 7a. Can be. Therefore, when the panel unit 8 is pulled out from the panel storage portion 7 and discharged, the upper end portion of the panel unit 8 exposed from the cutout groove 7a can be grasped and easily pulled out.

A panel unit 8 having a substantially rectangular shape in a front view and a substantially fan-like shape in a side view is inserted and disposed in the panel storage portion 7. The panel unit 8 is used for inputting various data and setting a facsimile apparatus of the other party when using functions such as a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function (hereinafter, referred to as “data input etc.”).
The operation panel 9 is operated by a user in order to perform the operation, and includes an operation panel 9 for inputting data and the like, and a panel support 10 for supporting the operation panel 9. Operation panel 9
Are disposed above the panel support 10 and constitute the upper surface of the panel unit 8.

Here, the operation panel 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of the panel unit 8 in FIG. A start button 9a is provided on the right side of the upper front side of the operation panel 9. The start button 9a is a button for starting the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 at the time of the various functions described above. When the start button 9a is pressed, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 can be started.

A stop button 9b is provided on the left side of the start button 9a. The stop button 9b is a button for stopping the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 at the time of various functions started by the start button 9a. When the stop button 9b is pressed, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped ( Can be stopped). A liquid crystal display (LCD) 9c is provided on the left side of the stop button 9b, and various setting states of the image forming apparatus 1 and various operation messages are displayed as necessary. The start button 9a, the stop button 9b, and the LCD 9c are arranged on the front side of the operation panel 9 (the lower side in FIG. 2) substantially in a line in the width direction of the operation panel 9 (the left-right direction in FIG. 2).

On the other hand, on the operation panel 9, "0" to "9" are provided on the rear side (upper side in FIG. 2) of the portion where the start button 9a, the stop button 9b and the LCD 9c are provided.
Character buttons 9d of "*" and "#" and a plurality of cursor buttons 9e are provided. The character button 9d is a button for inputting the number of copies at the time of the copy function and the telephone number of the other party's facsimile device at the time of the facsimile function. The input setting of the telephone number of the facsimile machine can be performed.

A plurality of cursor buttons 9e are provided on the right side of the character button 9d.
A magnification selection button 9e1 is provided on the leftmost side. The magnification selection button 9e1 is a button for selecting a reading magnification of a scanner device that reads an image recorded on a document in a copy function or the like. When the magnification selection button 9e1 is pressed, the reading magnification of the scanner device is changed. At the same time, the changed reading magnification value is displayed on the LCD 9c.

On the right side of the magnification selection button 9e1, a density selection button 9e2 is provided. This density selection button 9
Reference numeral e2 denotes a button for selecting a print density of an image to be printed on a recording sheet at the time of the facsimile function or the copy function. When the density selection button 9e2 is pressed, the print density of the printing apparatus is changed. , LC
D9c indicates the degree of the changed print density (for example,
"Dark" or "light".

A paper selection button 9e3 is provided on the right side of the density selection button 9e2. The paper selection button 9e3 is a button for selecting the size of the recording paper to be printed by the printing apparatus at the time of the facsimile function or the copy function. When the paper selection button 9e3 is pressed, the size of the recording paper is changed. As well as
The changed paper size (for example, “A
4 ”and“ B5 ”are displayed.

According to the operation panel 9 configured as described above, the start button 9a, the stop button 9b, and the LCD 9c provided on the front side thereof, the character button 9d provided on the rear side thereof, and a plurality of buttons are provided. Cursor button 9
"e" is juxtaposed in the discharge direction of the panel unit 8 described later (the vertical direction in FIG. 2). The details of the discharging operation of the panel unit 8 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 9
A panel support 10 is disposed below the panel support 10. At the upper end of the panel support 10 and at the front end of the operation panel 9, a side wall inclined downward toward the lower portion of the front wall 2 a of the apparatus main body 2 is provided. The plate 10a is provided continuously.

Next, referring to FIG.
Will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus main body 2 in a state where the panel unit 8 is stored in the panel storage unit 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the panel support 10 is formed in a substantially fan shape when viewed from the side. When the panel support 10 is stored in the panel storage unit 7, the outer surface of the side wall plate 10a (the right side in FIG. Wall 2
a is formed so as to be substantially coplanar with a. Therefore,
In the image forming apparatus 1, it is prevented that a hand or the like is hooked and gripped on the side wall plate 10 a of the panel support 10 and the panel unit 8 is held in the panel storage unit 7.
, And damage to the image forming apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

Near the lower end of the side wall plate 10a, a pair of swinging shafts 10b each having a circular shape in a side view project outward on both sides in the width direction of the panel unit 8 (a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3). Has been established. This pair of swing shafts 10b
Are rotatably supported on both sides in the width direction (substantially perpendicular direction to the paper surface of FIG. 3) of the panel storage portion 7. The panel unit 8 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 so as to be able to swing (tilt) by the pair of swing shafts 10b, and can be discharged from the inside of the panel storage portion 7 outward (to the right in FIG. 3). Has been. In addition, in FIG. 3, among the pair of swing shafts 10b, FIG.
2 shows only one swing shaft 10b protruding toward the near side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG.

The panel housing portion 7 is driven by a pair of swing shafts 10b.
A substantially U-shaped mounting hole 10c in a side sectional view is provided on the upper rear side (the upper left side in FIG. 3) of the panel support 10 that is swingably attached to the panel support 10.
Is recessed. Inside the mounting hole 10c, a stopper member 11 for stopping the panel unit 8 at a predetermined position with respect to the panel storage portion 7 and an urging member 12 for urging the stopper member 11 are provided. A nut 13 having an O-shaped opening when viewed from above is screwed into the upper end of the mounting hole 10c. Stopper member 11
Is slidably inserted into the mounting hole 10c, the upper end thereof is inserted into the opening of the nut 13, and protrudes upward from the mounting hole 10c.

A substantially disc-shaped regulating plate 11a is integrally formed at the lower end of the stopper member 11. The upper surface of the regulating plate 11a comes into contact with the lower surface of the nut 13, so that the stopper member 11 slides. Can be regulated.
The upper end of a biasing member 12 formed of a coil spring is in contact with the lower end surface of the regulating plate 11a of the stopper member 11. The lower end of the biasing member 12 has the mounting hole 10.
The stopper member 11 is urged upward through the urging member 12, that is, toward the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7.

The upper end of the stopper member 11 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape and is in contact with the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7. The upper end portion of the stopper member 11 is recessed in the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7. It is engaged with the engaging recess 7b. On the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7, three engagement concave portions 7b to 7d formed in a substantially inverted V-shaped concave shape in a side view are formed. The engagement recesses 7b to 7d prevent the panel unit 8 from swinging relative to the apparatus main body 2 and the panel storage section 7 in cooperation with the stopper member 11 described above, and The stopper member 11
Is formed so as to be engageable.

The engaging recess 7b corresponds to the stopper member 11 in a state where the panel unit 8 is completely housed in the panel housing 7 (hereinafter, referred to as a "housed state"), that is, a state shown in FIG. It is recessed in position. Further, the engaging recess 7c is provided at a front portion (the right side in FIG. 3) of the above-described engaging recess 7b.
The panel unit 8 is recessed in the panel storage unit 7.
When only the start button 9a, the stop button 9b, and the LCD 9c of the operation panel 9 are exposed to the outside (to the right in FIG. 3), the LCD panel 9c is exposed to the outside of the panel storage unit 7 (hereinafter, referred to as a "first release state"). ) Is provided at a position corresponding to the stopper member 11.

The engaging recess 7d is recessed further in front (right side in FIG. 3) of the above-described engaging recess 7c, and the panel unit 8 is further outwardly (rightward in FIG. 3) from the panel storage portion 7. When released, all the buttons 9a, 9b, 9d, 9e on the operation panel 9 and the LCD 9c are exposed to the outside of the panel storage section 7 (hereinafter, referred to as "second release state") and correspond to the stopper member 11. It is recessed in the position where it does.

By the way, the tip of the stopper member 11 provided on the panel support 10 shown in FIG. 3 is engaged with the engaging recess 7b, and the relative swing of the panel unit 8 with respect to the apparatus main body 2 is prevented. Have been deterred. Therefore, in a state in which the panel unit 8 is stored in the panel storage unit 7, the appearance in which the panel unit 8 is stored in the panel storage unit 7 can be maintained. The mounting hole 10 of the panel support 10
c, stopper member 11, biasing member 12, and nut 13
Are provided on both sides in the width direction of the panel support 10, that is, on the front side surface and the back side surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3 (see FIG. 2).

According to the panel unit 8, the stopper member 11 is urged toward the upper wall surface of the panel housing 7 by the urging member 12. When the stopper member 11 is engaged with any of the engaging concave portions 7b to 7d, it is possible to prevent the stopper member 11 from coming off from any of the engaging concave portions 7b to 7d.

A power switch 14 is disposed on the rear wall surface (upper right side in FIG. 3) of the panel storage unit 7 so as to face the upper rear surface of the panel support 10 of the panel unit 8.
The power switch 14 is connected to the above-described printing device, scanner device, operation panel 9 and the like (hereinafter, “operation panel 9 and the like”).
The power supply device (not shown) performs a switching operation for starting and stopping power supply to the power supply device (not shown). When the panel unit 8 is in the housed state, the power switch 14 is pressed by the rear side surface of the panel support 10 to be in the off state, and the panel unit 8 is ejected outward from the panel housing unit 7 to the first or the first position. When the two-release state is established, the rear side of the panel support 10 is separated from the power switch 14 so that the power switch 14 is released from being pressed and is turned on.

Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1, when the power switch 14 is in the off state, the power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device is stopped, while the power switch 1 is turned off.
The power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like is started when the power supply 4 is on. That is,
When the panel unit 8 is in the stowed state, the operation panel 9
When the power supply to the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped and the driving of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped, and the panel unit 8 is discharged outward from the panel storage unit 7 to be in the first or second discharge state, Power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like is started, and driving of the image forming apparatus 1 is started.

Next, the discharging operation and the storing operation of the panel unit 8 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a top view of the panel unit 8 in the first release state in which the stopper member 11 is engaged with the engagement recess 7c.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1
When the panel unit 8 is not used, the outer surface of the side wall plate 10a of the panel support 10 (the right side surface in FIG. 3) is
And is housed in the panel housing 7. In such a case, the stopper member 11 urged by the urging member 12 is engaged with the engaging recess 7b. Therefore, the panel unit 8 is parked in the panel storage unit 7 without rattling. On the other hand, in a state in which the stopper member 11 is engaged with the engagement concave portion 7b and the panel unit 8 is housed in the panel housing part 7, that is, in the housed state of the panel unit 8, the power switch 14 It is pressed off by the rear side surface, and the power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device is stopped.

When the panel unit 8 is discharged from the panel storage section 7, first, the notch groove 7a of the panel storage section 7 is formed.
The fingertip is inserted into the inside, the upper end of the panel unit 8 is grasped, and the panel unit 8 is pulled out of the panel storage unit 7. When the panel unit 8 is pulled, the panel unit 8 starts to tilt clockwise through the pair of swing shafts 10b of the panel support 10. Panel unit 8
Starts to tilt, the upper end of the stopper member 11 is pressed by the engagement recess 7b, and the stopper member 11 is
2 gradually disengages from the engagement concave portion 7b against the urging force. On the other hand, when the stopper member 11 is disengaged from the engagement recess 7b and the panel unit 8 is pulled out from the inside of the panel storage portion 7, the rear side surface of the panel support 10 is separated from the power switch 14, and the power switch 14 is turned on. . Power switch 14
Is turned on, power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device is started.

When the panel unit 8 is further pulled out of the panel storage section 7 after the stopper member 11 is disengaged from the engagement recess 7b, the panel unit 8 is
Further, it is tilted clockwise through b, and is gradually discharged out of the panel storage portion 7. With the release operation of the panel unit 8, the operation panel 9 of the panel unit 8 is gradually exposed to the outside of the panel storage unit 7. Also, the panel unit 8
Is gradually released, the stopper member 11 slides while its upper end portion is in contact with the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7, and the upper end portion is engaged with the engaging recess 7c. The stopper member 11 engaged with the engagement concave portion 7c is urged toward the engagement concave portion 7c by the urging member 12, and the panel unit 8 is stopped in the panel storage portion 7 without rattling. Therefore, the panel unit 8 is set to the first release state.

In the first release state in which the stopper member 11 is engaged with the engagement recess 7c, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 9 is in a state where a part of the operation panel 9 is exposed outside the panel storage section 7. . That is, the operation panel 9 is in a state where the start button 9a, the stop button 9b, and the LCD 9c are exposed outside the panel storage unit 7. Therefore, the start button 9a, the stop button 9b and the LC
Since the character button 9d and the plurality of cursor buttons 9e disposed behind the D9c (the upper part in FIG. 2) are stored in the panel storage section 7 and hidden, the reading magnification, the print density, When the paper size is changed or the fax function is not used, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the character button 9d and the plurality of cursor buttons 9e.

Thereafter, when the panel unit 8 is further pulled out of the panel storage portion 7, the panel unit 8 starts to further tilt clockwise through the pair of swing shafts 10b of the panel support 10. When the panel unit 8 starts to further tilt, the upper end of the stopper member 11 is
c, the stopper member 11 is gradually disengaged from the engagement recess 7c against the urging force of the urging member 12. When the panel unit 8 is further pulled out of the panel storage section 7 after the stopper member 11 is disengaged from the engagement recess 7c, the panel unit 8 is further tilted clockwise through the pair of swing shafts 10b, It is further discharged out of the panel storage section 7.

With the release operation of the panel unit 8, the operation panel 9 of the panel unit 8 is
It is further exposed outside. On the other hand, by the discharging operation of the panel unit 8, the stopper member 11 slides while its upper end portion is in contact with the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7, and the upper end portion is engaged with the engaging recess 7d. The stopper member 11 engaged with the engagement recess 7d is urged toward the engagement recess 7d by the urging member 12, and the panel unit 8 is stopped in the panel storage portion 7 without rattling. Therefore, the panel unit 8 is in the second release state.

In the second release state in which the stopper member 11 is engaged with the engagement recess 7d, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, all buttons 9a, 9b, 9d, 9 provided on the operation panel 9 are provided.
e and the LCD 9c are all exposed outside the panel housing 7. Therefore, in such a state, by operating the character button 9d or the cursor button 9e, it is possible to change the reading magnification by the scanner device, the print density or the paper size in the printing device, and to use the fax function. Various data settings can be made.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the panel unit 8 in the second release state is stored in the panel storage unit 7, the panel unit 8 is pushed into the panel storage unit 7. When the panel unit 8 is pushed in, the panel unit 8 is tilted inward of the panel storage portion 7 via the pair of swing shafts 10b of the panel support 10.
The tilting of the panel unit 8 causes the stopper member 11
Is pressed by the engagement recess 7d, and the stopper member 11 gradually comes off the engagement recess 7d against the urging force of the urging member 12.

When the stopper member 11 is disengaged from the engagement recess 7d, the panel unit 8 is further tilted toward the inside of the panel storage section 7 via the pair of swing shafts 10b. As the panel unit 8 is stored, the operation panel 9 is gradually stored in the panel storage portion 7, while the upper end of the stopper member 11 slides while contacting the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7. It is engaged with the mating recess 7c. The stopper member 11 engaged with the engagement concave portion 7c is urged toward the engagement concave portion 7c by the urging member 12, and the panel unit 8 is stopped in the panel storage portion 7 without rattling. In this way, the panel unit 8 changes its release state from the second release state to the first release state.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a panel unit 8
Is changed from the second release state to the first release state,
In the second release state, the reading magnification by the scanner device set by the character button 9d and the cursor button 9e of the operation panel 9, the print density or paper size in the printing device, and various data set to use the fax function are displayed. You may be comprised so that it may be erased from storage devices, such as RAM.

When the panel unit 8 in the first release state is further stored in the panel storage unit 7, the panel unit 8 is further pushed into the panel storage unit 7. When the panel unit 8 is pushed in, the panel unit 8 is further tilted inward of the panel storage portion 7 via the pair of swing shafts 10b of the panel support 10. Due to the tilting of the panel unit 8, the upper end of the stopper member 11 is pressed by the engagement recess 7c, and the stopper member 11 is gradually released from the engagement recess 7c against the urging force of the urging member 12.

When the stopper member 11 is disengaged from the engagement recess 7c, the panel unit 8 is further tilted toward the inside of the panel storage section 7 via the pair of swing shafts 10b. With the storing operation of the panel unit 8, the panel unit 8
The operation panel 9 is gradually stored in the panel storage portion 7, while the upper end of the stopper member 11 slides while being in contact with the upper wall surface of the panel storage portion 7 and is engaged with the engagement recess 7 b. The stopper member 11 engaged with the engaging concave portion 7b is urged toward the engaging concave portion 7b by the urging member 12, and the panel unit 8 is stopped in the panel storage portion 7 without rattling. Thus, the panel unit 8 is in the housed state, and is completely housed in the panel housing unit 7.

When the stopper unit 11 is engaged with the engaging recess 7b and the panel unit 8 is stored in the panel storage unit 7, the power switch 14 is pressed by the rear side surface of the panel support 10. The power switch 14 is the panel support 1
When pressed by 0, the power switch 14 is turned off,
The power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device is stopped, and the driving of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is not used, the panel unit 8 is connected to the panel unit 10 via the panel support 10.
Since the image forming apparatus is housed in the panel housing section 7 formed in the front wall 2a of the apparatus main body 2, the image forming apparatus 1 transports the image forming apparatus 1 in comparison with the image forming apparatus in which the conventional operation panel projects outside the apparatus main body. In this case, it is possible to reduce the number of packaging materials used, to reduce the packaging size itself, and to reduce the transportation cost of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, like the conventional image forming apparatus in which the operation panel protrudes out of the apparatus main body, the panel unit 8 is gripped during the movement and the image forming apparatus 1 is lifted, and the image forming apparatus 1 is damaged. Can be suppressed.

The operation panel 9 is disposed above the panel support 10, and the panel support 10 is provided with a pair of swing shafts 10.
The portion below the position where the operation panel 9 is disposed is swingably attached to the panel storage portion 7 via the b. Therefore, in order to lift the image forming apparatus 1, the panel support 10
When a gripping force is applied to a portion below the position where the panel unit 8 is disposed, the panel support 10
Since it swings inward and is stored in the panel storage section 7, it is possible to prevent the panel support 10 from being gripped and to prevent the image forming apparatus 1 from being damaged.

The power switch 14 can start supplying power to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device when the panel unit 8 is released from the inside of the panel storage section 7 by the panel support 10 to the outside. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to separately provide the power switch 14 for starting the power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like, so that the manufacturing cost of the entire image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced. In addition, since the power supply is started by the power supply device of the operation panel 9 and the like according to the operation of releasing the panel unit 8 to the outside of the panel storage section 7 by the power switch 14, the state of the panel unit 8, that is, the panel unit By visually recognizing whether or not 8 has been discharged to the outside of the panel storage section 7, the operating (driving) state thereof can be easily confirmed.

The power switch 14 can stop power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device when the panel unit 8 is housed in the panel housing 7 by the panel support 10. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not need to separately provide the power switch 14 for stopping the power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like, so that the manufacturing cost of the entire image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced. In addition, since the operation panel 9 and the like are turned off by the power switch in accordance with the operation of storing the panel unit 8 in the panel storage section 7 by the power switch 14, the state of the panel unit 8, ie, the panel unit By visually recognizing whether or not the panel 8 is stored in the panel storage section 7, the operating state of the panel 8 can be easily confirmed.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can easily be inferred.

For example, when the power switch 14 is turned off in response to the discharging operation of the panel unit 8, the image forming apparatus 1 starts power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device, while the panel unit 8 When the power switch 14 is turned on in response to the storing operation, the power supply to the operation panel 9 and the like by the power supply device is stopped. However, in the image forming apparatus 1, the power switch 14 does not necessarily need to be provided in the panel storage unit 7. For example, a power switch for starting or stopping the power supply to the operation panel 9 or the like by the power supply device is separately provided outside the apparatus main body. In addition to the above, a panel driving device for performing a discharging operation and a storing operation of the panel unit 8 is provided, and the panel driving device releases the panel unit 8 from the panel storing portion 7 in conjunction with turning on of a power switch. The panel unit 8 may be stored in the panel storage unit 7 by the panel driving device in conjunction with the switch being turned off.

According to the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above, the user does not need to put the panel unit 8 in and out of the panel storage unit 7, and discharge or store the panel unit 8 by turning on / off the power switch. be able to.

In this embodiment, the operation panel 9 is provided with a start button 9a and a stop button 9b separately. However, the start button 9a and the stop button 9b do not necessarily need to be separately provided on the operation panel 9. For example, one start button for starting the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and one stop button for stopping the operation of the image forming apparatus are provided. You may comprise so that it may be used also as a key member.

[0071]

According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect,
When the image forming apparatus is not used, the operation panel is stored in a panel storage section provided on the outer surface of the apparatus main body via the support member, so that the conventional operation panel is protruded out of the apparatus main body. As compared with the conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to reduce the number of packaging materials used when transporting the image forming apparatus, and to reduce the transportation cost of the image forming apparatus. In addition, as in the case of a conventional image forming apparatus in which an operation panel is protruded outside the apparatus main body, the operation panel is gripped during transportation and the image forming apparatus is lifted,
There is an effect that damage to the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.

When using the image forming apparatus,
Operation panel released from panel storage section via holding member
Is less than two or more key members due to the first parking member.
Both are parked at a position exposed outside the panel storage unit
So, the other key members are stored and hidden in the panel storage
State. So, for example, the first stop
Exposed in a state where the support member is parked by the member
One key member for starting printing by a printing device.
While the key member is used, the other key members
Use it as a key member for setting changes such as print density
Does not change settings such as paper size and print density
In this case, the key members for these
Hidden while keeping it in the storage section,
There is an effect that crops can be prevented.

In addition, it is possible to change the paper size, print density, etc.
When performing settings, further operate the operation panel via the support member.
By discharging outwardly, the support member becomes the second parking member.
All the two or more key members on the operation panel
Because it is parked at a position exposed outside the
Panel storage of key members for changing settings such as print and print density
It is possible to operate these key members by exposing
You can.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect , the
In addition to the effects of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, a key member exposed outside the panel storage portion in a state where the support member is parked by the first parking member is operated when the operation of the printing apparatus is started. Since the start key member is provided, the minimum necessary start key member for operating the printing apparatus in a state where the support member is parked by the first parking member is exposed outside the panel storage portion. A key member that does not require operation can be hidden while being stored in the panel storage section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of key members (excluding the start key member) that need not be operated, thereby preventing unnecessary operation of the image forming apparatus due to such erroneous operation, for example, unnecessary printing by the printing apparatus. There is an effect that can be.

Further, when the support member is parked by the first parking member, the operation panel is slightly released outside at least the portion of the start key member outside the panel storage portion. The amount of protrusion outside the apparatus main body can be reduced. Therefore, in such a case, there is an effect that the operation panel released to the outside of the panel storage unit does not become a hindrance, and the space around the image forming apparatus can be increased.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect , the contract
In addition to the effects of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the key member exposed to the outside of the panel storage portion in a state where the support member is parked by the second parking member changes the setting state of the printing apparatus. The setting state of the printing apparatus, for example, the setting of the apparatus and the paper size, by operating the setting changing key member in a state where the support member is parked by the second parking member. Alternatively, settings such as print density can be changed.

On the other hand, when the setting status of the printing apparatus is not changed, the operation panel is stored in the panel storage section via the support member, and the support member is parked by the first parking member. The change key member can be hidden while being stored in the panel storage section. Therefore, an erroneous operation of the setting change key member can be prevented, and unnecessary operation of the image forming apparatus based on the erroneous operation, for example, unnecessary printing by the printing apparatus can be prevented.

When the user changes the setting status of the printing apparatus using the setting change key member, the operation panel may be left in the state of being parked on the second parking member via the support member. However, in such a case, the next user can determine whether the setting status of the printing apparatus has been changed by visually recognizing the release position of the operation panel. Therefore, there is an effect that the next user can avoid operating the printing apparatus in a setting situation different from the setting situation of the desired printing apparatus.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect , the contract
In addition to the effects achieved by the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , the operation panel is disposed above the support member.
The support member has a portion below the operation panel disposition position swingably attached to the panel storage portion. Therefore, when a force for gripping the lower portion of the support member from the operation panel arrangement position is applied to lift the image forming apparatus,
Since the support member swings toward the inside of the panel storage portion and is stored in the panel storage portion, it is possible to prevent the support member from being gripped and to prevent the image forming apparatus from being damaged.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect , the contract
In addition to the effects provided by the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the side wall member of the support member that releasably supports the operation panel is provided in a state where the operation panel is housed in the panel housing. Since it constitutes almost the same plane as the outer surface,
There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus from being lifted by the side wall member being gripped, and to prevent the image forming apparatus from being damaged.

According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect , the
In addition to the effects of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , the switch device is configured such that the operation panel is released from the inside of the panel storage portion to the outside by the support member, so that the power supply device allows the printing device to be operated. Power supply can be started. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a switch device for starting the supply of power to the printing apparatus, so that the manufacturing cost of the entire image forming apparatus can be reduced. In addition, there is no need for the user to separately perform a switch operation for starting the power supply, and the operability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

Further, in the printing apparatus, the power supply is started by the power supply unit in response to the operation of releasing the operation panel to the outside of the panel storage unit by the switch device. By visually recognizing whether or not the ink is discharged outside the unit, there is an effect that the driving state can be easily confirmed.

According to the image forming apparatus of claim 7 ,
In addition to the effects of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , the switch device supplies power to the printing apparatus by the power supply device by the operation panel being housed in the panel housing by the support member. Can be stopped. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a switch device for stopping power supply to the printing apparatus, so that the manufacturing cost of the entire image forming apparatus can be reduced. In addition, the user does not need to separately perform a switch operation for stopping the power supply, and the operability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

Moreover, in the printing apparatus, the power supply by the power supply is stopped by the switch device in accordance with the operation of storing the operation panel in the panel storage section, so that the state of the operation panel, that is, the operation panel is in the panel storage section. By visually recognizing whether or not the printing apparatus is stored, it is possible to easily confirm the driving state, and it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to turn off the power when the printing apparatus is not used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state where a panel unit is discharged from a panel storage unit.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the panel unit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus main body in a state where the panel unit is stored in a panel storage unit.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the panel unit in a first discharge state.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image forming apparatus 2 apparatus main body (apparatus main body) 7 panel storage section 7 c engaging recess (part of first stopping member) 7 d engaging recess (part of second stopping member) 8 panel unit 9 operation panel ( 9a Start button (start key member, part of key member) 9b Stop button 9c LCD 9d Character button (part of setting change key member, part of key member) 9e Cursor button (setting change key) Part of member, part of key member) 10 Panel support (support member) 10a Side wall plate (side wall member) 11 Stopper member (part of first parking member,
Part of the second parking member) 14 Power switch (switch device)

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] An operation for inputting various data and setting a device.
Panel and the operation and settings of the operation panel
Printing device that prints on recording paper, and the printing device
An image forming apparatus having an apparatus main body to be housed therein, wherein the operation panel is provided on an outer surface of the apparatus main body and is stowable.
A panel storage unit formed in the panel storage unit, and the operation panel stored in the panel storage unit.
A support member that supports the panel so that it can be released outside, Provided on the operation panel released by the support member.
2 and more
With the upper key member, The support panel or the panel storage section includes an operation panel.
When released, the two or more key members
At least one key member is exposed outside the panel storage portion.
A first parking member that parks the support member at a position where
Another key member of the two or more key members is the panel member.
A second step of parking the supporting member at a position exposed outside the storage section;
Parking members and Image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:
Place. 2. A start key which is operated when the operation of the printing apparatus is started, wherein the key member exposed outside the panel storage portion in a state where the support member is parked by the first parking member. claims, characterized in that it comprises a member
Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 . 3. The key member, which is exposed outside the panel storage portion in a state where the support member is parked by the second parking member, is operated when changing the setting status of the printing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting change key member. Wherein said control panel is disposed above the support member, the support member includes a lower portion from the operation panel arrangement position is swingably attached to the panel accommodating unit 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said support member includes a side wall member which is substantially flush with an outer surface of said apparatus main body when said operation panel is stored in said panel storage section. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4 . A power supply for supplying power to wherein said printing device, in accordance with the release operation to the panel accommodating outsiders of the operation panel by the supporting member, the power supply to the printing apparatus by the power supply device serial it and a start switch device claim 1, wherein the one of 5
Placing the image forming apparatus. 7. A power supply for supplying power to the printing apparatus, and stopping power supply to the printing apparatus by the power supply in accordance with a storage operation of the operation panel in the panel storage section by the support member. 7. A switch device according to claim 1, further comprising:
Placing the image forming apparatus.