JP4272490B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, a facsimile, a scanner, a copying machine, and an MFP (referred to a multifunction machine having a copying function, a facsimile function, and a printer function). The present invention relates to an apparatus that can easily operate an operation unit in a state.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a state where a physically handicapped person is trying to operate an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine. When a person with a physical disability 1, particularly a person with a disabled foot and using a wheelchair 2, tries to use an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, the wheelchair 2 faces toward the image forming apparatus main body 3 as shown in FIG. Every side will be operated. This is because, as shown in FIG. 2, when the wheelchair 2 is operated in front of the image forming apparatus main body 3, the hand 4 covers the reading device 5, specifically, the contact glass 6 cover on the image forming apparatus main body 3. 7 and even the operation unit 8 on the front side thereof often does not reach.

  In order to allow the handicapped person 1 in the wheelchair 2 to operate toward the front of the apparatus when using the image forming apparatus main body 3, the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 are placed in front of the image forming apparatus main body 3. In addition, it is necessary to arrange them as low as possible. With such an arrangement, even a physically handicapped person 1 using the wheelchair 2 can operate without twisting the body, and the operability is improved.

  However, if it is configured to be easy to use for the physically handicapped person 1 as described above, the position of the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 is too low when the general healthy person uses, and the operation is performed by bending forward. That is, the operability is remarkably deteriorated for a normal healthy person.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can be used easily by both physically handicapped and healthy people using a wheelchair.

An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a reading device capable of performing an operation of moving the image forming apparatus so as to protrude from the front side of the apparatus main body and an operation of moving the image forming apparatus so as to be stored in the apparatus main body side. the body, moving the reader Ri name provided anti-tip means in a state of being protruded moved to the near side of the apparatus main body, said anti-tip means, from the bottom of the apparatus main body to the front side of the apparatus main body Including a possible fall prevention member, a connecting means is disposed between the reading device and the fall prevention means, and the fall prevention member is connected to the device main body in conjunction with the protruding movement of the reading device toward the front side of the device main body. A motor that can project and move to the front side, the coupling means is disposed on a side surface of the apparatus main body, and the coupling means is operable in conjunction with the projecting movement of the reading apparatus to the front side of the apparatus body; By the motor Has a link means for moving drives the fall prevention member to the front side of the apparatus main body, the link means is a pinion which is rotationally driven by the motor, the fall prevention member comprises a rack pinion meshing It is characterized by that.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the apparatus main body includes a reading device capable of performing an operation of projecting from the front side of the apparatus body and an operation of moving the apparatus body so as to be accommodated in the apparatus body side. A fall-preventing member comprising a fall-preventing means in a state where the reading device protrudes and moves toward the front side of the apparatus main body, and the fall-preventing means is movable from the lower part of the apparatus main body to the near side of the apparatus main body. only contains the reader and arranged coupling means between said anti-tip means, said device the fall prevention member in conjunction protrude moved in the housing move into the apparatus main body to the main body front side of the reader Can be moved in and out of the front side of the apparatus main body, the connecting means is arranged on the side surface of the main body of the apparatus, and the connecting means can be operated in conjunction with the protruding movement of the reading apparatus toward the front side of the main body of the apparatus. A motor, A link means for moving and driving the fall prevention member toward the front side of the apparatus main body by a motor, the link means being a pinion that is rotationally driven by the motor, and a rack that meshes with the pinion at the fall prevention member; It is characterized by providing .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the apparatus main body includes a reading device capable of performing an operation of projecting from the front side of the apparatus main body and an operation of moving the apparatus main body to be stored in the apparatus main body side. Comprising a fall prevention means in a state in which the reading device protrudes and moves toward the front side of the device body,
The fall prevention means includes a fall prevention member that is movable from the lower part of the apparatus main body to the front side of the apparatus main body,
A connecting means is arranged between the reading device and the overturn prevention means, and the overturn prevention member can be protruded and moved to the front side of the apparatus body in conjunction with the protruding movement of the reading apparatus to the front side of the apparatus body. The
The connecting means is arranged by connecting the apparatus main body and the side surface of the reading device, and the connecting means includes a link member having one end side attached to the side surface of the reading device and the other end side attached to the fall prevention member. Including, when the reading device is moved, the link member is interlocked to drive the fall prevention member,
Includes a long hole for inserting the pin provided on the side surface of the reading device on one end of said link member comprises a pinion at the other end of the link member, the Rukoto comprises a rack the pinion meshing with the fall prevention member Features.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus main body includes a reading device capable of performing an operation of projecting from the front side of the apparatus main body and an operation of moving the apparatus main body to be stored in the apparatus main body side. A fall-preventing member comprising a fall-preventing means in a state in which the reading device is protruded and moved to the near side of the apparatus main body, the fall-preventing means being movable from the lower part of the apparatus main body to the near side of the apparatus main body Including a connecting means between the reading device and the overturn prevention means, and the overturn prevention member is interlocked with the protrusion movement of the reading device toward the front side of the apparatus main body and the storage movement toward the apparatus main body side. Ri Na and movable retractable into the apparatus main body front side, the coupling means, arranged to connect the side surface of the apparatus main body and the reading device, said connecting means, the side surface of the reading device one end, the other The end side prevents the fall A link member attached to the member, wherein the link member is linked to move the fall-preventing member when the reader is moved, and a pin provided on a side surface of the reader is inserted into one end of the link member. It includes a hole, provided with a pinion at the other end of the link member, and wherein the Rukoto comprises a rack the pinion meshing with the fall prevention member.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be easily used by both physically handicapped persons and healthy persons using a wheelchair, and can be used with confidence without falling even if the reader is moved to the front. There is.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. In the following description, parts common to those in the conventional example are denoted by common reference numerals.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view (A) and a side view (B) showing the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the reading device 5 on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 3 and the operation unit 8 on the front side thereof can be horizontally moved integrally. In other words, the concave portion 11 for accommodating the reading device 5 is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 3, the guide rail 12 is provided on the inner side surface thereof, and the guided member 13 is attached to the outer side surface of the reading device 5. The operation unit 8 can be moved so as to protrude toward the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3. In FIG. 3A, the cover 7 is not shown.

  Further, the image forming apparatus main body 3 is provided with a motor 14 that can be operated in conjunction with an operation of moving the reading device 5 toward the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3 and a pair of fall prevention members 15 that are driven by the motor 14. is there. Between the motor 14 and the fall prevention member 15, a belt 16 and a pinion 17 are provided as connecting means for transmitting the rotation of the motor 14. The belt 16 is looped between a pulley 18 attached to the output shaft of the motor 14, a pinion 17 and a coaxial pulley 19, and the fall prevention member 15 is provided with a rack 20 that meshes with the pinion 17.

  In this embodiment, when the physically handicapped person 1 pulls out the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 to the near side of the image forming apparatus main body 3 manually from the image forming apparatus main body 3 or by a switch operation and motor drive (not shown). In conjunction with this movement, the motor 14 is actuated, and the rotation is transmitted to the pulley 18, belt 16, pulley 19, pinion 17, and rack 20 attached to the motor output shaft, and the pair of fall prevention members 15 are connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Project to the front side of 3.

  FIG. 3B shows this state. The physically handicapped person 1 riding on the wheelchair 2 can easily operate the cover 7 and the operation unit 8 from the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3. At this time, the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 protrude toward the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3, so that the position of the center of gravity as the apparatus also moves toward the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3 and the balance is lost. Although it is easy to fall down toward the handicapped person 1 side, this is prevented by the fact that the fall-preventing member 15 together with the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 protrudes toward the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3.

  For example, for use by a healthy person, the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 projecting from the front front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3 are placed on the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the fall prevention member 15 is placed on the image forming apparatus main body 3. To return to the inside, of course, manual operation, switch operation (not shown), motor drive, etc. may be used. When the handicapped person 1 is not in use, if the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 are positioned on the image forming apparatus main body 3, problems such as being too low when a healthy person operates are not caused. Even if the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 protrude from the image forming apparatus main body 3, it is easy for a healthy person to return it to the non-projecting state, which is not a problem.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view (A) and a side view (B) showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the structure for supporting and moving the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 is different. That is, both sides of the reading device 5 are supported by four arms 21... That can be rotated in the vertical direction to form a parallel crank mechanism. When the handicapped person 1 uses the arms 21, The reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 can be arranged at a position lower than the normal time (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4B) by turning the main body 3 so as to be tilted to the near side. The reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 are moved while keeping the level by a parallel crank mechanism including four arms 21.

  Also, when used by a healthy person, the arm 21 is rotated to the back side of the image forming apparatus main body 3 so that the rear end of the reading device 5 is placed on the stepped portion 22 and is suitable for use by a healthy person. Secure the height. Also in this embodiment, the operation of the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 may be performed by manual operation, switch operation (not shown) and motor drive, etc., and the operation and action of the fall prevention member 15 are also performed in the first embodiment. Similar to the example.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, but the support and movement structures of the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 are different. That is, the link member 23 attached to both side surfaces of the reading device 5 has a long hole 25 through which a pin 24 provided on the side surface of the reading device 5 is inserted at one end, and a pair of pinions 26 and 27 at the other end. The side pinion 27 meshes with the rack 20 of the fall prevention member 15.

  When the handicapped person 1 uses the link member 23, the link member 23 is rotated so as to be tilted toward the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the pin 24 is slid downward in the long hole 25 as compared with the normal time. When the reader 5 and the operation unit 8 are arranged at a low position and used by a healthy person, the link member 23 is rotated to the back side of the image forming apparatus main body 3 and the pin 24 is directed upward in the long hole 25. The rear end of the reading device 5 is placed on the rear wall portion 28 of the image forming apparatus body 3 while being slid. In other words, if the state shown in FIG. 5 (A) is a height position on the assumption of the use of a healthy person, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), a position that is considerably low when the handicapped person 1 uses it. The reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 can be arranged.

  Note that the rotation direction of the link member 23 and the direction in which the fall prevention member 15 moves in and out of the image forming apparatus main body 3 are the same by providing a pair of pinions 26 and 27 at the lower end of the link member 23.

  Also in this embodiment, the operation of the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 may be performed by manual operation, switch operation (not shown) and motor drive, etc., and the operation and action of the fall prevention member 15 are also performed in the first embodiment. Similar to the example. Further, in this embodiment, the link member 23 does not constitute a parallel motion mechanism, but it is supported by the hand when the reading device 5 and the operation unit 8 are moved, or by the fitting structure of the pin 24 and the long hole 25, the reading device 5. However, a structure that does not rotate in the vertical direction about the pin 24 may be used. Of course, other support methods and structures may be used. There is no particular problem as long as the reading device 5 can be tolerated even if it rotates.

The perspective view which shows an example of the state where a physically handicapped person is going to operate an image forming apparatus The perspective view which shows an example of the state where a physically handicapped person is going to operate sideways with the image forming apparatus 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a side view showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. A perspective view and a side view showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Handicapped person 2: Wheelchair 3: Image forming apparatus body 4: Hand of handicapped person 5: Reading device 6: Contact glass 7: Cover 8: Operation part 11: Recessed part 12: Guide rail 13: Guided member 14: Motor 15: Falling prevention member 16: Belt 17: Pinion 18, 19: Pulley 20: Rack 21: Arm 22: Step part 23: Link member 24: Pin 25: Long hole 26, 27: Pinion 28: of the image forming apparatus main body Rear wall

Claims (4)

A reading device is provided that enables an operation to move so as to protrude from the front side of the device main body and an operation to move the device body so as to be housed in the device main body, and the reading device is provided on the front side of the device main body. Ri Na provided anti-tip means in a state of being protruded moved,
The fall prevention means includes a fall prevention member that is movable from the lower part of the apparatus main body to the front side of the apparatus main body,
A connecting means is arranged between the reading device and the overturn prevention means, and the overturn prevention member can be projected and moved to the front side of the apparatus body in conjunction with the protruding movement of the reading apparatus to the front side of the apparatus body. ,
The connecting means is disposed on a side surface of the apparatus main body, and the connecting means is operable in conjunction with a protruding movement of the reading apparatus toward the front side of the apparatus main body, and the motor is provided with the fall prevention member by the motor. Having link means for moving and driving to the front side of the apparatus body,
The link means is a pinion which is rotationally driven by the motor, the fall prevention member, an image forming apparatus according to claim Rukoto comprises a rack pinion meshing. A reading device is provided that enables an operation to move so as to protrude from the front side of the device main body and an operation to move the device body so as to be housed in the device main body, and the reading device is provided on the front side of the device main body. Provided with a means to prevent falling in the state of protruding and moving to
The anti-tip means, see contains anti-tip member movable from a lower portion of the apparatus main body to the front side of the apparatus main body,
A connecting means is arranged between the reading device and the overturn prevention means, and the overturn prevention member is connected to the main body of the device in conjunction with the protruding movement of the reading device toward the front side of the main body of the apparatus and the storage movement of the main body of the apparatus. It is possible to move in and out to the front side
The connecting means is disposed on a side surface of the apparatus main body, and the connecting means is operable in conjunction with a protruding movement of the reading apparatus toward the front side of the apparatus main body, and the motor is provided with the fall prevention member by the motor. Having link means for moving and driving to the front side of the apparatus body,
The image forming apparatus , wherein the link means is a pinion that is rotationally driven by the motor, and the fall prevention member includes a rack that meshes with the pinion . A reading device is provided that enables an operation to move so as to protrude from the front side of the device main body and an operation to move the device body so as to be housed in the device main body, and the reading device is provided on the front side of the device main body. Provided with a means to prevent falling in the state of protruding and moving to
The fall prevention means includes a fall prevention member that is movable from the lower part of the apparatus main body to the front side of the apparatus main body,
A connecting means is arranged between the reading device and the overturn prevention means, and the overturn prevention member can be protruded and moved to the front side of the apparatus body in conjunction with the protruding movement of the reading apparatus to the front side of the apparatus body. The
The connecting means is arranged by connecting the apparatus main body and the side surface of the reading device, and the connecting means includes a link member having one end side attached to the side surface of the reading device and the other end side attached to the fall prevention member. Including, when the reading device is moved, the link member is interlocked to drive the fall prevention member,
Includes a long hole for inserting the pin provided on the side surface of the reading device on one end of said link member comprises a pinion at the other end of the link member, the Rukoto comprises a rack the pinion meshing with the fall prevention member An image forming apparatus. A reading device is provided that enables an operation to move so as to protrude from the front side of the device main body and an operation to move the device body so as to be housed in the device main body, and the reading device is provided on the front side of the device main body. Provided with a means to prevent falling in the state of protruding and moving to
The fall prevention means includes a fall prevention member that is movable from the lower part of the apparatus main body to the front side of the apparatus main body,
A connecting means is arranged between the reading device and the overturn prevention means, and the overturn prevention member is connected to the main body of the device in conjunction with the protruding movement of the reading device toward the front side of the main body of the apparatus and the storage movement of the main body of the apparatus. Ri name as a retractable moved to the front side,
The connecting means is arranged by connecting the apparatus main body and the side surface of the reading device, and the connecting means includes a link member having one end side attached to the side surface of the reading device and the other end side attached to the fall prevention member. Including, when the reading device is moved, the link member is interlocked to drive the fall prevention member,
Includes a long hole for inserting the pin provided on the side surface of the reading device on one end of said link member comprises a pinion at the other end of the link member, the Rukoto comprises a rack the pinion meshing with the fall prevention member An image forming apparatus.

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