JPH0643705A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability of an operational part and to save a space by constituting a second operational part with an operational member on performance except reference performance for forming an image, so as to house it in a device main body. CONSTITUTION:An operational part 708 is provided with the operational member on the reference performance for forming the image, and fixedly provided so as to make the front side of the operational part 708 low. Moreover, an operational part 709 is provided with the operational member on the performance except the reference performance, and provided so as to house in the device main body. The operational part 708 is constituted in a rectangular shape so as to extend in a cross direction on the right side of a pressing plate 101, and the operational part 709 is constituted in the rectangular shape so as to extend in a longitudinal direction on the front side of the pressing plate 101. In other words, the operational parts 708 and 709 are arranged so as to surround the pressing plate. Therefore, division into the operational parts 708 and 709 is attained according to a utilizing frequency, and the operational part 709 whose utilizing frequency is less, is constituted in a housing type, so that the space is saved, functions are diversified to eliminate a key, and complication caused by the increase of display contents is eliminated. Thus, a simple image can be obtained.

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,
In particular, it relates to an operation unit of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the improvement of copying technology, various functions such as trimming and masking are provided in a copying machine, and various switches and keys are provided in an operation section for a user to use these functions. Has been.

Conventionally, as an operation section with improved operability,
For example, as shown in JP-A-61-235854, the operation surface is inclined, or JP-A-61-216206, JP-A-61-218014, and Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-1.
As shown in Japanese Patent No. 28561, there is known one having a hidden lid for covering a specific key.

[0004]

However, in this kind of operation unit, since they are provided on the same operation surface, for example, a key that is frequently used, such as a copy start key or a numeral key, and, on the other hand, a frequency of use. However, there is a problem in that the visibility of the keys is low, and the user is bothered and the operability is poor. It should be noted that it is desirable that the minimum necessary keys are provided in the operation unit even for the reason of requesting for space saving.

In view of the above conventional problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the operability of the operation section and saving the space.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first means is provided with a first operating portion fixedly provided so that the front side is lowered so as to have an operating member relating to the basic performance of image formation. A second operation unit including an operation member related to performance other than the basic performance is provided so as to be housed in the apparatus body.

The second means is characterized in that, in the first means, the second operating portion is arranged so as to be flush with the surface of the apparatus main body in the housed state.

A third means is characterized in that, in the first or second means, the second operating portion has a height and an angle which are substantially the same as those of the first operating portion when in use. To do.

A fourth means is characterized in that, in the first to third means, a recess for a handle is formed in the second operating portion and can be opened and closed by a predetermined pressure.

[0010]

In the first means, with the above-mentioned configuration, the second operation section having the operation member related to the performance other than the basic performance of image formation can be housed in the main body of the apparatus. Occasionally, by accommodating the second operation unit, the operability of the operation unit can be improved and the space can be saved.

In the second means, since the second operating portion is stored so as to be flush with the surface of the apparatus main body, by storing the second operating portion during normal use where the basic performance is used, It is possible to improve the operability of the operation unit, save space, and improve the aesthetic appearance.

In the third means, since the second operating portion has substantially the same height and angle as the first operating portion in the used state, the operability in the state of using the performance other than the basic performance is improved. be able to.

In the fourth means, since the second operating portion can be opened and closed with a predetermined pressure, it is possible to improve the operability of the operating member of the second operating portion, and at the same time, the second operating portion itself. It is possible to improve the operability of opening and closing.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of an operation unit which is a main part of an embodiment of a copying machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external view showing the entire copying machine of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 is a side sectional view showing the copying machine in FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a flow of image data of the copying machine, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of the copying machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is an operation of FIG. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing the usage state of the retractable operation portion of FIGS. 1 and 6, and FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing the storage state of the retractable operation portion of FIG. 7. 9 is a perspective view showing the pressure plate of FIG. 1, FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the pressure plate and a sheet pressing mechanism thereon, and FIG. 12 is for explaining a recovery operation when the pressure plate is opened. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another recovery operation when the pressure plate is opened.

First, this copying machine saves space in the depth direction, improves the visibility of the operation surface, and prevents the forearm and wrist from buckling when the user operates a key or the like provided on the operation surface. For the purpose of improving the operability by ensuring the state, the operation units 708 and 709, the paper feeding unit and the paper ejecting unit, and the like have about 1 unit.
It is configured to be inclined by 5 °. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to this angle, the user's needs,
It may be set to about 15 ° to 25 ° depending on the use and characteristics of each member.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 708 is provided with an operation member relating to the basic performance of image formation, and is fixed so that the front side is lowered. In addition, the operation unit 709
Is equipped with an operation member related to performance other than basic performance and is provided so as to be stored in the apparatus main body. The operation part 708 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending in the front-rear direction on the right side of the pressure plate 101, and the operation part 709 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending in the left-right direction on the front side of the pressure plate 101. That is, the operation units 708 and 709 are arranged so as to surround the pressure plate.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this copying machine, the image reading device (scanner) 100 and the paper feeding devices 200a and 200b are directed downward from the center of the main body.
The laser light writing device 300 and the electrophotographic process mechanisms 401 to 408 are arranged in this order, and the paper feeding device 20
0a and 200b, a laser beam writing device 300, and an image forming unit 41 including electrophotographic process mechanisms 401 to 408.
The printer 0 is configured with 0. A bin 604 for the sorter 600 is arranged above the main body of the copying machine. That is, the sub-scanning direction of this copying process is performed for the user in the front-back direction and the vertical direction.

The scanner 100 will be described in detail. The pressure plate 101 is constructed so as to be openable and closable so as to press the document on the contact glass 102.
The upper document is illuminated by the illumination device 103. The lighting device 103 has a fluorescent lamp and a reflector. The reflected light of the original is sequentially reflected by the reflection mirrors 104a to 104c,
The lens 105 guides the light to the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 106.
Read by.

This signal is transmitted to the amplifier 70 as shown in FIG.
After being amplified by 1, the signal is converted into a multi-valued digital signal by the A / D converter 702, and this digital signal is transferred via the cable 703 to the image processing unit 70 of the printer unit 400.
4 is transmitted. The image processing unit 704 performs image processing such as shading correction, binarization processing, and halftone by systematic dither processing, converts multivalued to binary data, and the image processing data is stored in the memory unit 705. After that, in the LD (laser diode) control unit 706, L
It is converted into the drive signal of D707, and the LD707 blinks according to the image.

In this example, since the memory unit 705 stores the image data, a plurality of copies can be made by one reading of the scanner 100. Further, by controlling the read timing, for example, trimming, Various image edits such as masking, shifting and combining can be performed.

In the sheet feeding devices 200a and 200b shown in FIG. 3, a bundle of recording sheets 202 is stored by the storage member 201 and is positioned on the front side of the apparatus by its own weight.
The recording paper 202 is separated one by one by the half-moon roller 203 and guided toward the lower transfer charger 405. In this example, the same sheet feeding devices 200a and 200b are configured in two stages, but the structure and the number of stages can be arbitrarily configured.

In the laser light writing device 300, the laser light emitted from the laser diode 707 according to the image data is deflected by the polygon 301 at a constant angular velocity in the main scanning direction, and the f-θ lens 302 corrects the deflection to a constant velocity. Then, the light is sequentially reflected by the reflection mirrors 303 a and 303 b and guided onto the photoconductor drum 402. Therefore,
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 402.

A developing device 401, a cleaning unit 403, a charging charger 404, a transfer charger 405 and the like necessary for the electrophotographic process are arranged around the photosensitive drum 402, and an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 402 is arranged. Is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper 202.

The recording paper 202 is separated and conveyed from the photosensitive drum 402 by a separation and conveyance belt 406, and a toner image is fixed by a pair of fixing roller 407 and pressure roller 408, and then a vertical conveyance belt 501.
The driven rollers 502a to 502f and the driving roller 503a,
It is conveyed upward by 503b. Then, the recording paper 202 is selectively branched in the direction of the paper discharge roller 505 or the vertical conveyance belt 601 by the branching claw 504 for switching the conveyance path. The recording paper 202 facing upwards,
Vertical transport belt 601 and driving rollers 602a and 602b
Then, it is conveyed to the upper sorter unit 600 by the driven rollers 603a and 603b, and is selectively discharged to one of the plurality of bins 604 by the sorter branching claw 606 and the sorter discharge roller 605.

Here, the recording paper 202 ejected by the paper ejection roller 505 is ejected onto the pressure plate 101 as shown in detail in FIGS. 9 to 11, and these constituent members are shown in FIG.
It is controlled by the CPU 10 as shown in FIG.

As shown in detail in FIG. 6, the operation unit 708 shown in FIG. 1 has, for example, a minimum necessary copy start key 7081, a ten-key pad 7082, and a density adjustment key 7083 used by a large number of users as a copying machine. , Paper feed stage selection key 7084, and repeat / copy number display 7085
And paper display 7086 and LCD 7 for guidance display
087 and the like are provided, and the retractable operation unit 709 is provided with various keys (sorter key 709 2) that can be used for image editing, image quality selection, scaling, post-processing, programs, etc.
Etc.) are provided. Further, this operation unit 709 is an LC
A D touch panel 7091 is provided, and it is configured to enable setting guides for various modes, confirmation of setting modes, display of service maintenance information, and setting input of special modes.

Therefore, this operating section is divided into operating sections 708 and 709 according to the frequency of use, and the operating section 709 that is less frequently used is of a retractable type, so that space saving can be realized. Also, it is possible to provide a simple image by eliminating complicated images and difficult images due to an increase in keys and display contents due to multi-functionalization.

Next, the retractable operation unit 709 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. This operation part 7
09 is a hinge 71 due to a handle 715 formed of a recess.
The magnets 711 to 714 are provided so as to be rotatable around 0 and can be opened and closed between a use state and a stored state (normal state) with a predetermined pressure. Operation part 7
As shown in FIG. 7, the magnet 09 is magnet 71 so that it has substantially the same height and angle as the operating portion 708.
1, 713, and when housed, they are fixed by magnets 712 and 714 so as to be flush with the front panel of the apparatus body as shown in FIG.

Alternatively, this storage mechanism may be constructed by combining a pinion and a rack. Further, as a locking method, the lock may be performed by pressing once and the lock may be released by pressing once again.

Next, referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the pressure plate 10
1 and the paper pressing mechanism thereon will be described. Stoppers 110 and 111 are formed on the front side and the back side of the pressure plate 101, and the opening / closing of the pressure plate 101 is detected by a switch 112. Here, since the front side of the pressure plate 101 is inclined downward, the copy paper 118 (recording paper 202) discharged by the paper discharge roller 505 is aligned on the pressure plate 101 by its own weight and the stopper 110 on the front side. Also, since the stopper 111 on the back side is formed in a pocket shape, stackability can be improved.
In the state where the pressure plate 101 is open as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2, it is possible to prevent the recording paper 118 from dropping due to its own weight.

Here, with only the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the copy paper 118 on the pressure plate 101 moves in the front-back direction each time the pressure plate 101 is opened and closed, and particularly when the size of the copy paper 202 is small. Since the amount of movement in the front-back direction is large,
In the worst case, the paper will fall to the paper discharge roller 505 side.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the solenoid 1
The shaft 114 is rotated by 13 to press the pressing member 115.
a, 115b to stop the copy paper 118 from the front stopper 1
It can be fixed to the stopper 117 member side of 10.
That is, to explain this operation, since opening / closing of the pressure plate 101 is detected by the CPU 10 shown in FIG. 5 via the switch 112, when the pressure plate 101 is opened, the solenoid 113 is controlled to be turned on and the shaft 114 is rotated and pressed. Member 1
15a and 115b press the copy paper 118.

Further, the pressing members 115a and 115b are respectively biased in the opposite direction to the pressing direction by springs 119a and 119b locked to the ceiling plate of the pocket-shaped pressure plate 101, and cushioning materials 116a and 116b are provided on the pressing surfaces. It is attached. Furthermore, when the next copy paper 118 is ejected while the pressing members 115a and 115b are being pressed, the pressing member 1
It is possible to prevent the copy paper 118 from being damaged by the vertical movement of 15a and 115b.

Here, when a thick original such as a book is to be copied, it is necessary to open the pressure plate 101 and hold the original by hand for copying, but in the opened state as shown in FIG. Since the clearance between the discharge rollers 505 is narrowed, the copy paper 118 being discharged may be damaged. Next, the recovery operation in this case will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

In the recovery operation shown in FIG. 12, first, initialization (step S11) and guidance display of "ready for copying" (step S12) are performed, and the copy start key 7081 of the operation unit 708 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed. And the copy operation is started (steps S13 and S14). Then, it is determined whether or not the pressure plate 101 is open based on the detection signal of the switch 112 (step S15). If it is open, the process branches to step S16, and if it is closed, the process directly proceeds to step S18.

In step S16, a message such as "The pressure plate is open" is displayed, and when the copy start key 7081 is pressed again in this state (step S1
7) and proceeds to step S18. In step S18, reading of the original is started, and the read data is stored in the memory unit 705 shown in FIG. 4 (step S19). Then, it is determined again whether or not the pressure plate 101 is closed (step S20). If it is open, the process branches to step S21, and if it is closed, the process directly proceeds to step S23.

In step S21, a guidance message such as "Please close the pressure plate" is displayed. When the pressure plate 101 is closed in this state (step S22), the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the read data is read from the memory unit 705 and the copying process is executed (step S24), and when the paper discharge is completed, step S25.
Returns to step S11. Here, in FIG. 12, immediately after the copy start key 7081 is pressed, the pressure plate 1
Step S2 so as to issue a warning by judging the release of 01
The processing shown in 0 to S22 may be inserted after step S17.

In the operation shown in FIG. 13, the recovery process is performed by selectively ejecting the copy paper to the sorter unit 600 side. First, the processing shown in steps S31 to S35 is the same as the processing shown in steps S11 to S15 shown in FIG. When the pressure plate 101 is open in step S35, the process branches to step S36 to display a guidance for inputting whether to discharge the pressure plate or the sorter, and when the start key 7081 is pressed. Reset the sort flag (step S3
7, S38) and when the sorter key 7092 is pressed, the sort flag is set (steps S37, S39).

Then, the reading of the original is started (step S40), the read data is written in the memory section 705 and then read (step S41), the copying process is executed (step S42), and the sort flag is determined (step S43). ). Then, when the sort flag is reset, the branch claw 504 shown in FIG. 3 is controlled so that the copy paper 118 is discharged onto the pressure plate 101 (step S44), and when the sort flag is set, The copy paper 118 is controlled to be discharged onto the bin 604 of the sorter unit 600 (step S45). Here, in the case of discharging onto the pressure plate 101, the read data may be written in the memory unit 705, and then the pressure plate 101 may be judged to be opened and a warning may be given.

Next, a modification of the copying machine according to the present invention will be described. 14 and 15 show an example in which a mechanism for storing jammed paper is added, FIG. 14 shows a normal state, and FIG. 15 shows a jammed state. The transfer paper which has completed the predetermined image forming operation and passed through the fixing device 801 is normally conveyed upward by the vertical conveyance belt 802 and the driven roller 803, and the switching claw 8
By 04, it is selectively conveyed in the direction of the pressure plate 101 or the sorter 600. Further, the jam detection sensors 720a to 720h are arranged along the vertical conveyance path.

The vertical conveyor belt 802 is a frame 80.
5, the frame 805 has a compression spring 8
It is urged toward the driven roller 803 by 06. The frame 805 also has a solenoid 808 installed on the main body.
To the solenoid 8 via a lever 807.
When 08 is turned on, the frame 80 is displayed as shown in FIG.
5, that is, the vertical conveyance belt 802 is configured to be separated from the driven roller 803.

Further, from the fixing device 801 to the vertical conveyor belt 8
A paper guide 809 is connected to a solenoid 810 on the path toward 02, and the solenoid 810 is installed in the main body. When the solenoid 810 is turned on, the paper guide 809 is displaced as shown in FIG. 15 so as not to prevent the transfer sheet from falling in the vertical conveyance path. A jammed paper storage portion 811 is provided below the main body. When the solenoids 808 and 810 are turned on, the jammed paper 812 falls in the direction of arrow C as shown in FIG. 15 and is stored in the jammed paper storage portion 811. To be done.

FIG. 16 shows an example in which a shredder 814 is provided instead of the jammed paper accommodation section 811. Jam paper 8
12 is a shredder 81 by a jam paper transport belt 813.
It is conveyed in the direction of 4, and is shredded by the shredder 814. The jam at the entrance of the shredder 814 is detected by the sensor 721. FIG. 17 shows an example in which a jam paper full sensor is provided in FIGS. 14 and 15. A reflection type photo sensor 815 is installed in the vicinity of the entrance of the jam paper accommodating portion 811, and the jam paper 812 becomes the jam paper accommodating portion 8.
When the photo sensor 815 cannot be stored in 11 and is stopped at the entrance, the photo sensor 815 continues to be turned on. Therefore, in this case, an alarm can be output.

Next, the recovery operation when a jam occurs will be described with reference to FIGS. When the first jam detection sensor 720a is turned on in step S51 shown in FIG. 18, the timer is started (step S52), and, for example, when 30 seconds have not elapsed, the process proceeds from step S53 to step S54. In step S54, the last sensor 7
When 20h is turned on, the timer is started (step S
55), if the sensor 720h is turned off within 5 seconds in steps S56 and S57, the process returns to step S51.

If the sensor 720h does not turn off after the elapse of 5 seconds, it is determined as "paper discharge jam" in step S58, and that effect is displayed in step S59. Then, when any of the sensors 720a to 720h is turned on, this display is continued (step S60),
When all the sensors 720a to 720h are turned off, the process returns to step S51.

Further, in step S53, the timer is set to 3
When 0 seconds have elapsed, it is determined that a "vertical conveyance path jam" is present in step S61, and that effect is displayed in step S62. Then, the start key 708 is used to clear the jam.
When 1 is pressed, steps S63 to FIG. 19 or FIG.
Go to 0.

FIG. 19 shows the operation when the jam paper full sensor 815 is provided as shown in FIG. Step S6
In S5 and S66, the solenoids 810 and 808 are turned on, and in the subsequent step S67, the vertical conveyor belt 80 is turned on.
The jam paper 812 is dropped by rotating 2 in the reverse direction. When 10 seconds have passed (step S68), the vertical conveyance belt 802 is stopped (step S69), and the solenoid 808 is turned off (step S70). Then
If any of the sensors 720a to 720h is turned on in step S71, the process branches to step S72 to turn off the solenoid 810, and since the jammed paper 812 has not dropped from the vertical conveyance path, the fact is displayed ( The process returns to step S73) and step S71.

In step S71, the sensors 720a ...
If all 720h are off, the process proceeds to step S74, the solenoid 810 is turned off, and the jam paper full sensor 8
If 15 is turned on, that fact is displayed (step S7).
6) When the sensor 815 is turned off (step S75)
It returns to step S51 shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a shredder 8 as shown in FIG.
The operation when 14 is provided is shown. Steps S81, S8
2 turns on the solenoids 810 and 808,
In the subsequent step S83, the jammed paper 812 is dropped by rotating the vertical transportation belt 802 in the reverse direction, and the jammed paper transportation belt 813 is started. Then, the shredder 814 is started (step S8
4) When 10 seconds have passed (step S85), the solenoid 808 is turned off (step S86).

Then, in step S87, the sensor 7
If any of 20a to 720h is on, the flow branches to step S88 to turn off the solenoid 810, stop the vertical conveyance belt 802 and the jam paper conveyance belt 813 (step S89), and set the jam paper 812 to the vertical direction. Since it has not dropped from the transport path, a message to that effect is displayed (step S9).
0), and returns to step S87.

In step S87, the sensors 720a ...
If all 720h are off, the process proceeds to step S91, and it is determined whether or not the shredder entrance jam sensor 721 is on. If the sensor 721 is on, the flow branches to step S92 to turn off the solenoid 810, stop the vertical conveyance belt 802 and the jammed paper conveyance belt 813 (step S93), display that fact at step S94, and display at step S91. Return to.

If the shredder entrance jam sensor 721 is off in step S91, the shredder 814
1 is stopped (step S95), the solenoid 810 is turned off (step S96), and the vertical conveyance belt 802 and the jammed paper conveyance belt 813 are stopped (step S97).
Returning to step S51 shown in FIG.

Next, a modified example of the pressure plate will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 21, the transfer sheet, which has been copied, is discharged onto the pressure plate 901 by the paper discharge roller 902. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the left and right sides of the pressure plate 901 are the main link 904 and the sub link. It is connected to the main body 900 via 905. This link 904,
One end of each 905 is rotatable around shafts 904a and 904b fixed in the main body 900, and the other ends 904b and 905b are connected via a link 906. A spring 904c is wound around the main link 904 so that the pressure plate 901 stops in the open state and the closed state.

An oval shaft is fixed to the end portion 905b of the sub link 905. A stopper 901a having an opening of an oval width is attached to the oval shaft 905b of the auxiliary link 905 so that the pressure plate 901 itself can rotate about the shaft 904b of the main link 904. Therefore, when the pressure plate 901 is opened from the closed state, first, as shown by a solid line in FIGS. 23 and 24, the link mechanism moves upward in parallel with the main body 900 and the contact glass 903, and then, FIGS.
As indicated by a broken line in FIG. 5, the main link 904 and the sub link 905 are rotated and then opened after being stopped. An original pressing sponge 907 is attached to the lower surface of the pressure plate 901.

Next, the document moving mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. A document stopper 1201 that regulates the front side of the document is movable in the front-rear direction along a guide rod 1202 fixed in the main body 1200, and at its end, a pulley 1204 provided in the main body 1200 is provided. It is connected to the wound wire 1203. The stopper 1201 is configured so that its own weight acts as a load so as not to move due to gravity, and only the upper part thereof projects upward from the contact glass 1205 so that the operator can manually move it. Reference numeral 1206 is a scale.

Next, a modified example of the sorter will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 33. Pins 1302 are fixed to the left and right of the plurality of stages of sorter trays 1301 so as to extend in the horizontal direction, and pins 1302 of the upper and lower trays 1301 are connected to each other via a first link 1303 and a second link 1304. First link 1303 and second link 1304
31 is configured to be rotatable about a starting point 1303a as shown in detail in FIG. 31, and all the pins 1302 on the right side are provided with guides 1 fixed to the main body as shown in FIG.
It is slidably fitted in the groove 308.

A wire 1305 is attached to the uppermost pin 1302.
One end of the motor 1 is fixed, and the other end of the wire 1305 is connected to the motor 1
It is wound around a pulley 1306 fixed to the shaft of 307. Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the second link 1304 is provided with stoppers 1304a and 1304b for restricting relative movement with the first link 1303 so that the minimum distance between the upper and lower trays 1301 is constant. Has been. Therefore, every time the transfer paper is discharged, the motor 130
By rotating 7 to extend the wire 1305, the distance between the upper and lower trays 1301 can be increased to accommodate a large number of transfer papers, and when the transfer papers are removed from the tray 1301, the upper and lower transfer papers can be accommodated. The distance between the trays 1301 can be shortened (FIG. 30).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33,
The sort tray unit 1701 may be vertically movable. That is, both ends of the unit 1701 are provided with a groove 1700 vertically formed in the main body 1700.
It is slidably fitted to a, and a rack 1701a is formed as shown in FIG. This rack 1701a
Engages with the pinion gear 1704 on the main body 1700 side, and the pinion gear 1704 is rotated by the motor 1702 to the worm 1
Driven via 703.

[0059]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first operation portion provided with the operation member relating to the basic performance of image formation is fixedly provided so that the front side is lowered, and the basic operation is performed. Since the second operation unit including the operation member related to the performance other than the performance is provided so as to be accommodated in the main body of the apparatus, the operation of the operation unit can be performed by accommodating the second operation unit during the normal use of the basic performance. The property can be improved, and the space can be saved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the second operating portion is arranged so as to be flush with the surface of the main body of the apparatus in the stored state. By accommodating the second operation portion, the operability of the operation portion can be improved, the space can be saved, and the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

The invention according to claim 3 is the same as claim 1 or 2.
In the invention described above, since the second operating portion is configured to have substantially the same height and angle as the first operating portion in the use state, the operability in the state of using a performance other than the basic performance is improved. be able to.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In the invention described above, since the concave portion for the handle is formed in the second operation portion and the opening / closing operation is performed at a predetermined pressure,
The operability of the operation member of the second operation unit can be improved, and the opening / closing operability of the second operation unit itself can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of an operation unit which is a main part of an embodiment of a copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing the entire copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the copying machine in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the flow of image data of a copying machine.

5 is a block diagram showing a control system of the copying machine of FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation unit of FIG. 1 in detail.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing a use state of the retractable operation unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a stored state of the retractable operation unit in FIG.

9 is a perspective view showing the pressure plate of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a pressure plate and a paper pressing mechanism thereon.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a recovery operation when the pressure plate is opened.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another recovery operation when the pressure plate is opened.

FIG. 14 is a side view of essential parts showing a copying machine provided with a jammed paper accommodation mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an essential part showing the occurrence of a jam in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a side view of essential parts showing a copying machine provided with a shredder.

FIG. 17 is a side view of an essential part showing a modified example of FIG.

18 is a flowchart for explaining a jam detection operation in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a jam recovery operation in FIGS. 14 and 15.

20 is a flow chart for explaining a jam recovery operation in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the pressure plate.

22 is a side view showing a closed state of the pressure plate of FIG. 21. FIG.

23 is a side view showing an open state of the pressure plate of FIG. 21. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing the link mechanism in the opened state of the pressure plate of FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a side view showing the link mechanism in the closed state of the pressure plate of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a document moving mechanism.

27 is a perspective view showing a main part of the document moving mechanism of FIG. 26. FIG.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the sorter.

FIG. 29 is a side view showing the extended state of the sorter shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a side view showing a compressed state of the sorter shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a side view showing the link mechanism of the sorter shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing another modification of the sorter.

FIG. 33 is a side view showing a vertical movement mechanism of the sorter shown in FIG. 32.

[Explanation of symbols]

 708, 709 Operation part 710 Hinge 711-714 Magnet 715 Handle

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Keiichi Matsumura 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A first operation unit provided with an operation member related to basic performance of image formation is fixedly provided so that the front side is lowered, and a second operation provided with an operation member related to performance other than the basic performance. An image forming apparatus, wherein a unit is provided so as to be stored in the apparatus main body. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation section is configured to be flush with the surface of the apparatus main body in the housed state. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operating section is configured to have substantially the same height and angle as the first operating section when in use. . 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recess for a handle is formed on the second operation portion and the second operation portion can be opened and closed with a predetermined pressure.