JP2018173577A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation panel to collide with a reading unit if the operation panel is tilted and moved toward the reading unit when the operation panel is attached, and the operation panel or the reading unit may be damaged or the exterior of the operation panel or the reading unit may be damaged. It gets hurt. SOLUTION: A first support member is arranged adjacent to a reading unit on the front side of an image forming apparatus, and a first opening into which a front side engaging claw is inserted on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and a lower portion. It comprises a second opening into which the side engaging claws are inserted. [Selection diagram] Fig. 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation panel mounting structure installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

  In recent image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, an operation panel is provided. The operation panel is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus with respect to the reading unit arranged in the information of the image forming unit so as to improve the visibility of the display, and the entire operation panel can be changed in the vertical direction. Is generally provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. In recent years, it has been required to increase the size of the display provided on the operation panel in order to improve visibility. On the other hand, the entire image forming apparatus is required to be compact. In order to satisfy these demands, the image reading unit and the operation panel arranged adjacent to the image reading unit are arranged as close as possible.

  When repairing or replacing the operation panel, the operation panel is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which an operation panel can be easily attached to and detached from a main body of an image forming apparatus. That is, in Patent Document 1, an engagement claw is provided on the operation panel side, the operation panel is moved in the vertical direction, the engagement claw is hooked in the engagement hole of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the operation panel is further attached to the image forming apparatus. A structure for fixing the screw to the main body is disclosed.

JP 2011-209568 A

  However, since the operation panel mounting structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 moves the operation panel in the vertical direction, when the operation panel is tilted and moved to the reading unit side when the operation panel is mounted, There is a problem that the operation panel collides, the operation panel or the reading unit breaks down, or the exterior of the operation panel or the reading unit is damaged.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is an image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads a document, and an image that is arranged below the reading unit in the vertical direction and is read by the reading unit. An image forming unit that forms an image on a transfer material based on the sheet, and a sheet that is disposed between the reading unit and the image forming unit in the vertical direction and that has the image formed by the image forming unit is discharged. A first support member that rotatably supports the operation panel, and a second support member that is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus and to which the first support member is attached. The first support member includes a front-side engagement claw that extends to the front side of the image forming apparatus and a lower-side engagement claw that extends downward in the vertical direction, and the first support member includes: The reading on the front side of the image forming apparatus And a first opening into which the front engaging claw is inserted on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and a second opening into which the lower engaging claw is inserted. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a collision of the operation panel with the reading unit in an attaching operation for attaching the operation panel to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view of the operation panel and operation panel support member concerning a present Example. It is a perspective view of the operation panel frame which concerns on a present Example. It is a side view of an operation panel, an operation panel support member, and an operation panel frame according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the attachment procedure of the operation panel which concerns on a present Example. It is a perspective view of an operation panel support member and an operation panel frame.

Example 1
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The “front” shown in FIG. 1 is the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the “rear” is the back side of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 100, a reading unit 101, an operation panel 102, a front door 103, a paper feed tray 104, and a paper discharge tray 15.

  The reading unit 101 reads a document image. The reading unit 101 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment can scan and read a manuscript, and the manuscript is passed through a reading position by conveying the manuscript with an auto document feeder. It is also possible to read. A main body 100 described later is arranged below the reading unit 101 in the vertical direction. A paper discharge tray 15 is disposed between the reading unit 101 and the main body unit 100 in the vertical direction.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a front door 103 that is rotatably connected to the main body 100 via a hinge (not shown). The front door 103 is provided on the front side of the main body 100. By opening the front door 103, the user can replace the cartridge. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feed cassette 104. The paper feed cassette 104 is a unit that can be pulled out to the front side of the image forming apparatus.

  The operation panel 101 is disposed adjacent to the reading unit 101 on the front side of the image forming apparatus with respect to the reading unit 101. Therefore, at least a part of the operation panel 102 attached to the main body unit 100 overlaps the reading unit 101 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the upper end side of the operation panel 102 is positioned at the same height as the reading unit 101 as shown in FIG.

  The operation panel 102 includes a display 102a. The display 102a incorporates a display panel (not shown) and a touch panel. The display panel displays the state of the image forming apparatus, and the touch panel accepts a user's touch operation. The operation panel 102 is supported by the main body 100 so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body 100. The operation panel 102 is provided to facilitate the removal of the sheets stacked on the paper discharge tray 15 provided on the main body 100, and to secure a space for the operation panel 102 to rotate (tilt). It is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction with an interval from 100.

  Next, the image forming unit will be described. An image forming unit is disposed on the back side of the image forming apparatus with respect to the front door 103 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, which form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. 3K is a color image forming apparatus arranged at regular intervals. In this embodiment, the configuration and operation of the image forming units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K are substantially the same except that the color of the image to be formed is different. Therefore, unless otherwise distinguished, the subscripts Y, M, C, and K given to the reference numerals to indicate the elements provided for any color will be omitted. Further, in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 2, the reading unit and the operation panel shown in FIG. 1 are not shown.

  The image forming unit 3 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive member 4 (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum 4), a charging roller 5 as a charging member that contacts the photosensitive drum 4 and charges the photosensitive drum 4, an exposure device 6, and the like. A developing unit 7. The developing device 7 is arranged in a state where it can be brought into contact with and separated from the photosensitive drum 4, and develops a toner image on the photosensitive drum 4 by applying a voltage from a developing power source (not shown).

  The image forming unit 3 starts an image forming operation when a control unit (not shown) such as a controller receives an image signal or the user presses a start button for causing the reading unit to read a document image. In the image forming operation, the photosensitive drum 4 is rotationally driven. During the rotation process, the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged to a predetermined voltage (charging voltage) with a predetermined polarity (negative polarity in this embodiment) by the charging roller 5a. The exposure device 6 emits light according to the image signal, and the photosensitive drum 4 that has been charged by the light emitted from the exposure device 6 is exposed. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow component image of the target color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4. Next, the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by the developing unit 7 at the development position.

  The intermediate transfer belt 9 as an endless belt-like rotatable intermediate transfer member is conductive, and has a driving roller 23a as a driving member, a driven roller 23b, an auxiliary roller 23c, and a counter roller 23d as a counter member. It is stretched around. On the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 9, a primary transfer roller 10 as a contact member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 9 is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 4 through the intermediate transfer belt 9.

  When the primary transfer roller 10 presses the intermediate transfer belt 9 toward the photosensitive drum 4, the intermediate transfer belt 9 contacts the photosensitive drum 4 to form the primary transfer portion 2. A primary transfer power supply 20 is connected to the primary transfer roller 10. By applying a voltage from the primary transfer power supply 20 toward the primary transfer roller 10, the intermediate transfer belt is passed through the primary transfer roller 10. A current flows through 9. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 4 is subjected to intermediate transfer from the photosensitive drum 4 by applying a positive voltage from the primary transfer power supply 20 to the primary transfer roller 10 in the process of passing through the primary transfer unit 2. Primary transfer is performed on the belt 9.

  The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment has a so-called cleanerless configuration in which the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 4 is collected by the developing unit 7 after the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 4 to the intermediate transfer belt 9. .

  In the cleaner-less configuration, with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 4, the primary transfer portion 2 where the photosensitive drum 4 and the intermediate transfer belt 9 are in contact with the charging portion 8 where the photosensitive drum 4 and the charging roller 5 are in contact with each other. Further, a blade that contacts the photosensitive drum 4 is not provided. Therefore, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 4 after passing through the primary transfer portion is charged again to the negative polarity when passing through the charging portion 8 where the charging roller 5 and the photosensitive drum 4 abut, and then the developing device 7. The toner is collected by the developing device 4 at a position where the photosensitive drum 4 and the photosensitive drum 4 abut.

  In the image forming section 3 for each color, the toner images are sequentially superimposed and primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum 4 to the intermediate transfer belt 9, whereby the four-color toner images corresponding to the target color image are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9. Is formed. Thereafter, the four-color toner images primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 9 pass through the secondary transfer portion 19 formed by the contact between the secondary transfer roller 14 and the intermediate transfer belt 9, and the paper or paper Secondary transfer is performed collectively on the surface of a transfer material P such as an OHP sheet. The transfer material P is fed from the paper feed cassette 11 by the paper feed roller 12 and conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 19. As shown in FIG. 1, the paper discharge tray 15 is provided directly below the reading unit 101.

  The secondary transfer roller 14 as a secondary transfer member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 9 is driven to rotate with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 9 and faces the secondary transfer roller 14 via the intermediate transfer belt 9. The opposing roller 23d is disposed at the position where the movement is performed. By applying a positive voltage from the secondary transfer power source 21 to the secondary transfer roller 14, a current flows from the secondary transfer roller 14 toward the opposing roller 23 d, and transfer is performed from the intermediate transfer belt 9 in the secondary transfer unit 19. A four-color toner image is secondarily transferred to the material P.

  The transfer material P onto which the four color toner images have been transferred by the secondary transfer is then heated and pressurized in the fixing device 30, whereby the four color toners are melted and mixed and fixed on the transfer material P. The transfer material P on which the toner images of four colors are fixed is discharged from the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 to the discharge tray 15 (discharge section) by the discharge roller 31.

  The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 9 after the secondary transfer is provided opposite to the counter roller 23d via the intermediate transfer belt 9 on the downstream side of the secondary transfer portion 19 in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 9. Collected by the cleaning unit 16. The cleaning unit 16 includes a cleaning blade 16 a that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 9 and a waste toner container (not shown). The cleaning blade 16a is a collection member that can collect the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 9 in a waste toner container by pressing a fixed surface against the rotating intermediate transfer belt 9. In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a full-color print image is formed by the above operation.

  Next, the operation panel frame 301 as a first support member that rotatably supports the operation panel 102 and the operation panel 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation panel frame 301 is an aluminum sheet metal separate from the operation panel 102. The material of the operation panel frame 301 may be other than aluminum as long as it is a metal stronger than resin. The operation panel frame 301 is formed by bending and removing processes. The operation panel frame 301 supports the operation panel 102 by a rotation shaft 304 so as to be rotatable.

  The operation panel frame 301 includes first engaging claws 303a and 303b (front side engaging portions and front side engaging claws), and second engaging claws 302a and 302b (lower side engaging portions and lower side engaging claws). ). The first engaging claws 303a and 303b are protruding portions that protrude from the main body portion of the operation panel frame 301 toward the front side of the image forming apparatus. The second engaging claws 302 a and 302 b are protruding portions that protrude downward in the vertical direction from the main body portion of the operation panel frame 301. As shown in FIG. 3, the second engagement claws 302a and 302b are formed on the operation panel frame 301 so as to have an L-shape, and the L-shaped tip side faces the front side of the image forming apparatus. The operation panel frame 301 is bent.

  Next, the operation panel frame 401 serving as the second support member attached to the main body 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation panel frame 401 is an aluminum sheet metal. The material of the operation panel frame 401 may be other than aluminum as long as it is a metal stronger than resin. The operation panel frame 401 is formed by bending and removing processes. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel frame 401 has first openings 403a and 403b and second openings 402a and 402b. The first engagement claw 403a of the operation panel frame is engaged with the first opening 403a, and the first engagement claw 403b of the operation panel frame is engaged with the first opening 403b. Further, the second engagement claw 402a of the operation panel frame is engaged with the second opening 402a, and the second engagement claw 402b of the operation panel frame is engaged with the second opening 402b. The first openings 403a and 403b are formed on the front side of the image forming apparatus with respect to the second openings 402a and 402b.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel frame 401 is fixed to the main body 100 with screws (not shown). The operation panel frame 401 supports the operation panel frame 301. The operation panel frame 301 supports the operation panel 102 so as to be rotatable in the arrow direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 102 is disposed adjacent to the reading unit 101 on the front side of the image forming apparatus.

  A method of attaching the operation panel 102 and the operation panel frame 301 to the operation panel frame 401 will be described with reference to FIG. At the time of assembly, the operation panel frame 301 is first attached to the operation panel 102. A unit in which the operation panel 102 and the operation panel frame 301 are integrated is attached to the operation panel frame 401.

  An operator who performs an operation of fixing the operation panel frame 301 to the operation panel frame 401 first tilts the operation panel support member 301 and the operation panel 102 attached to the operation panel 102 toward the front side and engages the front side engaging claws 303a and 303b. Is directed to the first openings 403a and 403b. By this operation, as shown in FIG. 6A, the tips of the lower engagement claws 302a and 302b are directed to the second openings 402a and 402b, and the tips of the lower engagement claws 302a and 302b are the second openings. It becomes easy to insert 402a and 402b. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the operation panel 102 moves away from the reading unit 101.

  Next, the operator rotates the operation panel support member 301 in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 6B, and moves the lower engagement claws 302a and 302b as shown in FIG. 6C. Insert into the second openings 402a, 402b.

  Then, the operator slides the operation panel support member 301 toward the front side of the image forming apparatus, and inserts the front side engaging claws 303a and 303b into the first openings 403a and 403b. By this operation, the lower engagement claws 302a and 302b are engaged with the operation panel frame 401, so that the operation panel support member 301 cannot be pulled out in the vertical direction. Moreover, as shown in FIG.6 (d), the front side engaging claws 303a and 303b will be in the state inserted in 1st opening 403a and 403b. Further, the lower engagement claws 302 a and 302 b are engaged with the operation panel frame 401. In this state, a moment in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6D acts on the operation panel 102 due to the center of gravity of the operation panel 102, but the front side engaging claws 303a and 303b are formed in the first openings 403a and 403b. Since they are engaged, the operation panel 102 and the operation panel support member 301 are held by the operation panel frame even when the operator releases their hands. Finally, the operator fixes the operation panel support member 301 to the operation panel frame 401 with a screw (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the front side engaging portions 303a and 303b of the operation panel support member 301 have an L-shaped cross section in the left-right direction. Similarly, the second openings 403a and 403b of the operation panel support frame 401 are also L-shaped openings so that the front side engaging portions 303a and 303b are engaged. I am doing. By making the front side engaging portions 303a and 303b and the second openings 403a and 403b L-shaped, when the user performs an operation of rotating the operation panel 102, the force in the left and right direction is engaged with the front side. Since the horizontal plates of the claws 303a and 303b and the vertical force are received by the first openings 403a and 403b of the operation panel support member 301, respectively, the vertical plates of the front side engaging claws 4a and 4b are respectively received. The force can be distributed in a direction orthogonal to the sheet metal, and the sheet metal is not deformed. It is obvious that the operation panel frame 401 has both horizontal and vertical surfaces, and a similar effect can be obtained by providing and fitting holes corresponding to the operation panel frame 301.

  The operation panel frame 301 is screwed to the operation panel frame 401 at the front and side walls. Therefore, the strength of the operation panel frame 301 is increased, and the second openings 402a and 402b are provided in the vicinity of the side walls, thereby preventing deformation of the bottom surface of the operation panel frame 401 provided with the second openings 402a 402b.

  As described above, the front side engaging claws 303 a and 303 b of the operation panel 102 are rotated along the front surface of the operation panel frame 301 and assembled. Alternatively, since the operation panel 102 is lowered along the front surface and is slid forward, the operation panel frame 401 is arranged even when the reading unit 101 is disposed on the back side of the operation panel 102. Can avoid hitting the reading unit 101 and damaging it. 6 and 7, even when the operation panel 1 is in a horizontal state before assembly, the operation panel 102 can be easily assembled and engaged with the operation panel frame 401 before operation. By rotating the panel 102 to the vertical position, it is possible to tilt with a slight force.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Reading part 102 Operation panel 301 Operation panel support member 302a, 302b Front side engaging claw 303a, 303b Lower side engaging claw 401 Operation panel frame 402a, 402b 1st opening 403a, 403b 2nd opening

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus,
A reading section for reading a document;
An image forming unit disposed below the reading unit in the vertical direction and forming an image on a transfer material based on an image read by the reading unit;
A paper discharge unit that is disposed between the reading unit and the image forming unit in the vertical direction and discharges a transfer material on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
An operation panel;
A first support member that rotatably supports the operation panel;
A second support member attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, to which the first support member is attached,
The first support member includes a front-side engagement claw that extends to the front side of the image forming apparatus, and a lower-side engagement claw that extends downward in the vertical direction.
The first support member is disposed adjacent to the reading unit on the front side of the image forming apparatus, and the first opening into which the front side engaging claws are inserted on the front side of the image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus comprising: a second opening into which the lower engaging claw is inserted.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower engaging claw protrudes downward in the vertical direction from the first support member and has a shape bent toward the front side of the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first support member is fixed to the second support member with a screw.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first support member and the second support member are sheet metal.

Images