JP2001130089A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which makes it easy to take out a recording sheet from the apparatus after forming an image, and in which a trouble such as erroneous touching of an operation surface at that time is suitably avoided. SOLUTION: Below an image reading section 3 of a copying machine 100,
A predetermined paper discharge space 60 is secured as a part of the image forming unit 4. The discharge stacking surface 1, which is the bottom surface of the discharge space 60 and the top surface of the image forming unit, forms a gentle downwardly inclined curved surface toward the discharge port 7, and the discharged recording papers are sequentially stacked. It is going to go. In addition, a dent 6 is formed along the side edge of the discharge stacking surface 1. The upper surface of the operation unit 2 provided alongside the side surface of the image forming unit 4 is an operation surface 2a on which operation members and the like are arranged.
By inputting various commands to the control device through the operation surface 2a, copying of a document is executed. This operation surface 2a
Is located at a position slightly lower than the lowest point of the depression 6 provided on the sheet discharge stacking surface 1.

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, such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer, which continuously forms images on a plurality of sheet materials and sequentially discharges the formed sheet materials.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium such as a sheet material, such as a laser printer or a copying machine.

[0003] Among them, for example, an apparatus known as a digital copying machine converts an image on a sheet material into a photoelectric signal by a reader (image reading unit) and prints the image on another recording medium (eg, recording paper) by a printer (image forming unit). It is a system that reshapes and discharges. In such a device, as long as the image reading unit and the image forming unit can be electrically exchanged,
Since there is no particular restriction on their mutual arrangement, a free device configuration (system configuration) that gives priority to user convenience is possible.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a conventionally known digital copying machine.

As shown in FIG. 5, a digital copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a copying machine) 300 has a document placing surface 303.
An image forming unit 304 is disposed below the image reading unit 303 provided with a (the direction in which the weight of the copier is applied is lower or lower, and the direction opposite thereto is upper or upper). . Below the image reading unit 303,
A predetermined paper discharge space 360 is secured as a part of the image forming unit 304. Further, below the image forming unit 304, a paper feed deck 305 provided with a plurality of (four in this example) recording paper storage drawers 305a to 305d capable of storing various types of recording paper bundles is provided. .

When a document is copied, a controller (not shown) sends a signal to a laser oscillator to emit a laser beam. Next, the laser light is reflected by the rotating mirror 304 (generally called a polygon mirror), and is reflected again by the reflection mirror 361 to irradiate the photosensitive drum 352. By such a series of operations, a so-called latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum. After the latent image is developed by the developing device 353, it is transferred as a toner image on recording paper. On the other hand, the recording paper is fed one by one from the recording paper cassette by the pickup roller 354 and passes under the photosensitive drum. When passing, the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper by the process described above. After that, the recording paper is fixed to the fixing roller pair 355,
The toner image is fixed to the recording paper by being pressed by 356 and heated by the heat of the heater provided inside the roller. The recording paper on which the fixing has been completed is discharged to a discharge tray 357 provided outside the apparatus by throwing the paper. Documents are stacked on a document tray 368 of the automatic paper feeder 367, and are sequentially transported one by one to a reading position 369. The original document passes through the image reading section as it is, and the image is guided to an image reading element such as a CCD via folding mirrors 360, 361, and 362, where the image is converted as an electric signal. The converted image signal is transferred to the lower image forming unit having the above-described image forming process, and the laser is emitted according to the image signal. The image forming process after the laser emission is as described above. In addition to the discharge tray 357, the recording paper can be discharged to a discharge stacking surface 301 formed between the image forming unit and the image reading unit. Up to the point where the fed recording paper passes under the drum and the image formed by the fixing roller pair is fixed, it is the same as the above-described example. The recording paper discharged from the fixing roller pairs 356 and 366 is then switched to the switching flapper 31.
After passing through 0 and 311, the sheet is discharged and stacked on the discharge stacking surface 301. Unlike the case where the recording paper is discharged onto the discharge tray 357 described above, the recording paper discharged onto the paper discharge stacking surface 301 is sequentially output stacked with the image surface facing downward, so that the output is all At the end of the recording, the recording papers are stacked in the order of output. For this reason, this is a more general method of outputting from a computer or the like.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the copying machine 300 shown in FIG. 5 from which the uppermost automatic paper feeder 57 has been removed.

As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the outer appearance of the copying machine 300 is provided with an image reading section 303 having a document placing surface 303a at the top, and an image forming section 304 disposed below the image reading section 303. Is done. A predetermined paper discharge space 360 is secured between the image reading unit 303 and the image forming unit 304.
Further, below the image forming unit 304, a paper feed deck 305 provided with a plurality of (four in this example) recording paper storage drawers 305a to 305d capable of storing various types of recording paper bundles is provided. .

When copying an original, first, the mounting surface 30
The document placed on 3a is read by the image reading unit 303 and transmitted to the image forming unit as image information. Inside the image forming unit, an image is formed on recording paper appropriately fed from the paper feeding deck 305 based on the image information transmitted from the image reading unit. The recording paper on which the image has been formed is discharged from a slit-shaped discharge port 307 provided at the upper part of the image forming section toward a paper discharge space. A discharge stacking surface 301, which is a bottom surface of the discharge space and corresponds to a top surface of the image forming unit, forms a curved surface that is gently inclined downward toward the discharge port 307, and the discharged recording sheets are sequentially stacked. It is going to go. Further, among the side edges of the paper discharge stacking surface 301 (boundary between the paper discharge stacking surface 302a and the side surface of the image forming unit 304), a part of the side edge facing the user is recessed to form a depression 306. I have. Due to the presence of the depression 306, the user can insert his hand into the back of the stacked recording paper, and can easily take out the recording paper.

On the other hand, a control device (for example, a microcomputer) for controlling the operation of various devices and mechanisms included in the copying machine 300 in addition to the image reading unit 303 and the image forming unit 304 is built in the copying machine. The user is a copier 3
By inputting various commands to the control device through an operation surface 302a on an operation unit 302 provided alongside the image reading unit 00 (the side surface of the image reading unit in the example of FIG. 6), a desired recording paper size, copy magnification, shading, etc. Select and copy.

By the way, in the copying machine having the above configuration, it is necessary to secure a sufficient paper discharge space 360 on the paper discharge stacking surface 301 so that the user can easily take out the recording paper. For this reason and the fact that it is desirable to increase the number of paper feed decks so that various types of recording paper can be appropriately selected according to the application, the height of the entire copying machine tends to increase. If the height of the copying machine as a whole increases, the operation surface 302a of the operation section 302 is inevitably located higher, which greatly impairs the usability of a short stature user. .

On the other hand, the image forming section and the image reading section have independent functions and can be separated in structure as described above. Actually, the separate image reading unit and image forming unit are connected to a control device such as a computer via an interface such as a cable line as an image reading device and an image forming device, respectively, and these are combined into one composite image processing system. Often used as. As described above, when the image reading unit and the image forming unit are considered as independent forms, the operations related to the image forming unit include:
There are paper jam processing of recording paper and replacement of consumables such as toner. In performing such an operation, the presence of the operation unit is indispensable. On the other hand, most of the operations related to the image reading unit require an instruction signal to be sent directly from a control device such as a computer. That is, no problem occurs even if the operation unit does not exist. As a result, there is almost no need to attach an operation unit of a copying machine (image forming apparatus) or a complex image processing system to the image reading unit.

Therefore, an apparatus (system) in which an operation unit is attached to an image forming unit like a copying machine 400 shown in FIG.
A configuration is also conceivable. As described above, if the operation unit of the copying machine is attached only to the image forming unit, the problem that the arrangement of the operation surface is too high can be solved.

[0014]

However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, when the user attempts to take out the recording paper discharged and stacked on the discharge stacking surface 1, the recording on the discharge stacking surface 1 is performed. An operation of pulling the paper bundle forward is performed. At this time, depending on the hand of the user performing the pulling operation or the weight of the bundle of recording paper to be pulled, the operation surface arranged on the image forming unit side is This causes a new problem that the operation member (for example, a button or the like) is accidentally pressed.

In particular, when the user inserts his hand into the depression 6 to take out the recording paper stacked on the paper discharge stacking surface, the user's hand easily touches the operation surface, and an erroneous operation is performed. Easy to occur.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to easily remove a recording sheet from an apparatus after an image is formed, and at that time, to erroneously display an operation surface. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which troubles such as touching can be suitably avoided.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming section for forming an image on a sheet material, and an image forming section formed on at least a part of a top surface of the image forming section. A sheet material stacking surface on which the sheet material discharged from the forming unit is stacked, an operation unit provided on a side surface adjacent to the top surface of the image forming unit, and an operation member provided on the top surface of the operation unit. In the image forming apparatus, the top surface of the operation unit is provided at least below a part of the sheet material stacking surface.

Here, the image forming apparatus having the same configuration preferably has a discharge port for discharging a sheet material on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

[0019] Further, an image processing section may be further provided above the sheet material loading surface and provided at a distance from the sheet material loading surface.

Further, it is preferable that a predetermined discharge space is secured below the image processing section as a part of the image forming section.

Preferably, the image processing section is an image reading section which reads predetermined image information and sends the image information to the image forming section.

A recess is formed along the boundary between the sheet material stacking surface and the side surface of the image forming unit provided with the operation unit. It may be provided further below the lowest point.

Further, the operating member provided on the top surface of the head of the operating portion may have a convex portion at a peripheral portion thereof.

The operating member provided on the upper surface of the head of the operating portion may be formed so as to be recessed from a peripheral portion thereof.

Further, the operating member may be arranged outside the length range of the sheet material in the discharging direction of the sheet material stacked and discharged.

Further, the arrangement may be variable by providing the operation unit so as to be relatively movable with respect to the image forming unit.

Further, another image processing section may be provided on the image forming section.

The other image processing section may be an image reading section for reading an image.

According to the above configuration, when the recording paper discharged and stacked on the upper surface of the image forming unit is taken out, the recording paper does not touch the upper surface of the operation unit, and the operation member on the operation unit is operated by mistake. No more.

Further, since the operation section is disposed in the image forming section, the operation of the image forming apparatus and the discharge of the sheet after the image formation can be performed more preferably. In addition, it is not necessary to dispose the image forming apparatus at a high position of the image forming apparatus, and the problem that the operation section is too high and the usability is poor can be solved.

Further, when the image forming section is applied as an image forming apparatus having the function of only the image forming section as a single unit separately from the portion having the reading function, the image forming section is operated separately. There is no need to add a part.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine (copier) will be described below. However, the internal structure of the copying machine and the principle of the copying operation in each embodiment are the same as those of the conventional copying machine described with reference to FIGS. For this reason, a detailed description of them here is omitted.

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a copying machine 100 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine 100 includes an image forming unit 4 for forming an image, an image reading unit 3 provided separably from the image forming unit 4, and a paper feeding deck 5. Have been. Further, below the image reading unit 3, a predetermined paper discharge space 60 is secured as a part of the image forming unit 4.

When copying an original, first, the mounting surface 3a
Is read by the image reading unit 3,
The information is transmitted to the image forming unit 4 as image information. Inside the image forming unit 4, an image is formed on the recording paper appropriately fed from the paper feed deck 5 based on the image information transmitted from the image reading unit 3. The recording paper on which the image is formed is discharged toward a paper discharge space 60 from a slit-like discharge port 7 provided at an upper portion of the image forming unit 4. The discharge stacking surface 1, which is the bottom surface of the discharge space 60 and the top surface of the image forming unit 4, forms a curved surface that gradually slopes down toward the discharge port 7, and the discharged recording sheets are sequentially stacked. It is going to be done. Also, of the side edges of the paper discharge stacking surface 1,
A recess 6 is formed in a shape in which a part of a side edge (a boundary between the paper discharge stacking surface 1 and the side surface of the image forming unit 4) facing the user is hollowed out. Due to the presence of the depression 6, the user can insert his / her hand into the back of the stacked recording paper, and can easily take out the recording paper.

On the other hand, in addition to the image reading unit 3 and the image forming unit 4, a control device (for example, a microcomputer) (not shown) for controlling the operation of various devices and mechanisms included in the copying machine 100 is built in the copying machine 100. Have been. The control device is electrically connected to the operation unit 2 provided on the side of the image forming unit 4. The upper surface of the operation unit 2 is an operation surface 2 on which operation members, such as buttons for performing various commands such as selection of recording paper size, copy magnification, and shading and execution of copying, are arranged.
The user inputs various commands to the control device through the operation surface 2a to copy a document.

The operation surface 2a is disposed at a position slightly lower than the lowest point of the depression 6 provided on the sheet discharge loading surface 1.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged plan view of the operation unit 2 (operation surface 2a) from above the copying machine 100. FIG. 2B is a plan view of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the cross-section at the time of cutting along the line.

As shown in FIG. 2A, on the operation surface 2a, a display member 10 for displaying various information by a liquid crystal, and an input operation member (operation member) 11 for a user to make desired settings. After the setting is completed, a start operation member (operation member) 12 for starting the operation of the copier 100 is arranged. The operation members 11 and 12 are recessed so as to have a height one step lower than the operation surface 2a (peripheral portion of each member). Therefore, when the bundle of recording paper stacked on the discharge stacking surface 1 is pulled out, even if the bundle of recording paper passes over the operation unit 2, only the operation surface 2a (peripheral portion of each member) is used. The bundle of recording paper comes into contact with the operation members 11 and 12.
Never touch. Therefore, erroneous operation of the operation unit 2 is avoided.

In the copying machine 100 configured as described above, the operation unit 2 is provided on the side of the image forming unit 4 located below the image reading unit 3 so that the operation can be easily performed even by a short person.
Is attached. The position of the operation surface 2 a corresponding to the upper surface of the operation unit 2 is set to a position lower than the lowest point of the depression 6.

For this reason, when the user takes out the recording paper stacked on the paper discharge stacking surface 1, the operation unit 2 does not become an obstacle, and the user's hand or the recording paper erroneously touches the operation member. Problems such as erroneous operation of the copier 100 are also preferably avoided.

The effect of preventing such erroneous contact with the operating members 11 and 12 is as follows.
Is recessed so as to have a height one step lower than the peripheral portion, so that the height can be increased synergistically.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the operation surface 2a 'of the operation unit 2' of the image forming unit of the copying machine according to the present embodiment, which is enlarged from above the copying machine. 3 (b)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure when FIG. 3A is cut along line BB.

Here, the operation unit 2 'in the present embodiment.
Except for this point, the other components relating to the copying machine are the same as those of the first embodiment. Also, the functions relating to the operation members 11 ', 12' and the display member 10 arranged on the operation surface 2a 'are also the same as those of the operation members 11, 12 and the display member 10 described above, so that detailed description thereof will be omitted. I do.

On the operation surface 2a 'of the operation portion 2' according to the present embodiment, rib-shaped projections 2b higher than the height of each operation member are provided at least on the peripheral portions of the operation members 11 'and 12'. Provided around the operating member. For this reason, when the bundle of recording paper stacked on the discharge stacking surface is pulled out to the front, the bundle of recording paper is moved to the operation unit 2 ′.
Even if it passes above, the protrusion 2 on the operation surface 2a '
b comes into contact with the recording paper bundle, and the operating member 1
1 'and 12' are not touched. Therefore, even with such a configuration, erroneous contact with the operation members 11 ′ and 12 ′ can be suitably avoided.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described.
The following description focuses on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a copying machine 20 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a No. 0.

As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine 200 also includes an image forming unit 204 for forming an image, an image reading unit 203 provided separably from the image forming unit 204, and a paper feeding deck 205. Have been.

Further, a discharge space 260 provided below the image reading section 203, a slit-like discharge port 207 provided above the image forming section 204, and a discharge stacking surface 201 above the image forming section. The first and second embodiments also relate to a configuration in which, among the side edges of the paper discharge stacking surface 201, a part of the side edge facing the user is recessed to form a recess 206. Is the same as

Further, the copying of this embodiment is also performed in the first
And operation unit 202 having functions equivalent to those of the second embodiment
Are provided alongside the side surface of the image forming unit, and the position of the upper surface (operation surface) 2 a is slightly lower than the lowest point of the depression 6 provided on the sheet discharge stacking surface 201.

Here, the copying machine 20 according to the present embodiment
At 0, an elongated rail member 213 that holds and guides the operation unit 2 is provided. By being guided by the rail member 213, the operation unit 202 is configured to be able to move horizontally (arrow M in the figure) with respect to the image forming unit 4.

For this reason, the user can appropriately set and arrange the operation section 202 in a place where the user can easily use it. With such a configuration, when the operation unit 2 is disposed closest to the discharge port 207 as in the state shown in FIG. 4, for example, the operation of the input operation member 211 for inputting by the user and the operation of the copying machine 200 are started. Start operation member 212
Are arranged outside the length range H of the sheet material stacked in the discharge direction, that is, further outside the discharge port 207 (upstream in the sheet discharging direction).

For this reason, when the user removes the recording paper, there is no concern that the user may make an erroneous operation due to the hand of the user or the bundle of recording paper to be taken out.

Normally, the document abutting position 215 in the image reading section is located on the left side of the copying machine (as shown in FIG. 4) for the user (on the discharge stacking surface 201). It is often the back part (in the opposite direction to the paper discharge direction). In such a case, for example, in the present embodiment, the user stands near the discharge port 207 when placing a document, so the operation unit 202 is temporarily moved rightward in the drawing. May be. In any case, the user operates the operation unit 202 to arrange the document in the most convenient manner as required, such as placing a document, operating instructions relating to a copying operation or function setting, or taking out recording paper from the discharge stacking surface 201. Can be moved.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the work of taking out the recording paper after forming the image is further facilitated, and the operation member at that time can be used. In addition, the effect of avoiding erroneous contact is further increased.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of each of the embodiments, even if the operation unit is provided in addition to the image forming unit which originally requires the operation unit, there is no problem in taking out the discharged paper. This does not occur, but rather improves the operability.

Therefore, even when the image forming section according to each of the above embodiments is applied as an image forming apparatus having only an image forming function, the same configuration can be applied. That is, it is not necessary to newly add an operation unit.

In the third embodiment, the manner of movement of the operation section 202 is not limited to the combination with the rail member 13, and any known mechanism for supporting and moving the operation section 202 may be used. The trajectory involved in the movement is not limited to a linear trajectory in the horizontal direction (M) as shown in FIG. 4, but may be slightly inclined or a curved trajectory. For example, it may be appropriately changed according to circumstances.

In each of the above embodiments, the operation surface of the operation unit is arranged at a position slightly lower than the lowest point of the depression provided on the sheet discharge stacking surface. If the operation unit is provided so that the operation surface is located at a part of the loading surface, that is, lower than the uppermost part, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the respective embodiments.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration relating to taking out the discharged paper of the image forming unit is applied to the digital copying machine. However, the function as an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet material is used alone. An image forming apparatus including only an image forming apparatus, or an apparatus including such an image forming function in combination with other functions such as image reading, and any image forming apparatus or image processing system including an operation unit. The present invention can be applied to any of them.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When the recording paper discharged and stacked on the upper surface of the image forming unit is taken out, the operation member on the operation unit is not erroneously operated.

Further, since the operation section is arranged in the image forming section so that the operation of the image forming apparatus and the discharge of the paper after the image formation can be performed more suitably, the operation section is arranged like the peripheral portion of the image reading section. In addition, it is not necessary to dispose the image forming apparatus at a high position of the image forming apparatus, and the problem that the operation section is too high and the usability is poor can be solved.

Further, when the image forming unit is applied as an image forming apparatus having the function of only the image forming unit as a single unit separately from the portion having the reading function, the image forming unit is operated separately. There is no need to add a part.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the operation unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of an operation unit according to a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a conventional digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of another conventional digital copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 copier 1 paper discharge stacking surface 2 operation unit 2a operation surface 3 image reading unit 3a mounting surface 4 image forming unit 5 paper feed deck 6 dent 7 discharge port 10 display member 11 input operation member (operation member) 12 start operation member (Operation member) 60 paper discharge space

Claims (8)

[Claims] An image forming section for forming an image on a sheet material;
A sheet material loading surface formed on at least a part of a top surface of the image forming unit and on which a sheet material discharged from the image forming unit is loaded, and a side surface adjacent to the head surface of the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising an operation unit and an operation member provided on a top surface of the operation unit, wherein the top surface of the operation unit is provided at least below a part of the sheet material stacking surface. Characteristic image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in a shape of a gouge along a boundary between the sheet material stacking surface and a side surface of the image forming unit provided with the operation unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein the top surface of the operation section is provided further below the lowest point of the depression. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation member provided on the upper surface of the head of the operation section has a convex portion at a peripheral portion thereof. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation member provided on a top surface of the operation section is formed to be concave from a peripheral portion thereof. 5. The operation member according to claim 1, wherein the operation member is disposed outside a length range of the sheet material in a discharge direction of the discharged stacked sheet material. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the image forming unit so that the arrangement thereof is variable. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising another image processing unit on said image forming unit. 8. An image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said another image processing section is an image reading section for reading an image.