Patent Application
20070297818
An embodiment of an image-forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
An overview of the entire image-forming apparatus (color MFP device) according to the present invention will be described with reference to
An image-forming apparatus 51 according to the present embodiment has a configuration wherein as shown in
The scanning unit U is provided with a mechanism configured to scan an image of an original by the operator setting an original at the upper portion thereof. A platen cover 53 is provided whereby the operator can press an original at the time of scanning an image on a still original. An original-conveyance unit 59 configured to scan a plurality of sheet-shaped originals while conveying these separately one at a time is provided beside the platen cover 53, and an original tray 58 configured to allow the operator to load originals, and also guide an original to an original-insertion portion 57 of an original-conveyance unit 59 is provided on the upper portion of the platen cover 53. The originals loaded on the original tray 58 are separated and conveyed in the inside of the original-conveyance unit 59 from the original-insertion portion 57 one at a time, and are scanned, following which are discharged and loaded between the original tray 58 and the platen cover 53.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of the scanning unit U in
With the scanning unit U, in the front of the platen cover 53, and also on the upper portion of the opening portion 55, there is provided an operating unit 61 configured to allow the operator to operate the image-forming apparatus. The operating unit 61 is composed of a display unit configured to display a state of the apparatus, and display various types of settings, and operating keys configured to allow the operator to perform various types of operations and input of settings. Description will be made later in detail regarding the operating unit 61.
Now, there is provided a hinge 54 configured to support the scanning unit so as to move rotationally the scanning unit backward as to the front side of the image-forming apparatus on which the operating unit 61 is provided. The scanning unit U is supported as to the apparatus main unit 60 via the hinge 54, and as shown in
An open/close sensor 71 is provided in the vicinity of the hinge 54. Whether the scanning unit U is lifted and opened, or closed is determined by the open/close sensor 71. Here, as for the open/close sensor configured to detect the opened/closed state of the scanning unit U, a mechanical limit switch or a switch employing an optical photo sensor may be employed. With the present embodiment, in order to detect the opened/closed angle of the scanning unit 52 accurately, a configuration in which an optical transmission-type photo sensor and an actuator are combined is employed.
On the other hand, with the apparatus main unit 60, an image-forming portion employing electrophotography is disposed therein. A maintenance cover 62 is provided on the upper portion in the front of the apparatus main unit 60 so as to allow the operator to open/close the maintenance cover 62 via a hinge 63. As shown in
The cassette sheet supply unit 70 is disposed in the bottom of the apparatus main unit 60. The sheets loaded in the cassette sheet supply unit 70 are pressed upward by an sheet plate 112e being pressed by an sheet plate spring 112f. The sheets pressed upward by the sheet plate spring 112f are contacted with a semicircular sheet supply roller 112b by pressure, and are conveyed one at a time while being separated by a separation pad 112c.
A latent image is formed on an image-bearing member (photosensitive drum) 131a serving as a drum-shaped photosensitive member provided in the process cartridge 131 by the laser scanner 110. The latent image is developed by each of the development cartridges moved rotationally to the development position facing the image-bearing member 131a by an unshown revolution drum serving as a rotating development cartridge switching mechanism.
The development cartridge 133 main units are composed of a development sleeve 133a serving as a development agent bearing member, a development blade 133b, a development agent storing portion 133d, and so forth. The development sleeve 133a is driven by the driving source of the apparatus main unit 60. The unshown revolution drum configured to retain and rotate the development cartridges 133 at both sides in the longitudinal direction of the development cartridges 133 is rotated and driven, whereby the development sleeve 133a of each of the development cartridges 133Y, 133M, 133C, and 133B can be stopped at the development position facing the image-bearing member 131a.
The development image on the image-bearing member 131a is transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 131b by a primary transfer portion 131c. The above-mentioned processes of forming a latent image, developing the latent image, and primary transfer are repeated continuously regarding each of the development cartridges 133M, 133C, and 133B, thereby forming a multicolor image on the intermediate transfer belt 131b. Subsequently, with a secondary transfer portion 134, the image on the intermediate transfer belt 131b is transferred on a sheet supplied from a cassette sheet supply unit 112 by a secondary transfer member 134a. Further, the sheet is fixed with a toner image at a fixing unit 144, and is discharged on a sheet discharge portion 113 from the discharge portion 56 by a discharge roller 151.
Now, the image-forming portion provided in the apparatus main unit 60 is composed of the above-mentioned laser scanner 110, cassette sheet supply unit 70, process cartridge 131, development cartridge 13, fixing unit 141, discharge roller 151, and so forth.
The cassette sheet supply unit 70 provided at the lower side in the front of the apparatus main unit 60 is arranged so as to allow the operator to draw out the cassette sheet supply unit 70 in the near-to-operator side (in the front side of the image-forming apparatus) from the apparatus main unit 60 to set sheets.
The control block diagram of the image-forming apparatus is shown in
Also, the control unit C is connected with an open/close sensor 71. The open/close sensor 71 sends an opened signal to the control unit C when the scanning unit U is in an opened state, and sends a closed signal to the control unit C when the scanning unit U is in a closed state. The control unit C determines whether the scanning unit U is in an opened state or closed state based on those signals from the open/close sensor 71.
In
The display unit 808 performs display of the state of the image-forming apparatus, and display of various types of settings. The respective operating keys 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, and 806 are operating keys which the operator operates to perform various types of operations, and input of settings. The operating keys 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, and 806 of the operating unit (instructing unit) 61 are configured to instruct the image-forming apparatus to execute a predetermined operation.
Upon the operator operating each of the operating keys 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, and 806 of the operating unit 61, in response to input thereof the control unit C controls the display unit 806 to change the display thereof. Also, the control unit C controls the original-conveyance unit, scanner S, and image-forming portion via the original-conveyance control unit, scanning-control unit, image-forming control unit based on input of each key, or an instruction from an external device through the communication unit.
For example, in the event of making some copies, the operator selects a copy mode by the mode switching key 806. Subsequently, the operator presses a key or keys of the numeric keypad 804, whereby the number of copies is set. Upon the operator pressing the start key 801, the control unit C controls the original-conveyance unit 59, scanner S, and image-forming portion so as to start copying. Specifically, the control unit C controls the scanner S to scan an image on an original conveyed by the original-conveyance unit 59, or an image on an original mounted on the platen glass. Further, the control unit C controls the image-forming portion to form the image on sheets equivalent to the number of copies set by the operator based on the image scanned by the scanner S.
Also, in the event of sending a fax, the operator selects a fax mode by operating the mode-switching key 806. Subsequently, the operator inputs the number of a fax transmission destination using the numeric keypad 804, whereby the fax transmission destination is set. Upon the operator pressing the start key 801, the control unit C controls the original-conveyance unit 59, scanner S, and so forth to send a fax. Specifically, the control unit C controls the scanner S to scan an image on an original conveyed by the original-conveyance unit 59, or an image on an original mounted on the platen glass. Subsequently, the control unit C performs control so as to send the information of the image scanned by the scanner S to the fax transmission destination set through the communication unit.
Note that upon the operator pressing the stop key 802 on the operating unit 61, the control unit C performs control so as to stop the operation of each unit being operated. Upon the operator pressing the power saving key 805, the control unit C controls the image-forming portion to make the transition to a power saving state. Upon the operator pressing the reset key 803, the control unit C cancels a setting performed by input of each operating key, and returns the setting to an initial state.
Here, with the present embodiment, opening the scanning unit U such as shown in
The operating unit 61 of the scanning unit U is disposed on the upper portion in the near-to-operator side of the scanning unit U (the front side of the image-forming apparatus) at the center portion in the horizontal direction in light of visibility and operability thereof. This position of the operating unit 61 is also a position where the operator readily touches unintentionally when closing the scanning unit U.
When opening the scanning unit U, the easiest method for the operator is to lift the lower side of the operating unit 61, and the upper surface of the opening portion 55. Thus, the probability that the operator will unintentionally press an operating key of the operating unit 61 is reduced, and also the operator can look at the operating unit 61 when applying his/her hand to that portion of the scanning unit U, and accordingly, the can also avoid pressing an operating key even intentionally. However, when closing the scanning unit U, the operator cannot readily look at the operating unit 61, and also it is the easiest for the operator to hold and depress a certain position of the operating unit 61, which leads the operator to unintentionally press any one of the keys on the operating unit 61 with a higher probability.
At this time, if the operations by the operating keys are enabled, an unintentional operation of the operator such as the scanning portion 52 starting to move, internal settings being changed, or the like, is performed according to the key pressed, which confuses the operator.
Accordingly, in order to solve this problem, with the present embodiment, the open/close sensor 71 detects the opened/closed state of the scanning portion 52, the control unit C performs control so as to disable or enable an operation from the operating unit 61, whereby a command due to an unintentional operation of the operator is prevented from being executed.
Description will be made in detail regarding control according to opening/closing of the scanning unit U based on the flowchart in
Upon the operator opening the scanning unit U, the open/close sensor 71 detects whether or not the scanning unit U is in an opened state. In other words, the control unit C determines that the scanning unit U is in an opened state based on the signal from the open/close sensor 71 (step 1 (hereafter, “step” is abbreviated as “S”)).
When determining that the scanning unit U is in an opened state, the control unit C ignores input by the operating unit 61 so as not to perform a setting/operation even in the event of the operator pressing an operating key (S2). In other words, the control unit C disables execution of the predetermined operation even if the instruction is performed by the operating unit 61, when the scanning unit U is in an opened state. Thus, the apparatus main unit is allowed to form an image on a sheet even when the scanning unit is in an opened state.
In a state in which the scanning unit U is opened, the operator is prevented from readily looking at the operating unit 61, so it can be conceived that pressing of an operating key is not an operation intended by the operator. Accordingly, disabling input from the operating unit 61 prevents a setting being changed against the operator's will, and the operation of the apparatus being started against the operator's will.
Further, when the scanning unit U is opened, i.e., while the open/close sensor 71 detects an opened state, the control unit C determines whether or not there is an operation command from the outside as to the image-forming apparatus (S3).
Now, in the event that there is an operation command as to the scanning portion, or the image-forming portion, or both, for example, via a USB terminal, or a phone line or LAN connected to the communication unit, as an operation command from the outside, the control unit C determines whether or not the operation command thereof is an operation command as to the image-forming portion (S9).
In the event of an operation command as to the image-forming portion, even in a state in which the scanning portion 52 is opened, there is no problem with the operation of the image-forming portion, and the control unit C performs control so as to execute the operation command thereof (S7). Even in the event that the scanning unit U is opened, the control unit C controls the image-forming portion so as to execute the operation of the image-forming portion.
In the event that the operation command thereof is not as to the image-forming portion but as to each unit within the scanning unit U, the control unit C disables the operation command thereof to prevent an abnormal operation in a state in which the scanning unit U is opened (S8). At this time, the control unit C informs the originating source of the operation command of the outside that the operation has not been performed since the scanning unit U is in an opened state.
Next, in the event that the scanning unit U is closed, the open/close sensor 71 detects that the scanning unit U is in a closed state. Specifically, the control unit C determines that the scanning unit U is in a closed state based on the signal from the open/close sensor 71 (S4).
When determining that the scanning unit U is in a closed state, the control unit C determines whether or not the operator is pressing an operating key at that time (S5).
In the event of the operator pressing an operating key, the flow returns to S5, where the control unit C repeats the same processing until the operator presses no operating key.
In the event of the operator pressing no operating key, the control unit C determines that there is no input of an operating key, and following predetermined time elapsing, enables input of an operating key (S6).
This is because an operation command against the operator's will is prevented from being executed in the event that the operator closed the scanning unit U while pressing an operating key of the operating key 61 when closing the scanning unit U.
Even if an operating key is being pressed by the operator, input of operating keys is disabled until the operator temporarily releases the key, whereby the image-forming apparatus 51 is prevented from operating.
Also, even in the event that the scanning unit U is opened, the control unit C controls the image-forming portion so as to execute the operation of the image-forming portion. With regard to this point, description has been made regarding a case wherein in a state in which the scanning unit U has been already opened, there is a new instruction for operating the image-forming portion. However, in the event that the image-forming portion is being operated before the scanning unit U is opened, and also even when the scanning unit U is opened during the operation of the image-forming portion, the control unit C controls the image-forming portion so as to continue the operation of the image-forming portion.
Also, the reason why input of an operating key is enabled following predetermined time elapsing, is that a case is assumed wherein once the operator has released an operating key, but unintentionally pressed an operating key again. The predetermined time mentioned here is such that the operator does not feel the time during which operations cannot be made is long, following the operator closing the scanning portion 52; specifically, one through three seconds.
Note that when the scanning unit U is opened, the maintenance cover 62 is opened to perform the maintenance of the image-forming mechanism such as exchange of the process cartridge, or jam processing at a sheet conveyance path within the apparatus main unit 60. According to an interlock switch shown in the drawing, detection is made that the maintenance cover 62 is in an opened state, and the operation command of the image-forming portion is immediately disabled regardless of the flowchart shown in
With the present embodiment, as described above, following predetermined time elapsing after the signal from the open/close sensor 71 is switched from an opened signal to a closed signal, input of the operating unit 61 is enabled. Thus, even in the event that the operator unintentionally presses an operating key such as the hand of the operator being slipped immediately after the scanning unit U is closed, input of an operating key can be prevented from operating the apparatus.
In the event that input of the operating unit 61 is being performed when the signal from the open/close sensor 71 is switched from an opened signal to a closed signal, the control unit C enables input of the operating unit 61 following predetermined time elapsing after there is no input of the operating unit 61. Thus, even in the event of the operator closing the scanning unit U while pressing an operating key, or in the event of the operator unintentionally pressing an operating key immediately following releasing the operating key after closing the scanning unit U while pressing an operating key, the apparatus can be prevented from operating.
In the event that there is an operation command from other than the operating unit 61 when the open/close sensor 71 detects the opened state of the scanning unit U, the control unit C disables the operation command thereof when the operation command thereof is as to the scanning portion, but executes the operation command thereof when the operation command thereof is as to the image-forming portion. Thus, even when the scanning unit U is opened, there is no problem with to the operation of the image-forming portion, so the control unit C can execute the operation without causing an error. In the event of the operation command as to the scanning portion, operating the scanning portion when the scanning portion is opened means there is a high probability that an image on an original cannot be scanned, so the control unit C disables such an operation command, whereby malfunction at the time of scanning can be prevented.
Now, let us say that predetermined time from when detecting that the scanning unit U is closed until when input of the operating unit is enabled is first time T1. Also, in the event that input of the operating unit is being performed when detecting that the scanning unit U is closed, let us say that predetermined time from when detecting that there is no input of the operating unit following detecting that the scanning unit U is closed until when input of the operating unit is enabled is second time T2. With the above-mentioned embodiment, description has been made regarding an arrangement wherein the first time T1 and the second time T2 are the same time, but the first time T1 and the second time T2 may be set to different times.
Now, with the present embodiment, the scanning unit U keeps an opened state at an angle greater than 10 degrees by a function of the hinge 54. In other words, in the even that the angle when opening the scanning unit U is greater than 10 degrees, the scanning unit U rests while keeping the angle thereof. Also, the hinge 54 has a stopper function, which prevents the angle when the scanning unit U is opened from turning into 60 degrees or more. Thus, in the event that the angle when opening the scanning unit U is greater than 10 degrees, even if the operator releases the hand from the opened state, the scanning unit U does not fall, whereby an object can be prevented from being sandwiched by the scanning unit U which has fallen. With the present embodiment, the opened angle is arranged to be kept, but an arrangement may be made wherein in the event that the opened angle is greater than 10 degrees, the scanning unit U is opened from 45 degrees to 60 degrees automatically.
Also, in the event of the operator releasing his or her hand at an angle not greater than 10 degrees, the scanning portion 52 is arranged to be closed automatically by the weight thereof. In the event of an angle of 10 degrees or so, even if the scanning unit U is closed by the self-weight of the scanning unit U, impact thereof is small, but with the present embodiment, damper is embedded in the hinge 54, whereby the scanning unit U is closed slowly when the scanning unit U is closed automatically.
With the present embodiment, as described above, the hinge 54 serving as a supporting portion supports the scanning unit U so as to keep an opened state when the opened/closed angle of the scanning unit U as to the apparatus main unit is greater than a predetermined angle. Also, the hinge 54 supports the scanning unit U in a rotationally movable manner so as to cause the scanning unit U to close by the self-weight of the scanning unit U when the opened/closed angle is not more than a predetermined angle.
Also, the open/close sensor 71 is configured to detect that the scanning unit U is in an opened state when greater than 10 degrees, and detect that the scanning unit U is in a closed state when not more than 10 degrees in accordance with the above-mentioned specification of the hinge 54. Thus, the open/close sensor 71 does not detect a closed state when the scanning unit U is opened, whereby the opened/closed state of the scanning unit U can be detected accurately. However, it is necessary to cause the open/close sensor 71 to detect an opened state at an angle at least greater than 10 degrees, whereby detection of a closed state when the scanning unit U is opened can be avoided. Accordingly, for example, an opened state may be detected at an angle greater than 7 degrees.
Also, the reason why an arrangement has been made wherein the scanning unit U is automatically closed at an angle not more than 10 degrees is to clarify an opened state and a closed state of the scanning unit. If the detection angle is set to an angle smaller than 10 degrees, it becomes difficult to distinguish whether the scanning unit U is opened or closed by appearance thereof. On the other hand, if the detection angle is set to an angle greater than 10 degrees, a closed state is detected even when the scanning portion 52 is greatly inclined, and consequently, the scanning portion 52 is operated, which increases the probability that image failure, or jamming of an original at the original conveyance unit 59, will be caused.
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
When determining that the scanning unit U is in an opened state based on the output from the open/close sensor, the control unit of the image-forming apparatus ignores input from the operating unit 69 such that a setting or operation is not executed even if the operator presses an operating key of the operating unit 69. Also, even when the scanning unit U is opened, the image-forming portion of the image-forming apparatus can perform an image-forming operation.
Note that with either of the above-mentioned embodiments, an arrangement has been shown wherein when the scanning unit U is in an opened state, input of all the keys of the operating unit is disabled as an example. However, for example, an arrangement may be made wherein input of only the start key 801 configured to allow the operator to start copying is disabled. The start key 801 is a key configured to allow the operator to start of the operation of the image-forming apparatus along with the operation of the scanning unit U. Accordingly, when the scanning unit U is in an opened state, disabling input by the start key 801 prevents the operation of the image-forming apparatus along with the operation of the scanning unit U from unintentional execution.
Note that with either of the above-mentioned embodiments, an arrangement has been shown wherein even when the operator presses each operating key, the control unit ignores pressing of the operating keys as an example. However, for example, an arrangement may be made wherein the operating unit is configured of a liquid crystal screen employing a touch panel method, and when the open/close sensor detects that the scanning unit is in an opened state, the control unit turns off the touch panel of the liquid crystal screen, and thus input by the operating unit is prevented, thereby disabling input by the operating unit.
While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2006-174140 filed Jun. 23, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-174140 | Jun 2006 | JP | national |
