Image reading apparatus

An image reading apparatus a chassis, a sheet supporting unit disposed on the chassis configured to receive a sheet of a document placed thereon, a reading unit movably disposed on the chassis and configured to read an image on the sheet placed on the sheet supporting unit while moving in a predetermined direction, a reference member provided at a side portion of the sheet supporting unit, the sheet being placed on the sheet supporting unit such that one end of the sheet contacts the reference member, and an electrostatic capacitive touch key unit disposed on a side portion of the chassis is provided. Additionally, the reference member and the electrostatic capacitive touch key unit are arranged at opposite side portions, in the predetermined direction, of the chassis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese Patent Applications No. 2012-164037 filed on Jul. 24, 2012. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The following description relates to an image reading apparatus.

2. Related Art

An image reading apparatus including an operation panel with electrostatic capacitive touch keys has been known.

The operation panel includes a panel substrate and a panel cover disposed over the panel substrate. The touch keys include touch key electrodes electrically connected with a signal processing circuit mounted on the panel substrate. When a touch position in a surface of the panel cover, which faces the touch key electrode, is touched by a finger of a user, electrostatic capacitance between the finger and the touch key electrode is changed. The signal processing circuit detects the change of the electrostatic capacitance and determines that the touch position is touched by the finger of the user based on the detection.

The image reading apparatus includes a contact glass and a reading unit movably disposed below the contact glass. A document sheet, which is a subject to be read by the image reading apparatus, is placed on the contact glass while an end (e.g., left end) of the document sheet is positioned at a reference position on a left side portion of the contact glass. Then, light is emitted from the reading unit to the document sheet on the contact glass while moving. An image sensor of the reading unit receives light reflected by the document sheet and an image formed on the document sheet is read.

The operation panel is disposed on a near side of the contact glass. In this case, the user is likely to touch the touch key upon placing the document sheet on the contact glass and an unintended operation of the image reading apparatus might occur.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention are advantageous to provide an image reading apparatus which is capable of suppressing the unintended touch by the user to of the touch key.

According to aspects of the present invention, an image reading apparatus including a chassis, a sheet supporting unit disposed on the chassis configured to receive a sheet of a document placed thereon, a reading unit movably disposed on the chassis and configured to read an image on the sheet placed on the sheet supporting unit while moving in a predetermined direction, a reference member provided at a side portion of the sheet supporting unit, the sheet being placed on the sheet supporting unit such that one end of the sheet contacts the reference member, and an electrostatic capacitive touch key unit disposed on a side portion of the chassis is provided. Additionally, the reference member and the electrostatic capacitive touch key unit are arranged at opposite side portions, in the predetermined direction, of the chassis.

According to another aspects of the present invention, an image reading apparatus including a chassis, a sheet supporting unit disposed on the chassis configured to receive a sheet of a document placed thereon, a reading unit movably disposed on the chassis and configured to read an image on the sheet placed on the sheet supporting unit while moving in a predetermined direction, a reference member provided at a side portion of the sheet supporting unit, the sheet being placed on the sheet supporting unit such that one end of the sheet contacts the reference member, and an operation panel having a plurality of operating units including an electrostatic capacitive touch key unit and configured to be operated for setting the image reading apparatus is provided. Additionally, the reference member and an operating unit other than the electrostatic capacitive touch key unit are arranged on the same side portion, in the predetermined direction, of the chassis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the accompany drawings.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter, referred to as “MFP”)1has a printing function and a scanning function. The printing function is a function that forms an image on a medium, such as a sheet, based on image data. The scanning function is a function that reads an image on a document sheet. The MFP1may have a facsimile function that transmits and receives image data via a telephone communication.

It is noted that the following description refers to an up and down direction (the vertical direction), a front and rear direction, and a right and left direction (the horizontal direction) defined as shown in the accompanying drawings.

The MFP1includes an image forming device2that performs the printing function and an image reading device3that performs the scanning function.

The image forming device2is disposed blow the image reading device3. The image forming device2includes a sheet feed tray4and a sheet discharge tray5. The sheet feed tray4is disposed the lowest portion of the image forming device2. The sheet feed tray4accommodates a plurality of sheets in a stacked manner. In the embodiment, the image forming device2adopts an electrophotographic system. In the electrophotographic system, a toner image is transferred and fixed on a sheet fed from the sheet feed tray4to form an image on the sheet. The sheet discharge tray5is formed on an upper face of the image forming device2. The sheet on which the image is formed is discharged from the image forming device2to the sheet discharge tray5.

The image reading device3includes a device body6, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder)7, a contact glass8, a dividing member9and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) unit100.

A rear edge of the ADF7is coupled to a rear edge of the device body6via a hinge member7A. The ADF7is rotatably displaceable round the hinge member7A and can be located at a close position shown inFIG. 1and an open position shown inFIG. 2a. The ADF7covers an upper face of the device body6at the close position. The upper face of the device body6is exposed when a front-side portion of the ADF7is lifted and moved at the open position.

The contact glass8is disposed on the upper face of the device body6as shown inFIG. 2. The contact glass8is a rectangular glass plate having a long side in the right and left direction. The contact glass8is disposed in a horizontal posture.

The dividing member9is disposed on a left end portion of the contact glass8. The dividing member9has a triangle pole shape extending along the entire length of the contact glass8in the front and rear direction. On the upper face of the contact glass8and on a right side of the dividing member9, a document placing part8A is formed. The document placing part8A is formed from a right end of the dividing member9to a right end of the contact glass8. The document placing part8A is to support the document sheet thereon. Additionally, on the upper face of the contact glass8and a left side of the dividing member9, a document contacting part8B is formed. The document contacting part8B is formed from a left end of the dividing member9to a left end of the contact glass8. The dividing member9is disposed so as to contact with a left end of the document sheet placed on the document placing part8A.

As shown inFIG. 21, the CIS unit100is disposed below the contact glass8. The CIS unit100is movable in the right and left direction. The CIS unit100includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a lens, and an image sensor (not shown). The CIS unit100reads the image formed on the document sheet placed on the document placing part8A.

The image reading device3can read the image formed on the document sheet using a flatbed scanner system.

In order to read the image with the flatbed scanner system, the ADF7is moved to the open position so as to expose the document placing part8A. The document sheet is placed on the exposed document placing part8A while a side on which the image to be read is formed faces the document placing part8A. Then, the ADF7is moved to the close position. The CIS unit100emits light to the document sheet on the document placing part8A while moving from a standby position to a right side at a constant speed. The light reflected by the document sheet is received by the image sensor and the image formed on the document is read.

Additionally, the image reading device3can read the image formed on the document sheet using an ADF system.

In order to read the image with the ADF system, the CIS unit100moves to below the document contacting part8B and is set in the position. The ADF7is used for the ADF system. The document sheet is fed by the ADF7and a part of the document sheet on which the image is formed contacts the document contacting part8B. At that time, The CIS unit100emits light to the document sheet contacting the document contacting part8B. The light reflected by the document sheet is received by the image sensor and the image formed on the document is read.

The MFP1includes an operation panel10.

The operation panel10is disposed on a front end portion of the upper face of the device body6of the image reading device3. The operation panel10is used for displaying and inputting information. The operation panel10is attached to the device body6. As shown inFIGS. 1,2and3, the operation panel10includes a touch panel unit30, a touch key unit40and an NFC (Near Field Communication) unit50.

The touch panel unit30is disposed on a central portion of the operation panel10in the right and left direction. The touch panel unit30is operated by a user for various settings. Additionally, the touch panel unit30displays information, such as the setting contents.

The touch key unit40is disposed on a right side of the touch panel unit30(i.e., on a right-end portion of the operation panel10). The touch key unit40is also operated by the user for the various settings.

The NFC unit50is disposed on a left side of the touch panel unit30(i.e., on a left-end portion of the operation panel10). The NFC unit50is used for a wireless communication with a non-contact IC card.

As shown inFIGS. 4,5,6and7, the operation panel10includes a panel cover20, a panel plate14, a panel front cover15and a first double-sided tape16which are commonly used in the touch panel unit30, the touch key unit40and the NFC unit50.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the panel cover20has a rectangular shape having a long side in the right and left direction. The panel cover20is integrally formed with an upper part20T, a main part20S, a front part20F, a left part20L and a right part20R. The upper part20T has a plate-like shape extending horizontally. The main part20S has a plate-like shape extending obliquely downward from a front edge of the upper part20T. The front part20F has a plate-like shape extending downward from a front edge of the main part20S. The left part20L has a plate-like shape connecting left edges of the upper part20T, the main part20S and the front part20F. The right part20R has a plate-like shape connecting right edges of the upper part20T, the main part20S and the front part20F.

Hereinafter, details of the operation panel10will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 through 19. It is noted that an AA and BB direction, a CC and DD direction and an EE and FF direction shown inFIG. 3 through 19are used for explaining a direction and a position of the operation panel10. Specifically, in a state where the operation panel10is attached to the device body6, an AA side inFIGS. 3 through 19corresponds to an upper rear side inFIGS. 1 and 2. A BB side inFIGS. 3 through 19corresponds to a lower front side inFIGS. 1 and 2. A CC side inFIGS. 3 through 19corresponds to an upper front side inFIGS. 1 and 2. A DD side inFIGS. 3 through 19corresponds to a lower rear side inFIGS. 1 and 2. An EE side inFIGS. 3 through 19corresponds to the left side inFIGS. 1 and 2. The FF side inFIGS. 3 through 19corresponds to the right side inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The upper part20T includes four locking parts219as shown inFIG. 9. The four locking parts219are disposed on a DD-side face of the upper part20T (i.e., a rear face of the upper part20T). The four locking parts219are disposed along an AA-side end of the upper part20T with intervals therebetween in the EE and FF direction. The each locking part219is formed to project from the rear face of the upper part20T toward the DD side. The each locking part219has a hook-like shape having an edge bent toward the AA side.

The main part20S has a frame part200as shown inFIG. 4. The frame part200has a rectangular shape extending in the EE and FF direction. The BB side and the CC side of the frame part200are opened. The frame part200has a depressed part depressed on the BB side on a central portion of the main part20S. A face F2, which is a surface of the main part20S on the CC side other than the frame part200, is formed as a plane surface.

The frame part200has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) opening201, a touch key opening202, static electricity induction holes210, a power switch opening203, and an NFC opening204.

The LCD opening201is formed on a central portion of the frame part200in the EE and FF direction. The LCD opening201has a substantially rectangular shape having a long side in the EE and FF direction.

The touch key opening202is formed on the FF side of the LCD opening201on the frame part200as shown inFIG. 8. The touch key opening202has a first touch key opening205, three second touch key openings206and a third touch key opening207.

The first touch key opening205has a substantially square shape.

The each second touch key opening206has a substantially square shape smaller than the first touch key opening205. The three second touch key openings206are arranged in the AA and BB direction on the EE side of the first touch key opening205.

The third touch key opening207has a substantially square shape smaller than the second touch key opening206. The third touch key opening207is formed on the FF side of the first touch key opening205and on the BB side on the frame part200.

As shown inFIG. 15, the first touch key opening205communicates with the second touch key openings206via first connection openings208. Additionally, the first touch key opening205communicates with the third touch key opening207via a second connection opening209.

The static electricity induction holes210are formed on the AA side and the BB side of the touch key opening202. The each static electricity induction hole210has an elongated shape having a long side in the EE and FF direction. The static electricity induction holes210are arranged on the AA side and the BB side of the touch key opening202with intervals therebetween in the EE and FF direction. The static electricity induction holes210are used for inducing static electricity.

The power switch opening203is formed on the AA side of the third touch key opening207. The power switch opening203has a circular opening203C and two T-shaped openings203L and203R. The T-shaped opening203L is formed to extend from the circular opening203C toward the EE side, and then, to diverge and further extend toward the AA side and the BB side. The T-shaped opening203R is formed to extend from the circular opening203C toward the FF side, and then, to diverge and further extend toward the AA side and the BB side.

A BB-side end of the T-shaped opening203R communicates with an water passage218. The water passage218is formed to extend from the edge of the T-shaped opening203R on the FF side, and then, turn and further extend on the BB side.

The panel cover20includes a disk-shaped switch support240. The switch support240is disposed within the circular opening203C of the power switch opening203. The switch support240is elastically supported by a first supporting part242, a second supporting part243, a third supporting part244and a fourth supporting part245.

One end of the first supporting part242is connected with the switch support240. The first supporting part242extends, within the T-shaped opening203R, on the FF side, and then, turns and further extends on the BB side. The other end of the first supporting part242is connected with the BB-side end of the T-shaped opening203R.

One end of the second supporting part243is connected with the switch support240. The second supporting part243extends, within the T-shaped opening203R, on the FF side, and then, turns and further extends on the AA side. The other end of the second supporting part243is connected with the AA-side end of the T-shaped opening203R.

One end of the third supporting part244is connected with the switch support240. The third supporting part244extends, within the T-shaped opening203L, on the EE side, and then, turns and further extends on the BB side. The other end of the third supporting part244is connected with the BB-side end of the T-shaped opening203L.

One end of the fourth supporting part245is connected with the switch support240. The fourth supporting part243extends, within the T-shaped opening203L, on the FF side, and then, turns and further extends on the AA side. The other end of the fourth supporting part245is connected with the AA-side end of the T-shaped opening203L.

As shown inFIG. 9, a support opening246having a substantially square shape is formed on a central portion of the switch support240.

The switch support240supports a disk-like power switch13as shown inFIGS. 4,6and7. The power switch13is, for example, a tactile switch. The power of the MFP1turns ON and OFF by pressing the power switch13. A DD-side end portion of the power switch13is inserted into the support opening246so as to protrude from the switch support240toward the DD side.

The NFC opening204is formed on the EE side of the LCD opening201in the frame part200. The NFC opening204has a substantially rectangular shape.

The main part20S has six locking parts222as shown inFIG. 9. The six locking parts222are disposed on a DD-side face (i.e., a rear face of the main part20S). The six locking parts222are arranged along a BB-side end of the main part20S with intervals therebetween in the EE and FF direction. Specifically, two of the six locking parts222on a central portion in the EE and FF direction are dispose between the LCD opening201and the BB-side end of the main part20S with an interval therebetween. The locking part222on the most EE-side is disposed between the BB-side end portion of the NFC opening204and the BB-side end of the main part20S. The second locking part222from the EE-side end is disposed between the most EE-side locking part222and a third locking side part22from the EE-side end, with substantially the same intervals therebetween. The locking part222on the most FF-side is disposed between the third touch key opening207and the BB-side end of the main part20S. The second locking part222from the FF-side end is disposed between the EE-side end portion of the first touch key opening205and the BB-side end of the main part20S. The each locking part222is formed to project from the rear face of the main part20S toward the DD side. The each locking part222has a hook-like shape having an edge bent toward the BB side.

The main part20S has four first positioning parts223. The four first positioning parts223are disposed on the rear face of the main part20S. The four first positioning parts223are disposed between the LCD opening201and the BB-side end of the main part20S with intervals therebetween in the EE and FF direction. The each first positioning part223is integrally formed with a pair of side parts223L and223R, extending parts223A and223B and a connecting part223C. The pair of side parts223L and223R extend from the rear face of the main part20S toward the DD side. The pair of side parts223L and223R face each other in the EE and FF direction across an interval. The side parts223L and223R of the two first positioning parts223on the central portion in the EE and FF direction are disposed to face across the locking part222. The extending parts223A and223B respectively extend from upper edges of the side parts223L and223R toward the AA-side. The connecting part223C extends in the EE and FF direction to connect the extending part223A with the extending part223B.

The main part20S has flat positioning parts235,236and237on the rear face as shown inFIG. 5. The positioning parts235,236and237are disposed between the each first positioning part223. On the flat faces of the positioning parts235and237, bosses238and239are formed to project toward the DD side, respectively. The positioning parts235,236and237face a display unit305as shown inFIG. 5.

The main part20S has two projection parts221as shown inFIGS. 5 and 9. The two projection parts221are disposed on the rear face of the main part20S. The two projection parts221are disposed on the AA side of the LCD opening201at a position facing the two first positioning parts223on the central portion in the AA and BB direction. The each projection part221has a substantially cylindrical shape projecting from the rear face of the LCD opening201toward the DD side.

The main part20S has eight threaded bosses224. The eight threaded bosses224are disposed on the rear face of the main part20S. The six of the eight threaded bosses224are arranged on the AA-side end portion of the rear dace of the main part20S with intervals therebetween in the EE and FF direction. The other two of the eight threaded bosses224are arranged on the BB-side and the EE-side end portion of the rear face of the main part20S with intervals therebetween in the EE and FF direction. The each threaded boss224has a cylindrical shape projecting from the rear face of the LCD opening201toward the DD side. The each threaded boss224has a screw hole220opening on the DD side.

The main part20S has two protrusion parts251and252. The two protrusion parts251and252are arranged between the two threaded bosses224on the BB side at an interval therebetween in the EE and FF direction. Specifically, the two threaded bosses224are arranged along the BB-side end of the NFC opening204. Each of the protrusion parts251and252has a substantially cylindrical shape projecting from the rear face of the main part20S toward the DD side.

The main part20S has a stiffening rib215extending along the EE and FF direction and projecting from the rear face of the main part20S as shown inFIG. 9. The stiffening rib215is disposed on an opposite side of the touch key opening202with respect to the static electricity induction holes210formed on the BB side of the touch key opening202(i.e., on the BB side of the static electricity induction holes210formed on the BB side of the touch key opening202).

The front part20F has a depressed part270. The depressed part270is formed on a central portion of the front part20F in the EE and FF direction. The depressed part270extends between the most EE-side threaded boss224and the most FF-side threaded boss224. The depressed part270is formed to be depressed on the AA-side with respect to the EE-side end and the FF-side end of the front part20F and opens on the CC side and the DD side.

The panel plate14is made of resin. The panel plate14has a rectangular plate-like shape extending in the EE and FF direction. A shape of the panel plate14is substantially the same as the frame part200of the main part20S of the panel cover20when viewed from the CC and DD direction. Additionally, a thickness of the panel plate14is the same as a depth of the frame part200in the CC and DD direction. The panel plate14is fitted in the frame part200so as to be supported. In a state where the panel plate14is fitted in the frame part200, a surface F1, which is a CC-side surface of the panel plate14, and the surface F2are on the same plane.

The panel plate14has a rectangular opening141and a circular opening142.

The rectangular opening141is formed on the central portion of the panel plate14in the EE and FF direction. The rectangular opening141extends in the EE and FF direction and is smaller than the LCD opening201of the panel cover20. The position of the rectangular opening141corresponds to the position of the LCD opening201in the CC and DD direction when the panel plate14is fitted in the frame part200.

The circular opening142is formed on the FF-side end portion of the panel plate14. The circular opening142is slightly larger than the power switch13in a radial direction. The power switch13is fitted in the circular opening142when the panel plate14is fitted in the frame part200.

The panel front cover15has a plate-like shape extending in the EE and FF direction as shown inFIG. 4. A shape of the panel front cover15is substantially the same as the depressed part270of the front part20F of the panel cover20when viewed from the AA and BB direction. Additionally, a thickness of the panel front cover15is substantially the same as a depth of the depressed part270in the AA and BB direction. The panel front cover15is fitted in the depressed part270. In a state where the panel front cover15is fitted in the depressed part270, the BB-side surface of the panel front cover15and the BB-side surface of the front part20F of the panel cover20are on the same plane. Additionally, the CC-side end face of the panel front cover15and the DD-side surface of the main part20S of the panel cover20are on the same plane.

The first double-sided tape16is disposed between the panel plate14and the panel cover20. The first double-sided tape16has a polyester non-woven fabric and adhesives formed on the both side of the non-woven fabric. The first double-sided tape16has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the EE and FF direction. The first double-sided tape16has a first opening161, second openings162, a third opening163, fourth openings164and a fifth opening165

The first opening161is formed on a central portion of the first double-sided tape16in the EE and FF direction. A shape of the first opening161is substantially the same as the LCD opening201of the main part20S of the panel cover20. The position of the first opening161corresponds to the positions of the LCD opening201of the panel cover20and the rectangular opening141of the panel plate14in the CC and DD direction.

A plurality of the second openings162are formed on the FF-side of the first opening161. The each second opening162has a circular shape. The second openings162face the first touch key opening205and the second touch key openings206of the main part20S of the panel cover20in the CC and DD direction.

The third opening163is formed on the EE side of the first opening161. The third opening163has a rectangular shape of which length in the EE and FF direction is longer than that of the NFC opening204of the main part20S of the panel cover20. The position of the third opening163corresponds to the position of the NFC opening204in the CC and DD direction.

A plurality of the fourth openings164are formed on the AA side and the BB side of the second openings162. The each fourth opening164has an elongated shape extending in the EE and FF direction. The fourth openings164are arranged in the EE and FF direction with intervals therebetween, respectively on the AA side and the BB side of the second openings162. The position of the fourth openings164corresponds to the position of the static electricity induction holes210of the main part20S of the panel cover20in the CC and DD direction.

The fifth opening165is formed on the FF side of the second openings162. The power switch13is inserted in the fifth opening165.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the touch panel unit30includes a touch panel300, a support frame301, a display unit305having an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)302, and an urging member303.

The touch panel300has a rectangular shape having a long side in the EE and FF direction. The touch panel300has a rectangular touch panel frame part306and an operation part307disposed within the touch panel frame part306. An operation surface307C on the CC side of the operation part307(i.e., an opposite side of the LCD302) is a surface operated by the user with his/her finger. The touch panel300is a resistive type or surface elastic wave type touch panel in which a signal is outputted based on a change of pressure on the operation surface307C made by the user's finger. The output signal of the touch panel300is inputted to a touch panel control substrate (not shown) through a touch panel cable30connected with the touch panel frame part306. The touch panel300is disposed on the panel cover20side with respect to the LCD302as shown inFIG. 4. The touch panel300transmits an image displayed on the LCD302.

The operation surface307C of the touch panel300is exposed from the LCD opening201. The operation surface307C of the touch panel300is covered by a protection film308as shown inFIG. 10.

The support frame301supports the touch panel300. The support frame301is made of a sheet metal. The support frame301has a rectangular fame shape as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The support frame301is integrally formed with a first frame part301A, a second frame part301B, a third frame part301L and a fourth frame part301R. The first frame part301A and the second frame part301B extend in the EE and FF direction and face each other across an opening in the AA and BB direction. The first frame part301A is disposed on the AA side of the second frame part301B. The third frame part301L extends in the AA and BB direction. The third frame part301L is connected with the EE-side end of the first frame part301A and the EE-side end of the second frame part301B. The fourth frame part301R extends in the AA and BB direction. The fourth frame part301R is connected with the FF-side end of the first frame part301A and the FF-side end of the second frame part301B.

The support frame301includes an L-shaped part312. The L-shaped part312is disposed slightly on the FF side of the central portion of the first frame part301A in the EE and FF direction. The L-shaped part312extends from the first frame part301A toward the DD side, and then, turns and further extends on the AA side as shown inFIG. 10. As shown inFIG. 5, a through hole313is formed on an end portion of the L-shaped part312.

The support frame301has three positioning parts314,315and316. The positioning part314has a rectangular shape projecting from the EE-side end portion of the second frame part301B toward the BB side and extending in the EE and FF direction. The positioning part315has a rectangular shape projecting from the central portion of the second frame part301B in the EE and FF direction toward the BB side and extending in the EE and FF direction. The positioning part316has a rectangular shape projecting from the FF-side end portion of the second frame part301B toward the BB side and extending in the EE and FF direction. The positioning parts314and316have through holes317and318, respectively. The through hole317is a long hole having a long side in the EE and FF direction. A short radius of the through hole317is substantially the same as a radius of the boss238of the main part20S of the panel cover20shown inFIG. 5. The through hole318has a circular shape. A radius of the through hole318is substantially the same as a radius of the boss239of the main part20S of the panel cover20shown inFIG. 5.

The LCD302has a rectangular shape of which size is the substantially the same as that of the touch panel300viewed from the CC and DD direction. The LCD302has a rectangular LCD frame part321and an image display part322disposed within the LCD frame part321. The image display part322has a display surface322C on the CC side on which an image, such as keys, is displayed. The LCD302is configured to display the image.

The LCD302includes an LCD cable325. One end of the LCD cable325is connected with the LCD frame part321. The other end of the LCD cable325is connected with the touch panel control substrate (not shown). Image data to be displayed on the display surface322C of the LCD302is inputted to the LCD302from the touch panel control substrate through the LCD cable325.

The LCD302has a plurality of rectangular depressed parts326formed on a peripheral portion of its rear face (i.e., the DD-side face) as shown inFIGS. 5 and 11. Specifically, the depressed parts326are formed on the AA-side, BB-side and FF-side peripherals on the rear face of the LCD302with intervals therebetween.

The urging member303is made of a sheet metal. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the urging member303has a plate part330and six extending parts360formed integrally.

The plate part330has a rectangular shape. The plate part330is disposed on a side, on which a rear face of the operation surface307C of the display unit305is disposed, at an interval therebetween.

The six extending parts360extend from three positions on the plate part330distanced in the EE and FF direction to both of the AA side and the BB side. A base part360T of the each extending part360has a trapezoidal shape having a broader width on the plate part330side viewed from the CC and DD direction. That is, the width of the base part360T is broader than the width of an end part360E in the EE and FF direction. The end part360E of the each extending part360is bent to the CC side.

Hereinafter, upon specifying each extending part360, the extending part360formed on the BB side and the FF side of the plate part330is referred to as a “first extending part361.” The extending part360formed on the AA side and the FF side of the plate part330is referred to as a “second extending part362.” The extending part360formed on the BB side and a central portion of the plate part330in the EE and FF direction is referred to as a “third extending part363.” The extending part360formed on the AA side and the central portion of the plate part330in the EE and FF direction is referred to as a “fourth extending part364.” The extending part360formed on the BB side and the EE side of the plate part330is referred to as a “fifth extending part365.” The extending part360formed on the AA side and the EE side of the plate part330is referred to as a “sixth extending part366.”

The urging member303has a first locking plate part391on the FF side of the first extending part361. The first locking plate part391is integrally formed with the plate part330. The first locking plate part391extends on the BB side from the plate part330.

The urging member303has a second locking plate part392between the first extending part361and the third extending part363. The second locking plate part392is integrally formed with the plate part330. The second locking plate part392extends on the BB side from the plate part330. A rectangular opening371H is formed on a boundary of the plate part330and the second locking plate part392.

The urging member303has a third locking plate part393between the third extending part363and the fifth extending part365. The third locking plate part393is integrally formed with the plate part330. The third locking plate part393extends on the BB side from the plate part330. A rectangular opening373H is formed on a boundary of the plate part330and the third locking plate part393.

The urging member303has a fourth locking plate part394on the EE side of the fifth extending part365. The fourth locking plate part394is integrally formed with the plate part330. The fourth locking plate part394extends on the BB side from the plate part330.

The urging member303has a first fixing plate part381on the FF side of the second extending part362. The first fixing plate part381is integrally formed with the plate part330. The first fixing plate part381extends on the AA side from the plate part330. The first fixing plate part381has a base part381B and an extending part381E formed integrally. The base part381B has a substantially rectangular shape. The extending part381E extends from the FF-side end of the base part381B on the AA side. An intermediate portion of the extending part381E turns and extends on the DD side, and an AA side end portion of the extending part381E further turns and extends on the AA side. The extending part381E has a through hole341on the end portion.

The urging member303has a first positioning plate part382between the second extending part362and the fourth extending part364. The first positioning plate part382is integrally formed with the plate part330. The first positioning plate part382extends on the AA side from the plate part330. An AA-side end portion of the first positioning plate part382is separated to a first separating part382A and a second separating part382B. The first separating part382A has a positioning hole351on the end portion. The second separating part382B has a through hole324on the end portion. The first positioning plate part382has a rectangular opening372H. The first positioning plate part382is locked in the panel cover20as shown inFIG. 14.

The urging member303has a second positioning plate part383between the fourth extending part364and the sixth extending part366. The second positioning plate part383is integrally formed with the plate part330. The second positioning plate part383extends on the AA side from the plate part330. The second positioning plate part383has a positioning hole352on the end portion. The second positioning plate part383has a rectangular opening374H. The second positioning plate part383is locked in the panel cover20as shown inFIG. 14.

The urging member303has a second fixing plate part384on the EE side of the sixth extending part366. The second fixing plate part384is integrally formed with the plate part330. The second fixing plate part384extends on the AA side from the plate part330. The second fixing plate part384has a base part384B and an extending part384E formed integrally. The base part384B has a substantially trapezoidal shape. The extending part384E extends from the EE-side end of the base part384B on the AA side. An intermediate portion of the extending part384E turns and further extends on the DD side, and an AA side end portion of the extending part384E further turns and further extends on the AA side. The extending part384E has a through hole343on the end portion. As shown inFIG. 14, screws380are inserted through the first fixing plate part381and the second fixing plate part384to be fastened.

The urging member303has four central contacting parts371,372,373and374. The central contacting part371extends from the BB-side end of the opening371H on the CC side. The central contacting part372extends from the AA-side end of the opening372H on the CC side. The central contacting part373extends from the BB-side end of the opening373H on the CC side. The central contacting part374extends from the AA-side end of the opening374H on the CC side. The four central contacting parts371,372,373and374are integrally formed with the plate part330. The four central contacting parts371,372,373and374are disposed to face the central portion of the rear face of the display unit305.

The urging member303has four peripheral contacting parts375,376,377and378. The peripheral contacting part375extends from the FF-side end of the first locking plate part391on the CC side. The peripheral contacting part376extends from the EE-side end of the fourth locking plate part394on the CC side. The peripheral contacting part377extends from the AA-side end of the base part381B of the first fixing plate part381on the CC side. The peripheral contacting part378extends from the AA-side end of the base part384B of the second fixing plate part384on the CC side. The four peripheral contacting parts375,376,377and378are integrally formed with the plate part330. The four peripheral contacting parts375,376,377and378are disposed to face the peripheral portion of the rear face of the display unit305.

<Assembly of the Touch Panel Unit>

As shown inFIG. 10, the touch panel300is disposed between the main part20S of the panel cover20and the support frame301. The CC-side face of the support frame301contacts the DD-side face of the touch panel frame part306of the touch panel300. At this time, the positioning parts314,315and316of the support frame301contact the positioning parts235,236and237of the panel cover20, respectively. Additionally, the bosses238and239formed on the positioning parts235and237of the panel cover20are inserted in the through holes317and318formed on the positioning parts314and316of the support frame301, respectively.

The end portion of the L-shaped part312of the support frame301contacts the threaded boss224formed between the two projecting parts221on the main part20S of the panel cover20from the DD side. Then, the position of the through hole313formed on the L-shaped part312corresponds to the position of the screw hole220of the threaded boss224.

The LCD302is disposed on the DD side of the support frame301. The LCD frame part321of the LCD302contacts the DD-side face of the support frame301.

The urging member303is disposed on the DD side of the LCD302. As shown inFIG. 14, the first locking plate part391, the second locking plate part392, the third locking plate part393and the fourth locking plate part394respectively contact the side parts223L and223R of the first positioning parts223of the main part20S of the panel cover20from the AA side. In this state, the extending parts223A and223B and the connecting part223C of the first positioning parts223face the first locking plate part391, the second locking plate part392, the third locking plate part393and the fourth locking plate part394from the DD side.

The projecting parts221of the main part20S of the panel cover20are inserted in the positioning hole351formed on the first positioning plate part382and the positioning hole352formed on the second positioning plate part383of the urging member303, respectively. Thus, the urging member303is positioned with respect to the panel cover20.

In a state where the urging member303is positioned with respect to the panel cover20, the end portions of the first fixing plate part381and the second fixing plate part384of the urging member303face the threaded bosses224from the DD side, respectively. Then, the positions of the through holes341and384formed on the first fixing plate part381and the second fixing plate part384of the urging member303respectively correspond to the positions of the screw holes220on the threaded bosses224. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 10, the end portion of the second separating part382B of the first positioning plate part382face the threaded boss224formed between the two projecting part221from the DD side via the L-shaped part312of the support frame301. Then, the position of the through hole342of the second separating part382B corresponds to the position of the screw hole220on the threaded boss224and the through hole313of the L-shaped part312. The screw380is inserted in the each through hole341,342and343and fastened with the screw holes220. Thus, the urging member303is fixed to the panel cover20.

In this state, the end parts360E of the extending parts360of the urging member303get in the depressed part326formed in the rear face of the LCD302. Then, the display unit305is urged towards the panel cover20due to spring of the end parts306E of the extending parts360of the urging member303.

Further, the central contacting parts371,372,373and374and the peripheral contacting parts375,376,377and378do not contact the rear face of the LCD302of the display unit305in a normal state where the display unit305, such as the LCD302, is not deformed. That is, there is a clearance between the central contacting parts371,372,373and374and the peripheral contacting parts375,376,377and378and the rear face of the LCD302. The central contacting parts371,372,373and374and the peripheral contacting parts375,376,377and378contact the rear face of the LCD302when the display unit305is deformed.

As shown inFIG. 6, the touch key unit40includes LED light guiding lenses460, an electrostatic capacitive key substrate402and a second double-sided tape401.

The touch key unit40includes sixteen LED light guiding lenses460. The twelve of the sixteen LED light guiding lenses460are arranged in the first touch key opening205of the panel cover20in a four by three matrix. The three LED light guiding lenses460are respectively disposed in the second touch key openings206. The other one LED light guiding lenses460is disposed in the third touch key opening207.

The electrostatic capacitive key substrate402has a rectangular shape. The electrostatic capacitive key substrate402is disposed on the DD side of the main part20S of the panel cover20. A peripheral portion of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402is covered by the panel cover20. A central portion of electrostatic capacitive key substrate402is covered by the panel plate14. The electrostatic capacitive key substrate402includes sixteen touch key electrodes450and a power switch electrode451. The sixteen touch key electrodes450and the power switch electrode451are formed on a surface of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402. The touch key electrodes450are disposed to face the LED light guiding lenses460from the DD side. The power switch electrode451is disposed to face the switch support240of the panel cover20from the DD side.

The electrostatic capacitive key substrate402includes a signal processing circuit (not shown). The touch key electrodes450and the power switch electrode451are electrically connected the signal processing circuit. When a touch position of the panel plate14which faces the touch key electrode450in the CC and DD direction is touched by the user with a finger, electrostatic capacitance between the finger and the touch key electrode450is changed. The signal processing circuit detects the change of the electrostatic capacitance and determines that the touch position is touched by the finger of the user based on the detection.

The electrostatic capacitive key substrate402has a first ground pattern430and a second ground pattern440as shown inFIG. 15. The first ground pattern430is formed to substantially surround the touch key unit40. Specifically, the first ground pattern430has a rectangular frame shape surrounding the touch key electrodes450and the power switch electrode451. The second ground pattern440has a ring shape surrounding the power switch electrode451(i.e., a portion facing the power switch in the CC and DD direction). The first ground pattern430and the second ground pattern440are grounded.

The second double-sided tape401is disposed between the main part20S of the panel cover20and the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402. The second double-sided tape401contacts the main part20S of the panel cover20and the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402. The second double-sided tape401has a polyester non-woven fabric and adhesives formed on the both side of the non-woven fabric. The second double-sided tape401has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the EE and FF direction.

The second double-sided tape401has a cutout part420. The cutout part420has a substantially rectangular shape opening on the FF-side end of the second double-sided tape401. The second double-sided tape401has end edges421,422,423,424and425. The end edge421extends in the AA and BB direction on the BB side of the cutout part420. The end edge422extends on the EE side from the AA-side edge of the end edge421. The end edge423extends on the AA side from the EE-side edge of the end edge422. The end edge424extends on the FF side from the AA-side edge of the end edge423. The end edge425extends on the AA side from the FF-side edge of the end edge424. The end edge421and the end edge425are formed on the same straight line.

The position of the cutout part420corresponds to the positions of the circular opening203C of the power switch opening203formed on the panel cover20and the power switch electrode451of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402. As shown inFIG. 16, the end edge421is disposed on the FF side of an end edge218L formed on the EE side of the water passage218of the panel cover20. The end edge422is disposed on the AA side of end edges203LB and203RB formed on the BB side of the T-shaped openings203L and203R of the panel cover20. The end edge423is disposed on the FF side of an end edge formed on the EE side of the T-shaped opening203L. The end edge424is disposed on the BB side of end edges203LA and203RA formed on the AA side of the T-shaped openings203L and203R of the panel cover20.

One end of the water passage218is connected with the BB-side end of the T-shaped opening203R, and the other end is disposed on the BB side of a BB-side end edge of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402and the touch key opening202. The panel cover20is disposed at a slant with respect to the horizontal direction so that the one end of the water passage218is positioned above the other end. The other end of the water passage218opens to a direction facing the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402.

When the user spills liquid, such as water, on the panel plate14, the liquid may flow into a clearance between the power switch13and the circular opening142of the panel plate14toward the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402. Even if the liquid flows on the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402, the end edges422,423and424of the second double-sided tape401can suppress flowing of the liquid toward the touch key electrodes450side. The electrostatic capacitive key substrate402is tilted to be parallel with the main part20S of the panel cover20. Thus, the liquid flown into the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402flows along the water passage218on the FF side of the end edge421of the second double-sided tape401as indicated in a two-dot chain line inFIG. 16. Then, the liquid flows from a clearance between the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402and the stiffing rib215of the panel cover20as indicated in a two-dot chain line inFIG. 17.

Additionally, the second double-sided tape401has a plurality of light through holes427and a light through cutout426. The touch key unit40includes a plurality of LEDs (not shown). The light from the each LED incidents to the LED light guiding lenses460through the light through holes427and the light through cutout426. Then, the light passed through the LED light guiding lenses460is transmitted through the first double-sided tape16and emitted to the panel plate14. Thus, ten keys are displayed on the surface of the panel plate14.

As shown inFIG. 7, the NFC unit50includes an NFC substrate500, a shield plate502and an elastic member501.

The NFC substrate500has a substantially rectangular shape. The NFC substrate500includes a circuit to perform near field communication.

The shield plate502is made of a sheet metal. The shield plate502is disposed between the NFC substrate500and a panel unit control substrate503to prevent input of extrinsic noise to the panel unit control substrate503. The shield plate502has a main plate525, four through hole plates526,527,528and529and a connecting plate520.

The main plate has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the EE and FF direction.

The through hole plate526extends from the EE-side and AA-side end portion of the main plate525on the DD side, and then, turns and further extends on the AA side. The through hole plate526has a through hole521on its end portion.

The through hole plate527extends from the EE-side and BB-side end portion of the main plate525on DD side, and then, turns and further extends on the BB side. The through hole plate527has a through hole522on its end portion.

The through hole plate528extends from the FF-side and AA-side end portion of the main plate525on the DD side, and then, turns and further extends on the AA side. The through hole plate528has a through hole523on its end portion.

The through hole plate529extends from the FF-side and BB-side end portion of the main plate525on the DD side, and then, turns and further extends on the BB side. The through hole plate529has a through hole524on its end portion.

The connecting plate520extends from the FF-side end portion of the main plate525on the DD side, and then, turns and further extends on the FF side. The portion extending on the FF side of the connecting plate520has an L-shaped viewed from the CC and DD direction. Specifically, the L-shaped portion extends on the AA side and turns and further extends on the FF side. The connecting plate520has a through hole530on its end portion.

The main plate525has positioning holes533and544arranged on the BB-side end portion at an interval therebetween in the EE and FF direction. The positioning hole533on the EE side is a long hole having a long side in the EE and FF direction. The positioning hole534on the FF side has a circular shape.

The elastic member501is made of sponge. The elastic member501has a cuboid shape. The elastic member501is disposed to adjust a clearance between the NFC substrate500and the shield plate502.

As shown inFIG. 7, the operation panel10includes the panel unit control substrate503.

The panel unit control substrate503has a substantially rectangular shape. The panel unit control substrate503is disposed on the DD side of the shield plate502. The panel unit control substrate503has through holes552,553,554and555. The panel unit control substrate503has cutout parts550and551on the BB side. The panel unit control substrate503controls the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402.

The operation panel10includes a FFC (Flexible Flat Cable)561. One end of the FFC561is connected the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402. The other end of the FFC561is connected the panel unit control substrate503.

<Assembly of the NFC Unit>

As shown inFIG. 18, the NFC substrate500is fitted in the NFC opening204of the panel cover20. The CC-side face of the NFC substrate500contacts the DD-side face of the panel plate14.

The shield plate502is displaced on the DD side of the NFC substrate500to face each other across a clearance. The protrusion parts251and252of the panel cover20are inserted in the positioning holes533and534of the shield plate502. Thus, the shield plate502is positioned with respect to the panel cover20.

In a state where the shield plate502is positioned with respect to the panel cover20, the end portions of the through hole plates526,527,528and529of the shield plate502respectively contact the threaded bosses224formed on peripheral of the NFC opening204from the DD side. Then, the positions of the through holes521,522,523and524respectively correspond to the positions of the screw holes220of the threaded bosses224. Additionally, the end portion of the connecting plate520of the shield plate502faces the threaded boss224of the panel cover20from the DD side across the second fixing plate part384of the urging member303. Then, the position of the through hole530corresponds to the positions of the through hole343of the second fixing plate part384and the screw hole220of the threaded boss224

The elastic member501is disposed between the NFC substrate500and the shield plate502.

The panel unit control substrate503is disposed on the DD side of the shield plate502. The positions of the through holes552,553,554and555of the panel unit control substrate503correspond to the positions of the through holes521,522,523and524of the shield plate502, respectively.

The operation panel10includes a metal cover504as shown inFIG. 19. The metal cover504is disposed on the DD side of the panel unit control substrate503. The metal cover504has four through holes (not shown). The positions of those through holes of the metal cover504correspond to the positions of the through holes552,553,554and555of the panel unit control substrate503, respectively. By inserting each screw505in the through holes of the metal cover504, the panel unit control substrate503and the shield plate502and fastening with the screw hole220, the panel unit control substrate503and the shield plate502is fixed between the metal cover504and the panel cover20.

Additionally, the screw505is inserted in the through hole530of the shield plate502and the through hole343of the urging member303, and fastened with the screw hole220. Thus, the connecting plate520of the shield plate502and the second fixing plate part384of the urging member303are fixed to the threaded boss224of the panel cover20.

As shown inFIG. 19, the operation panel10includes a ground plate606and a plate springs604and605.

The ground plate606is made of metal and has a rectangular shape extending in the EE and FF direction. The ground plate606connects the two threaded bosses224formed on the FF side and the AA side of the rear face of the main part20s. The EE-side end portion of the ground plate606is nipped by the end portion of the first fixing plate part381and the threaded boss224and fixed to the threaded boss24together with the first fixing plate part381.

The electrostatic capacitive key substrate402has two ground holes601and602on the AA-side end portion. The plate springs604and605are inserted into the ground holes601and602, respectively. One ends of the plate springs604and605are electrically connected with the first ground pattern430and the second ground pattern440of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402, respectively. The other ends of the plate springs604and605contact the ground plate606from the DD side with spring.

Since the shield plate502contacts the metal cover504, the shield plate502and the metal cover504are electrically conducted. Additionally, since the second fixing plate part384of the urging member303is connected with the connecting plate520of the shield plate502, the urging member303and the shield plate502are electrically conducted. Additionally, since the first fixing plate part381of the urging member303is connected with the ground plate606, the urging member303and the ground plate606are electrically conducted. Further, the first ground pattern430and the second ground pattern440of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402and the ground plate606are electrically conducted via the plate springs604and605. Therefore, the urging member303, the shield plate502, the metal cover504, the ground plate606, the plate springs604and605and the first ground pattern430and the second ground pattern440of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402have the same electrical potential.

As shown inFIG. 20, the device body6of the image reading device3includes four locked parts701corresponding to the four locking parts219of the panel cover20. The locked parts701extend on the front side from the upper end of the device body6.

The device body6also includes six locked parts702corresponding to the six locking parts222of the panel cover20. The locked parts702extend on the rear side from the front end of the device body6.

In order to attach the operation panel10to the device body6, the each locking part222of the panel cover20is firstly locked with the each locked part702of the device body6. Then, the operation panel10is rotated around the locked parts702so that the upper part20T of the panel cover20moves rearward. When the operation panel10is additionally rotated, the each locking part219of the panel cover20contacts the each locked part701of the device body6from upside. As the operation panel10is further rotated, the each locking part219is deformed and the end portion of the each locking part219slides into the each locked part701. Thus, the each locking part219is locked by the each locked part701and the operation panel10is attached to the device body6.

The device body6includes a device-side ground plate703made of metal. The device-side ground plate703extends in the right and left direction and is exposed when the operation panel10is removed from the device body6. The device-side ground plate703is grounded.

Additionally, the device body6includes two coil springs704. One end of the each coil spring704is connected with the device-side ground plate703. In a state where the operation panel10is attached to the device body6, the other end of the each coil spring704is connected with the urging member303and the metal cover504. Thus, the urging member303, the shield plate502, the metal cover504, the ground plate606, the plate springs604and605and the first ground patter430and the second ground pattern440of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402are electrically conducted with the device-side ground plate703via the coil springs704. As a result, the urging member303, the shield plate502, the metal cover504, the ground plate606, the plate springs604and605and the first ground patter430and the second ground pattern440of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402are grounded.

As described above, the document placing part8A is disposed on the device body6. The dividing member9is disposed on the left-side end portion of the document placing part8A. The document sheet is placed on the document placing part8A such that the left edge of the document sheet contacts the dividing member9. The image on the document sheet is read by the CIS unit100movable in the right and left direction.

The touch key unit40is disposed on the left side of the device body6(i.e., an opposite side of a side on which the dividing member9is disposed). According to this configuration, unintended touch by the user to the touch key unit40upon placing the document sheet to contact the dividing member9can be suppressed.

The image reading device3includes the touch panel unit30disposed on the central portion of the device body6in the right and left direction.

According to this configuration, since the touch panel unit30is disposed away from the dividing member9, the unintended touch by the user to the touch panel unit30upon placing the document sheet to contact the dividing member9can be suppressed.

The image reading device3includes the NFC unit50disposed on the left side end portion of the device body6.

According to this configuration, the interactive communication between the non-contact IC card and the NFC unit50can be performed.

The NFC unit50of the image reading device3includes the panel unit control substrate503for controlling the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402which is disposed to face the NFC substrate500, and the shield plate502for preventing the input of extrinsic noise to the panel unit control substrate503which is disposed between the NFC substrate500and the panel unit control substrate503.

According to this configuration, a clearance is provided between the NFC substrate500and the shield plate502. Thus, an effect by the shield plate502to the communication of the NFC substrate500can be suppressed.

The image reading device3includes the panel cover20supported by the device body6to cover the peripheral portion of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402. Additionally, the image reading device3includes the panel plate14supported by the panel cover20to cover the central portion of the electrostatic capacitive key substrate402.

According to this configuration, since the panel plate14and the panel cover20are formed as separate members, there is high flexibility to design the panel plate14and the panel cover20, such as color of them.

The surface F1is a plane surface. The panel plate14is disposed to be surrounded by the surface F2of the main part20S of the panel cover20. The panel cover20and the panel plate14are formed so that the surface F1and the surface F2are on the same plane.

According to this configuration, no step is formed on a boundary portion between the CC-side surface of the panel cover20and the surface of the panel plate14. Thus, the user is prevented from touching an edge of the panel plate14, and disengagement of the panel plate14from the panel cover20can be suppressed.

The image reading device3includes the panel front cover15of which upper end extends along the BB-side end of the panel plate14. The upper end surface of the panel front cover15is disposed on the same plane as the surface F1and the surface F2.

According to this configuration, no step is formed on a boundary portion between the BB-side end of the panel plate14and the upper end of the panel front cover15. Thus, the user is prevented from touching edges of the panel plate14and the panel front cover15, and disengagement of the panel plate14and the panel front cover15from the panel cover20can be suppressed.

Only an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure and a few examples of their versatility are shown and described in the disclosure. It is to be understood that the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.

For example, the above described embodiment adopts the electrophotographic system for image forming. However, the present invention can be applied when an inkjet system is adopted for image forming. In the inkjet system, an image is formed on a sheet by ejecting ink directly to the sheet fed by the sheet feed tray4.