Patent ID: 8537106

Claim:
An operation panel structure for an image data input/output apparatus, comprising an operation panel with an operation section protruding from a front side of a body of the image data input/output apparatus, said operation panel structure comprising: a first support unit for supporting the operation panel such that the operation panel is capable of pivoting on a first pivot shaft in a first direction along a vertical direction; a second support unit for supporting the operation panel such that the operation panel is capable of pivoting on a second pivot shaft in a second direction along a horizontal direction, wherein the second pivot shaft extends in the vertical direction; a lock system for permitting the first support unit to be held in a plural number of locked positions while the operation panel is pivoting in the first direction; a brake member, which is provided for the second support unit, for applying an adjustable level of a frictional force to a pivot of the operation panel in the second direction; an unlock member for releasing the first support unit from the position locked by the lock system so as to permit the operation panel to pivot in the first direction; wherein the second support unit comprises a second support member for supporting a first support member that pivots in the second direction together with the operation panel and for holding the first support member in a position with respect to the second direction via the brake member; wherein a surface of the brake member that is in contact with the first support member is coated with a lubricant, and a surface of the brake member that is in contact with the second support member is not coated with a lubricant; and wherein the first pivot shaft extends along a first longitudinal axis and the second pivot shaft extends along a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis being offset from the second longitudinal axis so that the first longitudinal axis does not intersect the second longitudinal axis.