Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent deterioration in the performance of notifying a user of the status of an image forming apparatus, even when an operation panel storable in an apparatus body is stored within the apparatus body.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 2 having a display unit 21 for displaying information related to image formation and a status display unit 24 for notifying of the status of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation panel 2 is provided in an apparatus body 1a so as to be movable between a first position in which the entire display unit 21 is exposed from the apparatus body 1a and a second position in which at least a portion of the display unit 21 is stored inside the apparatus body 1a in a manner of being invisible from the outside of the apparatus body 1a. The status display unit 24 is disposed at a position visible from the outside of the apparatus body 1a when the operation panel 2 is located at the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an operation panel. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses that form images on recording media have an operation panel equipped with a display for displaying information such as the progress of the image forming operation, various setting contents, etc. In recent years, there has been a trend in such image forming apparatuses to increase the size of the operation panel in order to improve the visibility of the display and increase the amount of information that can be displayed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device in which a part of a flexible display having a touch panel on its surface is stored in a storage section, and the display can be pulled out of the storage section as needed to enlarge the screen when a larger screen is required. Patent Document 2 also discloses an image forming device in which a display device is provided with a light-emitting section that emits light in a predetermined color to indicate the status of the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-53818 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-12224 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the light-emitting unit disclosed in Patent Document 2 is provided for the operation panel stored in the storage unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that a sufficient notification effect for the user cannot be obtained depending on the arrangement of the operation panel. In particular, when the light-emitting unit is provided on the part of the operation panel that is stored in the storage unit, there is a problem that the notification performance is significantly reduced when the operation panel is stored in the storage unit.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device that can prevent a decrease in the ability to notify the user of the status of the image forming device, even when an operation panel that can be stored in the device body is stored in the device body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and comprises an apparatus main body having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, an operation unit having a display unit that displays information related to image formation, and an alarm unit that notifies the status of the image forming apparatus, and the operation unit is provided on the apparatus main body so that it can move between a first position in which the entire display unit is exposed from the apparatus main body and a second position in which at least a portion of the display unit is stored inside the apparatus main body so that it cannot be seen from outside the apparatus main body, and the alarm unit is provided in a position that is visible from outside the apparatus main body when the operation unit is located at the second position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, even when a retractable operation panel is stored in the device body, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the ability to notify the user of the status of the image forming device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]1 is a perspective view of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a retracted state. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an exposed state before being rotated. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an exposed state after being rotated. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the operation of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart of a light amount correction process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of lamp interlocking processing executed by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of image forming system> The configuration of an image forming system A1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0012] The image forming system A1 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a processing apparatus 16.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a sheet S as a recording material, and conveys the sheet S on which the image has been formed to a processing device 16 or discharges it to the outside. The image forming apparatus 1 discharges the sheet S conveyed from the processing device 16 to the outside. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail later.

[0014] The processing device 16 is a finisher or the like that is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 as an option for the purpose of expanding its functions. The processing device 16 performs processing set by the user, such as stapling, punching, or binding, on the sheets S on which images are formed and which are transported from the image forming apparatus 1. The processing device 16 transports the sheets S to the image forming apparatus 1 after the processing set by the user has been performed.

[0015] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0016] Image forming apparatus 1 has an apparatus main body 1a, an operation panel 2, a control unit 10, a storage device 11, a power supply device 12, a fixing unit 13, a reader 14, an image forming unit 15, sheet cassettes 19A and 19B. Image forming apparatus 1 also has detection sensors 30 and 31, and discharge trays 161a and 161b. Image forming apparatus 1 also has a seesaw-type or tactile-type main body power switch (not shown) that switches the main power on and off.

[0017] The apparatus main body 1a includes a fixing unit 13, an image forming unit 15, a sheet cassette 19A, and a sheet cassette 19B.

[0018] An operation panel 2 serving as an operation unit is provided on the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 so as to be retractable into the space below the reader 14. The operation panel 2 is provided so as to be movable relative to the device body 1a in the Y direction or in the direction opposite to the Y direction, and is also provided so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the X direction when moved in the Y direction. The operation panel 2 operates under the control of the control unit 10. The configuration of the operation panel 2 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1, the operation of the processing device 16, and the operation of the notification device 17. The control unit 10 includes a CPU 100, a memory 101, and a timer .

[0020] The CPU 100 controls the operations of the operation panel 2, power supply device 12, fixing unit 13, reader 14, image forming unit 15, and processing device 16, which are connected to the control unit 10. The CPU 100 reads and executes a program 110 stored in the storage device 11, thereby controlling the reader 14, image forming unit 15, processing device 16, etc., while using the memory 101 as a work area. The CPU 100 performs image processing on image data input from the reader 14, stores the image data that has undergone image processing in the storage device 11, and transfers it to the image forming unit 15 to perform image formation processing to form an image on a sheet S.

[0021] CPU 100 outputs a control signal to operation panel 2 to control the operation of operation panel 2. CPU 100 reads display image data stored in storage device 11 from storage device 11 and outputs the data to operation panel 2, thereby causing operation panel 2 to display an image.

[0022] CPU 100 controls the operation of image forming apparatus 1 based on the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position on touch panel 22 (described later) of operation panel 2, which is indicated by an electrical signal input from operation panel 2. CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation (described later) that transitions image forming apparatus 1 from standby mode to a sleep mode with low power consumption, according to the count value counted by timer 102.

[0023] The CPU 100 executes a panel state detection process (described later) that determines the state of the operation panel 2 based on the electrical signals input from the detection sensors 30 and 31, and also executes a light intensity correction process (described later). When the CPU 100 changes the light intensity of the status display unit 24 in the light intensity correction process, the CPU 100 generates a control signal (command) for changing the light intensity of the status display unit 24 and outputs the generated control signal to the operation panel 2.

[0024] The memory 101 temporarily stores data generated when the CPU 100 executes the program 110 .

[0025] The timer 102 counts a count value by measuring time when the CPU 100 performs various processes under the control of the CPU 100.

[0026] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 related to the control of the image forming device 1, display image data, print data, etc. Here, the various programs 110 stored in the storage device 11 are a group of software that the control unit 10 operates to perform various processes. Also, the display image data stored in the storage device 11 is data for displaying an image on the operation panel 2.

[0027] The power supply device 12 receives power from a commercial power source via an outlet plug (not shown). Under the control of the CPU 100, the power supply device 12 supplies the power supplied from the commercial power source to each device of the image forming system A1.

[0028] The fixing unit 13 fixes the toner image to the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred and which is transported by the intermediate transfer belt 155 and the secondary transfer roller 156. The fixing unit 13 transports the sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed toward the discharge tray 161a or the discharge tray 161b.

[0029] The reader 14 optically reads an image of an original placed on a glass surface (not shown), converts it into image data, and outputs the converted image data to the image forming unit 15 .

[0030] Image forming unit 15 executes image forming processing to form an image on sheet S fed from sheet cassette 19A or sheet cassette 19B based on image data input from reader 14. Image forming unit 15 includes photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K, charging devices 151Y, 151M, 151C, and 151K, and developing devices 152Y, 152M, 152C, and 152K. Image forming unit 15 also includes primary transfer rollers 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K, a laser scanner unit 154, an intermediate transfer belt 155, and a secondary transfer roller 156.

[0031] The photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K are rotated by driving devices (not shown). Toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K by charging devices 151Y, 151M, 151C, and 151K, developing devices 152Y, 152M, 152C, and 152K, and a laser scanner unit 154.

[0032] The charging devices 151Y, 151M, 151C, and 151K charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K.

[0033] The developing device 152Y deposits yellow toner onto the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y by the laser scanner unit 154, thereby forming a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y.

[0034] The developing device 152M deposits magenta toner onto the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150M by the laser scanner unit 154, thereby forming a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150M.

[0035] The developing device 152C deposits cyan toner onto the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150C by the laser scanner unit 154, thereby forming a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150C.

[0036] The developing device 152K deposits black toner onto the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150K by the laser scanner unit 154, thereby forming a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150K.

[0037] The primary transfer roller 153Y primarily transfers the yellow toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y by the developing device 152Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 155 by applying a primary transfer bias.

[0038] When a primary transfer bias is applied, the primary transfer roller 153M performs primary transfer of the magenta toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150M by the developing device 152M onto the intermediate transfer belt 155, superimposing the magenta toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 155.

[0039] When a primary transfer bias is applied, the primary transfer roller 153C primarily transfers the cyan toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150C by the developing device 152C onto the intermediate transfer belt 155. At this time, the primary transfer roller 153C primarily transfers the cyan toner image onto the yellow and magenta toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 155 so as to be superimposed thereon.

[0040] When a primary transfer bias is applied, the primary transfer roller 153K primarily transfers the black toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150K by the developing device 152K onto the intermediate transfer belt 155. At this time, the primary transfer roller 153K primarily transfers the black toner image onto the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 155 so as to be superimposed thereon.

[0041] Image data output from the reader 14 or image data transmitted and received from an external device (not shown) via a network is input to the laser scanner unit 154. In accordance with the input image data, the laser scanner unit 154 irradiates the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K, which have been charged by the charging devices 151Y, 151M, 151C, and 151K, with laser light. The laser scanner unit 154 forms electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K by irradiating the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K with laser light.

[0042] The toner images are superimposed and primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 155 by primary transfer rollers 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 153K, forming a full-color toner image.

[0043] The secondary transfer roller 156 forms a secondary transfer portion together with the intermediate transfer belt 155. When a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 156, the secondary transfer roller 156 performs secondarily transferring the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 155 to the sheet S fed from the sheet cassette 19A or the sheet cassette 19B in the secondary transfer portion. The secondary transfer roller 156 transports the sheet S onto which the full-color toner image has been secondarily transferred, together with the intermediate transfer belt 155, to the fixing portion 13.

[0044] Sheets S are stored in the sheet cassette 19A.

[0045] Sheets S are stored in the sheet cassette 19B.

[0046] The detection sensor 30 is provided below the reader 14 and is a photosensor such as a photointerrupter that includes a light-emitting portion that emits light and a light-receiving portion that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion, neither of which are shown. The detection sensor 30 detects the light-blocking member 71 that moves together with the operation panel 2 and the shaft portion 62, and outputs an electrical signal according to the detection result to the control unit 10.

[0047] The detection sensor 31 is provided below the reader 14 and is a photosensor such as a photointerrupter that includes a light-emitting portion that emits light and a light-receiving portion that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion, neither of which are shown. The detection sensor 31 is provided at a position different from the position at which the detection sensor 30 is provided in the Y direction, which is the movement direction of the operation panel 2. The detection sensor 31 detects the light-blocking member 71 that moves together with the operation panel 2 and the shaft portion 62, and outputs an electrical signal according to the detection result to the control unit 10.

[0048] The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed and which has been conveyed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged directly onto the discharge tray 161a, either via the processing device 16 or without passing through the processing device 16.

[0049] The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed and conveyed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged to the discharge tray 161b either via the processing device 16 or without passing through the processing device 16.

[0050] <Configuration of the operation panel> The configuration of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0051] The operation panel 2 has a panel control unit 20, a display unit 21, a touch panel 22, an operation sound generating unit 23, a status display unit 24, a key input unit 25, an IF unit 26, and a touch panel control unit 220.

[0052] The panel control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the operation panel 2 by exchanging electrical signals with the control unit 10 via the IF unit 26. The panel control unit 20 includes a CPU 200, a ROM 201, a RAM 202, and a timer 203.

[0053] The CPU 200 performs various arithmetic processing by executing a control program stored in the ROM 201 in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26. By executing the control program, the CPU 200 controls the operations of the display unit 21, the operation sound generating unit 23, the status display unit 24, the key input unit 25, the IF unit 26, and the touch panel control unit 220.

[0054] The CPU 200 controls the display unit 21 to switch between an image of image data stored in advance in the ROM 201 and an image of display image data input from the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26. The CPU 200 calculates the coordinates of the touch position on the touch panel 22 based on the coordinate data input from the touch panel control unit 220, and outputs an electrical signal according to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position to the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26.

[0055] The CPU 200 changes the light emission state of the status display unit 24 based on a control signal input from the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26. Specifically, the CPU 200 can adjust the light intensity of the status display unit 24 based on the control signal input from the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26, and controls the light emission state of the status display unit 24 so that it emits light at a first light intensity or a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity.

[0056] The ROM 201 stores various programs such as a control program for controlling the operation panel 2, and information and data related to the connection with the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the information related to control includes information on establishing a connection with the image forming apparatus 1 and information acquired from the image forming apparatus 1. The information acquired from the image forming apparatus 1 includes information on the status of the image forming apparatus 1, such as standby mode, sleep mode, or error detection, and count information such as the number of printed sheets.

[0057] The RAM 202 is used as a work area when the CPU 200 performs calculations, and temporarily stores data.

[0058] The timer 203 counts a count value by measuring time when the CPU 200 performs various processes under the control of the CPU 200.

[0059] The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal panel or the like that displays, under the control of the CPU 200, an image of image data pre-stored in the ROM 201 or an image of display image data input from the control unit 10 via the IF unit 26. Here, the image displayed on the display unit 21 is an image of information related to image formation, such as the number of images to be formed or the size of the sheet S on which the image is to be formed, or an image of an input key for making settings related to image reading, such as the size of the original document. In this way, under the control of the CPU 200, the display unit 21 switches between displaying a predetermined image, either an image of image data stored in the ROM 201 of the operation panel 2 or an image of display image data received by the operation panel 2 from the control unit 10.

[0060] The touch panel 22 is disposed on top of the display unit 21 and is visible through the screen of the display unit 21. The touch panel 22 is connected to the panel control unit 20 via a touch panel control unit 220. The touch panel 22 detects a user's touch operation on an image displayed on the display unit 21, and outputs an electrical signal according to the detection result to the touch panel control unit 220.

[0061] The operation sound generating unit 23 generates an operation sound according to an operation on the touch panel 22 under the control of the panel control unit 20 .

[0062] The status display unit 24 as a notification unit includes LEDs or the like as light-emitting elements that emit light to notify the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1, and is provided in a position that is visible from the outside when the operation panel 2 is stored in the apparatus main body 1a, as shown in FIG. 2. The status display unit 24 turns on or off and changes its light-emitting state according to the status of the image forming apparatus 1 under the control of the panel control unit 20. The status display unit 24 includes LEDs or the like of multiple colors, such as red and green, and notifies the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1 by changing the color or lighting pattern according to the status of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the status of the image forming apparatus 1 refers to a state in which a job is being executed or a state in which an error has occurred, such as out of paper or a paper jam.

[0063] The key input unit 25 is provided at a location other than the display unit 21 of the operation panel 2, and is a hard key including a key for starting a job of the image forming apparatus 1, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values, and a key for instructing transition to sleep mode. The key input unit 25 receives settings or job commands for the image forming apparatus 1 input by the user via the keys or numeric keypad, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received input to the panel control unit 20. Note that the illustration of the key input unit 25 is omitted in the operation panel 2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0064] The IF section 26 exchanges electrical signals between the CPU 100 of the control section 10 and the CPU 200 of the panel control section 20.

[0065] The touch panel control unit 220 operates under the control of the panel control unit 20. The touch panel control unit 220 detects the position of a touch on the touch panel 22 by the user based on an electrical signal input from the touch panel 22, and outputs coordinate data of the detected touch position to the CPU 200.

[0066] The operation panel 2 having the above configuration has both the display unit 21 and the touch panel 22, but is not limited to this and may have a touch panel display that combines the functions of both the display unit 21 and the touch panel 22.

[0067] The operation panel 2 having the above configuration is provided on the device body 1a so as to be movable between a storage position where it is in a storage state shown in Fig. 2 and an exposed position where it is in an exposed state shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, the operation panel 2 is provided on the device body 1a so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the X direction in the exposed state.

[0068] Here, the exposed position in the exposed state is a first position where the display unit 21, the touch panel 22, and the key input unit 25 are all exposed from the device body 1a. The stored position in the stored state is a second position where at least a part of the display unit 21, the touch panel 22, and the key input unit 25 are stored inside the device body 1a so that they cannot be seen from the outside. The stored positions include a third position where the display unit 21, the touch panel 22, and the key input unit 25 are all stored inside the device body 1a so that they cannot be seen from the outside.

[0069] When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state at the exposed position, the entire display unit 21 is visible from the outside. Also, when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state at the exposed position, the entire touch panel 22 is in a state where it can be operated by the user, such as by touching, and the entire key input unit 25 is in a state where it can be operated by pressing, such as by pressing.

[0070] When the operation panel 2 is in a storage state in which it is located at the storage position, at least a part of the display unit 21 cannot be seen from the outside, but at least a part of the display unit 21 is visible from the outside. Also, when the operation panel 2 is in a storage state in which it is located at the storage position, at least a part of the touch panel 22 cannot be operated by the user, and at least a part of the key input unit 25 cannot be operated by the user.

[0071] Whether the operation panel 2 is in the exposed position or in the retracted position, the status display unit 24 is visible from outside the device main body 1a.

[0072] <Operation of image forming device> The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0073] When an image formation job is input from the touch panel 22 of the operation panel 2, the control unit 10 receives the image formation job from the touch panel 22 via the touch panel control unit 220, the panel control unit 20, and the IF unit 26, and starts the image formation operation.

[0074] When the image forming operation is started, the sheet S stored in either the sheet cassette 19A or the sheet cassette 19B is sent to a secondary transfer portion formed by the intermediate transfer belt 155 and the secondary transfer roller 156.

[0075] In the image forming unit 15, the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y is charged by a charging device 151Y.

[0076] Next, the laser scanner unit 154 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y with laser light in accordance with the image data of the document read by the reader 14 or the image data received from an external device (not shown) via a network, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y.

[0077] Next, the developing device 152Y deposits yellow toner onto the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y, thereby forming a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y.

[0078] Next, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 155 by the primary transfer roller 153Y.

[0079] By a similar process, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 150M, 150C, and 150K. Then, by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer rollers 153M, 153C, and 153K, these toner images are transferred and superimposed on the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 155. As a result, a full-color toner image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 155.

[0080] Next, the full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 155 is conveyed to a secondary transfer unit as the intermediate transfer belt 155 rotates.

[0081] Next, the full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 155 conveyed to the secondary transfer portion is transferred to the sheet S conveyed from the sheet cassette 19A or the sheet cassette 19B in the secondary transfer portion.

[0082] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 13, where it is subjected to heat and pressure treatment to fix the toner image.

[0083] Next, the sheet S with the fixed toner image is sent to the processing device 16. If the user has specified a process such as stapling, punching, or bookbinding, the sheet S sent to the processing device 16 is subjected to the specified process and then discharged to the discharge tray 161a. If the user has not specified a process or the processing device 16 is not connected, the sheet S with the fixed toner image is discharged directly to the discharge tray 161b.

[0084] <Mode transition operation of image forming device> The mode transition operation of image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0085] The CPU 100 is capable of performing a mode transition operation to transition to a standby mode or a sleep mode that consumes less power than the standby mode.

[0086] In the standby mode, the power supply device 12 supplies power to the control unit 10, and also supplies power to devices in use and does not supply power to devices not in use under the control of the CPU 100. For example, when the user selects to read an image, the power supply device 12 supplies power to the reader 14, which is a device in use, under the control of the CPU 100, but does not supply power to the image forming unit 15 and the processing device 16, which are devices not in use.

[0087] When the image forming apparatus 1 has not been used for a certain period of time, or when an instruction to transition to the sleep mode is received from the user via the touch panel 22, the CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to transition from the standby mode to the sleep mode.

[0088] When the power supply device 12 transitions from the standby mode to the sleep mode, it stops supplying power to devices that had been supplied with power in the standby mode under the control of the CPU 100.

[0089] In the sleep mode, the CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode when it detects an input from the user. For example, in the sleep mode, the CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode when it receives an input from the user via the touch panel 22 to instruct the CPU 100 to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode. In the sleep mode, the CPU 100 also performs a mode transition operation to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode even when there is no input from the user, for example, when the reader 14 detects that a document has been placed on the reader 14.

[0090] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 and 8. FIG.

[0091] 8, Fig. 8(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position, Fig. 8(b) shows an intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at a position intermediate between the exposed position and the stored position (hereinafter referred to as the "intermediate position"), and Fig. 8(c) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0092] 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c), the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 30 and the detection sensor 31 are disposed with a gap between them in a direction (depth direction) perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 8. The light-shielding member 71 passes between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 30 and between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 31. Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 8(c), the operation panel 2 is provided with a recess or the like (not shown) that allows light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the detection sensor 30 to reach the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 30 without being blocked.

[0093] When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (the state shown in FIG. 4 ) as the first state, the detection sensor 30 detects the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the detection sensor 30 is blocked by the light-shielding member 71, as shown in FIG. 8(a). When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the detection sensor 31 is received by the light-receiving unit of the detection sensor 31 without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71, as shown in FIG. 8(a). In this case, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state based on the detection results of the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0094] When the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, which is the third state, the detection sensor 30 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is received by the light-receiving unit without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71, as shown in Fig. 8(b). Also, when the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the detection sensor 31 is received by the light-receiving unit of the detection sensor 31 without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71, as shown in Fig. 8(b). In this case, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state based on the detection results of the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0095] When the operation panel 2 is in the stored state (the state shown in FIG. 2) as the second state, the detection sensor 30 does not detect the light blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit without being blocked by the light blocking member 71, as shown in FIG. 8(c). Also, the detection sensor 31 detects the light blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit of the detection sensor 31 is blocked by the light blocking member 71, as shown in FIG. 8(c). In this case, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state based on the detection results of the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0096] The operation panel 2 is configured to not move in the depth direction (to the right in FIG. 8(c)) beyond the stored position shown in FIG. 8(c) by a stopper or the like (not shown). In the intermediate state, the operation panel 2 has a part of the display unit 21 stored in the device main body 1a, and the remaining part of the display unit 21 other than the stored part is exposed to the outside from the device main body 1a.

[0097] The detection sensors 30 and 31 are not limited to photosensors, but may be mechanical sensors such as switches. The detection and non-detection of the light blocking member 71 by the detection sensors 30 and 31 may be reversed.

[0098] <Panel status detection process> The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0099] 9 starts when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on. In FIG. 9, the detection of each of the detection sensors 30 and 31 that detects the light blocking member 71 is described as ON.

[0100] First, the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 30 has detected the light blocking member 71 (whether it is ON or not) based on an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result input from the detection sensor 30 (S101).

[0101] When the detection sensor 30 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S101: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (S102), performs control for when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, and then ends the panel state detection process. At this time, the CPU 100 notifies the CPU 200 of the operation panel 2 that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state by outputting an electrical signal to the operation panel 2 indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0102] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 30 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 (step S101: No), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 31 has detected the light-shielding member 71 (whether it is ON or not) based on the electrical signal input from the detection sensor 31 (S103).

[0103] When the detection sensor 31 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S103: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state (S104), performs control for when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state, and then ends the panel state detection process. At this time, the CPU 100 notifies the CPU 200 of the operation panel 2 that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state by outputting an electrical signal to the operation panel 2 indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state.

[0104] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S103: No), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state (S105), performs control for when the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, and then ends the panel state detection process. At this time, the CPU 100 notifies the CPU 200 of the operation panel 2 that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state by outputting an electrical signal to the operation panel 2 indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state.

[0105] <Light intensity correction processing> The light amount correction process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0106] When a user operates the image forming apparatus 1 with the operation panel 2 in the exposed state, the user's attention is drawn to the operation panel 2. Therefore, the state of the image forming apparatus 1 can be reliably notified to the user by the illumination of the status display unit 24 of the operation panel 2.

[0107] On the other hand, when a user operates the image forming apparatus 1 with the operation panel 2 in the retracted state, there is a risk that the user's attention will not be drawn to the operation panel 2. Therefore, there is a possibility that the illumination of the status display unit 24 of the operation panel 2 will not be able to adequately notify the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, when the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state, it is more difficult for the user to see the illumination of the status display unit 24 than when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, and there is a risk that the notification performance by the illumination will be reduced.

[0108] In consideration of the above problem, the CPU 100 executes the light amount correction process shown in FIG. 10 to change the light emission state of the status display unit 24 in response to changes in the storage state and exposure state of the operation panel 2.

[0109] The light amount correction process shown in FIG. 10 starts when the CPU 100 completes the panel state detection process.

[0110] First, CPU 100 determines whether the state of operation panel 2 determined by executing the panel state detection process shown in FIG. 9 is the stored state (S201).

[0111] When the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state (step S201: Yes), the CPU 100 increases the light intensity setting value, thereby setting the light intensity of the status display unit 24 to be greater than the light intensity when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (S202).

[0112] Next, the CPU 100 performs control to light up the status display unit 24 with the light intensity set in step S202 (S203), and then ends the light intensity correction process.

[0113] On the other hand, if the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state or the intermediate state (step S201: No), the CPU 100 skips the process of step S202 and executes the process of step S203 without changing the setting of the light intensity of the status display unit 24.

[0114] In the light intensity correction process, when CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, it outputs a control signal to operation panel 2 to control status display unit 24 to emit light at a first light intensity. When CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the stored state, it outputs a control signal to operation panel 2 to control status display unit 24 to emit light at a second light intensity that is greater than the first light intensity.

[0115] Furthermore, when operation panel 2 is located at the third position, CPU 100 outputs a control signal to operation panel 2 to control status display unit 24 to emit light at a third light amount greater than the second light amount. When status display unit 24 emits light at the third light amount when operation panel 2 is located at the third position, it emits light at the second light amount when it is located at the second position, which is an intermediate state.

[0116] Furthermore, the amount of exposure of the status display unit 24 from the device body 1a changes depending on the position of the operation panel 2, and the light intensity of the light emitting unit increases as the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 from the device body 1a decreases.

[0117] Here, in the above-described light intensity correction process, the light intensity of the status display unit 24 is set to be the same when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state and when it is in the intermediate state. However, this is not limited to this, and since the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 from the device body 1a changes depending on the position of the operation panel 2, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit of the status display unit 24 may be increased as the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 from the device body 1a decreases. This reduces the light intensity of the light-emitting unit of the status display unit 24 as the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 from the device body 1a increases, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0118] As described above, according to this embodiment, the light intensity of the status display unit 24 is controlled to vary depending on the state of the operation panel 2. In particular, in this embodiment, the light intensity of the status display unit 24 is controlled so that when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state, the light intensity of the status display unit 24 is greater than when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state. This reduces the risk of a decrease in the ability of the status display unit 24 to notify the user when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state.

[0119] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation panel 2 having a display unit 21 that displays information related to image formation and a status display unit 24 that notifies the status of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation panel 2 is provided on the apparatus body 1a so that it can move between a first position where the entire display unit 21 is exposed from the apparatus body 1a and a second position where at least a part of the display unit 21 is stored inside the apparatus body 1a so that it cannot be seen from outside the apparatus body 1a. The status display unit 24 is provided in a position that is visible from outside the apparatus body 1a when the operation panel 2 is located in the second position.

[0120] This makes it possible for the user to easily recognize the state of the image forming apparatus 1, even when the operation panel 2 that can be stored in the apparatus main body 1a is difficult to see by storing the operation panel 2 in the apparatus main body 1a. Also, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the ability to notify the user of the state of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0121] (Embodiment 2) <Configuration of image forming system> The configuration of an image forming system A2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0122] In FIG. 11, parts having the same configuration as those in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] The image forming system A2 includes the image forming device 1, a processing device 16, and a notification device 17. Note that the image forming system A2 does not necessarily have to include the processing device 16.

[0124] The notification device 17 notifies the state of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the state of the operation panel 2 under the control of the CPU 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0125] <Lamp interlocking processing> The lamp interlocking process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0126] The lamp interlocking process shown in FIG. 13 is started at the timing when the CPU 100 completes the panel state detection process.

[0127] First, CPU 100 determines whether the state of operation panel 2 determined by executing the panel state detection process shown in FIG. 9 is the stored state (S301).

[0128] If the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state (S301: Yes), the CPU 100 determines whether the notification device 17 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 (S302).

[0129] When the notification device 17 is connected (S302: Yes), the CPU 100 sets the notification device 17 and the status display unit 24 to light up in conjunction with each other (S303). Specifically, the CPU 100 controls the notification device 17 to light up in synchronization with the timing at which the status display unit 24 lights up.

[0130] Next, CPU 100 lights up status display section 24 in accordance with the status of operation panel 2 (S304), and then ends the lamp interlocking process.

[0131] On the other hand, if operation panel 2 is in the exposed state or the intermediate state (S301: No), CPU 100 skips to the process of step S304.

[0132] If the notification device 17 is not connected (S302: No), the CPU 100 skips to the process of step S304.

[0133] In this embodiment, notification device 17, which is always exposed to the outside of device main body 1a, is controlled to notify the status of image forming device 1 in synchronization with the timing at which status display unit 24 notifies the status of image forming device 1. In this way, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, it is possible to prevent a decrease in notification performance to the user when operation panel 2 is in the retracted state.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0135] Specifically, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the status display unit 24 notifies using light, but this is not limiting, and a status notification unit that notifies using sound or voice instead of or in addition to light may be provided. In this case, by providing the status notification unit in a position that is visible from the outside when the operation panel is in the stored state, the user can clearly hear the sound or voice without being obstructed by the device main body 1a, thereby suppressing a decrease in notification performance.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the operation panel 2 is configured to be stored below the reader 14 of the image forming device 1, but this is not limited thereto, and the operation panel may be configured to be foldable, flexible, or extendable.

[0137] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the CPU 100 performs control based on the electrical signals input from the detection sensors 30 and 31, and control for changing the light intensity of the status display unit 24. However, without being limited to this, the CPU 200 may perform control based on the electrical signals input from the detection sensors 30 and 31, and control for changing the light intensity of the status display unit 24.

[0138] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the status of the image forming apparatus 1 is notified by emitting light from a light-emitting unit provided in the status display unit 24. However, this is not limiting, and a sound generating unit may be provided as a notification unit that emits sound instead of or in addition to the status display unit 24, and the status of the image forming apparatus 1 may be notified by the sound emitted by the sound generating unit. In this case, the sound generating unit is capable of changing the volume, and emits sound at a first volume when the operation panel 2 is located in a first position, and emits sound at a second volume that is louder than the first volume when the operation panel 2 is located in a second position.

[0139] Furthermore, if the operation panel 2 is provided with a sound generating unit, there is a risk that the sound emitted by the sound generating unit may not reach the outside when the operation panel 2 is stored in the device body 1a. Therefore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit may be changed depending on the amount of storage of the operation panel 2 relative to the device body 1a. Specifically, the volume of the sound emitted by the sound generating unit may be increased as the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 from the device body 1a decreases. This makes it easier for the user to recognize notifications from the status display unit 24. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] A1 Image Forming System A2 Image forming system 1. Image forming device 1a Device body 2 Operation panel 10 Control Unit 15 Image forming unit 17 Alarm device 20 Panel control section 21 Display section 22 Touch Panel 24 Status display section 30 Detection sensor 31 Detection sensor 100 CPU 200 CPU 220 Touch panel control unit

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, an apparatus main body having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; an operating unit having a display unit that displays information related to image formation and a notification unit that notifies the status of the image forming apparatus, the operating unit being provided on the apparatus body so as to be movable between a first position where the entire display unit is exposed from the apparatus body and a second position where at least a part of the display unit is stored inside the apparatus body so that it cannot be seen from outside the apparatus body; Equipped with The notification unit the operation unit is provided at a position visible from outside the device body when the operation unit is located at the second position; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The notification unit a light-emitting unit that emits light, and notifies the state of the image forming apparatus by emitting light from the light-emitting unit; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The light emitting unit the light amount is adjustable, and when the operation unit is located at the first position, the light is emitted at a first light amount, and when the operation unit is located at the second position, the light is emitted at a second light amount greater than the first light amount; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The operation unit includes: The display unit is movable to the first position, the second position, and a third position in which the display unit is stored inside the device body so that the entire display unit cannot be seen from the outside.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. The light emitting unit When the operation unit is located at the third position, the operation unit emits light at a third light amount that is greater than the second light amount.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The notification unit a sound generating unit that generates a sound, and notifies the user of the state of the image forming apparatus by the sound generated by the sound generating unit; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. the sound generating unit is capable of changing a volume, and generates a sound at a first volume when the operation unit is located at the first position, and generates a sound at a second volume that is higher than the first volume when the operation unit is located at the second position; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. The operation unit includes: The display unit is movable to the first position, the second position, and a third position in which the display unit is stored inside the device body so that the entire display unit cannot be seen from the outside.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The sound generating unit When the operation unit is located at the third position, a sound is emitted at a third volume that is greater than the second volume.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. a control unit that controls a notification device that is always exposed to the outside of the device body to notify the status of the image forming device in synchronization with the timing at which the notification unit notifies the status of the image forming device; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

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