Image formation device

Abstract

To detect that an operation panel positions in a storage position or an exposure position, furthermore, to detect that the operation panel positions between the exposure position and the storage position.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: a detection sensor 30 and a detection sensor 31 of which states change in accordance with an exposure position, a storage position, and an intermediate position of an operation panel 2; and a control unit 10 for determining the exposure position, the storage position, and the intermediate position of the operation panel 2 on the basis of the states of the detection sensor 30 and the detection sensor 31.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 portion 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, allowing the screen to be enlarged when a larger screen is required.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus having an operation unit that can be stored inside the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 has a protrusion detection sensor that detects the protruding position of the operation unit that protrudes outside the image forming apparatus, and a storage detection sensor that detects the storage position of the operation unit that is stored inside the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-53818 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-160337 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, Patent Document 2 has a problem in that it is not possible to detect a state in which the operating unit is positioned between the protruding position and the retracted position.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming device that can detect whether the operation panel is located in the storage position or the exposed position, as well as detect whether the operation panel is located between the exposed position and the storage position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and is characterized by having: 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, the operation unit being movable on the apparatus main body between an exposed position in which the entire display unit is exposed to the outside from the apparatus main body and a stored position in which the entire display unit is stored inside the apparatus main body so that it cannot be seen from the outside of the apparatus main body; and the operation unit being in an intermediate state in which part of the display unit is exposed from the apparatus main body at an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position; a state change unit whose state changes depending on the exposed position, the stored position and the intermediate position of the operation unit; and a control unit that determines the exposed state, the stored state or the intermediate state of the operation unit based on the state of the state change unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in addition to being able to detect whether the operation panel is in the storage position or the exposed position, it is also possible to detect whether the operation panel is in a position between the exposed position and the storage position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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 block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 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 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating operations of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is rotated in an exposed state. FIG. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a method for detecting the state of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of a panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for detecting states from an exposed state to a fourth intermediate state of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for detecting the states of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, from the fifth intermediate state to the retracted state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a panel state detection process executed by an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for detecting the state of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for detecting the state of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram showing a method for detecting the state of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a panel state detection process executed by an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram showing a method for detecting the state of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16]FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a panel state detection process executed by an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of some members of an image forming apparatus according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of image forming system> The configuration of an image forming system A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0013] The image forming system A includes an image forming device 1a, a processing device 16, and a notification device 17. Note that the image forming system A does not necessarily have to include the processing device 16.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 1a 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 1a discharges the sheet S conveyed from the processing device 16 to the outside. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1a will be described in detail later.

[0015] The processing device 16 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1a 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 sheets S on which images are formed and which are transported from the image forming apparatus 1a. The processing device 16 transports the sheets S that have been processed as set by the user to the image forming apparatus 1a.

[0016] The notification device 17 notifies the status of the image forming device 1a.

[0017] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1a according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1, 2, 6, and 17(a). Figure 17(a) is a perspective view of detection sensors 30 and 31 of image forming apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment.

[0018] 6, Fig. 6(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Fig. 6(b) shows a first intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is greater than in the second intermediate state. Fig. 6(c) shows a second intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is less than in the first intermediate state. Fig. 6(d) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0019] Image forming apparatus 1a includes operation panel 2, operation panel storage section 6, control section 10, storage device 11, power supply device 12, fixing section 13, reader 14, image forming section 15, sheet cassette 19A, and sheet cassette 19B. Image forming apparatus 1a also includes detection sensor 30, detection sensor 31, device main body 50, operation section rail 61, shaft section 62, fixing member 63, abutment member 64, abutment member 65, light-shielding member 71, and paper output tray 161a and paper output tray 161b. Note that operation panel storage section 6 is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0020] The operation panel 2 serving as the operation unit is stored in the operation panel storage unit 6 so as to be movable in the Y direction or the direction opposite to the Y direction, and when moved in the Y direction, is rotatable about an axis parallel to the X 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.

[0021] The operation panel storage section 6 is provided in the space below the reader 14 of the device body 50 of the image forming device 1a. Note that the operation panel storage section 6 is not limited to being provided in the space below the reader 14, but may be provided inside the reader 14 or in the space above the reader 14. Also, the operation panel storage section 6 is omitted from FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0022] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1a, 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 .

[0023] The CPU 100 controls the operations of the operation panel 2, power supply device 12, fixing unit 13, reader 14, image forming unit 15, processing device 16, and notification device 17, 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., using the memory 101.

[0024] The CPU 100 performs image processing on the image data input from the reader 14, stores the image data that has undergone the image processing in the storage device 11, and executes image forming processing to transfer the image data to the image forming unit 15, thereby forming an image on the sheet S. The CPU 100 reads out the display image data stored in the storage device 11 from the storage device 11 and transmits it to the operation panel 2, thereby displaying an image on the operation panel 2.

[0025] CPU 100 executes a mode setting process using timer 102. In the mode setting process, CPU 100 transitions image forming apparatus 1a from a standby mode to a sleep mode with low power consumption, according to the count value counted by timer 102.

[0026] CPU 100 executes a panel state detection process (described later) that determines the state of operation panel 2 based on the electrical signals input from detection sensors 30 and 31. CPU 100 controls the destination of power supply from power supply device 12 according to the determined state of operation panel 2. CPU 100 generates a control signal for controlling the display of display unit 21 (described later) of operation panel 2 according to the determined state of operation panel 2, and outputs the generated control signal to operation panel 2.

[0027] The memory 101 temporarily stores data generated when the CPU 100 executes the program 110 .

[0028] The timer 102 counts a count value by measuring time when the CPU 100 performs various processes under the control of the CPU 100.

[0029] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 related to the control of the image forming device 1a, 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.

[0030] The power supply device 12, which serves as a power supply unit, 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 from the commercial power source to each device in the image forming system A.

[0031] 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 paper discharge tray 161a or the paper discharge tray 161b.

[0032] 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 .

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The charging devices 151Y, 151M, 151C, and 151K charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] When a primary transfer bias is applied, the primary transfer roller 153M primarily transfers the magenta toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 150M by the developing device 152M onto the intermediate transfer belt 155. At this time, the primary transfer roller 153M primarily transfers the magenta toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 155 so that the magenta toner image is superimposed on the yellow toner image.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Image data is input to the laser scanner unit 154 from the reader 14 or image data transmitted from an external device (not shown) via a network. 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Sheets S are stored in the sheet cassette 19A.

[0048] Sheets S are stored in the sheet cassette 19B.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, the detection sensor 30 serving as the state change unit and the first state change unit is provided inside the operation panel storage unit 6, and changes its state depending on the position of the operation panel 2. As shown in Fig. 17(a), the detection sensor 30 is a photosensor such as a photointerrupter that includes a light receiving unit 162a and a light emitting unit 163a.

[0050] The light receiving unit 162a includes an internal phototransistor (Ptr) (not shown). In a transmission state where there is no light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 163a and the light receiving unit 162a, the light receiving unit 162a receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 163a and outputs a low-level signal to the control unit 10. In a light blocking state where there is a light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 163a and the light receiving unit 162a, the light receiving unit 162a cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163a and outputs a high-level signal to the control unit 10.

[0051] The light emitting unit 163a includes an LED (not shown) inside, and emits light from the LED.

[0052] The detection sensor 31, which serves as the state change unit and the second state change unit, is provided inside the operation panel storage unit 6, is provided at a position different from the detection sensor 30 in the movement direction of the operation panel 2, and changes its state depending on the position of the operation panel 2. The detection sensors 30 and 31 are arranged along the movement direction of the operation panel 2. The detection sensor 31 is a photosensor such as a photointerrupter that includes a light receiving unit 162b and a light emitting unit 163b.

[0053] The light receiving unit 162b includes a phototransistor (not shown) therein. In a transmission state where there is no light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 163b and the light receiving unit 162b, the light receiving unit 162b receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163b and outputs a low-level signal to the control unit 10. In a light blocking state where there is a light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 163b and the light receiving unit 162b, the light receiving unit 162b cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163b and outputs a high-level signal to the control unit 10.

[0054] The light emitting unit 163b includes an LED (not shown) inside, and emits light from the LED.

[0055] The apparatus main body 50 includes the fixing unit 13, the image forming unit 15, the sheet cassette 19A, the sheet cassette 19B, the paper discharge tray 161a, and the paper discharge tray 161b. The sheet S, on which the toner image has been fixed and which has been transported by the fixing unit 13, is discharged to the paper discharge tray 161a either via the processing device 16 or without the processing device 16. The sheet S, on which the toner image has been fixed and which has been transported by the fixing unit 13, is discharged to the paper discharge tray 161b either via the processing device 16 or without the processing device 16.

[0056] 6, the operation unit rail 61 is provided inside the operation panel storage unit 6. The operation unit rail 61 stores the operation panel 2 in the operation panel storage unit 6 or exposes the operation panel 2 from the operation panel storage unit 6 by sliding the operation panel 2 in the Y direction or the direction opposite to the Y direction.

[0057] The operation panel 2 is connected to the shaft portion 62. The shaft portion 62 moves together with the operation panel 2.

[0058] 6, the fixed member 63 is connected to the shaft portion 62. The fixed member 63 moves together with the operation panel 2 and the shaft portion 62.

[0059] The abutting member 64 is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the fixed member 63. By coming into contact with the fixed member 63, the abutting member 64 restricts movement of the operation panel 2 in the Y direction (leftward in FIG. 6(a)).

[0060] The abutting member 65 is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the fixed member 63. By coming into contact with the fixed member 63, the abutting member 65 restricts movement of the operation panel 2 in the direction opposite to the Y direction (to the right in FIG. 6(d)).

[0061] The light blocking member 71 is provided on the shaft portion 62. The light blocking member 71 moves together with the shaft portion 62, passing between the light receiving portion 162a and the light emitting portion 163a, or between the light receiving portion 162b and the light emitting portion 163b.

[0062] <Configuration of the operation panel> The configuration of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The CPU 200 controls the display unit 21 to switch between a display image related to information stored in advance in the ROM 201 and a display image of display image data received 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 corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position to the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1a via the IF unit 26. When it is desired to invalidate a user's operation on the touch panel 22, the CPU 200 does not output the electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position.

[0067] The CPU 200 changes the light-emitting state of the status indicator 24 based on the control signal input from the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26. Specifically, the CPU 200 controls the light-emitting state of the status indicator 24 based on the control signal input from the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26 so that the status indicator 24 emits light at a first light intensity or a second light intensity that is greater than the first light intensity.

[0068] 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 1a. Here, the information related to control is information on establishing a connection with the image forming apparatus 1a and information acquired from the image forming apparatus 1a. The information acquired from the image forming apparatus 1a includes information on the status of the image forming apparatus 1a, such as standby mode, sleep mode, or error detection, and count information such as the number of printed sheets.

[0069] The RAM 202 is used as a work area when the CPU 200 performs calculations, and temporarily stores data.

[0070] The timer 203 counts a count value by measuring time when the CPU 200 performs various processes under the control of the CPU 200.

[0071] Under the control of the panel control unit 20, the display unit 21 displays an image of image data pre-stored in the ROM 201, or an image of 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 an image of image data stored in the ROM 201 of the operation panel 2 and displaying an image of image data received by the operation panel 2 from the control unit 10.

[0072] The touch panel 22 serving as an operation unit 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 can be operated by a user by touching it, and detects a touch operation by the user 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.

[0073] 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 .

[0074] The status display unit 24 is an LED or the like that notifies the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1a, and is provided in a position that is visible from the outside when the operation panel 2 is stored in the apparatus main body 50, as shown in FIG. 4. The status display unit 24 turns on or off and changes its light-emitting state according to the status of the image forming apparatus 1a under the control of the panel control unit 20. The status display unit 24 is equipped with LEDs or the like of multiple colors, such as red and green, and notifies the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1a by changing the color or lighting pattern according to the status of the image forming apparatus 1a. Here, the status of the image forming apparatus 1a means a state in which a job is being executed, or a state in which an error such as out of paper or a paper jam has occurred.

[0075] 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 keys for starting a job of the image forming apparatus 1a and a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values. The key input unit 25 receives settings for the image forming apparatus 1a or input of job commands by the user via the keys or the numeric keypad, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received input to the panel control unit 20.

[0076] The IF section 26 transmits and receives electrical signals between the CPU 100 of the control section 10 and the CPU 200 of the panel control section 20.

[0077] 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.

[0078] In the operation panel 2 having the above configuration, the user can perform inputs by touching the input section or button keys displayed on the display section 21 with his / her finger via the touch panel 22. This allows the user to perform settings related to image formation, such as the number of images to be formed or the size of the sheet S, or settings related to image reading, such as the size of the document.

[0079] <Operation of image forming device> The operation of the image forming apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In the image forming unit 15, the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y is charged by a charging device 151Y.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 19B in the secondary transfer portion.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 of the paper discharge area 160. 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 of the paper discharge area 160.

[0091] <Control according to the state of the operation panel> Control according to the state of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Note that in Figures 4 and 5, the illustration of the key input unit 25 on the operation panel 2 is omitted.

[0092] In Fig. 4, Fig. 4(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Fig. 4(b) shows a first intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the intermediate position. Fig. 4(c) shows a second intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the intermediate position. Fig. 4(d) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0093] Here, the exposed position in the exposed state is a position where the display unit 21, the touch panel 22, and the key input unit 25 are all exposed from the device body 50. The stored position in the stored state is a position where the display unit 21, the touch panel 22, and the key input unit 25 are all stored inside the device body 50 so that they cannot be seen from the outside.

[0094] 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.

[0095] Furthermore, when the operation panel 2 is in the storage state in the storage position, the entire touch panel 22 cannot be operated by the user, and the entire key input unit 25 cannot be operated by the user.

[0096] When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state shown in Fig. 4(a), the touch panel 22 is visible. When the operation panel 2 is in the stored state shown in Fig. 4(d), the touch panel 22 is not visible. Furthermore, when the operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state shown in Fig. 4(b) or the second intermediate state shown in Fig. 4(c), a portion of the touch panel 22 is visible, and the operation panel 2 is in neither the exposed state nor the stored state. As shown in Fig. 5, when in the exposed state, the operation panel 2 is rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the x-axis direction.

[0097] 4(a) to 4(d), storing the operation panel 2 in the operation panel storage section 6 makes it possible to widen the paper discharge area 160 compared to when the operation panel 2 is not stored in the operation panel storage section 6. This makes it easier to remove the sheet S discharged to the paper discharge tray 161a or the paper discharge tray 161b in the paper discharge area 160 when the operation panel 2 is stored in the operation panel storage section 6.

[0098] When CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, the first intermediate state, the second intermediate state, or the stored state, it controls power supply device 12 to supply power to display unit 21 or stops the supply of power, depending on the determined state. For example, when operation panel 2 is in the stored state, CPU 100 can save power by controlling power supply device 12 to stop the supply of power to display unit 21.

[0099] Furthermore, when CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, the first intermediate state, the second intermediate state, or the stored state, it controls power supply device 12 to supply power to touch panel 22 or controls power supply device 12 to stop supplying power, depending on the determined state. For example, when operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state, CPU 100 controls power supply device 12 to stop supplying power to touch panel 22, thereby turning off touch panel 22. As a result, even if a user touches touch panel 22 when pulling operation panel 2 out of device body 50, touch panel 22 does not operate, thereby reducing operation of image forming apparatus 1a unintended by the user.

[0100] Furthermore, when the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, the first intermediate state, the second intermediate state, or the stored state, the CPU 100 controls to change the display mode of the image displayed on the display unit 21 according to each determined state.

[0101] For example, the display area of ​​display unit 21 is smaller when operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state than when operation panel 2 is in the exposed state. Thus, CPU 100 performs control to make the size of icons displayed on display unit 21 of operation panel 2 in the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state smaller than the size of icons displayed on display unit 21 of operation panel 2 in the exposed state. Alternatively, CPU 100 performs control to make the number of icons displayed on display unit 21 of operation panel 2 in the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state smaller than the number of icons displayed on display unit 21 of operation panel 2 in the exposed state.

[0102] In this way, CPU 100 performs control to change the size or number of icons in accordance with the display area of ​​display unit 21. As a result, even if the area of ​​the display area of ​​display unit 21 changes, deterioration in usability can be suppressed by changing the display mode.

[0103] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. Note that in Fig. 6, illustration of key input unit 25 of operation panel 2 is omitted.

[0104] The operation panel 2 moves in one direction along the operation unit rail 61 from an exposed position where it is in an exposed state, through a first intermediate state and a second intermediate state, to a stored position where it is in a stored state. Also, the operation panel 2 moves in the opposite direction along the operation unit rail 61 from a stored position where it is in a stored state, through the second intermediate state and the first intermediate state, to an exposed position where it is in an exposed state.

[0105] When the operation panel 2 moves in the direction opposite to the Y direction, which is the push-in direction, the fixing member 63 and the light blocking member 71 move in the push-in direction in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2. Furthermore, when the operation panel 2 moves in the Y direction, which is the pull-out direction, the fixing member 63 and the light blocking member 71 move in the pull-out direction in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2.

[0106] When the operation panel 2 is pulled out to the exposed position where it is in the exposed state, the fixing member 63 abuts against the abutment member 64, thereby restricting movement of the operation panel 2 from the exposed position in the pulling direction. When the operation panel 2 is pushed into the retracted position where it is in the retracted state, the fixing member 63 abuts against the abutment member 65, thereby restricting movement of the operation panel 2 from the retracted position in the pushing direction.

[0107] The detection sensors 30 and 31 change their states from a transparent state to a light-blocking state or from a light-blocking state to a transparent state due to a light-blocking member 71 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2. The CPU 100 determines the position and state of the operation panel 2 based on the states of the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0108] 6(a), the light-shielding member 71 is located closer to the detection sensors 30 and 31 in the pulling-out direction, and therefore causes the detection sensors 30 and 31 to be in a transmitting state. The detection sensor 30 in the transmitting state does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163a is received by the light-receiving unit 162a without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71. Furthermore, the detection sensor 31 in the transmitting state does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163b is received by the light-receiving unit 162b without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71.

[0109] As a result, the detection sensors 30 and 31 output low-level signals to the CPU 100. When the low-level signals are input from the detection sensors 30 and 31, the CPU 100 detects that the detection sensors 30 and 31 are in the transparent state, and determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0110] 6(b), the light-blocking member 71 puts the detection sensor 30 in a light-blocking state and the detection sensor 31 in a light-transmitting state. The detection sensor 30 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163a is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 31 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163b is received by the light-receiving unit 162b without being blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0111] As a result, detection sensor 30 outputs a high-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensor 31 outputs a low-level signal to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 30 is in the light-blocking state when the high-level signal is input from detection sensor 30, and detects that detection sensor 31 is in the light-transmitting state when the low-level signal is input from detection sensor 31. As a result, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state.

[0112] 6(c), the light-blocking member 71 blocks the light from the detection sensors 30 and 31. The detection sensor 30 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163a is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 31 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163b is blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0113] As a result, the detection sensors 30 and 31 output a high-level signal to the CPU 100. When the high-level signals are input from the detection sensors 30 and 31, the CPU 100 detects that the detection sensors 30 and 31 are in a light-blocking state, and determines that the operation panel 2 is in the second intermediate state.

[0114] 6(d), the light-blocking member 71 puts the detection sensor 30 in a light-transmitting state and the detection sensor 31 in a light-blocking state. The detection sensor 30 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163a is received by the light-receiving unit 162a without being blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 31 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163b is blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0115] As a result, detection sensor 30 outputs a low-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensor 31 outputs a high-level signal to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 30 is in the transparent state when the low-level signal is input from detection sensor 30, and detects that detection sensor 31 is in the light-blocking state when the high-level signal is input from detection sensor 31. As a result, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the retracted state.

[0116] In this way, the position and state of the operation panel 2 are detected in digital format by the detection sensors 30 and 31, which are photosensors, so that erroneous detection due to the influence of disturbances or the like can be suppressed.

[0117] <Panel status detection process> The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0118] The panel state detection process shown in Fig. 6 starts when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1a is turned on. In Fig. 6, the detection of each of the detection sensors 30 and 31 by the light blocking member 71 is described as ON.

[0119] First, the CPU 100 determines whether or not the detection sensor 30 has detected the light blocking member 71 (whether or not it is ON) (S101).

[0120] If the detection sensor 30 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S101: No), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 31 has detected the light blocking member 71 (S102).

[0121] If the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S102: No), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (S103), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0122] On the other hand, in the process of step S102, if the detection sensor 31 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S102: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state (S104), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0123] Furthermore, in the process of step S101, if the detection sensor 30 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S101: Yes), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 31 has detected the light blocking member 71 (S105).

[0124] If the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S105: No), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state (S106), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0125] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 31 detects the light-shielding member 71 in the processing of step S105 (step S105: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the second intermediate state (S107), and then ends the panel state detection processing.

[0126] In this embodiment, there are provided detection sensors 30 and 31 whose states change depending on whether the operation panel 2 is in the exposed position, retracted position, or intermediate position. There is also provided a CPU 100 that determines whether the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, retracted state, or intermediate state based on the change in the states of the detection sensors 30 and 31. This makes it possible to detect whether the operation panel 2 is in the retracted position or the exposed position, as well as to detect whether the operation panel 2 is in a position between the exposed position and the retracted position.

[0127] (Embodiment 2) The configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of image forming apparatus 1b according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that in Figures 8 and 9, parts that are the same as those in Figure 6 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment other than the configuration in Figures 8 and 9 is the same as that in Figures 1 to 3, so its illustration and description will be omitted. Furthermore, in Figures 8 and 9, the key input unit 25 on operation panel 2 is not shown.

[0129] 8, Fig. 8(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Fig. 8(b) shows a third intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is greater than in the fourth intermediate state. Fig. 8(c) shows a fourth intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 has moved from the intermediate position shown in Fig. 8(b) in a direction closer to the stored position and is located at an intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is greater than in the fifth intermediate state.

[0130] 9, Fig. 9(a) shows a fifth intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 has moved from the intermediate position shown in Fig. 8(c) in a direction approaching the storage position and is located at the intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is greater than in the sixth intermediate state. Fig. 9(b) shows a sixth intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 has moved from the intermediate position shown in Fig. 9(a) in a direction approaching the storage position and is located at the intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is less than in the fifth intermediate state. Fig. 9(c) shows a storage state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the storage position.

[0131] Image forming apparatus 1b has operation panel 2, operation panel storage section 6, control section 10, storage device 11, power supply device 12, fixing section 13, reader 14, image forming section 15, sheet cassette 19A, and sheet cassette 19B. Image forming apparatus 1b also has operation section rails 61, shafts 62, fixing members 63, abutting members 64 and 65, and a light-shielding member 71. Image forming apparatus 1b also has detection sensors 130, 131, and 132, and paper output tray 161a and paper output tray 161b.

[0132] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 b , the operation of the processing device 16 , and the operation of the notification device 17 .

[0133] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 relating to the control of the image forming apparatus 1b, display image data, print data, and the like.

[0134] In the mode setting process, CPU 100 transitions image forming apparatus 1b from the standby mode to a sleep mode with low power consumption in accordance with the count value counted by timer 102. CPU 100 executes a panel state detection process (described later) that determines the state of operation panel 2 based on electrical signals input from detection sensors 130, 131, and 132.

[0135] The detection sensor 130 serving as a state change unit is provided inside the operation panel storage unit 6, and its state changes depending on the position of the operation panel 2. The detection sensor 130 is a photosensor such as a photointerrupter that includes a light receiving unit 1162a and a light emitting unit 1163a.

[0136] The light receiving unit 1162a includes a phototransistor (not shown) therein. When the light receiving unit 1162a is in a transmission state where there is no light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 1163a and the light receiving unit 1162a, the light receiving unit 1162a receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163a and outputs a low-level signal to the control unit 10. When the light blocking member 71 is present between the light emitting unit 1163a and the light receiving unit 1162a and the light receiving unit 1162a is in a light-blocking state where there is a light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 1163a and the light receiving unit 1162a, the light receiving unit 1162a cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163a and outputs a high-level signal to the control unit 10.

[0137] The light emitting unit 1163a includes an LED (not shown) inside, and emits light from the LED.

[0138] Detection sensor 131 as a state change unit is provided inside operation panel storage unit 6, and is provided at a position different from detection sensors 130 and 132 in the movement direction of operation panel 2, and its state changes depending on the position of operation panel 2. Detection sensor 131 is a photosensor such as a photointerrupter that includes a light receiving unit 1162b and a light emitting unit 1163b.

[0139] The light receiving unit 1162b includes a phototransistor (not shown) therein. In a transmission state where there is no light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 1163b and the light receiving unit 1162b, the light receiving unit 1162b receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163b and outputs a low-level signal to the control unit 10. In a light-blocking state where there is a light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 1163b and the light receiving unit 1162b, the light receiving unit 1162b cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163b and outputs a high-level signal to the control unit 10.

[0140] The light emitting unit 1163b includes an LED (not shown) inside, and emits light from the LED.

[0141] Detection sensor 132 as a state change unit is provided inside operation panel storage unit 6, and is provided at a position different from detection sensors 130 and 131 in the movement direction of operation panel 2, and its state changes depending on the position of operation panel 2. Detection sensor 132 is a photosensor such as a photointerrupter that includes a light receiving unit 1162c and a light emitting unit 1163c.

[0142] The light receiving unit 1162c includes a phototransistor (not shown) therein. When the light receiving unit 1162c is in a transmission state where there is no light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 1163c and the light receiving unit 1162c, the light receiving unit 1162c receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163c and outputs a low-level signal to the control unit 10. When the light blocking member 71 is present between the light emitting unit 1163c and the light receiving unit 1162c and the light receiving unit 1162c is in a light-blocking state where there is a light blocking member 71 between the light emitting unit 1163c and the light receiving unit 1162c, the light receiving unit 1162c cannot receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163c and outputs a high-level signal to the control unit 10.

[0143] The light emitting unit 1163c includes an LED (not shown) inside, and emits light from the LED.

[0144] The operation of image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment is the same as that of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the control according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment is the same as that according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0145] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1b according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0146] The detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 change their states from a transparent state to a light-blocking state or from a light-blocking state to a transparent state due to the light-blocking member 71 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2. The CPU 100 determines the position and state of the operation panel 2 based on the states of the detection sensors 130, 131, and 132.

[0147] 8(a), the light blocking member 71 is located on the pull-out direction side of the detection sensors 130, 131, and 132. As a result, the light blocking member 71 puts the detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 in a transparent state.

[0148] The detection sensor 130 in the transmission state does not detect the light blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163a is received by the light receiving unit 1162a without being blocked by the light blocking member 71. Furthermore, the detection sensor 131 in the transmission state does not detect the light blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163b is received by the light receiving unit 1162b without being blocked by the light blocking member 71. Furthermore, the detection sensor 132 in the transmission state does not detect the light blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1163c is received by the light receiving unit 1162c without being blocked by the light blocking member 71.

[0149] As a result, detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 output low-level signals to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 are in the transparent state due to the low-level signals being input from detection sensors 130, 131, and 132. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0150] 8(b), the light-blocking member 71 puts the detection sensor 130 in a light-blocking state and the detection sensors 131 and 132 in a light-transmitting state. The detection sensor 130 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163a is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 131 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163b is received by the light-receiving unit 1162b without being blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 132 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163c is received by the light-receiving unit 1162c without being blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0151] As a result, detection sensor 130 outputs a high-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensors 131 and 132 output low-level signals to CPU 100. When the high-level signal is input from detection sensor 130, CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 130 is in the light-blocking state. Furthermore, when the low-level signals are input from detection sensors 131 and 132, CPU 100 detects that detection sensors 131 and 132 are in the transparent state. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the third intermediate state.

[0152] 8(c), the light-blocking member 71 puts the detection sensors 130 and 131 in a light-blocking state and the detection sensor 132 in a light-transmitting state. The detection sensor 130 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163a is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 131 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163b is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 132 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163c is received by the light-receiving unit 1162c without being blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0153] As a result, detection sensors 130 and 131 output a high-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensor 132 outputs a low-level signal to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensors 130 and 131 are in a light-blocking state when the high-level signals are input from detection sensors 130 and 131. Furthermore, CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 132 is in a transparent state when the low-level signal is input from detection sensor 132. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the fourth intermediate state.

[0154] 9(a), the light-blocking member 71 blocks the light from the detection sensors 130, 131, and 132. The detection sensor 130 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163a is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 131 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163b is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. The detection sensor 132 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163c is blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0155] As a result, detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 output high-level signals to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 are in a light-blocking state due to the high-level signals being input from detection sensors 130, 131, and 132. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the fifth intermediate state.

[0156] 9(b), the light-blocking member 71 puts the detection sensor 130 in a light-transmitting state and the detection sensors 131 and 132 in a light-blocking state. The detection sensor 130 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163a is received by the light-receiving unit 1162a without being blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0157] Furthermore, the detection sensor 131 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163b is blocked by the light-blocking member 71. Furthermore, the detection sensor 132 in the light-blocking state does not detect the light-blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163c is received by the light-receiving unit 1162c without being blocked by the light-blocking member 71.

[0158] As a result, detection sensor 130 outputs a low-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensors 131 and 132 output high-level signals to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 130 is in the transparent state when the low-level signal is input from detection sensor 130. Furthermore, CPU 100 detects that detection sensors 131 and 132 are in the light-blocking state when the high-level signals are input from detection sensors 131 and 132. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the sixth intermediate state.

[0159] 9(c), the light-shielding member 71 puts the detection sensors 130 and 131 in a light-transmitting state and the detection sensor 132 in a light-shielding state. The detection sensor 130 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163a is received by the light-receiving unit 1162a without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71. The detection sensor 131 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163b is received by the light-receiving unit 1162b without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71. The detection sensor 132 in the light-shielding state detects the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 1163c is blocked by the light-shielding member 71.

[0160] As a result, detection sensors 130 and 131 output a low-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensor 132 outputs a high-level signal to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensors 130 and 131 are in the transparent state when the low-level signals are input from detection sensors 130 and 131. Furthermore, CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 132 is in the light-blocking state when the high-level signal is input from detection sensor 132. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the retracted state.

[0161] In this way, the position and state of the operation panel 2 are detected in digital format by the detection sensors 130, 131, and 132, which are photosensors, so that erroneous detection due to the influence of disturbances or the like can be suppressed.

[0162] <Panel status detection process> The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1b according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0163] The panel state detection process shown in Fig. 10 starts when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1b is turned on. In Fig. 10, the detection of the light blocking member 71 by each of the detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 is described as ON.

[0164] First, the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 130 has detected the light blocking member 71 (whether the detection sensor 130 is ON) (S201).

[0165] When the detection sensor 130 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S201: No), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 131 has detected the light blocking member 71 (S202).

[0166] If the detection sensor 131 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S202: No), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 132 has detected the light blocking member 71 (S203).

[0167] If the detection sensor 132 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step 203: No), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (S204), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0168] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 132 detects the light blocking member 71 in the process of step S203 (step S203: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state (S205), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0169] Furthermore, in the processing of step S202, if the detection sensor 131 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S202: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the sixth intermediate state (S206), and then ends the panel state detection processing.

[0170] Furthermore, in the process of step S201, if the detection sensor 130 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S201: Yes), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 131 has detected the light blocking member 71 (S207).

[0171] If the detection sensor 131 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S207: No), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the third intermediate state (S208), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0172] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 131 detects the light blocking member 71 in the process of step S207 (step S207: Yes), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 132 has detected the light blocking member 71 (S209).

[0173] If the detection sensor 132 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S209: No), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the fourth intermediate state (S210), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0174] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 132 detects the light blocking member 71 in the processing of step S209 (step S209: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the fifth intermediate state (S211), and then ends the panel state detection processing.

[0175] In this embodiment, there are provided detection sensors 130, 131, and 132 whose states change depending on whether operation panel 2 is in the exposed position, retracted position, or intermediate position. There is also provided CPU 100 which determines whether operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, retracted state, or intermediate state based on the changes in the states of detection sensors 130, 131, and 132. This makes it possible to detect whether operation panel 2 is in the retracted position or exposed position, as well as to detect whether operation panel 2 is in a position between the exposed position and the retracted position.

[0176] (Embodiment 3) The configuration of the image forming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0177] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1c according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11, Fig. 17(b) and Fig. 17(c). Fig. 17(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the light blocking members 72 and 73 and the detection sensors 30 and 31 of the image forming apparatus 1c according to the present embodiment.

[0178] 11, parts having the same configuration as those in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of image forming apparatus 1c according to this embodiment is the same as that in FIGS. 1 to 3 except for those shown in FIGS. 11, 17(b), and 17(c), and therefore will not be shown or described. Furthermore, in FIG. 11, the key input unit 25 on operation panel 2 is not shown.

[0179] In Fig. 11, Fig. 11(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Fig. 11(b) shows a first intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is large. Fig. 11(c) shows a second intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 has moved from the intermediate position shown in Fig. 11(b) in a direction closer to the stored position, and is located at an intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is small. Fig. 11(d) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0180] Image forming apparatus 1c includes operation panel 2, operation panel storage unit 6, control unit 10, storage device 11, power supply unit 12, fixing unit 13, reader 14, image forming unit 15, sheet cassette 19A, and sheet cassette 19B. Image forming apparatus 1c also includes detection sensor 30, detection sensor 31, operation unit rail 61, fixing member 63, abutment member 64, and abutment member 65. Image forming apparatus 1c also includes light-shielding member 72, light-shielding member 73, paper output tray 161a, paper output tray 161b, and shaft 162.

[0181] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 c, the operation of the processing device 16 , and the operation of the notification device 17 .

[0182] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 relating to the control of the image forming apparatus 1c, display image data, print data, and the like.

[0183] In the mode setting process, CPU 100 transitions image forming apparatus 1c from the standby mode to a sleep mode with low power consumption in accordance with the count value counted by timer 102.

[0184] The light receiving unit 162a includes a phototransistor (not shown) therein. When the light receiving unit 162a is in a transmission state where there is no light blocking member 72 between the light emitting unit 163a and the light receiving unit 162a, the light receiving unit 162a receives and detects the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163a, and outputs a low-level signal to the control unit 10. When the light blocking member 72 is present between the light emitting unit 163a and the light receiving unit 162a in a light-blocking state where there is a light blocking member 72 between the light emitting unit 163a and the light receiving unit 162a, the light receiving unit 162a cannot receive and detect the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163a, and outputs a high-level signal to the control unit 10.

[0185] The light receiving unit 162b includes a phototransistor (not shown) therein. In a transmission state where there is no light-shielding member 73 between the light emitting unit 163b and the light receiving unit 162b, the light receiving unit 162b receives and detects the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163b, and outputs a low-level signal to the control unit 10. In a light-shielding state where there is a light-shielding member 73 between the light emitting unit 163b and the light receiving unit 162b, the light receiving unit 162b cannot receive and detect the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163b, and outputs a high-level signal to the control unit 10.

[0186] The light blocking member 72 is provided above the operation unit rail 61 and is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) of the operation panel storage unit 6. As shown in Figures 17(b) and 17(c), the light blocking member 72 includes a flag portion 72a and a flag portion 72b that is provided between the light receiving unit 162a and the light emitting unit 163a of the detection sensor 30 and can be retracted between the light receiving unit 162a and the light emitting unit 163a. ​​The light blocking member 72 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) so that the flag portion 72b is positioned between the light receiving unit 162a and the light emitting unit 163a.

[0187] The light blocking member 73 is provided above the operation unit rail 61 and is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) of the operation panel storage unit 6. The light blocking member 73 is provided at a position different from the light blocking member 72 in the movement direction of the operation panel 2. The light blocking member 73 includes a flag portion 73a and a flag portion 73b provided between the light receiving unit 162b and the light emitting unit 163b of the detection sensor 31 so as to be able to retract from between the light receiving unit 162b and the light emitting unit 163b. The light blocking member 73 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) so that the flag portion 73b is positioned between the light receiving unit 162b and the light emitting unit 163b.

[0188] The shaft 162 has a protrusion 74 that abuts against the flag portion 72a of the light blocking member 72 or the flag portion 73a of the light blocking member 73 depending on the position of the operation panel 2. The operation panel 2 is connected to the shaft 162. The shaft 162 moves together with the operation panel 2.

[0189] The operation of image forming apparatus 1c according to this embodiment is the same as that of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the control according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1c according to this embodiment is the same as that according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0190] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1c according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0191] The detection sensor 30 changes its state from a transmitting state to a light-blocking state or from a light-blocking state to a transmitting state due to a light-blocking member 72 that rotates in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2. The detection sensor 31 changes its state from a transmitting state to a light-blocking state or from a light-blocking state to a transmitting state due to a light-blocking member 73 that rotates in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2.

[0192] Specifically, the operation panel 2 moves in the push-in direction from the exposed position shown in Fig. 11(a) to the intermediate position which is the first intermediate state shown in Fig. 11(b). At this time, the protrusion 74 moves from a position on the pull-out direction side of the detection sensors 30 and 31 to above the light blocking member 72.

[0193] As a result, the protrusion 74 comes into contact with the flag portion 72a of the light-blocking member 72 and presses the flag portion 72a in the pushing direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 17(b)) against the biasing force of the biasing member. The protrusion 74 also rotates the light-blocking member 72 from the state shown in FIG. 17(b) to the state shown in FIG. 17(c), and maintains the rotated state. By maintaining the rotated state of the light-blocking member 72, the flag portion 72b retreats from between the light-receiving portion 162a and the light-emitting portion 163a, putting the detection sensor 30 into a transparent state.

[0194] The operation panel 2 moves further in the pushing direction from the intermediate position, which is the first intermediate state shown in Fig. 11(b), to the intermediate position, which is the second intermediate state shown in Fig. 11(c). At this time, the protrusion 74 moves to above the light blocking member 73.

[0195] As a result, the protrusion 74 maintains the light-blocking member 72 in the rotated state shown in FIG. 17(c) against the biasing force of the biasing member. The protrusion 74 also abuts against the flag portion 73a of the light-blocking member 73 and presses the flag portion 73a in the pushing direction against the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby rotating the light-blocking member 73 and maintaining the rotated state. By maintaining the rotated state of the light-blocking member 72, the flag portion 72b retreats from between the light-receiving portion 162a and the light-emitting portion 163a, putting the detection sensor 30 in a transparent state. By maintaining the rotated state of the light-blocking member 73, the flag portion 73b retreats from between the light-receiving portion 162b and the light-emitting portion 163b, putting the detection sensor 31 in a transparent state.

[0196] The operation panel 2 moves further in the pushing direction from the intermediate position, which is the second intermediate state shown in Fig. 11(c), to the storage position, which is the storage state shown in Fig. 11(d). At this time, the protrusion 74 passes through the light blocking member 72.

[0197] As a result, the protrusion 74 releases the pressure on the light-blocking member 72 and maintains the light-blocking member 73 in a rotated state against the biasing force of the biasing member. When the pressure from the protrusion 74 is released, the light-blocking member 72 rotates from the state shown in Fig. 17(c) to the state shown in Fig. 17(b) due to the biasing force of the biasing member, and the flag portion 72b is positioned between the light-receiving portion 162a and the light-emitting portion 163a. ​​Furthermore, by maintaining the rotated state of the light-blocking member 73, the flag portion 73b retreats from between the light-receiving portion 162b and the light-emitting portion 163b, putting the detection sensor 31 in a transparent state.

[0198] When operation panel 2 moves from the storage position shown in FIG. 11(d) in the pull-out direction to the exposed position shown in FIG. 11(a), the operation is reversed.

[0199] 11(a), the light blocking member 72 blocks the light from the detection sensor 30, and the light blocking member 73 blocks the light from the detection sensor 31. The detection sensor 30 in the light blocking state detects the light blocking member 72 when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163a is blocked by the flag portion 72b of the light blocking member 72. The detection sensor 31 in the light blocking state detects the light blocking member 73 when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163b is blocked by the flag portion 73b of the light blocking member 73.

[0200] As a result, the detection sensors 30 and 31 output a high-level signal to the CPU 100. When the high-level signals are input from the detection sensors 30 and 31, the CPU 100 detects that the detection sensors 30 and 31 are in a light-blocking state, and determines that the operation panel 2 is in an exposed state.

[0201] 11(b), the light-blocking member 72 is pressed by the protrusion 74 and maintained in a rotated state, thereby putting the detection sensor 30 in a light-transmitting state, and the light-blocking member 73 puts the detection sensor 31 in a light-blocking state. The detection sensor 30 in the light-transmitting state does not detect the light-blocking member 72 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163a is received by the light-receiving unit 162a without being blocked by the light-blocking member 72. The detection sensor 31 in the light-blocking state detects the light-blocking member 73 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 163b is blocked by the flag portion 73b of the light-blocking member 73.

[0202] As a result, detection sensor 30 outputs a low-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensor 31 outputs a high-level signal to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 30 is in the transmissive state when the low-level signal is input from detection sensor 30, and detects that detection sensor 31 is in the light-blocking state when the high-level signal is input from detection sensor 31. As a result, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state.

[0203] 11(c), the light blocking member 72 is pressed by the protrusion 74 and maintained in a rotated state, thereby causing the detection sensor 30 to enter the transparent state. The light blocking member 73 is pressed by the protrusion 74 and maintained in a rotated state, thereby causing the detection sensor 31 to enter the transparent state. The detection sensor 30 in the transparent state does not detect the light blocking member 72 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163a is received by the light receiving unit 162a without being blocked by the light blocking member 72. The detection sensor 31 in the transparent state does not detect the light blocking member 73 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163b is received by the light receiving unit 162b without being blocked by the flag portion 73b of the light blocking member 73.

[0204] As a result, the detection sensors 30 and 31 output low-level signals to the CPU 100. When the low-level signals are input from the detection sensors 30 and 31, the CPU 100 detects that the detection sensors 30 and 31 are in the transparent state, and determines that the operation panel 2 is in the second intermediate state.

[0205] 11(d), the light blocking member 72 rotates when the pressure from the protrusion 74 is released, putting the detection sensor 30 in a light blocking state. The light blocking member 73 remains in a rotated state pressed by the protrusion 74, putting the detection sensor 31 in a light transmitting state. The detection sensor 30 in the light blocking state detects the light blocking member 72 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163a is blocked by the flag portion 72b of the light blocking member 72. The detection sensor 31 in the light transmitting state does not detect the light blocking member 73 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit 163b is received by the light receiving unit 162b without being blocked by the flag portion 73b of the light blocking member 73.

[0206] As a result, detection sensor 30 outputs a high-level signal to CPU 100, and detection sensor 31 outputs a low-level signal to CPU 100. CPU 100 detects that detection sensor 30 is in the light-blocking state when the high-level signal is input from detection sensor 30, and detects that detection sensor 31 is in the light-transmitting state when the low-level signal is input from detection sensor 31. As a result, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the retracted state.

[0207] In this way, the detection sensors 30 and 31 change from a transparent state to a light-blocking state or from a light-blocking state to a transparent state as the light-blocking member 72 or the light-blocking member 73 rotates due to the protrusion 74 moving in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2.

[0208] The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1c according to the present embodiment is the same as the process shown in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0209] (Fourth embodiment) The configuration of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0210] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 17(d). Fig. 17(d) is a perspective view of a detection sensor 33 and a detection sensor 34 of the image forming apparatus 1d according to the present embodiment.

[0211] 12, parts having the same configuration as those in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Also, the configuration of image forming apparatus 1d according to this embodiment other than the configuration in FIG. 11 is the same as that in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted. Note that in FIG. 12, the key input unit 25 on operation panel 2 is omitted.

[0212] In Fig. 12, Fig. 12(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Fig. 12(b) shows a first intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is large. Fig. 12(c) shows a second intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 has moved from the intermediate position shown in Fig. 12(b) in a direction closer to the stored position, and is located at an intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is small. Fig. 12(d) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0213] Image forming apparatus 1d has operation panel 2, operation panel storage section 6, control section 10, storage device 11, power supply device 12, fixing section 13, reader 14, image forming section 15, sheet cassette 19A, and sheet cassette 19B. Image forming apparatus 1d also has detection sensor 33, detection sensor 34, operation section rail 61, shaft section 62, fixing member 63, abutment member 64, abutment member 65, reflector 75, and paper output tray 161a and paper output tray 161b.

[0214] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 d , the operation of the processing device 16 , and the operation of the notification device 17 .

[0215] In the mode setting process, CPU 100 transitions image forming apparatus 1d from the standby mode to a sleep mode with low power consumption in accordance with the count value counted by timer 102.

[0216] The CPU 100 executes a panel state detection process for determining the state of the operation panel 2 based on the electrical signals input from the detection sensors 33 and 34 .

[0217] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 relating to the control of the image forming apparatus 1d, display image data, print data, and the like.

[0218] The detection sensors 33 and 34 serving as state change units are provided inside the operation panel storage unit 6, and their states change depending on the position of the operation panel 2. As shown in FIG. 17(d), the detection sensors 33 and 34 are reflective sensors each including an LED 165, a phototransistor 166, an irradiation window 167, and a light receiving window 168.

[0219] The LED 165 is a light source that emits light. When the reflector 75 is located above the detection sensor 33 or the detection sensor 34, the LED 165 irradiates the emitted light onto the reflector 75 through an irradiation window 167.

[0220] The phototransistor 166 is capable of receiving light guided and irradiated through the light receiving window 168, and outputs a high-level electrical signal to the CPU 100 when it receives light, and outputs a low-level electrical signal to the CPU 100 when it does not receive light.

[0221] The emission window 167 allows the light emitted from the LED 165 to exit the detection sensor 33 or the detection sensor 34 .

[0222] When the reflector 75 is positioned above the detection sensor 33 or the detection sensor 34, the light receiving window 168 guides the light reflected by the reflector 75 into the inside of the detection sensor 33 or the detection sensor 34, causing it to irradiate the phototransistor 166.

[0223] The operation panel 2 is connected to the shaft 62, and a reflector 75 is provided on the shaft 62. The shaft 62 moves together with the operation panel 2.

[0224] Depending on the position in the Y direction, the reflector 75 reflects light emitted from the LED 165 of the detection sensor 33 or the detection sensor 34 and irradiated through an irradiation window 167. The reflector 75 irradiates the reflected light onto the phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 33 or the detection sensor 34 through a light receiving window 168.

[0225] The operation of image forming apparatus 1d according to this embodiment is the same as that of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the control according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1d according to this embodiment is the same as that according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0226] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0227] The state of the detection sensor 33 changes from a light receiving state to a non-light receiving state or from a non-light receiving state to a light receiving state due to a reflector 75 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2. The state of the detection sensor 34 changes from a light receiving state to a non-light receiving state or from a non-light receiving state to a light receiving state due to a reflector 75 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the operation panel 2. The CPU 100 detects the position and state of the operation panel 2 based on the detection results of the light receiving state or non-light receiving state of the detection sensors 33 and 34.

[0228] 12(a), the reflector 75 is located on the pull-out direction side of the detection sensors 30 and 31, and is not located above the detection sensors 33 and 34. As a result, the reflector 75 puts the detection sensors 33 and 34 in a non-light-receiving state.

[0229] The phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 33 in the non-light-receiving state and the phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 34 in the non-light-receiving state each output a low-level signal to the CPU 100. When the low-level signals are input from the detection sensors 33 and 34, the CPU 100 detects that the detection sensors 33 and 34 are in the non-light-receiving state and determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0230] 12(b), the reflector 75 is positioned above the detection sensor 33, thereby putting the detection sensor 33 into a light-receiving state. Also, the reflector 75 is not positioned above the detection sensor 34, thereby putting the detection sensor 34 into a light-non-receiving state.

[0231] The phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 33 in the light-receiving state outputs a high-level signal to the CPU 100, and the phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 34 in the non-light-receiving state outputs a low-level signal to the CPU 100. The CPU 100 detects that the detection sensor 33 is in the light-receiving state when a high-level signal is input from the detection sensor 33, and detects that the detection sensor 34 is in the non-light-receiving state when a low-level signal is input from the detection sensor 34. This causes the CPU 100 to determine that the operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state.

[0232] When the operation panel 2 is in the second intermediate state shown in FIG. 12(c), the reflector 75 is positioned above the detection sensors 33 and 34, and therefore puts the detection sensors 33 and 34 into a light receiving state.

[0233] The phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 33 in the light-receiving state and the phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 34 in the light-receiving state each output a high-level signal to the CPU 100. When the high-level signals are input from the detection sensors 33 and 34, the CPU 100 detects that the detection sensors 33 and 34 are in the light-receiving state and determines that the operation panel 2 is in the second intermediate state.

[0234] When the operation panel 2 is in the stored state shown in Figure 12 (d), the reflector 75 is not positioned above the detection sensor 33, thereby putting the detection sensor 33 in a non-light-receiving state, and is positioned above the detection sensor 34, thereby putting the detection sensor 34 in a light-receiving state.

[0235] The phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 33 in the non-light-receiving state outputs a low-level signal to the CPU 100, and the phototransistor 166 of the detection sensor 34 in the light-receiving state outputs a high-level signal to the CPU 100. The CPU 100 detects that the detection sensor 33 is in the non-light-receiving state when a low-level signal is input from the detection sensor 33, and detects that the detection sensor 34 is in the light-receiving state when a high-level signal is input from the detection sensor 34. As a result, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state.

[0236] In this way, the position and state of the operation panel 2 are detected in digital format by the detection sensors 33 and 34, which are reflective sensors, so that erroneous detection due to the influence of disturbances or the like can be suppressed.

[0237] The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1d according to the present embodiment is the same as the process shown in FIG. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0238] (Embodiment 5) The configuration of the image forming system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0239] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1e according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 17(e). Fig. 17(e) is a perspective view of a distance measuring sensor 35 of the image forming apparatus 1e according to the present embodiment.

[0240] 13, parts having the same configuration as those in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of image forming apparatus 1e according to this embodiment other than the configuration in FIG. 13 is the same as that in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in FIG. 13, the key input unit 25 on operation panel 2 is omitted.

[0241] In Figure 13, Figure 13(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Figure 13(b) shows a first intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is large. Figure 13(c) shows a second intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 has moved from the intermediate position shown in Figure 13(b) in a direction closer to the stored position, and is located at an intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is small. Figure 13(d) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0242] Image forming apparatus 1e includes operation panel 2, operation panel storage section 6, control section 10, storage device 11, power supply device 12, fixing section 13, reader 14, image forming section 15, sheet cassette 19A, and sheet cassette 19B. Image forming apparatus 1e also includes distance measurement sensor 35, operation section rail 61, shaft section 62, fixing member 63, abutment member 64, abutment member 65, paper output tray 161a, and paper output tray 161b.

[0243] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 e , the operation of the processing device 16 , and the operation of the notification device 17 .

[0244] In the mode setting process, CPU 100 transitions image forming apparatus 1e from the standby mode to a sleep mode with low power consumption in accordance with the count value counted by timer 102.

[0245] The CPU 100 executes a panel state detection process (to be described later) for determining the state of the operation panel 2 based on the electrical signal input from the distance measurement sensor 35 .

[0246] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 relating to the control of the image forming apparatus 1e, display image data, print data, and the like.

[0247] Distance measurement sensor 35 as a state change unit is provided on abutment member 64 inside operation panel storage unit 6, and its state changes depending on the position of operation panel 2. Distance measurement sensor 35 does not change its position in conjunction with the movement of operation panel 2. Distance measurement sensor 35 includes a transmission unit 169 and a reception unit 170, as shown in FIG. 17(e).

[0248] The transmitter 169 includes a light emitting lens 171 and an LED (not shown). The transmitter 169 emits light from the LED via the light emitting lens 171.

[0249] The receiving unit 170 includes a light receiving lens 172 and a photodiode (not shown). The receiving unit 170 detects reflected light of light emitted from the transmitting unit 169 via the light receiving lens 172, and outputs an electrical signal according to the detection result to the CPU 100.

[0250] The operation of image forming apparatus 1e according to the present embodiment is the same as that of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the control according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1e according to the present embodiment is the same as that according to the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0251] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of operation panel 2 of image forming apparatus 1e according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0252] Distance measuring sensor 35 receives pulsed light emitted from the LED of transmitter 169 and reflected by operation panel 2 with a photodiode via light receiving lens 172 of receiver 170. Distance measuring sensor 35 changes to a state closer to operation panel 2 as operation panel 2 approaches from the exposed position to the stored position, and changes to a state farther away from operation panel 2 as operation panel 2 approaches from the stored position to the exposed position.

[0253] The CPU 100 measures the time from when the distance measurement sensor 35 emits pulsed light to when it receives the reflected light of the pulsed light, and calculates the distance between the distance measurement sensor 35 and the operation panel 2 based on the measured time, thereby detecting the position and state of the operation panel 2. Here, the distance between the distance measurement sensor 35 and the operation panel 2 is exemplified as 100 when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, and 0 when the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state. Note that the distance between the distance measurement sensor 35 and the operation panel 2 is not limited to the above values, and can be a value according to the accuracy of the distance measurement sensor 35 used.

[0254] 13(a), the CPU 100 calculates 100 as the distance between the distance measurement sensor 35 and the operation panel 2 based on the electrical signal input from the distance measurement sensor 35. Then, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0255] 13(b), the CPU 100 calculates 75 as the distance between the distance measurement sensor 35 and the operation panel 2 based on the electrical signal input from the distance measurement sensor 35. Then, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state.

[0256] 13(c), CPU 100 calculates 25 as the distance between distance measurement sensor 35 and operation panel 2 based on the electrical signal input from distance measurement sensor 35. CPU 100 then determines that operation panel 2 is in the second intermediate state.

[0257] 13(d), CPU 100 calculates the distance between distance measurement sensor 35 and operation panel 2 as 0 based on the electrical signal input from distance measurement sensor 35. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the stored state.

[0258] In this way, the distance measurement sensor 35 detects the position and state of the operation panel 2 in an analog format, so that the position and state of the operation panel 2 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0259] <Panel status detection process> The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1e according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0260] The panel state detection process shown in FIG. 14 starts when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1e is turned on.

[0261] First, the CPU 100 calculates and measures the distance between the distance measurement sensor 35 and the operation panel 2 based on the electrical signal input from the distance measurement sensor 35 (S301).

[0262] Next, the CPU 100 determines whether the measured distance is 100 (S302).

[0263] If the measured distance is 100 (step S302: Yes), CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (S303), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0264] On the other hand, if the measured distance is a value other than 100 (step S302: No), the CPU 100 determines whether the measured distance is 0 (S304).

[0265] If the measured distance is 0 (step S304: Yes), CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the stored state (S305), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0266] On the other hand, if the measured distance is a value other than 0 (step S304: No), CPU 100 determines that the state is the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state (S306), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0267] In the process of step S306 of the panel state detection process described above, it may be determined whether the state is the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state based on the measured distance.

[0268] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, light is used when measuring distance by the distance measuring sensor 35, but this is not limiting, and distance may be measured using something other than light, such as ultrasonic waves.

[0269] (Sixth embodiment) The configuration of the image forming system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0270] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1f according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 15. In Fig. 15, parts that are the same as those in Fig. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1f according to this embodiment other than the configuration in Fig. 15 is the same as that in Figs. 1 to 3, and therefore will not be illustrated or described. In Fig. 15, the key input unit 25 on the operation panel 2 is not shown.

[0271] In Figure 15, Figure 15(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Figure 15(b) shows a first intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is large. Figure 15(c) shows a second intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 has moved from the intermediate position shown in Figure 15(b) in a direction closer to the stored position, and is located at an intermediate position, and the amount of exposure of the operation panel 2 is small. Figure 15(d) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0272] Image forming apparatus 1f has an operation panel 2, an operation panel storage unit 6, a control unit 10, a storage device 11, a power supply unit 12, a fixing unit 13, a reader 14, an image forming unit 15, a sheet cassette 19A, and a sheet cassette 19B. Image forming apparatus 1f also has an operation unit rail 61, a shaft unit 62, a fixing member 63, an abutting member 64, and an abutting member 65. Image forming apparatus 1f also has a rack gear unit 66, a gear 77, a connecting shaft 78, a rotary encoder 79, a paper output tray 161a, and a paper output tray 161b.

[0273] The operation panel storage section 6 is provided in the space below the reader 14 of the apparatus main body 50 of the image forming apparatus 1f.

[0274] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1f, the operation of the processing device 16, and the operation of the notification device 17.

[0275] In the mode setting process, CPU 100 transitions image forming apparatus 1f from the standby mode to a sleep mode with low power consumption in accordance with the count value counted by timer 102. CPU 100 executes a panel state detection process (described later) that determines the state of operation panel 2 based on the electrical signal input from rotary encoder 79.

[0276] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 relating to the control of the image forming apparatus 1f, display image data, print data, and the like.

[0277] The rack gear portion 66 is provided on the shaft portion 62. The rack gear portion 66 moves together with the shaft portion 62.

[0278] The gear 77, which serves as a state change unit, does not move even when the operation panel 2 moves. The gear 77 is engaged with the rack gear unit 66, and rotates when the rack gear unit 66 moves, and the amount of rotation changes depending on the position of the operation panel 2.

[0279] The connecting shaft 78 connects the gear 77 and the rotary encoder 79 .

[0280] The rotary encoder 79 is provided inside the operation panel storage unit 6 and does not move even when the operation panel 2 moves. The rotary encoder 79 detects the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation (CW or CCW) of the gear 77, and outputs an electrical signal according to the detection results of the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation of the gear 77 to the CPU 100.

[0281] The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed and which has been conveyed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged directly to the discharge tray 161a, either via the processing device 16 or without passing through the processing device 16.

[0282] The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed and which has been 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.

[0283] The operation of the image forming apparatus 1f according to this embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the control according to the state of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1f according to this embodiment is the same as that according to the state of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0284] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1f according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0285] The rotary encoder 79 rotates in the CW direction when the operation panel 2 moves from the exposed position in the exposed state to the stored position in the stored state, and rotates in the CCW direction, which is the opposite direction to the CW direction, when the operation panel 2 moves from the stored position in the stored state to the exposed position in the exposed state. Also, the gear 77 changes state so that the amount of rotation in the CW direction increases as the operation panel 2 moves closer to the stored position from the exposed position, and changes state so that the amount of rotation in the CCW direction increases as the operation panel 2 moves closer to the exposed position from the stored position.

[0286] When the rotary encoder 79 rotates in the CW direction, the CPU 100 counts up according to the amount of rotation, and when the rotary encoder 79 rotates in the CCW direction, the CPU 100 counts down according to the amount of rotation. Here, the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 79 is exemplified as 100 when the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state, and 0 when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state. Note that the amount of rotation of the rotary encoder 79 is not limited to the above value, and can be a value according to the accuracy of the rotary encoder 79 used.

[0287] 15(a), CPU 100 counts based on the electrical signal input from rotary encoder 79 and calculates 0 as the amount of rotation of gear 77. Then, CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0288] 15(b), CPU 100 counts based on the electrical signal input from rotary encoder 79 and calculates 25 as the amount of rotation of gear 77. CPU 100 then determines that operation panel 2 is in the first intermediate state.

[0289] 15(c), CPU 100 counts based on the electrical signal input from rotary encoder 79 and calculates 75 as the amount of rotation of gear 77. CPU 100 then determines that operation panel 2 is in the second intermediate state.

[0290] 15(d), CPU 100 counts based on the electrical signal input from rotary encoder 79 and calculates 100 as the amount of rotation of gear 77. CPU 100 then determines that operation panel 2 is in the stored state.

[0291] In this way, since the rotary encoder 79 detects the position and state of the operation panel 2 in an analog format, the position and state of the operation panel 2 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0292] <Panel status detection process> The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1f according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0293] The panel state detection process shown in FIG. 16 starts when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1f is turned on.

[0294] First, the CPU 100 calculates and measures the amount of rotation of the gear 77 based on the electrical signal input from the rotary encoder 79 (S401).

[0295] Next, the CPU 100 determines whether the measured amount of rotation is 100 (S402).

[0296] If the measured rotation amount is 100 (step S402: Yes), CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the stored state (S403), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0297] On the other hand, if the measured amount of rotation is a value other than 100 (step S402: No), the CPU 100 determines whether the measured amount of rotation is 0 (S404).

[0298] If the measured amount of rotation is 0 (step S404: Yes), CPU 100 determines that operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (S405), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0299] On the other hand, if the measured amount of rotation is a value other than 0 (step S404: No), CPU 100 determines that the state is the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state (S406), and then ends the panel state detection process.

[0300] In the process of step S406 of the panel state detection process described above, it may be determined whether the state is the first intermediate state or the second intermediate state based on the measured amount of rotation.

[0301] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rack gear unit 66 and the gear 77 are used, but this is not limiting, and a motor may be used instead of the rack gear unit 66 and the gear 77. In this case, the operation panel 2 can be automatically moved by the motor, and the position of the operation panel 2 can be detected by the rotary encoder 79.

[0302] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0303] A. Image forming system 1a Image forming device 1b Image forming device 1c Image forming device 1d image forming device 1e Image forming device 1f Image forming device 2 Operation panel 6 Operation panel storage area 10 Control Unit 12 Power supply 20 Panel control section 21 Display section 22 Touch Panel 25 Key input section 30 Detection sensor 31 Detection sensor 33 Detection sensor 34 Detection sensor 35 Distance measurement sensor 50 Device body 62 Shaft 71 Light blocking material 72 Light blocking material 72a Flag section 72b Flag section 73 Light blocking material 73a Flag section 73b Flag section 74 Protrusion 75 Reflector 77 gears 79 Rotary Encoder 100 CPU 130 Detection sensor 131 Detection sensor 132 detection sensor

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 operation unit having a display unit that displays information related to image formation, the operation unit being provided on the device body so as to be movable between an exposed position where the entire display unit is exposed to the outside of the device body and a stored position where the entire display unit is stored inside the device body so as not to be visible from the outside of the device body, and the operation unit being in an intermediate position between the exposed position and the stored position where a part of the display unit is exposed from the device body; a state change unit whose state changes depending on the exposed position, the stored position, and the intermediate position of the operation unit; a control unit that determines the exposed state, the stored state, or the intermediate state of the operation unit based on a state of the state change unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The operation unit includes: The storage position is reached by moving from the exposed position in one direction via the intermediate position, and the exposed position is reached by moving from the storage position in the opposite direction to the one direction via the intermediate position.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The operation unit includes: Equipped with an operable control unit, The storage state is The entire operation unit is not visible.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The operation unit includes: Equipped with an operable control unit, The exposure state is The entire operation unit is visible.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. The operation unit includes: Equipped with an operable control unit, The intermediate state is A part of the operation unit is visible.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. a power supply unit that supplies power to the operation unit; The operation unit includes: a display unit for displaying a predetermined image; The power supply unit supplying or stopping power supply to the display unit depending on the exposed state, the intermediate state, and the stored state; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. a power supply unit that supplies power to the operation unit; The operation unit includes: Equipped with a touch panel, The power supply unit supplying or stopping power supply to the touch panel depending on the exposed state, the intermediate state, and the stored state; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. The operation unit includes: a display unit that displays a predetermined image and changes the display mode of the image depending on the stored state, the exposed state, and the intermediate state; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. The state change unit is a first state-changing unit and a second state-changing unit arranged along a moving direction of the operation unit; The control unit determining which of a plurality of different intermediate states the current state is based on the state of the first state change unit and the state of the second state change unit; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

Images