Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus which is capable of accommodating an operation unit inside the apparatus body, and preventing operability from deteriorating when the operation unit is accommodated.SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus comprising an operation unit including a display unit, the operation unit is movable between a first position where the entire display unit is exposed to the outside and a second position where at least a part of the display unit is accommodated inside a device body so as to be invisible from the outside, and when the operation unit is located in the second position, hard keys are exposed to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Generally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium has an operation unit equipped with a display for displaying information such as the progress of the image forming operation or various settings. The operation unit described above may reduce the visibility of the recording medium ejection area depending on its size and installation position. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a part of the operation unit equipped with a touch panel is stored in a storage unit provided in the device body, and the operation unit can be pulled out as needed to ensure visibility of the ejection area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-53818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The operation unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is operated using a touch panel display, so when the entire operation unit is stored, it is not possible to operate the image forming device. In order to operate the image forming device, it is necessary to pull out the stored operation unit, which may reduce usability.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to reduce the risk of reduced operability when an operation unit is stored in an image forming apparatus capable of storing the operation unit inside the apparatus main body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises an apparatus main body having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, a display unit that displays information related to image formation, and an operation unit that has hard keys that accept user operations, and the operation unit is movable between a first position in which the entire display unit is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body and a second position in which at least a part of the display unit is stored inside the apparatus main body so that it cannot be seen from the outside of the apparatus main body, and when the operation unit is located at the second position, the hard keys are exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In an image forming apparatus in which the operation unit can be housed inside the apparatus body, it is possible to reduce the risk of deterioration in operability when the operation unit is housed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in a retracted state; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exposed state before being rotated; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exposed state after being rotated; [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the operation of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart of a display unit storage control process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a touch panel retraction control process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a display unit exposure control process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a touch panel exposure control process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operation panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for determining whether or not to execute an input key according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display on an operation panel according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Configuration of image forming system> The configuration of an image forming system A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0011] The image forming system A includes the image forming apparatus 1, 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.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a sheet S as a recording material, and conveys the sheet S on which the image has been formed to a processing device 16 or discharges it to the outside. The image forming apparatus 1 discharges the sheet S conveyed from the processing device 16 to the outside. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail later.

[0013] The processing device 16 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 as an option for the purpose of expanding its functions. The processing device 16 performs processing set by the user, such as stapling, punching, or binding, on sheets S on which images are formed and which are transported from the image forming apparatus 1. The processing device 16 transports the sheets S to the image forming apparatus 1 after the processing set by the user has been performed.

[0014] The notification device 17 notifies the status of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0015] <Configuration of image forming device> The configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7. FIG.

[0016] Image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 1a, an operation panel 2, a control unit 10, a storage device 11, a power supply device 12, a fixing unit 13, a reader 14, an image forming unit 15, sheet cassettes 19A and 19B. Image forming apparatus 1 also includes detection sensors 30 and 31, discharge trays 161a and 161b, a shaft 62, and a light-shielding member 71. Image forming apparatus 1 also includes a seesaw-type or tactile-type main body power switch (not shown) that switches the main power supply on and off.

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

[0018] An operation panel 2 serving as an operation unit is provided on the device body 1a of the image forming device 1 so as to be retractable into the space below the reader 14. The operation panel 2 is provided so as to be movable relative to the device body 1a in the Y direction or in the direction opposite to the Y direction, and after moving in the Y direction, is provided so as to be 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.

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

[0020] The CPU 100 controls the operations of the 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. The CPU 100 performs image processing on image data input from the reader 14, stores the processed image data in the storage device 11, and transfers it to the image forming unit 15 to perform image formation processing to form an image on the sheet S.

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

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

[0023] CPU 100 executes a panel state detection process (to be described later) that determines the state of operation panel 2 based on the electrical signals input from detection sensors 30 and 31. CPU 100 outputs an electrical signal to operation panel 2 according to the state of operation panel 2 determined by executing the panel state detection process. CPU 100 adjusts the brightness of a display unit 21 (to be described later) of operation panel 2 by executing a display unit retracted control process or a display unit exposed control process (to be described later) according to the state of operation panel 2 determined by executing the panel state detection process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0048] The operation panel 2 is connected to the shaft portion 62. The shaft portion 62 moves together with the operation panel 2.

[0049] The light blocking member 71 is provided on the shaft portion 62. The light blocking member 71 moves together with the shaft portion 62.

[0050] The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed and which has been conveyed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged directly onto the discharge tray 161a, either via the processing device 16 or without passing through the processing device 16.

[0051] The sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed and conveyed by the fixing unit 13 is discharged to the discharge tray 161b either via the processing device 16 or without passing through the processing device 16.

[0052] <Configuration of the operation panel> The configuration of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The panel control unit 20 is connected to the control unit 10 via the IF unit 26, and controls the overall operation of the operation panel 2 under the control of the CPU 100. The panel control unit 20 includes a CPU 200, a ROM 201, a RAM 202, and a timer 203.

[0055] The CPU 200 as an output unit 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.

[0056] The CPU 200 controls the display unit 21 to switch between an image of image data stored in advance in the ROM 201 and an image of display image data input from the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26. The CPU 200 calculates the coordinates of the touch position on the touch panel 22 based on the coordinate data input from the touch panel control unit 220, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position to the CPU 100 via the IF unit 26 as a signal corresponding to the touch position. When the CPU 200 wishes to invalidate a user's operation on the touch panel 22, it does not output the electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position.

[0057] The CPU 200 executes a touch panel storage control process and a touch panel exposure control process, which will be described later.

[0058] The ROM 201 stores various programs such as a control program for controlling the operation panel 2, and information and data related to the connection with the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the information related to control includes information on establishing a connection with the image forming apparatus 1 and information acquired from the image forming apparatus 1. The information acquired from the image forming apparatus 1 includes information on the status of the image forming apparatus 1, such as standby mode, sleep mode, or error detection, and count information such as the number of printed sheets.

[0059] The RAM 202 is used as a work area when the CPU 200 performs calculations, and temporarily stores data.

[0060] The timer 203 counts a count value by measuring time when the CPU 200 performs various processes under the control of the CPU 200.

[0061] The display unit 21 is a liquid crystal panel or the like that displays, under the control of the panel control unit 20, an image of image data previously stored in the ROM 201 or an image of display image data input from the control unit 10 via the IF unit 26. Here, the image displayed on the display unit 21 is an image of information related to image formation such as the number of images to be formed or the size of the sheet S on which the image is to be formed, or an image of an input key for making settings related to image reading such as the size of the document.

[0062] In this way, under the control of CPU 200, display unit 21 switches between displaying a predetermined image between an image of image data stored in ROM 201 of operation panel 2 and an image of display image data received by operation panel 2 from control unit 10. Display unit 21 can change the brightness of its backlight under the control of CPU 100.

[0063] The touch panel 22 is disposed on top of the display unit 21 and is visible through the screen of the display unit 21. The touch panel 22 is connected to the panel control unit 20 via a touch panel control unit 220. The touch panel 22 detects a user's touch operation on an image displayed on the display unit 21, and outputs an electrical signal according to the detection result to the touch panel control unit 220.

[0064] 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 .

[0065] The status display unit 24 is an LED or the like that notifies the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1. Under the control of the CPU 200, the status display unit 24 turns on or off and changes its light emission state according to the status of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the status of the image forming apparatus 1 refers to a state in which a job is being executed, a state in which an error such as a jam or out of paper has occurred, a state in which a component is suspected to be broken, or a state in which the cover of the image forming apparatus 1 is open. For example, if a jam occurs inside the apparatus main body 1a during paper passage and the transport of the sheet S has stopped, the status display unit 24 will flash or light up to notify the user.

[0066] The key input unit 25 is provided at a location other than the display unit 21 of the operation panel 2, and is a hard key including a key for starting a job of the image forming apparatus 1, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values, and a key for instructing transition to sleep mode. The key input unit 25 accepts settings or job commands for the image forming apparatus 1 input by the user via the keys or numeric keypad, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the accepted input to the panel control unit 20. Note that the illustration of the key input unit 25 is omitted in the operation panel 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0067] The IF section 26 connects the CPU 100 of the control section 10 and the CPU 200 of the panel control section 20.

[0068] 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.

[0069] In addition to or instead of the status display unit 24, the operation panel 2 may be provided with a status sound generating unit such as a speaker that emits sounds or voices according to the status of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, while the operation panel 2 has both the display unit 21 and the touch panel 22, the operation panel 2 is not limited to this, and may have a touch panel display as a display unit that combines the functions of both the display unit 21 and the touch panel 22. In this case, the touch panel display accepts touch operations by the user. When the touch operation is performed on the touch panel display, the CPU 200 calculates coordinates corresponding to the position touched by the user on the surface of the touch panel display, and outputs an electrical signal based on the calculated coordinates.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The operation panel 2 is provided on the device body 1a so as to be movable between a storage position where it is in a storage state shown in Fig. 2 and an exposed position where it is in an exposed state shown in Fig. 3. The operation panel 2 is provided on the device body 1a so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis parallel to the X direction in the exposed state, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0072] Here, the exposed position in the exposed state is a first position where the entire display unit 21, touch panel 22, and key input unit 25 are exposed from the device body 1a. The stored position in the stored state is a second position where at least a part of the display unit 21 and touch panel 22 are stored inside the device body 1a so that they cannot be seen from the outside. The stored positions include a third position where the entire display unit 21 and touch panel 22 are stored inside the device body 1a so that they cannot be seen from the outside.

[0073] 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, etc.

[0074] When the operation panel 2 is in a storage state in which it is located at the storage position, at least a part of the display unit 21 cannot be seen from the outside, but at least a part of the display unit 21 is visible from the outside. Also, when the operation panel 2 is in a storage state in which it is located at the storage position, at least a part of the touch panel 22 cannot be operated by the user.

[0075] Furthermore, when the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position, it operates based on a touch operation on the touch panel 22, and when it is located at the retracted position, it does not operate based on a touch operation on the touch panel 22.

[0076] The CPU 200 controls the brightness of the display unit 21 to a first brightness when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed position, and controls the brightness of the display unit 21 to a second brightness that is darker than the first brightness when the operation panel 2 is in the retracted position. Furthermore, the CPU 200 controls the brightness of the display unit 21 to a third brightness that is darker than the second brightness when the operation panel 2 is in the third position. Here, the display unit 21 being at the second brightness or the third brightness includes the display unit 21 being turned off.

[0077] <Operation of image forming device> The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] In the image forming unit 15, the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y is charged by a charging device 151Y.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Next, the sheet S with the fixed toner image is sent to the processing device 16. If the user has specified a process such as stapling, punching, or bookbinding, the sheet S sent to the processing device 16 is subjected to the specified process and then discharged to the discharge tray 161a. If the user has not specified a process or the processing device 16 is not connected, the sheet S with the fixed toner image is discharged directly to the discharge tray 161b.

[0089] <Mode transition operation of image forming device> The mode transition operation of image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0090] The CPU 100 is capable of performing a mode transition operation to transition to a standby mode as a first power mode capable of forming an image on a sheet S, or to a sleep mode as a second power mode which consumes less power than the standby mode.

[0091] In the standby mode, the power supply device 12 supplies power to the control unit 10, and also supplies power to devices in use and does not supply power to devices not in use under the control of the CPU 100. For example, when the user selects to read an image, the power supply device 12 supplies power to the reader 14, which is a device in use, under the control of the CPU 100, but does not supply power to the image forming unit 15 and the processing device 16, which are devices not in use.

[0092] When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed position and the image forming apparatus 1 is in the standby mode, the CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to transition the image forming apparatus 1 to the sleep mode after a predetermined time as the second time has elapsed. The CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to transition from the standby mode to the sleep mode when an instruction to transition to the sleep mode is received from the user via the touch panel 22. The CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to transition to the sleep mode in the display unit storage control process described below.

[0093] When the power supply device 12 transitions from the standby mode to the sleep mode, it stops supplying power to devices that had been supplied with power in the standby mode under the control of the CPU 100.

[0094] In the sleep mode, when the CPU 100 detects an input from the user, it performs a mode transition operation to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode. For example, in the sleep mode, when the CPU 100 receives an input from the user via the touch panel 22 to instruct the device to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode, it performs a mode transition operation to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode.

[0095] In addition, in the sleep mode, the CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to return from the sleep mode to the standby mode even if there is no input from the user, for example, when there is an input from the reader 14 indicating the detection result that a document has been placed on the reader 14. In addition, the CPU 100 performs a mode transition operation to transition to the standby mode in the display unit exposure control process described below.

[0096] <Operation panel status detection method> A method for detecting the state of the operation panel 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 7. FIG.

[0097] 7, Fig. 7(a) shows an exposed state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the exposed position. Fig. 7(b) shows an intermediate state in which the operation panel 2 is located at a position intermediate between the exposed position (as the second position) and the stored position (hereinafter referred to as the "intermediate position"). Fig. 7(c) shows a stored state in which the operation panel 2 is located at the stored position.

[0098] 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c), the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 30 and the detection sensor 31 are disposed with a gap between them in a direction (depth direction) perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 7. The light-shielding member 71 passes between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 30 and between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 31. Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 7(c), the operation panel 2 is provided with a recess or the like (not shown) that allows light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the detection sensor 30 to reach the light-receiving portion of the detection sensor 30 without being blocked.

[0099] When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (the state shown in FIG. 3), the detection sensor 30 detects the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the detection sensor 30 is blocked by the light-shielding member 71, as shown in FIG. 7(a). When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because the light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the detection sensor 31 is received by the light-receiving unit of the detection sensor 31 without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71, as shown in FIG. 7(a). In this case, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state based on the detection results of the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0100] When the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the detection sensor 30 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the detection sensor 30 is received by the light-receiving unit of the detection sensor 30 without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71. Also, when the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 because light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the detection sensor 31 is received by the light-receiving unit of the detection sensor 31 without being blocked by the light-shielding member 71. In this case, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state based on the detection results of the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0101] When the operation panel 2 is in the stored state (the state shown in FIG. 2), the detection sensor 30 does not detect the light blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit of the detection sensor 30 is received by the light receiving unit without being blocked by the light blocking member 71, as shown in FIG. 7(c). Also, the detection sensor 31 detects the light blocking member 71 because the light emitted from the light emitting unit of the detection sensor 31 is blocked by the light blocking member 71, as shown in FIG. 7(c). In this case, the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state based on the detection results of the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0102] The operation panel 2 is configured so as not to move further in the depth direction (to the right in FIG. 7(c)) than the storage position shown in FIG. 7(c) by a stopper or the like (not shown).

[0103] The detection sensors 30 and 31 are not limited to photosensors, but may be mechanical sensors such as switches. The detection and non-detection of the light blocking member 71 by the detection sensors 30 and 31 may be reversed.

[0104] <Panel status detection process> The panel state detection process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0105] 8 starts when the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on. In FIG. 8, the detection of each of the detection sensors 30 and 31 that detects the light blocking member 71 is described as ON.

[0106] First, the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 30 has detected the light blocking member 71 (whether it is ON or not) based on an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result input from the detection sensor 30 (S101).

[0107] When the detection sensor 30 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S101: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state (S102), performs control for when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, and then ends the panel state detection process. At this time, the CPU 100 notifies the CPU 200 of the operation panel 2 that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state by outputting an electrical signal to the operation panel 2 indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0108] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 30 does not detect the light-shielding member 71 (step S101: No), the CPU 100 determines whether the detection sensor 31 has detected the light-shielding member 71 (whether it is ON or not) based on the electrical signal input from the detection sensor 31 (S103).

[0109] When the detection sensor 31 detects the light blocking member 71 (step S103: Yes), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state (S104), performs control for when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state, and then ends the panel state detection process. At this time, the CPU 100 notifies the CPU 200 of the operation panel 2 that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state by outputting an electrical signal to the operation panel 2 indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state.

[0110] On the other hand, if the detection sensor 31 does not detect the light blocking member 71 (step S103: No), the CPU 100 determines that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state (S105), performs control for when the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, and then ends the panel state detection process. At this time, the CPU 100 notifies the CPU 200 of the operation panel 2 that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state by outputting an electrical signal to the operation panel 2 indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state.

[0111] CPU 100 controls the operation of operation panel 2 according to the state of operation panel 2 determined by the above-described panel state detection process. Specifically, when operation panel 2 is located in the exposed position, CPU 100 controls the operation of operation panel 2 based on an electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position on touch panel 22 input from operation panel 2. When operation panel 2 is located in the retracted position, CPU 100 does not control the operation of operation panel 2.

[0112] Furthermore, the CPU 200 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position on the touch panel 22, depending on the state of the operation panel 2 determined by the above-described panel state detection process. Specifically, the CPU 200 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position when the operation panel 2 is located in the exposed position, and does not output an electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position when the operation panel 2 is located in the retracted position. Note that the CPU 200 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the calculation result of the coordinates of the touch position regardless of the position of the operation panel 2.

[0113] <Display unit storage control process> The display unit storage control process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, the second luminance is set to off.

[0114] The display unit storage control process shown in FIG. 9 is started at the timing when it is determined that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state or the exposed state by the panel state detection process shown in FIG.

[0115] First, CPU 100 determines whether the determination result of the state of operation panel 2 by the panel state detection process shown in FIG. 8 is the stored state or not (S201).

[0116] If the determination result in the panel state detection process is the exposed state or the intermediate state (step S201: No), CPU 100 repeats the process of step S201 to monitor whether operation panel 2 has transitioned from the exposed state or the intermediate state to the stored state.

[0117] On the other hand, if the determination result in the panel state detection process is the stored state (step S201: Yes), CPU 100 performs a process for transitioning operation panel 2 from the exposed state or intermediate state to the stored state.

[0118] Specifically, CPU 100 stops outputting display image data to operation panel 2. CPU 100 also outputs a control signal to CPU 200 to change the backlight of display unit 21 from a first brightness to a second brightness. Upon receiving the control signal output from CPU 100, CPU 200 controls to turn off the backlight of display unit 21 (S202). Here, if CPU 200 is controlling display unit 21 to display an image of image data stored in ROM 201, when the control signal is input from CPU 100, CPU 200 controls display unit 21 not to display the image.

[0119] Next, the CPU 100 starts the timer 102 to transition to the sleep mode (S203).

[0120] Next, CPU 100 determines whether a predetermined time as a first time has elapsed based on the count value counted by timer 102 (S204). Here, the predetermined time as the first time is shorter than the predetermined time as a second time when image forming apparatus 1 transitions to sleep mode after the predetermined time as a second time has elapsed. Furthermore, the predetermined time as the first time and the predetermined time as the second time can be changed by a user's operation on touch panel 22.

[0121] If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S204: No), the CPU 100 repeats the process of step S204 and waits for the predetermined time to elapse.

[0122] On the other hand, if the holding time has elapsed (step S204: Yes), CPU 100 transitions to sleep mode and causes power supply device 12 to stop supplying power to operation panel 2 (S205), and then terminates the display unit storage control process. In this way, CPU 100 transitions operation panel 2 to sleep mode when operation panel 2, which is in the standby mode and located in the exposed position, is moved to the stored position and a predetermined time as the first time has elapsed.

[0123] In addition, in the processing of step S204 of the display unit storage control processing described above, the predetermined time may be set to 0 seconds. In this case, CPU 100 immediately causes power supply device 12 to stop supplying power to operation panel 2 after processing of step S202. Furthermore, CPU 100 causes power supply device 12 to stop supplying power to operation panel 2 when operation panel 2 transitions from the intermediate state to the storage state. However, this is not limited thereto, and power supply device 12 may also stop supplying power to operation panel 2 when operation panel 2 transitions from the exposed state to the intermediate state. In this case, CPU 100 may control the backlight to gradually dim as operation panel 2 transitions from the intermediate state to the storage state.

[0124] By executing the display unit storage control process described above, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0125] <Touch panel storage control process> The touch panel retraction control process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0126] The touch panel storage control process shown in FIG. 10 starts when an electrical signal indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state is input to the CPU 200 from the CPU 100.

[0127] First, the CPU 200 determines whether the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state or the intermediate state based on an electrical signal corresponding to the state of the operation panel 2 input from the CPU 100 (S301).

[0128] If the state of operation panel 2 is the exposed state (step S301: No), CPU 200 repeats the process of step S301.

[0129] On the other hand, if the state of operation panel 2 is the stored state or the intermediate state (step S301: Yes), CPU 200 performs processing for transitioning operation panel 2 from the exposed state to the stored state. Specifically, CPU 200 stops outputting to control unit 10 a signal corresponding to the detection result of the coordinate position indicated by the electrical signal input from touch panel control unit 220 (S302), and then ends the touch panel storage control processing.

[0130] In the above-described touch panel storage control process, signal output is stopped when operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, which makes it possible to prevent display unit 21 from switching to an unintended screen when a user touches touch panel 22 of operation panel 2 in the intermediate state. In addition, signal output is stopped when operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state, which makes it possible to prevent image forming apparatus 1 from performing an unintended operation when a user touches touch panel 22 of operation panel 2 in the intermediate state.

[0131] <Display exposure control processing> The display unit exposed time control process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0132] The display unit exposed state control process shown in FIG. 11 is started at the timing when it is determined that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state by the panel state detection process shown in FIG.

[0133] First, the CPU 100 determines whether the determination result in the panel state detection process shown in FIG. 8 is the intermediate state or the exposed state (S401).

[0134] When operation panel 2 is in the stored state (step S401: No), CPU 100 repeats the process of step S401 to monitor whether operation panel 2 has shifted from the stored state to the intermediate state or the exposed state.

[0135] On the other hand, if the determination result in the panel state detection process is the intermediate state or the exposed state (step S401: Yes), CPU 100 performs processing for transitioning operation panel 2 from the stored state to the exposed state. Specifically, CPU 100 transitions from the sleep mode to the standby mode to cancel the sleep mode, and causes power supply device 12 to start supplying power to operation panel 2 (S402).

[0136] Next, CPU 100 starts outputting display image data to operation panel 2, and outputs a control signal to operation panel 200 to turn on the backlight of display unit 21. Furthermore, CPU 200 performs control to turn on the backlight of display unit 21 in response to input of the control signal output from CPU 100 (S403). Here, when CPU 200 controls to display an image on display unit 21, when input of the control signal output from CPU 100, CPU 200 performs control to display an image of the image data stored in ROM 201 on display unit 21. Thereafter, CPU 100 ends the display unit exposure control process.

[0137] If the backlight of display unit 21 is not turned on when the operation panel 2 transitions from the retracted state to the intermediate state while the main power supply is on, the user may mistakenly turn off the main power supply because they believe it is off. By repeating the above process, CPU 100 can keep the backlight of display unit 21 turned on even after operation panel 2 transitions to the exposed state.

[0138] In the above-described display unit exposed control process, CPU 100 may gradually increase the light intensity of the backlight of display unit 21 in the intermediate state depending on the amount of exposure of operation panel 2 from device body 1a or the elapsed time since transition to the intermediate state. Also, CPU 100 may make the light intensity of the backlight of display unit 21 in the exposed state greater than the light intensity of the backlight of display unit 21 in the intermediate state. This can reduce power consumption.

[0139] Furthermore, CPU 100 may only output an image to operation panel 2 in the initial stage of the intermediate state, and then turn on the backlight of display unit 21 depending on the exposure of operation panel 2 from device body 1a or the elapsed time thereafter. This makes it possible to suppress flickering on the screen of display unit 21.

[0140] <Touch panel exposure control processing> The touch panel exposure control process executed by the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0141] The touch panel exposed state control process shown in FIG. 12 starts when an electrical signal indicating that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state or intermediate state is input to the CPU 200 from the CPU 100.

[0142] First, the CPU 200 determines whether the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state based on an electrical signal corresponding to the state of the operation panel 2 input from the CPU 100 (S501).

[0143] If the state of operation panel 2 is the stored state or the intermediate state (step S501: No), CPU 200 repeats the process of step S501.

[0144] On the other hand, if the state of operation panel 2 is the exposed state (step S501: Yes), CPU 200 performs processing for transitioning operation panel 2 from the stored state to the exposed state. Specifically, CPU 200 starts outputting to control unit 10 the detection result of the coordinate position indicated by the electrical signal input from touch panel control unit 220 (S502). Thereafter, CPU 200 ends the touch panel exposed state control processing.

[0145] By executing the above-described touch panel exposed control process, the user does not have to go through the trouble of restoring the screen display of the display unit 21 when transitioning the operation panel 2 from the stored state to the exposed state, thereby improving work efficiency. Also, the time required from transitioning the operation panel 2 to the exposed state until the touch panel 22 becomes operable can be shortened, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0146] In this way, by executing the above-mentioned touch panel storage control process and touch panel exposure control process, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to erroneous detection, etc. when the operation panel 2 transitions from a storage state to an exposed state or from an exposed state to a storage state.

[0147] In this embodiment, the apparatus includes a device main body 1a having an image forming unit 15 that forms an image on a sheet S. The apparatus also includes an operation panel 2 having a display unit 21 that displays information related to image formation and whose brightness is adjustable. The operation panel 2 is provided on the device main body 1a so that it can move between a first position where the entire display unit 21 is exposed from the device main body 1a and a second position where at least a portion of the display unit 21 is stored inside the device main body 1a so that it cannot be seen from outside the device main body 1a. The brightness of the display unit 21 is a first brightness when the operation panel 2 is located at the first position, and a second brightness that is darker than the first brightness when the operation panel 2 is located at the second position.

[0148] This allows the operation panel 2 to be placed out of the way when not in use, and also reduces power consumption.

[0149] <Detailed configuration of the key input section> The operation panel 2 in this embodiment is provided with a key input unit 25, and in addition to operation via the touch panel 22, operation via the hard keys of the key input unit 25 is possible. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 having the operation panel 2 provided with the key input unit 25. In this embodiment, as an example, the key input unit 25 includes a first function key 251 (first hard key) and a second function key 252 (second hard key). Note that the configuration of the key input unit 25 in this embodiment is an example, and the key input unit 25 may be composed of one hard key, or may be composed of three or more hard keys.

[0150] The hard keys in this embodiment are hard keys that can be used to give instructions related to image formation. Examples of functions that can be assigned to the hard keys of key input unit 25 include instructions to suspend an image formation operation or to start an image formation operation. The above-mentioned functions given as examples are functions that users frequently give instructions to image forming apparatus 1. By providing hard keys that users can use to give instructions to execute frequently used functions as key input unit 25, separate from touch panel 22, users can easily give instructions to execute specific functions, thereby improving usability.

[0151] 13(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 when the operation panel 2 is in an exposed state. In FIG. 13, the key input unit 25 is provided on the front side of the operation panel. In the exposed state where the entire display unit is exposed to the outside, the key input unit 25 is also exposed to the outside. This allows the user to perform operations using both the touch panel 22 and the key input unit 25.

[0152] FIG. 13(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 when the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state. In the retracted state shown in FIG. 13(b), the operation panel 2 is retracted inside the device body 1a, and a portion of the display unit 21 is not exposed to the outside. In this state, the entire display unit cannot be seen, and operability is reduced compared to the exposed state in which the entire display unit is exposed. On the other hand, the key input unit 25 is completely exposed to the outside of the device body 1a, just as when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state. Therefore, the key input unit 25 can be operated in the same way as when it is in the exposed state, and the reduction in operability can be reduced even when the display unit 21 is in the retracted state.

[0153] FIG. 13(c) shows the operation panel in a retracted state, with the entire display unit 21 retracted inside the device body 1a. The entire display unit 21 cannot be seen from outside the device body 1a, so operation using the touch panel 22 is impossible. On the other hand, the key input unit 25 provided on the side surface on the front side of the operation panel 2 is exposed to the outside of the device body 1a even in the state shown in FIG. 13(c). Therefore, even when the operation panel 2 is in a retracted state and the entire display unit 21 is not exposed to the outside of the device body 1a, it is possible to operate the key input unit 25. Therefore, even when the operation panel 2 is in a retracted state, it is possible to reduce deterioration in operability.

[0154] It is desirable that an instruction to suspend an image forming operation, which is given as an example of a function to be assigned to the input key 25, can be given in as short a time as possible. In this embodiment, the key input unit 25 can be operated regardless of the storage state of the operation panel 2, so that it is possible to reduce the risk of a decrease in operability when executing a function that requires operation in a short time as described above.

[0155] In this embodiment, an instruction to stop an image forming operation and an instruction to start an image forming operation are shown as examples of the functions of the input keys 25, but the functions assigned to the input keys 25 are not limited to these and other functions may be used. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the user can arbitrarily set the functions assigned to the input keys 25. Examples of functions that the user can arbitrarily set include a setting to send image data read by the reader 14 to a predetermined destination, a setting to form an image read by the reader 14 on a recording medium under predetermined conditions, and a setting to save an image read by the reader 14 in a predetermined storage area. The above-mentioned functions are functions that can be executed without using the touch panel 22 by setting them in advance, and when the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state, it is possible to execute the predetermined function without moving the operation panel 2 to the exposed state.

[0156] In addition, in this embodiment, the input keys 25 are provided on the side surface at the front of the operation panel 2, but they may be provided in other positions as long as they are operable even when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state. That is, as shown in Fig. 13(d), the input keys 25 may be configured to be pressable from the same surface of the operation panel 2 as the display unit 21, so that the input keys 25 provided on the same surface as the display unit 21 can be pressed even when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state.

[0157] In this embodiment, as an example of a configuration that allows the input keys 25 to be operated even when the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state, the input keys 25 are provided at a position that allows the input keys 25 to be exposed to the outside of the device body 1a even when the operation unit is in the retracted state. However, depending on the arrangement of the input keys 25, there is a risk that the user may unintentionally press the input keys 25 during the retracting operation of the operation panel 2, resulting in the execution of a function that the user does not intend. For this reason, when the operation panel 2 is located at a second position where a portion of the display unit 21 is not visible from the outside of the device body 1a, the operation of the input keys 25 may be disabled. More specifically, the operation of the input keys 25 is enabled when the operation panel 2 is located at a first position where the entire display unit 21 is exposed and at a third position where the entire display unit 21 is not exposed. On the other hand, the operation of the input keys 25 is disabled when the operation panel 2 is located at the second position where a portion of the display unit 21 is not visible from the outside. As described above, by switching between enabling and disabling instructions by the input keys 25 depending on the position of the operation panel 2, it is possible to reduce unintended operations while the operation panel 2 is moving, and also to reduce the risk of reduced operability even when the entire display unit 21 is stored.

[0158] In addition, to prevent the user from unintentionally pressing the input keys 25 while moving the operation panel 2, the movement state of the operation panel 2 may be determined, and if the operation unit is moving, the operation of the input keys 25 may be temporarily disabled.

[0159] FIG. 14 shows a flow for detecting the movement state of the operation unit.

[0160] The CPU 100 determines whether or not a notification that the function 1 key 251 of the key operation input unit 25 has been pressed has been received from the operation panel 2 (S301).

[0161] If a press notification is received (Yes in S301), it is determined whether the operation panel 2 is located in the third position (S302). If it is not pressed (No in S301), this processing flow is not executed and is therefore terminated.

[0162] If the operation panel 2 is located in the third position (Yes in S302), the function assigned to the function 1 key 251 is executed as set (S303). This is a step for executing the function that has been set as a function that can be realized even when the operation panel 2 is stored, as described in the first embodiment.

[0163] If the operation panel 2 is not located in the third position (No in S201), the process proceeds to S304.

[0164] In S304, the function assigned to Function 1 key 251 is masked and not executed. Furthermore, a period of time is set in which Function 1 key 251 is inactive for an arbitrary time after it is detected that the key has been pressed. The time is counted by timer 102 in the control unit. The arbitrary time is a period in which the user does not feel that the key is being masked, and is expected to be around 0.5 to 2.0 seconds. This takes into account the time it takes to push operation panel 2 into the main body of image forming apparatus 1 when storing it, and can be adjusted when the function is implemented depending on the size and mechanical structure of operation panel 2.

[0165] Next, it is determined whether or not the function 1 key 251 is still pressed after the arbitrary time counted in S304 (S304). Since this is after the arbitrary time, it is assumed that the function 1 key 251 remains pressed. If the function 1 key 251 is pressed again, the processing flow returns to S301, and it is determined again in S302 whether the operation panel state detection is in the third position. If the function 1 key 251 is pressed again after the operation panel 2 is pushed in and stored, the process proceeds to S303 by pressing the function 1 key 251 again, so that the function 1 key 251 can be executed as intended.

[0166] If the function 1 key 251 is pressed (Yes in S305), it is determined that the function 1 key 251 is pressed intentionally, and the function assigned to the function 1 key 251 is executed as set (S303).

[0167] If the function 1 key 251 is not pressed (No in S305), the process returns to the original state as assumed above.

[0168] Since the operation panel 2 is stored inside the main body of the image forming device 1, even if the user accidentally presses a key when pressing the operation panel 2 itself, it is possible to prevent a function from being executed unexpectedly.

[0169] Furthermore, the function executed by the input keys 25 may be changed depending on the position of the operation panel 2.

[0170] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the operation panel 2 in the exposed state. When the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, there is a possibility that the functions of the input keys 25 and the software keys displayed on the display unit will overlap. For this reason, in FIG. 15, when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, different functions are assigned to the input keys 25 compared to when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state. Specifically, when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state, the function of instructing the start of image formation is assigned to the input keys 25, whereas when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, the function of adjusting the volume of sounds emitted by the operation panel 2 is assigned to the input keys 25. By changing the function of the input keys 25 depending on the position of the operation panel 2 as described above, it is possible to reduce the risk of functions overlapping between the input keys 25 and the software keys when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state.

[0171] 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.

[0172] Specifically, in the above embodiment, the CPU 100 controls the power supply device 12 and controls the power supply device 12 based on the electrical signals input from the detection sensors 30 and 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 200 may control the power supply device 12 and controls the power supply device 12 based on the electrical signals input from the detection sensors 30 and 31.

[0173] In the above embodiment, CPU 100 turns off the backlight of display unit 21 when it determines that the operation panel 2 is in the stored state in the process of step 201 of the display unit storage control process shown in Fig. 9. However, this is not limiting, and CPU 100 may turn off the backlight of display unit 21 after a predetermined time has elapsed since detection sensor 31 detected that operation panel 2 is in the stored state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] A. Image forming system 1. Image forming device 1a Device body 2 Operation panel 10 Control Unit 12 Power supply 20 Panel control section 21 Display section 22 Touch Panel 24 Status display section 25 Key input section 26 IF Section 30 Detection sensor 31 Detection sensor 62 Shaft 71 Light blocking material 100 CPU 102 Timer 200 CPU 203 Timer 220 Touch panel control unit

Claims

1. an apparatus main body having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material; an operation unit having a display unit that displays information related to image formation and hard keys that accept user operations, the operation unit being movable between a first position where the entire display unit is exposed to the outside of the device body and a second position where at least a part of the display unit is stored inside the device body so that it cannot be seen from the outside of the device body; Equipped with When the operation unit is located at the second position, the hard keys are exposed to the outside of the device body. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. When the operation unit is located at the first position, the hard keys are exposed to the outside of the device body.

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

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation unit is located at the first position, the user can press the hard key.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is movable among the first position, the second position, and a third position in which the entire display unit is stored inside the main body of the apparatus.

5. the hard keys include a first hard key and a second hard key; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation unit is located at the first position, the first hard key is exposed to the outside of the apparatus body, and the second hard key is exposed to the outside of the apparatus body.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the operation unit is located in the second position, the first hard key is exposed to the outside of the apparatus body, and the second hard key is not exposed to the outside of the apparatus body.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the operation unit is located at the second position, the user can press the first hard key and cannot press the second hard key.

8. The brightness of the display unit can be adjusted, the luminance of the operation unit is a first luminance when the operation unit is located at the first position, and is a second luminance that is darker than the first luminance when the operation unit is located at the second position; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the display unit is turned off when the operation unit is in the second position.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit accepts touch operations by a user.

11. the operation unit operates based on the touch operation when located at the first position, and does not operate based on the touch operation when located at the second position; 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The operation unit includes: an output unit that calculates coordinates according to a position touched by a user on the surface of the display unit during the touch operation and outputs a signal based on the coordinates; the image forming apparatus, a control unit that controls the operation of the operation unit based on the signal, 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein:

13. the output unit outputs the signal when the operation unit is located at the first position, and does not output the signal when the operation unit is located at the second position; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

14. the output unit outputs the signal regardless of the position of the operation unit, the control unit controls the operation unit based on the signal when the operation unit is located at the first position, and does not control the operation unit when the operation unit is located at the second position; 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

15. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein pressing the hard key instructs the image forming unit to suspend image formation.

Images