Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To solve the problem that the operability of an operation part is deteriorated when a user unintentionally stores the operation part in an image forming apparatus capable of storing the operation part inside an apparatus body.SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus including an operating portion including a display portion, the operating portion is movable between a first position where an entirety of the display portion is exposed to an outside and a second position where the operating portion is accommodated in an inside of an apparatus main assembly so that at least a part of the display portion cannot be visually recognized from the outside, and in the case where the operating portion is in the second position, display for prompting a user to pull out the operating portion from the inside of the apparatus main assembly is made.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

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] In a configuration in which the operation unit can be stored in a storage unit of the device body, as in Patent Document 1, a user may operate the device with part of the operation unit stored in the storage unit. When a user operates the device with part of the operation unit unintentionally stored in the storage unit, the area of ​​the display that the user can operate is reduced compared to when the operation unit is completely pulled out from the storage unit, which may result in reduced usability. In view of the above problem, the present invention aims to reduce the risk of reduced operability when a user operates the operation unit with part of the operation unit unintentionally stored in the storage unit in an image forming device having an operation unit that can be stored in a storage unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] 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, and an operation unit that has a display unit that displays information related to image formation and accepts touch operations from a user, the operation unit being movable between a first position where the entire display unit is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body and a second position where 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 is characterized in that when the operation unit is located at the second position, the display unit displays a message urging the user to pull out the operation unit from inside the apparatus main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, in an image forming device having an operation unit that can be stored in a storage unit, the risk of reduced operability can be reduced when a user unintentionally operates the operation unit with part of the operation unit stored. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [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 an example of a display on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a display on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a display on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a display on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a display on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The notification device 17 notifies the status of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0014] <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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The apparatus main body 1a includes a fixing unit 13, an image forming unit 15, a sheet cassette 19A, and a sheet cassette 19B.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 .

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The memory 101 temporarily stores data generated when the CPU 100 executes the program 110 .

[0024] The timer 102 counts a count value by measuring time when the CPU 100 performs various processes under the control of the CPU 100.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 .

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The charging devices 151Y, 151M, 151C, and 151K charge the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, and 150K.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Sheets S are stored in the sheet cassette 19A.

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

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The operation panel 2 is connected to the shaft portion 62. The shaft portion 62 moves together with the operation panel 2.

[0048] The light blocking member 71 is provided on the shaft portion 62. The light blocking member 71 moves together with the shaft portion 62.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] <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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The CPU 200 executes a touch panel storage control process and a touch panel exposure control process, which will be described later.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The RAM 202 is used as a work area when the CPU 200 performs calculations, and temporarily stores data.

[0059] The timer 203 counts a count value by measuring time when the CPU 200 performs various processes under the control of the CPU 200.

[0060] 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.

[0061] In this way, under the control of CPU 200, display unit 21 switches between displaying a predetermined image based on image data stored in ROM 201 of operation panel 2 and 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 .

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The IF section 26 connects the CPU 100 of the control section 10 and the CPU 200 of the panel control section 20.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] <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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In the image forming unit 15, the surface of the photosensitive drum 150Y is charged by a charging device 151Y.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Next, the full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 155 conveyed to the secondary transfer portion is transferred to the sheet S conveyed from the sheet cassette 19A or the sheet cassette 19B in the secondary transfer portion.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] <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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] <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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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.

[0103] <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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the display unit 21 when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state. In this embodiment, the display unit 21 can display a list of predetermined operations related to image formation using operation keys 701 in the form of icons. Examples of functions displayed as the operation keys 701 include a copy function, a scan function, and a fax function. In other words, the operation keys 701 correspond to the first operation key unit.

[0113] Furthermore, depending on the number of functions installed in the image forming apparatus, it may not be possible to display all operation keys 701 on one screen, and operation keys 701 may be displayed using multiple screens. Operation keys 702 and 703 are operation keys for switching between multiple screens. The user can switch between multiple screens by operating operation keys 702 and 703. In other words, operation keys 702 and 703 correspond to the first selection key. Furthermore, the multiple screens displayed when operation panel 2 is in the exposed state correspond to the first multiple screens.

[0114] Furthermore, the display key 704 is an operation key that indicates the number of multiple screens. In this embodiment, the number of screens that can be switched is indicated by the number of dots on the display key 704, and the currently displayed screen is indicated by changing the size of the dot on the display key 704. The user can switch the display screen by operating the operation keys 702 and 703, as well as by flicking left and right on the touch panel 22.

[0115] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display on the display unit 21 when the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state. The operation keys 705 are icon-type operation keys that can perform predetermined operations related to image formation. In other words, the operation keys 705 correspond to the second operation key unit. In the intermediate state, the area of ​​the display unit 21 exposed to the outside is smaller than in the exposed state shown in FIG. 7 . Therefore, the amount of information that the display unit 21 can display on one screen may be smaller than in the exposed state. While it is possible to increase the number of operation keys that the user can operate by reducing the size of the icons on the operation keys 705, this may result in a decrease in operability. For this reason, in this embodiment, the number of icons on the operation keys 705 in the intermediate state is reduced compared to the operation keys 701 in the exposed state. In other words, the number of keys displayed on the operation keys 705 is smaller than the number of keys displayed on the operation keys 701. Note that even in the intermediate state, if the operation keys 705 cannot be displayed on one screen, multiple screens are used for display. In this case, the operation keys 702 and 703 are used to switch between multiple screens. The operation keys 706 have the same function as the operation keys 704. That is, operation key 702 and operation key 703 correspond to the second selection key. Also, the plurality of screens displayed when operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state correspond to the second plurality of screens.

[0116] As described above, in the intermediate state, the number of icons displayed on the operation keys 705 is smaller than in the exposed state. Therefore, all functions are displayed by increasing the number of screens to be switched compared to the exposed state. In this case, the number of dots displayed by the operation keys 706 is greater than in the exposed state.

[0117] The user can appropriately set the arrangement of icons displayed on the operation keys 701 and 705. The arrangement of icons may also be rearranged according to the frequency with which the functions corresponding to the icons are used.

[0118] Furthermore, in the intermediate state, the user may unintentionally leave the operation panel 2 in the intermediate state. In this case, the user may use the operation panel 2 in the intermediate state even though he or she wants to use it in the exposed state, which may unintentionally reduce the display area of ​​the display unit 21 and reduce usability. For this reason, in this embodiment, a display is displayed to encourage the user to pull out the operation panel 2 to the exposed state in the intermediate state. The display unit 707 has a function to encourage the user to pull out the operation panel 2. In this embodiment, the display unit 707 indicates that the display area of ​​the operation keys 705 is limited. Furthermore, the display unit 707 displays a display to encourage the user to pull out the operation panel 2 to increase the display area of ​​the operation keys 705. By visually checking the information on the display unit 707, the user can recognize that the operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state and that the display area of ​​the display unit 21 is reduced compared to the exposed state. Also, the user can recognize that pulling out the operation panel 2 increases the display area of ​​the display unit 21 and therefore can increase the display area of ​​the operation keys 705. The display unit 707 is displayed below the operation keys 702 and 703 in the vertical direction of the display unit 21. By displaying the display unit 707 in the above-described arrangement, it is possible to reliably notify the user even when the operation panel 2 is pulled out only a small amount.

[0119] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the display area of ​​the display unit 21 is further reduced compared to FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, the display area is so small that the operation keys 705 cannot be displayed. Even in such a case, the display unit 21 displays the display section 707, and displays a message urging the user to pull out the operation panel 2. As a result, the user recognizes that pulling out the operation panel 2 is necessary to operate the operation panel 2, and it is possible to reduce the risk of a decrease in usability.

[0120] In this embodiment, the display unit 707 displays a text message urging the user to pull out the operation panel 2, but other forms of display may be used as long as they urge the user to pull out the operation panel 2. For example, the user may be urged to pull out the operation panel 2 by displaying a graphic such as an icon or an animation.

[0121] 12 shows an example of the display unit 21 that transitions when the FAX key of the operation keys 701 is operated while the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state. In this embodiment, when a predetermined key of the operation keys 701 is operated, the display transitions to a detailed operation screen corresponding to the operated key.

[0122] Fig. 13 shows an example of a screen transition when the FAX key of operation keys 705 is operated while operation panel 2 is in the intermediate state. In Fig. 13, the transition to a detailed operation screen corresponding to the FAX key is also the same, but the display area of ​​display unit 21 is smaller than when operation panel 2 is in the exposed state. For this reason, in Fig. 13, cursor 1102 is provided within the display area, and the area of ​​the display screen can be changed by operating it. With this configuration, it is possible to adequately display information on the detailed operation screen even when the display area of ​​display unit 21 is small.

[0123] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] A. Image forming system 1. Image forming device 1a Device body 2 Operation panel 21 Display section 22 Touch Panel 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 that receives touch operations from a user, 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 in the second position, the display unit displays a message urging the user to pull out the operation unit from inside the main body of the image forming apparatus.

2. When the operation unit is located at the first position, the display unit is capable of displaying a first operation key unit which is a plurality of keys each capable of performing a predetermined operation of the image forming apparatus, When the operation unit is located at the second position, the display unit is capable of displaying a second operation key unit which is a plurality of keys each capable of performing a predetermined operation of the image forming apparatus.

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

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number of the plurality of keys included in the first operation key unit displayed on one screen when the operation unit is located at the first position is greater than the number of the plurality of keys included in the second operation key unit displayed on one screen when the operation unit is located at the second position.

4. the first operation key unit is displayed on a first plurality of screens on the display unit, the second operation key unit is displayed on a second plurality of screens on the display unit; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display unit displays a first selection key that can select the first plurality of screens on which the first operation key unit is displayed, and a second selection key that can select the second plurality of screens on which the second operation key unit is displayed.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display prompting the user to pull out the operation unit from inside the apparatus body is displayed below the first selection key in the vertical direction of the display unit.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a display prompting the user to pull out the operation unit from inside the apparatus body in the vertical direction is displayed below the second selection key.

Images