Image forming device

Abstract

To prevent operation abnormality of an electrostatic touch panel display and false detection even if an image forming apparatus is not grounded.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (multi-functional machine) includes a printing unit, an electrostatic touch panel, a power supply circuit unit, and a contact member. The printing unit performs printing. The electrostatic touch panel receives a touch operation performed by a user. The power supply circuit unit receives supply of power from a commercial power supply. The power supply circuit unit supplies power to the printing unit and the electrostatic touch panel. The contact member is connected to the ground of the image forming apparatus. The contact member is touched by the user who operates the electrostatic touch panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an electrostatic touch panel that accepts operations by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] There are image forming devices such as multifunction devices, printers, and copiers. Some image forming devices are equipped with a touch panel display for receiving settings. The touch panel display displays setting images (buttons, etc.) on the screen. The operated setting image is recognized based on the output of the touch panel. In recent years, some image forming devices are equipped with a capacitive touch panel display.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an operation device (image forming device) equipped with a capacitive touch panel display. Specifically, the operation device includes a plurality of capacitive operation keys that are displayed to indicate operation positions and assigned operation contents, and capacitive dummy keys that are arranged near the operation keys and are not displayed, and determines whether the operation keys and the dummy keys are pressed. When two or more special operation keys preselected from the plurality of operation keys are pressed, if the dummy key is not pressed, it determines that the input is a special operation instruction different from the operation contents assigned to each of the special operation keys, and if the dummy key is pressed, it determines that the input is not a special operation. This operation device tries not to transition to a special mode even if a user keeps touching the panel with the palm of his / her hand without any intention to operate and touches the plurality of special operation keys for a predetermined time or more. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-207559 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Capacitive touch panel displays have various advantages. For example, they have the advantage of high transmittance and the screen looks clear. Some capacitive touch panel displays can detect multiple touches and can recognize gesture operations. Due to these advantages, the number of image forming devices equipped with capacitive touch panel displays is increasing.

[0006] Based on the change in capacitance, a capacitive touch panel display recognizes the touch position. A capacitive touch panel display is provided with transparent electrodes. When a finger is brought close to a capacitive touch panel display, capacitive coupling occurs between the finger and the electrode. The change in capacitance and the touch position are recognized by monitoring the level and change in the voltage (current) of the electrode.

[0007] Capacitive touch panel displays tend to be susceptible to electrical noise because they recognize signals based on the voltage (current) level of the electrodes and changes in that level. Problems can occur with capacitive touch panel displays due to noise. Specifically, they can fail to detect touch (no reaction). They can also misdetect the touch position.

[0008] Furthermore, equipment in the same building may become a noise source. Specifically, equipment such as machine tools, air conditioners, and refrigerators may become noise sources. These equipment may affect the capacitive touch panel display through the building's power distribution wiring (AC power lines), causing malfunction. For example, the current of equipment in the same building may fluctuate the reference potential (ground potential) of the building (power distribution wiring). The difference between the fluctuating reference potential of the image forming device and the user's reference potential may be one of the causes of abnormalities and false detections in the capacitive touch panel display.

[0009] If the image forming apparatus is earthed (grounded), the reference potential of the user and the image forming apparatus will be equal or nearly equal. The difference with the reference potential, which is a cause of abnormalities and erroneous detection, will be eliminated. However, there are cases where major construction is required to earth the image forming apparatus. Even without earthing (if the image forming apparatus is connected to an outlet), the image forming apparatus will basically operate without problems. Many users do not earth their image forming apparatus. However, not earthing the image forming apparatus makes it more likely that abnormalities and erroneous detection will occur in the capacitive touch panel display. Even if it is not earthed, there is a problem of how to prevent abnormalities and erroneous detection in the capacitive touch panel display.

[0010] Patent Document 1 does not describe a method for dealing with electrical noise emitted by devices in the same building. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot solve the above problem.

[0011] In view of the above-mentioned problems with the conventional technology, the present invention is intended to prevent abnormalities and erroneous detection in an electrostatic touch panel display even if an image forming apparatus is not grounded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing unit, an electrostatic touch panel, a power supply circuit unit, and a contact member. The printing unit performs printing. The electrostatic touch panel accepts touch operations by a user. The power supply circuit unit receives power from a commercial power source. The power supply circuit unit supplies power to the printing unit and the electrostatic touch panel. The contact member is connected to the ground of the image forming apparatus. The contact member is touched by a user who operates the electrostatic touch panel. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, even if the image forming apparatus is not grounded, malfunctions and abnormal operations of the electrostatic touch panel display can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply circuit unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrostatic touch panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a reference potential of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a contact member according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a connection of contact members according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. In the following description, a multifunction peripheral 100 will be taken as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the elements of the configuration, arrangement, etc. described in each embodiment do not limit the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0016] (Overview of the multifunction printer 100) First, an overview of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a multifunction peripheral 100 according to an embodiment.

[0017] The multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 1, a memory unit 2, a document reading unit 3, an operation panel 4, a printing unit 5, and a power supply circuit unit 6. The control unit 1 controls the operation of the multifunction device 100. The control unit 1 controls the operation of each unit of the multifunction device 100 for a job (copying or sending). The control unit 1 is a board (main control board) including a control circuit 11, an image data generation circuit 12, an image processing circuit 13, and a communication circuit unit 14. The control circuit 11 performs processing and calculations related to the job. The image data generation circuit 12 includes an A / D conversion circuit. The image data generation circuit 12 processes the analog image signal output by the document reading unit 3 after reading the document, and generates document image data. The image processing circuit 13 is an integrated circuit for image processing (e.g., ASIC). The image processing circuit 13 performs image processing of the document image data.

[0018] The communication circuit unit 14 includes a communication control circuit and a communication memory. The communication memory stores communication software. Based on the communication software, the communication control circuit 11 controls communication. The communication circuit unit 14 communicates with a computer 200. For example, the computer 200 is a PC or a server. The communication circuit unit 14 receives print data from the computer 200. Based on the received print data, the control unit 1 causes the printing unit 5 to print (print job). The operation panel 4 also accepts destination settings. The control unit 1 causes the communication circuit unit 14 to transmit a transmission file based on the document image data to the set destination (scan transmission job).

[0019] The multifunction device 100 includes a RAM, a ROM, and a storage as a memory unit 2. For example, the storage is either an HDD or an SSD, or both. The control unit 1 controls each unit based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 2. The document reading unit 3 includes a light source and an image sensor. The document reading unit 3 reads a document and outputs an analog image signal.

[0020] The operation panel 4 accepts settings made by the user. The operation panel 4 includes a display panel 41, an electrostatic touch panel 42, and hard keys 43. The electrostatic touch panel 42 is provided on the upper surface (display surface) of the display panel 41. The control unit 1 displays messages, setting screens, and operation images on the display panel 41. For example, the operation images are buttons, keys, and tabs. For example, the electrostatic touch panel 42 is a projection-type capacitive touch panel. The electrostatic touch panel 42 can detect multi-touch. Based on the recognized touch position, the control unit 1 recognizes the operated operation image. The hard keys 43 include a start key and a numeric keypad. The electrostatic touch panel 42 and the hard keys 43 accept setting operations (job-related operations) made by the user. For example, they accept the type of job to be executed and the setting values ​​of the job. Based on the output of the operation panel 4, the control unit 1 recognizes the setting contents.

[0021] The multifunction device 100 includes a printing unit 5. The printing unit 5 includes a paper feed unit 5a, a paper transport unit 5b, an image forming unit 5c, and a fixing unit 5d. For example, the paper feed unit 5a includes a paper cassette for setting paper and a paper feed roller for feeding paper. When printing, the control unit 1 causes the paper feed unit 5a to supply paper. The paper transport unit 5b includes, for example, a motor and a pair of transport rollers. The control unit 1 causes the paper transport unit 5b to transport the paper fed from the paper feed unit 5a. For example, the image forming unit 5c includes a photoconductor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer roller. The control unit 1 charges the photoconductor drum and exposes the photoconductor drum based on image data. The control unit 1 also develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum with toner. The control unit 1 also transfers the toner image to the paper. For example, the fixing unit 5d includes a heater and a fixing roller. The control unit 1 causes the fixing unit 5d to apply heat and pressure to the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred, and causes the fixing unit 5d to fix the toner image.

[0022] (Power circuit section 6) Next, an example of the power supply circuit section 6 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the power supply circuit section 6 according to the embodiment.

[0023] The multifunction device 100 includes a power supply circuit section 6 (power supply board). The power supply circuit section 6 includes a power supply control circuit 60, a primary power supply section 61, and a secondary power supply section 62.

[0024] A power cord 300 (power cable) is connected to the primary power supply unit 61. This connects the primary power supply unit 61 to a commercial power supply 400 (AC power supply). Specifically, power from the commercial power supply 400 is distributed by indoor wiring in a building. An outlet is provided on each distribution wiring. The plug of the power cord 300 is inserted into this outlet. This allows power from the commercial power supply 400 to be input to the primary power supply unit 61.

[0025] The primary power supply unit 61 is, for example, a switching power supply including a transformer. The primary power supply unit 61 generates a DC voltage from the commercial power supply 400 (AC voltage). When the power cord 300 and the commercial power supply 400 (AC power supply) are connected, the primary power supply unit 61 operates. The primary power supply unit 61 generates and outputs a preset voltage (for example, DC 24V).

[0026] A plurality of voltages are required to operate the control unit 1, the storage unit 2, the document reading unit 3, the operation panel 4, and the printing unit 5. Therefore, the secondary power supply unit 62 generates a plurality of DC voltages based on the voltage generated by the primary power supply unit 61. To generate a plurality of voltages, the secondary power supply unit 62 includes a plurality of power conversion circuits 63. For example, the power conversion circuits 63 are DC-DC converters or regulators. Each power conversion circuit 63 outputs a voltage of a preset magnitude. The voltage generated by the secondary power supply unit 62 is supplied to each unit of the multifunction device 100. For example, the voltage generated by the secondary power supply unit 62 is supplied to the control unit 1, the storage unit 2, the document reading unit 3, the operation panel 4 (including the electrostatic touch panel 42), and the printing unit 5.

[0027] The power supply control circuit 60 controls the operation of the primary power supply unit 61 and the secondary power supply unit 62. When the main power switch 101 of the multifunction device 100 is in the ON state, the power supply control circuit 60 operates the secondary power supply unit 62. When the main power switch 101 is in the OFF state, the power supply control circuit 60 stops the secondary power supply unit 62.

[0028] (Electrostatic touch panel 42) Next, an example of the electrostatic touch panel 42 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the electrostatic touch panel 42 according to the embodiment.

[0029] The operation panel 4 includes an electrostatic touch panel 42. The electrostatic touch panel 42 is a capacitive touch panel. The electrostatic touch panel 42 is attached to the display surface of the display panel 41. The electrostatic touch panel 42 includes electrodes arranged in a matrix. The electrodes are transparent. The electrostatic touch panel 42 includes a plurality of diamond-shaped (rectangular) electrodes (hereinafter referred to as X electrodes) connected by a conductive film in the X direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3). In FIG. 3, the electrodes are denoted by symbols X1 to Xn. The electrostatic touch panel 42 also includes a plurality of diamond-shaped (rectangular) electrodes (hereinafter referred to as Y electrodes) connected by a conductive film in the Y direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 3). In FIG. 3, the electrodes are denoted by symbols Y1 to Yn. The resolution of the electrostatic touch panel 42 is determined based on the number of X electrodes and the number of Y electrodes.

[0030] Each electrode is connected to the touch panel controller 42a. When the user touches the electrode, the capacitance of the electrode and the user are coupled. The capacitance of the electrode differs when the user touches the electrode or brings a finger close to the electrode and when the user does not touch the electrode.

[0031] For example, the touch panel controller 42a applies a voltage to one of the X electrodes and the Y electrodes. The touch panel controller 42a switches between the electrodes to which the voltage is applied in sequence. The touch panel controller 42a also reads the voltage of each of the other electrodes (electrodes to which no voltage is applied) and recognizes the electrodes whose capacitance has changed from the capacitance when not touched. The touch panel controller 42a determines and recognizes the touch position (touch coordinates) based on which electrode the voltage is applied to and which electrode the capacitance has changed. The touch panel controller 42a notifies the control unit 1 of the recognized coordinates.

[0032] The electrostatic touch panel 42 may recognize the touch position (touch coordinates) using other methods. For example, the touch panel controller 42a may recognize the touch position (touch coordinates) by measuring the charging speed of the electric charge of each electrode. The electrostatic touch panel 42 may be a capacitive touch panel of another type, instead of a projection type.

[0033] (Reference potential of multifunction device 100) Next, an example of the reference potential of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the reference potential of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the embodiment.

[0034] In this description, the reference potential of the multifunction device 100 is a potential that serves as a reference for the multifunction device 100 , and refers to the ground potential of the multifunction device 100 .

[0035] First, in general, a building is connected to an electric wire for drawing in a commercial power source 400 (overhead lines, power supplied from a power company). For example, the drawing wire is connected to a distribution board (switchboard) of the building. Power distribution wires branching off from the distribution board are connected to outlets provided in each building. The power cord 300 of the multifunction device 100 is inserted into this outlet. As a result, AC power from the commercial power source 400 (AC power source) is input (supplied) to the multifunction device 100.

[0036] For example, the ground of each board of the multifunction device 100 is connected to the frame 100f of the multifunction device 100. The frame 100f is conductive. For example, the frame 100f is made of iron. The frame 100f is the skeleton of the multifunction device 100. The components of the multifunction device 100 are attached to the frame 100f or to a support member (iron plate) attached to the frame 100f. The board (panel board) of the operation panel 4 including the electrostatic touch panel 42 may also be connected to the frame 100f of the multifunction device 100. The frame 100f of the multifunction device 100 is connected to the neutral of the outlet, for example. In the multifunction device 100, the conductive frame 100f (housing) is the reference potential for circuit operation (frame ground).

[0037] In addition, devices such as a machine tool 500, an air conditioner 600, and a refrigerator 700 may be installed in the same building where the multifunction device 100 is installed. These devices also operate by receiving power from an outlet. The grounds of these devices may be connected to the ground of the multifunction device 100. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the ground of each device and the multifunction device 100 are common.

[0038] If the current of each device changes significantly, or if any of the devices generates large noise, the ground potential of the multifunction device 100 is affected via the AC (power distribution) electric wires. In other words, the ground potential of the multifunction device 100 fluctuates. In other words, the ground potentials of the multifunction device 100, the panel board, and the electrostatic touch panel 42 fluctuate.

[0039] On the other hand, the operator (user) of the electrostatic touch panel 42 is in contact with the floor or the ground. Therefore, the reference potential of the user is the same or nearly the same as the earth. The reference potential of the user does not fluctuate like that of the multifunction peripheral 100.

[0040] The touch position on the electrostatic touch panel 42 is detected based on a small change in the level of the electrical signal. The electrostatic touch panel 42 tends to be relatively vulnerable to electrical noise. For example, if the ground potential of the multifunction device 100 fluctuates and noise generated in the device reaches the multifunction device 100, the electrostatic touch panel 42 may malfunction. For example, an abnormality in which the touch is not recognized (no reaction abnormality) or erroneous detection of the touch position may occur. The difference between the reference potential (ground potential) of the electrostatic touch panel 42 and the user's reference potential is the cause of the abnormal operation and erroneous detection.

[0041] It has been empirically found that abnormalities and erroneous detections can be eliminated by making the reference potential (ground potential) of the electrostatic touch panel 42 (multifunction device 100) the same as the reference potential of the user. In order to make the reference potential of the multifunction device 100 and the electrostatic touch panel 42 and the reference potential of the user the same level, the multifunction device 100 and devices in the building can be earthed (grounded). However, electrical work for earthing generally requires time and money. Depending on the building, the earthing work may be extensive. In practice, the multifunction device 100 may be used without being earthed. In the present invention, the reference potential (ground potential) of the multifunction device 100 and the electrostatic touch panel 42 and the reference potential of the user are made to be at the same level, even if the multifunction device 100 is not earthed.

[0042] (Contact member 7) Next, an example of the contact member 7 attached to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contact member 7 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the connection of the contact member 7 according to the embodiment.

[0043] A contact member 7 can be attached to the multifunction device 100. The contact member 7 is a member for making the reference potential (ground potential) of the multifunction device 100 or the electrostatic touch panel 42 and the reference potential of the user the same level. The contact member 7 is a member that is touched by a user who operates the electrostatic touch panel 42.

[0044] 5, the contact member 7 attached to the multifunction device 100 is, for example, a pen 71. As shown in Fig. 5, the contact member 7 attached to the multifunction device 100 may be a mat 72. Either or both of the pen 71 and the mat 72 can be attached to the multifunction device 100 as the contact member 7.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the multifunction device 100 includes a first connector 81 for connecting the contact member 7. There may be one or more first connectors 81. The first connector 81 is connected to the ground of the multifunction device 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the first connector 81 may be connected to the ground of a substrate (panel substrate) including the electrostatic touch panel 42. The first connector 81 may also be connected to a frame 100f of the multifunction device 100. In this way, the contact member 7 is connected to the ground of the multifunction device 100 via the first connector 81.

[0046] The conductive cable 9 electrically connects the contact member 7 and the first connector 81. That is, the contact member 7 is connected to the ground of the multifunction device 100 via the conductive cable 9 and the first connector 81. Specifically, the contact member 7 is attached to one end of the conductive cable 9. The second connector 82 is attached to the other end of the conductive cable 9. By connecting the first connector 81 and the second connector 82, the contact member 7 and the first connector 81 (the ground of the electrostatic touch panel 42) are electrically connected.

[0047] The portion of the pen 71 that is touched by the user is made of a conductive material. The conductive material used for the pen 71 may be, for example, a metal material such as copper or aluminum. The conductive material used for the pen 71 may also be a conductive resin or conductive rubber. The entire pen 71, including the pen tip and body, may be made of a conductive material. A conductive cable 9 is attached to the conductive material of the pen 71. One end (the end on the contact member side) of the conductive cable 9 is electrically connected to the conductive material of the pen 71. The potential of the surface of the pen 71 becomes the same level as the reference potential (ground potential) of the multifunction device 100.

[0048] In this way, the pen 71 is connected to the ground of the multifunction device 100 (electrostatic touch panel 42). Therefore, when a user touches the pen 71 connected to the multifunction device 100, the reference potential of the user becomes the same level as the reference potential (ground potential) of the multifunction device 100.

[0049] The pen 71 can be used as an input device for operating the electrostatic touch panel 42. That is, the pen 71 of the contact member 7 can be used as a touch pen (stylus pen). The user uses the tip of the pen to touch an image for operation (e.g., a button) that is displayed on the display panel 41 and transmitted through the electrostatic touch panel 42. The user can set and operate the multifunction device 100 by touching the electrostatic touch panel 42 with the tip of the pen.

[0050] The mat 72 is placed, for example, in front of the multifunction device 100. The mat 72 is placed at a position where a user of the electrostatic touch panel 42 and the multifunction device 100 will stand. The portion that the user touches (the portion on which the user stands) is made of a conductive material. In other words, the upper surface of the mat 72 is made of a conductive material. The conductive material used for the mat 72 may be a conductive resin or conductive rubber. A conductive material may also be incorporated into the mat 72. A conductive cable 9 is attached to the conductive material of the mat 72. One end (the end on the contact member side) of the conductive cable 9 and the conductive material of the mat 72 are electrically connected.

[0051] The mat 72 is connected to the ground of the multifunction device 100 (electrostatic touch panel 42). Therefore, when a user stands on the mat 72 connected to the multifunction device 100, the reference potential of the user becomes the same level as the reference potential of the multifunction device 100 (ground potential).

[0052] In this way, the contact member 7 can make the reference potential of the user and the reference potential (ground potential) of the multifunction device 100 the same level. As a result, abnormalities and erroneous detections of the electrostatic touch panel 42 caused by noise (ground level fluctuations) from devices in the same building do not occur.

[0053] The members and mechanisms that connect the contact member 7 and the ground of the multifunction device 100 may be designed specifically for the multifunction device 100. In order to inexpensively connect the contact member 7 and the ground of the electrostatic touch panel 42 (multifunction device 100), the first connector 81 of the multifunction device 100 and the second connector 82 attached to the conductive cable 9 may be compliant with a standard. For example, the standard may be a commonly used standard such as the USB standard, and connectors (first connector 81, second connector 82) that comply with the standard for which parts are inexpensively available may be used.

[0054] As described above, one end of the conductive cable 9 is connected to the contact member 7. When the first connector 81 of the multifunction device 100 is a male connector, a standard-compliant female connector is attached to the other end of the conductive cable 9 as the second connector 82. When the first connector 81 of the multifunction device 100 is a female connector, a standard-compliant male connector is attached to the other end of the conductive cable 9 as the second connector 82.

[0055] For example, if the other end of the conductive cable 9 connected to the pen 71 is a USB-standard male connector, the multifunction device 100 is provided with a USB-standard female connector. Conversely, if the other end of the conductive cable 9 connected to the pen 71 is a USB-standard female connector, the multifunction device 100 is provided with a USB-standard male connector.

[0056] Furthermore, if the other end of the conductive cable 9 connected to the mat 72 is a USB-standard male connector, the multifunction device 100 is provided with a USB-standard female connector. Conversely, if the other end of the conductive cable 9 connected to the mat 72 is a USB-standard female connector, the multifunction device 100 is provided with a USB-standard male connector.

[0057] In this manner, the image forming apparatus (multifunction device 100) according to the embodiment includes a printing unit 5, an electrostatic touch panel 42, a power supply circuit unit 6, and a contact member 7. The printing unit 5 performs printing. The electrostatic touch panel 42 accepts touch operations by a user. The power supply circuit unit 6 receives power from a commercial power source 400. The power supply circuit unit 6 supplies power to the printing unit 5 and the electrostatic touch panel 42. The contact member 7 is connected to the ground of the image forming apparatus. The contact member 7 is touched by a user who operates the electrostatic touch panel 42.

[0058] When the user touches the contact member 7, the level of the reference potential (ground potential) of the image forming device and the level of the user's reference potential can be matched. The potential difference of the reference potential can be reduced so that abnormalities and erroneous detection of the electrostatic touch panel 42 do not occur. Even if the image forming device is not grounded, it is possible to prevent abnormalities (no reaction) of the electrostatic touch panel 42 and erroneous detection of the touch position.

[0059] The image forming apparatus includes a connector (first connector 81) connected to the ground. The contact member 7 is connected to the connector via a conductive cable 9. The contact member 7 can be connected to the ground of the image forming apparatus using the connector and the conductive cable 9. Furthermore, the position of the contact member 7 is not fixed by the conductive cable 9. Furthermore, the contact member 7 can be attached and detached.

[0060] The contact member 7 may be a pen 71. The portion of the pen 71 that the user touches is made of a conductive material. The conductive cable 9 and the conductive material of the pen 71 are connected. The contact member 7 may be in the shape of the pen 71. The user only needs to touch the pen 71. By simply touching the pen 71, the reference potential of the user and the image forming apparatus can be made the same.

[0061] The pen 71 is also an input device for inputting by contacting the electrostatic touch panel 42. The contact member 7 can also be used as an input device for operating the electrostatic touch panel 42.

[0062] The contact member 7 may be a mat 72. The portion of the mat 72 that the user touches is formed of a conductive material. The conductive cable 9 and the conductive material of the mat 72 are connected. The contact member 7 may be a mat 72. The user only needs to stand on the mat 72. By simply standing on the mat 72, the reference potential of the user and the image forming device can be made the same.

[0063] The connector (first connector 81) is a male connector or a female connector. When the connector (first connector 81) is a male connector, a female connector (second connector 82) is attached to the other end of the conductive cable 9. When the connector (first connector 81) is a female connector, a male connector (second connector 82) is attached to the other end of the conductive cable 9. The contact member 7 and the ground of the image forming device can be connected using the connector. The male connector and the female connector may conform to a standard. The contact member 7 and the ground of the image forming device can be connected using a connector that is manufactured based on the standard and is in circulation in this case. For example, the standard is the USB standard. A configuration for connecting the contact member 7 and the ground of the image forming device can be realized at low cost.

[0064] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0065] The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus that includes an electrostatic touch panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100 Multifunction device (image forming device) 400 Commercial power supply 42 Electrostatic touch panel 5 Printing unit 6 Power supply circuit section 7 Contact member 71 Pen 72 Matte 81 1st connector 82 2nd connector 9 Conductive Cable

Claims

1. A printing unit that performs printing; an electrostatic touch panel that accepts touch operations by a user; a power supply circuit unit that receives power from a commercial power source and supplies power to the printing unit and the electrostatic touch panel; a contact member connected to a ground of an image forming apparatus and touchable by a user who operates the electrostatic touch panel; a connector connected to the ground; Including, the contact member is a mat and is connected to the connector via a conductive cable; The portion of the mat that is in contact with the user is made of a conductive material; an image forming apparatus, wherein the conductive cable and the conductive material of the mat are connected to each other;

2. The connector is a male connector or a female connector, When the connector is the male connector, the female connector is attached to the other end of the conductive cable; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the connector is the female connector, the other end of the conductive cable is attached with the male connector.

Images