JP2009260637A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability during carryng-in and carrying-out an image forming apparatus through an entrance without detaching an operation panel in the case that the operation panel may be caught on the entrance when carry-in and carrying-out through the entrance in the state that an option is actually connected, in the image forming apparatus which is provided with the operation panel for receiving inputs from a user and can place and connect any one or more options for processing that accompanies image formation to one side or both sides of an apparatus body. <P>SOLUTION: A slit S is extended to an evacuation position (position of chain line) in an unhidden area (area shown by dots) which is not hidden with a finisher 520 present on a left side surface 100b of the apparatus body 100 and the operation panel 301 is moved along the slit S from a position on a front surface 100a side of the apparatus body 100 to the evacuation position in the unhidden area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an operation panel and capable of connecting options for function expansion.

An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is often designed so that an operation panel protrudes from the front of the main body toward the user in consideration of ease of user input operations and the like (Patent Document 1).
On the other hand, in order to respond to user demands for multi-functionality, a large-capacity paper feeding device that can feed large-capacity paper, a function for stapling (stapling) a bundle of paper on which images are formed, and punching for filing Options such as a paper post-processing device that also has a function for punching holes, a working table for organizing originals and papers that have been copied by the user, etc. can be connected in the state of being arranged near the side of the image forming apparatus. Or can be directly attached to the side surface of the image forming apparatus.

Such an option is carried in separately from the image forming apparatus and connected to the image forming apparatus at the carry-in destination. However, since it takes time to connect at the carry-in destination, the option to the image forming apparatus before carrying in in recent years The transporter carries in the completed product that completed the connection.
JP 2005-234222 A

Since the width of such a finished product is much larger than the depth, the transporter moves the finished product in the width direction in consideration of the ease of loading when carrying in the finished product. Try to pass through the previous entrance.
Even if it tries to carry in in this way, depending on the width of the entrance, the operation panel on the front of the main body may be caught by the entrance and interfere with the carry-in.

In order to prevent the operation panel from being caught, it is conceivable to remove the operation panel before the transporter carries in the finished product and attach it after the transport. There is a problem of getting worse.
Such a problem can also occur when the finished product is carried out.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of improving workability during loading / unloading even when an option is connected.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation panel that receives an input from a user, and includes one or more options for performing processing associated with image formation on one side or both sides of the apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus that can be arranged and connected to the side, a non-hidden area that is not concealed by the option even when the option is arranged exists on the side wall of the apparatus main body, and the operation panel is located on the front side of the apparatus main body. It is supported by the apparatus main body so as to be movable from a position to a retracted position that exists in at least one in the non-hidden region.

  Further, in a state where one of the one or more options is arranged and connected to the side of the apparatus main body, the distance from the side wall is narrower than the size corresponding to the operation panel along the side wall of the apparatus main body. And a second portion that is larger than the size corresponding to the operation panel, and the non-hidden region is present in a region corresponding to the optional second portion.

  The one or more options include an option of a size that covers substantially the entire side wall of the apparatus main body, and the option of such a size is arranged and connected to the side of the apparatus main body. In this case, the first arrangement state close to the apparatus main body side wall and the second arrangement state spaced apart from the side wall and spaced apart from the apparatus main body at least larger than the size corresponding to the operation panel can be switched between each other. The non-hidden area is present when the size option is in the second arrangement state.

  Furthermore, a driving means for moving the operation panel, a control means for controlling the driving means to move the operation panel, a receiving means for receiving an operation panel moving instruction, and an actual arrangement connected to the side of the apparatus main body Identification means for identifying the selected option, wherein there are a plurality of the options, and the save position exists in a different point corresponding to each of the plurality of options in the non-hidden region, The operation panel is supported at each of the retracted positions so as to be movable with respect to each other via the position on the front side, and the control means is identified by the identification means when the acceptance means accepts the movement instruction. A save position corresponding to the identified option is specified according to the specified option, and the operation panel is moved to the specified save position. That.

In addition, information associated with the types of the plurality of options and different save positions corresponding to the types is stored, and the specifying means specifies the save positions corresponding to the identified options. It is characterized by referring to.
In addition, a movement completion receiving unit that receives completion of movement of the own device is provided, and when the movement completion receiving unit receives the completion of the movement, the control unit controls the driving unit to control the operation panel. It returns to the position of the front side, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

The apparatus main body is provided with a long guide member that extends from the front side position through the corner to the retracted position, and the operation panel moves while being guided by the guide member. It is characterized by that.
In addition, the guide member is a guide rail.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even when the option is connected, for example, a carrier such as a user can manually move the operation panel to a retreat position in a non-hidden area on the side wall of the apparatus main body. . Accordingly, when the image forming apparatus with the option connected is moved in the width direction and carried in / out through the entrance of the room, the operation panel is moved to the retracted position, so that the operation panel does not have to be removed from the apparatus main body. The operation panel can be carried in and out without obstructing, and the workability at the time of carrying in and out can be improved even when the option is connected.

Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with respect to a case where options are connected, taking a tandem color copier (hereinafter simply referred to as “copier”) as an example.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the copying machine according to the present embodiment, and shows the completed connection of options. FIG. 2 is a main part side view showing the copying machine according to the present embodiment, and shows the main part of the side as viewed from the direction A in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine 1 includes an apparatus main body 100 having a document reading unit, a printer unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like, and an automatic document conveying unit 200 placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 100. A finisher 500, a large-capacity feeder 700, and a working table 800 are connected as options.
When executing a copy (copy) job, the automatic document feeder 200 conveys a document set on a document table to a document reading surface on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 100 and discharges it to a document discharge table.

The original reading unit reads the original conveyed on the original reading surface and generates image data.
The printer unit forms a color image on the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding unit based on the image data generated by the document reading unit.
Here, among the side walls of the apparatus main body 100, the side wall facing the front when the user looks at the apparatus main body 100 from the front of the apparatus main body 100, which is most easily set by the user, is set on the front surface 100a. The left side wall of the device is defined as the left side surface 100b, and the right side wall of the device is defined as the right side surface 100c. There are corners 100e and 100f between the front surface 100a, the left side surface 100b, and the right side surface 100c, respectively.

The large-capacity feeder 700 is disposed in the vicinity of the right side surface 100c of the apparatus main body 100, and is mechanically and electrically connected to the copying machine 1. The large-capacity feeder 700 serves as a paper feeding device that assists the paper feeding unit of the apparatus main body 100. Paper is fed to the printer unit of the main body 100.
The working table 800 is closer to the upper part than the large-capacity feeder 700 and is directly connected to a portion on the right side surface 100c side of the apparatus main body 100 so as to be flush with the upper surface of the apparatus main body 100. It is used to organize the copied paper.

The height of the large capacity feeder 700 is lower than that of the apparatus main body 100 and the depth of the working table 800 is designed to be smaller than the depth of the apparatus. Therefore, the large capacity feeder 700 and the working table are provided on the right side surface 100c of the apparatus main body 100. Even if both 800 are connected, there is a non-hidden area (area shown by dots in FIG. 2) that is not hidden by both.
The finisher 500 includes a transport unit 501 that is placed on the paper discharge tray 111 of the apparatus main body 100 and connected to the paper discharge unit 110 of the apparatus main body 100, and the finisher main body is in the vicinity of the left side surface 100 b of the apparatus main body 100. Placed and physically and electrically connected to the copying machine 1, the paper on which the image is formed is taken in via the transport unit 501, and stapled into a bundle of the taken paper according to an instruction from the user. Or punch. The finisher 500 has a height equivalent to that of the apparatus main body 100. Therefore, when the finisher 500 is arranged, the entire left side surface 100b of the apparatus main body 100 is hidden by the finisher 500.

The copying machine 1 can be connected to another type of finisher 520 as shown in FIG. 3 instead of the finisher 500.
The finisher 520 is partially lower in height than the apparatus main body 100, and even if the finisher 520 is disposed on the left side surface 100 b of the apparatus main body 100, a non-hidden area (indicated by dots) that is not concealed by the finisher 520. Area), and there is sufficient space between the non-hidden area and the upper part of the finisher 520 to accommodate the operation panel 301 described below.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a slit S is provided near the upper part of the paper discharge unit 110 of the apparatus main body 100 and across the front surface 100a, the left side surface 100b, and the right side surface 100c. As shown in FIG. 2, the right side surface 100c extends to the position just before the working table 800 as shown in FIG. The operation panel 301 is connected to the support member 302 extending from the slit S.

Inside the slit S, a mechanism for moving the operation panel 301 along the slit S is provided.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a mechanism for moving the operation panel 301 along the slit S. FIG. Hereinafter, this mechanism will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, above and below the slit S, a pair of U-shaped rails 101 a and 101 b are disposed to face each other over the entire length in the length direction of the slit S. The pair of rails 101 a and 101 b function as the guide rail 101 of the support member 302.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the base end 302a of the support member 302 has skirt portions 302d and 302e that cover the lower rail 101b, and rolling rollers that fit into the upper and lower rails 101a and 101b. 302c. The support member 302 is guided by the guide rail 101 by the rolling roller 302c and can move over the entire length of the slit S. The skirt portions 302 d and 302 e serve to smoothly move the support member 302 along the guide rail 101 without rattling.

  An operation panel 301 connected to the front end side of the support member 302 has an input key for accepting a copy job, a display unit, and the like. The operation panel 301 and the control unit of the apparatus main body 100 are electrically connected by a cable 307 provided on the support member 302 and the lower rail 101b. However, since the operation panel 301 moves along the slit S, a cable 307 having a necessary length is wound around the take-up reel 308 so that the cable length corresponding to the movement can be paid out.

  According to the above configuration, when the options provided for the copying machine 1 are the above-described finisher, etc., as shown by dots in FIG. Since a non-hidden area can always be secured on the right side surface 100c of the apparatus main body 100, the transporter can see a completed product (copier 1 with optional connection) whose overall width is larger than the apparatus depth as shown in FIG. When attempting to carry in / out through the entrance 1000, the operation panel 301 or the support member 302 is pushed by hand, the operation panel 301 is guided by the guide rail 101, and the position on the front surface 101a side of the apparatus main body 100 is shown in FIGS. As shown by the chain line, the operation panel 30 is assumed on the assumption that the entrance 1000 is wider than the depth of the apparatus if it is moved to the retracted position in the non-hidden region of the right side surface 100c. Even without removing the, it can be loading and unloading the completed product.

Further, since the slit S is also provided on the left side surface 100b, when the finisher 520 is connected, the movement distance can be shortened, and the retracted position in the non-hidden region existing on the left side surface 100b (FIG. 3). To the position indicated by the chain line).
[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the operation panel 301 is manually moved. However, in the present embodiment, the driving means automatically moves the operation panel 301 in response to an instruction from the transporter of the copying machine 1. This configuration is different from the first embodiment in this point. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different point from 1st Embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing drive means 80 of operation panel 301 in the present embodiment. In the figure, in order to clarify the configuration of the driving means 80, the configuration of the guide rail 101 (shown in FIG. 4) and the like is omitted, but the operation panel 301 is supported by the guide rail 101 so as to be movable, The point to be guided is the same as in the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the driving unit 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the driving means 80 is provided in the apparatus main body 100, and a plurality of pulleys 82b to 82g, a wire 82a stretched between them, and the pulley 82b are rotated forward (CW) and reversed. (CCW) The motor 81 and the operation panel movement control unit 6 that controls the driving of the motor 81 are provided.
The pulleys 82b to 82g are arranged inward of the guide rail 101 of the apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG. 4 and in the vicinity of the corners 100e and 100f of the apparatus main body 100 and both ends of the guide rail 101. The wire 82 a is stretched along the guide rail 101 inward of the guide rail 101 of the apparatus main body 100.

The wire 82 a is held by a clamp portion 302 h provided on the support member 302 and connected to the operation panel 301 via the support member 302.
4 and 5, when the motor 81 is rotated forward (CW), the wire 82a moves, the operation panel 301 moves in the Q direction along the guide rail 101, and rotates backward ( CCW) moves in the P direction.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the initial position or return position of the operation panel 301 is used as the home position of the front surface 100 a of the apparatus main body 100, and the retracted position of the operation panel 301 is the left side surface 100 b of the apparatus main body 100. Three positions, the left position and the right position of the right side surface 100c, are determined in advance.
Three sensors, a front sensor 83a, a left sensor 83c, and a right sensor 83d for detecting the operation panel 301, are disposed at positions corresponding to these three positions in the vicinity of the wire 82a.

  Each of the sensors 83a, 83c, and 83d is opposed to the magnet 83b provided in the clamp portion 302h when the operation panel 301 is in the home position, the left position, and the right position, and is sensitive to the magnetic field of the magnet 83b. Is turned ON, and an ON signal is output to the operation panel movement control unit 6. Thereby, the operation panel movement control part 6 can detect that the operation panel 301 exists in a home position, a left position, or a right position.

  The operation panel 301 is provided with a home position key 301a and a side position key 301b for receiving a movement instruction and a return instruction for the operation panel 301 from the carrier. When the transporter of the copying machine 1 depresses the side position key 301b, an instruction to move the operation panel 301 to either one of the both side surfaces 100b and 100c of the apparatus main body 100 is transmitted to the operation panel movement control unit 6. When the home position key 301a is pressed, an instruction to return the operation panel 301 to the front surface 100a is transmitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation panel movement control unit 6.
The operation panel movement control unit 6 is a control unit dedicated to movement of the operation panel 301, and includes a CPU 62, a ROM 63, and an optimum position information storage unit 64, as shown in FIG.
The ROM 63 moves the operation panel 301 to the left position (hereinafter referred to as left position movement processing PL1), moves to the right position (hereinafter referred to as right position movement processing PR1), and returns to the home position. A program for executing (hereinafter referred to as home position movement processing PH1) is stored. Further, in the present embodiment, a unique identification signal is continuously transmitted to the CPU 62 from each of the electrically connected finishers 500 and 520, and the side position key 301b is pressed. Next, referring to the optimum position information below, depending on the finisher 500 (520) connected to the present position, here, either the left position or the right position is set as a retracted position based on the received unique identification signal. A program for executing the optimum position moving process PD for specifying and moving the operation panel 301 to the specified retracted position is also stored.

The optimum position information storage unit 64 stores optimum position information. The optimum position information is information that associates the type of finisher with a retracted position that is considered to be optimum according to the type. Here, the finisher 500 and the right position are associated with each other, and the finisher 520 and the left position are associated with each other.
The CPU 62 reads the corresponding program from the ROM 63 when receiving a movement instruction for the operation panel 301, executes the optimum position movement process PD, and accepts the return instruction for the operation panel 301, the movement of the copying machine 1 is completed. Then, the corresponding program is read from the ROM 63, and the home position movement process PH1 is executed.

  A standby power source 600 such as a nickel-cadmium storage battery is provided in the apparatus main body 100 (shown in FIG. 5), and the connected finisher 500 (520) is unique even when the main power plug of the copying machine 1 is removed. The operation panel movement control unit 6, the operation panel 301, the motor 81, and the sensors 83a, 83c, and 83d so that the optimum position movement process PD and each position movement process PH1, PL1, and PR1 can be executed. The power is supplied to the connected finisher 500 (520).

7 is a control flow showing an example of the contents of the optimum position movement process PD, FIG. 8A is a control flow showing an example of the contents of the left position movement process PL1, and FIG. 7B is an example of the contents of the right position movement process PR1. FIG. 9 is a control flow showing an example of the contents of the home position movement process PH1.
In the optimum position movement process PD, as shown in FIG. 7, an identification signal is received from the finisher 500 (520) that is currently connected (step S1). Based on the received identification signal, the optimum position information is referred to read out the save position associated with the currently connected finisher, and it is determined whether or not the read save position is the left position (step S2). When it is determined that the read-out retracted position is the left position (“YES” in step S2), the left position movement process PL1 is executed. If it is determined that the read retracted position is not the left position (“NO” in step S2), the right position is read as the retracted position, so the right position movement process PR1 is executed and the process ends.

  In the left position movement process PL1, as shown in FIG. 8A, it is determined whether or not an ON signal is output from the left sensor 83c (step S3). If it is determined that the left sensor 83c is ON ("YES" in step S3), the operation panel 301 is actually located at the left position, and thus the process ends. If it is determined that the left sensor 83c is not ON ("NO" in step S3), the motor 81 is rotated forward (CW) (step S4). As a result, the operation panel 301 starts moving to the left position. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the left sensor 83c is turned on (step S5). If it is determined that the left sensor 83c is not turned on ("NO" in step S5), the process returns to step S4, and the forward rotation (CW) of the motor 81 is continued. If it is determined that the left sensor 83c is turned on (“YES” in step S5), the motor 81 is turned off (step S6), assuming that the operation panel 301 has reached the left position, and the process is terminated.

  In the right position movement process PR1, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is determined whether or not an ON signal is output from the right sensor 83d (step S7). If it is determined that the right sensor 83d is ON (“YES” in step S7), the operation panel 301 is actually positioned at the right position, and thus the process is terminated. If it is determined that the right sensor 83d is not ON ("NO" in step S7), the motor 81 is reversely rotated (CCW) (step S8). As a result, the operation panel 301 starts moving to the right position. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the right sensor 83d is turned on (step S9). If it is determined that the right sensor 83d is not ON ("NO" in step S9), the process returns to step S8, and the reverse rotation (CCW) of the motor 81 is continued. If it is determined that the right sensor 83d has been turned on ("YES" in step S9), the motor 81 is turned off (step S10), assuming that the operation panel 301 has reached the right position, and the process ends.

  In the home position movement process PH1, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not an ON signal is output from the front sensor 83a (step S11). If it is determined that the front sensor 83a is ON ("YES" in step S11), the operation panel 301 is actually located at the home position, and thus the process is terminated. If it is determined that the front sensor 83a is not ON ("NO" in step S11), it is determined whether the left sensor 83c is ON (step S12). If it is determined that the left sensor 83c is ON ("YES" in step S12), the motor 81 is reversely rotated (CCW) (step S13). As a result, the operation panel 301 starts moving from the left position to the home position. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the front sensor 83a is turned on (step S14). If it is determined that the front sensor 83a is not ON ("NO" in step S14), the process returns to step S13, and the reverse rotation (CCW) of the motor 81 is continued. If it is determined that the front sensor 83a is turned on ("YES" in step S14), the motor 81 is turned off (step S20), assuming that the operation panel 301 has returned to the home position, and the process ends.

  If it is determined that the left sensor 83c is not ON ("NO" in step S12), the motor 81 is rotated forward (CW) (step S15). As a result, the operation panel 301 starts to move in the forward rotation (CW) direction of the motor 81 from a position other than the home position and the left position (that is, including the right position). The operation panel 301 continues to move until either the left sensor 83c or the front sensor 83a is turned on earlier ("NO" in step S16, "NO" in S19, S15). If it is determined that the left sensor 83c has been turned on first ("YES" in step S16), the motor 81 is reversely rotated (CCW) (step S17). As a result, the operation panel 301 that has started to move to the left position from somewhere between the home position and the left position returns at the left position and starts moving to the home position. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the front sensor 83a is turned on (step S18). If it is determined that the front sensor 83a is not ON ("NO" in step S18), the process returns to step S17 and the reverse rotation (CCW) of the motor 81 is continued. If it is determined that the front sensor 83a is turned on ("YES" in step S18), the motor 81 is turned off (step S20), assuming that the operation panel 301 has returned to the home position, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the front sensor 83a has been turned on first ("YES" in step S19), the operation panel 301 that has started moving from the home position to the home position from the home position returns to the home position, and the motor 81 is turned on. It is turned off (step S20), and the process is terminated.
With the configuration as described above, the present embodiment eliminates the need to manually move the operation panel 301 as in the first embodiment, and in particular, automatically sets an optimal retraction position that differs depending on the connected option. Therefore, the transporter can automatically move the operation panel 301 to the optimum retracted position by simply pressing the side position key 301b without specifying the optimum retracted position by himself / herself. Workability can be further improved, which is convenient for the carrier.
[Third Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the operation panel 301 is moved when a key operation input by the carrier is accepted. However, in this embodiment, the input by the carrier is not accepted but copying is performed. The operation panel 301 is automatically moved in response to the movement of the machine 1 (the apparatus main body 100), and this point is different from the second embodiment. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different point from 2nd Embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of caster 400 having the function of the movement detecting means of copying machine 1 in the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the caster 400 includes a wheel 401, a holding plate 402 that rotatably holds the wheel 401, and a caster shaft 408. A caster shaft is provided in each of the four corner regions of the bottom plate of the apparatus main body 100. It is attached rotatably around 408.

  The holding plate 402 includes a top plate portion 403 and both side plate portions 404a and 404b. The shaft 401a of the wheel 401 protrudes outward from the one side plate portion 404b, and has a disk-like shape at the protruding end portion. A magnet 405 is attached. The magnet 405 is magnetized such that the N-pole portion 405a and the S-pole portion 405b sandwich the shaft 401a, and rotates with the rotation of the wheel 401. Further, a movement detection sensor 406 for detecting the movement of the copying machine 1 is disposed on the outer surface of the side plate portion 404b at a position near the shaft 401a of the wheel 401, which is easily affected by the magnetic force of the magnet 405. ing.

The movement detection sensor 406 rotates the magnet 405 together with the wheel 401 as the copying machine 1 moves, and changes the direction of the magnetic lines of force with respect to the movement detection sensor 406. It outputs to the following operation panel movement control part 16 (FIG. 11) as a signal which shows that it is moving.
When the operation panel movement control unit 16 receives the output signal, the operation panel movement control unit 16 can detect that the copying machine 1 is moving.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of operation panel movement control unit 16 in the present embodiment.
The operation panel movement control unit 16 operates in the second embodiment except that the operation panel movement control unit 16 receives a signal from the movement detection sensor 406 instead of receiving a signal by pressing a key from the operation panel 301 (shown in FIG. 5). Since the configuration is the same as that of the panel movement control unit 6 (shown in FIG. 6), the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication of description.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 62 receives an instruction to move the operation panel 301 (shown in FIG. 1) when receiving a signal indicating that the copying machine 1 (shown in FIG. 10) is moving. As a result, the corresponding program is read from the ROM 63, the optimum position movement process PD is executed, and when the copying machine 1 is powered on from the outside after loading, the movement of the copying machine 1 is completed and the corresponding program is read from the ROM 63. And the home position movement process PH1 is executed.

Also in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a standby power source 600 such as a nickel-cadmium storage battery supplies power to the movement detection sensor 406 and the like.
Since the processing executed in the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description is omitted to avoid duplication of explanation.
With the above configuration, in this embodiment, even when the transporter does not input an instruction as in the second embodiment, when the copying machine 1 starts moving, the operation panel 301 is automatically moved to the retracted position. This is convenient in that the instruction work can be omitted for the carrier.
<Modification>
(1) In each of the above embodiments, the copying machine 1 can connect the finisher 520 in addition to the finisher 500. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to these, finishers 510 of other variations described below can be connected.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the finisher 510. As shown in FIG. 12, the finisher 510 is connected to the copying machine 1 via the slide rail 110, and is movable in the contact / separation direction with respect to the left side surface 100 b of the apparatus main body 100. The finisher 510 can be separated at least to a position where a gap corresponding to the size of the operation panel 301 is opened. By setting the finisher 510 in a separated state, the entire left side surface 100b is finished. A non-hidden area that is not concealed by the area 510 becomes a non-hidden area, and a retracted position (chain line position) of the operation panel 301 can be secured in the non-hidden area.

The slide rail 110 can be locked in a state where the inner rail 110a is extended from the outer rail 110b so that the finisher 510 can be transported while being connected to the copying machine 1 while maintaining the separated state. It has a structure with fasteners such as pins.
Further, when the finisher 510 is added as an option that can be connected to the copying machine 1, the optimum position information in the second and third embodiments is saved when the finisher 510 and the finisher 510 are connected. Information associated with the position is added.

  The finisher 510 is manually separated from the left side surface 100b of the apparatus main body 100 by a carrier. In the second and third embodiments, in view of automatically moving the operation panel 301, for example, the finisher A detection sensor for detecting that 510 is in the proximity state is disposed on the left side surface 100b of the apparatus main body 100, and the fact that the finisher 510 is in the proximity state is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 301 or is separately notified by voice. According to the configuration, the detection sensor detects that the finisher 510 is actually in the proximity state, and the carrier presses the side position key 301b (shown in FIG. 5) without noticing the proximity state of the finisher 510 or the copying machine. When 1 is moved, it can be notified to the carrier via the display part of the operation panel 301 or via voice, To be able to encourage the separation work of Inissha 510, preferable.

  In addition to the finishers 500, 510, and 520, for example, a sorter that sorts sheets on which images are formed can be added as an option that can be arranged and connected to the left side of the apparatus main body 100. Depending on the type of sorter and the like, there are those that can secure a non-hidden area on the left side surface 100b of the apparatus main body 100 and those that cannot be secured, that is, those that can secure a retracted position, and those that cannot be secured. Information that associates the type of sorter or the like and the retracted position that is considered optimal for each type is added to the optimal position information in the second and third embodiments.

  That is, for any one or more options that can be connected to the apparatus main body 100, no matter which combination they are connected to, the retracted position of the non-hidden area that is not concealed by the option among the side surfaces 100b and 100c of the apparatus main body 100 The operation panel 301 may be guided and supported so that it can be moved. Therefore, it is not essential to move the operation panel 301 to the left and right side surfaces 100b and 100c of the apparatus main body 100, and it is necessary to move the operation panel 301 to at least one side surface 100b (100c) in relation to the corresponding option. Any configuration can be used.

  (2) Each of the above embodiments has a configuration in which the slit S of the right side surface 100c of the apparatus main body 100 is provided in a straight line. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. By adopting a configuration that bends downward, even when the large working table 810 is connected as another option, the retracted position of the operation panel 301 can be secured and the number of options that can be handled can be increased.

(3) In the second and third embodiments, the optimum position information is stored in the operation panel movement control units 6 and 16, but the operation panel movement control units 6 and 16 are replaced with this configuration. Is connected to a network, the information is stored in another terminal on the network, and can be obtained from the terminal via the network as necessary.
(4) In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Regardless of color or monochrome image formation, any image forming apparatus having an operation panel can be applied to, for example, a printer, a FAX, an MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral), and the like.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration using a guide rail as a guide member has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a guide shaft, a guide belt, a guide wire, or the like can be used as the guide member.
The above embodiments and the above modifications may be combined.
In the present invention, the position on the front side is defined as a position closer to the front with a corner serving as a boundary between the front and the side as a base point.

  The present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus, and is a method for moving an operation panel to a retracted position in a non-hidden area on the side wall of the apparatus body according to the type of option arranged and connected to the side of the apparatus body. Also good. Furthermore, the method may be a program executed by a computer. The program according to the present invention includes, for example, a magnetic disk such as a magnetic tape and a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, and a flash memory recording medium. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium, wired and wireless various networks including the Internet in the form of programs, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via broadcasting, telecommunication lines, satellite communications, or the like.

  The present invention can be widely applied to an image forming apparatus that includes an operation panel that is positioned in front of the apparatus in a state of protruding toward the user and that can be arranged and connected to the side of the apparatus main body.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a copying machine according to a first embodiment. 1 is a side view of a main part of a copying machine according to a first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other type of finisher in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the mechanism which moves the operation panel in 1st Embodiment along a slit. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the drive means of the operation panel in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operation panel movement control part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a control flow which shows the example of the content of the optimal position movement process PD in 2nd Embodiment. (A) is a control flow which shows the example of the content of the left position movement process PL1 in 2nd Embodiment, (b) is the control flow which shows the example of the content of the right position movement process PR1. It is a control flow which shows the example of the content of the home position movement process PH1 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the caster which has a function of the movement detection means of the copying machine in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operation panel movement control part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the finisher of another variation. It is a side view which shows the slit S of another variation.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... copier 6, 16 ... operation panel movement control unit 62 ... CPU
64 ... Optimal position information storage unit 80 ... Driving means 81 ... Motor 82a ... Wires 82b-g ... Pulley 83a ... Front sensor 83c ... Left sensor 83d ... Right sensor DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Main body 100a ... Front 100b ... Left side 100c ... Right side 100d, 100e ... Corner 101 ... Guide rail 101a, 101b ... Rail 301 ... Operation panel 302 ... Support member 302c ... Rolling rollers 302d and 302e ... Skirt portion 406 ... Movement detection sensors 500, 510 and 520 ... Finisher 700 ... Large capacity feeders 800 and 810 ... Working table 1000 ... Entrance

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus having an operation panel for receiving input from a user and capable of arranging and connecting one or more options for performing processing associated with image formation on one side or both sides of the apparatus body,
On the side wall of the device body, there is a non-hidden area that is not hidden by the option even when the option is placed,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the operation panel is supported by the apparatus main body so as to be movable from a position on the front side of the apparatus main body to a retracted position existing in at least one in the non-hidden region. In a state where one of the one or more options is arranged and connected to the side of the apparatus main body, the distance from the side wall becomes narrower than the size corresponding to the operation panel along the side wall of the apparatus main body. 1 part and a second part that is wider than the size corresponding to the operation panel,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-hidden area is present in an area corresponding to the optional second portion. The one or more options include an option of a size that covers substantially the entire side wall of the apparatus main body,
The option of such a size is that, in the state of being arranged and connected to the side of the apparatus main body, the first arrangement state close to the side wall of the apparatus main body and the distance from the side wall of the apparatus main body apart from the side wall are at least the operation. It is movable so as to be able to switch between the second arrangement state that is wider than the size corresponding to the panel,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-hidden region exists when the option of the size is in the second arrangement state. Driving means for moving the operation panel;
Control means for controlling the driving means to move the operation panel;
Accepting means for accepting an operation panel movement instruction;
An identification means for identifying an option that is actually arranged and connected to the side of the apparatus main body,
A plurality of the options exist,
The evacuation position exists at a different point corresponding to each of a plurality of options in the non-hidden area,
The operation panel is supported at each of the retracted positions so as to be movable with respect to each other via the position on the front side.
When the accepting unit accepts the movement instruction, the control unit identifies a save position corresponding to the identified option according to the option identified by the identifying unit, and places the operation panel at the identified save position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is moved. Storing information in which the types of the plurality of options are associated with different retreat positions corresponding to the types;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specifying unit specifies a retreat position corresponding to the identified option with reference to the information. It has movement completion acceptance means for accepting completion of movement of its own device,
6. The control unit according to claim 4, wherein when the movement completion receiving unit receives the completion of the movement, the control unit controls the driving unit to return the operation panel to the front side position. The image forming apparatus described. The apparatus main body is provided with a long guide member extending from the position on the front side through the corner to the retracted position,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel moves while being guided by the guide member.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the guide member is a guide rail.

Images