JP2018039190A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device configured so that an operation portion 200 is automatically tilted by a motion sensor 202, which can suppress operability of the operation portion 200 from deteriorating.SOLUTION: An operation portion 200 is provided movably in a device main body 110. A driving mechanism can move the operation portion 200. A motion sensor 202 can sense a person. A control portion 120 can execute a first mode in which the operation portion 200 can be automatically moved by driving the driving portion according to a detected result by the motion sensor 202, and a second mode in which the operation portion 200 is prevented from moving regardless of the detected result by the motion sensor 202.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions.

  As an image forming apparatus, a configuration is known in which an operation unit for operating the image forming apparatus is provided in an upper portion of the apparatus main body. In addition, a configuration has been proposed in which the operation unit can be tilted with respect to the apparatus main body, and the operation unit is automatically tilted according to the height of the operator based on the detection result of the human detection unit that detects a person (Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2014-89359 A

  However, in the case of the configuration described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the tilt position of the operation unit cannot be automatically set to an appropriate position. For example, the operator may bend in front of the image forming apparatus, or the posture may be changed such that the operator stands up from a seated state. In this case, there is a possibility that the height may not be calculated correctly from the detection result of the human detection means, and the operation unit may not be at an appropriate tilt position for the operator, and operability may be reduced.

  Also, even if the device main body is placed directly on the floor without an optional sheet cassette that can be installed below the device main body, the operation unit is not calculated correctly from the detection result of the human detection means. There is a possibility that the proper tilt position is not achieved. In this case, for example, the operability for a tall operator may be reduced. In this case, there is a case where the operation unit can be operated even if the operator is on a wheelchair or an operator with a short height, without intentionally tilting the operation unit.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration capable of suppressing a decrease in operability of the operation unit with a configuration in which the operation unit is automatically tilted by the human detection means.

  The present invention includes an apparatus main body, an operation unit movably provided on the apparatus main body, a drive unit capable of moving the operation unit, a person detection unit capable of detecting a person, and a detection result of the person detection unit And a control unit capable of executing a first mode in which the operation unit is automatically moved by driving the drive unit in accordance with the second mode and a second mode in which the operation unit is not moved regardless of a detection result of the human detection unit. And an image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the operability of the operation unit from being lowered with a configuration in which the operation unit is automatically tilted by the human detection means.

1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. (A) The perspective view in the 1st position of the operation part and drive mechanism which concern on 1st Embodiment, (b) The side view of the operation part and drive mechanism seen from the arrow (alpha) direction of (a). (A) The partial perspective view in the 2nd position of the operation part which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (b) The side view of an operation part and a drive mechanism from the arrow (beta) direction of (a). FIG. 3 is a block diagram of control related to a tilt operation of an operation unit according to the first embodiment. (A) Schematic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the operator and the operation unit when there is no optional device, (b) Schematic diagram showing another example, (c) Schematic diagram showing an example when there is also an optional device . 6 is a flowchart of control related to a tilt operation of the operation unit according to the first embodiment. The block diagram of the control regarding the tilt operation of the operation part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, (a) when there is no optional device, (b) when there is an optional device 401, (c) when there is an optional device 402, and (d) optional device 403. Schematic diagram showing each case.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus 100 is a tandem intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus in which the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged in series in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 31. Such an image forming apparatus 100 records a sheet (paper, OHP sheet, etc.) by electrophotography in accordance with an image signal transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer or an image signal from the document reading device 150. A full-color image is formed on the material S.

  The image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color toner images on the photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 11 as an image carrier, respectively, and the same image on the intermediate transfer belt 31. Primary transfer to position. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is stretched by stretching rollers 32, 33, and 34 and rotates in the direction of arrow A. On the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 31, a primary transfer roller 35 for performing primary transfer is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 11.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is uniformly charged by a charging device (not shown). The exposure device 12 irradiates the charged photosensitive drum 11 with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface. The developing unit 13Y develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 with toner, and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 11. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 35. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 after the primary transfer of the toner image is removed by a cleaning device (not shown).

  As described above, toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the respective photosensitive drums 11 in the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk. Each toner image is sequentially transferred onto the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 so that a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 31. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is conveyed to a secondary transfer portion 42 formed by the secondary transfer roller 41 and the intermediate transfer belt 31 that are arranged to face each other via the stretching roller 34 and the intermediate transfer belt 31. .

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of cassettes 61 and 62 that can be inserted into and withdrawn from the apparatus main body 110 and store the recording material S therein. The recording material S stored in each cassette is separated one by one by the feed rollers 63 and 64 and fed to the transport path 71. The fed recording material S is transferred to the first conveyance roller pair 72 and conveyed toward the skew feeding correction device 73. The skew correction device 73 corrects the skew of the recording material S.

  Thereafter, the recording material S is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 42 by the second conveyance roller pair 74 in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31. Then, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is transferred to the recording material S by the secondary transfer unit 42. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 31 after the transfer is removed by a belt cleaning device (not shown).

  Next, the recording material S to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 50. The fixing device 50 melts and fixes the toner on the recording material S by applying a predetermined pressurizing force by a substantially opposing roller or belt and generally a heating effect by a heat source such as a heater. The recording material S having the fixed image obtained in this way passes through the post-fixing conveyance unit 51 and is discharged onto the discharge tray 82 by the discharge roller 81. Alternatively, when image formation is performed on both sides of the recording material S, the discharge roller 81 is reversely rotated and conveyed to the reverse conveyance device 83, and an image is formed on the back surface as described above, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 82. . The operation of each unit as described above is controlled by the control unit 120 as control means.

[Operation section]
In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an operation unit 200 on the front surface (the side operated by an operator (user or serviceman)) of the upper portion of the apparatus main body 110. The operation unit 200 includes a liquid crystal operation screen and operation buttons, and can perform a print instruction and environment setting of the image forming apparatus 100. Such an operation unit 200 is provided to be movable with respect to the apparatus main body 110. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 200 tilts (tilts) in the direction of arrow B in FIGS. 2B and 3B about an axis in a substantially horizontal direction (a shaft 232 described later), thereby operating the operation screen. The angle of the operation surface 201 can be changed in at least two steps.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first position where the operation surface 201 is substantially horizontal and the first position where the operation surface 201 is substantially vertical as shown in FIG. 3B. It is possible to tilt at an arbitrary angle between the two positions. At the first position, the operation surface 201 faces substantially upward in the vertical direction, and at the second position, the operation surface 201 faces substantially frontward in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the operation surface 201 can be set at an appropriate angle according to the height of the operator or for the operator of the wheelchair. As a result, the visibility and operability of the operation unit 200 can be improved for all operators.

  In the case of the present embodiment, such a tilting operation (tilting operation) of the operation unit 200 can be performed manually but also automatically. For this purpose, a human sensor 202 serving as a human detection unit capable of detecting a person is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 110. In the case of this embodiment, the human sensor 202 is provided on the left side of the operation unit 200 on the front side of the document reading device 150 as shown in FIG. Such a human sensor 202 is capable of detecting the presence or absence of a person on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 and detecting the height (height, etc.) of the person. Such known ones can be used.

  The operation unit 200 can be moved by a drive mechanism 210 as a drive unit described below. And according to the detection result of the human sensor 208, the control part 120 drives the drive mechanism 210, and the position of the operation part 200 is set automatically.

[Drive mechanism]
Next, such a drive mechanism 210 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) and FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). The drive mechanism 210 includes a motor 211 as a drive source, a gear train 220, a torque limiter 230, a coupling 212, a volume sensor 213, position detection units 240 and 250, and the like. Such a drive mechanism 210 is disposed on the back side of the operation unit 200 and between the operation unit 200 and a portion of the apparatus main body 110 that supports the operation unit 200.

  The motor 211 is supported by the apparatus main body 110 and can rotate forward and backward. The gear train 220 includes a worm gear 221, a stepped gear 222, and a spur gear 223. The worm gear 221 is connected to the drive shaft of the motor 211. The stepped gear 222 is integrally formed with a spur gear 222 a that meshes with the worm gear 221 and a spur gear 222 b that meshes with the spur gear 223. The spur gear 223 is connected to the torque limiter 230. The torque limiter 230 includes a housing 231 and a shaft 232 that are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. When torque exceeding a certain value is applied, the housing 231 and the shaft 232 slide to limit torque transmission.

  The housing 231 of the torque limiter 230 is rotatably supported by a hinge support plate 233 fixed to the apparatus main body 110. The spur gear 223 is engaged with the housing 231, and the spur gear 223 and the housing 231 rotate integrally. The shaft 232 of the torque limiter 230 is engaged with the operation unit support plate 234 joined integrally with the operation unit 200, and the shaft 232 and the operation unit 200 rotate integrally.

  Therefore, when the motor 211 rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the shaft 232 of the torque limiter 230 via the gear train 220 including the worm gear 221, the stepped gear 222, and the spur gear 223, and the operation unit 200 is tilted. I do. When the operation unit 200 is manually tilted, the worm gear 221 is self-locked by first attempting to manually rotate the operation unit 200. Then, a torque of a certain level or more is applied to the torque limiter 230, the housing 231 and the shaft 232 slide, and the operation unit 200 can be manually rotated.

  In addition, when the operation unit 200 is performing a tilting operation automatically, for example, when a load is applied such as an operator putting his hand between the operation unit 200 and the apparatus main body 110, torque transmission is limited by the torque limiter 230. Is done. As a result, the operation unit 200 can be prevented from further rotating, and the motor 211 can be protected.

  A volume sensor 213 serving as an angle detection unit is provided at the tip of the shaft 232 via a coupling 212. The volume sensor 213 also rotates integrally with the shaft 232 and the operation unit 200. The output voltage of the volume sensor 213 changes depending on the rotation angle, and the control unit 120 determines the angle of the operation unit 200 based on the output voltage value. The angle detection means for detecting the tilt angle of the operation unit 200 may be, for example, a rotary encoder other than the volume sensor.

  The position detection units 240 and 250 include photosensors 241 and 251 and sensor flags 242 and 252, respectively. The photosensors 241 and 251 detect passage of the sensor flags 242 and 252. The sensor flags 242 and 252 are respectively fixed to the operation unit 200, and the photosensors 241 and 251 are supported by the apparatus main body 110. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the operation unit 200 is located at the first position, the sensor flag 242 passes through the photosensor 241, and the operation unit 200 is moved to the first position by the photosensor 241. It can detect that it is located. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the operation unit 200 is located at the second position, the sensor flag 252 passes through the photosensor 251, and the photosensor 251 moves the operation unit 200 to the second position. It can detect that it is located. Here, the first position is a home position of the operation unit 200, and the second position is a position where the operation unit 200 is rotated by the maximum amount from the home position.

[Tilt control]
Next, control of the tilt operation of the operation unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 120 as a control unit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121 and a memory 122. In the memory 122, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122a is provided. The ROM 122a stores a program corresponding to the control procedure. The CPU 121 controls each unit while reading a program stored in the ROM 122a. Further, in the memory 122, a RAM (Randon Access Memory) 122b in which work data and input data are stored is also provided. The CPU 121 performs control with reference to data stored in the RAM 122b based on the above-described program or the like.

  Signals from the human sensor 202, the volume sensor 213, and the photo sensors 241, 251 are sent to the CPU 121 of the control unit 120, respectively. If the CPU 121 determines that the operation unit 200 needs to be rotated based on these signals, it issues a rotation command to the motor driver 130, drives the motor 211, and rotates the operation unit 200. For example, the CPU 121 calculates the height of the person from the signal detected by the human sensor 202 and calculates an appropriate angle of the operation unit 200. Then, the CPU 121 drives the motor 211 to rotate the operation unit 200 via the gear train 220 and the torque limiter 230. When the CPU 121 detects the rotation to the calculated angle by the volume sensor 213, the CPU 121 issues a stop command to the motor driver 130, and the motor 211 stops.

  When rotating the operation unit 200 to the first position or the second position, the CPU 121 stops the motor 211 when detecting the signal of the photosensor 241 or 251. Thus, the CPU 121 can tilt the operation unit 200 at an appropriate angle based on the detection result of the human sensor 202.

  Here, when the tilt operation of the operation unit 200 is automatically performed based on the detection result of the human sensor 202, the tilt position of the operation unit 200 may not be set appropriately. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided with optional equipment such as a cassette that can store a recording material in addition to the cassettes 61 and 62 of the image forming apparatus 100 below the apparatus main body 110. In this case, the height position of the operation unit 200 is set in consideration of installing optional equipment. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the optional device is not installed in the lower part of the apparatus main body 110 and the image forming apparatus 100 is directly placed on the floor, the position of the operation unit 200 is low. There is a case.

  In this case, even if the operation unit 200 is located at the first position (home position) where the operation surface 201 is substantially horizontal, a wheelchair operator or an operator with a short height can view and operate the operation unit 200. Is possible. Therefore, when no optional device is installed, any operator 300 may be able to operate without tilting the operation unit 200. On the contrary, the operator 300 is bent in front of the image forming apparatus temporarily, and the human sensor 202 does not calculate the correct height of the operator 300. As shown in FIG. The part 200 may rotate from the first position. In this case, the visibility and operability of the operation unit 200 may be reduced.

  Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 120 drives the drive mechanism 210 in accordance with the detection result of the human sensor 202 and the first mode in which the operation unit 200 can be automatically moved, and the detection of the human sensor 202. Regardless of the result, the second mode in which the operation unit 200 is not moved can be executed. Specifically, the first mode and the second mode can be selected by operating the operation screen of the operation unit 200. For example, a button capable of selecting the first mode and the second mode is displayed on the operation screen so that the operator can select one of them.

  Alternatively, the operation unit 200 displays a button for canceling the tilting operation automatically, and the operation unit 200 does not tilt automatically regardless of the detection result of the human sensor 202 when the operator operates the button. 2 mode is executed. In this case, the function itself of the human sensor 202 may be stopped, or the human sensor 202 may remain functioning, and when the human sensor 202 detects a person, the image forming apparatus 100. May start up from the sleep mode. On the other hand, when the second mode is being executed, a button for returning to the first mode in which the operation unit 200 automatically moves is displayed on the operation screen of the operation unit 200 so that the user can return to the first mode at any time. May be.

  An example of the flow of control of the tilt operation of the operation unit 200 having two modes in this way will be described with reference to FIG. First, the first mode for automatically tilting the operation unit will be described. When the operator approaches the image forming apparatus 100, it is detected by the human sensor 208 (S1). If detected, an operation screen of the operation unit 200 is displayed, and preparation for a printing operation is started. Further, the CPU 121 of the control unit 120 checks the current tilt operation mode of the operation unit 200 (whether the mode is the first mode or the second mode) (S2). This operation mode can be arbitrarily switched by an input from the operation unit 200.

  At this time, if the tilt operation mode of the operation unit 200 is ON, that is, the first mode in which the operation unit 200 is automatically tilted, the height of the operator is calculated based on the output of the human sensor 208 (S3). ). At the same time, the current rotation position of the operation unit 200 is confirmed by the outputs of the volume sensor 213 and the photo sensors 241 and 251 (S4). Then, the CPU 121 sets a rotation stop position and a rotation direction of the operation unit 200 based on a rotation angle data table that is set in advance so as to have appropriate operability and visibility for each height. Is determined (S5).

  After determining the rotation direction and rotation stop position of the operation unit 200, the CPU 121 issues a motor drive command to the motor driver 130, and the motor 211 is driven (S6). When the motor 211 is driven, the operation unit 200 is rotated via the gear train 220 and the torque limiter 230. At the same time, the volume sensor 213 connected to the shaft 232 of the torque limiter 230 is also rotated, the output value of the volume sensor 213 is changed, and the tilt position of the operation unit 200 is detected (S7). When the output value of the volume sensor 213 reaches a value corresponding to the determined rotation stop position, a motor stop command is issued from the CPU 121, the drive of the motor 211 is stopped, and the rotation of the operation unit 200 is stopped ( S8).

  At this time, if the output value of the volume sensor 213 does not become a value corresponding to the rotation stop position even after a certain period of time has elapsed, an error is displayed on the operation screen of the operation unit 200 and the drive of the motor 211 is stopped (S9). ). Further, after the job such as the printing operation (image forming operation) is completed, the operation unit 200 is returned to the home position (first position) that is in a substantially horizontal state at the timing when the image forming apparatus 100 shifts to the sleep mode. In the sleep mode, for example, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus is lower than that in the standby mode that waits for a job of an image forming operation by adjusting the temperature of the fixing device 50 to a temperature lower than that at the time of image formation. Mode.

  Next, the second mode in which the operation unit is not tilted regardless of the detection result of the human sensor 208 will be described. When the operator approaches the image forming apparatus 100, it is detected by the human sensor 208 (S1). If detected, as in the first mode, preparation for a printing operation is started, and the current operation mode of the operation unit 200 is confirmed by the CPU 121 (S2). At this time, when the tilt operation mode of the operation unit 200 is OFF, that is, in the second mode, the sequence relating to the tilt operation of the operation unit 200 is finished as it is (S10). For example, when the operator has previously selected the second mode using the operation unit 200, the operation unit 200 does not automatically perform a tilt operation in this way.

  In addition to S2, for example, when the operator selects the second mode with the operation unit 200 at any timing of S3 to S5, the sequence related to the tilt operation is terminated without automatically tilting the operation unit 200. You may make it do.

  In addition, when the operator selects the second mode with the operation unit 200 while the tilt operation of the operation unit 200 is automatically performed in S6 and S7, the tilt operation may be stopped. Then, the operation unit 200 may be left in the stopped position, or the operation unit 200 may be returned to the home position. In addition, when the second mode is selected, a stop position where the operation unit 200 stops may be arbitrarily set. In either case of the first mode or the second mode, the operation unit 200 may be returned to the home position in accordance with the power supply of the main body being turned off.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first mode in which the operation unit 200 is automatically tilted and the second mode in which the tilt operation is not performed regardless of the detection result of the human sensor 208 can be set. For this reason, the mode is properly used depending on the situation, and the convenience for the operator is improved.

  That is, in the first mode in which the operation unit 200 is automatically tilted, there is a possibility that the operation unit may operate even when the operation unit does not need to be clearly rotated due to erroneous detection of the human sensor 202 or the like. In addition, the operability of the operation unit 200 may be reduced. On the other hand, a second mode in which the operation unit 200 is not tilted regardless of the detection result of the human sensor 208 is newly provided and can be set, so that an operator in a state that clearly does not need to be rotated. It is possible to prevent unwanted operations that are not desired. On the other hand, when it is desired to automatically tilt the operation unit 200 according to the detection result of the human sensor 208, the first mode can be executed. As a result, with the configuration in which the operation unit 200 is tilted automatically by the human sensor 202, the operability of the operation unit 200 can be prevented from being lowered, and the convenience for the operator can be improved.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. In the first embodiment described above, the first mode and the second mode can be selected by the operation unit 200. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, either the first mode or the second mode is executed according to the type of optional equipment that can be installed below the apparatus main body 110. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the following description will be focused on differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 120 serving as a determination unit can determine an optional device installed below the apparatus main body 110 based on the option information. The option information is, for example, the type of option device input by the service person or the like using the operation unit 200 after the option device is installed at the lower part of the apparatus main body 110.

  Note that optional device information may be input from an external terminal such as a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus 100. Further, by connecting the installed optional device and the apparatus main body 110, information may be directly input to the control unit 120 from the optional device.

  The optional equipment that can be installed below the apparatus main body 110 is, for example, a plate with casters, a one-stage cassette, a two-stage cassette, or the like, which is installed to increase the height of the apparatus main body 110.

  In any case, the CPU 121 of the control unit 120 determines, based on the option information, whether to execute the first mode in which the operation unit 200 is automatically tilted or the second mode in which the operation unit 200 is not automatically tilted. To do. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the CPU 121 executes either the first mode or the second mode depending on whether or not an optional device is installed and the type of the optional device. Judge whether to do.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7A, when an optional device is not installed below the apparatus main body 110, the CPU 110 executes the second mode, regardless of the detection result of the human sensor 208. Do not tilt. At this time, the operation unit 200 is located at a first position (home position) where the operation surface 201 is substantially horizontal.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, for example, even when an optional device 401 (first optional device) having a low height is installed, the CPU 110 executes the second mode, and the human sensor 208 The operation unit 200 is not tilted regardless of the detection result. Also at this time, the operation unit 200 is located at the first position (home position) where the operation surface 201 is substantially horizontal. Examples of the optional device 401 having a low height include a plate with casters in which a caster is attached to the lower surface of the plate.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, for example, when an optional device 402 (second optional device) having a height higher than that of the optional device 401 is installed, the CPU 110 executes the first mode, The operation unit 200 is automatically tilted. That is, when the optional device 402 is installed below the apparatus main body 110, the height of the operation unit 200 is higher than when the optional device 401 is installed. For this reason, for example, when the operation unit 200 is located at the home position as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, it may be difficult for a wheelchair operator or a short operator to operate. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 121 executes the first mode in which the tilt operation of the operation unit 200 is automatically performed based on the detection result of the human sensor 202. As such an optional device 402, for example, a one-stage cassette having a single space for storing a recording material can be cited.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7D, for example, when an optional device 403 (second optional device) having a height higher than that of the optional device 402 is installed, the CPU 110 executes the first mode, The operation unit 200 is automatically tilted. As such an optional device 403, for example, a two-stage cassette having a two-stage space for storing a recording material can be cited.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 121 determines whether to execute the first mode or the second mode according to the presence / absence of the optional device installed below the apparatus main body 110 and the type of the optional device. ing. Therefore, an appropriate mode is executed without any particular operation by the operator. In addition to the configuration of the present embodiment, the first mode and the second mode may be selectable by operating the operation unit 200 as in the first embodiment.

<Other embodiments>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the operation unit 200 tilts about a substantially horizontal axis has been described. However, the movement of the operation unit 200 may be other than such tilting. For example, the operation unit 200 may slide in the vertical direction, slide in the horizontal direction, or tilt about the horizontal axis. That is, the operation unit 200 may slide in an arbitrary direction, tilt about an axis in an arbitrary direction, or a combination of these movements.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image forming apparatus / 110 ... Apparatus main body / 120 ... Control part (control means, discrimination | determination means) / 121 ... CPU / 200 ... Operation part / 202 ... Human sensor ( Human detection means) / 210... Drive mechanism (drive unit) / 401... Option device (first option device) / 402, 403... Option device (second option device)

Claims (7)

The device body;
An operation unit movably provided in the apparatus body;
A drive unit capable of moving the operation unit;
A human detection means capable of detecting a person;
A first mode in which the drive unit is driven according to a detection result of the human detection unit and the operation unit can be moved automatically, and a second mode in which the operation unit is not moved regardless of the detection result of the human detection unit And a control means capable of executing
An image forming apparatus. The movement of the operation unit is tilting about a substantially horizontal axis.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The operation unit can select the first mode and the second mode.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The control means executes the second mode when an optional device is not installed below the apparatus body.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The control means executes either the first mode or the second mode according to the type of optional equipment that can be installed below the apparatus body.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The control means, as the optional device, is the second mode when the first optional device is installed, and the second optional device whose height of the operation unit is higher than when the first optional device is installed. If installed, execute the first mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: A discriminating means capable of discriminating optional equipment installed below the apparatus main body,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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