JP4794332B2 - Operating device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a first setting time for switching the power control state of the apparatus from the normal mode to the power saving mode for reducing power consumption by the power control means, or the display menu of the operation unit set by the auto clear means. A time setting screen for changing and setting any of the second setting times for returning to the initial menu from the initial setting value is displayed, and a time change setting means for changing the time by setting operation on the time setting screen is provided. The present invention relates to an operating device and an image forming apparatus.

  For example, in the image forming apparatus, when a predetermined condition such as no operation on the operation device is satisfied and the second set time has elapsed, the display menu of the operation unit that has been previously set by the auto-clearing unit Has an auto-clear function that is controlled to return to the initial menu.

  Further, when a predetermined condition such as no operation on the operation unit is satisfied after the power is turned on, the power control state of the device is changed from the normal mode to the power consumption by the power control means when the first set time elapses. When the power control mode is switched to the power saving mode and a predetermined condition such as some operation is performed on the operation unit in the power saving mode, the power control state of the device is changed from the power saving mode to the normal by the power control means. It has a power saving function that can be switched to a mode.

  When the power control state of the apparatus is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode by the power control means, power supply to the heater is normally stopped or the power supply amount is reduced, and power is supplied to the display device of the operation unit. However, when the auto-clear function is configured to be activated at the same time, and the power supply to the display device of the operation unit is resumed after returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the initial menu is displayed. Is displayed.

  Normally, the first set time is initially set to a time relationship that is longer than the second set time, but these times can be changed automatically or manually at the installation site of the device. As a device provided with setting means, in Patent Document 1, when the frequency of use of a device at a predetermined time is low, the frequency of use of the device at a predetermined time is high so that the first or second set time becomes long And a time change setting means for automatically setting the first or second set time to be set short, and at that time, the first set time is automatically set to a time relationship that is longer than the second set time. An image forming apparatus has been proposed.

JP-A-2005-151587

  However, the image forming apparatus includes a time change setting unit that can change and set either the first set time or the second set time from an initial set value, and can be changed and set manually by an operator. In some cases, the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time.

  In this case, since the power saving mode is increased after a short time, the power saving effect is enhanced. At the same time, the display menu is automatically cleared, so that the next operation is performed using the same display menu as the previously set display menu. In this case, there is a problem that it is necessary to perform operation setting from the beginning.

  In addition, when the operator operates the time setting change means to perform the setting operation, unless the operator carefully pays attention to the relationship between the first setting time and the second setting time, the time relationship will be such as There was also a problem that it was not possible to easily determine whether the situation would be inconvenient.

  In view of the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks, the object of the present invention is to determine whether the first set time for shifting to the power saving mode or the second set time for operating the auto clear function is set. Is to provide an operating device and an image forming apparatus that can call an operator's attention when a predetermined relationship is established.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the first characteristic configuration of the operating device according to the present invention is the first set time after a predetermined timing start condition is satisfied, as described in claim 1 of the claims. When the time elapses, the power control state of the apparatus is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode for reducing the power consumption, and the control unit for returning the display menu of the operation unit to the initial menu, and after the timing start condition is satisfied, When the two set times have elapsed, the auto-clear means for returning the display menu of the operation section set for operation to the initial menu, and either the first set time or the second set time is changed from the initial set value. to display the time setting screen, an operation unit configured and a time change setting means for changing and setting a time by the setting operation with respect to the time setting screen It lies in that is provided with a warning means for warning when the the first set time is set to a short time to become time relationship than the second set time.

According to the above arrangement, when the operator sets the operation by actuating the time setting changing means, even without manipulation of the relationship between the first set time and the second set time carefully aware, the first set time If set to become time relationship shorter time than the second set time Kiniwa, operator, because it can be easily determined to be a predetermined time relation with the warning, the time relationship It is possible to detect in advance and deal with inconvenient conditions that occur when setting.

The second feature structure, as described in the claim 2, in addition to the first characterizing feature described above, before Symbol time setting change setting means that displays the time setting screen during the operation of said alarm means It is in.

  According to the above-described configuration, the operator who has received the warning can easily reconfirm the input first setting time and the second setting time, and further improve the operability when changing the setting. Can do.

In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 3 , in addition to the second feature configuration described above, a predetermined time based on either the first set time or the second set time. The recommended setting key for setting the relationship is displayed.

  According to the above configuration, the operator who has received the warning can easily reconfirm the input first set time and the second set time, and further, the first set time and the second set time can be reconfirmed. The setting time can be easily changed to a predetermined time relationship.

The characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is that the operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is incorporated as described in claim 4 .

  According to the above-described configuration, when setting either the first set time or the second set time, when the long / short relationship becomes a predetermined relationship, the operator is alerted, An inconvenient state that occurs when the predetermined time relationship is set can be detected and dealt with in advance.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when setting either the first set time for shifting to the power saving mode or the second set time for operating the auto clear function, the length relationship is predetermined. Therefore, it is possible to provide an operation device and an image forming apparatus that can call an operator's attention when the relationship is established.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, a copying machine A that is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention has an image reading unit 1 that reads a document image as document image data, and a predetermined amount of document image data that is read by the image reading unit 1. The output image data generation unit 2 that generates the output image data by performing the above process, and the image formation that forms and outputs the image on the recording paper that is the output paper based on the output image data from the output image data generation unit 2 Unit 3, a hard key group such as a print key for starting a copying operation of the copying machine A and a numerical key for setting the number of copies, an operation unit 4 comprising a touch panel type color liquid crystal display unit, and a control unit for each unit And a system control unit 5 that controls the control unit of each unit.

  The image forming unit 3 includes a toner image forming unit 30 that forms a toner image on a photoconductor serving as an image carrier based on the output image data, a transfer unit 31 that transfers the toner image to a recording sheet, and the transfer A conveyance unit 32 that conveys the recording paper on which the toner image is transferred to the unit 31 from a paper tray; a heater (not shown) in which the toner image transferred on the recording paper is inserted and installed; and a temperature sensor A fixing unit 33 that is heated and melted and fixed by a fixing roller (not shown) heated to a predetermined temperature, and an image formation control unit 34 that controls each part of the image forming unit 3 are provided. The control of each unit is performed in cooperation with a single CPU or a plurality of CPUs, a RAM that is a work area of the CPU, and a ROM that stores an execution program of each function executed by the CPU. Do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 4 switches a print key 400 for starting the copying operation of the copying machine A, a numeric key 401 for setting the number of copies, and the like to a power saving mode described later. A hard key group 40 such as a power saving switch 402 and an initial setting switch 403, a touch-panel color liquid crystal display unit 41, and an operation control unit 42 that controls each unit of the operation unit 4 are provided in the operation control unit 42. A single CPU or a plurality of CPUs, a RAM that is a work area of the CPU, a ROM that stores an execution program of each function executed by the CPU, and the like cooperate to control each unit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the system control unit 5 reduces the power consumption from the normal mode to the system control unit 50 that controls the control unit of each unit and the power control state of the apparatus after the first set time T1 has elapsed. Power control means 51 for switching to the power saving mode to be performed, and auto-clear means for returning the display menu displayed on the color liquid crystal display section 41 of the operation section 4 that has been set for operation after the elapse of the second set time T2 to the initial menu. 52 and a time setting screen for changing either the first setting time T1 or the second setting time T2 from the initial setting value is displayed on the color liquid crystal display unit 41, and the time is set by the setting operation on the time setting screen. Time change setting means 53 for changing the setting, and when the first set time and the second set time are set to have a predetermined time relationship It comprises warning means 54 for giving a warning, and stores a single or a plurality of CPUs provided in the system control unit 5, a RAM that is a work area of the CPU, an execution program for each function executed by the CPU, and the like. The ROM or the like cooperates to execute the function of each function block. That is, the system control unit 5 functions as an operating device of the copying machine A according to the present invention.

  The power control unit 51 includes a timer 510, and when a predetermined time elapses without a new operation being performed after the operation of the operation unit 4 by an operator and no image forming operation being performed. Alternatively, when a predetermined timing start condition is satisfied, such as when an image forming operation is ended by an operation of the operation unit 4 by an operator, the timer 510 starts timing, and the measured time is When the first set time T1 is reached, a command to reduce power consumption in each part of the copying machine A is issued via the system control means 50, and the copying machine A is switched to the power saving mode. Further, even when the power saving switch 402 provided in the operation unit 4 is pressed, the power control unit 51 is connected to the control units of the respective units of the copier A via the system control unit 50. A command to reduce power consumption in each unit is issued, and the copying machine A is switched to the power saving mode.

  When the control unit of each unit receives the command to reduce the power consumption, for example, in the image forming unit 3, the power supply to the heater (not shown) of the fixing unit 30 or the like is reduced or stopped. In the operation unit 4, the operation control unit 42 controls to update the current display menu to the initial menu and stops supplying power to the backlight of the color liquid crystal display unit 41.

  The power control means 51 is configured such that when the copier A is in the power saving mode, the power saving switch 402 is pressed, the operation unit 4 is operated, or the copier A door is opened. When the closing condition of the power saving mode such as closing or supply of paper to the paper tray of the copier A is satisfied, the time counted by the timer 510 is reset, and the respective units of the copier A are reset. The control unit is instructed to cancel the power consumption reduction in each unit via the system control means 50, and the copying machine A is switched to the normal mode.

  When the control unit of each unit receives the command to cancel the power-off mode, for example, the image forming unit 3 resumes normal power supply to the heater of the fixing unit 30 and the operation unit 4 The power consumption reduction in each unit is canceled, for example, the power supply to the backlight of the color liquid crystal display unit 41 is restarted. At this time, the color liquid crystal display unit 41 displays the initial menu.

  The auto-clear means 52 includes a timer 520, and when the time measurement start condition identical to the time measurement start condition by the power control means 51 is satisfied, time measurement is started by the timer 520, and the time measured is When the second set time T2 is reached, the operation control unit 42 is instructed to update the data corresponding to the display menu to the initial menu via the system control unit 50, and the operation control unit 42 The initial menu is displayed on the color liquid crystal display unit 41.

  The auto-clearing means 52 resets the time counted by the timer 520 when the time counting ends. Also, when the copying machine A is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode by the power control means 51, the timer 520 of the auto-clear means 52 is stopped and the measured time is reset.

  In this way, the mode shifts to the power saving mode when the first set time T1 elapses, and auto clear is executed when the second set time elapses. The setting time T1 or the second setting time can be variably set by an operator operation.

  When the initial setting switch 403 is pressed, the color liquid crystal display unit 41 displays an initial setting menu 410 as shown in FIG. The time change setting means 53 is activated when a timer setting button 411 is pressed, and displays a time setting screen 412 on the color liquid crystal display section 41 with respect to the operation control section 42 via the system control means 50. To do. A dedicated hard key for directly operating the time change setting means 53 is arranged on the operation unit 4 in addition to the operation via the display of the initial setting menu 410 by pressing the initial setting switch 403. It may be a configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the time setting screen 412 is displayed so as to overlap the initial setting menu 410. When the operator presses the pull-down key, a pull-down list is displayed. The first set time T1 displayed as the “transition time” and the second set time T2 displayed as the “auto clear time” can be set, and the “time setting frame 413” set by the operator A “reset button 414” for returning the set time T1 and the second set time T2 to the initial set values, and a “cancel button 415” for returning the selected first set time T1 or the second set time T2 to the values before the selection. And a “return button 416” for registering the set time as a valid time and returning to the previous screen.

  When the pull-down key is operated, a plurality of selectable times are displayed in a pull-down list, and a time selected from the selected times is displayed in a “time setting frame 413”. As for the time displayed in the pull-down list, “0 to 60 minutes” is prepared in 1 minute units in the first set time T1, and “0 to 10 minutes” is 30 in the second set time T2. Available in seconds. Here, when “0 minutes” is selected as the first set time, the shift to the power saving mode is not performed, and when “0 minutes” is selected as the second set time, the auto-clear means 52 does not operate. It is configured as follows.

  The time increment displayed in the pull-down list is not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate. Furthermore, the configuration may be set at the time of shipment from the factory in accordance with various conditions such as the installation location and application of the copying machine A, or may be a configuration that can be changed by an operator. Further, the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 may be configured to be directly input by an operator operating the numerical key 401 of the control unit 4 or the like.

  When either or both of the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 are set and the “return button 416” is operated, the warning unit 54 sets the first set time T1 to the second set time. When the time relationship is set to be shorter than the time T2, a warning display screen is displayed to prompt confirmation of the set time, while the first set time T1 is longer than the second set time T2. When the time or equal time relationship is set, the set time is registered as a new timer value of the timers 510 and 520, and the display is returned to the previous screen.

  The warning means 54 operates when the “return button 416” is pressed when the first set time T1 is shorter than the second set time T2, and the system control is performed. The operation control unit 42 is instructed to display the warning display screen 417 on the color liquid crystal display unit 41 via the means 50.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the warning display screen 417 is displayed so as to overlap the time setting screen 412, and is determined in advance based on either the first set time T1 or the second set time T2. The “recommended setting button 418” as a recommended setting key that is set so as to be in the selected time relationship and the warning display screen 417 are deleted, and the values of the selected first set time T1 and the second set time T2 A “confirmation button 419” for redisplaying the time setting screen 412 is provided.

  When the “recommended setting button 418” is pressed, the time change setting means 53 is configured to forcibly change to a time relationship in which the first set time T1 is longer than the second set time T2. Has been.

  Specifically, when the operator selects only the first set time T1, for example, the second set time T2 is shorter than the first set time T1 without changing the value of the first set time T1. When the time is selected as the maximum value (may be a value other than the maximum value) and the operator selects only the second set time T2, the value of the second set time T2 is not changed, The first set time T1 is selected as a minimum value (may be a value other than the minimum value) that is longer than the second set time T2, and the operator sets the first set time T1 and the second set time. When both T2 are selected, the first set time T1 is changed to the second set time without changing the value of the first set time T1 or the second set time T2 selected immediately before. Any other time relationship that is longer than T2. To select the time. In the above description, the setting time of the other setting time is changed based on the setting time of one of the selection operations. However, the setting time of one operation is changed based on the setting time of the other time that is not selected. It is good also as what to do.

  After the “return button 416” is pressed, the “confirmation button 419” on the warning display screen 417 is pressed and the time setting screen 412 is displayed again, before the “return button 416” is pressed again. If the first set time T1 or the second set time T2 is changed and the first set time T1 is selected to be shorter than the second set time T2, the time When the “return button 416” is pressed again, the change setting unit 53 activates the warning unit 54 again, and the warning unit 54 causes the color liquid crystal display unit 41 to display the warning display screen 417 again.

  After the “return button 416” is pressed, the “confirmation button 419” on the warning display screen 417 is pressed and the time setting screen 412 is displayed again, before the “return button 416” is pressed again. In addition, when the first set time T1 or the second set time T2 is not changed, or when the first set time T1 is not selected in a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time T2, When the “return button 416” is pressed again, the time change setting means 53 performs the change setting completion operation of the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 with the power control means 51 and the auto clear. The operation control unit 42 is instructed via the means 52 and the system control means 50, and the power control means 51 sets the first set time T1 in the timer 510. The auto-clear means 52 sets the second set time T2 in the timer 520, the operation control unit 42 erases the time setting screen 412 from the color liquid crystal display unit 41.

  The setting of the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 by the time change setting means 53 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the operator changes and sets the first setting time T1 or the second setting time T2 (S1), the time setting screen 412 is displayed on the color liquid crystal display screen 41 (S2).

  When the “reset button 414” is pressed (S3), the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 are returned to their initial set values (S4), and the initial set values are returned to the initial set values. The first setting time T1 and the second setting time T2 are displayed on the time setting screen 412 (S2).

  When the “cancel button 415” is pressed (S5), the first set time T1 or the second set time is returned to the value before selection (S6) and displayed on the time setting screen 412. (S2).

  When the “return button 416” is pressed (S7), when the first set time T1 is not shorter than the second set time T2 (S8), the first set time T1 and the first set time T1 A second set time T2 is set in the timers 510 and 520 (S10).

  When the “return button 416” is pressed (S7), when the first set time T1 is shorter than the second set time T2 (S8), the “return button 416” is set last time. When the value of the first set time T1 or the second set time T2 is not changed from when the “return button 416” is pressed until the current “return button 416” is pressed (S9), the first set The time T1 and the second set time T2 are set in the timers 510 and 520 (S10). After the “return button 416” is pressed last time, the current “return button 416” is pressed. When the value of the first set time T1 or the second set time T2 is changed (S9), the warning display screen 417 is displayed (S11).

  When the “confirmation button 419” on the warning display screen 417 is pressed (S12), the time setting screen 412 is displayed without changing the values of the first set time T1 and the second set time T2. S1) When the “confirmation button 419” is not pressed (S12), the warning display screen 417 is displayed until the “recommended setting button 418” is pressed (S13).

  When the “recognition button 419” is not pressed (S12) and the “recommended setting button 418” is pressed (S13), the first set time T1 is longer than the second set time T2. The time relationship is changed (S14) and displayed on the time setting screen 412 (S2).

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the warning unit displays a warning display screen that gives a warning when the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time. Instead of the screen, it may be configured to give a warning by voice or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the warning means issues a warning when the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time, but at least the first set time and the first set time are set. A configuration may be adopted in which a warning is given when the long / short relationship between two setting times is different from the long / short relationship before setting. As a result, the operator can be alerted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the warning unit issues a warning when the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time. Conversely, the second set time is A configuration may be adopted in which a warning is given when the time relationship is set to be shorter than the first set time.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the description, and the specific configuration of each part is appropriately changed within the scope of the effects of the present invention. It goes without saying that it can be done.

Functional block diagram of the system controller of a copier Illustration of copier Illustration of the operation unit (A) explanatory diagram of initial setting menu, (b) explanatory diagram of time setting screen, (c) explanatory diagram of warning display screen Flowchart used for explanation when copying and setting either the first setting time or the second setting time of the copying machine from the initial setting value

5: System control unit 50: System control means 51: Power control means 52: Auto clear means 53: Time change setting means 54: Warning means 510: Timer 520: Timer

Claims (4)

When the first set time elapses after a predetermined timing start condition is satisfied, the power control state of the device is switched from the normal mode to the power saving mode for reducing power consumption, and the display menu of the operation unit is returned to the initial menu. A control unit;
When the second set time elapses after the timing start condition is satisfied, auto clear means for returning the display menu of the operation unit set for operation to the initial menu,
A time setting screen for displaying a time setting screen for changing and setting either the first setting time or the second setting time from an initial setting value, and setting and changing the time by a setting operation on the time setting screen ; and An operating device comprising:
An operating device comprising warning means for giving a warning when the first set time is set to a time relationship that is shorter than the second set time . It said time setting change setting means, the operating device according to claim 1, wherein displaying the time setting screen during the operation of the warning means. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein a recommended setting key for setting a predetermined time relationship with respect to either the first set time or the second set time is displayed. An image forming apparatus operating device according is incorporated into any of the described claims 1-3.