JP2002124777A - Key panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem raised by the conventional operating panel which is constituted to switch the function of a control key by opening and closing panel plates that the panel plates are formed loner in length by using a resin and, accordingly, the plates apt to warp and the superposed state of the panel plates is not recognized accurately. SOLUTION: A plurality of opening/closing key panels 31 and 32 is formed in the same shape, and the end supporting sections 31a and 32a of the panels 31 and 32 are arranged at positions where the sections 31a and 32a are concatenated together when one panel 31 is inverted against the other panel 32. In addition, central supporting sections 31b and 32b which can be turnably fixed to the surface 15a of the operating panel are formed at the central parts of the key panels 31 and 32 in the lengthwise directions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure of a key panel provided on an operation panel of a communication terminal device or an image reading device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in devices such as a communication terminal device and an image reading device, the number of operation keys provided on an operation panel surface tends to increase as the number of functions increases, but the number of operation keys increases. If it is too difficult, there arises a problem that the operation panel surface becomes large and keys are easily erroneously operated. In order to cope with such a problem, a panel plate that is overlapped on the operation panel surface by opening and closing operation is mounted on the operation panel surface on which the operation keys are provided, and the function of the operation keys can be switched according to the overlap state of the panel plate, The operation keys are provided with a plurality of functions. For example, in the case of a communication terminal device, one-touch dial functions corresponding to a plurality of destinations are assigned to operation keys.
The function switching of the operation keys is performed by pressing the detection means provided on the operation panel surface with the panel plate when the panel plate is overlapped. In the operation panel provided with the panel plate, particularly, in a case where a part of the operation panel is cut out so that the recording paper discharged from the printer to the lower side of the operation panel can be visually checked, The keys that can be placed may be restricted. Therefore, in such a case, a long panel panel may be used so that many keys can be arranged even in a small area.

[0003]

However, when the panel plate made of resin is formed in a long shape, warpage is likely to occur. When the panel board is superimposed on the operation panel surface in a state where the warp has occurred, the detecting means cannot be pressed by the panel board, and the superimposed state of the panel board may not be accurately recognized. . In this case, for example, when the one-touch dial function is assigned to the operation key, the operation key is transmitted to the wrong destination. Therefore, a key panel capable of accurately recognizing the superimposed state of the panel plate has been desired.

[0004]

The present invention uses the following means in order to solve the above problems. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of open / close key panels that are rotatable about one side are provided on an operation panel surface on which a plurality of keys are formed. In the key panel whose function can be switched by the detecting means for detecting the state of overlap on the operation panel surface, the plurality of open / close key panels are formed in the same shape, and one open / close key panel is used as another open / close key panel. On the other hand, when the turning fulcrum portion is turned upside down, the turning fulcrum portion is arranged at a position where the turning fulcrum portion of one opening / closing key panel can be connected to the turning fulcrum portion of the other opening / closing key panel.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2, an engagement projection is formed at one end of the open / close key panel, and an engagement recess engageable with the engagement projection is formed at the other end.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the open / close key panel is formed in an elongated shape, and a hinge rotatably fixed on the panel surface at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close key panel. When one of the open / close panels of the pair of open / close panels is inverted with respect to the other open / close panel, the hinge portion of one open / close panel and the hinge portion of the other open / close panel can be connected. The hinge portion was arranged at the bottom.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a facsimile apparatus provided with an image reading device in which a key panel of the present invention is applied to an operation panel, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation panel, and FIG. 3 is a state in which the key panel is attached to the operation panel. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the open / close key panel, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the open / close state of the open / close key panel, FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the open / close detection mechanism of the open / close key panel, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the open / close key panel before being mounted on the open / close key panel, FIG. 8 is a front view showing a warped state of the open / close key panel, and FIG. 9 is a side view showing a grip portion of the open / close key panel.

An example in which the key panel of the present invention is applied to an operation panel of a facsimile apparatus having an image reading device will be described. First, a schematic configuration of the facsimile machine will be described with reference to FIG. The facsimile apparatus F is configured such that a reading unit 2 is disposed above a recording unit 1. In the recording unit 1, a recording device 3 and a paper feed cassette 4 are installed vertically, and a paper feed cassette 4 is provided. After the paper deposited inside is fed to the recording device 3 for recording, it is discharged from the recording paper discharge tray 5.

On the other hand, in the reading section 2, the reading case 1
A reading device for reading the contents of a document or the like is housed in the reading case 3, and the document placed on the upper surface of the reading case 13 is scanned by the reading device to perform reading. A document holding cover 7 configured to be openable and closable about one side thereof is disposed above 13,
The document placed on the upper surface of the reading case 13 is pressed by the document pressing cover 7 from above.

Further, an automatic paper feeder (ADF device) 8 for automatically feeding the original is attached to one end of the original pressing cover 7, and the original placed on the original feed tray 9 is automatically fed to the automatic feeder 8. And picks up one sheet at a time.
Then, the document is conveyed to one end of the upper surface of the reading case 13, the content is read by the reading device in a stationary state, and then discharged to the document discharge tray 10 formed on the upper surface of the document pressing cover 7.

That is, the reading section 2 is used as a flatbed type scanner that scans a reading device to read a still original, and a sheet feed type scanner that performs reading while feeding the original with the reading device fixed in position. It is configured so that it can be used as.

An operation panel 15 is attached to one side of the reading case 13, and by operating various operation keys on the operation panel 15, the contents of the original are read or the read contents are transmitted by facsimile. In this case, the destination is set, and the recording device 3 records the received contents and the read contents.

Next, the operation panel 15 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, a panel surface 15a on the operation panel 15
Are provided with various operation keys and the like. For example, the start key 21 is operated to start facsimile transmission of original contents, the stop / clear key 22 is operated to stop these operations halfway, and the dial is operated to dial a facsimile transmission destination. The ten keys 23, the cursor keys 26 for selecting and determining various settings and operation contents of the facsimile apparatus F, the destination of the facsimile transmission and a plurality of operation procedures are registered in advance, and one-touch facsimile transmission and other various operations are performed. Multiple one-touch keys 2 to do
9a, 29a ... and one-touch keys 29b, 29b
, And an indicator 27 for displaying an operation state, a setting state, and the like of the facsimile apparatus F are provided.

A plurality of one-touch keys 29a, 29a,.
. And one-touch keys 29b, 29b... Are arranged side by side, for example, as shown in FIG.
9b, 29b,... Are arranged in two upper and lower stages. Open / close key panels 31 and 32 are provided at portions where the one-touch keys 29a and 29a and the one-touch keys 29b and 29b are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 have left and right end support portions 31a and 32a.
The center support portions 31b and 32b at substantially the center are rotatably supported by support protrusions 15b and 15c on the panel surface 15a, and are attached to the panel surface 15a so as to be openable and closable.

Here, the closed state of the open / close key panel 31 refers to a state in which the open / close key panel 31 is turned downward toward the one-touch key 29b and overlaps the panel surface 15a.
The state in which the open / close key panel 31 is open is a state in which the open / close key panel 31 is turned upward and does not overlap with the panel surface 15a, or the open / close key panel 31 is turned to the one-touch key 29b side and overlaps with the closed open / close key panel 32. State.

The state in which the open / close key panel 32 is closed means a state in which the open / close key panel 32 is rotated downward toward the one-touch key 29b and overlaps the panel surface 15a, and a state in which the open / close key panel 32 is open. Is the open / close key panel 3
2 indicates a state in which the panel 2 is rotated upward and is not overlapped with the panel surface 15a, or a state in which the panel 2 is rotated to the one-touch key 29b side and overlapped on the open / close key panel 31 which is closed. That is, for example, a state where the open / close key panel 32 is closed is a state shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, and an opened state is a state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A. The open / close state of the open / close key panel 31 is the same.

Further, from the panel surface 15a in the portion where the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are disposed, the overlapping state detecting pins 3 are provided.
The overlapping state detecting pins 37 and 38 are disposed at substantially the right and left center positions of the open / close key panels 31 and 32, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, a switching sensor 36 is provided below the overlapping state detecting pins 37 and 38 (only the overlapping state detecting pin 37 is shown in FIG. 6). The overlapping state detection pins 37 and 38 are urged upward by the pins 36a.

When the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are open, the overlapping state detecting pins 37 and 38 are in the extended state, and the switching sensor 36 is, for example, turned off. Conversely, when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed, the overlapped state detection pins 37
38 is depressed by the open / close key panels 31 and 32 and contracted, and the contact pin 36a of the switch sensor 36 is pressed down by the overlapped state detection pins 37 and 38, and the switch sensor 36 is turned on. And the open / close key panel 31
The function of the one-touch keys 29a is switched by switching the on / off state of the switching sensor 36 between the on state and the off state. ,
By switching between the on state and the off state, the functions of the one-touch keys 29b are switched.

The on / off state of the switching sensor 36 on the opening / closing key panel 31 side and the switching sensor 36 on the opening / closing key panel 32 side is as shown in FIG.
When the switch 1 is closed and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 31 side is turned on, and the open / close key panel 32 is opened and the switch sensor 36 on the side of the open / close key panel 32 is turned off, FIG. In this manner, the open / close key panel 31 is opened to turn off the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 31 side, and the open / close key panel 32 is closed and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 32 side is turned on. 5
As shown in (c), the state where both the open / close key panel 31 and the open / close key panel 32 are closed and both the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 31 side and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 31 side are turned on. , You can take.

A weight member 51 is attached to a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the opening / closing key panels 31 and 32 and a lower surface of a distal end portion in the short direction. The weight member 51 is made of, for example, a sheet metal member. Further, the panel surface 15
A magnet 52 is embedded at a position corresponding to the weight member 51 when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed in FIG.

As described above, by attaching the weight member 51 to the open / close key panels 31 and 32, the open / close key panel 3 is provided.
1 and 32 are pressed downward by the weight of the weight member 51 when rotating downward and closing, and the overlapping state detection pin 3
It is possible to turn on the switching sensor 36 by pressing the switch 7/38.

The weight member 51 is made of a member attracted by a magnetic force, such as a sheet metal member, and a magnet 5 is attached to the panel surface 15a.
When the opening / closing key panels 31 and 32 are closed, the weight member 51 is attracted to the magnet 52 on the panel surface 15a when the opening / closing key panels 31 and 32 are closed.
5a is polymerized and closed. In particular, the weight member 51
Is constituted by a sheet metal member or the like, it is possible to reliably turn on the switching sensor 36 at a low cost and to detect a state of overlap of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 with the panel surface 15a.

In this embodiment, the weight member 51 is provided substantially at the center of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 in the longitudinal direction. However, the weight member 51 is provided over substantially the entire area of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 in the longitudinal direction. Can also. Further, the open / close key panel 31
A superimposition state detection pin 37 provided substantially at the center on the left and right of 32;
It is also possible to arrange 38 at the left and right ends. Further, the overlapping state detecting pins 37 and 38 are connected to the open / close key panel 3.
Since they are provided near the central support portions 31b and 32b or the end support portions 31a and 32a, which are hinge portions serving as pivots of the pivots 1 and 32, the open / close key panels 31.3 are provided.
When the cover 2 is closed, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 do not float, so that the overlapped state detection pins 37 and 38 can be reliably pushed down. With this, the open / close key panel 31
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a problem that the state of superimposition cannot be detected and transmission to an incorrect destination is performed.

The same members are used for the open / close key panel 31 and the open / close key panel 32. As shown in FIG. 7, the open / close key panel 32 is turned approximately 180 degrees in the horizontal direction with respect to the open / close key panel 31. In this state, both key panels 31 and 32 are arranged. And open / close key panel 3
1 and 32 insert the support pins 31c in the end support portions 31a of the open / close key panel 31 into the support holes 32d in the end support portions 32a of the open / close key panel 32,
The support pins 32c of the end support portions 32a of the open / close key panel 32 are inserted into the support holes 31d of the end support portions 31a of the open / close key panel 31, and the support pins 31c and the support holes 31d project outside the support holes 32d. The support pins 32c protruding outward from the support projections 15 on the panel surface 15a
The open / close key panels 31 and 32 are attached to the panel surface 15a by being supported by b and 15b, respectively.

That is, the opening / closing key panel 31 and the opening / closing key panel 32 are formed in the same shape, and when one opening / closing key panel 31 is arranged to be inverted with respect to the other opening / closing key panel 32, The end support portions 31a and 32a are arranged at positions where the end support portions 31a and 31a at both end portions of the open / close key panel 32 and the rotation support points of the end support portions 32a and 32a at both end portions of the open / close key panel 32 are connected. ing. The end support portions 31a and 32a at one end of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 have support pins 3 as engagement protrusions.
1c and 32c are formed, and the end support portion 3 at the other end is formed.
1a and 32a have support holes 31d and 32, which are engagement recesses.
d is formed so that the support pin 31c and the support hole 32d can be engaged with each other, and the support pin 32c and the support hole 31d can be engaged with each other.

As described above, the operation panel 15 of this embodiment has a plurality of one-touch keys 29a and 29b,
Since a plurality of open / close key panels 31 and 32 are provided, one-touch keys 29a and 29b can be saved while saving space.
A plurality of functions can be provided, such as registering a plurality of destinations in the server. Further, since the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are formed in the same shape, the same members can be used, and the cost can be reduced. Further, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are formed with support pins 31c and 32c, and are formed with support holes 32d and 31d that can be engaged with the support pins 31c and 32c. The open / close key panel 31 and the open / close key panel 32 can be attached to the operation panel 15 by engaging the support holes 32d with the support holes 32d and 31d,
The opening and closing key panels 31 and 32 can be easily assembled.

Further, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are made of resin and are formed in a long shape, so that they are likely to be warped. Therefore, only the both ends are provided on the panel surface 15a.
8, the upwardly convex warp occurs as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 8, so that even when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed, the overlapped state detection pins 37 and 38 cannot be pressed down. In some cases, the superimposed state of 31 and 32 cannot be detected. However, in the opening / closing key panels 31 and 32 of the present example, central support portions 31b and 32b as hinge portions are formed substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction.
32b is rotatably supported on the panel surface 15a, and the central support portions 31b and 32b
When the positions 1 and 32 are arranged in an inverted posture, they are arranged at a position where they are connected to each other. Therefore, as shown by a solid line in FIG.
The open / close key panels 31 and 32 do not warp and float, and the overlapped state detection pins 37 and 38 can be reliably pressed. Thus, it is possible to prevent an error such as transmission to an incorrect destination without switching on the switching sensor 36.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one end of each of the open / close key panels 31/32 is formed with grip portions 31e / 32e projecting upward and downward, respectively. When performing the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing key panel 31 /
32 is opened and closed. The grips 31e and 32
Since e protrudes upward and downward, it can be gripped both when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are opened from the closed state and when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed, and the opening / closing operation is easy. Can be In addition, a plurality of protrusions 31g / 3 are provided on the outer surface of the grippers 31e / 32e.
2 g are formed. The projections 31g and 32g are
It acts as a non-slip during the opening / closing operation while gripping the grips 31e and 32e, thereby preventing erroneous operation.

In this embodiment, the facsimile apparatus F
Has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to operation panels of various devices having a plurality of types of operation keys.

[0031]

According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the following effects can be obtained. First, as in claim 1,
A plurality of pivotable open / close key panels are arranged on one side of the operation panel surface on which multiple keys are formed, and multiple keys detect the overlapping state of the open / close key panel on the operation panel surface. In the key panel which is capable of switching functions by the detecting means, the plurality of open / close key panels are formed in the same shape, and if one open / close key panel is arranged in reverse to the other open / close key panel, one open / close key panel is opened. Since the rotation fulcrum is located at a position where the rotation fulcrum of the key panel and the rotation fulcrum of the other open / close key panel can be connected, the keys on the operation panel surface can be saved while saving space. May have a plurality of functions, such as registering a plurality of destinations. Also, since the open / close key panel is formed in the same shape,
The same member can be used, and cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, as described in claim 2, an engagement projection is formed at one end of the open / close key panel, and an engagement recess engageable with the engagement projection is formed at the other end. By engaging the mating projections with the engaging recesses, the plurality of open / close key panels can be attached to the operation panel in a connected state, and the assembling of the open / close key panels can be facilitated.

Further, as in claim 3, the open / close key panel is formed in a long shape, and a hinge portion rotatably fixed on the panel surface is formed at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close key panel. If one of the pair of open / close panels is inverted with respect to the other open / close panel, the hinge is located at a position where the hinge of one open / close panel and the hinge of the other open / close panel can be connected. Since the portion is disposed, it is possible to prevent the open / close key panel from being warped and floating, and it is possible to reliably react the detection means for detecting the overlapping state of the open / close key panel. Thus, it is possible to prevent an error such that the detection means is not responded and is transmitted to an incorrect destination.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a facsimile apparatus provided with an image reading apparatus in which a key panel according to the present invention is applied to an operation panel.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an open / close key panel attached to an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the same.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the open / close state of the open / close key panel.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing an open / close detection mechanism of the open / close key panel.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the open / close key panel before being attached to the operation panel.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a warped state of the open / close key panel.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a grip portion of the open / close key panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

 F Facsimile machine 15 Operation panel 29a / 29b One-touch key 31/32 Open / close key panel 31a / 32a End support 31b / 32b Central support 36 Switching sensor 37/38 Overlap state detection pin

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 4E360 AB04 EA12 EC11 EC14 ED04 GA02 GA46 GA52 GA53 GB24 5C062 AB20 AB46 AC58 AD02 AD06 BA01 5G019 CX73 CX79 CY55 SK03 SK04 SY12

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of openable / closable key panels rotatable on one side as a fulcrum are disposed on an operation panel surface on which a plurality of keys are formed, and the plurality of keys are placed on the operation panel surface of the open / close key panel. Wherein the plurality of open / close key panels are formed in the same shape, and one open / close key panel is arranged in a reversed manner with respect to another open / close key panel. Then, the pivot fulcrum is arranged at a position where the pivot fulcrum of one openable key panel and the pivot fulcrum of another openable key panel can be connected. 2. The opening / closing key panel according to claim 1, wherein an engaging projection is formed at one end of the opening / closing key panel, and an engaging recess engageable with the engaging projection is formed at the other end. Key panel. 3. The open / close key panel is formed in a long shape, and a hinge portion rotatably fixed on a panel surface is formed at a substantially central portion in a longitudinal direction of the open / close key panel, and a pair of open / close panels is provided. When one of the open / close panels is inverted with respect to the other open / close panel, the hinge part is arranged at a position where the hinge part of one open / close panel and the hinge part of the other open / close panel can be connected. Claim 1.
Or the key panel according to claim 2.