JP2007028126A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new image forming apparatus which can simply conceal a key group corresponding to unnecessary functions responding to user specifications, furthermore, make them unusable. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus A is provided with compound functions such as a facsimile function, a copying function, a telephone function, etc. , and forms the key groups K1 to 5 corresponding to the respective functions on an operation panel 4. It is featured to be able to mount an optional panel cover 7 which makes the key group K2 corresponding to a necessary function display so as to be able to operate, and conceals the key groups K1, 3, 4, 5 corresponding to unnecessary functions so as to be inoperable on the operation panel 4 when there are unnecessary functions of the user specifications out of the respective functions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a composite function such as a facsimile function, a copy function, a telephone function, and the like, and a key group and a display corresponding to these functions are formed on an operation panel.

  In the image forming apparatus having the composite functions as described above, a large number of keys corresponding to the respective functions are formed on the operation panel. For example, a facsimile function key includes a one-touch dial key, a numeric keypad, a function key such as an image quality selection key and a broadcast transmission key, and a transmission (start) key. A copy function key includes a number specification key. (Numeric keypad), paper / magnification selection key, density selection key, copy (start) key, and the like, and telephone function keys include a numeric keypad and a start key. These various keys include common keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, but there are a large number as a whole, and many key groups for each function are appropriately arranged on the operation panel.

  Thus, the user often does not need all the above functions. In such a case, for example, when only facsimile transmission is required and no other copy function or telephone function is required, the keys corresponding to these unnecessary functions hinder the key operation during the facsimile transmission operation. Users who are unfamiliar with the operation may be squeezed by many keys and confused when operating the keys. Furthermore, since power supply continues to the corresponding parts of unnecessary functions, power is wasted.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 is provided on an operation panel of a communication apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, and includes an opening window for exposing a group of operation keys arranged vertically and horizontally at least at intervals of one line. A cover for preventing erroneous operation is disclosed in which an operation key not exposed to the opening window is concealed. In Patent Document 2, a cover that can be opened and closed is provided on the operation panel of the facsimile apparatus. When the cover is closed, most of the keys can be concealed, but the call function key (ten key) with high specification frequency is closed. A facsimile apparatus is disclosed that can be operated even from the top of the cover. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 includes a one-touch cover that covers a large number of one-touch key groups so that the group can be opened and closed, and by closing the one-touch cover and pressing a second key provided on the surface, An operation panel such as a facsimile apparatus which can be switched between the facsimile mode and the copy mode by operating is disclosed.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-31433 JP 7-177273 A JP 2001-238013 A

  The erroneous operation prevention cover disclosed in Patent Document 1 can prevent erroneous operation of adjacent keys even when a large number of keys are arranged close to each other. However, a key corresponding to an unnecessary function is provided. It is not intended to be concealed. In addition, the facsimile apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 can be operated with the cover closed when using the telephone, and can be operated by opening the cover when performing facsimile transmission or copying. It has the effect of simplifying and suppressing the feeling of pressure when making a call, but it is intended to conceal the keys corresponding to unnecessary functions as well as to make unnecessary keys unusable. It was n’t. Furthermore, the operation panel disclosed in Patent Document 3 is provided with a key that can switch between the facsimile mode and the copy mode on the cover that covers the one-touch key group, thereby reducing the key arrangement space. Although it is intended to reduce the size, it is not intended to conceal a key corresponding to an unnecessary function or disable an unnecessary key as described above.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a novel image forming apparatus that can easily hide a key group corresponding to an unnecessary function and make it unusable according to user specifications. The purpose is that.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a composite function such as a facsimile function, a copy function, a telephone function, etc., and a key group corresponding to each of these functions formed on an operation panel, Of the above functions, when there is an unnecessary function depending on the user specifications, an option panel cover that exposes the key group corresponding to the required function so that the key operation can be operated and hides the key group corresponding to the unnecessary function so that the key operation cannot be performed. It can be mounted on the operation panel.

  In the present invention, as in the invention of claim 2, a protrusion is formed on the back surface of the option panel cover, and the protrusion is formed in the operation panel when the option panel cover is attached to the operation panel. The engaging piece is engaged and locked, and acts on a detection unit installed in the operation panel. The unnecessary function is invalidated based on detection information of the detection unit, and the necessary function is validated. be able to. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the option panel cover can be made of the same hard resin molded body as the casing constituting the operation panel.

  Then, as in the invention of claim 4, a plurality of the optional panel covers can be prepared in accordance with a combination of necessary functions and unnecessary functions, and the plurality of optional panel covers can be selectively mounted on the operation panel in accordance with user specifications. It can be. In this case, as in the invention of claim 5, the plurality of option panel covers may be obtained from molded bodies of different colors.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when there are unnecessary functions such as a facsimile function, a copy function, and a telephone function according to user specifications, the key group corresponding to the necessary function is exposed so that the key can be operated. An optional panel cover that hides the key group corresponding to the unnecessary function so that the key operation is impossible can be mounted on the operation panel, so that the user can only use the key of the necessary function with the key of the other function. It is possible to operate the keys accurately without being confused. Further, as in the second aspect of the invention, if the projection formed on the back surface of the option panel cover and the engagement piece formed in the operation panel are engaged and locked, the mounting state is stably maintained. . Further, in this mounted state, if the projection acts on the detection unit installed in the operation panel, the unnecessary function is invalidated based on the detection information of the detection unit, and the necessary function is validated. In addition, power supply for unnecessary functions can be turned off, and energy saving can be achieved.

  If the option panel cover is made of the same hard resin molding as the casing constituting the operation panel as in the invention of claim 3, it is manufactured in parallel with the manufacturing of the casing of the image forming apparatus. It is efficient and does not give any sense of incongruity when it is attached to the operation panel. Further, as in the invention of claim 4, a plurality of option panel covers are prepared according to combinations of necessary functions and unnecessary functions, and the plurality of option panel covers can be selectively mounted on the operation panel according to user specifications. In this case, the degree of freedom for user selection is expanded. Furthermore, if the plurality of option panel covers are made of molded bodies of different colors, as in the invention of claim 5, the distinctiveness is given, and accurate selective mounting is performed and mounting. Convenience of time is improved.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the main part, and FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus A having a facsimile function, a telephone function, and a copy function. The printer is connected to a personal computer or other electronic device (such as a digital camera) and prints out image data input from these devices. It may have a function. In the apparatus housing 1, although not shown, an image reading unit for facsimile transmission or copying, a print recording unit for printing out a received image or a read image, an NCU connected to an external telephone network, a modem, and image processing A circuit, an image memory, a ROM and a RAM in which operation of each function is stored, a control CPU for these, a document and recording paper transport mechanism, a power supply, and the like are incorporated. A document tray 2 for automatically supplying documents to the document reading unit, a discharge tray 3 for discharging scanned documents, an operation panel 4 and a telephone handset (handset) 5 are arranged on the outer surface of the apparatus housing 1. It is installed.

  On the operation panel 4, a large number of key groups K1, K2, K3, K4 and K5 and a display 6 are formed for executing the above-described functions of the image forming apparatus A. The first key group K1 includes one-touch dial keys and other operation keys, and is mainly used for facsimile transmission. The second key group K2 includes a numeric keypad and function keys related thereto, a start key, a copy key, and a stop key. These keys are basic keys related to the telephone function, the facsimile transmission function, and the copy function. In particular, the telephone function can be executed only by operating these key groups K2. The third key group K3 is a special function key in facsimile transmission, and includes, for example, a broadcast transmission key, a memory transmission key, a completed stamp key, an abbreviated / phone book registration / call key, an application communication key, and the like. The fourth key group K4 includes an image quality selection key for facsimile transmission, a density selection key for copying, and other operation keys. Further, the fifth key group K5 includes an automatic reception setting key at the time of facsimile communication, a conversation reservation key at the time of facsimile transmission, a redial setting key, or a communication stop key.

  The display 6 is common to all the above functions, and confirmation display of key operation (for example, input telephone number display, copy number display, set image quality, density display, transmission mode display such as broadcast transmission, etc.), communication status Display (during communication, redialing, etc.), content display at the time of abnormality (partner unit abnormality display, document, recording paper jam display, recording paper and recording media such as toner and ink ribbon out of display, etc.), calendar Display, and the name of the other party are displayed. Although not shown, the operation panel 4 is provided with an alarm lamp at the time of abnormality, a communication lamp, a proxy reception lamp, and other display lamps.

  FIGS. 1 to 3 show an example in which an option panel cover 7 set so as to execute only the telephone function is attached to the operation panel 4. The optional panel cover 7 has opening windows 7a and 7b at positions corresponding to the second key group K2 and the display 6, and a pair of protrusions 7c and 7c are formed on both sides of the back surface in the longitudinal direction. Is formed. The option panel cover 7 includes a molded body made of a hard resin having the same quality as that of the housing 1, that is, the housing constituting the operation panel 4, including the protrusions 7 c and 7 c. Openings 4a and 4a through which the projections 7c and 7c can be inserted are formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the operation panel 4, and the projections 7c are engaged in the apparatus housing 1 (the housing of the operation panel 4). An engaging piece 1a is formed (see FIG. 3).

  The optional panel cover 7 is mounted and maintained on the operation panel 4 by inserting the protrusion 7c into the opening 4a and locking the engagement with the engaging piece 1a. In this mounted state, the second key group K2 and the display 6 are exposed from the opening windows 7a and 7b, and each key operation of the second key group K2 is enabled on the opening window 7a. 6 display contents can be visually recognized. Accordingly, the user can hold the handset 5 and operate each key of the second key group K2, and can make a call with the other party while checking the input telephone number and the like by looking at the display 6. The first key group K1, the third key group K3, the fourth key group K4, and the fifth key group K5 are hidden by the option panel cover 7, so that these keys are not visible to the user and the user There is no concern that these keys will be operated by mistake.

  In the apparatus housing 1, a photoelectric sensor (detection unit) 8 is installed at a position where the front side portion of the protrusion 7 c is located when the optional panel cover 7 is mounted. The photoelectric sensor 8 sends the mounting information of the option panel cover 7 due to the action of the front side portion of the projection 7c to the control unit (not shown), and the control unit performs the unnecessary functions. Corresponding mechanism units, for example, in this example, the reading unit for the facsimile transmission function or the copy function, the print recording unit for the copy function, each mechanism unit and electronic parts attached to them are turned off (invalid) And keep the power of related electronic parts, etc. in the telephone function on (enabled). Therefore, a significant energy saving can be achieved while the usable state of the telephone function is maintained.

  As the optional panel cover 7, a plurality of opening windows 7a having different opening modes are prepared according to required functions, and the installation position or the number of the photoelectric sensors 8 according to the opening mode (for example, each on both sides) If it is set as appropriate (such as only one, only the right side, or only the left side), it is unnecessary by selectively mounting from among the plurality of option panel covers 7 according to various user specifications. Key group concealment and unnecessary function invalidation are easily and accurately performed. If these optional panel covers 7 are formed of molded bodies of different colors, the selective mounting according to the user's request can be made accurately due to their distinctiveness.

  In the opening mode of the opening window 7a of the option panel cover 7 shown in the figure, facsimile transmission is performed without using a one-touch dial key, a facsimile transmission function key such as broadcast transmission or image quality setting, or a copy function key such as density setting. Alternatively, key operations for basic copy functions are possible. Therefore, when such a specification is required, it is possible to cope with it by appropriately setting the target to be validated or invalidated based on the detection information of the photoelectric sensor 8.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the one shown in the figure. For example, the image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic recording unit, an icjet or bubble jet (registered trademark) recording unit, and a color recording unit. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a forming apparatus, and further to an image forming apparatus having a planar scanning reading unit (FBS). Further, the form of the operation panel 4, the number of key groups, or the arrangement of keys are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these are appropriately set as design matters. Further, as a method for mounting and fixing the option panel cover 7, a screw fixing or other method can be adopted.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is an enlarged plan view of the principal part. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2.

Explanation of symbols

1 Device housing (operation panel housing)
4 Operation panel 7 Option panel cover 7a Open window 7b Open window 7c Protrusion 8 Photoelectric sensor (detector)
A Image forming apparatus K1 key group K2 key group K3 key group K4 key group K5 key group

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus having a composite function such as a facsimile function, a copy function, and a telephone function, and a key group corresponding to each of these functions formed on an operation panel,
Of the above functions, when there is an unnecessary function depending on the user specifications, an option panel cover that exposes the key group corresponding to the required function so that the key operation can be operated and hides the key group corresponding to the unnecessary function so that the key operation cannot be performed. An image forming apparatus which can be mounted on the operation panel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
A protrusion is formed on the back surface of the option panel cover, and when the option panel cover is attached to the operation panel, the protrusion engages with an engagement piece formed in the operation panel and is locked. An image forming apparatus configured to act on a detection unit installed in an operation panel, invalidate the unnecessary function based on detection information of the detection unit, and validate the necessary function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the option panel cover is formed of a hard resin molded body that is the same as the casing constituting the operation panel. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a plurality of option panel covers are prepared according to a combination of necessary functions and unnecessary functions, and the plurality of option panel covers can be selectively mounted on an operation panel according to user specifications. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The image forming apparatus, wherein each of the plurality of option panel covers is formed of a molded body having a different color.

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