JP2008283636A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain display paper by executing printing operation through a simple manipulation in an image forming apparatus that performs facsimile transmission. <P>SOLUTION: When any one of a plurality of operating buttons 23 at an operating section on a case 10 is depressed, an image forming apparatus 1 performs facsimile transmission to a transmission destination previously associated with the depressed button 23. At a portion adjacent to the operating buttons 23 on the case 10, display paper 25a is disposed for indicating to a user which transmission destination each of the operating buttons 23 is associated with. At a position where the display paper 25a is arranged, a paper printing switch 30 is provided to be covered with the display paper 25a. When the user depresses the paper printing switch 30, an image indicating a form and an external shape of the display paper 25a is printed on recording paper. The user cuts the display paper 25a away from the recording paper along the external shape and can arrange it on the case 10 in place of the detached display paper 25a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet, and more particularly to an apparatus having a function of transmitting image data by facsimile.

  An image forming apparatus having a function of transmitting image data by facsimile has a so-called speed dial function, and can perform facsimile transmission to a destination assigned to the operation button only by operating a predetermined operation button. There are some that are configured. In such an image forming apparatus, destination information associated with each speed dial is displayed in order to indicate to the user which destination each of the plurality of operation buttons used for the speed dial function corresponds to. There are some display sheets that can be filled in.

  By the way, when the transmission destination information associated with the operation button is changed in a state where the transmission destination information is entered on the display paper, the description on the display paper must also be changed. Conventionally, the user can change the description of the display sheet by, for example, writing new destination information on another display sheet that was included as a spare sheet at the time of shipment of the image forming apparatus, and changing the information before the change. Instead of the described display paper, it was placed in the case. In such a case, for example, display paper including spare ones is shipped together with the image forming apparatus and shipped, or for the convenience of the user, display paper is continuously sold as a so-called supply product. There is a problem that the cost of the image forming apparatus is increased and the number of parts sold is increased, resulting in complicated inventory management work. In addition, there is a problem that the user is forced to pay a financial burden at the time of purchasing the spare display paper, and it takes time to store the spare display paper.

  Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a facsimile apparatus that prints and outputs registered destination data of a one-touch dial on a recording sheet. This apparatus is configured to automatically print a destination label on a recording sheet. However, when the instruction to print the destination label is made, if the operation is simple, the possibility that the user will unintentionally print the destination label increases, and the recording paper, ink used for printing, and the like are wasted. It will occur. On the other hand, if the operation is complicated, the destination label cannot be printed easily, and the precious destination label printing function is not effectively used and is wasted.

Note that Patent Document 2 shows a name sheet for indicating a destination of a one-touch dial button of a telephone. It is necessary to use a personal computer, a printer, or the like in order to print information such as a destination on the name sheet. However, Patent Document 2 does not disclose an effective solution as a solution to the above problem.
JP-A-5-276286 JP 2003-273911 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is not necessary to purchase and hold spare display paper, and a display paper can be obtained by appropriately executing a printing operation with an easy operation. An object is to provide a possible image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 includes a housing, an image reading unit that is disposed inside the housing, reads an original while transporting the document inside the housing, and generates image data, and the housing. And a recording paper tray loaded with recording paper, and the recording paper based on the image data of the document that is disposed inside the housing and read by the image reading unit or image data input from an external device. An image forming unit that prints an image on recording paper fed from a paper tray, a facsimile transmission unit that facsimile-transmits image data of a document read by the image reading unit or image data input from an external device, and A control unit that controls the operations of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the facsimile transmission unit, and a housing that can be operated from the outside, and that gives predetermined instructions to the control unit. A plurality of operation buttons, and a memory unit in which destination information of facsimile transmission is stored in association with a predetermined operation button among the operation buttons, and the control unit includes the predetermined operation button When operated, the destination information associated with the operation button is read from the memory unit, and based on the destination information, the facsimile transmission unit is configured to perform facsimile transmission. In the image forming apparatus in which display paper having a predetermined outer shape in which the transmission destination information can be written is arranged to indicate transmission destination information associated with the predetermined operation button to the user. Of these, a paper printing switch that is exposed to the outside and can be pressed from the outside when the display paper is removed from the part is provided at the part where the display paper is arranged. The memory unit further stores display sheet image data indicating both the display sheet format and the predetermined outer shape of the display sheet, and the control unit includes the sheet print switch. When pressed, the display sheet image data is read from the memory unit, and the image forming unit is controlled to display on the recording sheet both the format of the display sheet and the predetermined outer shape of the display sheet. A new display paper cut out from the recording paper printed by the image forming unit along the predetermined outer shape indicated by the image is replaced with the display paper removed from the housing, and the housing It is configured to be placed on the body.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control unit that controls each unit of the apparatus, an image forming unit that prints an image on recording paper based on image data by the control of the control unit, and a facsimile that transmits image data by the control of the control unit A facsimile transmission unit for transmission, and a plurality of operation buttons disposed on the casing so as to be operable from the outside, and for giving a predetermined instruction to the control unit. When the predetermined operation button associated with the transmission destination information of the transmission destination is operated, the facsimile transmission unit is configured to transmit image data to the predetermined transmission destination by facsimile, and the housing The image forming apparatus includes a display sheet on which the destination information can be entered in order to indicate to the user destination information associated with the predetermined operation button. A portion of the housing where the display paper is disposed is provided with a paper print switch that is exposed to the outside when the display paper is removed from the portion and can be operated from the outside. When the paper printing switch is operated, the image forming unit is controlled to print the display paper on the recording paper.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the control unit controls the image forming unit when the paper print switch is operated, so that the display paper type and the recording paper are printed on the recording paper. An image showing both the predetermined outer shape of the display paper is printed, and a new display paper cut out along the predetermined outer shape from the recording paper on which the image is printed by the image forming unit. Instead of the display paper removed from the housing, the display paper can be arranged in the housing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the paper print switch is pressed, the control unit controls the display paper image data to be printed on the recording paper, so that the user can obtain the necessary display paper each time. Can do. Accordingly, there is no need to store spare display paper, and it is not necessary to procure display paper separately, so that the cost for continuously using the image forming apparatus can be reduced. Further, since the display paper is printed by pressing the paper print switch, an operation for easily printing the display paper can be performed. Furthermore, since the paper print switch is provided so as to be exposed to the outside when the display paper is removed from the housing, it is possible to prevent the paper print switch from being inadvertently operated. Further, even if a paper print switch is provided, the image forming apparatus can be given a high-grade appearance without affecting the appearance design of the image forming apparatus. Since the display paper image data printed on the recording paper includes an image indicating a predetermined outer shape of the display paper, the user easily cuts the display paper according to the outer shape indicated by the printed image. Display paper can be obtained more easily.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the paper print switch is pressed, the control unit controls to print the display paper style on the recording paper, so that the user can obtain the necessary display paper each time. Can do. Accordingly, there is no need to store spare display paper, and it is not necessary to procure display paper separately, so that the cost for continuously using the image forming apparatus can be reduced. Further, since the display paper can be printed simply by operating the paper print switch, the display paper can be printed easily. Furthermore, since the paper print switch is provided so as to be exposed to the outside when the display paper is removed from the housing, it is possible to prevent the paper print switch from being inadvertently operated. Furthermore, even if a paper print switch is provided, the image forming apparatus can be given a high-grade appearance without affecting the appearance design of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the image showing the predetermined outer shape of the display paper is printed on the recording paper, the user only cuts the display paper according to the outer shape shown by the printed image. Thus, display paper can be obtained more easily.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show an example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 2 having a print function for printing an image on recording paper based on image data, a reading unit (image reading unit) 3 having a scanning function for reading a document as image data, and image data. Are provided with a facsimile transmission unit 4 for transmitting a facsimile, a control unit 5 for controlling each part of the apparatus, an external input / output unit 6 connected to an external device and transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the external device. The image forming apparatus 1 is used by being connected to an external device such as an external personal computer, for example, and image data input from the external device via the external input / output unit 6 or a document read by the reading unit 3. Using the image data, a print function, a scan function, a facsimile transmission function, a copy function for copying a document, and the like can be performed. Each of these functions is executed based on control by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 includes, for example, a CPU and a ROM in which programs for executing various functions are recorded. The control unit 5 includes a memory unit 5a configured by, for example, a flash ROM or RAM, and stores various data such as image data of a document read by the reading unit 3 in the memory unit 5a. It is configured to be possible.

  A housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes a recording paper tray 12 loaded with recording paper, a paper discharge tray 13 from which a recording paper on which an image is printed by the image forming unit 2 is discharged, and a reading unit 3. A document tray 14 for loading originals to be read, a document discharge port 16 for discharging the read originals, a receiver 17 used for voice communication with the outside, and operations for operating each part of the apparatus Part 20 etc. are arranged. The operation unit 20 includes a plurality of operation buttons 21, 22, and 23 that are used to select various functions of the image forming apparatus 1, specify a transmission destination for facsimile transmission, and instruct the control unit 5. It is arranged so that it can be pressed down. In addition, the operation unit 20 includes a liquid crystal panel 24 for displaying the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1, a display unit 25 disposed adjacent to the operation buttons 23, and the like. The housing 10 is made of, for example, resin. The document tray 14 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the housing 10, and is configured so that the appearance design of the image forming apparatus 1 can be improved by closing the document tray 14 as shown in FIG. 1 when no document is loaded. Has been.

  The image forming unit 2 is disposed inside the housing 10 and has a motor and a conveyance roller for conveying the recording paper, a carriage that is driven to reciprocate on the recording paper, and an ink that is mounted on the carriage and ejects ink onto the recording paper. It is composed of an ink nozzle or the like. For example, the image forming unit 2 is configured to feed the recording paper loaded in the recording paper tray 12 into the housing 10 and print an image on the fed recording paper by, for example, an inkjet method. . When the image forming unit 2 prints on the recording paper, the image forming unit 2 discharges the recording paper onto the paper discharge tray 13.

  In the present embodiment, the reading unit 3 is disposed, for example, above the image forming unit 2. The reading unit 3 reads a document by a so-called sheet feed method, and includes, for example, a motor and a conveyance roller for conveying the document, and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) that reads the document while closely contacting the document. The reading unit 3 causes the original to be conveyed in close contact with the CIS, thereby reading the original and generating image data. Note that the reading unit 3 may be configured as a so-called flat bed type that reads, for example, a document placed on a document table while moving the reading unit.

  The facsimile transmission unit 4 is configured to be capable of transmitting image data by facsimile via an external public telephone line, for example. For example, when the operation button 21 is operated and a transmission destination facsimile number is input, the control unit 5 causes the facsimile transmission unit 4 to perform facsimile transmission to the transmission destination. Further, when the operation button 23 is pressed, the control unit 5 reads out the transmission destination facsimile number associated with the pressed operation button 23 from the memory unit 5a and controls the facsimile transmission unit 4 to control the transmission destination. For facsimile transmission.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the plurality of operation buttons 21 arranged on the right side of the operation unit 20 constitute a so-called numeric keypad, and the operation buttons 22 arranged on the center side of the operation unit 20 are, for example, a liquid crystal panel 24. By using this together with the display, it is configured such that the user can send an instruction to select or determine the function of the image forming apparatus 1 to the control unit 5. The plurality of operation buttons 23 arranged on the left side of the operation unit 20 are so-called speed dial buttons. In the memory unit 5a, transmission destination information including a transmission destination facsimile number of a predetermined transmission destination is registered and stored in advance in association with each operation button 23. When the operation button 23 is pressed, the control unit 5 reads the destination facsimile number registered in association with the operation button 23 from the memory unit 5a, and the facsimile transmission unit 4 transmits the facsimile to the transmission destination. I do. In other words, the user can facsimile-transmit the image data to the transmission destination corresponding to the operation button 23 simply by pressing the operation button 23. In the present embodiment, the control unit 5 uses the destination facsimile number registered in the memory unit 5a as the destination facsimile designated by, for example, the user operating the operation buttons 21, 22, 23, etc. from the outside. The number is configured to be changeable. Accordingly, the user can appropriately change the predetermined transmission destination facsimile number associated with each operation button 23 to another one.

  FIG. 3 shows a portion of the operation unit 20 where the display unit 25 is arranged. The display unit 25 is disposed in a display paper holding unit 26 that is formed in a substantially rectangular shape so as to be recessed from the surface of the housing 10 in a portion adjacent to the operation button 23 in the operation unit 20 of the housing 10. A slit 26a formed in, for example, a U-shape is formed in the center of the display paper holding unit 26 so as to pass through the housing 10, so that the claw-shaped switch piece 31 can be pressed from the outside. Is formed. The paper print switch 30 includes a switch piece 31 and a tact switch 32 disposed below the switch piece 31 and mounted on a circuit board or the like of the control unit 5. A part of the side edge portion of the display paper holding portion 26 is formed with an insertion portion 26 b that is recessed sideways.

  As shown in the figure, the display unit 25 includes a display paper 25a having a substantially rectangular outer shape (predetermined outer shape) made of paper writable with a pencil, a ballpoint pen, and the like, and a guard plate 25b made of a transparent resin plate, for example. It is configured. The display unit 25 is configured such that the guard plate 25b is placed on the display paper 25a in a state where the display paper 25a is disposed in alignment with the recess of the display paper holding unit 26, and a part of the end of the guard plate 25b is inserted. It is fixed to the housing 10 by being fitted into the portion 26b. Accordingly, the display paper 25a is not dropped from the housing 10, is not easily soiled, and the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 is improved. In a state where the display unit 25 is fixed to the housing 10, the paper print switch 30 is hidden by the display paper 25a and is not exposed to the outside. At this time, since the guard plate 25b is provided, the sheet printing switch 30 is configured not to be pressed even when a force is applied from above the display unit 25.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawing, a predetermined style in which ruled lines and the like corresponding to the four operation buttons 23 are arranged is printed on the display paper 25a. In the image forming apparatus 1, the display paper 25 a in which transmission destination information such as the name of the transmission destination associated with each operation button 23 is described so as to correspond to each operation button 23 is provided as described above. By arranging in this manner, it is possible to clearly show the transmission destination to which the facsimile transmission can be performed by pressing each operation button 23 to the user.

  Here, as described above, for example, when the user changes the destination facsimile number associated with each operation button 23 to another different one, it is necessary to change the description on the display sheet 25a. Arise. In such a case, the user prints an image including a predetermined format of the display paper 25a and a predetermined outer shape of the display paper 25a on the recording paper, and can obtain a new display paper 25a. Yes. At this time, display paper image data that prints on the recording paper and indicates both the predetermined form of the display paper and the predetermined outer shape of the display paper is stored in advance in the memory unit 5a, for example. When the paper print switch 30 is pressed, the control unit 5 reads display paper image data from the memory unit 5a, and prints on recording paper based on the image data.

  Hereinafter, the replacement work of the display paper 25a performed by the user will be described. First, the display paper 25a attached so far is removed from the housing 10 together with the guard plate 25b. Then, the paper print switch 30 is exposed to the outside. When the user presses the exposed paper print switch 30, the control unit 5 prints an image showing both the style and the outer shape of the display paper 25a on the recording paper. The user cuts the display paper 25a from the printed recording paper according to the printed outer shape, and obtains the display paper 25a. Then, the transmission destination information is written on the newly obtained display paper 25a, and the display paper 25a is placed in the housing 10 together with the guard plate 25b in place of the previous display paper 25a.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the display paper image data is printed on the recording paper by pressing the paper print switch, and the necessary display paper 25a can be obtained each time. Therefore, the spare display paper 25a is stored. It is not necessary to procure display paper separately, and it is possible to reduce the cost when the image forming apparatus 1 is continuously used. Since the display paper 25a is printed by pressing the paper print switch 30, an operation for printing the display paper 25a can be easily performed. Furthermore, since the paper print switch 30 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside when the display paper 25a is removed from the housing, the appearance design of the image forming apparatus 1 is affected even if the paper print switch 30 is provided. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 can have a high-quality appearance without giving it. Since the display paper image data printed on the recording paper includes an image indicating the outer shape of the display paper 25a, the user easily cuts the display paper 25a along the outer shape indicated by the printed image. The display paper 25a can be prepared more easily.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the structure of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible suitably in the range which does not change the meaning of invention. For example, the image forming apparatus may not have the receiver 17 or the like. Further, the image forming apparatus may not have the reading unit 3 but may have a function of transmitting image data input from an external device or the like by facsimile. Furthermore, the image forming unit may be configured to print by transferring ink from, for example, an ink ribbon to a recording sheet, or may be configured to form an image on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic method.

  In addition, the control unit may be configured to print on the recording paper together with the display paper format for the transmission destination information associated with each operation button 23 when the display paper image data is printed. For example, the memory unit 5a has font data used when printing destination information, and the control unit 5 sends the destination information associated with each operation button 23 from the memory unit 5a and the destination information. Reads font data for displaying the destination information. Then, based on the read font data, the characters indicating the destination information are printed on the display paper style. By automatically printing the transmission destination information on the recording paper in this way, the user does not have to write the transmission destination information on the display paper 25a himself, and the image forming apparatus can be used more easily and conveniently.

1 is a side view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the said apparatus. The perspective view which shows the display part of the said apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image forming part 3 Reading part 4 Facsimile transmission part 5 Control part 5b Memory part 10 Case 21,22,23 Operation button 25a Display paper 30 Paper print switch

Claims (3)

A housing,
An image reading unit that is arranged inside the housing and reads a document while conveying the inside of the housing to generate image data;
A recording paper tray provided in the housing and loaded with recording paper;
An image that is arranged inside the housing and prints an image on recording paper fed from the recording paper tray based on image data of a document read by the image reading unit or image data input from an external device Forming part;
A facsimile transmission unit for facsimile transmission of image data of a document read by the image reading unit or image data input from an external device;
A control unit for controlling operations of the image reading unit, the image forming unit, and the facsimile transmission unit;
A plurality of operation buttons arranged to be operable from the outside in the housing, and for giving a predetermined instruction to the control unit;
A memory unit storing destination information of facsimile transmission in association with a predetermined operation button among the operation buttons;
When the predetermined operation button is operated, the control unit reads transmission destination information associated with the operation button from the memory unit, and causes the facsimile transmission unit to perform facsimile transmission based on the transmission destination information. Is configured as
In the image forming apparatus in which the casing is provided with display paper having a predetermined outer shape in which the destination information can be entered in order to show the user destination information associated with the predetermined operation button.
A portion of the housing where the display paper is arranged is provided with a paper print switch that is exposed to the outside when the display paper is removed from the portion and can be pressed from the outside.
The memory unit further stores display paper image data indicating both the display paper style and the predetermined outer shape of the display paper,
When the paper print switch is pressed, the control unit reads the display paper image data from the memory unit, and controls the image forming unit, whereby the display paper format and the display paper are recorded on the recording paper. Print an image that shows both the specified outer shape and
New display paper cut out from the recording paper printed by the image forming unit along the predetermined outer shape indicated by the image can be placed in the housing in place of the display paper removed from the housing An image forming apparatus comprising: A control unit for controlling each part of the device;
An image forming unit that prints an image on recording paper based on image data under the control of the control unit;
Under the control of the control unit, a facsimile transmission unit for facsimile transmission of image data;
A plurality of operation buttons arranged to be operable from the outside in the housing, and for giving predetermined instructions to the control unit;
The control unit causes the facsimile transmission unit to perform facsimile transmission toward the predetermined transmission destination when a predetermined operation button previously associated with transmission destination information of a predetermined transmission destination is operated. Is configured as
The housing is an image forming apparatus in which a display sheet on which the destination information can be written is provided in order to indicate to the user destination information associated with the predetermined operation button,
A portion of the housing where the display paper is disposed is provided with a paper print switch so that when the display paper is removed from the portion, it is exposed to the outside and can be operated from the outside.
The control unit controls the image forming unit to operate the paper print switch to print an image indicating the format of the display paper on the recording paper when the paper printing switch is operated. apparatus. When the paper print switch is operated, the control unit controls the image forming unit to print an image showing both the display paper format and the predetermined outer shape of the display paper on the recording paper. Is configured to let
The display paper cut along the predetermined outer shape from the recording paper on which the image is printed by the image forming unit is replaced with the display paper removed from the housing, and can be arranged in the housing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

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