JP3832370B2 - Mask cover for operation panel and communication terminal device having the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mask cover for an operation panel of a communication terminal device having a plurality of operation keys.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent communication terminal devices, the number of functions of devices has been increasing, such as one device having both a fax communication function and a copy function. An operation panel is arranged on the upper part of the apparatus, and the operation panel includes a number of operation keys such as a start key, a fax key, a copy key, a one-touch key, and a numeric keypad (hereinafter also simply referred to as “key”). There is).
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the device becomes multifunctional, the number of operation keys on the operation panel will inevitably increase, and the operation keys are arranged regardless of the usage status of the device, which makes the operation complicated for the operator. There was a problem that increased. Especially for operators who use only a specific function on a daily basis, many operation keys that are not used for the specific function appear on the operation panel, so it is not easy to find a key to operate. However, sometimes another key is accidentally pressed, resulting in a problem that the operability is lowered.
There is also a need for hiding unnecessary keys that are not used at all and arranging only the keys to be operated on the operation panel.
Therefore, the present invention provides a simple configuration in which only the minimum necessary operation keys are protruded, that is, unnecessary keys are hidden in accordance with the usage status of the operator. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be easily found without losing the desired key (key to be operated) and does not impair operability.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.
[0005]
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation panel mask cover attached to an operation panel having a plurality of operation keys, wherein the operation panel mask cover corresponds to a plurality of cut-off positions corresponding to positions of the operation keys. A part processed so as to be removable is provided, and the operation key is exposed when the part is cut off .
[0006]
The operation panel mask cover according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel mask cover is mounted on an operation panel from which a plurality of operation keys protrudes, and the wall thickness of the operation panel mask cover is greater than the protrusion height of the operation keys. In addition, the portion processed so as to be able to be cut off is raised from a portion other than the portion, and the corresponding operation key can be stored.
[0007]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device having a plurality of operation keys and capable of executing a plurality of functions including a communication function, the operation according to the first or second aspect is provided on an operation panel of the communication terminal device. It is equipped with a panel mask cover.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The problems and means to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, an embodiment of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings will be described. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a communication terminal apparatus having a fax communication function and a copy function, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel without the operation panel mask cover, and FIG. It is a top view. 4 is a partial plan view of the mask cover for the operation panel, FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is a cut-off processing portion in FIG. FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing a first use state of the operation panel mask cover, FIG. 7 is a view showing a second use state of the operation panel mask cover, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a third use of the operation panel mask cover. It is a figure which shows a state.
[0009]
First, a schematic configuration of the communication terminal device 1 including the operation panel mask cover according to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to a device having a communication function, and is not limited to this as long as the device has an operation panel having a plurality of operation keys. For example, an image forming apparatus.
In FIG. 1, the main body of the communication terminal device 1 is placed and fixed on a paper feed cassette 5, and an image reading unit 3 and an image recording unit 4 are arranged vertically in the main body. The upper part of the main body is extended in the front direction to form an operation unit 2, and an operation panel 11 is arranged in the operation unit 2 in a direction that is easy for an operator to operate. The display unit 20 and a number of various operation keys described later are arranged (FIG. 2). Further, a platen cover 7 is provided on the upper portion of the main body so as to be freely opened and closed. An automatic document feeder (ADF) 6 is attached to one side of the platen cover 7. A document tray 9 extends obliquely upward from the paper feed port 6 a of the ADF 6, and a discharge tray 10 is formed on the upper surface of the platen cover 7 below the document tray 9.
[0010]
Here, as shown in FIG. 2, a large number of operation keys are arranged on the operation panel 11. 21 is a start key, 22 is a fax key, 23 is a copy key, 24 is a stop key, 25 is a reset key, 26 is a menu key, 27 is a one-touch key, 28 is a numeric keypad, 29 is a fax stop key, and 30 is a cursor key. is there. In addition, a number of operation keys are projected on the operation panel 11, and abbreviated keys, density keys, magnification keys, paper selection keys, document type keys, set keys, return keys, broadcast keys, and the like are arranged. ing. In addition, a key used in accordance with the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 20 may be arranged near the liquid crystal display unit 20.
[0011]
The operator sequentially presses the operation keys corresponding to the respective functions to cause the apparatus 1 to perform the intended function. However, the operator 1 usually performs only a specific operation, that is, the apparatus 1 is used as a copy-only machine. For an operator who uses it or uses it as a fax machine, the operation keys arranged in this manner are complicated. Some keys (such as keys that cannot be understood unless the user's manual is read) are arranged for convenient functions. On the contrary, the presence of the key that should have been obtained resulted in a loss of operability.
[0012]
Next, the operation panel mask cover (hereinafter simply referred to as “cover”) 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. FIG. 3 shows the cover 12 in a state in which a portion 12a (hereinafter referred to as a “cut-off processing portion 12a”) processed so as to be able to be cut off, which will be described later, is not cut off . To form. The size thereof is substantially the same as that of the operation panel 11, and the thickness thereof is formed thinner than the protruding height of the operation key protruding from the operation panel 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the cut-off processing portion 12a is connected to the surrounding cover body portion via one or a plurality of (four in this embodiment) connecting portions 12c, 12c. It is configured to be detachable. When the cover 12 is used by being attached to the operation panel 11, the details will be described later, but the cut-off processing portion 12a is used by cutting it off as required by the operator. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the cut-off processing portion 12 a is cut off from the cover 12, an opening 12 b is formed in the cover 12. Then, when the cover 12 is put on the operation panel 11, the operation keys protrude outwardly from the formed opening 12b. Further, the operation keys corresponding to the portions where the cut-off processing portion 12a is not cut off (portions where the opening 12b is not formed) are covered and are not operated.
[0013]
As described above, the cover 12 includes a plurality of cutting processing portions 12a, and the cutting processing portions 12a correspond to various operation keys arranged on the operation panel 11. For example, 22a is a fax machine. This is a cutting portion corresponding to the key 22. Similarly, 23a, 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, and 30a also correspond to the operation keys on the operation panel 11, respectively. However, in the cover 12, the part corresponding to the liquid crystal display unit 20 and the part corresponding to the start key 21 are cut off from the beginning in advance. This is because the liquid crystal display unit 20 and the start key 21 are at least necessary for performing various operations.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 4, the cut-off processing portion 12a is formed to be slightly larger than the size of the corresponding operation key in plan view, and the cover 12 is removed from the operation panel 11 by cutting off the cut-off processing portion 12a. When mounted on the operating key, the operation key corresponding to the cut-off processing portion 12a is not hidden by the cover 12 and is exposed to the operator. Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the cut-off processing portion 12a is formed in a substantially U shape in a cross-sectional view and has a structure protruding from the surface of the cover 12, and the cut-off processing portion 12a and the cut-off processing portion 12a A step is formed between the surrounding cover main body portions and is in a raised state. When the cover 12 is attached to the operation panel 11, a gap is generated between the cut-off processing portion 12a and the operation key, and the portion where the operation key protrudes from the operation panel 11 is covered. Has been. The cut-off processing portion 12a is not limited to a U-shape as long as it can accommodate the corresponding operation keys. For example, the shape includes an arc in a cross-sectional view.
[0015]
The resin cover 12 has a predetermined strength, and even if the cut-off processed portion 12a connected to the main body portion of the cover 12 is accidentally pressed, the cover 12 is not easily bent and is Are configured so that the operation keys hidden by the buttons are not pressed, and the connecting portions 12c, 12c... Are not deflected. The cover 12 is not limited to a synthetic resin as long as it is made of a material that is difficult to bend with respect to a vertically downward force.
[0016]
As described above, one or more connecting portions 12c, 12c,... Are provided on the outer periphery of the cutting portion 12a (FIG. 4), and the cutting portion is connected via the connecting portion 12c. 12 a is connected to the cover 12. And in the connection part 12c, if the cutting process part 12a is cut off from the cover 12, the opening part 12b will be formed. The connecting portions 12c are provided in accordance with the size and the like of the cutting processing portions 12a corresponding to the respective operation keys, and the number and position thereof differ depending on the cutting processing portions 12a. .
[0017]
When such a cut-off processing portion 12a is cut off from the cover 12, an opening 12b is formed (FIG. 5B), and after the cover 12 is fitted, the operation key is projected from the opening 12b.
For example, when the operator uses the fax key 22 as a key to be operated, the cutting processing portion 22a corresponding to the fax key of the cover 12 may be cut off. Then, when the cover 12 is attached to the operation panel 11, the fax key 22 protrudes.
[0018]
On the other hand, if the cover 12 is covered without cutting off the cut-off processing portion 12a corresponding to the operation key that is not used, the unused key is concealed by the cover 12 (cut-off processing portion 12a) and is not visible to the operator. Therefore, it is not used.
In this way, the cutting portion 12a corresponding to the key to be operated is cut off from the cover 12 to form the opening 12b, and the cutting portion 12a corresponding to the unused key is left on the cover 12 (cutting). In this case, the operation keys that can be touched by the operator when the cover 12 is put on can be limited according to the usage status of the apparatus.
[0019]
The operation panel mask cover 12 is mounted so as to cover the operation panel 11 from above. At this time, the upper surface of the operation panel 11 and the lower surface of the cover 12 are in contact with each other, and there is no gap between them (see FIG. FIG. 5B). When the cover 12 is formed in this way, the cover 12 is not displaced when the operation key is pressed, and the cover 12 is stably attached. In addition, what is necessary is just to fix with an adhesive tape, an adhesive agent, a screw | thread, etc. in order to prevent a shift | offset | difference further. Alternatively, a locking portion that protrudes downward from the edge of the cover 12 may be provided and engaged with a locking groove provided on the edge of the operation panel 11 to be fixed.
[0020]
Further, even if the cover 12 is once attached to the operation panel 11, the cover 12 can be easily removed. That is, the cover 12 is detachable from the operation panel 11, and when the operator newly uses a new key, the cover 12 is removed from the operation panel 11, and the cutting processing portion corresponding to the key is removed. What is necessary is just to cut out 12a and to mount | wear again. Normally, when the operation key concealed by the cover 12 must be used if necessary, the cover 12 itself is required to be removed once from the apparatus 1 without newly removing the cutting processing portion 12a. Then, the cover 12 can be attached again to return to the original state, that is, the state in which the normally unused key is concealed.
[0021]
Next, the first use state of the operation panel mask cover will be described with reference to FIG. This is a case where the communication terminal device 1 is used only for the copy function. FIG. 6 shows an opening 12b formed by cutting off an operation key visible to the operator and a corresponding cut-off processing portion 12a.
When making a copy, first, the platen cover 7 is opened, the document is set on the document table, or the document is set on the document tray 9, and the copy key 23 is pressed to switch to the copy mode. Then, check the size of the original, and if required by the operator, set the copy paper size with the paper selection key, enlarge / reduce with the magnification key, copy density with the density key, and the number of copies. Select and enter each with the numeric keypad. Then, the start key 21 is pressed.
If it is desired to stop the operation while copying a plurality of copies due to an error in the number of copies, the stop key 24 is pressed.
Thus, an operator who uses the communication terminal device 1 only for the copy function does not need any operation keys other than those necessary for the copy function. That is, even if the fax function dedicated key is hidden by the operation panel mask cover 12 as shown in FIG. 6, there is no problem at all when only copying is performed. In FIG. 6, the cover 12 includes a one-touch key 27, a fax cancel key 29, a copy key 23 for switching between a copy mode and a fax mode, and a cutting processing unit 12a corresponding to the fax key 22, which are keys dedicated to the fax function. The cut-off processing portion 12a corresponding to the other keys is left off without being cut off, and the cover 12 is put on the operation panel 11 and attached.
In this way, the operation keys other than those necessary for the copy function are hidden by the cover 12, so that the operator's trouble is eliminated and the operator does not mistakenly press the key used for the fax function and the operability is impaired. Disappear.
[0022]
Next, the second use state of the operation panel mask cover will be described with reference to FIG. This is a case where the communication terminal device 1 is used as a simple copying machine as will be described later. FIG. 7 shows an opening 12b formed by cutting off an operation key visible to the operator and a corresponding cut-off processing portion 12a.
Even in the case of the first embodiment described above, a large number of operation keys still appear on the operation panel 11, and these keys are also used by an operator who does not use application copy functions such as density adjustment and enlargement / reduction. It is unnecessary. In this case, it is only necessary to set the original, input the required number of copies using the numeric keypad 28, and press the start key 21. In FIG. 7, in the cover 12, the cutting processing portion 12a corresponding to the numeric key 28, the stop key 24, and the reset key 25 necessary for the above-described operation is cut off, and the other portions are left as they are. Such a cover 12 is attached to the operation panel 11.
In this way, the operation keys other than those necessary for the simple copy function are hidden by the cover 12, so that only a limited number of keys are visible to the operator, and the keys to be operated can be easily found, and the operability is further improved. It has become.
[0023]
Further, a third use state of the operation panel mask cover will be described with reference to FIG. This is a case where the communication terminal device 1 is used only for the fax function. FIG. 8 shows an opening 12b formed by cutting off an operation key that can be seen by the operator and a corresponding cut-off processing portion 12a.
In the case of fax transmission, first, a transmission document is set on the document tray 9 and the fax key 22 is pressed to switch to the fax mode. Then, the image type of the transmission original such as a photograph or text and the image density of the transmission image are selected by operating the original type key and the density key. Then, the shortened key, the one-touch key 27, or the numeric keypad 28 is operated to designate the fax number of the destination. Here, when sending the transmission originals to a plurality of destinations at the same time, the broadcast key is pressed and, as described above, the abbreviated key, the one-touch key 27, or the numeric key 28 is operated to Specify a fax number. When this operation is repeated and the designation of the fax number of the other party to be broadcast is finished, the start key 21 is pressed to send the fax. If the transmission operation is to be stopped during transmission due to a wrong transmission destination, the fax cancel key 29 is pressed.
By the way, an operator who uses the communication terminal device 1 as a dedicated fax machine usually performs fax transmission by operating the one-touch key 27. That is, one-touch transmission is performed in which a document is set, the fax number of the other party is designated by the one-touch key 27, and the start key 21 is pressed.
Thus, for an operator who performs only one-touch transmission and does not input a fax number with the numeric keypad 28, an unnecessary key (for use in the operation key used for the fax function as well as the operation key used for the copy function) is used. There is no key). In FIG. 8, the cover 12 is cut off from the cutting portion 12 a corresponding to the one-touch key 27, the fax cancel key 29, and the stop key 24 necessary for the above-described operation, and the other portions are left as they are. Such a cover 12 is attached to the operation panel 11.
In this way, the operation keys other than the operation keys necessary for the one-touch transmission fax function are hidden by the cover 12, and only a limited number of keys are visible to the operator, leading to improved operability during fax transmission.
[0024]
As described above, the use state of the operation panel mask cover 12 will be described for the case where the communication terminal device 1 is used as a copy-only machine, as a simple copy-only machine, and as a fax-only machine (in the case of one-touch transmission). However, of the operation keys on the operation panel 11, which key is hidden by the cover 12 and which key is protruded is arbitrary by the operator, and can be appropriately changed according to the usage state of the apparatus 1. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the example described above.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0026]
That is, an operation panel mask cover mounted on an operation panel having a plurality of operation keys, wherein the operation panel mask cover includes a plurality of operation keys corresponding to the arrangement positions of the operation keys. Since it has a part that can be cut off and the operation keys are exposed when the part is cut off , the operation panel mask cover hides unnecessary operation keys so that each function can be operated. It is possible to easily find a key to be operated and to improve operability. In addition, depending on the usage status of the communication terminal device, etc., and optionally by the operator, the removable processing part corresponding to the key to be operated can be cut off from the mask cover for the operation panel. Can handle the situation easily.
[0027]
The operation panel mask cover according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel mask cover is mounted on an operation panel from which a plurality of operation keys protrudes, and the thickness of the operation panel mask cover is set to a protrusion height of the operation keys. thereby thinner than is, the switching off can processed portion, raised from the portion other than the partial, since the housing configured to be able to correspond to the operation key, when worn the operation panel, for control panel The lower surface of the mask cover is in contact with the operation panel, and the operation key protrudes from the opening formed by cutting off the detachable processing part, so that the cover is stable and the operability is improved. it can. Further, even if a processing portion corresponding to a hidden unnecessary operation key is pressed, the unnecessary key is not operated, so that an erroneous operation can be prevented in advance.
[0028]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a communication terminal device having a plurality of operation keys and capable of executing a plurality of functions including a communication function, the operation panel of the communication terminal device is configured according to the first or second aspect. Because the mask cover for the operation panel is attached, it becomes easier for an operator who uses only a specific function of a communication terminal device having multiple functions to find a key to be operated, and by pressing a key not used for a specific function by mistake. Malfunctions can be prevented and operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a communication terminal apparatus having a fax communication function and a copy function.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel in a state where the operation panel mask cover is not attached.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a mask cover for an operation panel.
FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of a mask cover for an operation panel.
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
(B) The figure of the state which cut off the processing part for cutting in Fig.5 (a).
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first use state of a mask cover for an operation panel.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second usage state of the operation panel mask cover;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third usage state of the operation panel mask cover;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication terminal device 2 Operation part 11 Operation panel 12 Mask cover 12a for operation panel Cut-off processing part 12b Opening part 12c Connection part 21 Start key 22 Fax key 23 Copy key 27 One-touch key 28 Numeric keypad

Claims (3)

A mask cover for an operation panel attached to an operation panel having a plurality of operation keys,
The operation panel mask cover includes a plurality of parts that can be cut off corresponding to the positions of the operation keys, and the operation keys are exposed when the parts are cut off. Mask cover for operation panel. The operation panel mask cover according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel mask cover is attached to an operation panel from which a plurality of operation keys protrude.
The thickness of the operation panel mask cover is made thinner than the protruding height of the operation key, and the part that can be cut off is raised from the other part so that the corresponding operation key can be stored. A mask cover for an operation panel characterized by comprising. In a communication terminal device having a plurality of operation keys and capable of executing a plurality of functions including a communication function,
An operation panel mask cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation panel mask cover is mounted on an operation panel of the communication terminal apparatus.

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